Method for communication

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to "Configuration of sidelink positioning reference signals." The invention relates to a user equipment (UE) configured to: receive a sidelink (SL) positioning reference signal (PRS) resource configuration, wherein the SL-PRS resource configuration indicates one or more SL-PRS resources configured for one or more assisting UEs in proximity to the UE; transmit a reference signal (RS) positioning capability; and measure a SL-PRS transmitted from the one or more assisting UEs.

Description

[0001] Priority / Incorporation by reference

[0002] This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 260,862, filed September 2, 2021, entitled “Configuration of Sidelink Positioning Reference Signals,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The embodiments of this disclosure generally relate to methods for communication. Background Technology

[0004] When establishing a network connection, such as a connection to a 5G New Radio (NR) network, a Position Reference Signal (PRS) is used to transmit the location information of the User Equipment (UE) through the network. The PRS is measured by the UE and reported back to the network to transmit the UE's location. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Some exemplary embodiments relate to a processor of a user equipment (UE) configured to perform operations. The operations include: receiving a side-link (SL) positioning reference signal (PRS) resource configuration, wherein the SL-PRS resource configuration indicates one or more SL-PRS resources configured for one or more auxiliary UEs near the UE; transmitting a reference signal (RS) positioning capability; and measuring SL-PRS transmitted from the one or more auxiliary UEs.

[0006] Other exemplary embodiments relate to a processor of a positioning-assisted user equipment (UE) configured to perform operations. The operations include: receiving a side-link (SL) positioning reference signal (PRS) resource configuration, wherein the SL-PRS resource configuration indicates SL-PRS resources to be transmitted via the side-link to a positioning-assisted UE near the positioning-assisted UE; and transmitting the SL-PRS to the positioning-assisted UE based on the SL-PRS resource configuration.

[0007] Another exemplary embodiment relates to a processor of a base station configured to perform operations. The operations include: identifying one or more auxiliary UEs adjacent to a location user equipment (UE); and configuring one or more side-link (SL) positioning reference signal (PRS) resources for transmission to the location UE for the one or more auxiliary UEs, wherein the one or more SL-PRS resources are used to determine the location of the location UE. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1Exemplary network arrangements according to various exemplary implementations are shown.

[0009] Figure 2 Exemplary user equipment (UE) according to various exemplary embodiments are shown.

[0010] Figure 3 An exemplary base station according to various exemplary embodiments is shown.

[0011] Figures 4A-4D An exemplary signaling diagram is shown according to various exemplary embodiments, illustrating a method for configuring a Positioning Reference Signal (PRS) for a UE.

[0012] Figure 5A An exemplary scenario is shown in which a UE determines its location based on the location of a nearby auxiliary UE, according to various exemplary implementations.

[0013] Figure 5B An exemplary signaling diagram is shown according to various exemplary embodiments, illustrating a method for determining the location of a UE based on the location of a nearby auxiliary UE. Detailed Implementation

[0014] Exemplary embodiments can be further understood with reference to the following description and related figures, wherein similar elements have the same reference numerals. Exemplary embodiments relate to the configuration of a side-link positioning reference signal (PRS) to assist user equipment (UE) in determining its location.

[0015] The exemplary embodiments are described with respect to the UE. However, reference to the UE is provided for illustrative purposes only. The exemplary embodiments can be used with any electronic component capable of establishing a connection to a network and configured with hardware, software, and / or firmware for exchanging information and data with the network. Therefore, the UE as described herein is used to represent any suitable electronic component.

[0016] Furthermore, exemplary embodiments are described with reference to 5G New Radio (NR) networks. However, the reference to 5G NR networks is provided for illustrative purposes only. Exemplary embodiments can be used with any network that implements the functionality described herein.

[0017] When determining the location of a UE, a Location Reference Signal (PRS) from a Transmit and Receive Point (TRP) of the 5G NR network (e.g., from a Next Generation Node B (gNB)) is provided to the UE. The UE measures the resources of the PRS to determine its location. However, if the UE is not within network coverage or has a weak signal due to factors such as being inside a building, the PRS from the TRP is weakened. Those skilled in the art will understand that various methods exist for determining the UE's location based on measurements of the PRS from one or more TRPs. However, specific methods for determining location based on PRS measurements are outside the scope of this disclosure. This disclosure relates to configuring a PRS for transmission by a TRP and / or one or more adjacent auxiliary UEs.

[0018] According to some exemplary embodiments, the UE can perform a location-assisted procedure (e.g., a location-assisted UE). In this location-assisted procedure, the UE is configured to transmit side-walking link (SL) PRS resources to itself from one or more neighboring assisted UEs. The UE then measures these SL PRS resources. Exemplary embodiments can be applied to: UE-based positioning, where the UE then uses these measurements to determine its location; or network-based positioning, where the UE sends measurement data to network functions (e.g., location management functions) to determine the UE's location.

[0019] Figure 1 An exemplary network arrangement 100 according to various exemplary embodiments is illustrated. The exemplary network arrangement 100 includes a UE 110. It should be noted that any number of UEs can be used in the network arrangement 100. Those skilled in the art will understand that the UE 110 can be any type of electronic component configured to communicate via a network, such as a mobile phone, tablet, desktop computer, smartphone, phablet, embedded device, wearable device, Internet of Things (IoT) device, etc. It should also be understood that a real network arrangement can include any number of UEs used by any number of users. Therefore, for illustrative purposes, only an example with a single UE 110 is provided.

[0020] UE 110 can be configured to communicate with one or more networks. In the example of network arrangement 100, the networks with which UE 110 can wirelessly communicate are 5G New Radio (NR) Radio Access Network (5G NR-RAN) 120, LTE Radio Access Network (LTE-RAN) 122, and Wireless Local Access Network (WLAN) 124. However, it should be understood that UE 110 can also communicate with other types of networks, and UE 110 can also communicate with networks via wired connections. Therefore, UE 110 may include a 5G NR chipset communicating with 5G NR-RAN 120, an LTE chipset communicating with LTE-RAN 122, and an ISM chipset communicating with WLAN 124.

[0021] 5G NR-RAN 120 and LTE-RAN 122 may be portions of a cellular network that can be deployed by a cellular provider (e.g., Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, etc.). These networks 120, 122 may include, for example, cells or base stations (NodeB, eNodeB, HeNB, eNBS, gNB, gNodeB, macrocell base stations, microcell base stations, small cell base stations, femtocell base stations, etc.) configured to send and receive traffic from UEs equipped with appropriate cellular chipsets. WLAN 124 may include any type of wireless local area network (WiFi, hotspot, IEEE 802.11x network, etc.).

[0022] UE 110 can connect to 5G NR-RAN 120 via gNB 120A and / or gNB 120B. gNBs 120A and 120B can be configured with the necessary hardware (e.g., antenna arrays), software, and / or firmware to perform massive MIMO functionality. Massive MIMO can refer to a base station configured to generate multiple beams for multiple UEs. During operation, UE 110 can be within range of multiple gNBs. Reference to the two gNBs 120A and 120B is for illustrative purposes only. Exemplary implementations can be applied to any suitable number of gNBs. Additionally, UE 110 can communicate with eNB 122A of LTE-RAN 122 to transmit and receive control information for downlink and / or uplink synchronization relative to the 5G NR-RAN 120 connection.

[0023] Those skilled in the art will understand that any relevant procedures can be performed for UE 110 to connect to 5G NR-RAN 120. For example, as described above, 5G NR-RAN 120 can be associated with a specific cellular provider, where UE 110 and / or its user have protocol and credential information (e.g., stored on a SIM card). Upon detecting the presence of 5G NR-RAN 120, UE 110 can transmit the corresponding credential information to associate with 5G NR-RAN 120. More specifically, UE 110 can be associated with a specific base station (e.g., gNB 120A of 5G NR-RAN 120).

[0024] In addition to networks 120, 122, and 124, network deployment 100 also includes a cellular core network 130, an Internet 140, an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) 150, and a network services backbone 160. The cellular core network 130 can be viewed as an interconnected collection of components that manage the operation and traffic of the cellular network. In this example, these components include Location Management Function (LMF) 132 and Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) 134. However, a real cellular core network may include various other components performing any of a variety of different functions.

[0025] LMF 132 performs location-related operations, such as, but not limited to, configuring PRS signals for UE 110 to determine its location and reporting its location to the cellular core network 130.

[0026] AMF 134 performs operations related to mobility management, such as, but not limited to, paging, non-access stratum (NAS) management, and registration process management between UE 110 and cellular core network 130. The reference to a single AMF 134 is for illustrative purposes only; actual network deployments may include any appropriate number of AMFs.

[0027] Cellular core network 130 also manages traffic flowing between the cellular network and Internet 140. IMS 150 can generally be described as an architecture for delivering multimedia services to UE 110 using IP protocols. IMS 150 can communicate with cellular core network 130 and Internet 140 to provide multimedia services to UE 110. Network service backbone 160 communicates directly or indirectly with Internet 140 and cellular core network 130. Network service backbone 160 can generally be described as a set of components (e.g., servers, network storage deployments, etc.) that implement a set of services that can be used to extend the functionality of UE 110 to communicate with various networks.

[0028] Figure 2 An exemplary UE 110 according to various exemplary embodiments is shown. Reference will be made to... Figure 1The network layout 100 is used to describe UE 110. UE 110 can represent any electronic device and may include processor 205, memory layout 210, display device 215, input / output (I / O) device 220, transceiver 225, and other components 230. Other components 230 may include, for example, audio input devices, audio output devices, batteries providing a limited power source, data acquisition devices, ports for electrically connecting UE 110 to other electronic devices, one or more antenna panels, etc. For example, UE 110 may be coupled to industrial equipment via one or more ports.

[0029] Processor 205 may be configured to execute multiple engines for UE 110. For example, an engine may include PRS management engine 235. PRS management engine 235 may perform various operations related to receiving one or more PRS signals (e.g., downlink (DL) PRS from gNB 120A and SL PRS from adjacent auxiliary UEs), performing measurements on these signals, and determining the location of UE 110 based on these measurements, as will be described in more detail below.

[0030] The engine described above, as an application (e.g., a program) executed by processor 205, is merely exemplary. The functionality associated with the engine may also be represented as a separate, integrated component of UE 110, or as a modular component coupled to UE 110, such as an integrated circuit with or without firmware. For example, the integrated circuit may include input circuitry for receiving signals and processing circuitry for processing signals and other information. The engine may also be embodied as a single application or multiple separate applications. Furthermore, in some UEs, the functionality described for processor 205 is distributed among two or more processors, such as a baseband processor and an application processor. Exemplary implementations can be implemented according to any of these or other configurations of the UE.

[0031] Memory arrangement 210 may be a hardware component configured to store data related to operations performed by UE 110. Display device 215 may be a hardware component configured to display data to a user, while I / O device 220 may be a hardware component enabling user input. Display device 215 and I / O device 220 may be separate components or may be integrated together (such as a touchscreen). Transceiver 225 may be a hardware component configured to establish connections with 5G NR-RAN 120, LTE-RAN 122, WLAN 124, etc. Therefore, transceiver 225 may operate on multiple different frequencies or channels (e.g., a continuous set of frequencies).

[0032] Figure 3An exemplary network base station according to various exemplary embodiments is shown, in this example being gNB 120A. gNB 120A can represent any access node that a UE 110 in a 5G NR network can use to establish a connection. Figure 3 The gNB 120A shown can also represent gNB 120B.

[0033] The gNB 120A may include a processor 305, a memory arrangement 310, input / output (I / O) devices 320, a transceiver 325, and other components 330. These other components 330 may include, for example, a power supply, data acquisition devices, and ports for electrically connecting the gNB 120A to other electronic devices.

[0034] Processor 305 can be configured to execute multiple engines of gNB 120A. For example, an engine may include PRS management engine 335 for performing operations such as configuring one or more PRS resources for UE 110 to perform measurements to determine its location. An example of this process will be described in more detail below.

[0035] The engine described above, as an application (e.g., a program) executed by processor 305, is merely exemplary. The functionality associated with the engine may also be represented as a separate integrated component of gNB 120A, or as a modular component coupled to gNB 120A, such as an integrated circuit with or without firmware. For example, the integrated circuit may include input circuitry for receiving signals and processing circuitry for processing signals and other information. Furthermore, in some gNBs, the functionality described for processor 305 is split among multiple processors (e.g., a baseband processor, an application processor, etc.). Exemplary aspects may be implemented according to any of these or other configurations of the gNB.

[0036] Memory arrangement 310 may be a hardware component configured to store data related to operations performed by UEs 110 and 112. I / O device 320 may be a hardware component or port enabling a user to interact with gNB 120A. Transceiver 325 may be a hardware component configured to exchange data with UE 110 and any other UE in network arrangement 100. Transceiver 325 may operate on a variety of different frequencies or channels (e.g., a set of consecutive frequencies). Therefore, transceiver 325 may include one or more components (e.g., radio components) to enable data exchange with various networks and UEs.

[0037] Figures 4A-4D Exemplary signaling diagrams according to various exemplary embodiments are shown, illustrating a method for configuring a Positioning Reference Signal (PRS) for a UE. Figures 4A-4DAs shown, the sidelink PRS resources are transmitted from one or more adjacent auxiliary UEs 404a…n to the UE via the sidelink communication protocol, so that the auxiliary UE 110 can determine its location. The auxiliary UEs 404a…n can be any type of UE, such as the UE type mentioned above with reference to UE 110, a roadside unit (RSU), or any other type of UE capable of establishing a sidelink with UE 110.

[0038] Figure 4A Signaling diagram 400 depicts the following scenario: UE 110 and one or more auxiliary UEs 404a…n are all within network coverage. That is, UE 110 and one or more auxiliary UEs 404a…n are all within range of the Transmit and Receive Point (TRP) (e.g., gNB 120A) of network 120. At 402, LMF 132 configures DL-PRS resources (or resource sets) for UE 110 as part of positioning assistance data. In other implementations, the DL-PRS configuration may be provided by the Positioning System Information Block (SIB). The DL-PRS configuration may include parameters such as the starting physical resource block (PRB), comb size, slot offset, symbol offset, number of symbols, periodicity, number of repetitions, etc.

[0039] In 405, gNB 120A utilizes UE 110 to configure auxiliary UE 404a…n with the SL-PRS resources or resource sets used to determine its location. In some implementations, the SL-PRS can be configured on the same Positioning Frequency Layer (PFL) as the DL-PRS. That is, the SL-PRS resource (or resource set) can have the same subcarrier spacing (SCS), cyclic prefix (CP), and / or DL-PRS-PointA as the DL-PRS. DL-PRS-PointA defines the absolute frequency of the reference resource block. Its lowest subcarrier is called Point A. All DL PRS resources belonging to the same DL PRS resource set have a common Point A, and all DL PRS resource sets belonging to the same DL-PRS PFL have a common Point A. In these implementations, UE 110 can process the SL-PRS in the same way as the DL-PRS. In some implementations, the SL-PRS may have the same DL-PRS-PointA as the DL-PRS, but with different SCS and CP, depending on the capabilities of the assisted UE 404a…n. In some implementations, the SL-PRS may be configured on a different PFL than the DL-PRS (frequency non-overlapping or overlapping).

[0040] In some implementations, the SL-PRS can be configured to be quasi-co-located (spatially dependent) with the SL-SSB, SL Physical Side Link Control Channel (PSCCH), SL Channel State Information (CSI)-RS, or SL Physical Side Link Shared Channel (PSSCH) of auxiliary UEs 404a…n. Thus, if UE 110 receives an SL-PSSCH, for example, from one of the auxiliary UEs 404a…n, UE 110 can be configured to receive the SL-PRS on the same beam on which it received the SL-PSSCH. In some implementations, the SL-PRS can be configured to be quasi-co-located with the DL-PRS, DL-SSB, or DL-CSI-RS received by auxiliary UE 404a…n, or with the SRS transmitted by auxiliary UE 404a…n. The spatial relationship between the SL-PRS and some other transmissions is configured to avoid interference between the SL-PRS transmission and the transmissions of other UEs (not shown) within the coverage area of ​​gNB 120A.

[0041] In some implementations, SL-PRS configuration can be performed via Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling. In some implementations, SL-PRS configuration can be cell-specific (e.g., indicated by a Positioning System Information Block (PosSIB)). In some implementations, SL-PRS can be similar to DL-PRS or Positioning Sounding Reference Signal (PosSRS) relative to parameters such as slot offset and start PRB. In some implementations, SL-PRS can differ from DL-PRS or PosSRS and have some or completely different parameters. In some implementations, SL-PRS configuration can include multiple SL-PRS resource (or resource set) configurations. In such implementations, gNB 120A can later trigger a dedicated resource (resource set) among multiple resources (or resource sets) via a Media Access Control (MAC) control element (CE) or downlink control information (DCI). The MAC-CE / DCI can also indicate the duration for which the auxiliary UE 404a…n should transmit the activated SL-PRS. In some implementations, MAC-CE / DCI can be dedicated to one of the auxiliary UEs 404a…n. In some implementations, group messages (e.g., group common DCI) can be used. In such implementations, group messages can indicate which auxiliary UE(s) ...

[0042] At 406, gNB 120A indicates the configured SL-PRS resources (resource set) to UE 110. In some implementations, this indication may be provided to UE 110 by LMF 132 in the same manner as DL-PRS at 402. In either scenario, this indication may include various details regarding auxiliary UEs 404a…n. For example, the indication may include the UE ID corresponding to each auxiliary UE in the auxiliary UEs 404a…n associated with each SL-PRS, the timing relative to the PRS received from gNB 120a (or reference auxiliary UE 404a…n) and the PRS received from auxiliary UE 404a…n, the SL-PRS configuration of the candidate auxiliary UE 404a…n, the spatial orientation information (e.g., azimuth, elevation, etc.) of the SL-PRS resources configured for auxiliary UE 404a…n, the SL-SSB information of auxiliary UE 404a…n, and the geographic coordinates of auxiliary UE 404a…n (absolute or relative to gNB120A or reference auxiliary UE).

[0043] At 408, UE 110 reports its RS reception capability to gNB 120A. At 410, UE 110 may also additionally or optionally report this capability to auxiliary UEs 404a…n. The capability indication includes the parameter (N,T), where N indicates the number of milliseconds (ms) within which UE 110 uses Tms to receive and process the PRS. For example, for a 6ms PRS reception, if UE 110 uses an additional 2ms to process the PRS, the parameter would be (6,8). In other words, N is the duration of the DL PRS symbol processed per Tms, in ms, for a given maximum bandwidth (e.g., in MHz supported by UE 110). In some implementations, these capability parameters may be the same for both DL-PRS (uu interface) and SL-PRS (PC5 interface). In some implementations, the capability numbering may differ for DL-PRS and SL-PRS on different PFLs, component carriers (CC), or bandwidth portions (BWP). In some implementations, the capability numbers for DL-PRS and SL-PRS on the same CC or active BWP can be different.

[0044] At 412, one or more auxiliary UEs 404a…n transmit SL-PRS to UE 110. In some embodiments, the SL-PRS may be in the form of PosSRS. In such embodiments, UE 110 will expect to receive DL-PRS from gNB 120A and PosSRS from auxiliary UEs 404a…n in a time-division multiplexing (TDM) manner (depending on UE capabilities). In some embodiments, the SL-PRS may be in the form of DL-PRS. In such embodiments, UE 110 will expect to receive DL-PRS from both gNB 120A and auxiliary UEs 404a…n in the same DL slot / symbol (depending on UE capabilities).

[0045] In 414, UE 110 determines its location based on the measurement results of the SL-PRS parameters received from auxiliary UEs 404a…n. Those skilled in the art will understand that in some cases, UE 110 may transmit the PRS measurement results to a network component / function (e.g., LMF 132) to perform actual location calculation.

[0046] Figure 4B Signaling diagram 420 depicts the following scenario: UE 110 is within network coverage, and one or more auxiliary UEs 404a…n are outside network coverage. At 422, LMF 132 configures DL-PRS resources (or resource sets) for UE 110, similar to 402 described above with reference to signaling diagram 400. Because auxiliary UEs 404a…n are outside network coverage (outside the coverage of gNB 120A), at 424, auxiliary UEs 404a…n are pre-configured using SL-PRS resources (resource sets). In some implementations, SL-PRS pre-configuration indicates SL-PRS parameters such as starting PRB, comb size, slot and symbol offset, number of symbols, periodicity, number of repetitions, etc.

[0047] At 426, gNB 120A indicates the configured SL-PRS resources (resource set) to UE 110, similar to what was discussed above at 406 with reference to signaling diagram 400. At 428, in a manner similar to that discussed above at 408, UE 110 reports its RS receiving capability to gNB 120A. At 430, in a manner similar to that discussed above at 410, UE 110 may also additionally or optionally report this capability to auxiliary UEs 404a…n.

[0048] At 432, one or more auxiliary UEs 404a…n transmit SL-PRS to UE 110. Because the auxiliary UEs 404a…n are outside network coverage, they are not managed by gNB 120A. Thus, in some implementations, auxiliary UEs 404a…n may randomly activate one (or some) of the pre-configured SL-PRS resources to avoid potentially selecting the same SL-PRS resource. In some implementations, based on the auxiliary UE 404a…n's SL Service Set Identifier (SL-SSID), or based on a trigger or request received from UE 110, auxiliary UE 404a…n may optionally activate one (or some) of the pre-configured SL-PRS resources. As a result, interference that could be caused by more than one auxiliary UE 404a…n selecting the same SL-PRS resource is avoided.

[0049] In 434, UE 110 determines its location based on the measurement results of the SL-PRS parameters received from auxiliary UE 404a…n.

[0050] Figure 4C Signaling diagram 440 depicts the following scenario: UE 110 is outside network coverage, and one or more auxiliary UEs 404a…n are within network coverage. In such a scenario, when UE 110 is within network coverage, it may be pre-configured with SL-PRS resources, or SL-PRS resources may be configured for it by auxiliary UEs 404a…n (e.g., via PC5 RRC). At 444, in a manner similar to 405 above, gNB 120A utilizes SL-PRS resources to configure auxiliary UE 404a…n. At 446, one or more auxiliary UEs 404a…n utilize SL-PRS resources (or resource sets) to configure UE 110. At 448, in a manner similar to 410 above, UE 110 reports its RS reception capability to auxiliary UE 404a…n.

[0051] At 450, one or more auxiliary UEs 404a…n transmit SL-PRS to UE 110. In some embodiments, auxiliary UE 404a…n may randomly activate one (or some) of the SL-PRS resources. In some embodiments, auxiliary UE 404a…n may optionally activate one (or some) of the SL-PRS resources based on the SL-SSID of auxiliary UE 404a…n, or based on a trigger or request received from UE 110. In some implementations, at 450, the SL-PRS transmission may include various details about the auxiliary UE 404a…n, such as the UE ID corresponding to each auxiliary UE 404a…n associated with each SL-PRS, the SL-PRS configuration of the dedicated auxiliary UE 404a…n (e.g., starting PRB, comb size, slot and symbol offset, number of symbols, periodicity, number of repetitions, etc.), spatial orientation information of the SL-PRS resources configured for the auxiliary UE 404a…n (e.g., azimuth, elevation, etc.), the SL-SSB information of the auxiliary UE 404a…n, and the geographic coordinates of the auxiliary UE 404a…n (absolute or relative to gNB 120A or the geographic coordinates of the reference auxiliary UE).

[0052] In 454, UE 110 determines its location based on the measurement results of the SL-PRS parameters received from auxiliary UE 404a…n.

[0053] Figure 4D Signaling diagram 460 depicts the following scenario: UE 110 and one or more auxiliary UEs 404a…n are outside network coverage. In such a scenario, when UE 110 and auxiliary UEs 404a…n are within network coverage, they can be pre-configured with SL-PRS resources. Optionally, at 464, auxiliary UE 404a…n can be pre-configured with SL-PRS resources by gNB 120A, and then at 466, the pre-configuration of SL-PRS resources can be indicated to UE 110 (e.g., via PC5RRC).

[0054] At 468, in a manner similar to 410 discussed above, UE 110 reports its RS reception capability to auxiliary UEs 404a…n. At 470, in a manner similar to 432 discussed above, one or more auxiliary UEs 404a…n transmit SL-PRS to UE 110. At 472, UE 110 determines its location based on the measurement results of the SL-PRS parameters received from the auxiliary UEs 404a…n.

[0055] In some implementations, at 470 (and 450), the SL-PRS transmission may be in response to a triggering or request for SL-PRS by UE 110. In such implementations, the request may be transmitted to auxiliary UEs 404a…n via MAC-CE on the PSSCH or as part of enhanced feedback provided on the physical-side traveling link feedback channel (PSFCH). In some implementations, the request may be UE-specific (specific to one of the auxiliary UEs in auxiliary UEs 404a…n). In some implementations, the request may optionally indicate which auxiliary UE(s)(s) in auxiliary UEs 404a…n are requested to transmit the SL-PRS multicast / broadcast message. In some implementations, UE 110 may also specify desired parameters in the request. For example, UE 110 may indicate whether the auxiliary UE should be stationary, meet a predefined mobility threshold, meet a location signal strength threshold, etc. In response, auxiliary UE 404a…n can transmit a Basic Security Message (BSM), which includes resource elements (REs) such as message ID, temporary ID, timestamp, latitude, longitude, altitude, location accuracy, velocity, acceleration, etc. Based on one or more values ​​of these REs, UE 110 can select one or more auxiliary UEs 404a…n to which it requests SL-PRS transmission. Based on the values ​​of the REs in the BSM and reference signals received from one or more auxiliary UEs 404a…n, UE 110 determines its location.

[0056] In the above description, UE 110 can indicate the need for location assistance by communicating with LMF 132 regarding the assistance request, and also communicate with gNB 120A configured with auxiliary UE 404a…n regarding the assistance request. This assumes that both UE 110 and auxiliary UE 404a…n are within network coverage. In some embodiments, UE 110 may optionally communicate its request directly with gNB 120A configured with auxiliary UE 404a…n. In some embodiments, UE 110 may optionally communicate its request with LMF 132, which is directly configured with auxiliary UE 404a…n. In some embodiments, if UE 110 is not within network coverage, UE 110 may optionally forward its request directly to auxiliary UE 404a…n. In some embodiments, the initiation of SL-PRS configuration and transmission can be independent of any indication provided by UE 110. That is, SL-PRS configuration and transmission can be initiated by LMF 132.

[0057] Figure 5A The following exemplary scenario is illustrated according to various exemplary implementations: UE 110 determines its location based on the location of nearby auxiliary UEs 404a-c. Figure 5AAssume the coordinates of UE 110 are unknown, while the coordinates of each auxiliary UE 404a-c are known. Based on the known coordinates of the auxiliary UEs 404a-c, UE 110 can determine its position by calculating the distance 502 from UE 110 to the intersection point of the circles 504a-c corresponding to the auxiliary UEs 404a-c. Based on this distance 502 and the round-trip time (RTT) between UE 110 and each of the auxiliary UEs 404a-c (see below)... Figure 5B As mentioned above, UE 110 can determine its location.

[0058] Figure 5B An exemplary signaling diagram 500 is shown, illustrating the determination of a UE location based on the location of nearby auxiliary UEs according to various exemplary embodiments. At 510, UE 110 transmits an RTT measurement request to one of the auxiliary UEs 404a-c. At 512, at time T0, UE 110 transmits an RTT measurement signal to that auxiliary UE. At 514, the auxiliary UE performs a Time of Arrival (TOA) measurement at T1. At 516, the auxiliary UE transmits the RTT measurement result and its coordinates at T2. At 518, UE 110 performs a TOA measurement at T3. The RTT is determined based on T3-T0-(T2-T1). UE 110 repeats this method for each auxiliary UE 404a-c to determine its location.

[0059] In other exemplary embodiments, the distance between the auxiliary UE 404a-c and the UE 110 can be determined using positioning methods based on angle of arrival (AOA) and / or angle of departure (AOD). Those skilled in the art will understand that these positioning methods are typically based on transmit and / or receive beam scanning to determine the distance between the two devices.

[0060] Example

[0061] In a first embodiment, a processor of a user equipment (UE) is configured to perform operations including: receiving a side-link (SL) positioning reference signal (PRS) resource configuration, wherein the SL-PRS resource configuration indicates one or more SL-PRS resources configured for one or more auxiliary UEs near the UE; transmitting a reference signal (RS) positioning capability; and measuring SL-PRS transmitted from the one or more auxiliary UEs.

[0062] In the second embodiment, the processor of the first embodiment receives the SL-PRS resource configuration as part of the positioning assistance data from the Positioning Management Function (LMF) of the fifth-generation core network (5GC) or from the Positioning System Information Block (posSIB) based on the fact that the UE is within the coverage area of ​​the network.

[0063] In the third embodiment, the processor of the second embodiment, wherein the SL-PRS resource configuration includes one or more of the following: a UE identifier (ID) corresponding to each of the one or more auxiliary UEs associated with each SL-PRS, timing relative to a first PRS received from a base station of the network and a second PRS received from the one or more auxiliary UEs, SL-PRS configuration of dedicated auxiliary UEs among the one or more auxiliary UEs, spatial direction information of the one or more SL-PRS resources configured for the auxiliary UEs, SL synchronization signal block (SSB) information corresponding to the one or more auxiliary UEs, and geographical coordinates of the one or more auxiliary UEs.

[0064] In the fourth embodiment, the processor of the first embodiment receives the SL-PRS resource configuration from the base station of the network based on the fact that the UE is within the coverage area of ​​the network, wherein the SL-PRS resource configuration is either a UE-specific configuration or a cell-specific configuration.

[0065] In the fifth embodiment, the processor of the fourth embodiment, wherein the SL-PRS resource configuration includes one or more of the following: a UE identifier (ID) corresponding to each of the one or more auxiliary UEs associated with each SL-PRS, timing relative to a first PRS received from a base station of the network and a second PRS received from the one or more auxiliary UEs, SL-PRS configuration of a dedicated auxiliary UE among the one or more auxiliary UEs, spatial direction information of the one or more SL-PRS resources configured for the auxiliary UE, SL synchronization signal block (SSB) information corresponding to the one or more auxiliary UEs, and geographical coordinates of the one or more auxiliary UEs.

[0066] In the sixth embodiment, the processor of the first embodiment, wherein the UE receives the SL-PRS resource configuration before moving outside the network coverage area, based on the fact that the UE is outside the network coverage area.

[0067] In the seventh embodiment, the processor of the sixth embodiment, wherein the SL-PRS resource configuration includes one or more of the following: (i) a UE identifier (ID) corresponding to each of the one or more auxiliary UEs associated with each SL-PRS; (ii) timing relative to a first PRS received from a base station of the network and a second PRS received from the one or more auxiliary UEs; (iii) the SL-PRS configuration of a dedicated auxiliary UE among the one or more auxiliary UEs; (iv) spatial orientation information of the one or more SL-PRS resources configured for the auxiliary UEs; (v) SL synchronization signal block (SSB) information corresponding to the one or more auxiliary UEs; and (vi) the geographical coordinates of the one or more auxiliary UEs.

[0068] In the eighth embodiment, the processor of the first embodiment, wherein the UE receives the SL-PRS resource configuration from one of the one or more auxiliary UEs based on the fact that the UE is outside the coverage area of ​​the network.

[0069] In the ninth embodiment, the processor of the eighth embodiment, wherein the SL-PRS resource configuration includes one or more of the following: (i) a UE identifier (ID) corresponding to each of the one or more auxiliary UEs associated with each SL-PRS, (ii) the SL-PRS configuration of the dedicated auxiliary UE among the one or more auxiliary UEs, (iii) spatial orientation information of the one or more SL-PRS resources configured for the auxiliary UE, (iv) SL synchronization signal block (SSB) information corresponding to the one or more auxiliary UEs, and (v) the geographic coordinates of the one or more auxiliary UEs.

[0070] In the tenth embodiment, the processor of the first embodiment further includes transmitting a request from the one or more auxiliary UEs to transmit the SL-PRS to the UE.

[0071] In the eleventh embodiment, the processor of the tenth embodiment, wherein the request is transmitted as one of: (a) part of a Media Access Control (MAC) control element (CE) on the PSSCH; or (b) feedback provided on the Physical Side Link Feedback Channel (PSFCH).

[0072] In the twelfth embodiment, the processor of the tenth embodiment is used, wherein the request is dedicated to a dedicated auxiliary UE in one or more auxiliary UEs.

[0073] In the thirteenth embodiment, the processor of the tenth embodiment, wherein the request is transmitted as a multicast or broadcast message to the one or more auxiliary UEs, and indicates which or some of the one or more auxiliary UEs are requested to transmit the SL-PRS.

[0074] In the fourteenth embodiment, the processor of the tenth embodiment, wherein the request includes: an identifier of one of the one or more auxiliary UEs based on an SL service set identifier (SL-SSID).

[0075] In the fifteenth embodiment, the processor of the first embodiment, wherein the SL-PRS includes a Position Detection Reference Signal (Pos-SRS), wherein the UE receives the downlink PRS (DL-PRS) from the base station and the Pos-SRS from the one or more auxiliary UEs in a time-division multiplexing (TDM) manner.

[0076] In the sixteenth embodiment, the processor of the first embodiment, wherein the SL-PRS includes a downlink PRS (DL-PRS), wherein the UE receives the DL-PRS from both the base station and the one or more auxiliary UEs in the same DL slot and symbol.

[0077] In the seventeenth embodiment, the processor of the first embodiment further includes transmitting an indication that the UE is using a location-assisted procedure.

[0078] In the eighteenth embodiment, the processor of the seventeenth embodiment transmits the instruction to a base station, a location management function (LMF), or one or more auxiliary UEs.

[0079] In the nineteenth embodiment, the processor of the first embodiment further includes calculating the location of the UE based on the measured SL-PRS.

[0080] In the twentieth embodiment, the processor of the nineteenth embodiment, wherein the calculation of the position is based on the known coordinates of at least three of the one or more auxiliary UEs.

[0081] In the twenty-first embodiment, the processor of the nineteenth embodiment, wherein the calculation of the position is based on the distance between the UE and at least one of the one or more auxiliary UEs.

[0082] In the twenty-second embodiment, the processor of the twenty-first embodiment, wherein the distance between the UE and at least one of the one or more auxiliary UEs is determined using one of the following: round-trip time (RTT) calculation results, and angle of arrival (AOA) calculation results or angle of departure (AOD) calculation results.

[0083] In a twenty-third embodiment, a processor of a positioning-assisted user equipment (UE) is configured to perform operations including: receiving a side-link (SL) positioning reference signal (PRS) resource configuration, wherein the SL-PRS resource configuration indicates SL-PRS resources to be transmitted via the side-link to a positioning-assisted UE near the positioning-assisted UE; and transmitting the SL-PRS to the positioning-assisted UE based on the SL-PRS resource configuration.

[0084] In the 24th embodiment, the processor of the 23rd embodiment performs the receiving when the location assist UE is within the coverage area of ​​the network, and wherein, based on the location assist UE being outside the coverage area of ​​the network, the location assist UE uses the SL-PRS resource configuration received when the location assist UE was within the coverage area of ​​the network.

[0085] In the twenty-fifth embodiment, the processor of the twenty-fourth embodiment, wherein, based on the location-assisted UE being outside the coverage area of ​​the network, the location-assisted UE randomly activates one or more resources in the SL-PRS resources.

[0086] In the twenty-sixth embodiment, the processor of the twenty-fourth embodiment, wherein, based on the location-assisted UE being outside the coverage area of ​​the network, the location-assisted UE activates a resource in the SL-PRS resource based on the UE ID included in the SL-PRS resource configuration.

[0087] In the twenty-seventh embodiment, the processor of the twenty-fourth embodiment, wherein, based on the location-assisted UE being outside the coverage area of ​​the network, the location-assisted UE responds to a request from the location-assisted UE to activate one of the resources in the SL-PRS resources.

[0088] In the twenty-eighth embodiment, the processor of the twenty-third embodiment further includes transmitting the SL-PRS resource configuration to the location-assisted UE when the UE is outside the network coverage area.

[0089] In the twenty-ninth embodiment, the processor of the twenty-eighth embodiment, wherein the SL-PRS resource configuration includes one or more of the following: (i) a UE identifier (ID) corresponding to the positioning assistance UE, (ii) an SL-PRS configuration corresponding to the positioning assistance UE, (iii) spatial direction information of the one or more SL-PRS resources configured for the positioning assistance UE, (iv) SL synchronization signal block (SSB) information corresponding to the positioning assistance UE, and (v) the geographic coordinates of the positioning assistance UE.

[0090] In the thirtieth embodiment, the processor of the twenty-third embodiment further includes receiving a request to transmit the SL-PRS from the positioning-assisted UE.

[0091] In the thirty-first embodiment, the processor of the thirty-first embodiment receives the request as one of: (a) a portion of a Media Access Control (MAC) control element (CE) on the PSSCH; or (b) feedback provided on the Physical Side Link Feedback Channel (PSFCH).

[0092] In the thirty-second embodiment, the processor of the thirty-tenth embodiment is wherein the request is dedicated to the positioning-assisted UE.

[0093] In the thirty-third embodiment, the processor of the thirty-tenth embodiment, wherein the request is part of instructing which one or more location-assisted UEs to transmit the SL-PRS multicast or broadcast message.

[0094] In the thirty-fourth embodiment, the processor of the thirty-tenth embodiment, wherein the request includes: an identifier of the location-assisted UE based on an SL service set identifier (SL-SSID).

[0095] In the thirty-fifth embodiment, the processor of the twenty-third embodiment further includes the ability to receive reference signals (RS) positioning from the positioning-assisted UE.

[0096] In the thirty-sixth embodiment, the processor of the twenty-third embodiment further includes transmitting coordinate information and at least one reference signal via a basic security message (BSM) to indicate that the positioning assistance UE can be used for positioning assistance.

[0097] In a thirty-seventh embodiment, a processor of a base station is configured to perform operations including: identifying one or more auxiliary UEs adjacent to a location user equipment (UE); and configuring one or more side-link (SL) positioning reference signal (PRS) resources for transmission to the location UE for the one or more auxiliary UEs, wherein the one or more SL-PRS resources are used to determine the location of the location UE.

[0098] In the thirty-eighth embodiment, the processor of the thirty-seventh embodiment, wherein the one or more SL-PRS resources are configured on the same positioning frequency layer (PFL) as the downlink (DL)-PRS, and share the same subcarrier spacing (SCS), cyclic prefix (CP), and DL-PRS-PointA as the DL-PRS resources.

[0099] In the thirty-ninth embodiment, the processor of the thirty-seventh embodiment, wherein the one or more SL-PRS resources are configured on the same PFL as the DL-PRS and share the same DL-PRS-PointA, wherein the one or more SL-PRS resources have a first SCS and a first CP, and wherein the DL-PRS resources have a second SCS and a second CP that are different from the first SCS and the first CP.

[0100] In the fortieth embodiment, the processor of the thirty-seventh embodiment, wherein one or more SL-PRS resources are configured on a PFL different from the DL-PRS.

[0101] In the forty-first embodiment, the processor of the thirty-seventh embodiment, wherein the SL-PRS is configured to be spatially associated with the SL synchronization signal block (SSB), SL physical side link control channel (PSCCH), SL channel state information (CSI) reference signal (RS), or SL physical side link shared channel (PSSCH) of the one or more auxiliary UEs.

[0102] In the forty-second embodiment, the processor of the thirty-seventh embodiment, wherein the SL-PRS is configured to be spatially associated with DL-PRS, DL-SSB, or DL-CSI-RS received by the one or more auxiliary UEs, or spatially associated with a sounding reference signal (SRS) transmitted by the one or more auxiliary UEs.

[0103] In the forty-third embodiment, the processor of the thirty-seventh embodiment configures the one or more SL-PRS resources via Radio Resource Control (RRC) configuration based on the fact that the one or more auxiliary UEs are within the coverage area of ​​the base station.

[0104] In the forty-fourth embodiment, the processor of the thirty-seventh embodiment, wherein the one or more SL-PRS resources include a plurality of SL-PRS resources, and wherein the operation further includes transmitting a Medium Access Control (MAC) control element (CE) or downlink control information (DCI) to the one or more auxiliary UEs to indicate which of the plurality of SL-PRS resources should be activated, wherein the MAC-CE or DCI also indicates the duration for which the one of the plurality of SL-PRS resources should be activated.

[0105] In the forty-fifth embodiment, the processor of the thirty-seventh embodiment, wherein the one or more auxiliary UEs are pre-configured using the one or more SL-PRS resources based on the fact that the one or more auxiliary UEs are outside the coverage area of ​​the base station, and wherein the SL-PRS pre-configuration includes a plurality of SL-PRS parameters.

[0106] In the forty-sixth embodiment, the processor of the forty-fifth embodiment, wherein one of the plurality of SL-PRS parameters includes an auxiliary UE ID to indicate that one of the one or more auxiliary UEs will be used to activate one of the SL-PRS resources.

[0107] Those skilled in the art will understand that the exemplary embodiments described above can be implemented with any suitable software or hardware configuration or combination thereof. Exemplary hardware platforms for implementing the exemplary embodiments may include, for example, Intel x86-based platforms with compatible operating systems, Windows OS, Mac platforms and MAC OS, and mobile devices with operating systems such as iOS, Android, etc. Exemplary embodiments of the methods described above may be embodied as programs comprising lines of code stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, which, at compile time, can be executed on a processor or microprocessor.

[0108] Although this patent application describes various combinations of various embodiments, each with different features, those skilled in the art will understand that any feature of an embodiment can be combined with features of other embodiments or features that are not functionally or logically inconsistent with the operation or function of the device of the disclosed embodiment of the invention in any manner not explicitly denied.

[0109] As is widely recognized, the use of personally identifiable information should comply with privacy policies and practices that are generally accepted to meet or exceed industry or governmental requirements for protecting user privacy. Specifically, personally identifiable information data should be managed and processed to minimize the risk of unintentional or unauthorized access or use, and the nature of authorized use should be clearly explained to users.

[0110] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made to this disclosure without departing from its spirit or scope. Therefore, this disclosure is intended to cover all modifications and variations thereof, provided that such modifications and variations are within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A method to be performed at a user equipment (UE), the method comprising: The receiving side SL positioning reference signal PRS configuration information is associated with one or more SL-PRS resources configured for one or more auxiliary UEs near the UE. The SL-PRS configuration information is received as part of the auxiliary data from the positioning management function LMF of the fifth generation core network 5GC, and the SL-PRS configuration information includes azimuth and elevation parameters associated with the SL-PRS resources. Transmit reference signal (RS) reception capability; and Measure the SL-PRS transmitted from the one or more auxiliary UEs.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more SL-PRS resources are configured on the same location frequency layer (PFL) as the downlink DL-PRS, and share the same subcarrier spacing (SCS), cyclic prefix (CP), and DL-PRS-PointA as the DL-PRS resources.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more SL-PRS resources are configured on the same PFL as the DL-PRS and share the same DL-PRS-PointA, wherein the one or more SL-PRS resources have a first SCS and a first CP, and wherein the DL-PRS resources have a second SCS and a second CP that are different from the first SCS and the first CP.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more SL-PRS resources are configured on a PFL different from the DL-PRS.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the SL-PRS is configured to be spatially associated with the one or more auxiliary UEs or the UE's SL synchronization signal block SSB, SL physical side link control channel PSCCH, SL channel state information CSI reference signal RS, or SL physical side link sharing channel PSSCH.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the SL-PRS is configured to be spatially correlated with a DL-PRS, DL-SSB, or DL-CSI-RS received by the one or more auxiliary UEs, or spatially correlated with a sounding reference signal SRS transmitted by the one or more auxiliary UEs.

7. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: Send a request to activate one of the SL-PRS resources to the one or more auxiliary UEs.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein, Based on the fact that the UE is within the coverage area of ​​the network, it receives the SL-PRS resource configuration from the base station of the network, wherein the SL-PRS resource configuration is either a UE-specific configuration or a cell-specific configuration.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein, Since the UE is outside the network's coverage area, the UE receives the SL-PRS resource configuration before moving outside the network's coverage area.

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein, Since the UE is outside the network coverage area, the UE receives the SL-PRS resource configuration from one of the one or more auxiliary UEs.

11. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: The one or more auxiliary UEs transmit the SL-PRS request to the UE.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the RS positioning capability is transmitted to the one or more auxiliary UEs or base stations.

13. A method to be performed at a positioning-assisted user equipment (UE), the method comprising: The system receives sidelink SL positioning reference signal (PRS) configuration information, wherein the SL-PRS configuration information is associated with SL-PRS resources of a positioning-assisted UE that will be transmitted via the sidelink to the vicinity of the positioning-assisted UE. The SL-PRS configuration information is received as part of the assisted data from the positioning management function (LMF) of the 5G core network (5GC), and the SL-PRS configuration information includes azimuth and elevation parameters associated with the SL-PRS resources. Based on the SL-PRS configuration information, SL-PRS is transmitted to the UE receiving positioning assistance.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein, Based on the fact that the positioning-assisted UE is within the network coverage area, it receives the SL-PRS resource configuration via either a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message or a Positioning System Information Block (PosSIB).

15. The method according to claim 13, wherein, Based on the fact that the positioning-assisted UE is within the network coverage area, and the SL-PRS resource configuration includes multiple SL-PRS resources, the method further includes: Receive Media Access Control-Control Element (MAC-CE) or Downlink Control Information (DCI) to indicate which of the plurality of SL-PRS resources should be activated, wherein the MAC-CE or DCI also indicates the duration for which the one of the plurality of SL-PRS resources should be activated.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein the receiving is performed when the positioning-assisted UE is within the coverage area of ​​the network, and wherein, Since the location-assisted UE is outside the coverage area of ​​the network, the location-assisted UE uses the SL-PRS resource configuration received when the location-assisted UE is within the coverage area of ​​the network.

17. The method of claim 13, further comprising: When the location-assisted UE is outside the network coverage area, the SL-PRS resource configuration is transmitted to the location-assisted UE.

18. The method of claim 13, further comprising: The UE receiving the location-assisted UE receives a request to transmit the SL-PRS.

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