Signaling timing offset between stations for user equipment based positioning

Abstract

Techniques are provided for calibrating device timelines for passive positioning of a user equipment (UE). An example method for passive positioning of a user equipment includes receiving a first positioning reference signal from a first device at a first time, receiving a second positioning reference signal from a second device at a second time, receiving a timeline difference value associated with the first device and the second device, and determining a time difference of arrival between the first positioning reference signal and the second positioning reference signal based at least in part on the timeline difference value.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application is the national phase of International Application No. PCT / US2021 / 039882, filed June 30, 2021, entitled “SIGNALING TIMING OFFSET BETWEEN STATIONS FOR USER EQUIPMENT BASED POSITIONING,” which claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 363,803, also filed June 30, 2021, entitled “SIGNALING TIMING OFFSET BETWEEN STATIONS FOR USER EQUIPMENT BASED POSITIONING,” and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 047,130, filed July 1, 2020, entitled “SIGNALING TIMING OFFSET BETWEEN STATIONS FOR USER EQUIPMENT BASED POSITIONING,” each of which is assigned to the assignee of this application, and the entire contents thereof are hereby incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Background Technology

[0003] Wireless communication systems have evolved through several generations, including first-generation analog radiotelephone service (1G), second-generation (2G) digital radiotelephone service (including temporary 2.5G and 2.75G networks), third-generation (3G) high-speed data, wireless services supporting the Internet, fourth-generation (4G) services (e.g., Long Term Evolution (LTE) or WiMax), and fifth-generation (5G) services (e.g., 5G New Radio (NR)). Currently, many different types of wireless communication systems are in use, including cellular and Personal Communication Services (PCS) systems. Known examples of cellular systems include cellular analog Advanced Mobile Phone Systems (AMPS), and digital cellular systems based on Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), and GSM variants of TDMA.

[0004] Knowing the location of a user equipment (UE) (e.g., a cellular phone) is often desirable, where the terms "location" and "positioning" are synonymous and used interchangeably herein. A Location Services (LCS) client may expect to know the UE's location and may communicate with a location center to request the UE's location. The location center and the UE may exchange messages, as appropriate, to obtain a location estimate for the UE. The location center may return the location estimate to the LCS client, for example, for use in one or more applications.

[0005] Obtaining the location of a mobile device accessing a wireless network can be useful for many applications, including emergency calls, personal navigation, asset tracking, and locating friends or family. Existing location methods include those based on measuring radio signals transmitted from various devices, including satellite spacecraft and terrestrial wireless power sources such as base stations and access points in wireless networks. Summary of the Invention

[0006] An example method for providing a timeline difference to a user equipment according to the present disclosure includes: sending a first positioning reference signal to the device; determining the arrival time of the first positioning reference signal based on a first timeline; receiving a second positioning reference signal from the device; determining the arrival time of the second positioning reference signal based on the second timeline; determining a timeline difference based at least in part on the arrival times of the first positioning reference signal and the second positioning reference signal; and providing the timeline difference to the user equipment.

[0007] Implementation of such a method may include one or more of the following features: A first positioning reference signal may be transmitted using a first panel, a second positioning reference signal may be received using the first panel, and a timeline difference may be associated with the first panel. The first and second positioning reference signals may not be received via a line-of-sight transmission path. Providing the timeline difference to the user equipment may include providing the timeline difference to a network server. Providing the timeline difference to the user equipment may include providing the timeline difference via network signaling. Determining the timeline difference may include receiving the timeline difference from a network server. Providing the timeline difference to the user equipment may include providing identification information associated with both devices. Providing the timeline difference to the user equipment may include providing identification information associated with the first and second positioning reference signals. The device may be a second user equipment, and the second positioning reference signal may be received via a side link transmitted from the second user equipment. The method may include providing auxiliary data to the user equipment. The first and second positioning reference signals may originate from different frequency layers.

[0008] An example method for passive positioning of a user equipment according to this disclosure includes: receiving a first positioning reference signal from a first device at a first time, receiving a second positioning reference signal from a second device at a second time, receiving a timeline difference associated with the first device and the second device, and determining the time difference of arrival between the first positioning reference signal and the second positioning reference signal based at least in part on the timeline difference.

[0009] Implementations of such methods may include one or more of the following features: The timeline difference may be received from a serving device. The first positioning reference signal may be an on-demand positioning reference signal. A passive positioning start message may be received before the first positioning reference signal is received. The method may include providing a time difference of arrival to a network server. The first positioning reference signal may be associated with a first panel in a first device, and the timeline difference may be associated with the first panel. The second device may be a second user equipment, and the second positioning reference signal may be received via a side link sent from the second user equipment. The method may further include: receiving a third positioning reference signal from a third device, receiving a second timeline difference associated with the second and third devices, and determining a second time difference of arrival between the second and third positioning reference signals based at least in part on the second timeline difference. The method may further include: receiving a third timeline difference associated with the first and third devices, and determining a third time difference of arrival between the first and third positioning reference signals based at least in part on the third timeline difference. The method may include: determining a third timeline difference associated with a first device and a third device, at least in part based on a timeline difference and a second timeline difference; and determining a third time difference of arrival between a first positioning reference signal and a third positioning reference signal, at least in part based on the third timeline difference. The positioning estimate may be calculated at least in part based on the time difference of arrival.

[0010] An example method for determining a timeline difference according to this disclosure includes: receiving a first waveform associated with a first positioning reference signal transmitted from a first device to a second device; receiving a second waveform associated with a second positioning reference signal transmitted from the second device to the first device, wherein the second positioning reference signal is transmitted in response to receiving the first positioning reference signal; determining a timeline difference associated with the first device and the second device based at least in part on the first waveform and the second waveform; and providing the timeline difference to a user equipment, wherein the user equipment is configured to determine the time difference of arrival of signals transmitted from the first device and the second device.

[0011] Implementations of such methods may include one or more of the following features: The first waveform may be a first channel frequency response of a first positioning reference signal, and the second waveform may be a second channel frequency response of a second positioning reference signal. The timeline difference may be estimated via maximum likelihood estimation in the frequency domain based on the delay required to compensate for the phase rotation between the first and second channel frequency responses. Providing the timeline difference to the user equipment may include providing the timeline difference to the serving equipment. Providing the timeline difference to the user equipment may include providing the timeline difference to a first device or a second device.

[0012] An example apparatus for providing a timeline difference to a user equipment according to the present disclosure includes: a memory, at least one transceiver, at least one processor communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, and configured to: transmit a first positioning reference signal to the device, determine the arrival time of the first positioning reference signal based on a first timeline, receive a second positioning reference signal from the device, determine the arrival time of the second positioning reference signal based on the second timeline, determine a timeline difference based at least in part on the arrival times of the first positioning reference signal and the second positioning reference signal, and provide the timeline difference to the user equipment.

[0013] An example apparatus according to this disclosure includes: a memory, at least one transceiver, at least one processor communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, and configured to: receive a first positioning reference signal from a first device at a first time, receive a second positioning reference signal from a second device at a second time, receive a timeline difference associated with the first device and the second device, and determine an arrival time difference between the first positioning reference signal and the second positioning reference signal based at least in part on the timeline difference.

[0014] An example apparatus according to this disclosure includes: a memory, at least one transceiver, at least one processor communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, and configured to: receive a first waveform associated with a first positioning reference signal transmitted from a first device to a second device; receive a second waveform associated with a second positioning reference signal transmitted from the second device to the first device, wherein the second positioning reference signal is transmitted in response to receiving the first positioning reference signal; determine a timeline difference associated with the first device and the second device based at least in part on the first waveform and the second waveform; and provide the timeline difference to a user equipment, wherein the user equipment is configured to determine the time difference of arrival of signals transmitted from the first device and the second device.

[0015] An example apparatus according to this disclosure includes: components for transmitting a first positioning reference signal to a device; components for determining the arrival time of the first positioning reference signal based on a first timeline; components for receiving a second positioning reference signal from the device; components for determining the arrival time of the second positioning reference signal based on a second timeline; components for determining a timeline difference based at least in part on the arrival times of the first and second positioning reference signals; and components for providing the timeline difference to a user equipment.

[0016] An example apparatus according to this disclosure includes: components for receiving a first positioning reference signal from a first device at a first time, components for receiving a second positioning reference signal from a second device at a second time, components for receiving a timeline difference associated with the first device and the second device, and components for determining an arrival time difference between the first positioning reference signal and the second positioning reference signal based at least in part on the timeline difference.

[0017] An example apparatus according to this disclosure includes: means for receiving a first waveform associated with a first positioning reference signal transmitted from a first device to a second device; means for receiving a second waveform associated with a second positioning reference signal transmitted from the second device to the first device, wherein the second positioning reference signal is transmitted in response to receiving the first positioning reference signal; means for determining a timeline difference associated with the first device and the second device based at least in part on the first waveform and the second waveform; and means for providing the timeline difference to a user equipment, wherein the user equipment is configured to determine the time difference of arrival of signals transmitted from the first device and the second device.

[0018] An example non-transitory processor-readable storage medium according to this disclosure, including processor-readable instructions configured to cause one or more processors to provide a timeline difference to a user equipment, includes: code for sending a first positioning reference signal to the device; code for determining the arrival time of the first positioning reference signal based on a first timeline; code for receiving a second positioning reference signal from the device; code for determining the arrival time of the second positioning reference signal based on a second timeline; code for determining a timeline difference at least in part based on the arrival times of the first and second positioning reference signals; and code for providing the timeline difference to the user equipment.

[0019] An example non-transitory processor-readable storage medium according to this disclosure, including processor-readable instructions configured to cause one or more processors to locate a user device, includes: code for receiving a first positioning reference signal from a first device at a first time, code for receiving a second positioning reference signal from a second device at a second time, code for receiving a timeline difference associated with the first device and the second device, and code for determining an arrival time difference between the first positioning reference signal and the second positioning reference signal based at least in part on the timeline difference.

[0020] An example non-transitory processor-readable storage medium according to this disclosure, including processor-readable instructions configured to cause one or more processors to determine a timeline difference, includes: code for receiving a first waveform associated with a first positioning reference signal transmitted from a first device to a second device; code for receiving a second waveform associated with a second positioning reference signal transmitted from the second device to the first device, wherein the second positioning reference signal is transmitted in response to receiving the first positioning reference signal; code for determining a timeline difference associated with the first device and the second device based at least in part on the first and second waveforms; and code for providing the timeline difference to a user equipment, wherein the user equipment is configured to determine the time difference of arrival of signals transmitted from the first device and the second device.

[0021] The items and / or techniques described herein may provide one or more of the following capabilities, as well as others not mentioned. A first device may transmit a first positioning reference signal based on a first timeline. The first device may measure the arrival time of the first positioning reference signal based on the first timeline. A second device may transmit a second positioning reference signal based on a second timeline. The second device may measure the arrival time of the second positioning reference signal based on the second timeline. The measured arrival times may be used to determine a timeline difference associated with the first and second devices. The timeline difference may be provided to a user equipment. The observed arrival time difference for positioning reference signals transmitted from the first and second devices may be modified based on the timeline difference. The accuracy of passive positioning may be increased. For devices that cannot directly exchange reference signals, the timeline difference may be inferred. Other capabilities may be provided, and not every embodiment of this disclosure is required to provide any, let alone all, of the discussed capabilities. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a simplified diagram of an example wireless communication system.

[0023] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows the block diagram of the components of an example user device.

[0024] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows the components of an example send / receive point.

[0025] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows the components of the example server.

[0026] Figure 5A and 5B The figure shows an example set of downlink positioning reference signal resources.

[0027] Figure 6 This is a diagram of an example subframe format used for positioning reference signal transmission.

[0028] Figure 7 This is an example round-trip time message stream between the user equipment and the base station.

[0029] Figure 8 This is an example message stream used for passive location of user devices.

[0030] Figure 9 This is an example message stream between stations with timeline differences.

[0031] Figure 10 This is an example message stream used for passive positioning that utilizes timeline differences.

[0032] Figure 11 This is an example message stream used for passive positioning that utilizes the differences between multiple base stations and their corresponding timelines.

[0033] Figure 12 This is an illustration of an example of a station antenna element with multiple antenna panels.

[0034] Figure 13 This is a process flow for an example method used to provide timeline differences to user devices.

[0035] Figure 14 This is the process flow of an example method for passive positioning of user devices.

[0036] Figure 15 This is a process flow for an example method of determining timeline differences based on received waveforms. Detailed Implementation

[0037] This article discusses techniques for passive positioning of User Equipment (UE) using two or more stations. 5G NR includes several positioning methods, such as Downlink (DL) and Uplink (UL) Time Difference of Arrival (TDOA), DL Angle of Departure (AoD), UL Angle of Arrival (AoA), DL-Initiated Round Trip (RTT), and combinations of these methods. Typically, some TDOA methods may require network synchronization. In contrast, RTT-based methods do not rely on network synchronization. Simultaneous positioning of UEs in high-density areas (e.g., stadiums, conference centers, Internet of Things (IoT) facilities, and Industrial IoT (IIoT)) can present challenges associated with message transmission and bandwidth limitations. For example, RTT methods require transmissions from each UE and may therefore not scale in UE-dense environments. However, DL-based TDOA methods utilizing time-synchronized NR networks can be scaled to a large number of devices without exceeding bandwidth limitations. For example, Fixed-Overhead Positioning Reference Signal (PRS) transmissions from base stations can be used. PRS transmissions are independent of the number of UEs, and UEs do not need to send responses to PRS transmissions.

[0038] Typically, each station in a 5G NR network attempts to maintain a consistent timeline with other stations in the network. The timeline can be based on timing associated with, for example, satellite navigation systems such as the Global Positioning System (GPS). Various hardware, software, or other factors can cause variations in the time-keeping capabilities of stations within the network. In the absence of periodic synchronization signals, variations in the timeline for each station can reduce the accuracy of OTDOA positioning methods. For example, if two stations do not have a consistent line-of-sight (LOS) communication path, inconsistencies within the station's internal timeline can lead to errors in distance calculations performed by the user equipment (UE). The techniques presented herein provide calibration of transmission times between two stations and integrate this process into UE positioning. For example, the timeline difference can be determined based on positioning reference signals transmitted between the two stations. The resulting timeline difference can be provided to the UE and included in the observed time difference of arrival calculation and the corresponding positioning calculation. Network resources (such as location servers) can be used to determine the timeline difference associated with the two stations. The timeline difference for each station can be broadcast or signaled to UEs within the network's coverage area. These technologies and configurations are examples, and other technologies and configurations can also be used.

[0039] refer to Figure 1Examples of communication system 100 include UE 105, radio access network (RAN) 135 (here, fifth-generation (5G) next-generation (NG) RAN (NG-RAN)), and 5G core network (5GC) 140. UE 105 can be, for example, an IoT device, a location tracker device, a cellular phone, or other device. The 5G network can also be referred to as a new radio (NR) network; NG-RAN 135 can be referred to as 5G RAN or NR RAN; and 5GC 140 can be referred to as NG core network (NGC). Standardization of NG-RAN and 5GC is underway within the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). Accordingly, NG-RAN 135 and 5GC 140 can conform to current or future standards from 3GPP for 5G support. RAN 135 can be another type of RAN, such as 3G RAN, 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) RAN, etc. Communication system 100 can use information from constellation 185 of satellite spacecraft (SVs) 190, 191, 192, and 193 for a satellite positioning system (SPS) (e.g., a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)), such as GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, or BeiDou, or certain other local or regional SPSs, such as the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), the European Geosynchronous Navigation Coverage Service (EGNOS), or the Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS). Additional components of communication system 100 are described below. Communication system 100 may include additional or alternative components.

[0040] like Figure 1 As shown, NG-RAN 135 includes NR nodeBs (gNB) 110a, 110b and next-generation eNodeB (ng-eNB) 114, and 5GC 140 includes Access and Mobility Management Functions (AMF) 115, Session Management Functions (SMF) 117, Location Management Functions (LMF) 120 and Gateway Mobility Location Center (GMLC) 125. gNBs 110a, 110b and ng-eNB 114 are communicatively coupled to each other, each configured to conduct bidirectional wireless communication with UE 105, and each communicatively coupled to and configured to conduct bidirectional communication with AMF 115. AMF 115, SMF 117, LMF 120 and GMLC 125 are communicatively coupled to each other, and GMLC is communicatively coupled to an external client 130. SMF 117 can be used as an initial contact point for Service Control Functions (SCF) (not shown) to create, control and delete media sessions.

[0041] Figure 1A general illustration of various components is provided, any one or all of which may be used as appropriate, and each of them may be repeated or omitted as needed. Specifically, although one UE 105 is illustrated, many UEs (e.g., hundreds, thousands, millions, etc.) may be used in communication system 100. Similarly, communication system 100 may include a larger (or smaller) number of SVs (i.e., more or fewer than the four SVs 190-193 shown), gNBs 110a and 110b, ng-eNB 114, AMF 115, external client 130, and / or other components. The connections shown linking the various components in communication system 100 include data and signaling connections, which may include additional (intermediate) components, direct or indirect physical and / or wireless connections, and / or additional networks. Furthermore, depending on the desired functionality, components may be rearranged, combined, separated, replaced, and / or omitted.

[0042] Although Figure 1 The illustration depicts a 5G-based network, but similar network implementations and configurations can be used for other communication technologies such as 3G, Long Term Evolution (LTE), etc. The implementations described herein (for 5G technology and / or for one or more other communication technologies and / or protocols) can be used to transmit (or broadcast) directional synchronization signals at a UE (e.g., UE 105), receive and measure directional signals, and / or provide location assistance to UE 105 (via GMLC 125 or other location servers) and / or calculate the location of UE 105 at a location-supporting device (such as UE 105, gNB 110a, 110b, or LMF 120) based on measurements received at UE 105 for such directional transmission signals. Gateway Mobile Location Center (GMLC) 125, Location Management Function (LMF) 120, Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) 115, SMF 117, ng-eNB (eNodeB) 114, and gNB (gNodeB) 110a, 110b are examples and may be replaced with or include various other location server functions and / or base station functions in various embodiments.

[0043] UE 105 may include and / or may be referred to as a device, mobile device, wireless device, mobile terminal, terminal, mobile station (MS), Secure User Plane Location (SUPL) Enabled Terminal (SET), or some other name. Furthermore, UE 105 may correspond to a cellular phone, smartphone, laptop computer, tablet, PDA, tracking device, navigation device, Internet of Things (IoT) device, asset tracker, health monitor, security system, smart city sensor, smart meter, wearable tracker, or some other portable or mobile device. Typically, although not required, UE 105 may support wireless communications using one or more of the following radio access technologies (RATs): Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Wideband CDMA (WCDMA), LTE, High Rate Packet Data (HRPD), IEEE 802.11 WiFi (also known as Wi-Fi). (BT), WiMAX, 5G New Radio (NR) (e.g., using NG-RAN 135 and 5GC 140), etc. UE 105 can support wireless communication using a wireless local area network (WLAN), which can connect to other networks (e.g., the Internet) using, for example, digital subscriber line (DSL) or packet cable. The use of one or more of these RATs can allow UE 105 to communicate with external client 130 (e.g., via...). Figure 1 The elements of 5GC 140 not shown in the figure, or possibly via GMLC 125) and / or allow external client 130 to receive location information about UE 105 (e.g., via GMLC 125).

[0044] UE 105 may include a single entity or may include multiple entities, such as a personal area network in which a user can employ audio, video, and / or data I / O (input / output) devices and / or body sensors, as well as separate wired or wireless modems. The location estimate of UE 105 may be referred to as location, location estimate, location fixation, fixation point, positioning, location estimate, or location fixation, and may be geographic, thus providing the location coordinates of UE 105 (e.g., latitude and longitude), which may or may not include an elevation component (e.g., height above sea level, height above ground level, floor level, or basement level, or depth below). Alternatively, the location of UE 105 may be expressed as a city location (e.g., a postal address, or a designation of a point or small area within a building, such as a specific room or floor). The location of UE 105 may be expressed as an area or volume (geographically defined or city-defined) in which UE 105 is expected to be located with a certain probability or confidence level (e.g., 67%, 95%, etc.). The location of UE 105 can be expressed as a relative location, including, for example, distance and direction from a known location. A relative location can be expressed as relative coordinates (e.g., X, Y (and Z) coordinates) defined relative to an origin at a known location, which can be defined, for example, geographically, in urban terms, or with reference to a point, area, or volume indicated, for example, on a map, floor plan, or building plan. In the description contained herein, unless otherwise specified, the use of the term "location" can include any of these variations. When calculating the location of the UE, local x, y, and possibly z coordinates are typically solved, and then, if desired, the local coordinates are converted to absolute coordinates (e.g., for latitude, longitude, and altitude above or below mean sea level).

[0045] UE 105 can be configured to communicate with other entities using one or more of a variety of technologies. UE 105 can be configured to indirectly connect to one or more communication networks via one or more device-to-device (D2D) peer-to-peer (P2P) links. D2D P2P links can be supported by any suitable D2D radio access technology (RAT), such as LTE Direct (LTE-D), WiFi Direct (WiFi-D), etc. One or more UEs in a group of UEs utilizing D2D communication may be within the geographic coverage area of ​​a Transmit / Receive Point (TRP) (such as gNB 110a, 110b, and / or ng-eNB 114). Other UEs in such a group may be outside such geographic coverage area or may otherwise be unable to receive transmissions from the base station. A group of UEs communicating via D2D communication may utilize a one-to-many (1:M) system, where each UE transmits to the other UEs in the group. The TRP can facilitate the scheduling of resources for D2D communication. In other cases, D2D communication may be performed between UEs without the involvement of a TRP.

[0046] Figure 1 The base stations (BS) in the NG-RAN 135 shown include NR nodes B, referred to as gNBs 110a and 110b. Pairs of gNBs 110a and 110b in the NG-RAN 135 can be interconnected via one or more other gNBs. Access to the 5G network is provided to UE 105 via wireless communication between UE 105 and one or more of gNBs 110a and 110b, which can provide wireless communication access to the 5GC 140 on behalf of UE 105 using 5G. Figure 1 In this context, the serving gNB for UE 105 is assumed to be gNB 110a, although if UE 105 moves to another location, another gNB (e.g., gNB 110b) may act as the serving gNB or as a secondary gNB to provide additional throughput and bandwidth to UE 105.

[0047] Figure 1 The base station (BS) in NG-RAN 135 shown may include ng-eNB 114, also known as Next Generation Evolved Node B. ng-eNB 114 may be connected to one or more of gNBs 110a and 110b via one or more other gNBs and / or one or more other ng-eNBs. ng-eNB 114 may provide LTE radio access and / or evolved LTE (eLTE) radio access to UE 105. One or more of gNBs 110a, 110b and / or ng-eNB 114 may be configured to act as location-only beacons, which may transmit signals to assist in determining the location of UE 105 but may not receive signals from UE 105 or from other UEs.

[0048] BS 110a, 110b, and 114 may each include one or more TRPs. For example, each sector within a cell of the BS may include a TRP, although multiple TRPs may share one or more components (e.g., share a processor but have separate antennas). System 100 may include macro TRPs, or system 100 may have different types of TRPs, such as macro, pico, and / or femto TRPs. Macro TRPs may cover a relatively large geographic area (e.g., a radius of several kilometers) and may allow unrestricted access for terminals with service subscriptions. Pico TRPs may cover a relatively small geographic area (e.g., a pico cell) and may allow unrestricted access for terminals with service subscriptions. Femto or home TRPs may cover a relatively small geographic area (e.g., a femto cell) and may allow limited access for terminals associated with a femto cell (e.g., terminals for users in a home).

[0049] As mentioned above, although Figure 1 The diagram depicts a node configured to communicate according to a 5G communication protocol, but nodes configured to communicate according to other communication protocols (such as, for example, the LTE protocol or the IEEE 802.11x protocol) may also be used. For example, in an evolved packet system (EPS) providing LTE radio access to UE 105, the RAN may include an evolved universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS) terrestrial radio access network (E-UTRAN), which may include base stations, including evolved Node Bs (eNBs). The core network for the EPS may include an evolved packet core (EPC). The EPS may include E-UTRAN plus EPC, wherein... Figure 1 In this context, E-UTRAN corresponds to NG-RAN 135 and EPC corresponds to 5GC 140.

[0050] gNB 110a, 110b, and ng-eNB 114 can communicate with AMF 115, which in turn communicates with LMF 120 for positioning functions. AMF 115 can support UE 105 mobility, including cell changes and handover, and can participate in supporting signaling connections to UE 105, as well as data and voice bearers that may be used for UE 105. LMF 120 can communicate directly with UE 105, for example, via wireless communication. When UE 105 accesses NG-RAN 135, LMF 120 can support UE 105 positioning and can support positioning procedures / methods such as: Auxiliary GNSS (A-GNSS), Observed Time Difference of Arrival (OTDOA), Real Time Kinematic (RTK), Precise Point Positioning (PPP), Differential GNSS (DGNSS), Enhanced Cell ID (E-CID), Angle of Arrival (AOA), Angle of Departure (AOD), and / or other positioning methods. The LMF 120 can process location service requests for UE 105 received, for example, from the AMF 115 or the GMLC 125. The LMF 120 can connect to the AMF 115 and / or the GMLC 125. The LMF 120 may be referred to by other names, such as Location Manager (LM), Location Function (LF), Commercial LMF (CLMF), or Value-Added LMF (VLMF). Nodes / systems implementing the LMF 120 may additionally or alternatively implement other types of location support modules, such as Enhanced Serving Mobility Location Center (E-SMLC) or Secure User Plane Location (SUPL) Location Platform (SLP). At least a portion of the positioning function (including the deduction of the location of UE 105) can be performed at UE 105 (e.g., using signal measurements obtained by UE 105 against signals transmitted by radio nodes (such as gNB 110a, 110b and / or ng-eNB 114), and / or auxiliary data provided to UE 105, for example, by LMF 120).

[0051] GMLC 125 can support location requests for UE 105 received from external client 130, and can forward such location requests to AMF 115 for forwarding to LMF 120 by AMF 115, or can forward location requests directly to LMF 120. Location responses from LMF 120 (e.g., containing location estimates for UE 105) can be returned to GMLC 125 directly or via AMF 115, and GMLC 125 can then return a location response (e.g., containing location estimates) to external client 130. GMLC 125 is shown connected to both AMF 115 and LMF 120, although in some implementations 5GC 140 may support only one of these connections.

[0052] like Figure 1 As further shown, the LMF 120 can use the new Radio Positioning Protocol A (which may be referred to as NPPa or NRPPa) defined in 3GPP Technical Specification (TS) 38.455 to communicate with gNB 110a, 110b and / or ng-eNB 114. NRPPa can be the same as, similar to or an extension of the LTE Positioning Protocol A (LPPa) defined in 3GPP TS 36.455, where NRPPa messages are transmitted via AMF 115 between gNB 110a (or gNB 110b) and LMF 120, and / or between ng-eNB 114 and LMF 120. Figure 1 As further illustrated, LMF 120 and UE 105 can communicate using the LTE Location Protocol (LPP) defined in 3GPP TS36.355. LMF 120 and UE 105 can also, or alternatively, communicate using a new radio location protocol (which may be referred to as NPP or NRPP), which can be the same as, similar to, or an extension of LPP. Here, LPP and / or NPP messages can be transmitted between UE 105 and LMF 120 via AMF 115 and the service gNB110a, 110b, or service ng-eNB 114 for UE 105. For example, LPP and / or NPP messages can be transmitted between LMF 120 and AMF 115 using the 5G Location Services Application Protocol (LCS AP), and between AMF 115 and UE 105 using the 5G Non-Access Stratum (NAS) protocol. The LPP and / or NPP protocols can be used to support the location of UE 105 using UE-assisted and / or UE-based location methods (such as A-GNSS, RTK, OTDOA, and / or E-CID). The NRPPa protocol can be used to support the location of UE 105 using network-based location methods (such as E-CID) (e.g., when used with measurements obtained from gNB 110a, 110b, or ng-eNB 114), and / or can be used by LMF 120 to obtain location-related information from gNB 110a, 110b, and / or ng-eNB 114, such as defining parameters for directional SS transmissions from gNB 110a, 110b, and / or ng-eNB 114.

[0053] Using a UE-assisted positioning method, UE 105 can obtain location measurements and transmit these measurements to a location server (e.g., LMF120) for calculating a location estimate for UE 105. For example, location measurements may include one or more of the following for gNB 110a, 110b, ng-eNB 114, and / or WLAN AP: Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI), Round-Trip Time (RTT), Reference Signal Time Difference (RSTD), Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP), and / or Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ). Location measurements may also, or alternatively, include measurements of GNSS pseudorange, code phase, and / or carrier phase for SV 190-193.

[0054] Using a UE-based positioning method, UE 105 can obtain location measurements (e.g., which may be the same as or similar to the location measurements used in UE-assisted positioning methods) and can calculate the location of UE 105 (e.g., by means of auxiliary data received from a location server such as LMF152 or broadcast by gNB 110a, 110b, ng-eNB 114 or other base stations or APs).

[0055] Using a network-based positioning method, one or more base stations (e.g., gNB 110a, 110b, and / or ng-eNB 114) or APs can obtain location measurements (e.g., measurements of RSSI, RTT, RSRP, RSRQ, or Time of Arrival (ToA) for signals transmitted by UE 105) and / or can receive measurements obtained by UE 105. One or more base stations or APs can send these measurements to a location server (e.g., LMF 120) for calculating a location estimate for UE 105.

[0056] The information provided to the LMF 120 by the gNB 110a, 110b and / or ng-eNB 114 using NRPPa may include timing and configuration information for directing PRS or SS transmissions, as well as location coordinates. The LMF 120 may provide some or all of this information as supplementary data to the UE 105 in LPP and / or NPP messages via NG-RAN 135 and 5GC140.

[0057] The LPP or NPP message sent from LMF 120 to UE 105 can instruct UE 105 to do any of a variety of things, depending on the desired functionality. For example, the LPP or NPP message may contain instructions to enable UE 105 to obtain measurements for GNSS (or A-GNSS), WLAN, E-CID, and / or OTDOA (or some other positioning method). In the case of E-CID, the LPP or NPP message may instruct UE 105 to obtain one or more measurements of directional signals transmitted within a specific cell supported by one or more of gNB 110a, 110b, and / or ng-eNB 114 (or supported by some other type of base station (such as eNB or WiFi AP)). These measurements may include beam ID, beamwidth, average angle, RSRP, and RSRQ. UE 105 can send measurements back to LMF 120 via service gNB 110a (or service ng-eNB 114) and AMF 115 in LPP or NPP messages (e.g., within 5G NAS messages).

[0058] As described above, although the communication system 100 is described in relation to 5G technology, the communication system 100 can be implemented to support other communication technologies, such as GSM, WCDMA, LTE, etc., for supporting mobile devices (such as UE 105) and interacting with mobile devices (e.g., to perform voice, data, location, and other functions). In some such embodiments, the 5GC 140 can be configured to control different air interfaces. For example, the 5GC 140 can use non-3GPP interoperability functions (N3IWF) in the 5GC 140. Figure 1(Not shown) Connected to a WLAN. For example, the WLAN may support IEEE 802.11 WiFi access for UE 105 and may include one or more WiFi APs. Here, the N3IWF may connect to the WLAN and other components in 5GC 140, such as AMF 115. In some embodiments, both NG-RAN 135 and 5GC 140 may be replaced by one or more other RANs and one or more other core networks. For example, in EPS, NG-RAN 135 may be replaced by E-UTRAN containing eNBs, and 5GC 140 may be replaced by a Mobility Management Entity (MME) replacing AMF 115, an E-SMLC replacing LMF 120, and an EPC that may be a GMLC similar to GMLC 125. In such EPS, the E-SMLC may use LPPa instead of NRPPa to send and receive location information to and from eNBs in the E-UTRAN, and may use LPP to support UE 105's positioning. In these other embodiments, the positioning of UE 105 using directional PRS can be supported in a manner similar to that described herein for 5G networks, except that the functions and procedures described herein for gNB 110a, 110b, ng-eNB 114, AMF 115 and LMF 120 can, in some cases, be applied alternatively to other network elements such as eNB, WiFi AP, MME and E-SMLC.

[0059] As described above, in some embodiments, the UE whose location will be determined can be used at least in part (e.g., Figure 1 The UE (105) uses directional SS beams emitted from base stations (such as gNB 110a, 110b and / or ng-eNB 114) within its range to achieve positioning. In some instances, the UE may use directional SS beams from multiple base stations (such as gNB 110a, 110b, ng-eNB 114, etc.) to calculate its location.

[0060] Same reference Figure 2UE 200 is an example of UE 105 and includes a computing platform comprising a processor 210, a memory 211 including software (SW) 212, one or more sensors 213, a transceiver interface 214 for transceivers 215 (including a wireless transceiver 240 and a wired transceiver 250), a user interface 216, a satellite positioning system (SPS) receiver 217, a camera 218, and a positioning (motion) device 219. The processor 210, memory 211, sensors 213, transceiver interface 214, user interface 216, SPS receiver 217, camera 218, and positioning (motion) device 219 can be communicatively coupled to each other via a bus 220 (which can be configured, for example, for optical and / or electrical communications). One or more of the devices shown (e.g., one or more of camera 218, positioning (motion) device 219, and / or sensor 213, etc.) may be omitted from UE 200. Processor 210 may include one or more intelligent hardware devices, such as a central processing unit (CPU), microcontroller, application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc. Processor 210 may include multiple processors, including a general-purpose / application processor 230, a digital signal processor (DSP) 231, a modem processor 232, a video processor 233, and / or a sensor processor 234. One or more of processors 230-234 may include multiple devices (e.g., multiple processors). For example, sensor processor 234 may include processors for radar, ultrasonic, and / or lidar, etc. Modem processor 232 may support dual SIM / dual connectivity (or even more SIMs). For example, one SIM (subscriber identity module or subscriber identification module) may be used by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM), while another SIM may be used by the end user of UE 200 for connectivity. Memory 211 is a non-transitory storage medium, which may include random access memory (RAM), flash memory, disk storage, and / or read-only memory (ROM), etc. Memory 211 stores software 212, which may be processor-readable, processor-executable software code containing instructions configured to cause processor 210 to perform the various functions described herein when executed. Alternatively, software 212 may not be directly executable by processor 210, but may be configured to cause processor 210 to perform functions, for example, when compiled and executed. The description may refer to processor 210 performing functions, but this includes other implementations, such as those in which processor 210 performs software and / or firmware. The description may refer to processor 210 performing functions as a shorthand for performing functions on one or more of processors 230-234. The description may refer to UE 200 performing functions as a shorthand for performing functions on one or more suitable components of UE 200. As an addition to and / or alternative to memory 211, processor 210 may include memory with stored instructions.The functionality of processor 210 is discussed in more detail below.

[0061] Figure 2 The configuration of UE 200 shown is exemplary and not limiting of this disclosure, including the claims, and other configurations may be used. For example, an exemplary configuration of the UE includes one or more of processors 230-234 of processor 210, memory 211, and wireless transceiver 240. Other exemplary configurations include one or more of processors 230-234 of processor 210, memory 211, wireless transceiver 240, and one or more of sensors 213, user interface 216, SPS receiver 217, camera 218, PMD 219, and / or wired transceiver 250.

[0062] UE 200 may include a modem processor 232, which is capable of performing baseband processing on signals received and down-converted by transceiver 215 and / or SPS receiver 217. Modem processor 232 may also perform baseband processing on signals that will be up-converted for transmission by transceiver 215. Similarly or alternatively, baseband processing may be performed by processor 230 and / or DSP 231. However, other configurations may be used to perform baseband processing.

[0063] UE 200 may include sensor 213, which may include, for example, an inertial measurement unit (IMU) 270, one or more magnetometers 271, and / or one or more environmental sensors 272. IMU 270 may include one or more inertial sensors, such as one or more accelerometers 273 (e.g., jointly responding to acceleration of UE 200 in three dimensions) and / or one or more gyroscopes 274. The magnetometers can provide measurements to determine orientation (e.g., relative to magnetic north and / or true north), which can be used for any of a variety of purposes, such as supporting one or more compass applications. Environmental sensors 272 may include, for example, one or more temperature sensors, one or more barometric pressure sensors, one or more ambient light sensors, one or more camera imagers, and / or one or more microphones, etc. Sensor 213 may generate analog and / or digital signal indications, which may be stored in memory 211 and processed by DSP 231 and / or processor 230 to support one or more applications, such as applications for positioning and / or navigation operations.

[0064] Sensor 213 can be used for relative position measurement, relative position determination, motion determination, etc. Information detected by sensor 213 can be used for motion detection, relative displacement, dead reckoning, sensor-based position determination, and / or sensor-assisted position determination. Sensor 213 can be used to determine whether UE 200 is stationary or moving and / or whether to report certain useful information about the mobility of UE 200 to LMF 120. For example, based on information obtained / measured by sensor 213, UE 200 can notify / report to LMF 120 that UE 200 has detected movement or that UE 200 has moved, and report relative displacement / distance (e.g., via dead reckoning enabled by sensor 213, or sensor-based position determination, or sensor-assisted position determination). In another example, for relative positioning information, the sensor / IMU can be used to determine the angle and / or orientation of other devices relative to UE 200, etc.

[0065] IMU 270 can be configured to provide measurements of the direction and / or velocity of motion of UE 200, which can be used in relative position determination. For example, one or more accelerometers 273 and / or one or more gyroscopes 274 of IMU 270 can detect the linear acceleration and rotational velocity of UE 200, respectively. The linear acceleration and rotational velocity measurements of UE 200 can be integrated over time to determine the instantaneous direction of motion and displacement of UE 200. The instantaneous direction of motion and displacement can be integrated to track the position of UE 200. For example, a reference position of UE 200 can be determined at a certain moment, for example using SPS receiver 217 (and / or by some other component), and measurements from accelerometers 273 and gyroscopes 274 acquired after this moment can be used for dead reckoning to determine the current position of UE 200 based on the movement (direction and distance) of UE 200 relative to the reference position.

[0066] Magnetometer 271 can determine the magnetic field strength in different directions, which can be used to determine the orientation of UE 200. For example, this orientation can be used to provide a digital compass for UE 200. Magnetometer 271 may include a two-dimensional magnetometer configured to detect the magnetic field strength in two orthogonal dimensions and provide its indication. Similarly or alternatively, magnetometer 271 may include a three-dimensional magnetometer configured to detect the magnetic field strength in three orthogonal dimensions and provide its indication. Magnetometer 271 may provide components for sensing the magnetic field and providing an indication of the magnetic field to, for example, processor 210.

[0067] Transceiver 215 may include a wireless transceiver 240 and a wired transceiver 250, which are configured to communicate with other devices via wireless and wired connections, respectively. For example, wireless transceiver 240 may include a transmitter 242 and a receiver 244 coupled to one or more antennas 246 for transmitting (e.g., on one or more uplink channels and / or one or more sidelink channels) and / or receiving (e.g., on one or more downlink channels and / or one or more sidelink channels) wireless signals 248 and converting signals from wireless signals 248 to wired (e.g., electrical and / or optical) signals and from wired (e.g., electrical and / or optical) signals to wireless signals 248. Therefore, transmitter 242 may include multiple transmitters, which may be discrete components or combined / integrated components, and / or receiver 244 may include multiple receivers, which may be discrete components or combined / integrated components. The wireless transceiver 240 can be configured to transmit signals according to various radio access technologies (RATs) such as: 5G New Radio (NR), GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications), UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System), AMPS (Advanced Mobile Telephone Systems), CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access), WCDMA (Wideband CDMA), LTE (Long Term Evolution), LTE Direct (LTE-D), 3GPP LTE-V2X (PC5), V2C (Uu), IEEE 802.11 (including IEEE 802.11p), WiFi, WiFi Direct (WiFi-D). Zigbee, etc. New radios can use millimeter-wave frequencies and / or frequencies below 6 GHz. For example, wired transceiver 250 may include transmitter 252 and receiver 254, configured for, for example, wired communication with network 135 to send and receive communication to and from gNB 110a. Transmitter 252 may include multiple transmitters, which may be discrete components or combined / integrated components, and / or receiver 254 may include multiple receivers, which may be discrete components or combined / integrated components. Wired transceiver 250 may be configured for, for example, optical and / or electrical communication. Transceiver 215 may be communicatively coupled to transceiver interface 214, for example, via optical and / or electrical connections. Transceiver interface 214 may be at least partially integrated with transceiver 215.

[0068] User interface 216 may include one or more of a plurality of devices, such as, for example, a speaker, microphone, display device, vibration device, keyboard, touch screen, etc. User interface 216 may include any one of more than one of these devices. User interface 216 may be configured to enable a user to interact with one or more applications hosted on UE 200. For example, user interface 216 may store indications of analog and / or digital signals in memory 211 in response to actions from the user for processing by DSP 231 and / or general-purpose processor 230. Similarly, applications hosted on UE 200 may store indications of analog and / or digital signals in memory 211 to present output signals to the user. User interface 216 may include audio input / output (I / O) devices, including, for example, speakers, microphones, digital-to-analog circuitry, analog-to-digital circuitry, amplifiers and / or gain control circuitry (including any one of more than one of these devices). Other configurations of audio I / O devices may be used. Similarly or alternatively, user interface 216 may include one or more touch sensors that respond to touch and / or pressure on, for example, a keyboard and / or touchscreen of user interface 216.

[0069] SPS receiver 217 (e.g., a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver) may be able to receive and acquire SPS signal 260 via SPS antenna 262. Antenna 262 is configured to convert the wireless SPS signal 260 into a wired signal, such as an electrical or optical signal, and may be integrated with antenna 246. SPS receiver 217 may be configured to process the acquired SPS signal 260, in whole or in part, for estimating the location of UE 200. For example, SPS receiver 217 may be configured to use SPS signal 260 to determine the location of UE 200 by trilateration. General-purpose processor 230, memory 211, DSP 231, and / or one or more dedicated processors (not shown) may be used in conjunction with SPS receiver 217 to process the acquired SPS signal, in whole or in part, and / or calculate the estimated location of UE 200. Memory 211 may store indications (e.g., measurements) of SPS signal 260 and / or other signals (e.g., signals acquired from wireless transceiver 240) for use in performing positioning operations. A general-purpose processor 230, a DSP 231, and / or one or more dedicated processors, and / or a memory 211 can provide or support a location engine for processing measurements to estimate the position of the UE 200.

[0070] UE 200 may include a camera 218 for capturing still or moving images. Camera 218 may include, for example, an imaging sensor (e.g., a charge-coupled device or a CMOS imager), a lens, analog-to-digital circuitry, a frame buffer, etc. Additional processing, conditioning, encoding, and / or compression of the signals representing the captured images may be performed by a general-purpose processor 230 and / or a DSP 231. Similarly or alternatively, a video processor 233 may perform conditioning, encoding, compression, and / or manipulation of the signals representing the captured images. The video processor 233 may decode / decompress stored image data for presentation on a display device (not shown), such as user interface 216.

[0071] The Positioning (Motion) Device (PMD) 219 can be configured to determine the location and possible motion of the UE 200. For example, the PMD 219 can communicate with and / or include some or all of the SPS receiver 217. The PMD 219 can also or alternatively be configured to use ground-based signals (e.g., at least some of signals 248) to perform trilateration, assist in acquiring and using the SPS signal 260, or both, to determine the location of the UE 200. The PMD 219 can be configured to use one or more other techniques (e.g., relying on the UE's self-reported location (e.g., a portion of the UE's positioning beacon)) to determine the location of the UE 200, and a combination of techniques (e.g., SPS and ground positioning signals) can be used to determine the location of the UE 200. PMD 219 may include one or more of sensors 213 (e.g., gyroscope, accelerometer, magnetometer, etc.) that can sense the orientation and / or motion of UE 200 and provide indications thereof, wherein processor 210 (e.g., processor 230 and / or DSP 231) may be configured to use the indications to determine the motion of UE 200 (e.g., velocity vector and / or acceleration vector). PMD 219 may be configured to provide indications of uncertainties and / or errors in the determined positioning and / or motion.

[0072] Same reference Figure 3Examples of TRP 300 in BS 110a, 110b, and 114 include a computing platform comprising a processor 310, a memory 311 including software (SW) 312, a transceiver 315, and (optionally) an SPS receiver 317. The processor 310, memory 311, transceiver 315, and SPS receiver 317 can be communicatively coupled to each other via a bus 320 (which can be configured, for example, for optical and / or electrical communications). One or more of the illustrated devices (e.g., a wireless interface and / or SPS receiver 317) can be omitted from the TRP 300. The SPS receiver 317 can be configured similarly to SPS receiver 217 to receive and acquire SPS signal 360 via SPS antenna 362. The processor 310 may include one or more intelligent hardware devices, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a microcontroller, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc. The processor 310 may include multiple processors (e.g., including... Figure 2 (The general-purpose / application processor, DSP, modem processor, video processor, and / or sensor processor shown). Memory 311 is a non-transitory storage medium, which may include random access memory (RAM), flash memory, disk storage, and / or read-only memory (ROM), etc. Memory 311 stores software 312, which may be processor-readable, processor-executable software code containing instructions configured to cause processor 310 to perform the various functions described herein when executed. Alternatively, software 312 may not be directly executable by processor 310, but may be configured, for example, to cause processor 310 to perform functions when compiled and executed. The description may refer to processor 310 performing functions, but this includes other implementations, such as those in which processor 310 performs software and / or firmware. The description may refer to processor 310 performing functions as a shorthand for performing one or more functions in a processor contained in processor 310. The description may refer to TRP 300 performing functions as a shorthand for performing functions in TRP 300 (and thus one of BS 110a, 110b, 114). As an addition to and / or alternative to memory 311, processor 310 may include memory with stored instructions. The functionality of processor 310 is discussed in more detail below.

[0073] Transceiver 315 may include a wireless transceiver 340 and a wired transceiver 350, which are configured to communicate with other devices via wireless and wired connections, respectively. For example, wireless transceiver 340 may include a transmitter 342 and a receiver 344 coupled to one or more antennas 346 for transmitting (e.g., on one or more uplink channels) and / or receiving (e.g., on one or more downlink channels) wireless signals 348 and converting signals from wireless signals 348 to wired (e.g., electrical and / or optical) signals and from wired (e.g., electrical and / or optical) signals to wireless signals 348. Therefore, transmitter 342 may include multiple transmitters, which may be discrete components or combined / integrated components, and / or receiver 344 may include multiple receivers, which may be discrete components or combined / integrated components. The wireless transceiver 340 can be configured to transmit signals according to various radio access technologies (RATs) such as UE 200, one or more other UEs, and / or one or more other devices: 5G New Radio (NR), GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications), UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System), AMPS (Advanced Mobile Telephone Systems), CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access), WCDMA (Wideband CDMA), LTE (Long Term Evolution), LTE Direct (LTE-D), 3GPP LTE-V2X (PC5), IEEE 802.11 (including IEEE 802.11p), WiFi, and WiFi Direct (WiFi-D). Zigbee, etc. For example, wired transceiver 350 may include transmitter 352 and receiver 354, configured for, for example, wired communication with network 140 to send and receive communication to and from LMF 120. Transmitter 352 may include multiple transmitters, which may be discrete components or combined / integrated components, and / or receiver 354 may include multiple receivers, which may be discrete components or combined / integrated components. Wired transceiver 350 may be configured for, for example, optical communication and / or electrical communication.

[0074] Figure 3 The configuration of TRP 300 shown is exemplary and not a limitation of this disclosure, including the claims, and other configurations may be used. For example, the description herein discusses TRP 300 being configured to perform or perform several functions, but one or more of these functions may be performed by LMF 120 and / or UE 200 (i.e., LMF 120 and / or UE 200 may be configured to perform one or more of these functions).

[0075] Same reference Figure 4An example of LMF 120 includes a computing platform comprising a processor 410, a memory 411 including software (SW) 412, and a transceiver 415. The processor 410, memory 411, and transceiver 415 can be communicatively coupled to each other via a bus 420 (which can be configured, for example, for optical and / or electrical communication). One or more of the illustrated devices (e.g., wireless interfaces) may be omitted from server 400. Processor 410 may include one or more intelligent hardware devices, such as a central processing unit (CPU), microcontroller, application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc. Processor 410 may include multiple processors (e.g., including... Figure 2 (The general-purpose / application processor, DSP, modem processor, video processor, and / or sensor processor shown). Memory 411 is a non-transitory storage medium, which may include random access memory (RAM), flash memory, disk storage, and / or read-only memory (ROM), etc. Memory 411 stores software 412, which may be processor-readable, processor-executable software code containing instructions configured to cause processor 410 to perform the various functions described herein when executed. Alternatively, software 412 may not be directly executable by processor 410, but may be configured, for example, to cause processor 410 to perform functions when compiled and executed. The description may refer to processor 410 performing functions, but this includes other implementations, such as those in which processor 410 performs software and / or firmware. The description may refer to processor 410 performing functions as a shorthand for performing one or more functions in a processor contained in processor 410. The description may refer to server 400 (or LMF 120) performing functions as a shorthand for performing functions in one or more suitable components of server 400 (e.g., LMF 120). As an addition to and / or alternative to memory 411, processor 410 may include memory containing stored instructions. The functionality of processor 410 is discussed in more detail below.

[0076] Transceiver 415 may include a wireless transceiver 440 and a wired transceiver 450, which are configured to communicate with other devices via wireless and wired connections, respectively. For example, wireless transceiver 440 may include a transmitter 442 and a receiver 444 coupled to one or more antennas 446 for transmitting (e.g., on one or more downlink channels) and / or receiving (e.g., on one or more uplink channels) wireless signals 448 and converting signals from wireless signals 448 to wired (e.g., electrical and / or optical) signals and from wired (e.g., electrical and / or optical) signals to wireless signals 448. Therefore, transmitter 442 may include multiple transmitters, which may be discrete components or combined / integrated components, and / or receiver 444 may include multiple receivers, which may be discrete components or combined / integrated components. The wireless transceiver 440 can be configured to transmit signals according to various radio access technologies (RATs) such as UE 200, one or more other UEs, and / or one or more other devices: 5G New Radio (NR), GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications), UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System), AMPS (Advanced Mobile Telephone Systems), CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access), WCDMA (Wideband CDMA), LTE (Long Term Evolution), LTE Direct (LTE-D), 3GPP LTE-V2X (PC5), IEEE 802.11 (including IEEE 802.11p), WiFi, and WiFi Direct (WiFi-D). Zigbee, etc. For example, wired transceiver 450 may include transmitter 452 and receiver 454, configured for, for example, wired communication with network 135 to send and receive communication to and from TRP 300. Transmitter 452 may include multiple transmitters, which may be discrete components or combined / integrated components, and / or receiver 454 may include multiple receivers, which may be discrete components or combined / integrated components. Wired transceiver 450 may be configured for, for example, optical communication and / or electrical communication.

[0077] Figure 4 The configuration of server 400 shown is exemplary and not a limitation of this disclosure, including the claims, and other configurations may be used. For example, wireless transceiver 440 may be omitted. Similarly or alternatively, the description herein discusses server 400 being configured to perform or perform several functions, but one or more of these functions may be performed by TRP 300 and / or UE 200 (i.e., TRP 300 and / or UE 200 may be configured to perform one or more of these functions).

[0078] refer to Figure 5A and Figure 5BExample downlink PRS resource sets are shown. Typically, a PRS resource set is a collection of PRS resources spanning a single base station (e.g., TRP 300) that share the same period, common quiescent pattern configuration, and the same repetition factor across time slots. A first PRS resource set 502 comprises 4 resources and a repetition factor of 4, with a time slot equal to 1 time slot. A second PRS resource set 504 comprises 4 resources and a repetition factor of 4, with a time slot equal to 4 time slots. The repetition factor indicates the number of times each PRS resource is repeated in each individual instance of the PRS resource set (e.g., values ​​1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 16, 32). The time slot represents the time slot offset between two repeating instances of PRS resources corresponding to the same PRS resource ID within a single instance of the PRS resource set (e.g., values ​​1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32). The duration spanned by a PRS resource set containing repeating PRS resources does not exceed a PRS period. Repetition of PRS resources enables receiver beam scanning across repetitions and combined RF gains to increase coverage. Repetition can also enable in-instance silence.

[0079] refer to Figure 6 Example subframes and time slot formats for positioning reference signal transmission are shown. The example subframes and time slot formats are included in... Figure 5A and 5B The PRS resource set described in the text. Figure 6 The subframe and time slot formats described are examples and not limitations, and include a comb-2 format 602 with 2 symbols, a comb-4 format 604 with 4 symbols, a comb-2 format 606 with 12 symbols, a comb-4 format 608 with 12 symbols, a comb-6 format 610 with 6 symbols, a comb-12 format 612 with 12 symbols, a comb-2 format 614 with 6 symbols, and a comb-6 format 616 with 12 symbols. Typically, a subframe may include 14 symbol periods with indices 0 to 13. The subframe and time slot formats can be used for the Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH). Typically, a base station may transmit PRS from antenna port 6 on one or more time slots in each subframe configured for PRS transmission. The base station may avoid transmitting PRS on resource elements allocated to the PBCH, Primary Synchronization Signal (PSS), or Secondary Synchronization Signal (SSS), regardless of their antenna ports. Cells can generate reference symbols for PRS based on cell ID, symbol time period index, and time slot index. Typically, UEs can distinguish PRS from different cells.

[0080] A base station can transmit PRS on a specific PRS bandwidth, which can be configured by a higher layer. The base station can transmit PRS on subcarriers spaced apart across the PRS bandwidth. The base station can also transmit PRS based on parameters such as PRS period (TPRS), subframe offset (PRS), and PRS duration (NPRS). The PRS period is the period during which the PRS is transmitted. The PRS period can be, for example, 160, 320, 640, or 1280 ms. The subframe offset indicates the specific subframe in which the PRS is transmitted. The PRS duration indicates the number of consecutive subframes in each PRS transmission period (PRS timing) in which the PRS is transmitted. The PRS duration can be, for example, 1, 2, 4, or 6 ms.

[0081] The PRS period (TPRS) and subframe offset (PRS) can be communicated via the PRS configuration index (IPRS). The PRS configuration index and PRS duration can be configured independently by higher layers. The set of consecutive subframes for which the PRS is transmitted can be called the PRS timing. Each PRS timing can be enabled or silenced; for example, the UE can apply a silence bit to each cell. The PRS resource set is a collection of PRS resources across base stations that span time slots (e.g., 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 16, 32 time slots) and have the same period, common silence pattern configuration, and the same repetition factor.

[0082] generally, Figure 5A and 5B The PRS resource depicted can be a collection of resource elements used for PRS transmission. This collection of resource elements can span multiple Physical Resource Blocks (PRBs) in the frequency domain and N (e.g., one or more) consecutive symbols within a time slot in the time domain. In a given OFDM symbol, the PRS resource occupies consecutive PRBs. The PRS resource is described by at least the following parameters: PRS resource identifier (ID), sequence ID, comb size N, resource element offset in the frequency domain, start time slot and start symbol, number of symbols per PRS resource (i.e., duration of the PRS resource), and QCL information (e.g., QCL with other DL reference signals). Currently, one antenna port is supported. The comb size indicates the number of subcarriers in each symbol carrying the PRS. For example, a comb size of Comb-4 means that every fourth subcarrier in a given symbol carries the PRS.

[0083] A PRS resource set is a collection of PRS resources used for the transmission of PRS signals, where each PRS resource has a PRS resource ID. Additionally, PRS resources in a PRS resource set are associated with the same transmit-receive point (e.g., TRP 300). A PRS resource set is identified by a PRS resource set ID and can be associated with a specific TRP (identified by a cell ID) transmitted by the antenna panel of a base station. A PRS resource ID in a PRS resource set can be associated with a single beam (and / or beam ID) transmitted from a single base station (where the base station can transmit one or more beams). Each PRS resource in a PRS resource set can be transmitted on a different beam, and therefore, a PRS resource, or simply a resource, can also be referred to as a beam. Note that this does not imply whether the base station and the beam on which the PRS is transmitted are known to the UE.

[0084] In the example, the positioning frequency layer can be a collection of PRS resource sets spanning one or more base stations. Positioning frequency layers can have the same subcarrier spacing (SCS) and cyclic prefix (CP) type, the same point A, the same DL PRS bandwidth value, the same start PRB, and the same comb size value. The parameter set supported for PDSCH can be supported for PRS.

[0085] A PRS timing is an instance of a periodically repeating time window (e.g., a group of one or more consecutive time slots) in which a PRS is expected to be sent. A PRS timing may also be referred to as a PRS positioning timing, positioning timing, or simply timing.

[0086] Note that the terms Positioning Reference Signal and PRS are reference signals that can be used for positioning, such as, but not limited to: PRS signals in LTE, Navigation Reference Signal (NRS) in 5G, Downlink Positioning Reference Signal (DL-PRS), Uplink Positioning Reference Signal (UL-PRS), Tracking Reference Signal (TRS), Cell-Specific Reference Signal (CRS), Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS), Primary Synchronization Signal (PSS), Secondary Synchronization Signal (SSS), and Sounding Reference Signal (SRS).

[0087] refer to Figure 7An example round-trip message flow 700 between user equipment 705 and base station 710 is shown. UE 705 is an example of UE 105, 200, and base station 710 can be gNB 110a-b or ng-eNB 114. Typically, RTT positioning methods utilize the time it takes for a signal to travel from one entity to another and back to determine the distance between two entities. This distance, plus the known location of the first entity and the angle between the two entities (e.g., azimuth), can be used to determine the location of the second entity. In multi-RTT (also known as multi-cell RTT), multiple distances from one entity (e.g., UE) to other entities (e.g., TRP) and the known locations of other entities can be used to determine the location of that one entity. Example message flow 700 can be initiated by base station 710 with an RTT session configuration message 702. The base station can utilize LPP / NRPPa messages to configure the RTT session. At time T1, base station 710 can send DL PRS 704, which is received by UE 705 at time T2. In response, UE 705 may send a Sounding Reference Signal (SRS) message 706 for positioning at time T3, which is received by base station 710 at time T4. The distance between UE 705 and base station 710 can be calculated as follows:

[0088]

[0089] Where c = speed of light.

[0090] In intensive operating environments where numerous UEs exchange RTT messages with base stations, the bandwidth required for UL SRS messages used for positioning can increase message transmission overhead and consume excessive network bandwidth. Passive positioning techniques can reduce the bandwidth required for positioning by eliminating transmissions from UEs.

[0091] refer to Figure 8An example message stream 800 for passive positioning of user equipment 805 is shown. The message stream includes UE 805, a first base station 810, and a second base station 812. UE 805 is an example of UE 105, 200, and base stations 810, 812 are examples of gNB110a-b or ng-eNB 114. Typically, TDOA positioning technology uses the difference in travel time between an entity and other entities to determine the relative distance to other entities, and those relative distances, combined with the known locations of other entities, can be used to determine the location of that entity. Angle of arrival and / or angle of departure can be used to help determine the location of an entity. For example, the angle of arrival or departure of a signal, combined with the distance between the device (determined using the signal (e.g., signal travel time, signal received power, etc.)) and the known location of one device, can be used to determine the location of other devices. The angle of arrival or departure can be an azimuth angle relative to a reference direction (such as true north). The angle of arrival or departure can be a zenith angle relative to directly upward from the entity (i.e., radially outward from the Earth's center). In operation, the first base station 810 can provide a passive positioning start message 802 to the UE 805. The passive positioning start message 802 can be a broadcast message or other signaling (such as RRC) to notify the UE of the PRS transmission schedule and can include transmission information (e.g., channel information, silence pattern, PRS bandwidth, PRS identification information, etc.). At time T1, the first station can send a first DL PRS 804, which can be received by the second base station 812 at time T2 (for example) and by the UE 805 at time T3. The second base station 812 can be configured to send a second DL PRS 806 at time T4, which can be received by the first base station 810 at time T5 and by the UE 805 at time T6. The time between T2 and T4 can be the turnaround time configured on the second base station 812 and is therefore a known time period. The time between T1 and T2 (i.e., flight time) can also be known because the first and second base stations 810 and 812 are in fixed positions. Turnaround time (i.e., T4-T2) and flight time (i.e., T2-T1) can be broadcast or otherwise provided to UE 805 for use in positioning calculations. UE 805 can observe the difference between T6 and T3, and the distance can be calculated as follows:

[0092]

[0093]

[0094]

[0095] Message flow 800 is generally sufficient when the first base station 810 and the second base station 812 have LOS transmission paths to each other and their internal timelines are aligned. If the timelines between the two stations are not aligned, and / or if the LOS paths between the stations are unreliable, the accuracy of distance calculations may be reduced. Timeline calibration values ​​can be included in the calculations to modify the time of one of the stations, thereby improving accuracy and reducing reliance on LOS communication paths between stations.

[0096] refer to Figure 9 An example message flow 900 between stations with a timeline difference is shown. Message flow 900 includes a first base station 910 and a second base station 912. Base stations 910 and 912 are TRP 300s, such as gNB 110a-b or ng-eNB 114. Base stations 910 and 912 are configured to send messages such as... Figures 5A-5B The PRS resources depicted herein may be on the same frequency layer or on different frequency layers. In the example, the PRS may be on-demand PRS (e.g., user- or group-specific) and / or may support different technologies such as LTE and NR (e.g., dynamic spectrum sharing). For example, a first base station 910 may be configured for LTE, and a second base station 912 may be configured for 5G NR (e.g., mmW). In the example, one or both of base stations 910 and 912 may be configured for either or both of LTE and 5G NR operations. Message flow 900 includes transmitting a first DL PRS 902 based on a first timeline 922 (i.e., gNB0 timeline). The first DL PRS 902 is received by the second station 912 based on a second timeline 924 (i.e., gNB1 timeline). The first timeline 922 may have an unknown error Δ0 compared to a standard timeline 920 (e.g., GPS timeline), and the second timeline 924 may have an unknown error Δ1 compared to a standard timeline 920. Errors Δ0 and Δ1 may vary over time. Station 910 measures DL PRS 902 and determines the arrival path based on first timeline 922. Due to differences in timeline errors associated with stations 910 and 912, the first flight time value based on arrival time X1 is underestimated compared to the actual over-the-air (OTA) value 926. Arrival time X1 is related to the timeline error such that:

[0097] X1+Δ1=Δ0+OTA (5)

[0098] Station 912, based on the second timeline 924, sends a second DL PRS 904 to station 910 and measures the arrival path. The arrival time X0 is overestimated compared to the OTA value 926. The arrival time X0 is related to the timeline error, such that:

[0099] X0+Δ0=Δ1+OTA (6)

[0100] The timeline difference between the first station 910 and the second station 912 can be calculated as follows:

[0101]

[0102] The resulting timeline difference (Δ1–Δ0) can be provided to the UE to calibrate the results of OTDOA measurements of the DL PRS transmissions received from the first station 910 and the second station 912, respectively.

[0103] The timeline difference can be determined based on using the same transmission path between the first station 910 and the second station 912. That is, equations (5)-(7) do not depend on a specific OTA value based on the LOS path. Any path (such as the path with the highest signal) can be used, as long as it is used in both directions. Measurements of the first and second DL PRS 902, 904 should be as close as possible to reduce errors associated with path changes. The timeline difference can be calculated for various iterations of the performance capabilities of stations 910, 912. For example, the timeline difference can be determined at one frequency layer and subsequently used for other frequency layers. Variations in antenna panels can affect the timeline difference (e.g., based on different RF chain controllers), and different panels can be associated with individual timeline differences.

[0104] In operation, as in the example, network resources (such as LMF 120) can designate a set of primary base stations to perform the timing synchronization process described above. Each primary base station can perform this process with several secondary base stations to determine the corresponding timeline difference for each primary-secondary station relationship. The set of primary base stations can change over time, and the network (e.g., LMF 120) can provide configuration information to the base stations to coordinate the timing synchronization process. In the example, each of the primary base stations can be assigned multiple PRS resource sets, where each set includes multiple PRS resources. Each PRS resource set can indicate a resource configuration pair, which includes the timeline difference for transmit and receive operations with the associated station. In the example, multiple transmit and receive resource sets can be assigned to base stations to pair up so that multiple stations can respond to the same PRS from a single station.

[0105] Other methods can be used to calculate the timeline difference. For example, since the timeline difference represents timing drift, frequency-based methods such as the strongest path and channel frequency response (CFR) can be used. Determining the LOS path is not required. In the example, waveform samples obtained at the base station can be provided to a network server (e.g., LMF 120 or other computer 400) for analysis. Convolution and other signal analysis algorithms can be used to determine the timeline difference in the waveform samples. In an embodiment, as the UE's bandwidth and processing power increase, the UE 200 can be configured to perform waveform analysis. Waveform analysis can be used to determine the timeline difference associated with base station installation factors such as antenna configuration, component spacing, installation conditions, or other physical factors that can affect the transmission or reception of PRS.

[0106] refer to Figure 10 For further reference Figure 8 and Figure 9 An example message stream 1000 for passive positioning using timeline differences is shown. Message stream 1000 includes a first base station 1010, a second base station 1012, and a UE 1005. Base stations 1010 and 1012 may be gNB 110a-b or ng-eNB 114, and UE 1005 is an example of UE 105, 200. One or both of base stations 1010, 1012, or serving stations may broadcast or otherwise provide timeline differences 1006 and other auxiliary data (e.g., turnaround time, station location) to UE 1005, and UE 1005 may be configured to apply timeline differences 1006 to the observed time difference. For example, using theoretical time points T1-T6, the first base station 1010 may send a first DL PRS 1002 at time T1, which may be received by the second base station 1012 at time T2 and by UE 1005 at time T3. The second base station 1012 is configured to transmit a second DL PRS 1004 at time T4, which is received by the first base station 1010 at time T5 and by the UE 1005 at time T6. The UE 1005 is configured to apply a timeline difference 1006 to the observation time difference (T6-T3). For example, the UE 1005 can increase or decrease the value of T6 based on the timeline difference 1006. The UE 1005 is configured to derive the RSTD value using timing and timing difference information as described in equations (2)-(4) above.

[0107] In embodiments, one or more UEs may be located at a fixed position and configured to perform some or all of the functions of the base station described herein. For example, a UE may be configured to determine its location (e.g., using inertial, satellite, and / or terrestrial technologies) and transmit positioning reference signals to neighboring base stations and / or UEs. UEs in the network may be configured to transmit omnidirectional sounding reference signals (SRS) and / or beamforming SRS for positioning based on the capabilities of the network and / or the UE. For example, a UE configured for sub-6 GHz 5G operation may utilize omnidirectional signaling, and a UE configured for higher frequencies may utilize analog beamforming. For example, a UE may utilize existing uplink and sidelink communication interfaces (such as Uu and PC5) to transmit positioning SRS. A base station may be configured to perform [operations] with stationary UEs. Figure 9 The calibration process described in the document is used to calculate the timeline difference associated with the base station and the UE.

[0108] refer to Figure 11An example message stream 1100 for passive positioning using multiple base stations and corresponding timeline differences is shown. Message stream 1100 includes UE 1105, a first base station 1110, a second base station 1112, and a third base station 1114. UE 1105 is an example of UE 105, 200, and base stations 1110, 1112, and 1114 are examples of gNB 110a-b or ng-eNB 114. UE 1105 is positioned to receive PRS from each of base stations 1110, 1112, and 1114. The first base station 1110 may exchange PRS with the second base station 1112, and the second base station may exchange PRS with the third base station 1114. The first base station 1110 and the third base station 1114 are positioned such that they cannot exchange PRS with each other. The calibration process described herein can be obtained without explicitly exchanging reference signals. For example, a first timeline difference can be calculated for the first base station 1110 and the second base station 1112, and a second timeline difference can be calculated for the second base station 1112 and the third base station 1114. A third timeline difference associated with the first base station 1110 and the third base station 1114 can be derived based on the first and second timeline differences. For example, in operation, the first base station 1110 can provide a passive location start message 1102 to the UE 1105. The passive location start message 1102 can be a broadcast message or other signaling (such as RRC) to notify the UE of the PRS transmission schedule, and can include transmission information (e.g., timeline difference, station location, turnaround time, channel information, silence pattern, PRS bandwidth, PRS identification information, etc.). At time T1, the first base station 1110 can send a first DL PRS 1104, which can be received by the second base station 1112 at time T2 (for example) and by the UE 1105 at time T3. The third base station 1114 does not receive the first DL PRS 1104. The second base station 1112 can be configured to send a second DL PRS 1106 at time T4, which is received by the third base station 1114 at time T5, by the first base station 1110 at time T6, and by the UE 1005 at time T7. The third base station 1114 can send a third DL PRS 1108 at time T8, which is received by the second base station 1112 at time T9 and by the UE 1005 at time T10. The time between T2 and T4 can be the turnaround time configured on the second base station 1112, and the time between T5 and T8 can be configured as the turnaround time on the third base station 1114, and is therefore a known time period. The flight times between the stations (e.g., T2-T1 and T5-T4) can also be known, since the locations of stations 1110, 1112, and 1114 are also known.UE 1105 may apply a first timeline difference to times T7 and T3 associated with the first and second base stations 1110 and 1112, and a second timeline difference to times T10 and T7 associated with the second and third base stations 1112 and 1114. UE 1105 may also apply a third timeline difference to times T10 and T3 associated with the first and third base stations 1110 and 1114. The third timeline difference may be derived based on previous probes between the first and second base stations 1110 and 1112, and between the second and third base stations 1112 and 1114. The third timeline difference may be received from the network in auxiliary data, or may be derived locally by UE 1105 based on the first and second timeline differences. UE 1105 may calculate the distance using the corresponding time differences and the corresponding timeline differences as described in equations (2)-(4).

[0109] The base station network can be configured to compute timeline differences for all base station pairs (e.g., via a distributed consensus algorithm). The derivation process can be used to reduce signaling overhead, but may increase the variance of the timeline differences. Network resources (e.g., LMF 120) can compute timeline differences for desired base station pairs and provide these values ​​in auxiliary data (e.g., broadcast / unicast). In the example, the network can provide timeline differences based on measured pairs, and the UE can use a local consensus algorithm to determine additional timeline differences. Measurement levels can be used based on the number of derived values ​​used. For example, level 1 values ​​can be based on the exchange of probe signals, level 2 values ​​can be derived from two level 1 values, level 3 values ​​can be derived from level 2 values, and so on. Variance and measurement quality values ​​can be based on level levels. In the example, LMF 120 can utilize timeline differences to compensate for turnaround time or other transmit or receive time delays, so that the observation time difference does not need to be modified.

[0110] refer to Figure 12 An example station antenna element 1200 with multiple antenna panels is shown. Antenna element 1200 includes a first panel 1202a and a second panel 1202b. The first panel 1202a is coupled to a first RF chain 1204a, and the second panel 1202b is coupled to a second RF chain 1204b. Typically, when the first and second antenna panels 1202a-b are used to transmit DL PRS to other base stations and to the UE, the timeline difference calculated based on PRS switching can be signaled to the UE. In other use cases, such as mmW and system / multi-panel base stations, the antenna panels used for PRS switching may not be the same antenna panels used to transmit to the UE. In this use case, in the example, the base station can be configured to perform a self-calibration process to calculate the RF delay difference between paths at different antenna ports. This is done when the panels are coupled to different receive chains (such as...). Figure 12 As depicted in [the document], this may be necessary. The correction obtained from the self-calibration process can be reported to the LMF 120 or the UE via auxiliary data. The correction value can be consistent and can be reassessed periodically. In another example, the timeline difference can be obtained by performing PRS switching on 1202a-b using all antenna panels. Therefore, the timeline difference can be associated with a specific panel in the base station, and the network can be configured to provide the UE with panel-based timeline differences.

[0111] refer to Figure 13 For further reference Figure 1-12 Method 1300 for providing timeline differences to user devices includes the phases shown. However, method 1300 is an example and not a limitation. Method 1300 can be modified, for example, by adding, removing, rearranging, combining, performing phases simultaneously, and / or splitting a single phase into multiple phases.

[0112] At stage 1302, the method includes sending a first positioning reference signal to the device. The TRP 300, including transceiver 315 and processor 310, is the component for sending the first PRS. (Reference) Figure 9 The first station 910 is an example of a device (such as TRP 300) and is configured to send a first DL PRS 902 based on a first timeline 922. The first DL PRS 902 is received by the second station 912. In this example, network resources (such as LMF 120) can instruct the first station 910 to send the first DL PRS 902 to initiate the calibration process. The first station 910 can also be configured to perform the calibration process periodically or based on configuration changes or changes in channel states. The device receiving the first PRS can be a base station or a user equipment.

[0113] At stage 1304, the method includes determining the arrival time of a first positioning reference signal based on a first timeline. The TRP 300, including processor 310, is a component for determining the arrival time. The first station 910 measures DLPRS 902 and locates an arrival path based on the first timeline 922. The first timeline 922 may have an unknown error Δ0 compared to a standard timeline 920 (e.g., the Genie / GPS timeline). The error Δ0 may vary over time. Figure 9 As shown, the arrival time is measured from X1.

[0114] At stage 1306, the method includes receiving a second positioning reference signal from the device. The TRP 300, including transceiver 315 and processor 310, is a component for receiving the second PRS. The second station 912 is configured to transmit a second DL PRS 904 based on a second timeline 924. The second timeline 924 may have an unknown error Δ1 compared to the standard timeline 920. The error Δ1 may vary over time. The second station 912 is configured to measure the second DL PRS 904 based on the second timeline 924 and find a path to arrival. Figure 9 As shown, the arrival time is from the measurement X0.

[0115] At stage 1308, the method includes determining the arrival time of the second positioning reference signal (PRS) based on a second timeline. The TRP 300, including processor 310, is a component for determining the arrival time of the second PRS. In the example, the second station 912 determines its arrival path using its own timeline (e.g., second timeline 924). The arrival time X1 can be provided to network resources (such as LMF 120) or provided to the first station 910 via a return route or via over-the-air message transmission.

[0116] At stage 1310, the method includes determining a timeline difference based at least in part on the arrival times of the first and second positioning reference signals. The TRP 300, including processor 310, is the component used to calculate the timeline difference. The first station 910 can use equation (7) to determine the timeline difference as (X0-X1) / 2. In the example, a network server (e.g., LMF 120) can perform the calculation to determine the timeline difference and provide that value to the first station 910. In the example, the timeline difference can be determined by LMF 120 based on waveforms provided by one or both of stations 910 and 912.

[0117] At stage 1312, the method includes providing a timeline difference to the user equipment. The TRP 300, including transceiver 315 and processor 310, is a component for providing the timeline difference. The first station 910 may broadcast or unicast the timeline difference to the UE 200. For example, the timing difference may be broadcast or provided in network signaling (e.g., RRC, LPP, NRPP, MAC-CE, SIB, etc.). In the example, the timeline difference may be included in a codebook locally stored on the UE 200 or in the TRP 300 based on an identification value (e.g., station ID, PRS-ID, beam ID) associated with stations 910, 912, DL PRS resources, or beam identification values. The UE 200 may utilize the timing difference with respect to OTDOA measurements based on DL PRS received from the first and second stations 910, 912.

[0118] refer to Figure 14 For further reference Figure 1-12 The passive positioning method 1400 for a user device includes the stages shown. However, method 1400 is an example and not a limitation. Method 1400 can be modified, for example, by adding, removing, rearranging, combining, performing stages simultaneously, and / or splitting a single stage into multiple stages.

[0119] At stage 1402, the method includes receiving a first positioning reference signal from a first device at a first time. The UE 200, including transceiver 215 and processor 230, is a component for receiving the first PRS. In the example, the reference... Figure 10 A TRP (such as the first station 1010) is configured to send a first DL PRS 1002 to a second TRP (such as the second station 1012). UE 1005 can also receive the first DL PRS 1002 at time T3. UE 1005 can be configured to select a DL PRS based on established PRS scheduling information. In the example, the first PRS can be a user- or group-specific on-demand PRS.

[0120] At stage 1404, the method includes receiving a second positioning reference signal from a second device at a second time. The UE 200, including transceiver 215 and processor 230, is the component for receiving the second PRS. In the example, a second TRP (such as a second station 1012) is configured to transmit a second DL PRS 1004, which is received by the UE 1006 at time T6. The UE can be configured to select the second DL PRS 1004 based on established PRS scheduling information. In embodiments, the first and second PRSs can be on the same frequency layer or on different frequency layers, and can utilize different technologies (e.g., LTE and 5G NR for dynamic spectrum sharing).

[0121] At stage 1406, the method includes receiving a timeline difference associated with the first and second devices. The UE 200, including transceiver 215 and processor 230, is the component for receiving the timeline difference. The timeline difference can be determined based on the use of the same transmission path between the first station 1010 and the second station 1012. The timeline difference can be broadcast by stations 1010, 1012, serving stations, or by other base stations in the communication network. For example, LMF 120 can be configured to provide the timeline difference to the UE 200. Network signaling (such as RRC) can be used to provide the timeline difference to the UE 200. For example, the timeline difference can be determined at one frequency layer and subsequently used at other frequency layers. Variations in antenna panels can affect the timeline difference (e.g., based on different RF chain controllers), and different panels can be associated with individual timeline differences.

[0122] At stage 1408, the method includes determining the time difference of arrival between a first positioning reference signal and a second positioning reference signal, at least in part, based on timeline differences. UE 200, including transceiver 215 and processor 230, is the component used to determine the time difference of arrival. UE 200 may receive turnaround time and time-of-flight information associated with the first and second DL PRS transmissions 1002, 1004 from stations 1010, 1012, service stations, or other network resources (e.g., LMF 120) to perform RSTD measurements based on arrival times T3 and T6. For example, equations (2)-(4) may be used to determine the distance between UE 1005 and stations 1010, 1012. The received timeline differences (i.e., Δ1–Δ0) may be used to modify the results of OTDOA measurements of DL PRS transmissions 1002, 1004. For example, UE 1005 may increase or decrease the values ​​of T5 and / or T6 based on timeline differences 1006. In one embodiment, time difference of arrival information can be provided to the network (e.g., LMF 120) to determine the location of UE 200. In another example, UE 200 can be configured to use time difference of arrival information, timeline difference, and other auxiliary data (e.g., the location of the transmitting station) to determine its location and report the location to the network.

[0123] As used herein, the terms "device" and "station" can include base stations or user equipment. In the example, the functionality of the device in method 1400 can be performed by the UE. For example, the UL PRS and device-to-device side links (e.g., PC5) can be used to provide PRS or other reference signals (such as SRS) for positioning. Other interfaces (such as the Uu interface) can be used to transmit one or more PRS.

[0124] refer to Figure 15 For further reference Figures 1 to 12 Method 1500 for determining timeline differences based on received waveforms includes the stages shown. However, method 1500 is an example and not a limitation. Method 1500 can be modified, for example, by adding, removing, rearranging, combining, performing stages simultaneously, and / or splitting a single stage into multiple stages.

[0125] At stage 1502, the method includes receiving a first waveform associated with a first positioning reference signal transmitted from a first device to a second device. Server 400 is a component for receiving the first waveform. In the example, an LMF 120 including transceiver 415 and processor 410 can be configured to receive the first waveform. The first waveform can be the CFR of a subcarrier (such as a first DL PRS 1002) detected by the first device. Other quantized values ​​of the frequency response can also be provided to the LMF 120 as waveforms associated with the first PRS.

[0126] At stage 1504, the method includes receiving a second waveform associated with a second positioning reference signal transmitted from a second device to a first device, wherein the second positioning reference signal is transmitted in response to receiving a first positioning reference signal. A server 400, including transceiver 415 and processor 410, is a component for receiving the second waveform. In the example, LMF 120 can be configured to receive the second waveform. The second waveform can be the CFR of a subcarrier (such as a second DLPRS 1004) detected by the second device. Other quantized values ​​of the frequency response can also be provided to LMF 120 as a waveform associated with the second PRS.

[0127] At stage 1506, the method includes determining a timeline difference associated with the first device and the second device, at least in part, based on the first waveform and the second waveform. Server 400, including processor 410, is a component for determining the timeline difference. LMF 120 can be configured to determine the timeline difference. In the example, the timeline difference is a timing offset value ∈, which can be estimated as a maximum likelihood estimate (MLE) in the frequency domain by solving for the delay required to compensate for the phase rotation between the reciprocal CFRs (i.e., the first waveform and the second waveform). For example, let H... 1,2 [k] and H 2,1 Let [k] be the CFR of the k-th subcarrier detected by the first device and the second device in the reciprocal direction, then:

[0128]

[0129] in It is a delayed search window (9)

[0130] Iterative solutions for ∈:

[0131]

[0132] t n+1 =αt n ,α∈(0,1) (11)

[0133] (Default value = 0.1, configurable)

[0134] n = 0, ..., N mxa

[0135] At stage 1508, the method includes providing a timeline difference to the user equipment, wherein the user equipment is configured to determine the time difference of arrival of signals transmitted from the first and second devices. Server 400, including transceiver 415 and processor 410, is a component for providing the timeline difference. In the example, LMF 120 may be configured to provide the timeline difference. The serving cell or other devices (e.g., stations 1010, 1012) may broadcast or unicast the timeline difference to UE 200. For example, the timing difference may be broadcast or provided in network signaling (e.g., RRC, LPP, NRPP, MAC-CE, SIB, etc.). UE 200 may utilize the timing difference with respect to OTDOA measurements based on DL PRS received from the first and second stations 1010, 1012.

[0136] Other examples and implementations are within the scope of this disclosure and the appended claims. For example, due to the nature of software and computers, the functions described above can be implemented using software executed by a processor, hardware, firmware, hardwired, or any combination thereof. Features implementing the functions can also be physically located in different locations, including being distributed such that portions of the functions are implemented in different physical locations. For example, one or more functions or portions thereof discussed above that occur in LMF 120 can be executed outside LMF 120, such as by TRP 300.

[0137] As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms of “a,” “an,” and “the” also include the plural forms. For example, “processor” can include one or more processors. As used herein, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” and / or “covering” specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0138] As used herein, unless otherwise stated, a statement that a function or operation is “based on” an item or condition means that the function or operation is based on the stated item or condition and may be based on one or more items and / or conditions other than the stated item or condition.

[0139] Similarly, as used herein, the "or" signifies a list of items (which may begin with "at least one of..." or "one or more of...") such that, for example, a list of "at least one of A, B, or C", or a list of "one or more of A, B, or C", or a list of "A or B or C" means A, or B, or C, or AB (A and B), or AC (A and C), or BC (B and C), or ABC (i.e., A and B and C), or a combination having more than one feature (e.g., AA, AAB, ABBC, etc.). Therefore, a statement that an item (e.g., a processor) is configured to perform a function with respect to at least one of A or B, or a statement that an item is configured to perform function A or function B, means that the item can be configured to perform a function with respect to A, or can be configured to perform a function with respect to B, or can be configured to perform a function with respect to both A and B. For example, the phrase "a processor configured to measure at least one of A or B" or "a processor configured to measure A or measure B" means that the processor can be configured to measure A (and may be configured to measure B or may not be configured to measure B), or can be configured to measure B (and may be configured to measure A or may not be configured to measure A), or can be configured to measure both A and B (and may be configured to select which one or both of A and B). Similarly, the description of a component for measuring at least one of A or B includes a component for measuring A (which may be able to measure B or may not be able to measure B), or a component for measuring B (which may be configured to measure A or may not be configured to measure A), or a component for measuring A and B (which may be able to select which one or both of A and B). As another example, the description of an item (e.g., a processor) being configured to perform at least one of function X or function Y means that the item can be configured to perform function X, or can be configured to perform function Y, or can be configured to perform both functions X and Y. For example, the phrase "a processor configured to measure at least one of X or Y" means that the processor can be configured to measure X (and may be configured to measure Y or may not be configured to measure Y), or can be configured to measure Y (and may be configured to measure X or may not be configured to measure X), or can be configured to measure both X and Y (and may be configured to select which one or both of X and Y). Numerous variations are possible depending on specific requirements. For example, custom hardware may be used, and / or specific components may be implemented in hardware, software executed by the processor (including portable software such as applets), or both. Furthermore, connectivity to other computing devices (such as network input / output devices) may be employed.

[0140] The systems and devices discussed above are examples. Various configurations may be omitted, substituted, or added as appropriate. For example, features described with respect to certain configurations may be combined in various other configurations. Different aspects and elements of a configuration may be combined in a similar manner. Likewise, technology is constantly evolving, and therefore many of the elements are examples and do not limit the scope of this disclosure or the claims.

[0141] A wireless communication system is a system in which communication is transmitted wirelessly (i.e., by electromagnetic waves and / or sound waves propagating through atmospheric space, rather than by wires or other physical connections). A wireless communication network may not transmit all communication wirelessly, but is configured to transmit at least some communication wirelessly. Furthermore, the term "wireless communication device" or similar terms do not require that the device's function is exclusively or primarily for communication, or that the device is a mobile device, but indicate that the device includes wireless communication capabilities (one-way or two-way), for example, including at least one radio for wireless communication (each radio being part of a transmitter, receiver, or transceiver).

[0142] Specific details are given in the description to provide a thorough understanding of the example configurations (including implementations). However, configurations can be practiced without these specific details. For example, well-known circuits, processes, algorithms, structures, and techniques have been shown without unnecessary detail to avoid obscuring the configurations. This description provides example configurations and does not limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the claims. Specifically, the foregoing description of the configurations provides a description for implementing the techniques described. Various changes can be made to the function and arrangement of the elements without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0143] As used herein, the terms “processor-readable medium,” “machine-readable medium,” and “computer-readable medium” refer to any medium that participates in providing data that causes a machine to operate in a particular manner. Using a computing platform, various processor-readable media can involve providing instructions / code to a processor for execution and / or can be used to store and / or carry such instructions / code (e.g., as signals). In many implementations, processor-readable media are physical and / or tangible storage media. Such media can take many forms, including but not limited to non-volatile and volatile media. Non-volatile media include, for example, optical discs and / or magnetic disks. Volatile media include, but are not limited to, dynamic memory.

[0144] A statement that a value exceeds (or is greater than or above) a first threshold is equivalent to a statement that a value meets or exceeds a second threshold slightly greater than the first threshold. For example, in the resolution of a computing system, the second threshold is a value higher than the first threshold. A statement that a value is less than (or is within or below) the first threshold is equivalent to a statement that a value is less than or equal to a second threshold slightly lower than the first threshold. For example, in the resolution of a computing system, the second threshold is a value lower than the first threshold.

[0145] Implementation examples are described in the following numbered clauses:

[0146] 1. A method for providing timeline differences to a user equipment, comprising:

[0147] Send the first positioning reference signal to the device;

[0148] The arrival time of the first positioning reference signal is determined based on the first timeline;

[0149] Receive a second positioning reference signal from the device;

[0150] The arrival time of the second positioning reference signal is determined based on the second timeline;

[0151] The timeline difference is determined at least in part based on the arrival times of the first positioning reference signal and the second positioning reference signal; and

[0152] Provide timeline differences to user devices.

[0153] 2. The method of Clause 1, wherein the first positioning reference signal is transmitted using the first panel, the second positioning reference signal is received using the first panel, and the timeline difference is associated with the first panel.

[0154] 3. The method of Clause 1, wherein the first positioning reference signal and the second positioning reference signal are not received via a line-of-sight transmission path.

[0155] 4. The method of Clause 1, wherein providing timeline differences to user equipment includes providing timeline differences to a network server.

[0156] 5. The method of Clause 1, wherein providing timeline difference to user equipment includes providing timeline difference via network signaling.

[0157] 6. The method of Clause 1, wherein determining the timeline difference includes receiving the timeline difference from the web server.

[0158] 7. The method of Clause 1, wherein providing the timeline difference to the user equipment includes providing identification information associated with the two devices.

[0159] 8. The method of Clause 1, wherein providing the timeline difference to the user equipment includes providing identification information associated with the first positioning reference signal and the second positioning reference signal.

[0160] 9. The method of Clause 1, wherein the device is a second user equipment and the second positioning reference signal is received via a side link transmitted from the second user equipment.

[0161] 10. The method described in Clause 1 also includes providing auxiliary data to the user equipment.

[0162] 11. The method of Clause 1, wherein the first positioning reference signal and the second positioning reference signal come from different frequency layers.

[0163] 12. A method for passive positioning of a user equipment, comprising:

[0164] Receive the first positioning reference signal from the first device at the first moment;

[0165] Receive a second positioning reference signal from a second device at a second time;

[0166] Receive the timeline difference associated with the first and second devices; and

[0167] The arrival time difference between the first positioning reference signal and the second positioning reference signal is determined at least in part based on the timeline difference.

[0168] 13. The method as described in Clause 12, wherein the timeline difference is received from the service equipment.

[0169] 14. The method of Clause 12, wherein the first positioning reference signal is an on-demand positioning reference signal.

[0170] 15. The method of Clause 12 further includes receiving a passive positioning start message before receiving a first positioning reference signal.

[0171] 16. The method as described in Clause 12 also includes providing a time difference of arrival to the network server.

[0172] 17. The method of Clause 12, wherein the first positioning reference signal is associated with a first panel in the first device, and the timeline difference is associated with the first panel.

[0173] 18. The method of Clause 12, wherein the second device is a second user equipment, and the second positioning reference signal is received via a side link transmitted from the second user equipment.

[0174] 19. The methods described in Clause 12 also include:

[0175] Receive a third positioning reference signal from a third device;

[0176] Receive the second timeline difference associated with the second and third devices; and

[0177] The second arrival time difference between the second positioning reference signal and the third positioning reference signal is determined at least in part based on the second timeline difference.

[0178] 20. The methods described in Clause 19 also include:

[0179] Receive the third timeline difference associated with the first device and the third device; and

[0180] The third arrival time difference between the first positioning reference signal and the third positioning reference signal is determined at least in part based on the third timeline difference.

[0181] 21. The methods described in Clause 19 also include:

[0182] A third timeline difference associated with the first and third devices is determined, at least in part, based on the timeline difference and the second timeline difference; and

[0183] The third arrival time difference between the first positioning reference signal and the third positioning reference signal is determined at least in part based on the third timeline difference.

[0184] 22. The method of Clause 12 also includes calculating the positioning estimate based at least in part on the time difference of arrival.

[0185] 23. A method for determining timeline differences, comprising:

[0186] Receive a first waveform associated with a first positioning reference signal transmitted from the first device to the second device;

[0187] Receive a second waveform associated with a second positioning reference signal transmitted from a second device to a first device, wherein the second positioning reference signal is transmitted in response to receiving a first positioning reference signal;

[0188] The timeline difference associated with the first device and the second device is determined at least in part based on the first waveform and the second waveform; and

[0189] Provide a timeline difference to the user equipment, wherein the user equipment is configured to determine the time difference of arrival of signals transmitted from the first device and the second device.

[0190] 24. The method of Clause 23, wherein the first waveform is a first channel frequency response of a first positioning reference signal, and the second waveform is a second channel frequency response of a second positioning reference signal.

[0191] 25. The method of Clause 24, wherein the timeline difference is estimated via maximum likelihood estimation in the frequency domain based on the delay required to compensate for the phase rotation between the first channel frequency response and the second channel frequency response.

[0192] 26. The method of Clause 23, wherein providing timeline difference to user equipment includes providing timeline difference to service equipment.

[0193] 27. The method of Clause 23, wherein providing timeline difference to user equipment includes providing timeline difference to a first device or a second device.

[0194] 28. An apparatus for providing timeline differences to a user equipment, comprising:

[0195] Memory;

[0196] At least one transceiver;

[0197] At least one processor, communicatively coupled to a memory and at least one transceiver, and configured to:

[0198] Send the first positioning reference signal to the device;

[0199] The arrival time of the first positioning reference signal is determined based on the first timeline;

[0200] Receive a second positioning reference signal from the device;

[0201] The arrival time of the second positioning reference signal is determined based on the second timeline;

[0202] The timeline difference is determined at least in part based on the arrival times of the first positioning reference signal and the second positioning reference signal; and

[0203] Provide timeline differences to user devices.

[0204] 29. The apparatus of Clause 28 further includes a first panel communicatively coupled to at least one transceiver, wherein a first positioning reference signal is transmitted using the first panel, a second positioning reference signal is received using the first panel, and a timeline difference is associated with the first panel.

[0205] 30. The apparatus of Clause 28, wherein the first positioning reference signal and the second positioning reference signal are not received via a line-of-sight transmission path.

[0206] 31. The apparatus of Clause 28, wherein at least one processor is further configured to provide timeline differences to a network server.

[0207] 32. The apparatus of Clause 28, wherein at least one processor is further configured to provide timeline difference via network signaling.

[0208] 33. The apparatus of Clause 28, wherein at least one processor is further configured to receive timeline differences from a network server.

[0209] 34. The apparatus of Clause 28, wherein at least one processor is further configured to provide identification information associated with both devices.

[0210] 35. The apparatus of Clause 28, wherein at least one processor is further configured to provide identification information associated with the first positioning reference signal and the second positioning reference signal.

[0211] 36. The apparatus of Clause 28, wherein the apparatus is a second user equipment and the second positioning reference signal is received via a side link transmitted from the second user equipment.

[0212] 37. The apparatus of Clause 28, wherein at least one processor is further configured to provide auxiliary data to the user equipment.

[0213] 38. The apparatus of Clause 28, wherein the first positioning reference signal and the second positioning reference signal originate from different frequency layers.

[0214] 39. An apparatus comprising:

[0215] Memory;

[0216] At least one transceiver;

[0217] At least one processor, communicatively coupled to a memory and at least one transceiver, and configured to:

[0218] Receive the first positioning reference signal from the first device at the first moment;

[0219] Receive a second positioning reference signal from a second device at a second time;

[0220] Receive the timeline difference associated with the first and second devices; and

[0221] The arrival time difference between the first positioning reference signal and the second positioning reference signal is determined at least in part based on the timeline difference.

[0222] 40. The apparatus of Clause 39, wherein at least one processor is further configured to receive timeline differences from the service device.

[0223] 41. The apparatus of Clause 39, wherein the first positioning reference signal is an on-demand positioning reference signal.

[0224] 42. The apparatus of Clause 39, wherein at least one processor is further configured to receive a passive positioning start message prior to receiving a first positioning reference signal.

[0225] 43. The apparatus of Clause 39, wherein at least one processor is further configured to provide a time difference of arrival to a network server.

[0226] 44. The apparatus of clause 39 further includes a first panel operatively coupled to at least one transceiver, wherein a first positioning reference signal is associated with the first panel in the first device, and a timeline difference is associated with the first panel.

[0227] 45. The apparatus of Clause 39, wherein the second device is a second user equipment, and the second positioning reference signal is received via a side link transmitted from the second user equipment.

[0228] 46. ​​The apparatus of clause 39, wherein at least one processor is further configured to:

[0229] Receive a third positioning reference signal from a third device;

[0230] Receive the second timeline difference associated with the second and third devices; and

[0231] The second arrival time difference between the second positioning reference signal and the third positioning reference signal is determined at least in part based on the second timeline difference.

[0232] 47. The apparatus of clause 46, wherein at least one processor is further configured to:

[0233] Receive the third timeline difference associated with the first device and the third device; and

[0234] The third arrival time difference between the first positioning reference signal and the third positioning reference signal is determined at least in part based on the third timeline difference.

[0235] 48. The apparatus of clause 46, wherein at least one processor is further configured to:

[0236] A third timeline difference associated with the first and third devices is determined, at least in part, based on the timeline difference and the second timeline difference; and

[0237] The third arrival time difference between the first positioning reference signal and the third positioning reference signal is determined at least in part based on the third timeline difference.

[0238] 49. The apparatus of Clause 39, wherein at least one processor is further configured to calculate the positioning estimate based at least in part on the time difference of arrival.

[0239] 50. An apparatus comprising:

[0240] Memory;

[0241] At least one transceiver;

[0242] At least one processor, communicatively coupled to a memory and at least one transceiver, and configured to:

[0243] Receive a first waveform associated with a first positioning reference signal transmitted from the first device to the second device;

[0244] Receive a second waveform associated with a second positioning reference signal transmitted from a second device to a first device, wherein the second positioning reference signal is transmitted in response to receiving a first positioning reference signal;

[0245] The timeline difference associated with the first device and the second device is determined at least in part based on the first waveform and the second waveform; and

[0246] Provide a timeline difference to the user equipment, wherein the user equipment is configured to determine the time difference of arrival of signals transmitted from the first device and the second device.

[0247] 51. The apparatus of Clause 50, wherein the first waveform is a first channel frequency response of a first positioning reference signal, and the second waveform is a second channel frequency response of a second positioning reference signal.

[0248] 52. The apparatus of clause 51, wherein the time line difference is estimated by means of maximum likelihood estimation in the frequency domain based on the delay required to compensate for the phase rotation between the first channel frequency response and the second channel frequency response.

[0249] 53. The apparatus of Clause 50, wherein at least one processor is further configured to provide timeline difference to the service equipment.

[0250] 54. The apparatus of Clause 50, wherein at least one processor is further configured to provide a timeline difference to the first or second device.

[0251] 55. An apparatus comprising:

[0252] Components used to send a first positioning reference signal to the device;

[0253] A component for determining the arrival time of a first positioning reference signal based on a first timeline;

[0254] Components for receiving a second positioning reference signal from the device;

[0255] A component for determining the arrival time of a second positioning reference signal based on a second timeline;

[0256] Components for determining the timeline difference based at least in part on the arrival times of a first positioning reference signal and a second positioning reference signal; and

[0257] A component used to provide timeline differences to user equipment.

[0258] 56. An apparatus comprising:

[0259] A component for receiving a first positioning reference signal from a first device at a first time;

[0260] Components for receiving a second positioning reference signal from a second device at a second time;

[0261] Components for receiving the timeline difference associated with the first device and the second device; and

[0262] A component for determining the time difference of arrival between a first positioning reference signal and a second positioning reference signal based at least in part on the time line difference.

[0263] 57. An apparatus comprising:

[0264] A component for receiving a first waveform associated with a first positioning reference signal transmitted from a first device to a second device;

[0265] A component for receiving a second waveform associated with a second positioning reference signal transmitted from a second device to a first device, wherein the second positioning reference signal is transmitted in response to receiving a first positioning reference signal;

[0266] Components for determining the timeline difference associated with the first device and the second device based at least in part on the first waveform and the second waveform; and

[0267] Components for providing timeline differences to user equipment, wherein the user equipment is configured to determine the time difference of arrival of signals transmitted from a first device and a second device.

[0268] 58. A non-transitory processor-readable storage medium, comprising processor-readable instructions configured to cause one or more processors to provide a timeline difference to a user equipment, including:

[0269] Code used to send the first positioning reference signal to the device;

[0270] Code used to determine the arrival time of the first positioning reference signal based on the first timeline;

[0271] Code used to receive a second positioning reference signal from the device;

[0272] Code used to determine the arrival time of the second positioning reference signal based on the second timeline;

[0273] Code for determining the timeline difference based at least in part on the arrival times of the first positioning reference signal and the second positioning reference signal; and

[0274] Code used to provide timeline differences to user devices.

[0275] 59. A non-transitory processor-readable storage medium, comprising processor-readable instructions configured to cause one or more processors to locate a user equipment, including:

[0276] Code for receiving a first positioning reference signal from a first device at the first moment;

[0277] Code used to receive a second positioning reference signal from a second device at a second time;

[0278] Code for receiving the timeline difference associated with the first device and the second device; and

[0279] Code for determining the time difference of arrival between a first positioning reference signal and a second positioning reference signal, at least in part, based on the time line difference.

[0280] 60. A non-transitory processor-readable storage medium, comprising processor-readable instructions configured to cause one or more processors to determine a timeline difference, including:

[0281] Code for receiving a first waveform associated with a first positioning reference signal transmitted from the first device to the second device;

[0282] Code for receiving a second waveform associated with a second positioning reference signal transmitted from a second device to a first device, wherein the second positioning reference signal is transmitted in response to receiving a first positioning reference signal;

[0283] Code for determining the timeline difference associated with the first device and the second device based at least in part on the first waveform and the second waveform; and

[0284] Code used to provide timeline differences to user equipment, wherein the user equipment is configured to determine the time difference of arrival of signals transmitted from a first device and a second device.

Claims

1. A method for passive positioning of a user equipment, comprising: Receive the first positioning reference signal from the first device at the first moment; Receive a second positioning reference signal from a second device at a second time; Receive timeline differences associated with the first device and the second device from the service device, wherein the timeline difference represents the difference between the error of the internal timeline of the first device compared with a standard timeline and the error of the internal timeline of the second device compared with a standard timeline; as well as The arrival time difference between the first positioning reference signal and the second positioning reference signal is determined at least in part based on the timeline difference.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first positioning reference signal is an on-demand positioning reference signal.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving a passive positioning start message before receiving the first positioning reference signal.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing the arrival time difference to the network server.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the first positioning reference signal is associated with a first panel in the first device, and the timeline difference is associated with the first panel.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the second device is a second user equipment, and The second positioning reference signal is received via a side link sent from the second user equipment.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising: Receive a third positioning reference signal from a third device; Receive the second timeline difference associated with the second device and the third device; as well as The second arrival time difference between the second positioning reference signal and the third positioning reference signal is determined at least in part based on the second timeline difference.

8. The method of claim 7, further comprising: Receive the third timeline difference associated with the first device and the third device; as well as The third arrival time difference between the first positioning reference signal and the third positioning reference signal is determined at least in part based on the third timeline difference.

9. The method of claim 7, further comprising: A third timeline difference associated with the first device and the third device is determined at least in part based on the timeline difference and the second timeline difference; as well as The third arrival time difference between the first positioning reference signal and the third positioning reference signal is determined at least in part based on the third timeline difference.

10. The method of claim 1, further comprising calculating a positioning estimate based at least in part on the time difference of arrival.

11. A method for determining timeline differences, comprising: Receive a first waveform associated with a first positioning reference signal transmitted from the first device to the second device; Receive a second waveform associated with a second positioning reference signal transmitted from the second device to the first device, wherein the second positioning reference signal is transmitted in response to receiving the first positioning reference signal; The timeline difference associated with the first device and the second device is determined at least in part based on the first waveform and the second waveform, wherein the timeline difference represents the difference between the error of the internal timeline of the first device compared to a standard timeline and the error of the internal timeline of the second device compared to a standard timeline; as well as The timeline difference is provided to the user equipment, wherein the user equipment is configured to determine the time difference of arrival of signals transmitted from the first device and the second device.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the first waveform is a first channel frequency response of the first positioning reference signal, and the second waveform is a second channel frequency response of the second positioning reference signal.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the timeline difference is estimated via maximum likelihood estimation in the frequency domain based on the delay required to compensate for the phase rotation between the first channel frequency response and the second channel frequency response.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein providing the timeline difference to the user equipment includes providing the timeline difference to the service equipment.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein providing the timeline difference to the user equipment includes providing the timeline difference to the first device or the second device.

16. An apparatus for wireless communication, comprising: Memory; At least one transceiver; At least one processor, communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, and configured to: Receive the first positioning reference signal from the first device at the first moment; Receive a second positioning reference signal from a second device at a second time; Receive timeline differences associated with the first device and the second device from the service device, wherein the timeline difference represents the difference between the error of the internal timeline of the first device compared with a standard timeline and the error of the internal timeline of the second device compared with a standard timeline; as well as The arrival time difference between the first positioning reference signal and the second positioning reference signal is determined at least in part based on the timeline difference.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the first positioning reference signal is an on-demand positioning reference signal.

18. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to receive a passive positioning start message before receiving the first positioning reference signal.

19. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to provide the arrival time difference to the network server.

20. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising a first panel operatively coupled to the at least one transceiver, wherein the first positioning reference signal is associated with the first panel in the first device, and the timeline difference is associated with the first panel.

21. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the second device is a second user equipment, and the second positioning reference signal is received via a side link transmitted from the second user equipment.

22. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: Receive a third positioning reference signal from a third device; Receive the second timeline difference associated with the second device and the third device; and The second arrival time difference between the second positioning reference signal and the third positioning reference signal is determined at least in part based on the second timeline difference.

23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: Receive the third timeline difference associated with the first device and the third device; and The third arrival time difference between the first positioning reference signal and the third positioning reference signal is determined at least in part based on the third timeline difference.

24. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: A third timeline difference associated with the first device and the third device is determined at least in part based on the timeline difference and the second timeline difference; and The third arrival time difference between the first positioning reference signal and the third positioning reference signal is determined at least in part based on the third timeline difference.

25. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to calculate the positioning estimate at least in part based on the time difference of arrival.

26. An apparatus for wireless communication, comprising: Memory; At least one transceiver; At least one processor, communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, and configured to: Receive a first waveform associated with a first positioning reference signal transmitted from the first device to the second device; Receive a second waveform associated with a second positioning reference signal transmitted from the second device to the first device, wherein the second positioning reference signal is transmitted in response to receiving the first positioning reference signal; The timeline difference associated with the first device and the second device is determined at least in part based on the first waveform and the second waveform, wherein the timeline difference represents the difference between the error of the internal timeline of the first device compared to a standard timeline and the error of the internal timeline of the second device compared to a standard timeline; as well as The timeline difference is provided to the user equipment, wherein the user equipment is configured to determine the time difference of arrival of signals transmitted from the first device and the second device.

27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the first waveform is a first channel frequency response of the first positioning reference signal, and the second waveform is a second channel frequency response of the second positioning reference signal.

28. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the timeline difference is estimated via maximum likelihood estimation in the frequency domain based on the delay required to compensate for the phase rotation between the first channel frequency response and the second channel frequency response.

29. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to provide the timeline difference to the service device.

30. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to provide the timeline difference to the first device or the second device.

31. An apparatus for wireless communication, comprising: A component for receiving a first positioning reference signal from a first device at a first time; Components for receiving a second positioning reference signal from a second device at a second time; A component for receiving timeline differences associated with the first device and the second device from a service device, wherein the timeline difference represents the difference between the error of the internal timeline of the first device compared to a standard timeline and the error of the internal timeline of the second device compared to a standard timeline; as well as A component for determining the time difference of arrival between the first positioning reference signal and the second positioning reference signal based at least in part on the time line difference.

32. A computer-readable medium having program code recorded thereon, wherein, The program code may be executed by one or more processors of the user equipment (UE) to cause the processors to perform the method of any one of claims 1-10.

33. A computer-readable medium having program code recorded thereon, wherein, The program code may be executed by one or more processors of the user equipment (UE) to cause the processors to perform the method of any one of claims 11-15.

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