Method and apparatus for dynamic configuration of measurement gaps

Abstract

Various techniques for wireless communication are disclosed. In an aspect, a user equipment (UE) receives, from a serving base station, a plurality of measurement gap configurations via higher layer signaling; receives, from the serving base station, an activation of a first measurement gap configuration of the plurality of measurement gap configurations via lower layer signaling; and performs one or more measurements of one or more non-serving base stations during a measurement gap specified by the first measurement gap configuration. Other techniques related to dynamic configuration of measurement gap configurations are also disclosed.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This patent application claims priority to Indian Patent Application No. 202041027695 entitled "Dynamic Configuration of Measurement Gaps" filed on June 30, 2020, pursuant to 35 USC §119, which is assigned to the assignee of this application and is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0003] Public background

[0004] 1. Public domain

[0005] The various aspects of this disclosure generally relate to wireless communications.

[0006] 2. Relevant Technical Descriptions

[0007] Wireless communication systems have undergone several generations of development, including first-generation analog radiotelephone service (1G), second-generation (2G) digital radiotelephone service (including transitional 2.5G and 2.75G networks), third-generation (3G) high-speed data radio service with Internet capabilities, and fourth-generation (4G) service (e.g., Long Term Evolution (LTE) or WiMax). 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), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), etc.

[0008] The fifth-generation (5G) wireless standard (known as New Radio (NR)) demands higher data transmission speeds, a greater number of connections, better coverage, and other improvements. According to the Next Generation Mobile Networks Alliance (NGC), the 5G standard is designed to provide tens of megabits per second (Mbps) of data rate to each of tens of thousands of users, and 1 gigabits per second (Gbps) to dozens of employees on an office floor. It should support hundreds of thousands of simultaneous connections to support large-scale sensor deployments. Therefore, 5G mobile communication should have significantly improved spectral efficiency compared to the current 4G standard. Furthermore, signaling efficiency should be improved and latency significantly reduced compared to the current standard.

[0009] Overview

[0010] The following is a simplified overview relating to one or more aspects disclosed herein. Therefore, this overview should not be considered an exhaustive overview relating to all aspects of the conception, nor should it be considered to identify key or decisive elements relating to all aspects of the conception or to depict the scope associated with any particular aspect. Accordingly, the sole purpose of the following overview is to present, in a simplified form, certain concepts relating to one or more aspects of the mechanism disclosed herein before the detailed description given below.

[0011] In one aspect, a wireless communication method performed by a user equipment (UE) includes: receiving a plurality of measurement gap configurations from a serving base station via higher-layer signaling; receiving activation of a first measurement gap configuration among the plurality of measurement gap configurations from the serving base station via lower-layer signaling; and performing one or more measurements on one or more non-serving base stations during a measurement gap specified by the first measurement gap configuration.

[0012] In one aspect, a wireless communication method performed by a base station includes: transmitting a plurality of measurement gap configurations to a user equipment (UE) via higher-layer signaling; transmitting to the UE via lower-layer signaling an activation of a first measurement gap configuration among the plurality of measurement gap configurations; and suppressing the transmission of data to the UE during a measurement gap specified by the first measurement gap configuration.

[0013] In one aspect, a wireless communication method performed by a user equipment (UE) includes: receiving a measurement gap configuration from a serving base station via higher-layer signaling; receiving a message from the serving base station via lower-layer signaling that modifies the measurement gap configuration, wherein the message specifies new values ​​for one or more parameters of the measurement gap configuration; and performing one or more measurements on one or more non-serving base stations during a measurement gap specified by the modified measurement gap configuration.

[0014] In one aspect, a wireless communication method performed by a base station includes: transmitting a measurement gap configuration to a user equipment (UE) via higher-layer signaling; transmitting a message modifying the measurement gap configuration to the UE via lower-layer signaling, wherein the message specifies new values ​​for one or more parameters of the measurement gap configuration; and suppressing the transmission of data to the UE during a measurement gap specified by the modified measurement gap configuration.

[0015] In one aspect, a wireless communication method performed by a user equipment (UE) includes: receiving a measurement gap configuration from a serving base station via higher-layer signaling; transmitting to the serving base station via lower-layer signaling a message requesting one or more updates to the measurement gap configuration, wherein the message specifies new values ​​for one or more parameters of the measurement gap configuration; and performing one or more measurements on one or more non-serving base stations during a measurement gap specified by the measurement gap configuration or by an updated measurement gap configuration based on the message requesting one or more updates to the measurement gap configuration.

[0016] In one aspect, a wireless communication method performed by a base station includes: transmitting a measurement gap configuration to a user equipment (UE) via higher-layer signaling; receiving from the UE via lower-layer signaling a message requesting one or more updates to the measurement gap configuration, wherein the message specifies new values ​​for one or more parameters of the measurement gap configuration; and suppressing the transmission of data to the UE during a measurement gap specified by the measurement gap configuration or by an updated measurement gap configuration based on the new values ​​of one or more parameters of the measurement gap configuration.

[0017] In one aspect, a wireless communication method performed by a user equipment (UE) includes: receiving a positioning reference signal (PRS) configuration from a location server, the PRS configuration specifying a plurality of PRS transmissions scheduled to be transmitted by a plurality of base stations; transmitting to a serving base station a request to be configured with measurement gaps, the request specifying the locations of the plurality of PRS transmissions in time and / or frequency; receiving a measurement gap configuration from the serving base station; and transmitting the measurement gap configuration to the location server based on the fact that at least one of the plurality of PRS transmissions is inconsistent with the measurement gap specified by the measurement gap configuration.

[0018] In one aspect, a communication method performed by a location server includes: transmitting a Positioning Reference Signal (PRS) configuration to a user equipment (UE) specifying multiple PRS transmissions to be scheduled by multiple base stations; receiving a measurement gap configuration for the UE; and updating the PRS configuration in response to the receipt of the measurement gap configuration.

[0019] In one aspect, a user equipment (UE) includes: a memory; at least one transceiver; and at least one processor communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, the at least one processor being configured to: receive, via the at least one transceiver, from a serving base station via higher-layer signaling; receive, via the at least one transceiver, from the serving base station via lower-layer signaling an activation of a first measurement gap configuration among the plurality of measurement gap configurations; and perform one or more measurements on one or more non-serving base stations during a measurement gap specified by the first measurement gap configuration.

[0020] In one aspect, a base station includes: a memory, at least one transceiver, and at least one processor communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, the at least one processor being configured to: transmit a plurality of measurement gap configurations to a user equipment (UE) via higher-layer signaling through the at least one transceiver; transmit activation of a first measurement gap configuration among the plurality of measurement gap configurations to the UE via lower-layer signaling through the at least one transceiver; and suppress data transmission to the UE during a measurement gap specified by the first measurement gap configuration.

[0021] In one aspect, a user equipment (UE) includes: a memory; at least one transceiver; and at least one processor communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, the at least one processor being configured to: receive a measurement gap configuration from a serving base station via the at least one transceiver via higher-layer signaling; receive a message modifying the measurement gap configuration from the serving base station via the at least one transceiver via lower-layer signaling, wherein the message specifies new values ​​for one or more parameters of the measurement gap configuration; and perform one or more measurements on one or more non-serving base stations during a measurement gap specified by the modified measurement gap configuration.

[0022] In one aspect, a base station includes: a memory, at least one transceiver, and at least one processor communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, the at least one processor being configured to: transmit a measurement gap configuration to a user equipment (UE) via higher-layer signaling through the at least one transceiver; transmit a message modifying the measurement gap configuration to the UE via lower-layer signaling through the at least one transceiver, wherein the message specifies new values ​​for one or more parameters of the measurement gap configuration; and suppress the transmission of data to the UE during a measurement gap specified by the modified measurement gap configuration.

[0023] In one aspect, a user equipment (UE) includes: a memory; at least one transceiver; and at least one processor communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, the at least one processor being configured to: receive a measurement gap configuration from a serving base station via the at least one transceiver via higher-layer signaling; transmit a message requesting one or more updates to the measurement gap configuration to the serving base station via the at least one transceiver via lower-layer signaling, wherein the message specifies new values ​​for one or more parameters of the measurement gap configuration; and perform one or more measurements on one or more non-serving base stations during a measurement gap specified by the measurement gap configuration or by an updated measurement gap configuration based on the message requesting one or more updates to the measurement gap configuration.

[0024] In one aspect, a base station includes: a memory, at least one transceiver, and at least one processor communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, the at least one processor being configured to: transmit a measurement gap configuration to a user equipment (UE) via the at least one transceiver via higher-layer signaling; receive from the UE via the at least one transceiver via lower-layer signaling a message requesting one or more updates to the measurement gap configuration, wherein the message specifies new values ​​for one or more parameters of the measurement gap configuration; and suppress the transmission of data to the UE during a measurement gap specified by the measurement gap configuration or an updated measurement gap configuration based on the new values ​​of one or more parameters of the measurement gap configuration.

[0025] In one aspect, a user equipment (UE) includes: a memory; at least one transceiver; and at least one processor communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, the at least one processor being configured to: receive a location reference signal (PRS) configuration from a location server via the at least one transceiver, the PRS configuration specifying a plurality of PRS transmissions scheduled to be transmitted by a plurality of base stations; transmit a request to a serving base station via the at least one transceiver to be configured with measurement gaps, the request specifying the locations of the plurality of PRS transmissions in time and / or frequency; receive a measurement gap configuration from the serving base station via the at least one transceiver; and transmit the measurement gap configuration to the location server via the at least one transceiver based on a discrepancy between at least one of the plurality of PRS transmissions and a measurement gap specified by the measurement gap configuration.

[0026] In one aspect, a location server includes: a memory, at least one transceiver, and at least one processor communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, the at least one processor being configured to: transmit a Positioning Reference Signal (PRS) configuration to a User Equipment (UE) via the at least one transceiver, the PRS configuration specifying multiple PRS transmissions scheduled to be transmitted by multiple base stations; receive a Measurement Gap Configuration for the UE via the at least one transceiver; and update the PRS configuration in response to the reception of the Measurement Gap Configuration.

[0027] In one aspect, a user equipment (UE) includes: means for receiving a plurality of measurement gap configurations from a serving base station via higher-layer signaling; means for receiving activation of a first measurement gap configuration among the plurality of measurement gap configurations from the serving base station via lower-layer signaling; and means for performing one or more measurements on one or more non-serving base stations during a measurement gap specified by the first measurement gap configuration.

[0028] In one aspect, a base station includes: means for transmitting a plurality of measurement gap configurations to a user equipment (UE) via higher-layer signaling; means for transmitting to the UE via lower-layer signaling activation of a first measurement gap configuration among the plurality of measurement gap configurations; and means for suppressing the transmission of data to the UE during a measurement gap specified by the first measurement gap configuration.

[0029] In one aspect, a user equipment (UE) includes: means for receiving a measurement gap configuration from a serving base station via higher-layer signaling; means for receiving a message from the serving base station via lower-layer signaling that modifies the measurement gap configuration, wherein the message specifies new values ​​for one or more parameters of the measurement gap configuration; and means for performing one or more measurements on one or more non-serving base stations during a measurement gap specified by the modified measurement gap configuration.

[0030] In one aspect, a base station includes: means for transmitting a measurement gap configuration to a user equipment (UE) via higher-layer signaling; means for transmitting a message modifying the measurement gap configuration to the UE via lower-layer signaling, wherein the message specifies new values ​​for one or more parameters of the measurement gap configuration; and means for suppressing the transmission of data to the UE during a measurement gap specified by the modified measurement gap configuration.

[0031] In one aspect, a user equipment (UE) includes: means for receiving a measurement gap configuration from a serving base station via higher-layer signaling; means for transmitting to the serving base station via lower-layer signaling a message requesting one or more updates to the measurement gap configuration, wherein the message specifies new values ​​for one or more parameters of the measurement gap configuration; and means for performing one or more measurements on one or more non-serving base stations during a measurement gap specified by the measurement gap configuration or by an updated measurement gap configuration based on the message requesting one or more updates to the measurement gap configuration.

[0032] In one aspect, a base station includes: means for transmitting a measurement gap configuration to a user equipment (UE) via higher-layer signaling; means for receiving from the UE via lower-layer signaling a message requesting one or more updates to the measurement gap configuration, wherein the message specifies new values ​​for one or more parameters of the measurement gap configuration; and means for suppressing the transmission of data to the UE during a measurement gap specified by the measurement gap configuration or by an updated measurement gap configuration based on the new values ​​of one or more parameters of the measurement gap configuration.

[0033] In one aspect, a user equipment (UE) includes: means for receiving a positioning reference signal (PRS) configuration from a location server, the PRS configuration specifying a plurality of PRS transmissions scheduled to be transmitted by a plurality of base stations; means for transmitting a request to a serving base station to be configured with a measurement gap, the request specifying the location of the plurality of PRS transmissions in time and / or frequency; means for receiving a measurement gap configuration from the serving base station; and means for transmitting the measurement gap configuration to the location server based on the fact that at least one of the plurality of PRS transmissions is inconsistent with the measurement gap specified by the measurement gap configuration.

[0034] In one aspect, a location server includes: means for transmitting a Position Reference Signal (PRS) configuration to a user equipment (UE), the PRS configuration specifying multiple PRS transmissions scheduled to be transmitted by multiple base stations; means for receiving a measurement gap configuration for the UE; and means for updating the PRS configuration in response to receiving the measurement gap configuration.

[0035] In one aspect, a non-transient computer-readable medium storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a user equipment (UE), cause the UE to: receive a plurality of measurement gap configurations from a serving base station via higher-layer signaling; receive activation of a first measurement gap configuration of the plurality of measurement gap configurations from the serving base station via lower-layer signaling; and perform one or more measurements on one or more non-serving base stations during a measurement gap specified by the first measurement gap configuration.

[0036] In one aspect, a non-transient computer-readable medium storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a base station, cause the base station to: transmit a plurality of measurement gap configurations to a user equipment (UE) via higher-layer signaling; transmit activation of a first measurement gap configuration among the plurality of measurement gap configurations to the UE via lower-layer signaling; and suppress the transmission of data to the UE during a measurement gap specified by the first measurement gap configuration.

[0037] In one aspect, a non-transient computer-readable medium storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a user equipment (UE), cause the UE to: receive a measurement gap configuration from a serving base station via higher-layer signaling; receive a message from the serving base station via lower-layer signaling modifying the measurement gap configuration, wherein the message specifies new values ​​for one or more parameters of the measurement gap configuration; and perform one or more measurements on one or more non-serving base stations during a measurement gap specified by the modified measurement gap configuration.

[0038] In one aspect, a non-transient computer-readable medium storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a base station, cause the base station to: transmit a measurement gap configuration to a user equipment (UE) via higher-layer signaling; transmit a message to the UE via lower-layer signaling modifying the measurement gap configuration, wherein the message specifies new values ​​for one or more parameters of the measurement gap configuration; and suppress the transmission of data to the UE during a measurement gap specified by the modified measurement gap configuration.

[0039] In one aspect, a non-transient computer-readable medium storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a user equipment (UE), cause the UE to: receive a measurement gap configuration from a serving base station via higher-layer signaling; transmit to the serving base station via lower-layer signaling a message requesting one or more updates to the measurement gap configuration, wherein the message specifies new values ​​for one or more parameters of the measurement gap configuration; and perform one or more measurements on one or more non-serving base stations during a measurement gap specified by the measurement gap configuration or by an updated measurement gap configuration based on the message requesting one or more updates to the measurement gap configuration.

[0040] In one aspect, a non-transient computer-readable medium storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a base station, cause the base station to: transmit a measurement gap configuration to a user equipment (UE) via higher-layer signaling; receive from the UE via lower-layer signaling a message requesting one or more updates to the measurement gap configuration, wherein the message specifies new values ​​for one or more parameters of the measurement gap configuration; and suppress the transmission of data to the UE during a measurement gap specified by the measurement gap configuration or an updated measurement gap configuration based on the new values ​​of one or more parameters of the measurement gap configuration.

[0041] In one aspect, a non-transient computer-readable medium storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a user equipment (UE), cause the UE to: receive a Positioning Reference Signal (PRS) configuration from a location server, the PRS configuration specifying multiple PRS transmissions scheduled to be transmitted by multiple base stations; transmit a request to a serving base station to be configured with measurement gaps, the request specifying the locations of the multiple PRS transmissions in time and / or frequency; receive a measurement gap configuration from the serving base station; and transmit the measurement gap configuration to the location server based on the fact that at least one of the multiple PRS transmissions is inconsistent with the measurement gap specified by the measurement gap configuration.

[0042] In one aspect, a non-transient computer-readable medium storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a location server, cause the location server to: transmit a Positioning Reference Signal (PRS) configuration to a user equipment (UE), the PRS configuration specifying multiple PRS transmissions scheduled to be transmitted by multiple base stations; receive a measurement gap configuration for the UE; and update the PRS configuration in response to the receipt of the measurement gap configuration.

[0043] Other objectives and advantages associated with the aspects disclosed herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art based on the accompanying drawings and detailed description. Brief description of the attached diagram

[0045] The accompanying drawings are provided to help describe various aspects of this disclosure, and are provided solely for illustrative purposes and not for limiting the scope of the disclosure.

[0046] Figure 1 Example wireless communication systems based on various aspects of this disclosure are explained.

[0047] Figure 2A and 2B Example wireless network architectures based on various aspects of this disclosure are explained.

[0048] Figure 3A , 3B The 3C and 3C are simplified block diagrams of several sample aspects of components that can be adopted in user equipment (UE), base stations, and network entities and configured to support communications as taught herein.

[0049] Figure 4A This is a diagram illustrating example frame structures based on various aspects of this disclosure.

[0050] Figure 4B This is a diagram illustrating various downlink channels within example downlink time slots according to various aspects of this disclosure.

[0051] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating an example Positioning Reference Signal (PRS) configuration for PRS transmission at a given base station, according to various aspects of this disclosure.

[0052] Figure 6 It is a diagram illustrating how the parameters in the measurement gap configuration according to various aspects of this disclosure specify the mode of measurement gap.

[0053] Figure 7 This is a diagram of an example scenario where the measurement gap configured for Radio Resource Management (RRM) measurement resources is inconsistent with the PRS transmission to be measured.

[0054] Figure 8This is a diagram of an example scenario where the configured measurement gap mode does not cover all configured PRS timings.

[0055] Figure 9 This is a diagram of an example scenario where PRS transmissions outside of the configured measurement gap mode are silenced or modified.

[0056] Figures 10 to 17 Example communication methods based on various aspects of this disclosure are explained.

[0057] Detailed description

[0058] Various aspects of this disclosure are provided below in the description and accompanying drawings of various examples provided for illustrative purposes. Alternative aspects may be designed without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, elements well-known in this disclosure will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of this disclosure.

[0059] The terms “exemplary” and / or “example” are used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any aspect described herein as “exemplary” and / or “example” is not necessarily to be construed as superior to or better than other aspects. Similarly, the term “aspects of this disclosure” does not require that all aspects of this disclosure include the features, advantages, or modes of operation discussed.

[0060] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the information and signals described below can be represented using any of a variety of different techniques and arts. For example, the data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be referred to throughout the following description may be represented by voltage, current, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, optical fields or optical particles, or any combination thereof, depending in part on the specific application, in part on the desired design, in part on the corresponding technology, etc.

[0061] Furthermore, many aspects are described in the form of sequences of actions performed by elements of, for example, computing devices. It will be appreciated that the various actions described herein can be performed by special-purpose circuitry (e.g., application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs)), by program instructions being executed by one or more processors, or by a combination of both. Additionally, the sequences of actions described herein can be considered to be fully embodied in any form of non-transient computer-readable storage medium storing a corresponding set of computer instructions that, upon execution, will cause an associated processor of the device to perform the functionality described herein. Thus, various aspects of this disclosure can be embodied in several different forms, all of which are contemplated to fall within the scope of the claimed subject matter. Furthermore, for each aspect described herein, a corresponding form of any such aspect may be described herein as, for example, "logic configured to perform the described actions."

[0062] As used herein, the terms “User Equipment” (UE) and “Base Station” are not intended to be specific to or otherwise limited to any particular Radio Access Technology (RAT) unless otherwise stated. Generally, a UE can be any wireless communication device used by a user to communicate over a wireless communication network (e.g., mobile phone, router, tablet computer, laptop computer, consumer asset positioning device, wearable device (e.g., smartwatch, glasses, augmented reality (AR) / virtual reality (VR) headset, etc.), vehicle (e.g., car, motorcycle, bicycle, etc.), Internet of Things (IoT) device, etc.). A UE can be mobile or can (e.g., at certain times) be stationary and can communicate with a Radio Access Network (RAN). As used herein, the term “UE” can be interchangeably referred to as “Access Terminal” or “AT”, “Client Equipment”, “Wireless Equipment”, “Subscriber Equipment”, “Subscriber Terminal”, “Subscriber Station”, “User Terminal” or “UT”, “Mobile Equipment”, “Mobile Terminal”, “Mobile Station”, or variations thereof. Generally, a UE can communicate with the core network via the RAN, and through the core network, the UE can connect to external networks (such as the Internet) and other UEs. Of course, other mechanisms for connecting to the core network and / or the Internet are also possible for the UE, such as through a wired access network, a wireless local area network (WLAN) (e.g., based on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard), and so on.

[0063] A base station may operate according to one of several RATs to communicate with a UE, depending on the network in which it is deployed, and may be alternatively referred to as an Access Point (AP), Network Node, B-Node, Evolved B-Node (eNB), Next Generation eNB (ng-eNB), New Radio (NR) B-Node (also referred to as gNB or gNodeB), etc. A base station may primarily be used to support radio access by the UE, including supporting data, voice, and / or signaling connections with the supported UE. In some systems, the base station may provide purely edge node signaling functions, while in others, it may provide additional control and / or network management functions. The communication link through which the UE can signal to the base station is referred to as an uplink (UL) channel (e.g., reverse traffic channel, reverse control channel, access channel, etc.). The communication link through which the base station can signal to the UE is referred to as a downlink (DL) or forward link channel (e.g., paging channel, control channel, broadcast channel, forward traffic channel, etc.). As used herein, the term traffic channel (TCH) may refer to an uplink / reverse traffic channel or a downlink / forward traffic channel.

[0064] The term "base station" can refer to a single physical transmit / receive point (TRP) or multiple physical TRPs that may or may not be located in the same place. For example, when the term "base station" refers to a single physical TRP, the physical TRP may be a base station antenna corresponding to a cell (or several cell sectors) of the base station. When the term "base station" refers to multiple physical TRPs located in the same place, the physical TRP may be an antenna array of the base station (e.g., in a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) system or in the case of beamforming at the base station). When the term "base station" refers to multiple physical TRPs not located in the same place, the physical TRP may be a distributed antenna system (DAS) (a network of spatially separated antennas connected to a common source via a transmission medium) or a remote radio headend (RRH) (a remote base station connected to a serving base station). Alternatively, non-co-located physical TRPs may be the serving base station from which the UE receives measurement reports and neighboring base stations from which the UE is measuring its reference radio frequency (RF) signal. Since a TRP is the point from which a base station transmits and receives wireless signals, as used herein, references to transmissions from or receptions at a base station should be understood as references to the specific TRP of that base station.

[0065] In some implementations that support UE positioning, the base station may not support the UE's radio access (e.g., it may not support data, voice, and / or signaling connections regarding the UE), but may instead transmit reference signals to the UE for measurement, and / or receive and measure signals transmitted by the UE. Such a base station may be referred to as a positioning tower (e.g., in the case of transmitting signals to the UE) and / or as a location measurement unit (e.g., in the case of receiving and measuring signals from the UE).

[0066] An “RF signal” refers to an electromagnetic wave of a given frequency that transmits information across the space between a transmitter and a receiver. As used herein, a transmitter may transmit a single “RF signal” or multiple “RF signals” to a receiver. However, due to the propagation characteristics of RF signals through multipath channels, a receiver may receive multiple “RF signals” corresponding to each transmitted RF signal. The same RF signal transmitted on different paths between the transmitter and receiver can be referred to as a “multipath” RF signal. As used herein, an RF signal may also be referred to as a “wireless signal” or simply a “signal,” where the context clearly indicates that the term “signal” refers to a wireless signal or an RF signal.

[0067] Figure 1An example wireless communication system 100 according to various aspects of this disclosure is described. The wireless communication system 100 (which may also be referred to as a wireless wide area network (WWAN)) may include various base stations 102 (labeled "BS") and various UEs 104. Base station 102 may include macrocell base stations (high-power cellular base stations) and / or small cell base stations (low-power cellular base stations). In one aspect, the macrocell base station may include an eNB and / or an ng-eNB (where the wireless communication system 100 corresponds to an LTE network), or a gNB (where the wireless communication system 100 corresponds to an NR network), or a combination of both, and the small cell base station may include femtocells, picocells, microcells, etc.

[0068] Each base station 102 can collectively form a RAN and interface with the core network 170 (e.g., an evolved packet core (EPC) or a 5G core (5GC)) via a backhaul link 122, and access one or more location servers 172 (e.g., location management function (LMF) or secure user plane positioning (SUPL) location platform (SLP)) via the core network 170. The location server 172 can be part of the core network 170 or located outside the core network 170. Among other functions, the base station 102 can also perform functions related to one or more of the following: transmitting user data, radio channel cryptography and decoding, integrity protection, header compression, mobility control functions (e.g., handover, dual connectivity), inter-cell interference coordination, connection establishment and release, load balancing, distribution of non-access stratum (NAS) messages, NAS node selection, synchronization, RAN sharing, multimedia broadcast multicast service (MBMS), subscriber and equipment tracking, RAN information management (RIM), paging, location, and delivery of alarm messages. Base stations 102 can communicate with each other directly or indirectly (e.g., via EPC / 5GC) on backhaul link 134 (which can be wired or wireless).

[0069] Base station 102 can wirelessly communicate with UE 104. Each base station 102 can provide communication coverage for a corresponding geographic coverage area 110. In one aspect, one or more cells can be supported by base station 102 in each geographic coverage area 110. A “cell” is a logical communication entity used to communicate with a base station (e.g., on a frequency resource, it is referred to as a carrier frequency, component carrier, carrier, frequency band, etc.) and can be associated with identifiers (e.g., Physical Cell Identifier (PCI), Enhanced Cell Identifier (ECI), Virtual Cell Identifier (VCI), Cell Global Identifier (CGI), etc.) to distinguish cells operating via the same or different carrier frequencies. In some cases, different cells can be configured according to different protocol types that can provide access to different types of UEs (e.g., Machine Type Communication (MTC), Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT), Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), or others). Since cells are supported by specific base stations, the term “cell” can refer to either or both of the logical communication entity and the base station supporting that logical communication entity, depending on the context. Additionally, since the TRP is typically the physical transmission point of a cell, the terms "cell" and "TRP" are used interchangeably. In some cases, the term "cell" can also refer to the geographical coverage area (e.g., sector) of a base station, in the sense that the carrier frequency can be detected and used for communication within a portion of a geographical coverage area 110.

[0070] While the geographic coverage areas 110 of adjacent macrocell base stations 102 may partially overlap (e.g., in handover areas), some geographic coverage areas 110 may substantially overlap with larger geographic coverage areas 110. For example, a small cell base station 102' ("SC" labeled "small cell") may have geographic coverage areas 110' that substantially overlap with the geographic coverage areas 110 of one or more macrocell base stations 102. A network that includes both small cell and macrocell base stations may be referred to as a heterogeneous network. A heterogeneous network may also include home eNBs (HeNBs) that provide service to a restricted group known as a Closed Subscriber Group (CSG).

[0071] The communication link 120 between base station 102 and UE 104 may include uplink (also known as reverse link) transmission from UE 104 to base station 102 and / or downlink (DL) (also known as forward link) transmission from base station 102 to UE 104. The communication link 120 may use MIMO antenna technologies, including spatial multiplexing, beamforming, and / or transmit diversity. The communication link 120 may use one or more carrier frequencies. Carrier allocation may be asymmetric with respect to the downlink and uplink (e.g., more or fewer carriers may be allocated to the downlink compared to the uplink).

[0072] The wireless communication system 100 may further include a wireless local area network (WLAN) access point (AP) 150 communicating with a WLAN station (STA) 152 via a communication link 154 in unlicensed spectrum (e.g., 5 GHz). When communicating in unlicensed spectrum, the WLAN STA 152 and / or WLAN AP 150 may perform a clear channel assessment (CCA) or listen-before-speak (LBT) procedure to determine channel availability before communication.

[0073] Small cell base station 102' can operate in licensed and / or unlicensed spectrum. When operating in unlicensed spectrum, small cell base station 102' can employ LTE or NR technology and use the same 5 GHz unlicensed spectrum as used by WLAN AP 150. Small cell base station 102' employing LTE / 5G in unlicensed spectrum can enhance access network coverage and / or increase access network capacity. NR in unlicensed spectrum may be referred to as NR-U. LTE in unlicensed spectrum may be referred to as LTE-U, Licensed Assisted Access (LAA), or MulteFire.

[0074] The wireless communication system 100 may further include a millimeter-wave (mmW) base station 180, which can operate in mmW and / or near-mmW frequencies to communicate with the UE 182. Extremely high frequency (EHF) is a portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that contains radio frequency (RF). EHF has a range of 30 GHz to 300 GHz and wavelengths between 1 mm and 10 mm. Radio waves in this band are referred to as millimeter waves. Near-mmW extends down to a 3 GHz frequency with a 100 mm wavelength. Ultra-high frequency (SHF) bands extend between 3 GHz and 30 GHz, and are also referred to as centimeter waves. Communication using mmW / near-mmW RF bands has high path loss and relatively short range. The mmW base station 180 and the UE 182 can utilize beamforming (transmit and / or receive) on the mmW communication link 184 to compensate for the extremely high path loss and short range. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that in alternative configurations, one or more base stations 102 may also use mmW or near-mmW and beamforming for transmission. Accordingly, it will be understood that the foregoing explanations are merely illustrative and should not be construed as limiting the aspects disclosed herein.

[0075] Transmit beamforming is a technique for focusing RF signals in a specific direction. Conventionally, when a network node (e.g., a base station) broadcasts an RF signal, it broadcasts the signal in all directions (omnidirectionally). Using transmit beamforming, the network node determines where a given target device (e.g., a UE) is located (relative to the transmitting network node) and projects a stronger downlink RF signal in that specific direction, thus providing the receiving device with a faster (in terms of data rate) and stronger RF signal. To change the directivity of the RF signal during transmission, the network node can control the phase and relative amplitude of the RF signal at each of one or more transmitters broadcasting the RF signal. For example, the network node can use an antenna array (referred to as a "phased array" or "antenna array") that generates a beam of RF waves, which can be "guided" to different directions without actually moving the antennas. Specifically, RF currents from the transmitters are fed to the individual antennas with the correct phase relationship so that radio waves from the separate antennas add together in the desired direction to increase radiation, while canceling each other out in the undesired direction to suppress radiation.

[0076] Transmit beams can be quasi-co-located, meaning they appear to the receiver (e.g., the UE) to have the same parameters regardless of whether the transmit antennas of the network node are physically co-located. In NR, there are four types of quasi-co-location (QCL) relationships. Specifically, a given type of QCL relationship means that certain parameters of the second reference RF signal on the second beam can be derived from information about the source reference RF signal on the source beam. Therefore, if the source reference RF signal is QCL type A, the receiver can use the source reference RF signal to estimate the Doppler shift, Doppler spread, average delay, and delay spread of the second reference RF signal transmitted on the same channel. If the source reference RF signal is QCL type B, the receiver can use the source reference RF signal to estimate the Doppler shift and Doppler spread of the second reference RF signal transmitted on the same channel. If the source reference RF signal is QCL type C, the receiver can use the source reference RF signal to estimate the Doppler shift and average delay of the second reference RF signal transmitted on the same channel. If the source reference RF signal is of type QCL D, the receiver can use the source reference RF signal to estimate the spatial reception parameters of the second reference RF signal transmitted on the same channel.

[0077] In receive beamforming, a receiver uses a receive beam to amplify an RF signal detected on a given channel. For example, a receiver may increase the gain setting of an antenna array and / or adjust the phase setting of the antenna array in a specific direction to amplify the RF signal received from that direction (e.g., increase its gain level). Thus, when a receiver is designated to perform beamforming in a certain direction, it means that the beam gain in that direction is higher than the beam gain in other directions, or that the beam gain in that direction is the highest compared to the beam gain of all other receive beams available to that receiver in that direction. This results in a stronger received signal strength (e.g., Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP), Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ), Signal-to-Interference-plus-Noise Ratio (SINR), etc.) of the RF signal received from that direction.

[0078] The transmit and receive beams can be spatially correlated. Spatial correlation means that the parameters of the second beam (e.g., the transmit or receive beam) used for the second reference signal can be derived from information about the first beam (e.g., the receive or transmit beam) of the first reference signal. For example, a UE can use a specific receive beam to receive a reference downlink reference signal (e.g., a synchronization signal block (SSB)) from a base station. The UE can then form a transmit beam based on the parameters of the receive beam to transmit an uplink reference signal (e.g., a probe reference signal (SRS)) to that base station.

[0079] Note that, depending on the entity forming the "downlink" beam, the beam can be either a transmit beam or a receive beam. For example, if a base station is forming a downlink beam to transmit a reference signal to a UE, then the downlink beam is a transmit beam. However, if a UE is forming a downlink beam, then the downlink beam is a receive beam for receiving downlink reference signals. Similarly, depending on the entity forming the "uplink" beam, the beam can be either a transmit beam or a receive beam. For example, if a base station is forming an uplink beam, then the uplink beam is an uplink receive beam, while if a UE is forming an uplink beam, then the uplink beam is an uplink transmit beam.

[0080] In 5G, the spectrum in which wireless nodes (e.g., base stations 102 / 180, UEs 104 / 182) operate is divided into several frequency ranges: FR1 (from 450 to 6000 MHz), FR2 (from 24250 to 52600 MHz), FR3 (above 52600 MHz), and FR4 (between FR1 and FR2). The mmW band generally includes the FR2, FR3, and FR4 frequency ranges. Thus, the terms "mmW" and "FR2" or "FR3" or "FR4" are generally used interchangeably.

[0081] In multi-carrier systems (such as 5G), one of the carrier frequencies is referred to as the "primary carrier," "anchor carrier," "primary serving cell," or "PCell," and the remaining carrier frequencies are referred to as "secondary carriers," "secondary serving cells," or "SCell." In carrier aggregation, the anchor carrier is the carrier operating on the primary frequency (e.g., FR1) utilized by UE 104 / 182 and on the cell in which UE 104 / 182 performs an initial radio resource control (RRC) connection establishment procedure or initiates an RRC connection re-establishment procedure. The primary carrier carries all shared control channels as well as control channels that vary from UE to UE, and can be a carrier on a licensed frequency (however, this is not always the case). The secondary carrier is a carrier operating on a second frequency (e.g., FR2), which can be configured once an RRC connection is established between UE 104 and the anchor carrier, and can be used to provide additional radio resources. In some cases, the secondary carrier can be a carrier on an unlicensed frequency. Secondary carriers may contain only the necessary signaling information and signals. For example, signaling information and signals that vary from UE to UE may not be present in the secondary carrier, since both the primary uplink and downlink carriers are typically UE-specific. This means that different UEs 104 / 182 within a cell can have different downlink primary carriers. The same applies to the uplink primary carrier. The network can change the primary carrier of any UE 104 / 182 at any time. For example, this is done to balance the load on different carriers. Since a “serving cell” (whether PCell or SCell) corresponds to the carrier frequency / component carrier that a base station is using for communication, the terms “cell,” “serving cell,” “component carrier,” “carrier frequency,” etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0082] For example, still refer to Figure 1 One of the frequencies utilized by the macrocell base station 102 can be an anchor carrier (or "PCell"), and other frequencies utilized by the macrocell base station 102 and / or mmW base station 180 can be secondary carriers ("SCell"). Simultaneous transmission and / or reception on multiple carriers allows the UE 104 / 182 to significantly increase its data transmission and / or reception rates. For example, two 20MHz aggregated carriers in a multi-carrier system would theoretically result in twice the data rate (i.e., 40MHz) compared to the data rate obtained from a single 20MHz carrier.

[0083] The wireless communication system 100 may further include a UE 164, which can communicate with the macrocell base station 102 on the communication link 120 and / or with the mmW base station 180 on the mmW communication link 184. For example, the macrocell base station 102 may support PCell and one or more SCells for the UE 164, and the mmW base station 180 may support one or more SCells for the UE 164.

[0084] exist Figure 1 In the examples, any of the UEs being explained (for simplicity) Figure 1 A single UE 104 (shown as a single UE) may receive signal 124 from one or more Earth-orbiting spacecraft (SV) 112 (e.g., satellites). In one aspect, SV 112 may be part of a satellite positioning system that allows UE 104 to use as an independent source of location information. Satellite positioning systems typically include transmitter systems (e.g., SV 112) positioned such that a receiver (e.g., UE 104) can determine its location on or above the Earth based at least in part on positioning signals (e.g., signal 124) received from these transmitters. Such transmitters typically transmit signals marked with a set number of repeating pseudo-random noise (PN) codes. While transmitters are typically located in SV 112, they may sometimes be located at ground-based control stations, base stations 102, and / or other UEs 104. UE 104 may include one or more dedicated receivers specifically designed to receive signal 124 from SV 112 to derive geographic location information.

[0085] In satellite positioning systems, the use of signal 124 can be amplified through various satellite-based augmentation systems (SBAS), which may be associated with or otherwise enabled to work with one or more global and / or regional navigation satellite systems. For example, SBAS may include augmentation systems that provide integrity information, differential correction, etc., such as Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS), European Geostationary Navigation Coverage Service (EGNOS), Multifunctional Satellite Augmentation System (MSAS), GPS-assisted Geographic Augmentation Navigation or GPS and Geographic Augmentation Navigation System (GAGAN), etc. Therefore, as used herein, a satellite positioning system may include any combination of one or more global and / or regional navigation satellites associated with such one or more satellite positioning systems.

[0086] On one hand, SV 112 may additionally or alternatively be part of one or more non-terrestrial networks (NTNs). In the NTN, SV 112 is connected to an earth station (also referred to as a ground station, NTN gateway, or gateway), which in turn is connected to elements in the 5G network, such as the modified base station 102 (without a ground antenna) or network nodes in the 5GC. This element will then provide access to other elements in the 5G network and ultimately to entities outside the 5G network, such as internet web servers and other user equipment. In this way, UE 104 can receive communication signals (e.g., signal 124) from SV 112 as a replacement or supplement to receiving communication signals from ground base station 102.

[0087] The wireless communication system 100 may further include one or more UEs (such as UE 190) that are indirectly connected to one or more communication networks via one or more device-to-device (D2D) peer-to-peer (P2P) links (referred to as "side links"). Figure 1 In the example, UE 190 has a D2D P2P link 192 with a UE 104 connected to a base station 102 (e.g., UE 190 can indirectly obtain cellular connectivity from this link), and a D2D P2P link 194 with a WLAN STA 152 connected to a WLAN AP 150 (UE 190 can indirectly obtain WLAN-based Internet connectivity from this link). In one example, D2D P2P links 192 and 194 can use any known D2D RAT (such as LTE Direct (LTE-D), WiFi Direct (WiFi-D), Bluetooth). (etc.) to support.

[0088] Figure 2AExample wireless network architecture 200 is explained. For example, 5GC 210 (also known as Next Generation Core (NGC)) can be functionally considered as control plane (C-plane) functions 214 (e.g., UE registration, authentication, network access, gateway selection, etc.) and user plane (U-plane) functions 212 (e.g., UE gateway functions, access to data networks, IP routing, etc.), which operate collaboratively to form the core network. User plane interface (NG-U) 213 and control plane interface (NG-C) 215 connect gNB 222 to 5GC 210, specifically to user plane function 212 and control plane function 214, respectively. In an additional configuration, ng-eNB 224 can also connect to 5GC 210 via NG-C 215 to control plane function 214 and NG-U 213 to user plane function 212. Furthermore, ng-eNB 224 can communicate directly with gNB 222 via backhaul connection 223. In some configurations, the next-generation RAN (NG-RAN) 220 may have one or more gNBs 222, while other configurations include one or more ng-eNBs 224 and one or more gNBs 222. The gNB 222 or ng-eNB 224 (or both) may communicate with one or more UEs 204 (e.g., any UE described herein).

[0089] Another optional aspect may include location server 230, which can communicate with 5GC 210 to provide location assistance to UE 204. Location server 230 may be implemented as multiple separate servers (e.g., physically separate servers, different software modules on a single server, different software modules extending across multiple physical servers, etc.), or alternatively, each may correspond to a single server. Location server 230 may be configured to support one or more location services for UE 204, which UE 204 can connect to via the core network, 5GC 210, and / or via the Internet (not explained). Furthermore, location server 230 may be integrated into a component of the core network, or alternatively, it may be external to the core network (e.g., a third-party server, such as an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) server or a business server).

[0090] Figure 2B Another example wireless network architecture, 250.5GC 260, was explained (which can correspond to...). Figure 2AThe 5GC 210 in the document can be functionally viewed as a control plane function (provided by the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) 264) and a user plane function (provided by the User Plane Function (UPF) 262), which operate collaboratively to form the core network (i.e., 5GC 260). The functions of AMF 264 include registration management, connection management, reachability management, mobility management, lawful interception, session management (SM) message transmission between one or more UEs 204 (e.g., any UE described herein) and session management function (SMF) 266, transparent proxy service for routing SM messages, access authentication and access authorization, short message service (SMS) message transmission between UE 204 and short message service function (SMSF) (not shown), and security anchor functionality (SEAF). AMF 264 also interacts with the authentication server function (AUSF) (not shown) and UE 204, and receives an intermediate key established as a result of the UE 204 authentication process. In cases where authentication is based on the UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) Subscriber Identity Module (USIM), the AMF 264 retrieves security material from the AMF. The AMF 264 also includes Security Context Management (SCM). The SCM receives a key from the SEAF, which it uses to derive a key that varies depending on the access network. The AMF 264's functionality also includes: location service management for regulatory services, location service message transmission between the UE 204 and the Location Management Function (LMF) 270 (which acts as a location server 230), location service message transmission between the NG-RAN 220 and the LMF 270, EPS bearer identifier allocation for interoperability with the Evolved Packet System (EPS), and UE 204 mobility event notification. Additionally, the AMF 264 supports functionality for non-3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) access networks.

[0091] The functions of UPF 262 include: acting as an anchor point for intra-RAT / inter-RAT mobility (where applicable), acting as an external Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session point interconnecting to a data network (not shown), providing packet routing and forwarding, packet inspection, user plane policy rule enforcement (e.g., gating, redirection, traffic steering), lawful interception (user plane collection), traffic usage reporting, quality of service (QoS) handling for the user plane (e.g., uplink / downlink rate enforcement, reflective QoS marking in the downlink), uplink traffic verification (Service Data Flow (SDF) to QoS flow mapping), transport-level packet marking in the uplink and downlink, downlink packet buffering and downlink data notification triggering, and sending and forwarding one or more "end markers" to the source RAN node. UPF 262 may also support the transmission of location service messages between UE 204 and a location server (such as SLP 272) on the user plane.

[0092] The functions of SMF 266 include session management, UE Internet Protocol (IP) address allocation and management, selection and control of user plane functions, traffic bootstrapping configuration at UPF 262 for routing traffic to the correct destination, partial control of policy enforcement and QoS, and downlink data notification. The interface used by SMF 266 to communicate with AMF 264 is called the N11 interface.

[0093] Another optional aspect may include an LMF 270, which can communicate with the 5GC 260 to provide location assistance to the UE 204. The LMF 270 can be implemented as multiple separate servers (e.g., physically separate servers, different software modules on a single server, different software modules extending across multiple physical servers, etc.), or alternatively, each may correspond to a single server. The LMF 270 can be configured to support one or more location services for the UE 204, which can connect to the LMF 270 via the core network, the 5GC 260, and / or via the Internet (not explained). SLP 272 supports similar functionality to LMF 270, but while LMF 270 can communicate with AMF 264, NG-RAN 220, and UE 204 on the control plane (e.g., using interfaces and protocols designed to convey signaling messages but not voice or data), SLP 272 can communicate with UE 204 and external clients on the user plane (e.g., using protocols designed to carry voice and / or data, such as Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and / or IP). Figure 2B (Not shown in the image) Communication.

[0094] User plane interface 263 and control plane interface 265 connect 5GC 260 (and in particular UPF 262 and AMF 264, respectively) to one or more gNB 222 and / or ng-eNB 224 in NG-RAN 220. The interface between gNB 222 and / or ng-eNB 224 and AMF 264 is referred to as the "N2" interface, while the interface between gNB 222 and / or ng-eNB 224 and UPF 262 is referred to as the "N3" interface. The gNB 222 and / or ng-eNB 224 of NG-RAN 220 can communicate directly with each other via backhaul connection 223, which is referred to as the "Xn-C" interface. One or more of gNB 222 and / or ng-eNB 224 can communicate with one or more UEs 204 on a radio interface, which is referred to as the "Uu" interface.

[0095] The functionality of gNB 222 is divided between gNB Central Unit (gNB-CU) 226 and one or more gNB Distributed Units (gNB-DU) 228. The interface 232 between gNB-CU 226 and one or more gNB-DU 228 is referred to as the "F1" interface. gNB-CU 226 is a logical node that includes base station functions such as transmitting user data, mobility control, radio access network sharing, positioning, and session management, in addition to those functions specifically allocated to gNB-DU 228. More specifically, gNB-CU 226 manages the radio resource control (RRC), serving data adaptation protocol (SDAP), and packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) protocols of gNB 222. gNB-DU 228 is a logical node that manages the radio link control (RLC), media access control (MAC), and physical (PHY) layers of gNB 222. Its operation is controlled by gNB-CU 226. One gNB-DU 228 can support one or more cells, while a cell is supported by only one gNB-DU 228. Therefore, UE 204 communicates with gNB-CU 226 via RRC, SDAP, and PDCP layers, and with gNB-DU 228 via RLC, MAC, and PHY layers.

[0096] Figure 3A , 3B The explanation of 3C includes UE 302 (which may correspond to any UE described herein), base station 304 (which may correspond to any base station described herein), and network entity 306 (which may correspond to or embody any network function described herein, including location server 230 and LMF 270, or alternatively may be independent of UE 302). Figure 2A and 2B The NG-RAN 220 and / or 5GC 210 / 260 infrastructure (such as a private network) depicted herein includes several example components (represented by corresponding boxes) to support file transfer operations as taught herein. It will be appreciated that these components can be implemented in different types of devices (e.g., in an ASIC, in a system-on-a-chip (SoC), etc.) in various implementations. The illustrated components can also be incorporated into other devices in a communication system. For example, other devices in the system may include components similar to those described to provide similar functionality. Furthermore, a given device may include one or more of these components. For example, a device may include multiple transceiver components that enable the device to operate on multiple carriers and / or communicate via different technologies.

[0097] UE 302 and base station 304 each include one or more wireless wide area network (WWAN) transceivers 310 and 350, respectively, to provide means (e.g., means for transmitting, means for receiving, means for measuring, means for tuning, means for suppressing transmission, etc.) for communicating via one or more wireless communication networks (not shown) (such as NR networks, LTE networks, GSM networks, etc.). WWAN transceivers 310 and 350 may each be connected to one or more antennas 316 and 356 for communicating with other network nodes (such as other UEs, access points, base stations (e.g., eNB, gNB)) over a wireless communication medium of interest (e.g., a time / frequency resource set in a specific spectrum) via at least one designated RAT (e.g., NR, LTE, GSM, etc.). WWAN transceivers 310 and 350 can be configured, according to a specified RAT, in various ways to transmit and encode signals 318 and 358 (e.g., messages, indications, information, etc.), and conversely, to receive and decode signals 318 and 358 (e.g., messages, indications, information, pilots, etc.). Specifically, WWAN transceivers 310 and 350 each include one or more transmitters 314 and 354 for transmitting and encoding signals 318 and 358, respectively, and each includes one or more receivers 312 and 352 for receiving and decoding signals 318 and 358, respectively.

[0098] In at least some cases, UE 302 and base station 304 each further include one or more short-range radio transceivers 320 and 360. The short-range radio transceivers 320 and 360 can be connected to one or more antennas 326 and 366, respectively, and provide access via at least one designated RAT (e.g., WiFi, LTE-D, Bluetooth). ZigBee Z-Wave This refers to means for communicating with other network nodes (such as other UEs, access points, base stations, etc.) over a wireless communication medium of interest, including PC5, Dedicated Short Range Communication (DSRC), Wireless Access in Vehicle Environments (WAVE), Near Field Communication (NFC), etc. (e.g., means for transmitting, means for receiving, means for measuring, means for tuning, means for suppressing transmission, etc.). Short-range transceivers 320 and 360 can be configured, according to a specified RAT, in various ways to transmit and encode signals 328 and 368 (e.g., messages, indications, information, etc.), and conversely, to receive and decode signals 328 and 368 (e.g., messages, indications, information, pilots, etc.). Specifically, short-range transceivers 320 and 360 each include one or more transmitters 324 and 364 for transmitting and encoding signals 328 and 368, respectively, and one or more receivers 322 and 362 for receiving and decoding signals 328 and 368, respectively. As specific examples, the short-range wireless transceivers 320 and 360 can be WiFi transceivers, Bluetooth transceivers, etc. Transceiver, Zigbee and / or Z-Wave Transceivers, NFC transceivers, or vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and / or vehicle-to-everything (V2X) transceivers.

[0099] In at least some cases, UE 302 and base station 304 also include satellite signal receivers 330 and 370. Satellite signal receivers 330 and 370 may be connected to one or more antennas 336 and 376, respectively, and may be provided with means for receiving and / or measuring satellite positioning / communication signals 338 and 378, respectively. When satellite signal receivers 330 and 370 are satellite positioning system receivers, satellite positioning / communication signals 338 and 378 may be Global Positioning System (GPS) signals, Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS) signals, Galileo signals, BeiDou signals, Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (NAVIC), Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS), etc. When satellite signal receivers 330 and 370 are non-terrestrial network (NTN) receivers, satellite positioning / communication signals 338 and 378 may be communication signals originating from a 5G network (e.g., carrying control and / or user data). Satellite signal receivers 330 and 370 may include any suitable hardware and / or software for receiving and processing satellite positioning / communication signals 338 and 378, respectively. Satellite signal receivers 330 and 370 may request information and operations from other systems as appropriate, and in at least some cases perform calculations to determine the respective locations of UE 302 and base station 304 using measurements obtained by any suitable satellite positioning system algorithm.

[0100] Base station 304 and network entity 306 each include one or more network transceivers 380 and 390, respectively, to provide means (e.g., means for transmitting, means for receiving, etc.) for communicating with other network entities (e.g., other base stations 304, other network entities 306). For example, base station 304 may use one or more network transceivers 380 to communicate with other base stations 304 or network entities 306 on one or more wired or wireless backhaul links. As another example, network entity 306 may use one or more network transceivers 390 to communicate with one or more base stations 304 on one or more wired or wireless backhaul links, or to communicate with other network entities 306 on one or more wired or wireless core network interfaces.

[0101] Transceivers can be configured to communicate over wired or wireless links. A transceiver (whether wired or wireless) includes a transmitter circuitry (e.g., transmitters 314, 324, 354, 364) and a receiver circuitry (e.g., receivers 312, 322, 352, 362). In some implementations, the transceiver may be an integrated device (e.g., implementing the transmitter and receiver circuitry in a single device), in some implementations it may include separate transmitter and receiver circuitry, or in other implementations it may be implemented in a different manner. The transmitter and receiver circuitry of a wired transceiver (e.g., in some implementations, network transceivers 380 and 390) may be coupled to one or more wired network interface ports. Wireless transmitter circuitry (e.g., transmitters 314, 324, 354, 364) may include or be coupled to multiple antennas (e.g., antennas 316, 326, 356, 366), such as antenna arrays, which permit the corresponding device (e.g., UE 302, base station 304) to perform transmit beamforming as described herein. Similarly, wireless receiver circuitry (e.g., receivers 312, 322, 352, 362) may include or be coupled to multiple antennas (e.g., antennas 316, 326, 356, 366), such as antenna arrays, which permit the corresponding device (e.g., UE 302, base station 304) to perform receive beamforming as described herein. In one aspect, the transmitter and receiver circuitry may share the same multiple antennas (e.g., antennas 316, 326, 356, 366) so that the corresponding device can only receive or transmit at a given time, rather than both simultaneously. Wireless transceivers (e.g., WWAN transceivers 310 and 350, short-range wireless transceivers 320 and 360) may also include network listening modules (NLMs) for performing various measurements.

[0102] As used herein, various wireless transceivers (e.g., transceivers 310, 320, 350, and 360, and network transceivers 380 and 390 in some implementations) and wired transceivers (e.g., network transceivers 380 and 390 in some implementations) can generally be characterized as "transceiver," "at least one transceiver," or "one or more transceivers." Thus, whether a particular transceiver is a wired or wireless transceiver can be inferred from the type of communication performed. For example, backhaul communication between network devices or servers generally involves signaling via a wired transceiver, while wireless communication between a UE (e.g., UE 302) and a base station (e.g., base station 304) generally involves signaling via a wireless transceiver.

[0103] UE 302, base station 304, and network entity 306 also include other components that can be used in conjunction with operations as disclosed herein. UE 302, base station 304, and network entity 306 each include one or more processors 332, 384, and 394 for providing functionality related to, for example, wireless communication, and for providing other processing functionality. Processors 332, 384, and 394 can therefore provide means for processing, such as means for determining, means for calculating, means for receiving, means for transmitting, means for indicating, etc. In one aspect, processors 332, 384, and 394 may include, for example, one or more general-purpose processors, multi-core processors, central processing units (CPUs), ASICs, digital signal processors (DSPs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), other programmable logic devices or processing circuitry systems, or various combinations thereof.

[0104] UE 302, base station 304, and network entity 306 include memory circuitry that respectively implements memories 340, 386, and 396 (e.g., each including a memory device) for maintaining information (e.g., information indicating reserved resources, thresholds, parameters, etc.). Memories 340, 386, and 396 thus provide means for storage, means for retrieval, means for maintenance, etc. In some cases, UE 302, base station 304, and network entity 306 may respectively include positioning components 342, 388, and 398. Positioning components 342, 388, and 398 may be hardware circuitry as part of or coupled to processors 332, 384, and 394, which, when executed, cause UE 302, base station 304, and network entity 306 to perform the functionality described herein. In other aspects, positioning components 342, 388, and 398 may be external to processors 332, 384, and 394 (e.g., part of a modem processing system, integrated with another processing system, etc.). Alternatively, positioning components 342, 388, and 398 may be memory modules stored in memories 340, 386, and 396, respectively, which, when executed by processors 332, 384, and 394 (or modem processing system, another processing system, etc.), enable UE 302, base station 304, and network entity 306 to perform the functionality described herein. Figure 3A The possible locations of the positioning component 342 are described. The positioning component 342 may be, for example, part of one or more WWAN transceivers 310, memory 340, one or more processors 332, or any combination thereof, or may be a self-contained component. Figure 3B The possible locations of the positioning component 388 are described. The positioning component 388 may be, for example, part of one or more WWAN transceivers 350, memory 386, one or more processors 384, or any combination thereof, or may be a self-contained component. Figure 3C The possible locations of the positioning component 398 are described. The positioning component 398 may be, for example, part of one or more network transceivers 390, memory 396, one or more processors 394, or any combination thereof, or may be a self-contained component.

[0105] UE 302 may include one or more sensors 344 coupled to one or more processors 332 to provide means for sensing or detecting motion and / or orientation information independent of motion data derived from signals received by one or more WWAN transceivers 310, one or more short-range wireless transceivers 320, and / or satellite signal receivers 330. As an example, sensors 344 may include accelerometers (e.g., microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices), gyroscopes, geomagnetic sensors (e.g., compasses), altimeters (e.g., barometric altimeters), and / or any other type of motion detection sensor. Furthermore, sensors 344 may include multiple different types of devices and combine their outputs to provide motion information. For example, sensor 344 may use a combination of multi-axis accelerometers and orientation sensors to provide the ability to calculate position in two-dimensional (2D) and / or three-dimensional (3D) coordinate systems.

[0106] Additionally, UE 302 includes a user interface 346, which provides means for providing instructions to the user (e.g., audible and / or visual instructions) and / or for receiving user input (e.g., when the user actuates sensing devices such as keypads, touchscreens, microphones, etc.). Although not shown, base station 304 and network entity 306 may also include user interfaces.

[0107] Referring more specifically to one or more processors 384, in the downlink, IP packets from network entity 306 may be provided to processor 384. One or more processors 384 may implement functionality for the RRC layer, Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer, Radio Link Control (RLC) layer, and Media Access Control (MAC) layer. One or more processors 384 may provide RRC layer functionality associated with system information (e.g., Master Information Block (MIB), System Information Block (SIB)) broadcasting, RRC connection control (e.g., RRC connection paging, RRC connection establishment, RRC connection modification, and RRC connection release), inter-RAT mobility, and measurement configuration for UE measurement reporting; PDCP layer functionality associated with header compression / decompression, security (cryptography, cryptographic decoding, integrity protection, integrity verification), and handover support functions; RLC layer functionality associated with upper-layer PDU delivery, error correction via Automatic Repeat Request (ARQ), concatenation, segmentation and reassembly of RLC Service Data Units (SDUs), resegmentation of RLC data PDUs, and reordering of RLC data PDUs; and MAC layer functionality associated with mapping between logical channels and transport channels, scheduling information reporting, error correction, priority handling, and logical channel priority ordering.

[0108] Transmitter 354 and receiver 352 implement Layer 1 (L1) functionality associated with various signal processing functions. Layer 1, including the physical (PHY) layer, may include error detection on the transport channel, forward error correction (FEC) encoding / decoding of the transport channel, interleaving, rate matching, mapping to the physical channel, modulation / demodulation of the physical channel, and MIMO antenna processing. Transmitter 354 processes the mapping to the signal constellation based on various modulation schemes (e.g., binary phase shift keying (BPSK), quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK), M-phase shift keying (M-PSK), M-quadrature amplitude modulation (M-QAM)). The encoded and modulated symbols can then be split into parallel streams. Each stream can then be mapped to an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) subcarrier, multiplexed with a reference signal (e.g., a pilot) in the time and / or frequency domains, and subsequently combined using an inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) to produce a physical channel carrying a time-domain OFDM symbol stream. The OFDM symbol stream is spatially precoded to generate multiple spatial streams. Channel estimates from a channel estimator can be used to determine the coding and modulation schemes, as well as for spatial processing. These channel estimates can be derived from reference signals transmitted by UE 302 and / or channel condition feedback. Each spatial stream can then be provided to one or more different antennas 356. Transmitter 354 can use the corresponding spatial stream to modulate an RF carrier for transmission.

[0109] At UE 302, receiver 312 receives signals via its respective antenna(s) 316. Receiver 312 recovers the information modulated onto the RF carrier and provides this information to one or more processors 332. Transmitter 314 and receiver 312 implement Layer 1 functionality associated with various signal processing functions. Receiver 312 can perform spatial processing on this information to recover any spatial stream destined for UE 302. If multiple spatial streams are destined for UE 302, they can be combined by receiver 312 into a single OFDM symbol stream. Receiver 312 then uses a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) to transform the OFDM symbol stream from the time domain to the frequency domain. This frequency domain signal comprises a separate OFDM symbol stream for each subcarrier of the OFDM signal. Symbols on each subcarrier, along with a reference signal, are recovered and demodulated by determining the signal constellation points most likely to be transmitted by base station 304. These soft decisions can be based on a channel estimate calculated by a channel estimator. These soft decisions are then decoded and deinterleaved to recover the original data and control signals transmitted by base station 304 over the physical channel. This data and control signals are then provided to one or more processors 332 that implement Layer 3 (L3) and Layer 2 (L2) functionality.

[0110] In the uplink, one or more processors 332 provide demultiplexing, packet reassembly, cipher decoding, header decompression, and control signal processing between the transport and logical channels to recover IP packets from the core network. One or more processors 332 are also responsible for error detection.

[0111] Similar to the functionality described in conjunction with downlink transmissions performed by base station 304, one or more processors 332 provide RRC layer functionality associated with system information (e.g., MIB, SIB) capture, RRC connectivity, and measurement reporting; PDCP layer functionality associated with header compression / decompression and security (cryptography, cryptographic decoding, integrity protection, integrity verification); RLC layer functionality associated with upper-layer PDU delivery, error correction via ARQ, concatenation, segmentation and reassembly of RLC SDUs, resegmentation of RLC data PDUs, and reordering of RLC data PDUs; and MAC layer functionality associated with mapping between logical channels and transport channels, multiplexing MAC SDUs onto transport blocks (TBs), demultiplexing MAC SDUs from TBs, scheduling information reporting, error correction via Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ), priority handling, and logical channel priority ordering.

[0112] The channel estimate derived by the channel estimator from the reference signal or feedback transmitted by the base station 304 can be used by the transmitter 314 to select appropriate coding and modulation schemes, and to facilitate spatial processing. The spatial stream generated by the transmitter 314 can be provided to (a number of) different antennas 316. The transmitter 314 can use the corresponding spatial stream to modulate the RF carrier for transmission.

[0113] Uplink transmissions are handled at base station 304 in a manner similar to that described in conjunction with the receiver function at UE 302. Receiver 352 receives signals via its respective antenna(s) 356. Receiver 352 recovers the information modulated onto the RF carrier and provides that information to one or more processors 384.

[0114] In the uplink, one or more processors 384 provide demultiplexing, packet reassembly, cipher decoding, header decompression, and control signal processing between the transport channel and the logical channel to recover IP packets from UE 302. IP packets from the one or more processors 384 can be provided to the core network. The one or more processors 384 are also responsible for error detection.

[0115] For convenience, UE 302, base station 304 and / or network entity 306 are in Figure 3A , 3BThe components shown in 3C are various and can be configured according to the various examples described herein. However, it will be understood that the components described may have different functionalities in different designs. Specifically, Figures 3A to 3C The various components are optional in the replacement configuration, and various aspects include configurations that can vary due to design choices, cost, equipment usage, or other considerations. For example, in Figure 3A In such cases, a specific implementation of UE 302 may omit WWAN transceiver 310 (e.g., wearable devices, tablets, PCs, or laptops may have Wi-Fi and / or Bluetooth capabilities but no cellular capabilities), or may omit short-range wireless transceiver 320 (e.g., cellular only), or may omit satellite signal receiver 330, or may omit sensor 344, etc. In another example, in Figure 3B In such cases, a particular implementation of base station 304 may omit WWAN transceiver 350 (e.g., a Wi-Fi "hotspot" access point without cellular capabilities), or short-range wireless transceiver 360 (e.g., cellular only), or satellite receiver 370, etc. For the sake of brevity, explanations of various alternative configurations are not provided herein, but will be readily understood by those skilled in the art.

[0116] Various components of UE 302, base station 304, and network entity 306 can be communicatively coupled to each other on data buses 334, 382, ​​and 392, respectively. In one aspect, data buses 334, 382, ​​and 392 can form or be part of the communication interfaces of UE 302, base station 304, and network entity 306, respectively. For example, when different logical entities are implemented in the same device (e.g., gNB and location server functionality are incorporated into the same base station 304), data buses 334, 382, ​​and 392 can provide communication between them.

[0117] Figure 3A , 3B The various components of 3C can be implemented in various ways. In some implementations, Figure 3A , 3BThe various components of 3C can be implemented in one or more circuits, such as, for example, one or more processors and / or one or more ASICs (which may include one or more processors). Here, each circuit may use and / or incorporate at least one memory component for storing information or executable code used by that circuit to provide this functionality. For example, some or all of the functionalities represented by blocks 310 to 346 may be implemented by the processor and(s) memory components of UE 302 (e.g., by executing appropriate code and / or by appropriately configuring the processor components). Similarly, some or all of the functionalities represented by blocks 350 to 388 may be implemented by the processor and(s) memory components of base station 304 (e.g., by executing appropriate code and / or by appropriately configuring the processor components). Furthermore, some or all of the functionalities represented by blocks 390 to 398 may be implemented by the processor and(s) memory components of network entity 306 (e.g., by executing appropriate code and / or by appropriately configuring the processor components). For simplicity, various operations, actions, and / or functions are described herein as “performed by the UE, the base station, the network entity, etc.” However, as will be appreciated, such operations, actions, and / or functions can actually be performed by specific components or combinations of components of the UE 302, the base station 304, the network entity 306, etc., such as processors 332, 384, 394, transceivers 310, 320, 350 and 360, memories 340, 386 and 396, positioning components 342, 388 and 398, etc.

[0118] In some designs, network entity 306 may be implemented as a core network component. In other designs, network entity 306 may be a network operator or operation different from the cellular network infrastructure (e.g., NG RAN 220 and / or 5GC 210 / 260). For example, network entity 306 may be a component of a private network that may be configured to communicate with UE 302 via base station 304 or independently of base station 304 (e.g., on a non-cellular communication link, such as WiFi).

[0119] NR supports several cellular network-based positioning technologies, including downlink-based positioning methods, uplink-based positioning methods, and downlink-and-uplink-based positioning methods. Downlink-based positioning methods include: Observed Time Difference of Arrival (OTDOA) in LTE, Downlink Time Difference of Arrival (DL-TDOA) in NR, and Downlink Angle of Departure (DL-AoD) in NR. In an OTDOA or DL-TDOA positioning procedure, the UE measures the difference between the times of arrival (ToA) of reference signals (e.g., positioning reference signals (PRS)) received from paired base stations (referred to as Reference Signal Time Difference (RSTD) or Time Difference of Arrival (TDOA) measurements) and reports these differences to the positioning entity. More specifically, the UE receives identifiers (IDs) of a reference base station (e.g., a serving base station) and multiple non-reference base stations in auxiliary data. The UE then measures the RSTD between the reference base station and each non-reference base station. Based on the known locations of the base stations involved and the RSTD measurements, the positioning entity can estimate the UE's location.

[0120] For DL-AoD positioning, the positioning entity uses beam reports from the UE regarding received signal strength measurements of multiple downlink transmitted beams to determine the angle between the UE and the transmitting base stations(s). The positioning entity can then estimate the UE's location based on the determined angle and the known location of the transmitting base stations.

[0121] Uplink-based positioning methods include uplink time difference of arrival (UL-TDOA) and uplink angle of arrival (UL-AoA). UL-TDOA is similar to DL-TDOA, but it is based on uplink reference signals (e.g., detection reference signals (SRS)) transmitted by the UE. For UL-AoA positioning, one or more base stations measure the received signal strength of one or more uplink reference signals (e.g., SRS) received from the UE on one or more uplink receive beams. The positioning entity uses the signal strength measurement and the angle of the receive beam to determine the angle between the UE and (the) base stations. Based on the determined angle and the known location of the base stations, the positioning entity can then estimate the location of the UE.

[0122] Downlink and uplink-based positioning methods include Enhanced Cellular ID (E-CID) positioning and Multiple Round Trip (RTT) positioning (also known as "Multi-Cell RTT"). In an RTT procedure, the initiator (base station or UE) transmits an RTT measurement signal (e.g., PRS or SRS) to the responder (UE or base station), which then transmits an RTT response signal (e.g., SRS or PRS) back to the initiator. The RTT response signal includes the difference between the ToA of the RTT measurement signal and the transmission time of the RTT response signal (referred to as the receive-transmit (Rx-Tx) time difference). The initiator calculates the difference between the transmission time of the RTT measurement signal and the ToA of the RTT response signal (referred to as the transmit-receive (Tx-Rx) time difference). The propagation time (also known as "time of flight") between the initiator and the responder can be calculated from the Tx-Rx and Rx-Tx time differences. Based on the propagation time and the known speed of light, the distance between the initiator and the responder can be determined. For multi-RTT positioning, the UE executes RTT procedures with multiple base stations so that the UE's location can be determined based on the known locations of each base station (e.g., using multilateral positioning). RTT and multi-RTT methods can be combined with other positioning technologies (such as UL-AoA and DL-AoD) to improve location accuracy.

[0123] The E-CID positioning method is based on Radio Resource Management (RRM) measurements. In E-CID, the UE reports the serving cell ID, timing advance (TA), and the identifiers, estimated timings, and signal strengths of detected neighboring base stations. The UE's location is then estimated based on this information and the known locations of the base stations.

[0124] To assist in the positioning operation, a location server (e.g., location server 230, LMF 270, SLP 272) may provide auxiliary data to the UE. For example, auxiliary data may include: the identifier of the base station (or the cell / TRP of the base station) from which the reference signal is measured, reference signal configuration parameters (e.g., the number of consecutive positioning subframes, the periodicity of the positioning subframes, the silence sequence, the frequency hopping sequence, the reference signal identifier, the reference signal bandwidth, etc.), and / or other parameters applicable to a particular positioning method. Alternatively, auxiliary data may be derived directly from the base station itself (e.g., in periodically broadcast overhead messages, etc.). In some cases, the UE may be able to detect neighboring network nodes without using auxiliary data.

[0125] In the case of OTDOA or DL-TDOA positioning procedures, auxiliary data may further include the expected RSTD value and associated uncertainty, or a search window around the expected RSTD. In some cases, the expected RSTD value may range from + / - 500 microseconds (μs). In some cases, when any resources used for positioning measurements are in FR1, the expected RSTD uncertainty may range from + / - 32 μs. In other cases, when all resources used for positioning measurements are in FR2, the expected RSTD uncertainty may range from + / - 8 μs.

[0126] Location estimation can be referred to by other names, such as location estimation, location, positioning, location locking, locking, etc. Location estimation can be geodetic and include coordinates (e.g., latitude, longitude, and possible elevation), or it can be municipal and include street addresses, postal addresses, or some other verbal description of location. Location estimation can be further defined relative to some other known location or in absolute terms (e.g., using latitude, longitude, and possible elevation). Location estimation can include expected errors or uncertainties (e.g., by including the area or volume that the location is expected to be included with a specified or default confidence level).

[0127] Various frame structures can be used to support downlink and uplink transmissions between network nodes (e.g., base stations and UEs). Figure 4A Figure 400 illustrates an example frame structure according to various aspects of this disclosure. This frame structure can be a downlink or uplink frame structure. Other wireless communication technologies may have different frame structures and / or different channels.

[0128] LTE, and in some cases NR, utilizes OFDM on the downlink and single-carrier frequency division multiplexing (SC-FDM) on the uplink. However, unlike LTE, NR also has the option to use OFDM on the uplink. OFDM and SC-FDM divide the system bandwidth into multiple (K) orthogonal subcarriers, which are often referred to as frequency modulation, frequency slots, etc. Each subcarrier can be modulated with data. Generally, modulation symbols are transmitted in the frequency domain for OFDM and in the time domain for SC-FDM. The spacing between adjacent subcarriers can be fixed, and the total number of subcarriers (K) can depend on the system bandwidth. For example, the subcarrier spacing can be 15 kHz, and the minimum resource allocation (resource block) can be 12 subcarriers (or 180 kHz). Therefore, for system bandwidths of 1.25, 2.5, 5, 10, or 20 MHz, the nominal FFT size can be equal to 128, 256, 512, 1024, or 2048, respectively. The system bandwidth can also be divided into subbands. For example, a subband can cover 1.08MHz (i.e., 6 resource blocks), and for system bandwidths of 1.25, 2.5, 5, 10, or 20MHz, there can be 1, 2, 4, 8, or 16 subbands, respectively.

[0129] LTE supports single-parameter design (subcarrier spacing (SCS), symbol length, etc.). In contrast, NR supports multiple-parameter designs (μ), for example, subcarrier spacings of 15kHz (μ=0), 30kHz (μ=1), 60kHz (μ=2), 120kHz (μ=3), and 240kHz (μ=4) or greater can be available. Within each subcarrier spacing, there are 14 symbols per time slot. For a 15kHz SCS (μ=0), there is one time slot per subframe, 10 time slots per frame, a time slot duration of 1 millisecond (ms), a symbol duration of 66.7 microseconds (μs), and a maximum nominal system bandwidth (in MHz) of 4K FFT size is 50. For a 30kHz SCS (μ=1), there are two time slots per subframe, 20 time slots per frame, a time slot duration of 0.5ms, a symbol duration of 33.3μs, and a maximum nominal system bandwidth (in MHz) of 4K FFT size of 100. For a 60kHz SCS (μ=2), there are four time slots per subframe, 40 time slots per frame, a time slot duration of 0.25ms, a symbol duration of 16.7μs, and a maximum nominal system bandwidth (in MHz) of 4K FFT size of 200. For a 120kHz SCS (μ=3), there are eight time slots per subframe, 80 time slots per frame, a time slot duration of 0.125ms, a symbol duration of 8.33μs, and a maximum nominal system bandwidth (in MHz) of 4K FFT size of 400. For a 240kHz SCS (μ=4), there are 16 time slots per subframe and 160 time slots per frame. The time slot duration is 0.0625ms, the symbol duration is 4.17μs, and the maximum nominal system bandwidth (in MHz) with a 4K FFT size is 800.

[0130] exist Figure 4A In the example, a 15kHz parameter design is used. Therefore, in the time domain, a 10ms frame is divided into 10 equal-sized subframes, each 1ms in size, and each subframe includes one time slot. Figure 4A In the diagram, time is represented horizontally (on the X-axis), where time increases from left to right, while frequency is represented vertically (on the Y-axis), where frequency increases (or decreases) from bottom to top.

[0131] A resource grid can be used to represent time slots, each time slot comprising one or more concurrent resource blocks (RBs) (also known as physical RBs (PRBs)) in the frequency domain. The resource grid is further divided into multiple resource elements (REs). An RE corresponds to one symbol length in the time domain and one subcarrier in the frequency domain. Figure 4AIn the parameter design, for a normal cyclic prefix, the RB can contain 12 consecutive subcarriers in the frequency domain and 7 consecutive symbols in the time domain, for a total of 84 REs. For an extended cyclic prefix, the RB can contain 12 consecutive subcarriers in the frequency domain and 6 consecutive symbols in the time domain, for a total of 72 REs. The number of bits carried by each RE depends on the modulation scheme.

[0132] Some REs may carry reference (pilot) signals (RS). These reference signals may include positioning reference signals (PRS), tracking reference signals (TRS), phase tracking reference signals (PTRS), cell-specific reference signals (CRS), channel state information reference signals (CSI-RS), demodulation reference signals (DMRS), primary synchronization signals (PSS), secondary synchronization signals (SSS), synchronization signal blocks (SSB), probe reference signals (SRS), etc., depending on whether the interpreted frame structure is used for uplink or downlink communication. Figure 4A Example locations of REs carrying reference signals (labeled "R") are explained.

[0133] The set of resource elements (REs) used for PRS transmission is called a "PRS resource". The resource element set can span multiple PRBs in the frequency domain and 'N' (such as one or more) consecutive symbols within a time slot in the time domain. In a given OFDM symbol in the time domain, the PRS resource occupies a consecutive PRB in the frequency domain.

[0134] The transmission of PRS resources within a given PRB has a specific comb tooth size (also known as "comb tooth density"). The comb tooth size 'N' represents the subcarrier spacing (or frequency / frequency modulation spacing) within each symbol of the PRS resource configuration. Specifically, for a comb tooth size 'N', the PRS is transmitted in every Nth subcarrier of a symbol in the PRB. For example, for comb tooth-4, for each symbol of the PRS resource configuration, the RE corresponding to every fourth subcarrier (such as subcarriers 0, 4, 8) is used to transmit the PRS resource. Currently, comb tooth sizes of comb tooth-2, comb tooth-4, comb tooth-6, and comb tooth-12 are supported by DL-PRS. Figure 4A An example PRS resource configuration for comb-4 (which spans 4 symbols) is explained. That is, the position of the shaded RE (marked as "R") indicates the PRS resource configuration for comb-4.

[0135] Currently, DL-PRS resources can span 2, 4, 6, or 12 consecutive symbols within a single time slot using a full-frequency-domain interleaved mode. DL-PRS resources can be configured in any downlink or flexible (FL) symbol configured by a higher layer within a time slot. For all REs of a given DL-PRS resource, there may be a constant energy per resource element (EPRE). The following are the symbol-by-symbol frequency offsets for comb sizes 2, 4, 6, and 12 on 2, 4, 6, and 12 symbols. 2-symbol comb-2: {0,1}; 4-symbol comb-2: {0,1,0,1}; 6-symbol comb-2: {0,1,0,1,0,1}; 12-symbol comb-2: {0,1,0,1,0,1,0,1,0,1,0,1}; 4-symbol comb-4: {0,2,1,3} (e.g., ... Figure 4A In the example); 12-code comb-4: {0,2,1,3,0,2,1,3,0,2,1,3}; 6-code comb-6: {0,3,1,4,2,5}; 12-code comb-6: {0,3,1,4,2,5,0,3,1,4,2,5}; and 12-code comb-12: {0,6,3,9,1,7,4,10,2,8,5,11}.

[0136] A “PRS resource set” is a group of PRS resources used for the transmission of PRS signals, where each PRS resource has a PRS resource ID. Furthermore, PRS resources in a PRS resource set are associated with the same TRP. A PRS resource set is identified by a PRS resource set ID and associated with a specific TRP (identified by the TRP ID). Additionally, PRS resources in a PRS resource set share the same periodicity, a common silent mode configuration, and the same repetition factor (such as “PRS-ResourceRepetitionFactor”) across time slots. Periodicity is the time from the first repetition of the first PRS resource in the first PRS instance to the same first repetition of the same first PRS resource in the next PRS instance. The periodicity can have a length chosen from the following: 2^μ*{4,5,8,10,16,20,32,40,64,80,160,320,640,1280,2560,5120,10240} time slots, where μ=0,1,2,3. The repetition factor can have a length chosen from {1,2,4,6,8,16,32} time slots.

[0137] In a PRS resource set, a PRS resource ID is associated with a single beam (or beam ID) transmitted from a single TRP (where a TRP can transmit one or more beams). That is, each PRS resource in a PRS resource set can be transmitted on a different beam, and thus, a "PRS resource" (or simply "resource") can also be referred to as a "beam". Note that this does not imply whether the UE is aware of the TRP and the beam transmitted on it by the PRS.

[0138] A “PRS instance” or “PRS timing” is an instance of a periodically repeating time window (such as a group of one or more consecutive time slots) in which a PRS is expected to be transmitted. A PRS timing may also be referred to as a “PRS positioning timing,” “PRS positioning instance,” “positioning timing,” “positioning instance,” “positioning repetition,” or simply “timing,” “instance,” or “repetition.”

[0139] A “positioning frequency layer” (also simply “frequency layer”) is a collection of one or more PRS resource sets with identical values ​​for certain parameters across one or more TRPs. Specifically, the collection of PRS resource sets has the same subcarrier spacing and cyclic prefix (CP) type (meaning all parameter designs supported for the Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) are also supported by the PRS), the same point A, the same downlink PRS bandwidth, the same starting PRB (and center frequency), and the same comb size. The point A parameter uses the value of the parameter “ARFCN-ValueNR” (where “ARFCN” stands for “Absolute Radio Channel Number”) and is an identifier / code specifying the physical radio channel pair used for transmission and reception. The downlink PRS bandwidth can have a granularity of 4 PRBs, with a minimum of 24 PRBs and a maximum of 272 PRBs. Currently, up to four frequency layers have been defined, and up to two PRS resource sets can be configured per frequency layer per TRP.

[0140] The concept of a frequency layer is somewhat similar to that of component carriers and bandwidth portions (BWPs), but the difference is that component carriers and BWPs are used by a single base station (or macrocell base station and small cell base station) to transmit data channels, while a frequency layer is used by several (often three or more) base stations to transmit PRS (Positioning Signals). A UE can indicate the number of frequency layers it can support when sending its positioning capabilities to the network (such as during an LTE Positioning Protocol (LPP) session). For example, a UE can indicate whether it can support one or four positioning frequency layers.

[0141] Note that the terms "location reference signal" and "PRS" generally refer to specific reference signals used for positioning in NR and LTE systems. However, as used herein, the terms "location reference signal" and "PRS" can also refer to any type of reference signal that can be used for positioning, such as, but not limited to, PRS, TRS, PTRS, CRS, CSI-RS, DMRS, PSS, SSS, SSB, SRS, UL-PRS, etc., as defined in LTE and NR. Additionally, the terms "location reference signal" and "PRS" can refer to downlink or uplink positioning reference signals, unless otherwise indicated by the context. If further distinction is needed regarding the type of PRS, downlink positioning reference signals may be referred to as "DL-PRS," while uplink positioning reference signals (e.g., positioning SRS, PTRS) may be referred to as "UL-PRS." Furthermore, for signals that can be transmitted in both uplink and downlink (e.g., DMRS, PTRS), these signals may be prefixed with "UL" or "DL" to distinguish direction. For example, "UL-DMRS" can be distinguished from "DL-DMRS."

[0142] Figure 4B This is diagram 450 illustrating various downlink channels within an example downlink time slot. Figure 4B In this diagram, time is represented horizontally (on the X-axis), increasing from left to right, while frequency is represented vertically (on the Y-axis), increasing (or decreasing) from bottom to top. Figure 4B In the example, a parameter design of 15kHz is used. Therefore, in the time domain, the interpreted time slot length is 1 millisecond (ms), divided into 14 symbols.

[0143] In NR, the channel bandwidth or system bandwidth is divided into multiple bandwidth portions (BWPs). A BWP is a set of adjacent RBs selected from a subset of shared RBs designed for a given carrier with given parameters. Generally, a maximum of four BWPs can be specified in both the downlink and uplink. That is, a UE can be configured to have up to four BWPs in the downlink and up to four BWPs in the uplink. Only one BWP (uplink or downlink) can be active at a given time, meaning that the UE can only receive or transmit on one BWP at a time. In the downlink, the bandwidth of each BWP should be equal to or greater than the bandwidth of the SSB, but it may or may not contain the SSB.

[0144] Reference Figure 4BThe Primary Synchronization Signal (PSS) is used by the UE to determine subframe / symbol timing and physical layer identity. The Secondary Synchronization Signal (SSS) is used by the UE to determine the physical layer cell identity group number and radio frame timing. Based on the physical layer identity and physical layer cell identity group number, the UE can determine the PCI. Based on the PCI, the UE can determine the location of the aforementioned DL-RS. The Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH) carrying the Primary Information Block (MIB) can be logically grouped with the PSS and SSS to form the SSB (also known as SS / PBCH). The MIB provides the number of RBs in the downlink system bandwidth and the System Frame Number (SFN). The Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) carries user data, broadcast system information not transmitted via the PBCH (such as System Information Block (SIB)), and paging messages.

[0145] The Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) carries downlink control information (DCI) within one or more Control Channel Elements (CCEs). Each CCE includes one or more RE Group (REG) bundles (which can span multiple symbols in the time domain). Each REG bundle includes one or more REGs, and each REG corresponds to 12 resource elements (one resource block) in the frequency domain and one OFDM symbol in the time domain. The physical resource set used to carry the PDCCH / DCI is called the Control Resource Set (CORESET) in NR. In NR, the PDCCH is confined to a single CORESET and transmitted along with its own DMRS. This enables UE-specific beamforming for the PDCCH.

[0146] exist Figure 4B In the example, each BWP has one CORESET, and this CORESET spans three symbols in the time domain (although it can be only one or two symbols). Unlike the LTE control channel, which occupies the entire system bandwidth, in NR, the PDCCH channel is localized to a specific region in the frequency domain (i.e., the CORESET). Therefore, Figure 4B The frequency components of the PDCCH shown are interpreted in the frequency domain as fewer than a single BWP. Note that although the interpreted CORESETs are contiguous in the frequency domain, they do not need to be contiguous. Additionally, a CORESET can span fewer than three symbols in the time domain.

[0147] The DCI within the PDCCH carries information about uplink resource allocation (persistent and non-persistent) and a description of the downlink data transmitted to the UE (referred to as uplink and downlink grants, respectively). More specifically, the DCI indicates the resources scheduled for downlink data channels (e.g., PDSCH) and uplink data channels (e.g., Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH)). Multiple (e.g., up to 8) DCIs can be configured in the PDCCH, and these DCIs can have one of several formats. For example, different DCI formats exist for uplink scheduling, downlink scheduling, uplink transmit power control (TPC), etc. The PDCCH can be transmitted by 1, 2, 4, 8, or 16 CCEs to accommodate different DCI payload sizes or coding rates.

[0148] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating an example PRS configuration 500 for PRS transmission at a given base station, based on various aspects of this disclosure. Figure 5 In the diagram, time is represented horizontally, increasing from left to right. Each long rectangle represents a time slot, while each short (shaded) rectangle represents an OFDM symbol. Figure 5 In the example, PRS resource set 510 (labeled "PRS resource set 1") includes two PRS resources, a first PRS resource 512 (labeled "PRS resource 1") and a second PRS resource 514 (labeled "PRS resource 2"). The base station transmits PRS on PRS resources 512 and 514 of PRS resource set 510.

[0149] PRS resource set 510 has a timing length of two time slots (N_PRS) and a periodicity of, for example (for a 15 kHz subcarrier spacing), 160 time slots or 160 milliseconds (ms) (T_PRS). Thus, PRS resources 512 and 514 are both two consecutive time slots in length and repeat every T_PRS time slot starting from the time slot in which the first symbol of the corresponding PRS resource appears. Figure 5 In the example, PRS resource 512 has a symbol length of two symbols (N_symb), and PRS resource 514 has a symbol length of four symbols (N_symb). PRS resource 512 and PRS resource 514 can be transmitted on separate beams of the same base station.

[0150] Each instance of PRS resource set 510 (described as instances 520a, 520b, and 520c) includes a timing of length "2" (i.e., N_PRS = 2) for each PRS resource 512, 514 in the PRS resource set. PRS resources 512 and 514 repeat every T_PRS slot until the silence sequence periodically reaches T_REP. Thus, a bitmap of length T_REP is needed to indicate which timings of instances 520a, 520b, and 520c of PRS resource set 510 are silenced (i.e., not transmitted).

[0151] On the one hand, there may be additional constraints on PRS configuration 500. For example, for all PRS resources (e.g., PRS resources 512, 514) in a PRS resource set (e.g., PRS resource set 510), the base station can configure the following parameters to be the same: (a) timing length (T_PRS), (b) number of symbols (N_symb), (c) comb type, and / or (d) bandwidth. Additionally, for all PRS resources in all PRS resource sets, the subcarrier spacing and cyclic prefix can be configured to be the same for a single base station or for all base stations. Whether it is for a single base station or for all base stations depends on the UE's ability to support the first and / or second options.

[0152] Only one type of measurement gap exists in NR, meaning that the same type of measurement gap will be used for both Radio Resource Management (RRM) measurements (i.e., measurements required for RRM reporting) and PRS measurements. A measurement gap is a configured time period during which the serving cell suppresses data transmission to the UE (it can still transmit reference signals) so that the UE can receive transmissions (e.g., downlink reference signals) from other cells. Transmissions from other cells may or may not be on the same frequency as the serving cell. In addition to downlink reception, measurement gaps can also be used for uplink transmissions, including uplink reference signals such as SRS.

[0153] In NR, the serving cell configures the UE to have periodic measurement gaps during which the UE is expected to perform RRM measurements. In contrast, the UE needs to request measurement gaps for PRS measurements. This depends on the UE implementation prioritizing PRS measurements over RRM measurements, as RRM measurements have higher priority by default, and the UE may not be able to perform both simultaneously. If the UE decides to perform PRS measurements instead of RRM measurements, the currently configured RRM measurement gap may not be useful (e.g., it may be inconsistent with PRS transmissions). In this case, the UE needs to request the deconfiguration of the existing measurement gap and request a new, differently configured measurement gap. Currently, this exchange is accomplished via RRC signaling.

[0154] Figure 6 Figure 600 illustrates how parameters in the measurement gap configuration according to various aspects of this disclosure specify the measurement gap pattern. The measurement gap offset (MGO) is the offset between the start of the gap pattern and the start of a time slot or subframe within the measurement gap repetition period (MGRP). Currently, approximately 160 offsets exist, but not all of these values ​​are applicable to all periodicities. More specifically, the offset value ranges from "0" to 1 less than the MGRP. Therefore, for example, if the MGRP is 20 ms, the offset range can be from "0" to "19".

[0155] The measurement gap length (MGL) is the length of the measurement gap in milliseconds. This measurement gap length can have values ​​of 1.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 5.5, or 6 ms. MGRP defines the periodicity (in milliseconds) of the measurement gap repetition. It can have values ​​of 20, 40, 80, or 160 ms. Although... Figure 6 Not shown, but the measurement gap configuration may also include a Measurement Gap Timing Advance (MGTA) parameter. If configured, the MGTA indicates the amount of time before the start of the measurement gap or subframe. Currently, the MGTA can be 0.25 ms for FR2 or 0.5 ms for FR1.

[0156] There are various problems with PRS and RRM measurements sharing the same type of measurement gap. Figure 7 This is illustration 700 of an example scenario, where the measurement gap configured for the RRM measurement resource is inconsistent with the PRS transmission to be measured, and therefore cannot be used for PRS measurement. Figure 7 In the example, time is represented horizontally, and the boxes labeled "RRM" and "PRS" indicate the temporal location of the corresponding resources that can be used for the corresponding measurement. For example, for PRS, these resources could be REs carrying PRS, PRS resources, PRS resource sets, PRS timings, etc.

[0157] exist Figure 7In the example, a first measurement gap mode 710 with parameters “MGO1”, “MGL1”, and “MGRP1” is configured for RRM measurement resources. Specifically, each RRM measurement resource falls within the measurement gap marked “MGL1”. However, as shown, this measurement gap mode is not suitable for measuring the configured PRS because it does not cover the location of the example PRS resource. Thus, the UE needs to request a new measurement gap mode 720 with parameters “MGO2”, “MGL2”, and “MGRP2”. In this mode, each PRS transmission falls within the measurement gap marked “MGL2”. The UE has to request this new measurement gap mode via the RRC reconfiguration protocol. However, sending such a request via RRC takes time and resources, thus increasing the waiting time for the positioning procedure.

[0158] Accordingly, this disclosure provides techniques for dynamically updating measurement gap configurations via lower layers. As a first solution described herein, the serving base station can use RRC signaling to configure the UE to have multiple measurement gap modes. The base station can then use lower-layer signaling to activate the appropriate mode. In one aspect, each measurement gap mode can be assigned one or more purposes. For example, purposes such as RRM, positioning, and intra-device coexistence (IDC) can be assigned to the measurement gap mode. The lower-layer signaling used to activate one of these modes can be a MAC control element (MAC-CE) or a DCI.

[0159] The base station can assign a default measurement gap configuration / mode during the initial RRC configuration or via subsequent lower-layer signaling. The UE will then follow the default measurement gap mode until otherwise indicated. In operation, if the UE receives an activation message in slot n, it is expected that the UE will begin applying the measurement gap mode in slot n+k, where k can be much smaller than when reconfiguring using RRC. The measurement gap mode can remain active for a configured duration (e.g., specified by RRC signaling, default, applicable criteria, etc.), after which the UE will either return to the default measurement gap configuration or be configured with a new measurement gap mode.

[0160] In one aspect, one of these measurement gap modes can be an empty mode. This would allow selection from a pre-configured set of modes, but would not allow for the flexibility to add new modes.

[0161] As a second solution described herein, the base station can send a MAC-CE message that updates the configured measurement gap mode (i.e., changes the parameters of the configured measurement gap mode). This measurement gap mode can be the currently configured measurement gap mode and can be configured to the UE using RRC as currently done, or can be activated by lower-layer signaling as in the first solution described herein. Such update messages can identify one or more parameters to be updated and their new values. For example, the message can identify and include new values ​​for the MGL parameter, MGO parameter, MGRP parameter, etc. If the UE is configured to have this measurement gap mode using the first solution described herein, and if the measurement gap mode is not the currently configured measurement gap mode, the message can further include a mode index identifying the measurement gap mode to be updated.

[0162] The first two solutions described above assume coordination between the base station and the location server. More specifically, the location server (e.g., location server 230, LMF 270, SLP 272) configures the UE with PRS resources intended to be measured during the positioning session. In contrast, the serving base station schedules measurement gaps to enable the UE to measure those PRS resources, typically at the UE's request (i.e., the UE requests the necessary measurement gap pattern). Therefore, for the base station to configure the UE with a measurement gap pattern that can be used for positioning, the base station needs to know the location of the PRS resources that the UE has been configured to measure. This type of coordination can occur, for example, when the location server and the base station are located in the same place.

[0163] As a third solution described herein, a UE configured with a measurement gap mode (whether via RRC signaling (as is currently done) or via lower-layer signaling (as in the first solution described herein) can request / recommend the base station to configure the UE with a different measurement gap mode. Alternatively, the UE can request changes to certain measurement gap parameters instead of a completely new measurement gap mode. However, instead of sending such requests via RRC signaling, the UE can send a MAC-CE message requesting a new measurement gap configuration or a change to the current measurement gap mode. The MAC-CE message will include the parameters the UE wants to be configured with and their new values.

[0164] In response, the base station can indicate whether it can fully or partially comply with the UE's request. If the base station can only partially comply, the response may include all parameters of the final measurement gap configuration, or only those parameters that differ from those requested by the UE. The base station may send this response via MAC-CE or DCI, depending on the length of the response (e.g., a single bit indicating full compliance or a list of parameters that differ from those requested by the UE).

[0165] As will be understood, the three solutions described above can be used together and in different combinations. For example, the serving base station can configure the UE to have multiple measurement gap modes via RRC signaling and activate one measurement gap mode via lower-layer signaling (e.g., MAC-CE, DCI), as in the first solution. Then, for example, due to an updated PRS configuration provided by the location server, the base station can update the activated measurement gap mode via a MAC-CE message, as in the second solution. The UE can also request an update to the current measurement gap configuration via lower-layer signaling, as in the third solution.

[0166] Another issue regarding PRS and RRM measurements sharing the same type of measurement gaps is that the configured measurement gap pattern may not cover all PRS timings that the UE is expected to measure. Specifically, as described above, location assistance data including the PRS(s) configurations that the UE is expected to measure is provided by a location server (e.g., location server 230, LMF 270, SLP 272). After receiving the assistance data, the UE sends a request for a measurement gap to the serving base station based on the PRS timings it is expected to measure. The base station can then configure the UE's measurement gap pattern using at least a set of parameters MGO, MGL, and MGRP. (Note that all possible combinations of these three parameters are defined in applicable standards.)

[0167] The UE can request measurement gaps for each PRS timing it intends to measure. However, there will also be times when the configured measurement gap pattern will not cover all configured PRS timings. This could be due to a lack of coordination between the location server and the base station (which is the current operating mode) or due to the PRS transmission pattern. For example, the PRS pattern may be too dense, making it impossible for the base station to configure measurement gaps for each PRS timing.

[0168] Figure 8 This is illustration 800 of an example scenario, where the configured measurement gap mode does not cover all configured PRS timings. Figure 8In the example, time is represented horizontally, and the boxes labeled "PRS1", "PRS2", "PRS3", and "PRS4" indicate the temporal positions of the four PRS transmissions. A PRS transmission can be a RE carrying a PRS, a PRS resource, a PRS resource set, a PRS timing, etc. PRS transmissions can be carried by the same or different base stations.

[0169] like Figure 8 As shown, given a measurement gap pattern 810 with parameters “MGO”, “MGL”, and “MGRP”, only those PRS transmissions marked “PRS1” and “PRS3” fall within the measurement gap (marked as “MGL”). Thus, the UE will be able to decode the PRS transmissions marked “PRS1” and “PRS3”. The UE will be unable to decode the PRS transmissions marked “PRS2” and “PRS4”, meaning these PRS transmissions are not utilized. As mentioned above, the base station may not be able to schedule measurement gaps for each PRS opportunity because the UE’s PRS patterns (i.e., the PRS opportunities from which all base stations need to measure PRS) are too dense. Alternatively, too many UEs may be located simultaneously, resulting in a large number of PRS opportunities being scheduled. However, this type of situation is unlikely to occur for on-demand PRS scenarios where resources are delivered only to one UE or a small subset of UEs.

[0170] To address these issues, this disclosure provides techniques whereby the UE or base station can report the measurement gap configuration to a location server if the configured measurement gap pattern does not cover all PRS transmissions scheduled for the UE. In response, the location server can determine whether additional steps should be taken, particularly for on-demand PRS transmissions. For example, the location server can instruct the transmitting base station to silence or cancel PRS timings falling outside the configured measurement gaps. Alternatively, the location server can modify the PRS configuration to better suit the configured measurement gap pattern.

[0171] Figure 9 This is illustration 900 of an example scenario, where PRS transmissions outside the configured measurement gap mode are silenced or modified. Figure 9 In the example, time is represented horizontally, and the boxes labeled "PRS1", "PRS2", "PRS3", and "PRS4" indicate the temporal positions of the four PRS transmissions. A PRS transmission can be a RE carrying a PRS, a PRS resource, a PRS resource set, a PRS timing, etc. PRS transmissions can be carried by the same or different base stations.

[0172] exist Figure 9 In the example, the measurement gap pattern is fixed, with a measurement gap labeled "MGL". In the first scene 910, like... Figure 8As illustrated in the example, only PRS transmissions labeled "PRS1" and "PRS3" fall within the measurement gap, and the UE cannot measure PRS transmissions labeled "PRS2" and "PRS4". The UE or serving base station can report this situation to the location server. If it is the UE, the UE can send the report via LTE Location Protocol (LPP) signaling, and if it is the base station, the base station can send the report via LPP Type A (LPPa) signaling or NR Location Protocol Type A (NRPPa) signaling.

[0173] In response, as explained in scenario 920, the location server may modify the PRS configuration so that PRS transmissions marked "PRS2" and "PRS4" are not configured to be transmitted by the corresponding base stations. Alternatively, as explained in scenario 930, the location server may instruct the base stations(s) involved to silence PRS transmissions marked "PRS2" and "PRS4".

[0174] Figure 10 An example method 1000 for wireless communication according to various aspects of this disclosure has been explained. In one aspect, method 1000 can be performed by a UE (e.g., any UE described herein).

[0175] At 1010, the UE receives multiple measurement gap configurations from the serving base station (e.g., any base station described herein) via higher-layer signaling (e.g., RRC signaling). In one aspect, operation 1010 may be performed by one or more WWAN transceivers 310, one or more processors 332, memory 340, and / or positioning components 342, wherein any or all of these components may be considered means for performing the operation.

[0176] At 1020, the UE receives activation of the first measurement gap configuration among the plurality of measurement gap configurations from the serving base station via lower-layer signaling (e.g., MAC-CE or DCI signaling). In one aspect, operation 1020 may be performed by one or more WWAN transceivers 310, one or more processors 332, memory 340, and / or positioning components 342, wherein any or all of these components may be considered means for performing the operation.

[0177] At 1030, the UE performs one or more measurements on one or more non-serving base stations during a measurement gap specified by the first measurement gap configuration. In one aspect, operation 1030 may be performed by one or more WWAN transceivers 310, one or more processors 332, memory 340, and / or positioning components 342, wherein any or all of these components may be considered means for performing the operation.

[0178] Figure 11An example method 1100 for wireless communication according to various aspects of this disclosure has been explained. In one aspect, method 1100 may be performed by a serving base station (BS) (e.g., any base station described herein).

[0179] At 1110, the base station transmits multiple measurement gap configurations to the UE (e.g., any UE described herein) via higher-layer signaling (e.g., RRC signaling). In one aspect, operation 1110 may be performed by one or more WWAN transceivers 350, one or more processors 384, memory 386, and / or positioning components 388, wherein any or all of these components may be considered means for performing the operation.

[0180] At 1120, the base station transmits activation of the first measurement gap configuration among the plurality of measurement gap configurations to the UE via lower-layer signaling (e.g., MAC-CE or DCI signaling). In one aspect, operation 1120 may be performed by one or more WWAN transceivers 350, one or more processors 384, memory 386, and / or positioning components 388, wherein any or all of these components may be considered means for performing the operation.

[0181] At 1130, the base station suppresses the transmission of data to the UE during the measurement gap specified by the first measurement gap configuration. In one aspect, operation 1130 may be performed by one or more WWAN transceivers 350, one or more processors 384, memory 386, and / or positioning components 388, wherein any or all of these components may be considered means for performing the operation.

[0182] Figure 12 An example method 1200 for wireless communication according to various aspects of this disclosure has been explained. In one aspect, method 1200 can be performed by a UE (e.g., any UE described herein).

[0183] At 1210, the UE receives a measurement gap configuration from the serving base station (e.g., any base station described herein) via higher-layer signaling (e.g., RRC signaling). In one aspect, operation 1210 may be performed by one or more WWAN transceivers 310, one or more processors 332, memory 340, and / or positioning components 342, wherein any or all of these components may be considered means for performing the operation.

[0184] At 1220, the UE receives a message from the serving base station via lower-layer signaling (e.g., MAC-CE or DCI signaling) modifying the measurement gap configuration, wherein the message specifies new values ​​for one or more parameters of the measurement gap configuration. In one aspect, operation 1220 may be performed by one or more WWAN transceivers 310, one or more processors 332, memory 340, and / or positioning components 342, wherein any or all of these components may be considered means for performing the operation.

[0185] At 1230, the UE performs one or more measurements on one or more non-serving base stations during a measurement gap specified by the modified measurement gap configuration. In one aspect, operation 1230 may be performed by one or more WWAN transceivers 310, one or more processors 332, memory 340, and / or positioning components 342, wherein any or all of these components may be considered means for performing the operation.

[0186] Figure 13 An example method 1300 for wireless communication according to various aspects of this disclosure has been explained. In one aspect, method 1300 may be performed by a serving base station (BS) (e.g., any base station described herein).

[0187] At 1310, the base station transmits the measurement gap configuration to the UE (e.g., any UE described herein) via higher-layer signaling (e.g., RRC signaling). In one aspect, operation 1310 may be performed by one or more WWAN transceivers 350, one or more processors 384, memory 386, and / or positioning components 388, wherein any or all of these components may be considered means for performing the operation.

[0188] At 1320, the base station transmits a message to the UE via lower-layer signaling (e.g., MAC-CE or DCI signaling) to modify the measurement gap configuration, wherein the message specifies new values ​​for one or more parameters of the measurement gap configuration. In one aspect, operation 1320 may be performed by one or more WWAN transceivers 350, one or more processors 384, memory 386, and / or positioning components 388, wherein any or all of these components may be considered means for performing the operation.

[0189] At 1330, the base station suppresses the transmission of data to the UE during the measurement gap specified by the modified measurement gap configuration. In one aspect, operation 1330 may be performed by one or more WWAN transceivers 350, one or more processors 384, memory 386, and / or positioning components 388, wherein any or all of these components may be considered means for performing the operation.

[0190] Figure 14An example method 1400 for wireless communication according to various aspects of this disclosure has been explained. In one aspect, method 1400 can be performed by a UE (e.g., any UE described herein).

[0191] At 1410, the UE receives a measurement gap configuration from the serving base station (e.g., any base station described herein) via higher-layer signaling (e.g., RRC signaling). In one aspect, operation 1410 may be performed by one or more WWAN transceivers 310, one or more processors 332, memory 340, and / or positioning components 342, wherein any or all of these components may be considered means for performing the operation.

[0192] At 1420, the UE transmits a message to the serving base station via lower-layer signaling (e.g., MAC-CE or DCI signaling) requesting one or more updates to the measurement gap configuration, wherein the message specifies new values ​​for one or more parameters of the measurement gap configuration. In one aspect, operation 1420 may be performed by one or more WWAN transceivers 310, one or more processors 332, memory 340, and / or positioning components 342, wherein any or all of these components can be considered as means for performing the operation.

[0193] At 1430, the UE performs one or more measurements on one or more non-serving base stations during a measurement gap specified by the measurement gap configuration or by an updated measurement gap configuration based on one or more messages requesting updates to the measurement gap configuration. In one aspect, operation 1430 may be performed by one or more WWAN transceivers 310, one or more processors 332, memory 340, and / or positioning components 342, wherein any or all of these components may be considered means for performing the operation.

[0194] Figure 15 An example method 1500 for wireless communication according to various aspects of this disclosure has been explained. In one aspect, method 1500 may be performed by a serving base station (BS) (e.g., any base station described herein).

[0195] At 1510, the base station transmits the measurement gap configuration to the UE (e.g., any UE described herein) via higher-layer signaling (e.g., RRC signaling). In one aspect, operation 1510 may be performed by one or more WWAN transceivers 350, one or more processors 384, memory 386, and / or positioning components 388, wherein any or all of these components may be considered means for performing the operation.

[0196] At 1520, the base station receives from the UE a message requesting one or more updates to the measurement gap configuration via lower-layer signaling (e.g., MAC-CE or DCI signaling), wherein the message specifies new values ​​for one or more parameters of the measurement gap configuration. In one aspect, operation 1520 may be performed by one or more WWAN transceivers 350, one or more processors 384, memory 386, and / or positioning components 388, wherein any or all of these components can be considered as means for performing the operation.

[0197] At 1530, the base station suppresses transmission to the UE during a measurement gap specified by an updated measurement gap configuration or based on new values ​​of one or more parameters of the measurement gap configuration. In one aspect, operation 1530 may be performed by one or more WWAN transceivers 350, one or more processors 384, memory 386, and / or positioning components 388, wherein any or all of these components may be considered means for performing the operation.

[0198] Figure 16 An example method 1600 for wireless communication according to various aspects of this disclosure has been explained. In one aspect, method 1600 can be performed by a UE (e.g., any UE described herein).

[0199] At 1610, the UE receives a PRS configuration from a location server (e.g., location server 230, LMF 270, SLP 272), which specifies multiple PRS transmissions to be scheduled by multiple base stations. In one aspect, operation 1610 may be performed by one or more WWAN transceivers 310, one or more processors 332, memory 340, and / or positioning components 342, wherein any or all of these components can be considered as means for performing the operation.

[0200] At 1620, the UE transmits a request to the serving base station (e.g., any base station described herein) to be configured with measurement gaps, specifying the location of the plurality of PRS transmissions in time and / or frequency. In one aspect, operation 1620 may be performed by one or more WWAN transceivers 310, one or more processors 332, memory 340, and / or positioning components 342, wherein any or all of these components may be considered means for performing the operation.

[0201] At 1630, the UE receives a measurement gap configuration from the serving base station. In one aspect, operation 1630 can be performed by one or more WWAN transceivers 310, one or more processors 332, a memory 340, and / or a positioning component 342, wherein any or all of these components can be considered as means for performing the operation.

[0202] At 1640, the UE transmits the measurement gap configuration to the location server based on the fact that at least one of the plurality of PRS transmissions is inconsistent with the measurement gap specified by the measurement gap configuration. In one aspect, operation 1640 may be performed by one or more WWAN transceivers 310, one or more processors 332, memory 340, and / or positioning components 342, wherein any or all of these components may be considered as means for performing the operation.

[0203] Figure 17 An example method 1700 for communication according to various aspects of this disclosure is explained. In one aspect, method 1700 may be performed by a location server (LS) (e.g., location server 230, LMF 270, SLP 272).

[0204] At 1710, the location server transmits a PRS configuration to the UE (e.g., any UE described herein), which specifies multiple PRS transmissions scheduled to be transmitted by multiple base stations. In one aspect, operation 1710 may be performed by one or more network transceivers 390, one or more processors 394, memory 396, and / or positioning components 398, wherein any or all of these components may be considered means for performing the operation.

[0205] At 1720, the location server receives the measurement gap configuration for the UE. In one aspect, operation 1720 may be performed by one or more network transceivers 390, one or more processors 394, memory 396, and / or positioning components 398, wherein any or all of these components may be considered means for performing the operation.

[0206] At 1730, the location server updates the PRS configuration in response to the receipt of the measurement gap configuration. In one aspect, operation 1730 can be performed by one or more network transceivers 390, one or more processors 394, memory 396, and / or positioning components 398, wherein any or all of these components can be considered as means for performing the operation.

[0207] As will be understood, the technical advantage of methods 1000 to 1700 is the dynamic configuration of the measurement gap, thereby reducing power consumption at the UE by optimizing the allocation time of the measurement gap.

[0208] As can be seen in the detailed description above, different features are grouped together in the examples. This manner of disclosure should not be construed as an intention to include more features than those explicitly mentioned in each clause. Rather, aspects of this disclosure may include fewer features than those of the individual example clauses disclosed. Therefore, the appended clauses should thus be considered as incorporated into this description, where each clause may be a separate example. Although each dependent clause may refer in its own clause to a specific combination with one of the other clauses, the aspect of that dependent clause is not limited to that specific combination. It will be appreciated that other example clauses may also include combinations of aspects of a dependent clause with the subject matter of any other dependent or independent clause, or combinations of any feature with other dependent and independent clauses. The aspects disclosed herein explicitly include these combinations unless explicitly stated or it can be readily inferred that a particular combination is not desired (e.g., contradictory aspects, such as defining an element as both an insulator and a conductor). Furthermore, it is intended that aspects of a clause may be included in any other independent clause, even if that clause is not directly subordinate to that independent clause.

[0209] Examples of implementations are described in the following numbered clauses.

[0210] Clause 1. A wireless communication method performed by a user equipment (UE) comprising: receiving a plurality of measurement gap configurations from a serving base station via higher-layer signaling; receiving activation of a first measurement gap configuration of the plurality of measurement gap configurations from the serving base station via lower-layer signaling; and performing one or more measurements on one or more non-serving base stations during a measurement gap specified by the first measurement gap configuration.

[0211] Clause 2. The method of Clause 1, wherein the UE operates according to the default measurement gap configuration before receiving activation of the first measurement gap configuration.

[0212] Clause 3. The method of Clause 2 further includes: receiving an identifier of the default measurement gap configuration from the serving base station.

[0213] Clause 4. The method of Clause 3, wherein the UE receives an identifier of the default measurement gap configuration from the serving base station via higher-layer signaling.

[0214] Clause 5. The method of Clause 3, wherein the UE receives an identifier of the default measurement gap configuration from the serving base station via lower-layer signaling.

[0215] Clause 6. The method of any one of Clauses 2 to 5, wherein the UE switches back to the default measurement gap configuration after performing one or more measurements.

[0216] Clause 7. The method of any one of Clauses 2 to 6, wherein the UE switches back to the default measurement gap configuration a specified time period later than the switch to the first measurement gap configuration.

[0217] Clause 8. The method of any one of Clauses 1 to 7, wherein one of the plurality of measurement gap configurations includes an empty measurement gap mode.

[0218] Clause 9. The method of any one of Clauses 1 to 8, wherein: the higher-layer signaling includes Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling, and the lower-layer signaling includes Media Access Control Control Element (MAC-CE) or Downlink Control Information (DCI) signaling.

[0219] Clause 10. The method of any one of Clauses 1 to 9, wherein the one or more measurements include one or more location-related measurements, one or more radio resource management (RRM) measurements, or one or more in-device coexistence (IDC) measurements.

[0220] Clause 11. A wireless communication method performed by a base station, comprising: transmitting a plurality of measurement gap configurations to a user equipment (UE) via higher-layer signaling; transmitting to the UE via lower-layer signaling an activation of a first measurement gap configuration among the plurality of measurement gap configurations; and suppressing transmission to the UE during a measurement gap specified by the first measurement gap configuration.

[0221] Clause 12. The method of Clause 11 further includes: transmitting an identifier of the default measurement gap configuration to the UE.

[0222] Clause 13. The method of Clause 12, wherein the base station transmits an identifier of the default measurement gap configuration to the UE via higher-layer signaling.

[0223] Clause 14. The method of Clause 12, wherein the base station transmits an identifier of the default measurement gap configuration to the UE via lower-layer signaling.

[0224] Clause 15. The method of any one of Clauses 11 to 14, wherein one of the plurality of measurement gap configurations includes an empty measurement gap mode.

[0225] Clause 16. The method of any one of Clauses 11 to 15, wherein: the higher-layer signaling includes Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling, and the lower-layer signaling includes Media Access Control Element (MAC-CE) or Downlink Control Information (DCI) signaling.

[0226] Clause 17. The method of any one of Clauses 11 to 16 further includes: receiving a report from the UE, the report including one or more measurements performed by the UE on one or more non-serving base stations during a measurement gap specified by the first measurement gap configuration.

[0227] Clause 18. A wireless communication method performed by a user equipment (UE) comprising: receiving a measurement gap configuration from a serving base station via higher-layer signaling; receiving a message from the serving base station via lower-layer signaling modifying the measurement gap configuration, wherein the message specifies new values ​​for one or more parameters of the measurement gap configuration; and performing one or more measurements on one or more non-serving base stations during a measurement gap specified by the modified measurement gap configuration.

[0228] Clause 19. The method of Clause 18 further includes: receiving a plurality of measurement gap configurations from the serving base station via higher-layer signaling, the plurality of measurement gap configurations including the measurement gap configuration; and receiving activation of the measurement gap configuration from the serving base station via lower-layer signaling before receiving a message to modify the measurement gap configuration.

[0229] Clause 20. The method of Clause 19, wherein the message includes an identifier of the measurement gap configuration from among the plurality of measurement gap configurations.

[0230] Clause 21. The method of any one of Clauses 18 to 20, wherein the one or more parameters include measurement gap length, measurement gap offset, measurement gap repetition period, measurement gap timing advance, or any combination thereof.

[0231] Clause 22. The method of any one of Clauses 18 to 21, wherein: the higher-layer signaling includes Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling, and the lower-layer signaling includes Media Access Control Element (MAC-CE) or Downlink Control Information (DCI) signaling.

[0232] Clause 23. The method of any one of Clauses 18 to 22, wherein the one or more measurements include one or more location-related measurements, one or more radio resource management (RRM) measurements, or one or more in-device coexistence (IDC) measurements.

[0233] Clause 24. A wireless communication method performed by a base station, comprising: transmitting a measurement gap configuration to a user equipment (UE) via higher-layer signaling; transmitting a message modifying the measurement gap configuration to the UE via lower-layer signaling, wherein the message specifies new values ​​for one or more parameters of the measurement gap configuration; and suppressing transmission to the UE during a measurement gap specified by the modified measurement gap configuration.

[0234] Clause 25. The method of Clause 24 further includes: transmitting a plurality of measurement gap configurations to the UE via higher-layer signaling, the plurality of measurement gap configurations including the measurement gap configuration; and transmitting activation of the measurement gap configuration to the UE via lower-layer signaling before receiving a message modifying the measurement gap configuration.

[0235] Clause 26. The method of Clause 25, wherein the message includes an identifier of the measurement gap configuration from among the plurality of measurement gap configurations.

[0236] Clause 27. The method of any one of Clauses 24 to 26, wherein the one or more parameters include measurement gap length, measurement gap offset, measurement gap repetition period, measurement gap timing advance, or any combination thereof.

[0237] Clause 28. The method of any one of Clauses 24 to 27, wherein: the higher-layer signaling includes Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling, and the lower-layer signaling includes Media Access Control Control Element (MAC-CE) or Downlink Control Information (DCI) signaling.

[0238] Clause 29. The method of any one of Clauses 24 to 28 further includes: receiving a report from the UE, the report including one or more measurements performed by the UE on one or more non-serving base stations during a measurement gap specified by the modified measurement gap configuration.

[0239] Clause 30. A wireless communication method performed by a user equipment (UE) comprising: receiving a measurement gap configuration from a serving base station via higher-layer signaling; transmitting to the serving base station via lower-layer signaling a message requesting one or more updates to the measurement gap configuration, wherein the message specifies new values ​​for one or more parameters of the measurement gap configuration; receiving from the serving base station via lower-layer signaling a message indicating an updated configuration of the measurement gap configuration; and performing one or more measurements on the one or more non-serving base stations during a measurement gap specified by the updated measurement gap configuration.

[0240] Clause 31. The method of Clause 30, wherein: the message includes an indication that the base station has adopted a new value for the one or more parameters, and the updated configuration includes the new value for the one or more parameters.

[0241] Clause 32. The method of any of Clauses 30 to 31, wherein the updated configuration includes the values ​​of the one or more parameters, wherein at least one value is different from the new values ​​of the one or more parameters.

[0242] Clause 33. The method of any one of Clauses 30 to 32 further includes: receiving a plurality of measurement gap configurations from the serving base station via higher-layer signaling, the plurality of measurement gap configurations including the measurement gap configuration; and receiving activation of the measurement gap configuration from the serving base station via lower-layer signaling.

[0243] Clause 34. The method of Clause 33, wherein the message includes an identifier of the measurement gap configuration from among the plurality of measurement gap configurations.

[0244] Clause 35. The method of any one of Clauses 30 to 34, wherein the one or more parameters include measurement gap length, measurement gap offset, measurement gap repetition period, measurement gap timing advance, or any combination thereof.

[0245] Clause 36. The method of any one of Clauses 30 to 35, wherein: the higher-layer signaling includes Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling, and the lower-layer signaling includes Media Access Control Element (MAC-CE) or Downlink Control Information (DCI) signaling.

[0246] Clause 37. The method of any one of Clauses 30 to 36, wherein the one or more measurements include one or more location-related measurements, one or more radio resource management (RRM) measurements, or one or more in-device coexistence (IDC) measurements.

[0247] Clause 38. A wireless communication method performed by a base station, comprising: transmitting a measurement gap configuration to a user equipment (UE) via higher-layer signaling; receiving from the UE via lower-layer signaling a message requesting one or more updates to the measurement gap configuration, wherein the message specifies new values ​​for one or more parameters of the measurement gap configuration; transmitting to the UE via lower-layer signaling a message indicating an updated configuration of the measurement gap configuration; and suppressing transmission to the UE during a measurement gap specified by the updated measurement gap configuration.

[0248] Clause 39. The method of Clause 38, wherein: the message includes an indication that the base station has adopted a new value for the one or more parameters, and the updated configuration includes the new value for the one or more parameters.

[0249] Clause 40. The method of any of Clauses 38 to 39, wherein the updated configuration includes the value of one or more parameters, wherein at least one value is different from the new value of one or more parameters.

[0250] Clause 41. The method of any one of Clauses 38 to 40 further includes: transmitting a plurality of measurement gap configurations to the UE via higher-layer signaling, the plurality of measurement gap configurations including the measurement gap configuration; and transmitting activation of the measurement gap configuration to the UE via lower-layer signaling.

[0251] Clause 42. The method of Clause 41, wherein the message includes an identifier of the measurement gap configuration from among the plurality of measurement gap configurations.

[0252] Clause 43. The method of any one of Clauses 38 to 42, wherein the one or more parameters include measurement gap length, measurement gap offset, measurement gap repetition period, measurement gap timing advance, or any combination thereof.

[0253] Clause 44. The method of any one of Clauses 38 to 43, wherein: the higher-layer signaling includes Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling, and the lower-layer signaling includes Media Access Control Element (MAC-CE) or Downlink Control Information (DCI) signaling.

[0254] Clause 45. The method of any one of Clauses 38 to 44 further includes: receiving a report from the UE, the report including one or more measurements performed by the UE on one or more non-serving base stations during a measurement gap specified by the updated measurement gap configuration.

[0255] Clause 46. A wireless communication method performed by a user equipment (UE) comprising: receiving a positioning reference signal (PRS) configuration from a location server, the PRS configuration specifying a plurality of PRS transmissions scheduled to be transmitted by a plurality of base stations; transmitting a request for a measurement gap configuration to a serving base station, the request specifying the locations of the plurality of PRS transmissions in time and / or frequency; receiving the measurement gap configuration from the serving base station; determining that at least one of the plurality of PRS transmissions is inconsistent with a measurement gap specified by the measurement gap configuration; and transmitting the measurement gap configuration to the location server.

[0256] Clause 47. A wireless communication method performed by a location server, comprising: transmitting a Positioning Reference Signal (PRS) configuration to a user equipment (UE) specifying a plurality of PRS transmissions scheduled to be transmitted by a plurality of base stations; receiving a Measurement Gap Configuration for the UE; and updating the PRS configuration in response to the reception of the Measurement Gap Configuration.

[0257] Clause 48. The method of Clause 47, wherein the update includes: instructing at least one of the plurality of base stations to silence at least one of the plurality of PRS transmissions, the at least one PRS transmission being inconsistent with the measurement gap specified by the measurement gap configuration.

[0258] Clause 49. The method of any one of Clauses 47 to 48, wherein the update comprises: instructing at least one of the plurality of base stations to adjust the transmission time of at least one of the plurality of PRS transmissions to be consistent with the measurement gap specified by the measurement gap configuration.

[0259] Clause 50. The method of any one of Clauses 47 to 49, wherein receiving includes: receiving the measurement gap configuration from the UE.

[0260] Clause 51. The method of Clause 50, wherein receiving includes: receiving the measurement gap configuration from the UE via Long Term Evolution (LTE) Positioning Protocol (LPP) signaling.

[0261] Clause 52. The method of any one of Clauses 47 to 49, wherein receiving includes: receiving the measurement gap configuration from the serving base station of the UE.

[0262] Clause 53. The method of Clause 52, wherein receiving includes: receiving the measurement gap configuration from the serving base station via LPP Type A (LPPa) signaling or New Radio Positioning Protocol Type A (NRPPa) signaling.

[0263] Clause 54. An apparatus comprising: a memory, at least one transceiver, and at least one processor communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, the memory, the at least one transceiver, and the at least one processor being configured to perform a method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 53.

[0264] Clause 55. An apparatus comprising means for performing a method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 53.

[0265] Clause 56. A non-transient computer-readable medium storing computer-executable instructions, including at least one instruction for causing a computer or processor to perform a method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 53.

[0266] Examples of additional implementations are described in the following numbered clauses.

[0267] Clause 1. A wireless communication method performed by a user equipment (UE) comprising: receiving a plurality of measurement gap configurations from a serving base station via higher-layer signaling; receiving activation of a first measurement gap configuration of the plurality of measurement gap configurations from the serving base station via lower-layer signaling; and performing one or more measurements on one or more non-serving base stations during a measurement gap specified by the first measurement gap configuration.

[0268] Clause 2. The method of Clause 1 further includes: operating according to the default measurement gap configuration before receiving activation of the first measurement gap configuration.

[0269] Clause 3. The method of Clause 2 further includes: receiving an identifier of the default measurement gap configuration from the serving base station.

[0270] Clause 4. The method of Clause 3, wherein the identifier of the default measurement gap configuration is received from the serving base station via higher-layer signaling.

[0271] Clause 5. The method of any of Clauses 3 to 4, wherein the identifier of the default measurement gap configuration is received from the serving base station via lower-layer signaling.

[0272] Clause 6. The method of any of Clauses 2 to 5 further includes: switching back to the default measurement gap configuration after performing the one or more measurements.

[0273] Clause 7. The method of any one of Clauses 2 to 5 further includes: switching back to the default measurement gap configuration a specified time period later than the switch to the first measurement gap configuration.

[0274] Clause 8. The method of any one of Clauses 1 to 7, wherein one of the plurality of measurement gap configurations includes an empty measurement gap mode.

[0275] Clause 9. The method of any one of Clauses 1 to 8, wherein: the higher-layer signaling includes Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling, and the lower-layer signaling includes Media Access Control Control Element (MAC-CE) or Downlink Control Information (DCI) signaling.

[0276] Clause 10. The method of any one of Clauses 1 to 9, wherein the one or more measurements include one or more location-related measurements, one or more radio resource management (RRM) measurements, or one or more in-device coexistence (IDC) measurements.

[0277] Clause 11. A wireless communication method performed by a base station, comprising: transmitting a plurality of measurement gap configurations to a user equipment (UE) via higher-layer signaling; transmitting to the UE via lower-layer signaling an activation of a first measurement gap configuration among the plurality of measurement gap configurations; and suppressing the transmission of data to the UE during a measurement gap specified by the first measurement gap configuration.

[0278] Clause 12. The method of Clause 11 further includes: transmitting an identifier of the default measurement gap configuration to the UE.

[0279] Clause 13. The method of Clause 12, wherein the identifier of the default measurement gap configuration is transmitted to the UE via higher-layer signaling.

[0280] Clause 14. The method of any of Clauses 12 to 13, wherein the identifier of the default measurement gap configuration is transmitted to the UE via lower-layer signaling.

[0281] Clause 15. The method of any one of Clauses 11 to 14, wherein one of the plurality of measurement gap configurations includes an empty measurement gap mode.

[0282] Clause 16. The method of any one of Clauses 11 to 15, wherein: the higher-layer signaling includes Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling, and the lower-layer signaling includes Media Access Control Element (MAC-CE) or Downlink Control Information (DCI) signaling.

[0283] Clause 17. The method of any one of Clauses 11 to 16 further includes: receiving a report from the UE, the report including one or more measurements performed by the UE on one or more non-serving base stations during a measurement gap specified by the first measurement gap configuration.

[0284] Clause 18. A wireless communication method performed by a user equipment (UE) comprising: receiving a measurement gap configuration from a serving base station via higher-layer signaling; receiving a message from the serving base station via lower-layer signaling modifying the measurement gap configuration, wherein the message specifies new values ​​for one or more parameters of the measurement gap configuration; and performing one or more measurements on one or more non-serving base stations during a measurement gap specified by the modified measurement gap configuration.

[0285] Clause 19. The method of Clause 18 further includes: transmitting a request to the serving base station for a modified measurement gap configuration, wherein a message modifying the measurement gap configuration is received in response to the request.

[0286] Clause 20. The method of any one of Clauses 18 to 19 further includes: receiving a plurality of measurement gap configurations from the serving base station via higher-layer signaling, the plurality of measurement gap configurations including the measurement gap configuration; and receiving activation of the measurement gap configuration from the serving base station via lower-layer signaling before receiving a message modifying the measurement gap configuration.

[0287] Clause 21. The method of Clause 20, wherein the message includes an identifier of the measurement gap configuration from among the plurality of measurement gap configurations.

[0288] Clause 22. The method of any one of Clauses 18 to 21, wherein the one or more parameters include measurement gap length, measurement gap offset, measurement gap repetition period, measurement gap timing advance, or any combination thereof.

[0289] Clause 23. The method of any one of Clauses 18 to 22, wherein: the higher-layer signaling includes Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling, and the lower-layer signaling includes Media Access Control Element (MAC-CE) or Downlink Control Information (DCI) signaling.

[0290] Clause 24. The method of any one of Clauses 18 to 23, wherein the one or more measurements include one or more location-related measurements, one or more radio resource management (RRM) measurements, or one or more in-device coexistence (IDC) measurements.

[0291] Clause 25. A wireless communication method performed by a base station, comprising: transmitting a measurement gap configuration to a user equipment (UE) via higher-layer signaling; transmitting a message modifying the measurement gap configuration to the UE via lower-layer signaling, wherein the message specifies new values ​​for one or more parameters of the measurement gap configuration; and suppressing the transmission of data to the UE during a measurement gap specified by the modified measurement gap configuration.

[0292] Clause 26. The method of Clause 25 further includes: receiving from the UE a request for a modified measurement gap configuration, wherein a message modifying the measurement gap configuration is transmitted in response to the request.

[0293] Clause 27. The method of any one of Clauses 25 to 26 further comprises: transmitting a plurality of measurement gap configurations to the UE via higher-layer signaling, the plurality of measurement gap configurations including the measurement gap configuration; and transmitting activation of the measurement gap configuration to the UE via lower-layer signaling before transmitting a message modifying the measurement gap configuration.

[0294] Clause 28. The method of Clause 27, wherein the message includes an identifier of the measurement gap configuration from among the plurality of measurement gap configurations.

[0295] Clause 29. The method of any one of Clauses 25 to 28, wherein the one or more parameters include measurement gap length, measurement gap offset, measurement gap repetition period, measurement gap timing advance, or any combination thereof.

[0296] Clause 30. The method of any one of Clauses 25 to 29, wherein: the higher-layer signaling includes Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling, and the lower-layer signaling includes Media Access Control Element (MAC-CE) or Downlink Control Information (DCI) signaling.

[0297] Clause 31. A wireless communication method performed by a user equipment (UE) comprising: receiving a measurement gap configuration from a serving base station via higher-layer signaling; transmitting to the serving base station via lower-layer signaling a message requesting one or more updates to the measurement gap configuration, wherein the message specifies new values ​​for one or more parameters of the measurement gap configuration; and performing one or more measurements on one or more non-serving base stations during a measurement gap specified by the measurement gap configuration or by an updated measurement gap configuration based on the message requesting one or more updates to the measurement gap configuration.

[0298] Clause 32. The method of Clause 31 further includes: receiving, via lower-layer signaling, a message indicating the updated measurement gap configuration from the serving base station.

[0299] Clause 33. The method of any one of Clauses 31 to 32, wherein: the message includes an indication that the serving base station has adopted a new value for the one or more parameters, and the updated measurement gap configuration includes the new value for the one or more parameters.

[0300] Clause 34. The method of any of Clauses 31 to 33, wherein the updated measurement gap configuration includes the values ​​of one or more parameters, wherein at least one value is different from the new value of one or more parameters.

[0301] Clause 35. The method of any one of Clauses 31 to 34 further includes: receiving a plurality of measurement gap configurations from the serving base station via higher-layer signaling, the plurality of measurement gap configurations including the measurement gap configuration; and receiving activation of the measurement gap configuration from the serving base station via lower-layer signaling.

[0302] Clause 36. The method of Clause 35, wherein the message includes an identifier of the measurement gap configuration from among the plurality of measurement gap configurations.

[0303] Clause 37. The method of any one of Clauses 31 to 36, wherein the one or more parameters include measurement gap length, measurement gap offset, measurement gap repetition period, measurement gap timing advance, or any combination thereof.

[0304] Clause 38. The method of any one of Clauses 31 to 37, wherein: the higher-layer signaling includes Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling, and the lower-layer signaling includes Media Access Control Element (MAC-CE) or Downlink Control Information (DCI) signaling.

[0305] Clause 39. The method of any one of Clauses 31 to 38, wherein the one or more measurements include one or more location-related measurements, one or more radio resource management (RRM) measurements, or one or more in-device coexistence (IDC) measurements.

[0306] Clause 40. A wireless communication method performed by a base station, comprising: transmitting a measurement gap configuration to a user equipment (UE) via higher-layer signaling; receiving from the UE via lower-layer signaling a message requesting one or more updates to the measurement gap configuration, wherein the message specifies new values ​​for one or more parameters of the measurement gap configuration; and suppressing the transmission of data to the UE during a measurement gap specified by the measurement gap configuration or an updated measurement gap configuration based on the new values ​​of one or more parameters of the measurement gap configuration.

[0307] Clause 41. The method of Clause 40 further includes: transmitting to the UE via lower-layer signaling a message indicating the updated measurement gap configuration.

[0308] Clause 42. The method of any one of Clauses 40 to 41, wherein: the message includes an indication that the base station has adopted new values ​​for the one or more parameters, and the updated measurement gap configuration includes the new values ​​for the one or more parameters.

[0309] Clause 43. The method of any one of Clauses 40 to 42, wherein the updated measurement gap configuration includes the values ​​of one or more parameters, wherein at least one value is different from the new value of one or more parameters.

[0310] Clause 44. The method of any one of Clauses 40 to 43 further includes: transmitting a plurality of measurement gap configurations to the UE via higher-layer signaling, the plurality of measurement gap configurations including the measurement gap configuration; and transmitting activation of the measurement gap configuration to the UE via lower-layer signaling.

[0311] Clause 45. The method of Clause 44, wherein the message includes an identifier of the measurement gap configuration from among the plurality of measurement gap configurations.

[0312] Clause 46. The method of any one of Clauses 40 to 45, wherein the one or more parameters include measurement gap length, measurement gap offset, measurement gap repetition period, measurement gap timing advance, or any combination thereof.

[0313] Clause 47. The method of any one of Clauses 40 to 46, wherein: the higher-layer signaling includes Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling, and the lower-layer signaling includes Media Access Control Element (MAC-CE) or Downlink Control Information (DCI) signaling.

[0314] Clause 48. A wireless communication method performed by a user equipment (UE), comprising: receiving a positioning reference signal (PRS) configuration from a location server, the PRS configuration specifying multiple PRS transmissions to be scheduled for transmission by multiple base stations; transmitting to a serving base station a request to be configured with measurement gaps, the request specifying the locations of the multiple PRS transmissions in time and / or frequency; receiving a measurement gap configuration from the serving base station; and transmitting the measurement gap configuration to the location server based on the fact that at least one of the multiple PRS transmissions is inconsistent with the measurement gap specified by the measurement gap configuration.

[0315] Clause 49. A communication method performed by a location server, comprising: transmitting a Positioning Reference Signal (PRS) configuration to a user equipment (UE), the PRS configuration specifying multiple PRS transmissions scheduled to be transmitted by multiple base stations; receiving a Measurement Gap Configuration for the UE; and updating the PRS configuration in response to the reception of the Measurement Gap Configuration.

[0316] Clause 50. The method of Clause 49, wherein updating the PRS configuration includes: instructing at least one of the plurality of base stations to silence at least one PRS transmission among the plurality of PRS transmissions that is inconsistent with the measurement gap specified by the measurement gap configuration.

[0317] Clause 51. The method of any one of Clauses 49 to 50, wherein updating the PRS configuration comprises: instructing at least one of the plurality of base stations to adjust the transmission time of at least one of the plurality of PRS transmissions to be consistent with the measurement gap specified by the measurement gap configuration.

[0318] Clause 52. The method of any one of Clauses 49 to 51, wherein receiving the measurement gap configuration includes: receiving the measurement gap configuration from the UE.

[0319] Clause 53. An apparatus comprising: a memory, at least one transceiver, and at least one processor communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, the memory, the at least one transceiver, and the at least one processor being configured to perform a method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 52.

[0320] Clause 54. An apparatus comprising means for performing a method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 52.

[0321] Clause 55. A non-transient computer-readable medium storing computer-executable instructions, including at least one instruction for causing a computer or processor to perform a method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 52.

[0322] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that information and signals can be represented using any of a variety of different techniques and skills. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be referred to throughout the above description can be represented by voltage, current, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, light fields or light particles, or any combination thereof.

[0323] Furthermore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the various illustrative logic blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithmic steps described in connection with the aspects disclosed herein can be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability between hardware and software, the various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps are described above in a generalized manner in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends on the specific application and the design constraints imposed on the overall system. Those skilled in the art may implement the described functionality in different ways for each specific application, but such implementation decisions should not be construed as departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0324] The various illustrative logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in conjunction with the aspects disclosed herein may be implemented or executed using a general-purpose processor, digital signal processor (DSP), ASIC, field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in alternative embodiments, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors cooperating with a DSP core, or any other such configuration.

[0325] The methods, sequences, and / or algorithms described in conjunction with the aspects disclosed herein may be embodied directly in hardware, in a software module executed by a processor, or in a combination of both. The software module may reside in random access memory (RAM), flash memory, read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), registers, hard disks, removable disks, CD-ROMs, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. Example storage media are coupled to a processor so that the processor can read and write information from / to the storage medium. In alternatives, the storage medium may be integrated into the processor. The processor and storage medium may reside in an ASIC. The ASIC may reside in a user terminal (e.g., a UE). In alternatives, the processor and storage medium may reside as discrete components in the user terminal.

[0326] In one or more example aspects, the described functionality may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, the functionality may be stored or transmitted as one or more instructions or codes on or through a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media includes both computer storage media and communication media, including any medium that facilitates the transfer of a computer program from one location to another. Storage media may be any available medium accessible to a computer. By way of example and not limitation, such computer-readable media may include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disc storage, disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and is accessible to a computer. Any connection is also legitimately referred to as computer-readable media. For example, if the software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave, then such coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave are included in the definition of medium. As used in this article, disk and disc include compact discs (CDs), laser discs, optical discs, digital multi-purpose discs (DVDs), floppy disks, and Blu-ray discs. Disks typically reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically using lasers. Combinations of these should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0327] Although the foregoing disclosure illustrates illustrative aspects of this disclosure, it should be noted that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the scope of this disclosure as defined by the appended claims. The functions, steps, and / or actions in the method claims according to the aspects of this disclosure described herein need not be performed in any particular order. Furthermore, although elements of this disclosure may be described or claimed in the singular, pluralism is also contemplated unless explicitly stated to be limited to the singular.

Claims

1. A wireless communication method performed by a user equipment (UE), comprising: Multiple positioning-related measurement gap configurations are received from the serving network node via higher-level signaling; Receive activation of the first location-related measurement gap configuration among the plurality of location-related measurement gap configurations from the serving network node via lower-layer signaling in the time slot; and One or more location-related measurements are performed on one or more non-serving network nodes, starting in time slot k, which is a positive integer k from the time slot, during the location-related measurement gap specified by the first location-related measurement gap configuration.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: Before receiving the activation of the first positioning-related measurement gap configuration, the operation is performed according to the default positioning-related measurement gap configuration.

3. The method of claim 2, further comprising: Receive the identifier of the default positioning-related measurement gap configuration from the service network node.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the identifier of the default positioning-related measurement gap configuration is received from the serving network node via the higher-layer signaling.

5. The method of claim 3, wherein the identifier of the default positioning-related measurement gap configuration is received from the serving network node via the lower-layer signaling.

6. The method of claim 2, further comprising: After performing one or more positioning-related measurements, switch back to the default positioning-related measurement gap configuration.

7. The method of claim 2, further comprising: Switch back to the default positioning-related measurement gap configuration a specified time period later than the time period after switching to the first positioning-related measurement gap configuration.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein one of the plurality of positioning-related measurement gap configurations includes an empty positioning-related measurement gap mode.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein: The higher-level signaling includes Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling, and The lower-layer signaling includes Media Access Control Element (MAC-CE) or Downlink Control Information (DCI) signaling.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more location-related measurements include one or more location-related measurements, one or more radio resource management (RRM) measurements, or one or more in-device coexisting (IDC) measurements.

11. A wireless communication method performed by a network node, comprising: Multiple positioning-related measurement gap configurations are transmitted to the user equipment (UE) via higher-layer signaling; In a time slot, activation of the first location-related measurement gap configuration among the plurality of location-related measurement gap configurations is transmitted to the UE via lower-layer signaling; and In time slot k, which is a positive integer k from the time slot, data transmission to the UE is suppressed during the location-related measurement gap specified by the first location-related measurement gap configuration.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising: The identifier of the default positioning-related measurement gap configuration is transmitted to the UE.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the identifier of the default positioning-related measurement gap configuration is transmitted to the UE via the higher-layer signaling.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein the identifier of the default positioning-related measurement gap configuration is transmitted to the UE via the lower-layer signaling.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein one of the plurality of positioning-related measurement gap configurations includes an empty positioning-related measurement gap mode.

16. The method of claim 11, wherein: The higher-level signaling includes Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling, and The lower-layer signaling includes Media Access Control Element (MAC-CE) or Downlink Control Information (DCI) signaling.

17. The method of claim 11, further comprising: The UE receives a report comprising one or more measurements performed by the UE on one or more non-serving network nodes during the location-related measurement gap specified by the first location-related measurement gap configuration.

18. An apparatus for performing wireless communication at a user equipment (UE), comprising: processor; Memory coupled to the processor; as well as Instructions stored in the memory, and instructions executable by the processor to cause the device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-10.

19. An apparatus for performing wireless communication at a network node, comprising: processor; Memory coupled to the processor; as well as Instructions stored in the memory, and instructions executable by the processor to cause the device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 11-17.

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