Timing accuracy for reference signal transmissions during user equipment (UE) power saving states

Abstract

Methods, systems, computer-readable media, and apparatuses for UE positioning are described. In some embodiments, a UE is configured to transmit a reference signal to a network resource for performing measurements on the reference signal and deriving a position of the UE. The timing of the reference signal is tracked with a certain accuracy. The accuracy is based on a timing accuracy that the UE can support from among different timing accuracies. Different timing accuracies can be supported, where each timing accuracy can have a different set of timing error limits. For example, for angle-based positioning of the UE, a low timing accuracy can be supported. In contrast, for timing-based positioning methods, a high timing accuracy can be supported.

Description

[0001] Related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 034,731, filed June 4, 2020, entitled "TIMING ACCURACY FOR REFERENCE SIGNAL TRANSMISSION DURING USER EQUIPMENT (UE) POWER SAVING STATE," filed June 15, 2020; and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 039,265, filed May 27, 2021, entitled "TIMING ACCURACY FOR REFERENCE SIGNAL TRANSMISSION DURING USER EQUIPMENT (UE) POWER SAVING STATE." The benefits of U.S. Application No. 17 / 332,841, entitled “Equipment (UE) POWER SAVING STATE (Timing accuracy of reference signal transmission during power saving state of user equipment (UE)),” are assigned to the assignee of this application and are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0003] background

[0004] 1. Public domain

[0005] Half of the aspects of this disclosure relate to the field of wireless communications, and more specifically to the timing accuracy of reference signals used to determine the location of a user equipment (UE) and transmitted during the power-saving state of the UE.

[0006] 2. Relevant Technical Descriptions

[0007] In data communication networks (such as 5G NR, also referred to herein as "NR"), which have requirements defined by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), positioning technologies can be used to determine the location of mobile electronic devices (referred to herein as UEs). The UE can use radio frequency (RF) signaling between itself and a transmit / receive point (TRP) (e.g., a base station) of the data communication network to perform measurements for positioning and / or transmit those measurements to the data communication network.

[0008] Different methods are available for performing location measurements. These methods and measurements can be based on downlink signals, uplink signals, or both. These signals (such as the Detection Reference Signal (SRS) and Positioning Reference Signal (PRS) used for location) are defined in the 3GPP specifications and enable the UE and one or more base stations (e.g., the serving cell and / or one or more neighboring cells) to perform accurate location measurements. UE location can also be performed using measurements other than those based on SRS and PRS. For example, the Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) and Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS) used for Radio Resource Management (RRM) based measurements can be used in the E-CID method.

[0009] Brief Overview

[0010] Methods, systems, computer-readable media, and apparatus for UE positioning are described. In some embodiments, the UE is configured to transmit a reference signal to network resources for performing measurements on the reference signal and deriving the UE's positioning. The timing of the reference signal is tracked with a specific accuracy. This accuracy is based on a timing accuracy that the UE can support among different timing accuracies. Different timing accuracies can be supported, wherein each timing accuracies can have a different set of timing error limits. For example, low timing accuracy can be supported for angle-based positioning of the UE. In contrast, high timing accuracy can be supported for timing-based positioning methods.

[0011] An example method according to this disclosure for transmitting a reference signal for locating a user equipment (UE) in a power-saving state corresponding to a discontinuous reception (DRX), radio resource control (RRC) idle, or RRC inactive state includes: the UE entering the power-saving state. The method further includes: determining at the UE a timing accuracy associated with the transmission timing of the reference signal during the power-saving state of the UE, the timing accuracy being determined from a plurality of timing accuracies based on: a positioning method, the type of positioning measurement to be determined from the reference signal, or a configuration received from network resources, or a combination thereof. The method further includes: determining the transmission timing based on the timing accuracy at the UE during the power-saving state. The method further includes: the UE transmitting the reference signal based on the transmission timing during the power-saving state.

[0012] An example method according to this disclosure for locating a user equipment (UE) in a power-saving state corresponding to a discontinuous reception (DRX), radio resource control (RRC) idle, or RRC inactive state supported by network resources includes: receiving at the network resource a reference signal for locating the UE, the reference signal being transmitted by the UE while the UE is in the power-saving state; determining at the network resource a timing accuracy associated with the reference signal, the timing accuracy being determined from a plurality of timing accuracies based on: a positioning method, a type of positioning measurement to be determined from the reference signal, or a configuration received by the network resource, or a combination thereof. The method further includes: performing a positioning measurement on the reference signal by the network resource based on the timing accuracy.

[0013] An example user equipment (UE) according to this disclosure for transmitting a positioning reference signal for a user equipment (UE) in a power-saving state corresponding to a discontinuous reception (DRX), radio resource control (RRC) idle, or RRC inactive state includes: a transceiver, a memory, and one or more processors communicatively coupled to the transceiver and the memory. The one or more processing units are configured to: put the UE into the power-saving state; and determine a timing accuracy associated with the transmission timing of the reference signal during the power-saving state of the UE, the timing accuracy being determined from a plurality of timing accuracies based on: a positioning method, the type of positioning measurement to be determined from the reference signal, a configuration received from network resources, or a combination thereof. The one or more processing units are further configured to: determine the transmission timing based on the timing accuracy during the power-saving state of the UE. The one or more processing units are further configured to: transmit the reference signal via the transceiver based on the transmission timing.

[0014] An example network resource according to this disclosure for supporting the location of a user equipment (UE) in a power-saving state corresponding to a discontinuous reception (DRX), radio resource control (RRC) idle, or RRC inactive state includes: a transceiver, a memory, and one or more processors communicatively coupled to the transceiver and the memory, wherein the one or more processors are configured to: receive at the network resource a reference signal for locating the UE, the reference signal being transmitted by the UE while the UE is in the power-saving state. The one or more processing units are further configured to: determine at the network resource a timing accuracy associated with the reference signal, the timing accuracy being determined from a plurality of timing accuracies based on: a location method, the type of location measurement to be determined from the reference signal, a configuration received by the network resource, or a combination thereof. The one or more processing units are further configured to: perform a location measurement on the reference signal based on the timing accuracy.

[0015] This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used alone to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter. The subject matter should be understood in reference to the appropriate portions of this disclosure, any or all drawings, and each claim. The foregoing, as well as other features and examples, will be described in more detail in the following description, claims, and drawings. Brief description of the attached diagram

[0017] Various aspects of this disclosure are illustrated by way of example. In the accompanying drawings, similar reference numerals indicate similar elements.

[0018] Figure 1 This is an example illustrating a communication system according to at least one embodiment.

[0019] Figure 2 This is an example illustrating a frame structure that can be used by a communication system according to at least one embodiment.

[0020] Figure 3 An example of timing-based measurement for UE positioning according to at least one embodiment is explained.

[0021] Figure 4 This is an example illustrating a sequence diagram for configuring timing accuracy associated with a transmission reference signal according to at least one embodiment.

[0022] Figure 5 This is an example of a sequence diagram illustrating the timing accuracy capability associated with signaling notification and transmission of reference signals according to at least one embodiment.

[0023] Figure 6This is an example of a sequence diagram illustrating the timing accuracy capability used in signaling notification and transmission of reference signals according to at least one embodiment.

[0024] Figure 7 An example of a process for transmitting a reference signal for UE positioning according to at least one embodiment is explained.

[0025] Figure 8 An example of a process for locating a UE by performing a measurement of a reference signal, according to at least one embodiment, is explained.

[0026] Figure 9 This is an example illustrating a process according to at least one embodiment for using timing accuracy associated with a reference signal used in a positioning session.

[0027] Figure 10 This is another example illustrating a process for using timing accuracy associated with a reference signal used in a positioning session, according to at least one embodiment.

[0028] Figure 11 This is a block diagram of an embodiment of a UE, which can be as described in the embodiments described herein and in conjunction with... Figures 1 to 10 Utilize them in a related way.

[0029] Figure 12 An embodiment of a network resource has been described, which can be as described above (e.g., with...). Figures 1 to 10 (Related) The description is used.

[0030] Detailed description

[0031] Several illustrative embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form part of the embodiments. Although specific embodiments that can implement one or more aspects of this disclosure are described below, other embodiments can be used and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0032] The following description is directed to certain implementations in order to describe aspects of the innovation of the various embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that the teachings herein can be applied in many different ways. The described implementations can be implemented in any device, system, or network capable of transmitting and receiving radio frequency (RF) signals according to any communication standard such as any of the following: any of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) IEEE 802.11 standards (including those identified as...). Those technical standards) Standard, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), GSM / General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE), Terrestrial Trunking Radio (TETRA), Wideband CDMA (W-CDMA), Evolved Data Optimized (EV-DO), 1xEV-DO, EV-DO Revision A, EV-DO Revision B, High Rate Packet Data (HRPD), High Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), High Speed ​​Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), High Speed ​​Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA), Evolved High Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA+), Long Term Evolution (LTE), Advanced Mobile Phone Systems (AMPS), or other known signals used for communication in wireless, cellular, or Internet of Things (IoT) networks (such as systems utilizing 3G, 4G, 5G, 6G, or further implementations thereof).

[0033] As used herein, an "RF signal" includes electromagnetic waves that transmit information across the space between a transmitter (or transmitter equipment) and a receiver (or receiver equipment). 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 individual RF signals through a multipath channel, 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.

[0034] Additionally, references to “reference signal,” “location reference signal,” “reference signal for location,” etc., can be used to refer to signals used for locating user equipment (UE). As described in more detail herein, such signals can include any of a wide variety of signal types, but are not necessarily limited to the Location Reference Signal (PRS) or Detection Reference Signal (SRS) as defined in the relevant radio standards.

[0035] As previously mentioned, different methods are available for performing location measurements. Some location methods are based on downlink signals and include downlink time difference of arrival (DL-TDOA) and downlink angle of departure (DL-AoD) measurements. Other location methods are based on uplink signals and include uplink time difference of arrival (UL-TDOA) and uplink angle of arrival (UL-AoA) measurements. Yet another location method includes measurements related to both downlink and uplink signals, such as round-trip time (RTT) with one or more neighboring base stations. Furthermore, each base station can be associated with an identifier (ID) of the cells it covers. Location of the UE may involve radio resource management (RRM) measurements using enhanced cell identifiers (E-CIDs).

[0036] To aid in UE localization, a detection reference signal (SRS) (also known as a localization reference signal (PRS) in 3GPP specification version 16) is defined for localization, enabling the UE to detect and measure more neighboring base stations. For example, a base station sends a PRS to the UE to improve the observed time of arrival (OTDOA) in DL-TDOA measurements. The OTDOA of the PRS from the reference cell (e.g., the serving cell) and one or more neighboring cells is called the downlink (DL) reference signal time difference (RSTD). The UE's localization can be determined using DL RSTD measurements, the absolute or relative transmission timing of each cell, and the known localization of the base station transmit antenna elements of the reference cell and neighboring cells.

[0037] Other SRS-based and PRS-based measurements are also possible. For example, downlink PRS can be used for downlink (DL) PRS reference signal received power (RSRP) measurements to support DL-TDOA, DL-AoD, or multiple RTTs. SRS for positioning can be used for UE receive transmission (Rx-Tx) time difference measurements to support multiple RTTs. UE positioning can also use measurements other than SRS-based and PRS-based measurements. For example, synchronization signal blocks (SSBs) and channel state information reference signals (CSI-RS) used for radio resource management (RRM) based measurements can be used in the E-CID method.

[0038] Various embodiments of this disclosure particularly relate to transmitting reference signals for locating the UE while the UE is in a power-saving state, which may correspond to, for example, a discontinuous reception (DRX) inactive state, a radio resource control (RRC) idle state, or an RRC inactive state. In the examples, the UE transmits the reference signals to network resources (e.g., to a base station, via the base station to a location server, or via a sidelink to another UE) while in a power-saving state. The network resources (also referred to herein as “network entities”) determine the UE’s location by performing measurements of the reference signals according to one or more positioning methods. To achieve a target positioning accuracy, some positioning methods may require higher timing accuracy than others. Generally, higher timing accuracy may require the UE to keep a relatively high number of components active during the power-saving state to allow the UE to more accurately track the timing used to transmit the reference signals. Therefore, to support higher timing accuracy during the power-saving state, the UE’s power consumption may be higher relative to the UE’s support for lower timing accuracy. Depending on the timing accuracy the UE needs to support, the UE can track the timing used to transmit the reference signal more precisely or less precisely when appropriate, thereby optimizing the UE's power consumption during power-saving mode to support timing accuracy. Additionally, network resources can determine timing error requirements based on the timing accuracy supported by the UE and use these timing error requirements when performing measurements on the reference signal.

[0039] For illustration, consider the DRX example. When a UE is in a DRX-inactive state, it can transmit SRS for positioning to network resources. Network resources can perform an angle-based positioning method (e.g., UL-AoA) or a timing-based positioning method (e.g., UL-TDOA or RTT) to determine the UE's positioning based on measurements of the SRS signal. If an angle-based positioning method is used, supporting high timing accuracy might be wasteful, as supporting low timing accuracy can achieve the same or similar positioning accuracy. However, if a timing-based positioning method is used, supporting high timing accuracy might be beneficial for achieving positioning accuracy. Therefore, in this illustrative example, the UE can signal to network resources that it supports both high and low timing accuracy. Network resources can send configuration information to the UE indicating the timing accuracy to use (e.g., high or low). If high timing accuracy is to be used, the UE can set its clock frequency to a high frequency (e.g., in the GHz range) and keep its radio frequency (RF) receiver active to receive downlink timing signals used to track downlink drift. In this way, the UE can track the timing used to transmit the SRS signal with high accuracy. In contrast, if low timing accuracy is desired, the UE can set its clock frequency to a low frequency (e.g., in the MHz range) and disable the RF receiver (e.g., power off). Upon receiving the SRS signal, network resources can determine the timing error requirements associated with the positioning method (e.g., lower timing error requirements for timing positioning methods and higher timing error requirements for angle positioning methods) and perform positioning measurements on the SRS signal accordingly.

[0040] For clarity, embodiments of this disclosure are described in conjunction with SRS (referred to herein as SRS signals for brevity) used for positioning signals. Embodiments are also described in conjunction with DRX inactive states. However, as previously mentioned, the embodiments are not limited thereto and are similarly applicable to other types of reference signals that the UE can transmit and that network resources can process to determine the UE's location. Additionally, the embodiments are similarly applicable to other types of power-saving states (such as RRC idle or RRC inactive), during which UE power consumption is reduced by decreasing the UE's transmit and / or receive functionality. Also herein, the terms "location" and "positioning" are used interchangeably.

[0041] Figure 1This is a diagram of a communication system 100 according to an embodiment, in which the techniques disclosed herein for reference signal transmission can be used. The communication system 100 can be configured to determine the location of the UE 105 using one or more positioning methods implemented by access nodes 110, 114, 116 and / or (optionally) a location server (LMF 120). The term "access node" as used in the embodiments described below is intended to refer to a network node providing access to the communication system 100. Therefore, access nodes may include, but are not necessarily limited to, gNB 110, ng-eNB 114, or WLAN 116. Here, the communication system 100 includes the UE 105 and various components of a 5G network, including a next-generation (NG) radio access network (RAN) (or "NG-RAN") 135 and a 5G core network (5G NC) 140. The 5G network may also be referred to as an NR network; the NG-RAN 135 may be referred to as a 5G RAN or NR RAN; and the 5G NC 140 may be referred to as an NG core network. Standardization of NG-RAN and 5G CN is underway within the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). Accordingly, NG-RAN 135 and 5G CN 140 can comply with current or future standards for 5G support from 3GPP. Communication system 100 may further utilize information from an aircraft (SV) 190 from a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) (like Global Positioning System (GPS), GLONASS, Galileo, or BeiDou) or some other local or regional satellite positioning system (SPS) (such as the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), the European Geostationary Navigation Coverage Service (EGNOS), or the Wide Area Extended System (WAAS)). Additional components of communication system 100 are described below. Communication system 100 may include additional or replacement components.

[0042] It should be noted that Figure 1 This document provides only a general description of the various components, where any or all of them may be utilized appropriately, and each component may be repeated or omitted as needed. Specifically, although only one UE 105 is described, it will be understood that many UEs (e.g., hundreds, thousands, millions of UEs) may utilize the communication system 100. Similarly, the communication system 100 may include a larger (or smaller) number of SV 190, gNB 110, ng-eNB 114, wireless local area network (WLAN) 116, access and mobility function (AMF) 115, external client 130, and / or other components. The described connections connecting the various components in the communication system 100 include data and signaling connections, which may include additional (intermediate) components, direct or indirect physical and / or wireless connections, and / or additional networks. Furthermore, components may be rearranged, combined, separated, replaced, and / or omitted depending on the desired functionality.

[0043] UE 105 may include and / or be referred to as a device, mobile device, wireless device, mobile terminal, terminal, mobile station (MS), Secure User Plane Positioning Enabled (SUPL) terminal (SET), or some other name. Furthermore, UE 105 may correspond to a cellular phone, smartphone, laptop computer, tablet device, personal data assistant (PDA), tracking device, navigation device, Internet of Things (IoT) device, or some other portable or mobile device. Typically, although not required, UE 105 may use one or more radio access technologies (RATs) such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Wideband CDMA (WCDMA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), High Rate Packet Data (HRPD), IEEE 802.11, etc. Bluetooth and microwave access are globally interoperable (WiMAX) TM UE 105 can also support wireless communication using WLAN 116 (similar to one or more RATs) that can connect to other networks such as the Internet. Using one or more of these RATs allows UE 105 to (e.g., via NG-RAN 135 and 5G CN 140) and 5G NR (e.g., using NG-RAN 135 and 5G CN 140). Figure 1 The 5G CN130 (not shown) may communicate with the external client 125 via a gateway mobile location center (GMLC) 140 and / or allow the external client 130 (e.g., via GMLC 125) to receive location information about the UE 105.

[0044] UE 105 may include a single entity or may include multiple entities, such as in a personal area network in which the user may employ audio, video, and / or data I / O devices, and / or body sensors, as well as separate wired or wireless modems. An estimate of the location of UE 105 may be referred to as location, location estimate, location lock, lock, positioning, location estimation, or location lock, and may be geodetic, providing location coordinates (e.g., latitude and longitude) of UE 105, which may or may not include an elevation component (e.g., height above sea level; height above ground level, floor level, or basement level, or depth below). Alternatively, the location of UE 105 may be expressed as a municipal location (e.g., expressed as a postal address or a designation of a point or smaller area within a building (such as a specific room or floor)). The location of UE 105 may also be expressed as an area or volume region in which UE 105 is expected to be located with a certain probability or confidence level (e.g., 67%, 95%) (geodographic or municipally defined). The location of UE 105 may further be a relative location, which includes, for example, distance and direction defined relative to an origin at a known location, or relative to X, Y (and Z) coordinates, which may be defined geodeticly, in municipal form, or with reference to a point, area, or volume indicated on a map, floor plan, or building plan. In the description contained herein, the use of the term location may include any of these variations unless otherwise indicated. When calculating the location of the UE, local X, Y, and possibly Z coordinates are typically solved, and then, if necessary, the local coordinates are converted to absolute coordinates (e.g., with respect to latitude, longitude, and elevation above or below mean sea level).

[0045] Figure 1 The base station (BS) in the NG-RAN 135 shown may include transmit-receive points (TRPs), such as NRB nodes (gNBs) 110-1 and 110-2 (generally referred to herein as gNB 110), and / or the antennas of the gNBs. Pairs of gNBs 110 in the NG-RAN 135 may be interconnected (e.g., as shown in the diagram). Figure 1 (As shown in the diagram, a direct connection or an indirect connection via another gNB 210). Access to the 5G network is provided to UE 105 via wireless communication between UE 105 and one or more gNBs 210, which may use 5G NR to provide wireless communication access to the 5G CN 140 on behalf of UE 105. 5G NR radio access may also be referred to as NR radio access or 5G radio access. Figure 1In this context, it is assumed that the serving gNB of UE 105 is gNB110-1, although other gNBs (e.g., gNB 110-2) may act as serving gNBs or as secondary gNBs to provide additional throughput and bandwidth to UE 105 if UE 105 moves to another location.

[0046] Figure 1 The BS in NG-RAN 135 shown may also include, or instead include, a next-generation evolved NB (Ng-eNB) node, also known as ng-eNB 114. Ng-eNB 114 may be connected to one or more gNBs 110 in NG-RAN 135 (e.g., directly connected or indirectly connected via other gNBs 110 and / or other ng-eNBs). Ng-eNB 114 may provide LTE radio access and / or evolved LTE (eLTE) radio access to UE 105. Figure 1 Some gNB 110s (e.g., gNB 110-2) and / or ng-eNB 114s can be configured to act as location-only beacons, capable of transmitting signals (e.g., DL-PRS signals) and / or broadcasting auxiliary data to assist UE 105's positioning, but may not receive signals from UE 105 or from other UEs. Note that although in Figure 1 The diagram shows only one ng-eNB 114, but some embodiments may include multiple ng-eNBs 114. Base stations 210 and 214 may communicate directly with each other via the Xn communication interface. Additionally or alternatively, base stations 210 and 214 may communicate directly or indirectly with other components of the communication system 100, such as LMF 120 and AMF 115.

[0047] The communication system 100 may also include one or more WLANs 116 that can connect to a non-3GPP interoperability function (N3IWF) 150 in the 5G CN 140 (e.g., in the case of an untrusted WLAN 116). For example, the WLAN 116 may support IEEE 802.11 WiFi access for the UE 105 and may include one or more WiFi access points (APs). Here, the N3IWF 150 may connect to other components in the 5G CN 140, such as the AMF 115. In some embodiments, the WLAN 116 may support another RAT, such as Bluetooth. The N3IWF 150 may provide support for secure access by the UE 105 to other components in the 5G CN 140 and / or may support interoperability between one or more protocols used by the WLAN 116 and the UE 105 and one or more protocols used by other components of the 5G CN 140 (such as the AMF 115). For example, N3IWF 150 can support: establishing an IPsec tunnel with UE 105, terminating the IKEv2 / IPsec protocol with UE 105, terminating the N2 and N3 interfaces to 5G CN140 for control plane and user plane respectively, and relaying uplink and downlink control plane non-access layer (NAS) signaling across the N1 interface between UE 105 and AMF 115. In some other embodiments, WLAN 116 can be directly connected to components in 5G CN 140 (e.g., such as those provided by...). Figure 1 The dashed line in the diagram indicates AMF 115), without via N3IWF 150 (e.g., in the case where WLAN 116 is a trusted WLAN for 5G CN 140). For example, a direct connection from WLAN 116 to 5GCN 140 can occur if WLAN 116 is a trusted WLAN for 5GCN 140, and a Trusted WLAN Interoperability (TWIF) function that can be used as an internal component of WLAN 116 can be employed. Figure 1 (Not shown in the image) to achieve this. Note that although in Figure 1 Only one WLAN 116 is shown, but some embodiments may include multiple WLANs 116.

[0048] The access node may include any of a variety of network entities that enable communication between UE 105 and AMF 115. This may include gNB 110, ng-eNB 114, WLAN 116, and / or other types of cellular BS. However, the access node providing the functionality described herein may additionally or alternatively include entities that enable communication with... Figure 1 Any entity that communicates with any of the various RATs (which may include non-cellular technologies) not described in the text.

[0049] In some embodiments, the access node (such as gNB 110, ng-eNB 114, or WLAN 116) (alone or in combination with other modules / units of the communication system 100) may be configured to, in response to a request for location information for a plurality of RATs received from LMF 120, measure one of the plurality of RATs (e.g., a measurement by UE 105) and / or obtain measurements from UE 105 that are transmitted to the access node using one or more of the plurality of RATs. As mentioned, although Figure 1 The description depicts access nodes 110, 114, and 116 configured to communicate according to 5G NR, LTE, and Wi-Fi communication protocols, respectively. However, access nodes configured to communicate according to other communication protocols can be used, such as, for example, a B node using the WCDMA protocol for Universal Mobile Telecommunications Service (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN), an eNB using the LTE protocol for Evolved UTRAN (E-UTRAN), or using the protocol for WLAN. The protocol's Bluetooth beacon station. For example, in a 4G Evolved Packet System (EPS) providing LTE radio access to UE 105, the RAN may include an E-UTRAN, which may include a BS containing an eNB supporting LTE radio access. The core network for the EPS may include an Evolved Packet Core (EPC). Subsequently, the EPS may include an E-UTRAN plus an EPC, wherein... Figure 1 In this context, E-UTRAN corresponds to NG-RAN 135 and EPC corresponds to 5G CN 140. The methods and techniques described herein for UE 105 positioning using common or general positioning protocols can be applied to other networks of this type.

[0050] gNB 110 and ng-eNB 114 can communicate with AMF 115, and for positioning functionality, AMF 115 communicates with LMF 120. AMF 115 supports the mobility of UE 105, including cell changes and handovers from access nodes 110, 114, or 116 of the first RAT to access nodes 110, 114, or 116 of the second RAT. AMF 115 can also participate in supporting signaling connections to UE 105 and may support data and voice bearers for UE 105. LMF 120 supports location services for UE 105 when UE 105 accesses NG-RAN 135 or WLAN 116, and supports various location protocols and methods, including UE-assisted / UE-based and / or network-based protocols / methods, such as A-GNSS, Observed Time Difference of Arrival (OTDOA) (which may be referred to as DL-TDOA in NR), Round Trip Time (RTT), Real-Time Kinematics (RTK), Precise Point Positioning (PPP), Differential GNSS (DGNSS), Enhanced Cellular ID (ECID), Angle of Arrival (AOA), Angle of Departure (AOD), WLAN positioning, and / or other location protocols and methods. LMF 120 can also process location service requests for UE 105 received, for example, from AMF 105 or GMLC 125. LMF 120 can be connected to AMF 115 and / or GMLC 125. LMF 120 may be referred to by other names, such as Location Manager (LM), Location Function (LF), Commercial LMF (CLMF), or Value-Added LMF (VLMF). In some embodiments, the node / system implementing LMF 120 may additionally or alternatively implement other types of location support modules, such as Evolved Serving Mobility Location Center (E-SMLC) or Serving Location Protocol (SLP). Note that in some embodiments, at least a portion of the location functionality (including determining the location of the UE) may be performed at UE 105 (e.g., by processing DL-PRS signals transmitted by wireless nodes (such as gNB 110, ng-eNB 114, and / or WLAN 116) and / or using (e.g., auxiliary data provided to UE 105 by LMF 120).

[0051] GMLC 125 can support location requests for UE 105 received from external client 130, and can forward such requests to AMF 115 for forwarding to LMF 120, or can forward them directly to LMF 120. Location responses from LMF 120 (e.g., containing a location estimate for UE 105) can similarly be returned to GMLC 125 directly or via AMF 115, and GMLC 125 can then return such location responses (e.g., containing the location estimate) to external client 130. GMLC 125 is shown connected to... Figure 1 Both AMF 115 and LMF 120 are supported, but in some implementations, only one of these connections can be supported by 5G CN 140.

[0052] like Figure 1 As further explained, the LMF 120 can communicate with the gNB 110 and / or the ng-eNB 114 using NR Location Protocol A (NRPPa), as defined in 3GPP Technical Specification (TS) 38.445. Figure 1 As further explained, the LMF120 and UE 105 can communicate using the LTE Positioning Protocol (LPP) as defined in 3GPP TS 37.355. Here, LPP messages can be transmitted between UE 105 and LMF 120 via the AMF 115 and UE 105's serving gNB 110-1 or serving ng-eNB 114. For example, LPP messages can be transmitted between LMF 120 and AMF 115 using messages for service-based operations (e.g., based on Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP)), and can be transmitted between AMF 115 and UE 105 using the 5G NAS protocol. The LPP protocol can be used to support positioning of UE 105 using UE-assisted and / or UE-based positioning methods (such as A-GNSS, RTK, OTDOA, multi-cell RTT, AOD, and / or ECID). The NRPPa protocol can be used to support the location of UE 105 using network-based location methods such as AOA, uplink TDOA (UL-TDOA) and / or can be used by LMF 220 to obtain location-related information from gNB 210 and / or ng-eNB 214, such as defining parameters of DL-PRS transmissions from gNB 110 and / or ng-eNB 114.

[0053] In the case where UE 105 accesses WLAN 116, LMF 120 can use LPPa and / or LPP to obtain the location of UE 105 in a manner similar to that described just for UE 105 accessing gNB 110 or ng-eNB 114. Thus, LPPa messages can be transmitted between WLAN 116 and LMF 120 via AMF 115 and N3IWF 150 to support network-based location of UE 105 and / or to transmit other location information from WLAN 116 to LMF 120. Alternatively, LPPa messages can be transmitted between N3IWF 150 and LMF 120 via AMF 115 to support network-based location of UE 105 based on location-related information and / or location measurements known or accessible to N3IWF 150 and transmitted from N3IWF 150 to LMF 120 using LPPa. Similarly, LPP and / or LPP messages can be transmitted between UE 105 and LMF 120 via AMF 115, N3IWF150, and UE 105’s serving WLAN 116 to support UE-assisted or UE-based positioning of UE 105 by LMF 120.

[0054] In communication system 100, the location method can be classified as "UE-assisted" or "UE-based." This depends on where the request to determine the location of UE 105 originates. For example, if the request originates from the UE (e.g., from an application or "app" executed by the UE), the location method can be classified as UE-based. On the other hand, if the request originates from an external client or other devices or services within the AF130, LMF 120, or 5G network, the location method can be classified as UE-assisted (or "network-based").

[0055] Using a UE-assisted positioning method, UE 105 can obtain location measurements and send these measurements to a location server (e.g., LMF 120) for calculating a location estimate for UE 105. As a supplement or replacement to the previously described information related to DL-PRS measurements and other positioning, location measurements may include one or more of the following: Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI), Round-Trip Time (RTT), Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ), Reference Signal Time Difference (RSTD), Time of Arrival (TOA), AOA, Receive Time Transmission Time Difference (Rx-Tx), Differential AOA (DAOA), AOD, or Timing Advance (TA) for one or more APs of gNB 110, ng-eNB 114, and / or WLAN 116. Additionally or alternatively, similar measurements may be performed on sidelink signals transmitted by other UEs, whose locations are known, and these other UEs may be used as anchor points for positioning UE 105. Location measurements may also, or alternatively, include measurements using positioning methods independent of the RAT, such as GNSS (e.g., GNSS pseudorange, GNSS code phase, and / or GNSS carrier phase with respect to SV 190), WLAN, etc.

[0056] Using a UE-based positioning method, UE 105 can obtain a location measurement (which may be the same as or similar to the location measurement of a UE-assisted positioning method) and can further calculate the location of UE 105 (e.g., with the help of auxiliary data received from a location server (such as LMF 120) or broadcast by gNB 110, ng-eNB 114 or WLAN 116).

[0057] Using a network-based positioning method, one or more BSs (e.g., gNB 110 and / or ng-eNB 114), one or more APs (e.g., APs in WLAN 116), or N3IWF 150 may obtain location measurements (e.g., RSSI, RTT, RSRP, RSRQ, AOA, or TOA) of signals transmitted by UE 105, and / or may receive measurements obtained by UE 105 or, in the case of N3IWF 150, by APs in WLAN 116, and may send these measurements to a location server (e.g., LMF 120) for calculating a location estimate for UE 105.

[0058] The location of UE 105 can also be classified as UL-based, DL-based, or DL-UL-based depending on the type of signal used for location. For example, if the location is based solely on signals received by UE 105 (e.g., from a base station or other UE), the location can be classified as DL-based. On the other hand, if the location is based solely on signals transmitted by UE 105 (which may be received by, for example, a base station or other UE), the location can be classified as UL-based. DL-UL-based location includes location based on signals transmitted and received by UE 105, such as RTT-based location.

[0059] Depending on the positioning type (e.g., UL-based, DL-based, or DL-UL-based), the type of reference signal used may differ. For example, for DL-based positioning, these signals may include PRS (e.g., DL-PRS transmitted by the base station or SL-PRS transmitted by other UEs), which can be used for OTDOA, AOD, and RTT measurements. Other reference signals that can be used for positioning (UL, DL, or DL-UL) may include: Probe Reference Signal (SRS), Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS), Synchronization Signal (e.g., Synchronization Block (SSS) Synchronization Signal (SS)), Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH), Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH), Physical Side Link Shared Channel (PSSCH), Demodulation Reference Signal (DMRS), etc. Furthermore, reference signals may be transmitted in Tx beams and / or received in Rx beams (e.g., using beamforming techniques), which can affect angle measurements such as AOD and / or AOA.

[0060] Figure 2 This is an example illustrating a frame structure 200 that can be used by a communication system (such as communication system 100) according to at least one embodiment. Frame structure 200 can serve as the basis for physical layer communication between UE 105 and serving gNB 110-1. The transmission timeline of each of the downlink and uplink can be divided into units of radio frames. Each radio frame may have a predetermined duration (e.g., 10 milliseconds (ms)) and may be divided into 10 subframes with indices “0” to “9”, each subframe being 1 ms long. Each subframe may include a variable number of time slots, depending on the subcarrier interval. Each time slot may include a variable number of symbol periods (e.g., 7 or 14 symbols), depending on the subcarrier interval. An index may be assigned to the symbol periods in each time slot. Mini-time slots may include sub-time slot structures (e.g., 2, 3, or 4 symbols). Additionally, in Figure 2The diagram shows the complete orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) of a subframe, illustrating how a subframe can be divided into multiple resource blocks (RBs) across both time and frequency. A single RB can comprise a grid of resource elements (REs) spanning 14 symbols and 12 subcarriers. Each RE... Figure 2 It is represented by a square.

[0061] The set of resource elements allocated for the transmission of SRS signals can be referred to as SRS resources. In the uplink direction, SRS resources can be allocated (e.g., via the serving cell) to the UE for the transmission of SRS signals. In this way, the UE can know when (e.g., time slot number and OFDM symbol number) to wake up and transmit SRS signals when appropriate (e.g., in a power-saving state).

[0062] Each symbol in a time slot can indicate link direction (e.g., downlink (DL), uplink (UL), or flexible) or data transmission, and the link direction used for each subframe can be dynamically switched. Link direction can be based on the time slot format. Each time slot can include DL / UL data and DL / UL control information. In NR, synchronization signal (SS) blocks are transmitted. SS blocks include the primary SS (PSS), secondary SS (SSS), and a two-symbol physical broadcast channel (PBCH). SS blocks can be located at fixed time slot positions (e.g., Figure 2 The PSS and SSS are transmitted in symbols “0-3” shown in the diagram. The PSS and SSS can be used by the UE for cell search and capture. The PSS provides half-frame timing, and the SS provides cyclic prefix (CP) length and frame timing. The PSS and SSS provide cell identity. The PBCH carries some basic system information, such as downlink system bandwidth, timing information within radio frames, SS burst set periodicity, and system frame number.

[0063] For a given frequency, the serving gNB 110-1 can configure the UE 105 to perform Time Domain Division (TDD) resource allocation, particularly by using different layers to perform different functions. The “upper layer” or “higher layer” may include a layer of the serving base station 110-1 that provides control information to the UE 105 via a Radio Resource Control (RRC) protocol (e.g., the RRC layer). The higher layer may additionally include an application layer, a Media Access Control (MAC) layer, or other layers capable of providing the UE 105 with information about allocated resources for communication. Furthermore, the physical layer (or “lower layer”) has a scheduler that can provide downlink control information (DCI) information (e.g., transmission format, resource allocation) to the UE 105 via the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH). The serving gNB 110-1 can use RRC signaling to perform semi-static allocation of time-domain resource elements to achieve cell-specific and / or UE-specific modes. The physical layer of the gNB 110-1 service can (using the DCI in the PDCCH) perform dynamic specification of time-domain resources on a per-slot basis (e.g., with a much finer granularity than RRC signaling) using the Slot Format Indicator (SFI) in the DCI.

[0064] The Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) is used to convey uplink control information (UCI) from the UE to the serving gNB 110-1. This UCI may include, for example, Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) (e.g., HARQ Acknowledgement (HARQ-ACK)), Channel State Information (CSI), and Scheduling Request (SR). In NR, the PUCCH can be flexible in its time and frequency allocation, allowing UEs with different capabilities (e.g., UEs with lower bandwidth capabilities) to efficiently utilize available resources. For NR, PUCCH resources can have five different formats, including a short format (where the PUCCH resource spans "1-2" symbols) and a long format (where the PUCCH resource can span "4-14" symbols).

[0065] Figure 3 An example of timing-based measurement for UE positioning according to at least one embodiment is explained. As explained, UE 310 (e.g., Figure 1 UE 105) receives reference signals and transmits these reference signals to base station 350 (e.g., Figure 1 (gNB 110 or ng-eNB 114). Then, base station 350 (or a positioning server integrated with or remote from base station 350) performs a timing-based positioning method on these reference signals.

[0066] In one example, the timing-based positioning method may involve uplink and / or downlink reference signals. On the downlink, the Positioning Reference Signal (PRS) is transmitted from base station 350 to UE 310. These signals may be referred to as the Downlink PRS (DL-PRS). On the uplink, the Uplink PRS is transmitted from UE 310 to base station 350. These signals may be referred to as the UL-PRS, the SRS for Positioning, or simply SRS herein. Information Elements (IEs) are configured for the SRS in the RRC signaling.

[0067] Generally, base station 350 can perform SRS measurements according to one or more positioning methods (including timing-based positioning methods and angle-based positioning methods). For example, SRS enables base station 350 to perform uplink relative time of arrival (UL-RTOA) measurements to support the UL-TDOA positioning method. SRS also enables base station 350 to perform uplink SRS-RSRP measurements to support any of the UL-TDOA positioning method, the UL-AoA positioning method, or the multi-RTT positioning method. Furthermore, SRS enables base station 350 to perform base station receive-transmit (Rx-Tx) time difference measurements to support the multi-RTT positioning method. Additionally, SRS enables base station 350 to perform AoA and angle of arrival (ZoA) positioning methods to support any of the UL-AoA positioning method and the multi-RTT positioning method.

[0068] In 3GPP Release 15, UE 310 can transmit SRS based on the Zadoff-Chu sequence, can be configured to support transmission within the Active Bandwidth Part (BWP) according to a specific SRS allocation, can perform transmission periodically, semi-persistently, or aperiodically, can use the same timing advance (TA) as the regular UL channel, and can support group or sequence frequency hopping. Newer versions of the 3GPP specification introduce enhancements to SRS. For example, only open-loop power control is supported, path loss references can be PRS or SSB from the serving or neighboring cell, or CSI-RS from the serving cell, multi-symbol SRS resources can be interleaved in frequency, frequency hopping is not allowed, single-port usage is supported, SRS is dropped in symbols that conflict with PUSCH, SRS can be configured in any OFDM symbol in the time slot, and spatial relation information can be DL-PRS, SSB from the serving or neighboring cell, CSI-RS from the serving cell, or another SRS.

[0069] As in Figure 3As explained above, the RTT positioning method is used, although other positioning methods as described above are also possible. RTT positioning methods include DL-PRS and UL-PRS (e.g., SRS). Measurements include the path propagation time (denoted as "T") on both the downlink and uplink. 传播 Additionally, on the downlink, measurements include the in-device propagation time (e.g., between the baseband (BB) and the antenna on the transmit side of base station 350, denoted as "T"). BS,Tx ,+Δ Tx ", and between the BB and the antenna on the receiving side of UE 310, shown as "T" UE,Tx ,+Δ Rx Similarly, on the uplink, the measurement further includes the in-device propagation time (e.g., between the BB and the antenna on the transmit side of UE 310, denoted as "T"). UE,Tx ,+Δ Tx ", and between BB and antenna on the receiving side of base station 350, shown as "T" BS,Tx ,+Δ Rx ”).

[0070] Some elements of propagation time within the device (denoted as "Δ") Tx " and "Δ Rx The value is unknown (e.g., error) and may correspond to group delay and timing error. Tx "or "Δ Rx An error of one nanosecond (1 ns) in the positioning data can result in a positioning inaccuracy of approximately one foot (1 ft).

[0071] Generally, to reduce positioning inaccuracies, UE 310 needs to accurately determine the transmission timing for SRS. Otherwise, an error of one nanosecond could result in a positioning inaccuracy of one foot. UE 310 can track timing based on its own clock operating at a specific frequency and based on timing information received on the downlink. UE 310 can also adjust this timing based on timing advance (TA) commands.

[0072] Furthermore, in version 15 of the 3GPP specification, UE 310 is not required to transmit SRS during DRX inactive periods (e.g., when the UE is in a power-saving state). In newer versions of the 3GPP specification, UE 310 can transmit PRS during DRX inactive periods to reduce or avoid degradation in positioning accuracy. As explained above, positioning accuracy, especially for timing-based positioning methods, depends on how well UE 310 tracks the timing of SRS transmission. However, in order to transmit SRS, UE 310 needs to keep some components of the UE active during DRX inactive periods, including those on the transmitting side (e.g., RF transmitter) that would otherwise be deactivated (e.g., power off). And to accurately track this timing, UE 310 will need to keep its clock at a high frequency (e.g., for its tick in the GHz range) and keep additional components on the receiving side (e.g., RF receiver) active to track the timing of reception, track downlink drift, and / or receive TA commands. Therefore, less power savings were achieved overall during the DRX inactive period.

[0073] Accordingly, a precise balance between timing accuracy and power consumption will improve the synergy between DRX methods and UE positioning. Specifically, when the positioning method does not require high timing accuracy (such as in angle-based positioning methods (e.g., UL-AoA)), it allows for timing tracking with lower precision to improve power consumption. Conversely, when the positioning method relies on high timing accuracy (such as in timing-based positioning methods (e.g., UL-TDOA, multi-RTT)), power consumption can be reasonably used to allow for high timing accuracy tracking. In other words, an optimized balance between timing accuracy and power consumption can be achieved by taking into account the type of SRS measurement to be performed.

[0074] Referring back to 3GPP specification version 15, TS 38.133 (the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference), the timing error limit “T” for UE transmission is specified in Chapter 7.1 (including Table 7.1.2-1). e The table in TS 38.133 is copied here as Table 1 below.

[0075]

[0076]

[0077] Table 1: Timing Error Limits, T e

[0078] This timing error limit applies to the first transmission in a DRX cycle. However, version 15 of the 3GPP specification does not define timing error limits for other transmissions during DRX inactive periods.

[0079] Therefore, and in one example, an optimized balance between timing accuracy tracking and power consumption can be achieved during DRX inactive periods by defining timing error limits for UE transmissions in SRS, where the timing error limits can depend on the target timing accuracy. For example, if the positioning method does not require high timing accuracy but can instead involve low timing accuracy, a first set of timing error limits can be used. If a different positioning method involves high timing accuracy, a second set of timing error limits can be used, where the second set defines more stringent timing requirements (e.g., lower timing errors) than the first set.

[0080] For clarity, angle-based positioning methods do not require high timing accuracy. In this case, a first set of timing error limits can be defined, similar to the timing error limits in Table 1. Timing-based positioning methods may involve high timing accuracy. In this case, a second set of timing error limits can be defined, where these timing errors are less than the timing error limits specified in Table 1.

[0081] Of course, the above explanation is merely an example, and the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited thereto. Instead, more than two timing accuracies can be supported (e.g., to achieve more granularity than high timing accuracy and low timing accuracy).

[0082] Furthermore, the same positioning method can support multiple timing accuracies. In this case, which timing accuracy is supported depends on several factors related to, for example, default configuration, SRS configuration, and power consumption. For instance, for a timing-based positioning method, high and low timing accuracy can be supported. When the UE's energy storage (e.g., battery level) is below a power threshold, the UE can support low timing accuracy. Otherwise, the UE can support high timing accuracy.

[0083] During DRX inactive periods, the UE supports timing accuracy by maintaining just enough components to track the timing with the precision required for that timing accuracy. For example, for a first timing accuracy greater than a second timing accuracy (e.g., low timing accuracy), the UE may run its clock at a relatively high frequency (e.g., GHz frequency for the first timing accuracy compared to a MHz frequency for the second timing accuracy) and may keep its downlink RF receiver active to track downlink drift or receive TA commands (while the RF receiver could be deactivated for the second timing accuracy).

[0084] Accordingly, when the base station receives an SRS transmitted from the UE during a DRX inactivity period, it can determine the timing accuracy applicable to the positioning method to be used. Based on the determined timing accuracy and other factors (e.g., uplink frequency), the base station can determine the applicable timing error limit and can perform the SRS measurement given the determined timing error limit.

[0085] In various embodiments of this disclosure, the UE may signal to the base station its ability to support one or more timing accuracies and / or the timing accuracies it actually supports. Additionally or alternatively, the base station may configure the UE to support one or more timing accuracies. Furthermore, a default timing accuracies may be supported unless otherwise signaled by the UE and / or the base station.

[0086] Figure 4 This is an example illustrating sequence diagram 400 for configuring timing accuracy associated with transmitting a reference signal according to at least one embodiment. The reference signal is transmitted from UE 410 to network resource 450. UE 410 is an example of UE 105 and UE 310. In one example, network resource 450 includes a location server (such as LMF 120) and / or a base station (such as gNB 110, ng-eNB 114, WLAN 116, and / or base station 350). In this example, the location server and base station may be integrated as a single component of network resource 450. Furthermore, the reference signal may be transmitted in a positioning session (such as an LPP session) established and ongoing between UE 410 and network resource 450. In another example, network resource 450 may be a second UE, where a sidelink may exist between UE 410 and the second UE. In this example, the reference signal may be transmitted to support sidelink positioning.

[0087] Network resource 450 can configure UE 410 to use one or more timing accuracy methods. Configuration 450 may, but does not necessarily, rely on information reported by UE 450 regarding its ability to support timing accuracy. In sequence diagram 400, dashed arrows indicate optional steps that may not be performed.

[0088] As explained, in the first optional step indicated by arrow 415 in sequence diagram 400, UE 410 may signal to notify of its ability to support timing accuracy. For example, this capability may be signaled by sending capability information in a message according to a positioning session protocol (e.g., the LPP protocol, where the message may be an LPP message providing capability information). The message may indicate one or more timing accuracies that the UE can support. For example, if UE 410 supports both high and low timing accuracy, the message may include setting a first field to “high timing accuracy” or “high” and a second field to “low timing accuracy” or “low”, or some other way to identify these two supported accuracies to network resource 450. Alternatively, support for one of the timing frequencies (e.g., low timing accuracy) may be assumed to be the default. In this case, the message may simply identify any other non-default timing accuracy supported by UE 410 (e.g., high timing accuracy).

[0089] In the second step indicated by arrow 420 in sequence diagram 400, network resource 450 may configure UE 410 to implement the use of one of the timing accuracies. For example, network resource 450 sends configuration information to UE 410 indicating the specific timing accuracy to be used. Additionally or alternatively, the configuration information may indicate the positioning method to be used by network resource 450, and UE 410 may determine the specific timing accuracy that should be supported for a given positioning method (e.g., the UE may store a mapping of tables indicating that low timing accuracy should be supported for angle-based positioning methods, and high timing accuracy should be supported for timing-based positioning methods). The configuration information may vary depending on the SRS resource set, SRS resource, BWP, component carrier (CC), and / or frequency band.

[0090] In one example, configuration information may be generated by base station 450 in response to UE capabilities notified by signaling. In this way, base station 450 can select only one or more of the supported timing accuracies. In yet another example, if the configuration information does not indicate a specific timing accuracies or may provide an option for UE 410 to select a timing accuracies from the possible ones, UE 410 can make a selection. One possible selection may use default rules (e.g., defaulting to supporting low timing accuracy). Another possible selection may apply rules that consider multiple factors related to, for example, SRS allocation, channel quality information (CQI) on the downlink channel carrying timing information, and / or power consumption. For example, when UE 410's energy storage (e.g., battery charge) is below a power threshold, UE 410 may choose to support low timing accuracy. Otherwise, UE 410 may choose to support high timing accuracy.

[0091] In the third optional step indicated by arrow 420 in sequence diagram 400, UE 410 may signal its ability to support timing accuracy. This step can be similar to the first step, except that it can be performed just before UE 410 enters a power-saving state (e.g., just before the start of DRX inactivity). In one example, here, the capability information can be transmitted if, for example, the timing accuracy indicated by the configuration information is not supported or is no longer supported (e.g., because UE 410's energy storage drops below a power threshold) or the option is left to UE 410.

[0092] Subsequently, UE 410 enters a power-saving state (e.g., the start of DRX inactivity). While in the power-saving state, UE 410 transmits SRS to network resource 450, as indicated by arrow 430 using the fourth step of sequence diagram 400. In one example, the timing of the transmission depends on the timing accuracy configured by network resource 450 (and / or may be selected or changed by UE 410, as described in conjunction with the second and third steps of sequence diagram 400). Specifically, during the DRX inactivity period, UE 410 keeps necessary components active (e.g., runs its clock at a specific frequency when appropriate, and allows its RF receiver to receive downlink timing information and TA commands) to track the timing (e.g., powering on the RF transmitter and other uplink components) and transmit SRS with the required precision for timing accuracy.

[0093] In the fifth optional step indicated by arrow 435, UE 410 signals to network resource 450 its actual capability to support timing accuracy. This signaling notification can occur once UE 410 transitions out of power-saving mode (e.g., DRX inactive time ends and DRX active time begins). The signaling can take the form of a MAC control element (MAC-CE), RRC signaling, or LPP signaling, and can indicate a specific timing accuracy for tracking SRS transmission timing accordingly. In one example, the signaling notification is performed if, for example, the timing accuracy indicated by the configuration information is not supported or is no longer supported (e.g., because UE 410's energy storage drops below a power threshold during DRX inactive time) or the option is left to UE 410.

[0094] Figure 5 This is an example of a sequence diagram 500 illustrating the timing accuracy capability associated with signaling notification and transmission of reference signals according to at least one embodiment. Figure 4Unlike sequence diagram 400, the capabilities of UE 410 can be signaled to network resource 450 independently or in the absence of configuration information for network resource 450. In other words, UE 410 can signal its capabilities to network resource 450 and proceed to transmit SRS during DRX inactivity based on the reported capabilities.

[0095] As explained, in the first step indicated by arrow 515 in sequence diagram 500, UE 410 signals its ability to support one or more timing accuracies. Generally, this signaling notification is performed during the positioning session and before UE 410 enters a power-saving state. In one example, the signaling may indicate a specific timing accuracies that UE 410 will support during DRX inactive periods. In another example, the signaling indicates all timing accuracies that UE 410 can support, as well as a specific timing accuracies that UE 410 will support during DRX inactive periods. In both examples, UE 410 may select a specific timing accuracies based on a default rule or a selection rule. The selection rule may involve several factors. Some selection factors relate to, for example, SRS allocation, CQI on the downlink channel carrying timing information, and / or power consumption. Additionally or alternatively, some selection factors relate to the positioning method to be used and the type of positioning measurement to be determined from the reference signal (e.g., timing measurement or angle measurement). In yet another example, the signaling indicates all timings that UE 410 can support without indicating a specific timing. In this example, UE 410 and network resource 450 can store similar selection rules to choose a specific timing accuracy. One possible selection rule can use various factors related to, for example, SRS allocation, CQI on the downlink channel carrying timing information, etc. In this way, both UE 410 and network resource 450 can resolve the same determination of a specific timing accuracy without instructing UE 410 to support a specific timing accuracy during DRX inactive periods.

[0096] Subsequently, UE 410 enters a power-saving state (e.g., at the start of DRX inactivity). While in the power-saving state, UE 410 transmits SRS to network resource 450, as indicated by the second step indicated by arrow 520 in sequence diagram 500. In one example, the timing of the transmission depends on the timing accuracy of a specific timing precision. More specifically, during the DRX inactivity period, UE 410 keeps necessary components active (e.g., running its clock at a specific frequency where applicable, and having its RF receiver receive downlink timing information and TA commands) to track the timing for waking up and transmitting SRS with the required precision for timing accuracy.

[0097] In the third optional step indicated by arrow 525, UE 410 signals to network resource 450 its actual capability to support timing accuracy. This signaling notification can occur once UE 410 transitions out of power-saving mode (e.g., DRX inactivity ends and DRX activity begins). The signaling can take the form of MAC-CE. RRC signaling or LPP signaling can indicate a specific timing accuracy used to track SRS transmission timing. In one example, the signaling notification is performed if, for example, the timing accuracy indicated by the capability information is no longer supported (e.g., because UE 410's energy storage drops below a power threshold during DRX inactivity) or when UE 410 signals a different timing accuracy it can support without indicating a specific timing accuracy.

[0098] Figure 6 This is an example of a sequence diagram 600 illustrating the timing accuracy capability used in signaling notification and transmission of reference signals according to at least one embodiment. Figure 4 and Figure 5 Unlike sequence diagrams 400 and 500, pre-coordination may not occur between UE 410 and network resource 450 during the positioning session and before SRS transmission. Instead, once SRS is transmitted, UE 410 can indicate the actual supported timing accuracy to network resource 450.

[0099] As explained, UE 410 enters a power-saving state (e.g., the start of DRX inactivity). While in the power-saving state, UE 410 transmits SRS to network resource 450, as indicated by arrow 615 in the first step of sequence diagram 500. In one example, the timing of the transmission depends on the timing accuracy that UE 410 can choose to support during the DRX inactivity period. More specifically, UE 410 keeps necessary components active during the DRX inactivity period (e.g., running its clock at a specific frequency where applicable, and having its RF receiver receive downlink timing information and TA commands) to track the timing for waking up and transmitting SRS with the required precision for timing accuracy. Here, UE 410 can select a specific timing accuracy based on a default rule or a selection rule that relates to factors such as SRS allocation, CQI on the downlink channel carrying timing information, and / or power consumption.

[0100] In the second step, indicated by arrow 620, UE 410 sends a signaling message to network resource 450 notifying it of its actual ability to support timing accuracy. This signaling notification can occur once UE 410 transitions out of power-saving mode (e.g., DRX inactive time stops and DRX active time begins). The signaling can take the form of MAC-CE. RRC signaling or LPP signaling can indicate the specific timing accuracy required to track SRS transmissions.

[0101] Figures 7 to 10 An explanatory flow is illustrated, according to various embodiments, relating to the use of timing accuracy in a positioning session between a UE and network resources to support UE positioning, wherein one or more cycles of power-saving states may occur. Some or all of the instructions for performing the explanatory flow may be implemented as hardware circuitry and / or stored on a non-transient computer-readable medium of the UE (e.g., UE 410) and / or on a non-transient computer-readable medium of the network resources (e.g., network resource 450). As implemented, these instructions represent modules comprising circuitry or code executable, where applicable, by processors(s) of the UE or network resources. The use of such instructions configures the UE or network resources, where applicable, to perform the specific operations described herein. Each circuitry or code combined with a processor represents means for performing the corresponding operation(s). For example, for performing in Figures 7 to 10 The functional means at each operation of the target shown may include software and / or hardware components of the UE (such as bus 1105, (various) processing units 1110, DSP 1120, wireless communication interface 1130, memory 1160 and / or Figure 11 Other components of UE 1100 (as explained in the text) and / or software and / or hardware components including network resources, such as bus 1205, (various) processing units 1210, DSP 1220, wireless communication interface 1230, memory 1260 and / or Figure 12 Other components of network resource 1200 explained in the text. Although the operations are shown in a specific order, it should be understood that a specific order is not required and one or more operations may be omitted (e.g., as explained using dashed boxes), skipped, executed in parallel, and / or reordered.

[0102] also, Figures 7 to 10 The procedure described herein is in conjunction with the transmission of SRS during DRX inactive periods. However, the various operations of the procedure are similarly applied to other types of reference signals and other types of power-saving procedures (e.g., applied to RRC idle or RRC inactive). Figures 7 to 10In this context, a location session (e.g., an LPP session) is in progress, and there may be more than one DRX cycle, so the UE can transmit SRS during at least one DRX inactive period in the DRX inactive period.

[0103] Figure 7 An example of a process 700 for transmitting reference signals (e.g., SRS) for UE positioning, according to at least one embodiment, is described. This process includes operation 702, in which the UE sends a signaling notification of its capability to support one or more timing accuracies. For example, the UE sends capability information to network resources in an LLP message before the start of DRX inactivity. (See also...) Figure 4 and Figure 5 As described in sequence diagrams 400 and 500, capability information can indicate different timing accuracies that the UE can support and / or specific capability information that the UE wants to support during DRX inactive periods.

[0104] The process 700 also includes operation 704, in which the UE receives configuration information regarding at least one timing accuracy to be supported during DRX inactive periods. In one example, network resources generate configuration information before DRX inactive periods and transmit this configuration information to the UE per SRS resource set, SRS resource, BWP, CC, and / or frequency band. (See also...) Figure 4 As described in sequence diagram 400, this configuration can be generated based on or independently of the UE capabilities notified by the signaling, and can indicate one or more timing accuracies that the UE wants to support, or provide the UE with the option to select and support one of such timing accuracies.

[0105] The process 700 also includes operation 706, where the UE selects the timing accuracy to support during DRX inactive periods. Different types of selection are possible. In one example, the selection is performed based on configuration information. For example, if the configuration information indicates a specific timing accuracy to support or a specific positioning method associated with that timing accuracy (e.g., in a table or some other type of mapping), the UE selects that specific timing accuracy. If no such indication is available, the UE may apply a default rule to select a default timing accuracy, or apply a selection rule based on several selection factors to select a specific timing accuracy. Some selection factors may relate to, for example, SRS allocation, CQI on the downlink channel carrying timing information, and / or power consumption. Other selection factors may relate to the positioning method to be used, and the type of positioning measurement to be determined from the reference signal (e.g., timing measurement or angle measurement).

[0106] The process 700 also includes operation 708, in which the UE transitions to a power-saving state. For example, a DRX inactivity period begins and the UE disables (e.g., powers down) its transmit and receive components. Nevertheless, certain components may remain active, depending on the timing of tracking SRS transmissions and the precision required to meet timing accuracy. For example, for high timing accuracy, the UE's clock may operate at a high frequency (e.g., in the GHz range), and the UE's RF receiver for receiving downlink timing information and TA commands may remain powered on. For low timing accuracy, the UE's clock may operate at a low frequency (e.g., in the MHz range), and the UE's RF receiver may be powered down.

[0107] The process 700 also includes operation 710, in which the UE maintains the timing of the SR transmission based on timing accuracy. For example, for high timing accuracy, the UE can update its absolute time given the ticks of its clock, track downlink drift given received downlink timing information, and / or adjust the tracked time given a TA command. In contrast, for low timing accuracy, the UE can simply update its absolute time. In this way, the UE can determine when (e.g., slot number and OFDM symbol number) to wake up and transmit the SRS with the timing accuracy required to support the desired timing accuracy.

[0108] The procedure 700 also includes operation 712, in which the UE transmits SRS. For example, during DRX inactivity periods and when the UE needs to be woken up given a tracked timing, the UE powers on the RF transmitter and transmits SRS to network resources.

[0109] The process 700 also includes operation 714, in which the UE transitions to a power-active state (e.g., DRX active time). For example, the UE activates (e.g., powers on) various RF transmit and receive components for uplink and downlink communication with network resources.

[0110] The procedure 700 also includes operation 716, in which the UE sends a signaling notification to the UE regarding the timing accuracy to be supported during DRX inactive periods. For example, the signaling notification uses MAC-CE, RRC signaling, or LPP signaling, thereby indicating to the UE the actual timing accuracy it supports during DRX inactive periods, such as in combination with... Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 The sequence diagrams 400, 500 and 600 describe this.

[0111] Figure 8An example of a process 800 for UE localization by performing a measurement of a reference signal (e.g., SRS) according to at least one embodiment is described. Here, network resources receive the SRS transmitted by the UE when the UE is in a power-saving state and timing accuracy is supported, and the network resources perform the measurement of the SRS according to the timing accuracy.

[0112] The process 800 includes operation 802, wherein the network resource receives capability information from the UE, wherein the capability information indicates one or more timing accuracies that the UE can support. For example, and as described above in this document... Figure 4 and Figure 5 As described in sequence diagrams 400 and 500, this network resource receives capability information during the location session and before the DRX inactive period.

[0113] The process 800 also includes operation 804, in which the network resource sends configuration information regarding at least one timing accuracy to be supported during DRX inactive periods. For example, and as in combination Figure 4 As depicted in sequence diagram 400, the network resource sends signaling notifications for configuration information based on or independent of capability information, and this configuration information may vary depending on the SRS resource set, SRS resource, BWP, CC, or frequency band. In one example, the network resource selects the timing accuracy that the UE should support based on the positioning method to be used by the network resource and / or the type of positioning measurement that the network resource will perform on the SRS transmitted by the UE, and indicates this selection in the configuration information. For example, for a timing-based positioning method, the network resource may select high timing accuracy. For an angle-based positioning method, the network resource may select low timing accuracy.

[0114] The process 800 also includes operation 806, in which the network resource receives the SRS. For example, the SRS is transmitted by the UE when the UE is in power-saving mode, and the timing of the transmission may depend on the specific timing accuracy supported by the UE during DRX inactive periods.

[0115] The process 800 also includes operation 808, wherein the network resource receives signaling information regarding the specific timing accuracy supported by the UE during DRX inactive periods. For example, and as combined with Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As described in sequence diagrams 400, 500 and 600, the UE sends a signaling message to inform the UE of the timing accuracy of the SRS transmissions actually supported during the DRX inactive period.

[0116] The process 800 also includes operation 810, in which the network resource selects timing accuracy. The selection can depend on several factors. In one example, the selection can be limited to one of the timing accuracies indicated in the UE's capability information. In another example, the selection can be limited to a specific timing accuracy indicated in signaling information. In yet another example, the selection can be limited to a specific timing accuracy indicated in configuration information. Nevertheless, if none of such information is signaled or used, the selection can depend on several factors. For example, the selection can depend on the positioning method to be used by the network resource.

[0117] The process 800 also includes operation 812, in which the network resource determines timing error limits based on the specific timing accuracy of the SRS transmission supported by the UE during DRX inactivity periods. For example, the network resource may store in local memory a set of timing errors for each timing accuracy (e.g., a first set for low timing accuracy and a second set for high timing accuracy) and / or a set of timing errors for each positioning method (e.g., a first set for angle-based positioning methods and a second set for timing-based positioning methods). Given the timing accuracy supported by the UE and / or the positioning method to be used by the network resource, the network resource may determine the applicable set of timing errors. Based on several factors (such as uplink frequency), the network resource may further determine the specific timing error limits to be used from this applicable set.

[0118] The process 800 also includes operation 814, in which the network resource performs positioning measurements on the SRS. For example, the network resource applies a positioning method to the SRS to derive positioning measurements within a given time error limit (e.g., UL-RTOA measurement, UL SRS-RSRP measurement, Rx-Tx time difference measurement, etc.).

[0119] The process 800 also includes operation 816, in which the network resource determines the UE location based on measurements. For example, the UE location is derived from UL-RTOA measurements, UL SRS-RSRP measurements, and / or Rx-Tx time difference measurements.

[0120] Figure 9 This is an example illustrating a process 900 according to at least one embodiment for using timing accuracy associated with a reference signal used in a positioning session. Process 900 corresponds to a method implemented by a UE (e.g., UE 410) for transmitting a reference signal for positioning.

[0121] According to some embodiments, the method can be executed by the UE when the UE is in a power-saving state corresponding to a DRX, RRC idle or RRC inactive state. Thus, process 900 includes operation 901, which involves the UE entering the power-saving state.

[0122] The process 900 includes operation 902, in which the UE determines the timing accuracy associated with the transmission timing of the reference signal during the UE's power-saving state. The timing accuracy is determined from multiple timing accuracies (e.g., high timing accuracy and low timing accuracy) based on: the positioning method, the type of positioning measurement to be determined from the reference signal, or the configuration received by network resources, or a combination thereof. In one example, the multiple timing accuracies include (i) a first timing accuracy (e.g., low timing accuracy) associated with an angle-based positioning method and (ii) a second timing accuracy (high timing accuracy) associated with a timing-based positioning method. The second timing accuracy requires a lower timing error limit than the first timing accuracy. In this example, the multiple timing accuracies further include (iii) a third timing accuracy (same or different low timing accuracy) associated with the timing-based positioning method. The third timing accuracy allows a larger timing error limit than the second timing accuracy, and the third timing accuracy may be the same as or different from the first timing accuracy. Furthermore, the UE may apply a default rule to select a default timing accuracy, or apply a selection rule to select a specific timing accuracy based on several selection factors, as previously described. Therefore, timing accuracy can be implicitly tied to the configuration or use of the reference signal (e.g., SRS configuration or SRS use).

[0123] The means for performing the functionality at operation 902 may include software and / or hardware components of the UE, such as bus 1105, processing unit(s) 1110, DSP 1120, wireless communication interface 1130, memory 1160, and / or Figure 11 The other components of UE 1100 are explained in the following text and described in more detail.

[0124] The process 900 also includes operation 904, in which the UE determines the transmission timing based on the timing accuracy during the power-saving state. In one example, multiple timing accuracies include a first timing accuracy (e.g., low timing accuracy) and a second timing accuracy (e.g., high timing accuracy). In this example, the second timing accuracy may require a higher accuracy than the first timing accuracy (e.g., a lower timing error limit). According to some embodiments, the UE may be configured to keep additional components (e.g., an RF receiver) active relative to the first timing accuracy during the power-saving state to support the second timing accuracy. Additionally or alternatively, the UE may be configured to keep its clock at a higher speed (e.g., GHz frequency) relative to the first timing accuracy to support the second timing accuracy.

[0125] The means for performing the functionality at operation 904 may include software and / or hardware components of the UE, such as bus 1105, processing unit(s) 1110, DSP 1120, wireless communication interface 1130, memory 1160, and / or Figure 11 The other components of UE 1100 are explained in the following text and described in more detail.

[0126] The process 900 also includes operation 906, in which the UE transmits the reference signal based on the timing during the power-saving state. In one example, the reference signal is an uplink SRS for positioning. In such embodiments, the power-saving state corresponds to a DRX inactive state, an RRC idle state, or an RRC inactive state. More generally, the power-saving state may correspond to a UE state or operating mode in which the UE's power consumption is lower than at least one other state or operating mode, which may affect the accuracy of the timing of the reference signal transmission.

[0127] The means for performing the functionality at operation 906 may include software and / or hardware components of the UE, such as bus 1105, processing unit(s) 1110, DSP 1120, wireless communication interface 1130, memory 1160, and / or Figure 11 The other components of UE 1100 are explained in the following text and described in more detail.

[0128] In one example, the method, partly explained in process 900, may further include the UE transmitting to the location server capability information indicating that the UE supports transmitting reference signals for positioning transmissions with at least timing accuracy. In some embodiments, this capability information is transmitted before the UE is in the power-saving state. Additionally or alternatively, as previously mentioned, these capabilities may be implied based on the configuration and / or use of the reference signals.

[0129] In the above example, the method described in part in process 900 may also include the UE receiving configuration information from the network resource indicating the use of at least the timing accuracy before the UE is in the power-saving state. The configuration information may indicate the use of a portion of the bandwidth (BWP). Additionally or alternatively, the configuration information may indicate the use of at least each component carrier or frequency band. Additionally or alternatively, the reference signal is an SRS used for positioning purposes. The configuration information may indicate the use of at least each SRS resource or set of SRS resources.

[0130] In one example, the method, partly explained in process 900, may further include the UE transmitting to the network resource capability information indicating that the UE supports transmitting reference signals for positioning transmissions with the plurality of timing accuracies; and receiving from the network resource configuration information indicating the use of at least one of the plurality of timing accuracies. The timing accuracy may be further determined based on the configuration information.

[0131] In one example, the method, partly explained in process 900, may further include the UE signaling to the network resource to notify the timing accuracy used in determining the transmission timing. In some embodiments, the timing accuracy may be signaled after the reference signal has been transmitted. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the capability accuracy may be signaled when the UE is no longer in the power-saving state.

[0132] The functional means for performing the above additional operations of the method may include software and / or hardware components of the UE, such as bus 1105, (a)processing unit 1110, DSP 1120, wireless communication interface 1130, memory 1160, and / or Figure 11 The other components of UE 1100 are explained in the following text and described in more detail.

[0133] Figure 10 This is another example illustrating a process 1000 according to at least one embodiment for using timing accuracy associated with a reference signal used in a positioning session. Process 1000 corresponds to a method implemented by network resources (e.g., network resource 450) to support positioning of a UE (e.g., UE 410). Again, according to some embodiments, this method can be executed by the UE when the UE is in a power-saving state corresponding to a DRX, RRC idle, or RRC inactive state.

[0134] The process 1000 includes operation 1002, in which the network entity receives a reference signal for locating the UE, the reference signal being transmitted by the UE when the UE is in the power-saving state. In one example, the reference signal may include an uplink SRS for locating. Additionally or alternatively, the power-saving state may correspond to a DRX inactive state, an RRC idle state, or an RRC inactive state.

[0135] Functional means for performing the method at operation 1002 may include software and / or hardware components of the network entity, such as bus 1205, processing unit(s) 1210, DSP 1120, wireless communication interface 1230, memory 1260, and / or Figure 12 The other components of Network Resource 1200 are explained in the text and described in more detail below.

[0136] The process 1000 also includes operation 1004, wherein the network resource determines a timing accuracy associated with the reference signal, the timing accuracy being determined from a plurality of timing accuracies based on: the positioning method, the type of positioning measurement to be determined from the reference signal, or the configuration received by the network resource, or a combination thereof. In one example, the plurality of timing accuracies includes (i) a first timing accuracy (e.g., low timing accuracy) associated with an angle-based positioning method and (ii) a second timing accuracy (e.g., high timing accuracy) associated with a timing-based positioning method. The second timing accuracy may require a lower timing error limit than the first timing accuracy. In this example, if an angle-based positioning method is used in the positioning measurement of the reference signal, the timing accuracy may be determined as the first timing accuracy. In some embodiments, if a timing-based positioning method is used in the positioning measurement of the reference signal, the timing accuracy may be determined as the second timing accuracy. Additionally, the plurality of timing accuracies may further include (iii) a third timing accuracy (e.g., the same or different low timing accuracy) associated with the timing-based positioning method. A third timing accuracy may allow a larger timing error limit than the second timing accuracy, and the third timing accuracy may be the same as or different from the first timing accuracy. In this additional example, the timing accuracy may be determined as the third timing accuracy based on at least one of: configuration information transmitted to the UE indicating the use of the third timing accuracy, capability information received from the UE indicating that the UE supports the third timing accuracy, or signaling information received from the UE indicating that the UE uses the third timing accuracy. In yet another example, determining the timing accuracy may include selecting a timing accuracy from a plurality of timing accuracies. In this example, the method may further include determining a timing error limit as a requirement corresponding to the timing accuracy, wherein the positioning measurement is performed based on the timing error limit. In one example, the plurality of timing accuracies may include a first timing accuracy and a second timing accuracy. The second timing accuracy may require a higher accuracy than the first timing accuracy (e.g., a smaller timing error limit).

[0137] Functional means for performing the method at operation 1004 may include software and / or hardware components of network resources, such as bus 1205, processing unit(s) 1210, DSP 1120, wireless communication interface 1230, memory 1260, and / or Figure 12 The other components of Network Resource 1200 are explained in the text and described in more detail below.

[0138] The process 1000 also includes operation 1006, in which the network resource performs a positioning measurement of the reference signal based on the timing accuracy. In the example of selecting a timing accuracy from multiple timing accuracies, the network resource can also determine a timing error limit as a requirement corresponding to the timing accuracy. The measurement is performed according to the timing error limit.

[0139] Functional means for performing the method at operation 1006 may include software and / or hardware components of network resources, such as bus 1205, processing unit(s) 1210, DSP 1120, wireless communication interface 1230, memory 1260, and / or Figure 12 The other components of Network Resource 1200 are explained in the text and described in more detail below.

[0140] In one example, the method, partly explained in process 1000, may further include network resources receiving capability information from the UE indicating that the UE supports at least the timing accuracy. In such embodiments, this capability information may be received before the UE enters the power-saving state.

[0141] In one example, the method described in part in process 1000 may further include transmitting configuration information to the UE, indicating the use of at least the timing accuracy, before the UE enters the power-saving state. In such embodiments, the configuration information may indicate the use per BWP. Furthermore, according to some embodiments, the configuration information may indicate the use of at least per component carrier or frequency band. Additionally or alternatively, the reference signal may include an uplink SRS for positioning, and the configuration information may indicate the use of at least per SRS resource or SRS resource set.

[0142] In one example, the method described in part in process 1000 may also include network resources receiving capability information from the UE indicating that the UE supports the plurality of timing accuracies; and transmitting configuration information to the UE based on the capability information indicating the use of at least one of the plurality of timing accuracies.

[0143] In one example, the method described in part in process 1000 may further include network resources receiving signaling information from the UE indicative of the timing accuracy of the transmission timing used by the UE to track the reference signal. This timing accuracy is signaled after the reference signal has been transmitted by the UE and when the UE is no longer in the power-saving state.

[0144] The functional means for performing the above additional operations may include software and / or hardware components of network resources, such as bus 1205, processing unit(s) 1210, DSP 1120, wireless communication interface 1230, memory 1260, and / or Figure 12 The other components of Network Resource 1200 are explained in the text and described in more detail below.

[0145] Figure 11 This is a block diagram of an embodiment of UE 1100, which can be as described in the embodiments described herein and in conjunction with... Figures 1 to 10 In connection with this, the UE is an example of UE 410 described above in this document. It should be noted that... Figure 11 This is intended only to provide a general explanation of the various components of UE 1100; any or all of the various components of UE 400 may be used appropriately. In other words, because UEs can vary widely in functionality, they may include only... Figure 11 Part of the components shown. It can be noted that in some instances, it is composed of... Figure 11 The components described can be localized to a single physical device and / or distributed among various networked devices that can be set up in different physical locations.

[0146] UE 1100 is shown as including hardware elements that can be electrically coupled (or otherwise communicated) via bus 1105. The hardware elements may include processing units 1110, which may include, but are not limited to, one or more general-purpose processors, one or more special-purpose processors (such as digital signal processing (DSP) chips, graphics accelerator processors, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), etc.), and / or other processing structures or means, which may be configured to perform one or more methods described herein. Figure 11 As shown, some embodiments may have a separate DSP 1120 depending on the desired functionality. UE 1100 may also include one or more input devices 1170 and one or more output devices 1115, the one or more input devices 1170 including but not limited to: one or more touch screens, touchpads, microphones, buttons, dial pads, switches, etc.; the one or more output devices 1115 including but not limited to one or more displays, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), speakers, etc.

[0147] UE 1100 may also include a wireless communication interface 1130, which may include, but is not limited to, a modem, a network card, an infrared communication device, a wireless communication device, and / or a chipset (such as...). Devices, IEEE 802.11 devices, IEEE 802.15.4 devices, WiFi devices, WiMAXTM Equipment, cellular communication facilities, etc., etc., enable the UE 1100 to perform as described in this article. Figures 1 to 10 Communication is performed via a network as described herein. The wireless communication interface 1130 may permit the transmission of data with a network, eNB, ng-eNB, gNB, and / or other network components, computer systems, and / or any other electronic device described herein. Communication may be performed via one or more wireless communication antennas 1132 that transmit and / or receive wireless signals 1134. According to some embodiments, the wireless communication antenna 1132 may include a plurality of discrete antennas, an antenna array, or any combination thereof. The antenna 1132 may be capable of transmitting and receiving wireless signals using beamforming (e.g., Tx beamforming and Rx beamforming). Beamforming may be performed using digital and / or analog beamforming techniques with appropriate digital and / or analog circuitry. The wireless communication interface 1130 may include such circuitry.

[0148] Depending on the desired functionality, the wireless communication interface 1130 may include a separate transceiver for communicating with base stations (e.g., eNB, ng-eNB, and / or gNB) and other terrestrial transceivers (such as wireless devices and access points). The UE 1100 can communicate with various data networks, which may include a variety of network types. For example, a wireless wide area network (WWAN) may be a Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) network, a Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) network, a Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA) network, an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) network, a Single Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access (SC-FDMA) network, WiMAX (IEEE 802.16), and so on. A CDMA network may implement one or more Radio Access Technologies (RATs), such as... Broadband CDMA (WCDMA), etc. CDMA2000 includes IS-95, IS-2000, and / or IS-856 standards. TDMA networks can implement GSM, Digital Advanced Mobile Phone Systems (D-AMPS), or some other RAT. OFDMA networks can employ LTE, Advanced LTE, NR, etc. 5G, LTE, Advanced LTE, NR, GSM, and WCDMA are described in documents from 3GPP. CDMA2000 is described in documents from an organization called "3rd Generation Partnership Project 2" (3GPP2). 3GPP and 3GPP2 documents are publicly available. Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs) can also be IEEE 802.11x networks, while Wireless Personal Area Networks (WPANs) can be Bluetooth networks, IEEE 802.15x, or some other type of network. The technologies described herein can also be used in any combination of WWAN, WLAN, and / or WPAN.

[0149] UE 1100 may further include sensors 1140. Such sensors may include, but are not limited to, one or more inertial sensors (e.g., accelerometers, gyroscopes, and other inertial measurement units (IMUs)), cameras, magnetometers, compasses, altimeters, microphones, proximity sensors, optical sensors, barometers, etc., some of which may be used to complement and / or contribute to the functionality described herein.

[0150] Various embodiments of UE 1100 may also include a GNSS receiver 1180 capable of receiving signals 1184 from one or more GNSS satellites (e.g., SV 190) using a GNSS antenna 1182 (which may be combined with antennas 1132 in some implementations). Such positioning can be used to supplement and / or incorporate the techniques described herein. The GNSS receiver 1180 may use conventional techniques to extract the positioning of UE 1100 from GNSS SVs (e.g., SV 190) of GNSS systems such as GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, Compass, Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS) over Japan, Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) over India, BeiDou over China, etc. Furthermore, the GNSS receiver 1180 may use various augmentation systems (e.g., satellite-based augmentation systems (SBAS)) that may be associated with or otherwise enabled for use with one or more global and / or regional navigation satellite systems. By way of example and not limitation, SBAS may include augmentation systems that provide completeness information, differential correction, etc. (e.g., 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.).

[0151] It can be noted that, although in Figure 9The GNSS receiver 980 is described as a distinct component, but embodiments are not limited thereto. As used herein, the term "GNSS receiver" can include hardware and / or software components configured to acquire GNSS measurements (measurements from GNSS satellites). Thus, in some embodiments, the GNSS receiver can include a measurement engine executed by one or more processing units (such as processing unit 910, DSP 920, and / or processing units within wireless communication interface 930 (e.g., in a modem)) (as software). The GNSS receiver may also optionally include a positioning engine that can use GNSS measurements from the measurement engine to determine the GNSS receiver's location using an extended Kalman filter (EKF), weighted least squares (WLS), a hatch filter, a particle filter, etc. The positioning engine can also be executed by one or more processing units (such as processing unit 910 or DSP 920).

[0152] UE 1100 may further include memory 1160 and / or be in communication with memory 1160. Memory 1160 may include, but is not limited to, local and / or network-accessible storage, disk drives, drive arrays, optical storage devices, solid-state storage devices (such as random access memory (“RAM”) and / or read-only memory (“ROM”)), which may be programmable, flash-updatable, etc. Such storage devices may be configured to implement any suitable data storage, including but not limited to various file systems, database structures, and / or the like.

[0153] The memory 1160 of UE 1100 may also include software elements (not shown) including an operating system, device drivers, executable libraries, and / or other code (such as one or more applications). These software elements may include computer programs provided by various embodiments and / or may be designed to implement methods provided by other embodiments and / or configure systems provided by other embodiments, as described herein. By way of example only, one or more procedures described above in relation to the functional descriptions can be implemented as code and / or instructions executable by UE 1100 (e.g., using processing units 1110). In one aspect, such code and / or instructions can then be used to configure and / or adapt a general-purpose computer (or other device) to perform one or more operations according to the described methods.

[0154] Figure 12 An embodiment of network resource 1200 has been described, which can be used as described above in this document. Figures 1 to 10 As described in relation to other resources, network resource 1200 can correspond to network resource 450, and its components can be used to implement a location server and / or base station. It should be noted that... Figure 12 This is intended only to provide a general explanation of the various components, which may be used appropriately for any or all of them.

[0155] Network resource 1200 is shown as including hardware elements electrically coupled (or otherwise communicative) via bus 1205. The hardware elements may include processing unit 1210, which may include, but is not limited to, one or more general-purpose processors, one or more special-purpose processors (such as DSP chips, graphics accelerator processors, ASICs, etc.), and / or other processing structures or devices. Figure 12 As shown, some embodiments may have a separate DSP 1220 depending on the desired functionality. According to some embodiments, location determination and / or other determinations based on wireless communication may be provided in the processing unit 1210 and / or the wireless communication interface 1230 (discussed below). Network resource 1200 may also include one or more input devices and one or more output devices, the input devices including, but not limited to, a keyboard, display, mouse, microphone, buttons, dial pad, switch, etc.; the output devices including, but not limited to, a display, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), speakers, etc.

[0156] Network resource 1200 may also include a wireless communication interface 1230, which may include, but is not limited to, a modem, network card, infrared communication device, wireless communication device and / or chipset (such as... Devices such as IEEE 802.11 devices, IEEE 802.15.4 devices, WiFi devices, WiMAX devices, cellular communication facilities, etc., enable network resources 1200 to communicate as described herein. The wireless communication interface 1230 may permit the transmission of data and signaling to UEs, base stations (e.g., eNBs, gNBs, and / or ng-eNBs), and / or other network components, computer systems, and / or any other electronic devices described herein. Communication may be performed via one or more wireless communication antennas 1232 that transmit and / or receive wireless signals 1234.

[0157] Network resource 1200 may also include network interface 1280, which may include support for wired communication technologies. Network interface 1280 may include a modem, network interface card, chipset, etc. Network interface 1280 may include one or more input and / or output communication interfaces to allow data exchange with a network, a communication network server, a computer system, and / or any other electronic device described herein.

[0158] In many embodiments, network resource 1200 will further include memory 1260. Memory 1260 may include, but is not limited to, local and / or network-accessible storage, disk drives, drive arrays, optical storage devices, solid-state storage devices (such as RAM and / or ROM), which may be programmable, flash-updatable, and so on. Such storage devices may be configured to implement any suitable data storage, including but not limited to various file systems, database structures, and / or the like.

[0159] The memory 1260 of the network resource 1200 may also include software elements ( Figure 12 (Not shown in the text), these software elements include operating systems, device drivers, executable libraries, and / or other code (such as one or more applications). These software elements may include computer programs provided by various embodiments, and / or may be designed to implement methods provided by other embodiments, and / or configure systems provided by other embodiments, as described herein. By way of example only, one or more procedures described with respect to the methods discussed above may be implemented as code and / or instructions in memory 1260 executable by network resource 1200 (and / or processing units 1210 or DSP 1220 within network resource 1200). In one aspect, such code and / or instructions may then be used to configure and / or adapt a general-purpose computer (or other device) to perform one or more operations according to the described methods.

[0160] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that substantial modifications can be made to suit specific requirements. For example, custom hardware may be used, and / or specific elements may be implemented in hardware, software (including portable software such as applets), or both. Furthermore, connectivity to other computing devices (such as network input / output devices) may be employed.

[0161] Referring to the accompanying drawings, components that may include memory may include non-transient machine-readable media. As used herein, the terms "machine-readable media" and "computer-readable media" refer to any storage medium that participates in providing data that enables a machine to operate in a particular manner. In the embodiments provided above, various machine-readable media may be involved in providing instructions / code to processing units and / or other devices for execution. Additionally or alternatively, machine-readable media may be used to store and / or carry such instructions / code. In many implementations, computer-readable media are physical and / or tangible storage media. Such media can take many forms, including, but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media. Common forms of computer-readable media include, for example, magnetic and / or optical media, any other physical media with a hole pattern, RAM, programmable ROM (PROM), erasable PROM (EPROM), FLASH-EPROM, any other memory chip or memory cartridge, the carrier wave described below, or any other medium from which a computer can read instructions and / or code.

[0162] The methods, systems, and devices discussed herein are examples. Various procedures or components may be appropriately omitted, substituted, or added to the various embodiments. For example, features described with reference to certain embodiments may be combined in various other embodiments. Different aspects and elements of embodiments may be combined in a similar manner. Various components of the accompanying drawings provided herein may be embodied in hardware and / or software. Moreover, technology evolves, and therefore many elements are examples that do not limit the scope of this disclosure to those particular examples.

[0163] Primarily for reasons of common use, referring to such signals as bits, information, values, elements, symbols, characters, variables, items, quantities, numbers, etc., has proven convenient in some cases. However, it should be understood that all such terms, or similar terms, are to be associated with the appropriate physical quantity and are merely convenient labels. Unless otherwise specifically stated, as is apparent from the foregoing discussion, it should be understood that throughout this specification, discussions using terms such as “processing,” “calculating,” “determining,” “identifying,” “ascertaining,” “identifying,” “associating,” “measuring,” “performing,” etc., refer to the actions or processes of a particular device (such as a dedicated computer or similar dedicated electronic computing device). Therefore, in the context of this specification, a dedicated computer or similar dedicated electronic computing device is capable of manipulating or transforming signals of physical, electronic, electrical, or magnetic quantities typically represented in the memory, registers, or other information storage, transmission, or display devices of that dedicated computer or similar dedicated electronic computing device.

[0164] As used herein, the terms “and” and “or” can include a variety of meanings, which are also contemplated to depend at least in part on the context in which such terms are used. Generally, “or,” when used in relation to a list such as A, B, or C, is intended to mean A, B, and C (in the inclusive sense) and A, B, or C (in the exclusive sense). Additionally, the term “one or more” as used herein can be used to describe any feature, structure, or property in the singular form, or can be used to describe some combination of features, structures, or properties. However, it should be noted that this is merely an illustrative example, and the claimed subject matter is not limited to this example. Furthermore, the term “at least one of” when used in relation to a list such as A, B, or C can be interpreted as meaning any combination of A, B, and / or C, such as A, AB, AA, AAB, AABBCCC, etc.

[0165] Several embodiments have been described, and various modifications, substitutions, constructions, and equivalents may be used without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. For example, the above elements may be components of a larger system, where other rules may take precedence over or otherwise modify the application of the various embodiments. Furthermore, several steps may be taken before, during, or after considering the above elements. Accordingly, the above description does not limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0166] In view of this specification, various embodiments may include different combinations of features. Examples of implementations are described in the following numbered clauses.

[0167] Clause 1. A method for transmitting a reference signal for locating a user equipment (UE) in a power-saving state, the power-saving state corresponding to a discontinuous reception (DRX), radio resource control (RRC) idle, or RRC inactive state, the method comprising: entering the power-saving state by the UE; determining at the UE a timing accuracy associated with the transmission timing of the reference signal during the power-saving state of the UE, the timing accuracy being determined from a plurality of timing accuracies based on: a location method, a type of location measurement to be determined from the reference signal, or a configuration received from network resources, or a combination thereof; determining the transmission timing based on the timing accuracy during the power-saving state of the UE; and transmitting the reference signal by the UE during the power-saving state based on the transmission timing.

[0168] Clause 2. The method of Clause 1, wherein the plurality of timing accuracies includes: (i) a first timing accuracy associated with the angle-based positioning method, and (ii) a second timing accuracy associated with the timing-based positioning method, wherein the second timing accuracy requires a lower timing error limit than the first timing accuracy.

[0169] Clause 3. The method of Clause 2, wherein the plurality of timing accuracies further includes: (iii) a third timing accuracy associated with the timing-based positioning method, wherein the third timing accuracy allows for a larger timing error limit than the second timing accuracy, and the third timing accuracy may be the same as or different from the first timing accuracy.

[0170] Clause 4. The method of any one of Clauses 1-3, wherein: the method further comprises transmitting to the network resource information indicating that the UE supports the ability to transmit reference signals for positioning transmission with at least timing accuracy.

[0171] Clause 5. The method of Clause 4, wherein the capability information is transmitted before the UE is in the power-saving state.

[0172] Clause 6. The method of any one of Clauses 1-5 further includes: receiving configuration information from the network resource indicating the use of at least the timing accuracy before the UE is in the power-saving state.

[0173] Clause 7. As in Clause 6, wherein the configuration information indicates the use of the per-bandwidth portion (BWP).

[0174] Clause 8. The method of any of Clauses 6-7, wherein: the configuration information indicates the use of at least each component carrier or frequency band.

[0175] Clause 9. The method of any one of Clauses 6-8, wherein: the reference signal is an uplink probe reference signal (SRS) for positioning purposes, and wherein the configuration information indicates the use of at least each SRS resource or set of SRS resources.

[0176] Clause 10. The method of any one of Clauses 1-9 further comprises: transmitting to the network resource capability information indicating that the UE supports transmitting reference signals for positioning transmission with the plurality of timing accuracies; and receiving from the network resource configuration information indicating the use of at least one of the plurality of timing accuracies, wherein the timing accuracy is further determined based on the configuration information.

[0177] Clause 11. The method of any one of Clauses 1-10 further includes: sending a signaling message to the network resource to notify the accuracy of the timing used in determining the transmission timing.

[0178] Clause 12. The method of Clause 11, wherein the timing accuracy is signaled after the reference signal is transmitted.

[0179] Clause 13. The method of Clause 12, wherein the accuracy of the capability is signaled when the UE is no longer in the power-saving state.

[0180] Clause 14. The method of any of Clauses 1-13, wherein: the plurality of timing accuracies includes a first timing accuracy and a second timing accuracy, wherein the second timing accuracy requires a higher accuracy than the first timing accuracy.

[0181] Clause 15. The method of Clause 14, wherein the UE is configured to keep the additional components active relative to a first timing accuracy to support a second timing accuracy during a power-saving state.

[0182] Clause 16. The method of any of Clauses 14-15, wherein: the UE is configured to keep the UE's clock at a higher speed relative to a first timing accuracy to support a second timing accuracy.

[0183] Clause 17. The method of any of Clauses 14-16, wherein: the reference signal is an uplink reference signal (SRS) for positioning.

[0184] Clause 18. A method for locating a user equipment (UE) in a power-saving state supported by network resources, the power-saving state corresponding to discontinuous reception (DRX), radio resource control (RRC) idle, or RRC inactive states, the method comprising: receiving at the network resource a reference signal for locating the UE, the reference signal being transmitted by the UE while the UE is in the power-saving state; determining at the network resource a timing accuracy associated with the reference signal, the timing accuracy being determined from a plurality of timing accuracies based on: a positioning method, a type of positioning measurement to be determined from the reference signal, or a configuration received by the network resource, or a combination thereof; and performing a positioning measurement on the reference signal by the network resource based on the timing accuracy.

[0185] Clause 19. The method of Clause 18, wherein the plurality of timing accuracies includes: (i) a first timing accuracy associated with an angle-based positioning method, and (ii) a second timing accuracy associated with a timing-based positioning method, wherein the second timing accuracy requires a lower timing error limit than the first timing accuracy.

[0186] Clause 20. The method of Clause 19, wherein if the angle-based positioning method is used when performing positioning measurements on the reference signal, the timing accuracy is determined as a first timing accuracy, and wherein if the timing-based positioning method is used when performing positioning measurements on the reference signal, the timing accuracy is determined as a second timing accuracy.

[0187] Clause 21. The method of Clause 19, wherein the plurality of timing accuracies further includes: (iii) a third timing accuracy associated with the timing-based positioning method, wherein the third timing accuracy allows for a larger timing error limit than the second timing accuracy, and the third timing accuracy may be the same as or different from the first timing accuracy.

[0188] Clause 22. The method of Clause 21, wherein the timing accuracy is determined as a third timing accuracy based on at least one of: configuration information transmitted to the UE and indicating the use of the third timing accuracy, capability information received from the UE and indicating that the UE supports the third timing accuracy, or signaling information received from the UE and indicating that the UE uses the third timing accuracy.

[0189] Clause 23. The method of Clause 18, wherein determining the timing accuracy includes selecting the timing accuracy from the plurality of timing accuracies, wherein the method further includes determining a timing error limit as a requirement corresponding to the timing accuracy, and wherein the positioning measurement is performed based on the timing error limit.

[0190] Clause 24. The method of any one of Clauses 18-23 further includes: receiving from the UE information indicating that the UE supports at least the timing accuracy.

[0191] Clause 25. The method of Clause 24, wherein the capability information is received before the UE is in the power-saving state.

[0192] Clause 26. The method of any one of Clauses 18-25 further includes: transmitting configuration information to the UE indicating the use of at least the timing accuracy before the UE is in the power-saving state.

[0193] Clause 27. The method of Clause 26, wherein the configuration information indicates the use of the per-bandwidth portion (BWP).

[0194] Clause 28. The method of any of Clauses 26-27, wherein: the configuration information indicates the use of at least each component carrier or frequency band.

[0195] Clause 29. The method of any of Clauses 28-28, wherein: the reference signal is an uplink probe reference signal (SRS) for positioning, and wherein the configuration information indicates the use of at least each SRS resource or set of SRS resources.

[0196] Clause 30. The method of any one of Clauses 18-29 further includes: receiving from the UE capability information indicating that the UE supports the plurality of timing accuracies; and transmitting to the UE configuration information based on the capability information indicating the use of at least one of the plurality of timing accuracies.

[0197] Clause 31. The method of any one of Clauses 18-30 further includes: receiving from the UE signaling information indicating the timing accuracy of the transmission timing used by the UE to track the reference signal.

[0198] Clause 32. The method of any of Clauses 18-31, wherein: the timing accuracy is signaled after the reference signal is transmitted by the UE and when the UE is no longer in the power-saving state.

[0199] Clause 33. The method of any of Clauses 18-32, wherein: the plurality of timing accuracies includes a first timing accuracy and a second timing accuracy, wherein the second timing accuracy requires a higher accuracy than the first timing accuracy.

[0200] Clause 34. The method of any of Clauses 18-33, wherein: the reference signal is an uplink probe reference signal (SRS) for positioning, and wherein the power saving state corresponds to a discontinuous reception (DRX) inactive state, a radio resource control (RRC) idle state, or an RRC inactive state.

[0201] Clause 35. A user equipment (UE) for transmitting reference signals for locating a user equipment (UE) in a power-saving state, corresponding to discontinuous reception (DRX), radio resource control (RRC) idle, or RRC inactive states, the UE comprising: a transceiver, a memory, and one or more processors communicatively coupled to the transceiver and the memory. The one or more processors are configured to perform the methods of any of Clauses 1-18.

[0202] Clause 36. A network resource for supporting the location of a user equipment (UE) in a power-saving state, corresponding to discontinuous reception (DRX), radio resource control (RRC) idle, or RRC inactive, the network resource comprising: a transceiver, a memory, and one or more processors communicatively coupled to the transceiver and the memory. The one or more processors are configured to perform the methods of any one of Clauses 18-33.

[0203] Clause 37. An apparatus comprising means for performing the method of any one of Clauses 1-33.

[0204] Clause 38. A non-transient computer-readable medium storing instructions for transmitting reference signals for locating a user equipment (UE) in a power-saving state, corresponding to discontinuous reception (DRX), radio resource control (RRC) idle, or RRC inactive states, the instructions including code for performing a method of any of Clauses 1-33.

Claims

1. A method for transmitting a reference signal for locating a user equipment (UE) in a power-saving state, the power-saving state corresponding to discontinuous reception (DRX), radio resource control (RRC) idle, or RRC inactive states, the method comprising: The UE enters the power-saving state; At the UE, a timing accuracy associated with the transmission timing of the reference signal during the power-saving state of the UE is determined, the timing accuracy being determined from a plurality of timing accuracies based on the following: Location method, The type of positioning measurement to be determined from the reference signal, or Configuration received by the network entity, or The combination of the multiple timing accuracies includes: (i) a first timing accuracy associated with an angle-based positioning method, and (ii) a second timing accuracy associated with a timing-based positioning method, wherein the second timing accuracy requires a lower timing error limit than the first timing accuracy; The transmission timing is determined based on the timing accuracy during the power-saving state of the UE; and The reference signal is transmitted by the UE based on the transmission timing during the power-saving state.

2. The method as described in claim 1, wherein, The plurality of timing accuracies further include: (iii) a third timing accuracy associated with the timing-based positioning method, wherein the third timing accuracy allows for a larger timing error limit than the second timing accuracy, and the third timing accuracy may be the same as or different from the first timing accuracy.

3. The method as described in claim 1, wherein, The method further includes transmitting capability information to the network entity, the capability information indicating that the UE supports transmitting reference signals for positioning transmission with at least the aforementioned timing accuracy.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein, The capability information is transmitted before the UE is in the power-saving state.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving configuration information from the network entity indicating the use of at least the timing accuracy before the UE is in the power-saving state.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein, The configuration information indicates the use of BWP per bandwidth portion.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising: The network entity is informed of the UE's ability to transmit reference signals for positioning transmission with the plurality of timing accuracies. as well as The network entity receives configuration information indicating the use of at least one of the plurality of timing accuracies, wherein the timing accuracies are further determined based on the configuration information.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising: The network entity is notified of the timing accuracy used in determining the transmission timing.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein, The timing accuracy is notified by a signaling command after the reference signal is transmitted.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein, Capability information is signaled when the UE is no longer in the power-saving state.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein, The reference signal is the uplink breakthrough reference signal (SRS) used for positioning.

12. A method for locating a User Equipment (UE) in a power-saving state supported by a network entity, the power-saving state corresponding to a discontinuous reception (DRX), radio resource control (RRC) idle, or RRC inactive state, the method comprising: The reference signal for locating the UE is received at the network entity, the reference signal being transmitted by the UE when the UE is in the power-saving state; At the network entity, a timing accuracy associated with the reference signal is determined, the timing accuracy being determined from a plurality of timing accuracies based on the following: Location method, The type of positioning measurement to be determined from the reference signal, or The configuration at the network entity, or The combination of these multiple timing accuracies includes: (i) a first timing accuracy associated with an angle-based positioning method, and (ii) a second timing accuracy associated with a timing-based positioning method, wherein the second timing accuracy requires a lower timing error limit than the first timing accuracy; and The network entity performs positioning measurements on the reference signal based on the timing accuracy.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein, The plurality of timing accuracies further include: (iii) a third timing accuracy associated with the timing-based positioning method, wherein the third timing accuracy allows for a larger timing error limit than the second timing accuracy, and the third timing accuracy may be the same as or different from the first timing accuracy.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein, Determining the timing accuracy includes selecting the timing accuracy from a plurality of timing accuracys, wherein the method further includes determining a timing error limit as a requirement corresponding to the timing accuracy, and wherein the positioning measurement is performed based on the timing error limit.

15. The method of claim 12, further comprising receiving from the UE capability information indicating that the UE supports at least the timing accuracy.

16. The method of claim 12, further comprising transmitting configuration information to the UE indicating the use of at least the timing accuracy before the UE is in the power-saving state.

17. The method of claim 12, further comprising: Receive from the UE information indicating the UE's ability to support the multiple timing accuracy parameters; as well as Based on the capability information, configuration information indicating the use of at least one of the multiple timing accuracies is transmitted to the UE.

18. The method of claim 12, further comprising: The UE receives signaling information instructing the UE on the timing accuracy of the transmission timing used to track the reference signal.

19. The method of claim 12, wherein, The reference signal is the uplink probe reference signal (SRS) for positioning, and the power saving state corresponds to the discontinuous reception (DRX) inactive state, the radio resource control (RRC) idle state, or the RRC inactive state.

20. A user equipment UE for transmitting reference signals for locating a user equipment UE in a power-saving state, the power-saving state corresponding to discontinuous reception DRX, radio resource control (RRC) idle, or RRC inactive states, the UE comprising: transceiver; Memory; as well as One or more processors communicatively coupled to the transceiver and the memory, wherein the one or more processors are configured to: The UE is then put into the power-saving state. Determine the timing accuracy associated with the transmission timing of the reference signal during the power-saving state of the UE, the timing accuracy being determined from a plurality of timing accuracies based on the following: Location method, The type of positioning measurement to be determined from the reference signal, or Configuration received by the network entity, or The combination of the multiple timing accuracies includes: (i) a first timing accuracy associated with an angle-based positioning method, and (ii) a second timing accuracy associated with a timing-based positioning method, wherein the second timing accuracy requires a lower timing error limit than the first timing accuracy; The transmission timing is determined based on the timing accuracy during the power-saving state of the UE; and The reference signal is transmitted via the transceiver based on the transmission timing during the power-saving state.

21. The UE as claimed in claim 20, wherein, The one or more processors are further configured to receive configuration information from the network entity indicating the use of at least the timing accuracy before the UE is in the power-saving state.

22. The UE of claim 21, wherein the configuration information indicates the use of the per-bandwidth portion (BWP).

23. The UE as claimed in claim 20, wherein, The one or more processors are further configured to: Transmit to the network entity information indicating the UE's ability to transmit reference signals for positioning transmission with the plurality of timing accuracies; and The network entity receives configuration information indicating the use of at least one of the plurality of timing accuracies, wherein the timing accuracies are further determined based on the configuration information.

24. The UE of claim 20, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to: The network entity transmits capability information indicating that the UE supports transmitting reference signals for positioning transmission with at least the aforementioned timing accuracy.

25. The UE of claim 24, wherein the capability information is transmitted before the UE is in the power-saving state.

26. The UE as claimed in claim 20, wherein, The one or more processors are further configured to send signaling to the network entity to notify the timing accuracy used in determining the transmission timing.

27. The UE of claim 26, wherein the timing accuracy is signaled after the reference signal is transmitted.

28. The UE of claim 27, wherein the capability information is signaled when the UE is no longer in the power-saving state.

29. The UE as claimed in claim 20, wherein, The multiple timing accuracies include a first timing accuracy associated with an angle-based positioning method and a second timing accuracy associated with a timing-based positioning method, wherein the second timing accuracy requires a higher accuracy than the first timing accuracy.

30. The UE as claimed in claim 29, wherein, The plurality of timing accuracies further include: (iii) a third timing accuracy associated with the timing-based positioning method, wherein the third timing accuracy allows for a larger timing error limit than the second timing accuracy, and the third timing accuracy may be the same as or different from the first timing accuracy.

31. The UE as claimed in claim 20, wherein, The reference signal is the uplink breakthrough reference signal (SRS) used for positioning.

32. A network entity for supporting the location of a user equipment (UE) in a power-saving state, the power-saving state corresponding to discontinuous reception (DRX), radio resource control (RRC) idle, or RRC inactive states, the network entity comprising: transceiver; Memory; as well as One or more processors communicatively coupled to the transceiver and the memory, wherein the one or more processors are configured to: The reference signal for locating the UE is received at the network entity, the reference signal being transmitted by the UE when the UE is in the power-saving state; At the network entity, a timing accuracy associated with the reference signal is determined, the timing accuracy being determined from a plurality of timing accuracies based on the following: Location method, The type of positioning measurement to be determined from the reference signal, or The configuration at the network entity, or The combination of these multiple timing accuracies includes: (i) a first timing accuracy associated with an angle-based positioning method, and (ii) a second timing accuracy associated with a timing-based positioning method, wherein the second timing accuracy requires a lower timing error limit than the first timing accuracy; and Positioning measurements are performed on the reference signal based on the timing accuracy.

33. The network entity of claim 32, wherein if the angle-based positioning method is used when performing positioning measurements on the reference signal, the timing accuracy is determined as the first timing accuracy, and wherein if the timing-based positioning method is used when performing positioning measurements on the reference signal, the timing accuracy is determined as the second timing accuracy.

34. The network entity of claim 32, wherein the plurality of timing accuracies further comprises: (iii) A third timing accuracy associated with the timing-based positioning method, wherein the third timing accuracy allows for a larger timing error limit than the second timing accuracy, and the third timing accuracy may be the same as or different from the first timing accuracy.

35. The network entity as described in claim 32, wherein, To determine the timing accuracy, the one or more processors are configured to select the timing accuracy from a plurality of timing accuracies, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to determine a timing error limit as a requirement corresponding to the timing accuracy, and wherein the positioning measurement is performed based on the timing error limit.

36. The network entity as described in claim 32, wherein, The one or more processors are further configured to receive from the UE capability information indicating that the UE supports at least the timing accuracy.

37. The network entity of claim 32, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to transmit configuration information to the UE indicating the use of at least the timing accuracy before the UE is in the power-saving state.

38. The network entity as described in claim 32, wherein, The one or more processors are further configured to: Receive from the UE capability information indicating that the UE supports the multiple timing accuracy parameters; and Based on the capability information, configuration information indicating the use of at least one of the multiple timing accuracies is transmitted to the UE.

39. The network entity as described in claim 32, wherein, The one or more processors are further configured to: The UE receives signaling information instructing the UE on the timing accuracy of the transmission timing used to track the reference signal.

40. The network entity of claim 32, wherein the reference signal is an uplink probe reference signal (SRS) for positioning, and wherein the power saving state corresponds to a discontinuous reception (DRX) inactive state, a radio resource control (RRC) idle state, or an RRC inactive state.

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