Method and device for taking into account the timing error of a user equipment in positioning measurements

Abstract

The method and apparatus provide a mechanism for taking into account timing errors of a wireless device (12) in positioning measurements. In one example, the wireless device (12) performs a reference signal transmission or measurement and sends information to a network node (20) involved in the positioning of the wireless device (12). This information indicates the association of the reference signal transmission or measurement with a corresponding timing group of the wireless device (12). Each timing group represents a related set of transmission or reception timing errors within the wireless device (12). Based on this information, when performing positioning calculations based on the reference signal transmission or measurement performed by the wireless device (12), the network node (20) considers the different timing group associations.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The methods and apparatus disclosed herein take into account timing errors of user equipment (UE) in positioning measurements. Background Technology

[0002] Location has been a central theme in Long Term Evolution (LTE) standardization since version 9 of the 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) specification. Initially, the primary goal was to meet regulatory requirements for emergency call location, but other use cases have become increasingly important, such as location for the Industrial Internet of Things (I-IoT). In 5G New Radio (5G NR), the term "Location Management Function" or "LMF" refers to the location node. Interaction also exists between the location node and the gNodeB via the NRPPa protocol, where "NRPPa" stands for NR Location Protocol A. Interaction between the gNodeB and User Equipment (UE) in the NR network is supported by the Radio Resource Control (RRC) protocol, while the location node connects to the UE via the LTE Location Protocol (LPP) through an interface. The LPP is common to both NR and LTE.

[0003] The traditional LTE standard supports the following technologies:

[0004] ● Enhanced Cell ID – Essentially, this method associates a device with the service area of ​​the serving cell based on cell ID information, and then determines a finer-grained location based on additional information.

[0005] ●Auxiliary GNSS — GNSS information retrieved by the device, supported by auxiliary information provided to the device from the E-SMLC.

[0006] ●OTDOA (Observed Time Difference of Arrival) – The device estimates the time difference of reference signals from different base stations and sends it to the E-SMLC for multi-point positioning.

[0007] ●UTDOA (Uplink TDOA) – The device is requested to transmit a specific waveform detected by multiple position measurement units (e.g., eNBs) at known locations. These measurements are forwarded to the E-SMLC for multipoint positioning.

[0008] In NR version 16, several location features were defined.

[0009] A new downlink (DL) reference signal, the NR DL PRS (Location Reference Signal), has been defined. The main benefit of this signal compared to the LTE DL PRS is the increased bandwidth, configurable from 24 resource blocks (RBs) to 272 resource blocks, which provides a significant improvement in the accuracy of Time of Arrival (TOA) measurements. The NR DL PRS can be configured with comb factors of 2, 4, 6, or 12. Comb factor 12 allows for twice as many orthogonal signals as comb factor 6 in the LTE PRS. The NR DL PRS can also be beam-scanned.

[0010] NR Release 16 specifies enhancements to the NR Uplink (UL) Sound Reference Signal (SRS). The Release 16 NR SRS for positioning considers longer signals, up to 12 symbols (compared to 4 symbols in Release 15), and flexible slot placement (in Release 15, only the last 6 symbols of the slot were used). It also considers interleaved comb RE modes for improved TOA measurement range and more orthogonal signals based on comb offsets (combs 2, 4, and 8) and cyclic shifts. However, Release 16 does not support the use of cyclic shifts longer than Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) symbols divided by the comb factor, although this is a major advantage of comb interleaving, at least in indoor scenarios. Power control based on Neighbor Cell Synchronization Block (SSB) / DLPRS is supported, as well as spatial quasi-cooperative positioning (QCL) relationships with Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS), SSB, DL PRS, or another SRS.

[0011] In NR version 16, the following UE measurements are specified:

[0012] ●DL Reference Signal Time Difference (RSTD), taking into account, for example, DLTDOA positioning;

[0013] ● Multi-cell UE Rx-Tx time difference measurement, taking into account multi-cell round-trip time (RTT) measurement; and

[0014] ●DLPRS Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP).

[0015] In NR version 16, the following gNB measurements are specified:

[0016] ●UL Relative Time of Arrival (UL-RTOA), which is useful for ULTDOA positioning;

[0017] ●gNb Rx-Tx time difference, which is useful for multi-cell RTT measurements;

[0018] ●UL SRS-RSRP; and

[0019] ● Angle of arrival (AoA) and ZoA (“Z” refers to the vertical angle of arrival).

[0020] In December 2019, a research project focusing on positioning in industrial IoT (I-IoT) scenarios was launched. To meet the stringent accuracy requirements associated with I-IoT, a key issue to overcome is the positioning error caused by UE transmission (Tx) timing errors, which affect the accuracy of UE receive-transmit (Rx-Tx) time difference measurement.

[0021] In NR Releases 15 and 16, Transport Configuration Indicator (TCI) states are used for downlink (DL) transmissions. A TCI state contains the QCL attributes of one or two reference signals and is used by the UE when receiving another reference signal. For each RS, a TCI state is provided to the UE, and the RS in the TCI state acts as the QCL source when the UE receives the RS. The way the TCI state is provided to the UE (signaling mechanism) varies depending on how quickly the update needs to be performed. In NR Release 16, regarding work on Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) enhancements, a proposal was also made for UL to emulate a DL transmission framework utilizing TCI states to facilitate flexible multi-panel transmission across all channels and signals (see R1-1909225, RAN1#98, Prague, Czech Republic, August 26-30). This proposal was not adopted for Release 16 but may appear in Release 17.

[0022] Example positioning solution

[0023] The following example is for multi-RTT-based localization, but similar methods can also be used for UL / DLTDOA-based localization.

[0024] The distance from the UE to the Transmit and Receive Point (TRP) number k can be written as:

[0025]

[0026] in

[0027]

[0028] The UE location is unknown.

[0029] and

[0030]

[0031] It is the known position of TRP k.

[0032] Estimation based on the distance between the UE and k TRPs

[0033]

[0034] Find the UE location It can be viewed as a solution overdetermined system of equations

[0035]

[0036] There are many ways to solve overdetermined systems of equations like this. One type of solution utilizes optimization techniques based on a cost function constructed as follows.

[0037]

[0038] Here, g, referred to as the 'elemental cost function', is an increasing function of real numbers greater than or equal to zero, and w k These are weights. Minimize the cost function. Find an approximate solution to the overdetermined system of equations. As an example, the basic cost function g can be chosen as g(x) = x. 2 And weight w k All of them can be set to 1. In this case, Minimizing gives the least-squares solution to the overdetermined system of equations. To make the solution more robust to outliers (e.g., since some transmit-receive points (TRPs) may be non-line-of-sight (NLOS), g can be chosen to flatten large x, for example, as g(x) = 1 - sech(ω·x), where ω controls the steepness of the function. For example, the weight w k It may be configured to consider different TRPs in d k Differences in measurement uncertainty.

[0039] For two-dimensional (2D) positioning, it is assumed that the UE's vertical positioning is known. The above description also applies to this case, where the change is that p3 is known, and thus the overdetermined equations are solved only for p1 and p2, and therefore... The optimization is performed only on p1 and p2. Summary of the Invention

[0040] The method and apparatus provide a mechanism for taking into account timing errors of a wireless device in positioning measurements. In one example, the wireless device performs a reference signal transmission or measurement and sends information to network nodes involved in the positioning of the wireless device. This information indicates the association between the reference signal transmission or measurement and a corresponding timing group of the wireless device. Each timing group represents a set of associated transmission or reception timing errors within the wireless device. Based on this information, when performing positioning calculations based on reference signal transmissions or measurements performed by the wireless device, the network nodes consider the different timing group associations.

[0041] In one or more embodiments described in this disclosure, positioning accuracy is improved by any one or more of the following: utilizing multiple measurements of the same TRP but based on different UE antenna panels used for SRS transmission and / or UE RSTD / UE Rx-Tx time difference measurement; knowledge about which UE antenna panels have been used for SRS transmission and / or UE RSTD / UE Rx-Tx time difference measurement, wherein such knowledge is derived from signaling to provide such knowledge to the positioning node and / or controlled by signaling, or a pre-configuration of which UE antenna panels are used for SRS transmission and / or UE RSTD / UE Rx-Tx time difference measurement; and signaling to the network (e.g., a location server) to inform the UE of known UE antenna panel timing errors or differences in errors between different panels. Here, "antenna panel" is an example antenna configuration, and more broadly, the UE has multiple antennas (e.g., multiple antenna panels) and within the UE, there are path delay differences (timing differences) between different antennas.

[0042] In the example context where different antennas are different antenna panels, mechanisms for avoiding or reducing signal timing measurement errors caused by timing differences between different antennas include any one or more of the following: (1) restricting which UE antenna panel is used for SRS transmission via SRS configuration; (2) SRS beam and panel scanning; (3) reporting which UE antenna panel is used for each SRS transmission; (4) performing multiple UE RSTD / UE Rx-Tx time difference measurements for the same TRP but using different UE antenna panels; (5) reporting which UE antenna panel is used for each UE RSTD / UE Rx-Tx time difference measurement; (6) implicitly or explicitly (e.g., sending an indication) indicating whether the same or different antenna panels are used for different measurement components that include the same RSTD measurement; (7) performing UE panel time difference measurements; (8) estimating the systematic errors associated with the RX / TX timing errors of different UE antenna panels; (9) forming measurement differences that cancel out the systematic errors associated with the RX / TX timing errors; and (10) identifying the UE antenna panel used for SRS transmission and / or RSTD / UE. The appropriate antenna panel for Rx-Tx measurements; (11) the network node controls whether the UE is allowed to use different antenna panels for two different components that include the same measurement, for example by sending control parameters or indicators (e.g., “allowed” or “disallowed”) in the auxiliary data or measurement configuration - wherein such control affects how the measurement is performed or how the measurement is reported (e.g., compensation may be required relative to a reference antenna panel); and (12) compensation to achieve the performance of the “reference” antenna panel in different antenna panels.

[0043] When different panels are used to include different components of the same measurement, the UE can select one of the different antenna panels as the reference panel configuration (e.g., based on predefined rules or based on network configuration, such as using a reference TRP or reference PRS antenna panel configuration as a reference) and compensate for one or both of the components including the measurement to achieve an effect on (one or more) components as if it (they) were performed based on the reference antenna panel.

[0044] Another example embodiment includes a method for taking into account path delay differences within the user equipment (UE), such as between different antennas of the UE, in signal timing measurements of signals transmitted between multiple transmit / receive points (TRPs) of a wireless communication network and the UE for the purpose of positioning the UE. The method includes at least one of the following: avoiding the introduction of systematic errors caused by internal path delay differences by coordinating (e.g., by signaling notification) which antenna is used at the UE relative to each of the involved TRPs or relative to each of a plurality of radio resources configured for transmitting signals; and taking into account systematic errors in positioning-related calculations on the signal timing measurements.

[0045] In another example embodiment, a UE configured to operate relative to a wireless communication network includes a communication interface circuitry configured to transmit and receive signals according to a radio access technology (RAT) of the wireless communication network. The UE further includes a processing circuitry operatively associated with the communication interface circuitry and configured to perform at least one of the following: (a) performing signal timing measurements relating to downlink signals received on different antennas of the UE, compensating for the measurements with path delay differences within the UE, such as between different antennas, and reporting the compensated measurements to the network and / or using them at the UE for location-related calculations; (b) performing signal timing measurements relating to downlink signals received on different antennas of the UE, and reporting the measurements to the network for location-related calculations, together with reporting path delay differences within the UE, such as between different antennas, for network-based compensation of the measurements; and (c) transmitting uplink signals from different antennas for use in location-related calculations performed by the network, and reporting transmission path delay differences between the different antennas of the UE.

[0046] Of course, the present invention is not limited to the features and advantages described above. Those skilled in the art will recognize additional features and advantages after reading the following detailed description and reviewing the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0047] Figure 1 and 2This is an example relationship and diagram of signal processing that can be used to detect line-of-sight (LoS) propagation paths in the context of locating a user equipment (UE) by measuring radio signals traveling between the UE and one or more transmit / receive points (TRPs) of the wireless communication network.

[0048] Figure 3 This is a block diagram of one embodiment of a wireless communication network and an associated UE.

[0049] Figure 4 and 5 yes Figure 3 A block diagram showing the details of an example network.

[0050] Figure 6 This is a block diagram detailing an example implementation of the location management function (LMF), network nodes, and UE.

[0051] Figure 7 This is a block diagram highlighting example details of the timing difference between antennas within the UE, which is a result of the difference in internal path delay between the UE's different antennas.

[0052] Figure 8-10 This is a logic flowchart of an example embodiment of a method for improving UE positioning by considering the internal path delay difference between different antennas of the UE.

[0053] Figure 11 Another example method according to one or more embodiments is illustrated.

[0054] Figure 12 Another example method according to one or more embodiments is illustrated.

[0055] Figure 13 This is a block diagram of a virtualized environment according to some embodiments.

[0056] Figure 14 This is a block diagram of a communication network having a host computer according to some embodiments.

[0057] Figure 15 This is a block diagram of a host computer according to some embodiments.

[0058] Figure 16 This is a flowchart illustrating a method implemented in a communication system according to one embodiment.

[0059] Figure 17 This is a flowchart illustrating a method implemented in a communication system according to one embodiment.

[0060] Figure 18 This is a flowchart illustrating a method implemented in a communication system according to one embodiment.

[0061] Figure 19 This is a flowchart illustrating a method implemented in a communication system according to one embodiment.

[0062] Figure 20 , 21 Figures 2 and 22 are block diagrams corresponding to the virtualized devices of the LMF, network nodes of the wireless communication network, and UE. Detailed Implementation

[0063] Signal timing measurements using multiple receive and / or transmit antennas of the UE are affected by the internal path delay of the UE relative to the different antennas. Specifically, for measurements involving signal reception or transmission using different antennas, the difference in internal path delay associated with the different antennas introduces a source of error in the measurement. For example, arrival time measurements of signals striking two different antennas of the UE will reflect any difference in the internal path delay of the UE relative to the different antennas. For example, RX and TX timing measurements depend on the internal path delay of the UE relative to one or more antennas(s) used for signal reception / transmission. Path refers to the propagation path between the transmission point and the UE, but can also refer to the peak value in the power delay distribution plot of the channel impulse response (CIR) corresponding to the propagation path.

[0064] In the example scenario, the different antennas are different “antenna panels” of the UE. Especially for high frequencies, a UE may have multiple antenna panels. Millimeter-wave mobile broadband (MBB) UEs today typically have three antenna panels on different sides of the UE, each panel consisting of four dual-polarized antenna elements. A modern UE selects one of these antenna panels for transmission. For example, the delay between baseband timing and the actual RX / TX timing at the antenna panel may differ between different panels due to different sets of delays in the circuit paths coupled to the respective antenna panels. These delays are known to some extent based on theoretical calculations of the delays and / or on measurements performed on individual UEs. The known portion of the delay can be compensated for by “calibrating” the UE to adjust its baseband TX timing accordingly, depending on which antenna panel is used for transmission. Similarly, the UE can be calibrated to take the known delays into account in TOA measurements, depending on which antenna panel is used for reception.

[0065] However, the knowledge of the delay will not be precise, especially since the delay may vary over time. Furthermore, calibrating a single UE is an expensive task. Therefore, the UE RX / TX timing defined at the antenna will not be precise, and it will vary between UE antenna panels. In instances where measurements involve different UE antenna panels used to receive the downlink (DL) reference signal (RS) for Time of Arrival (TOA) measurements, the delay difference (also known as inter-antenna timing difference) causes errors in the Received Signal Time Difference (RSTD) measurement. For example, consider an example scenario where the UE uses a first antenna panel to receive the DL RS from one transmit / receive point (TRP) of the wireless communication network, and a second antenna panel to receive the DL RS from another TRP in the network—for example, the UE may select the “best” panel to use relative to different TRPs.

[0066] When two antenna panels have different path delays within the UE, the TOA difference measured using the signal received on the first panel versus the signal received on the second panel includes the inter-panel timing difference within the UE as an error term. Consequently, the DLTDOA measurement used for positioning calculations is affected. For example, when the UE uses different antennas to transmit the sounding reference signal (SRS), the inter-antenna timing difference can also introduce errors into the UL for uplink (UL) TOA measurements at multiple TRPs in the network.

[0067] In other words, the receiver path within a UE with different antennas can have a timing difference (DL direction) that affects the timing measurement of the received signal performed by the UE. Additionally, the transmitter path within a UE with different antennas can have a timing difference that affects the timing measurement of the received signal performed by the network relative to the UL signals transmitted by the UE from different antennas. The receiver path timing difference can be the same as or different from the transmitter path timing difference. Some types of measurements (such as round-trip time (RTT) measurements) involve both UL and DL signals and are affected by both the timing difference in the receiving direction and the timing difference in the transmitting direction.

[0068] The UE may be configured with a UL RS (e.g., given by RS type and ID) for: (a) determining the timing of TX frames in UE Rx-Tx time difference measurements; or (b) determining the antenna panel or spatial precoding for TX frame timing in UE Rx-Tx time difference measurements. The UE adjusts the UE Rx-Tx time difference measurement results to take into account the antenna panel used for the UL RS and / or the spatial precoding or timing adjustment used for the UL RS. Throughout this disclosure, unless otherwise indicated or excluded by context, the word “or” means “and / or”, such that saying “A or B” takes into account only “A”, only “B”, and “A and B”. Any use of “and / or” does not alter the general understanding of the word “or” as used herein.

[0069] System errors caused by timing differences between antennas can have a significant impact on positioning accuracy, especially when aiming for sub-meter level positioning accuracy. For example, assume that for each UE antenna panel m in M ​​UE antenna panels, there exists a subset of N TRPs for the wireless communication network.

[0070]

[0071] RTT-based distance estimation

[0072]

[0073] Then, the problem of finding the UE's location can be formulated into an overdetermined system of equations.

[0074]

[0075] in

[0076]

[0077] The UE location is unknown.

[0078] and

[0079]

[0080] It is the known position of TRP k.

[0081] Due to the inter-panel timing difference—that is, the difference in path delay within the UE relative to different antenna panels—d is estimated. k,m With unknown systematic errors For all of m They are all the same. In the discussion below, some alternative solutions utilizing this fact are presented. It can be assumed here that the same antenna panel is used for the RX of the DL Positioning Reference Signal (PRS) used for UE RX-TX time difference measurement and the TX of the SRS used for gNB RX-TX time difference measurement; however, the solution can be easily extended to cases where different panels are used for RX and TX.

[0082] Consider a method to eliminate systematic errors based on using a reference TRP (selected or specified from the TRPs involved) for each UE antenna panel. For each UE antenna panel m, a reference TRP h(m) is selected, for which a distance estimate exists, i.e., it is... Part of:

[0083] A new set of overdetermined equations is created by subtracting the range estimate of the reference TRP corresponding to the UE antenna panel from each range estimate.

[0084]

[0085] This subtraction eliminates the common systematic error within a UE antenna panel, at the cost of losing an equation for each UE antenna panel.

[0086] There are many ways to solve overdetermined systems of equations like this. One type of solution utilizes optimization techniques based on a cost function constructed as follows.

[0087]

[0088] Here, g, referred to as the "basic cost function," is an increasing function of real numbers greater than or equal to zero, and w k These are weights. Minimize the cost function. Find an approximate solution to the overdetermined system of equations. As an example, the basic cost function g can be chosen as g(x) = x. 2 And weight w k All of them can be set to 1. In this case, Minimizing this gives the least-squares solution to the overdetermined system of equations. For example, the weight w k It can be set to (d) k,m -d h(m),m The measurement uncertainty should be taken into account.

[0089] Another example involves introducing an unknown variable ε for the system timing error corresponding to each UE antenna panel m. m To estimate the systematic error as part of the localization process. The overdetermined equations can then be written as:

[0090]

[0091] One of them now has 3+M unknowns.

[0092]

[0093] as well as

[0094]

[0095] (Or 2+M unknowns p1, p2, ε used for two-dimensional (2D) positioning) 1 ,ε 2 ,…,ε M ).

[0096] There are many ways to solve overdetermined systems of equations like this. One type of solution utilizes optimization techniques based on a cost function constructed as follows.

[0097]

[0098] Here, g, referred to as the 'basic cost function', is an increasing function of real numbers greater than or equal to zero, and w k These are weights. Minimize the cost function. Find an approximate solution to the overdetermined system of equations. As an example, the basic cost function g can be chosen as g(x) = x. 2 And weight w k All of them can be set to 1. In this case, Minimizing gives the least-squares solution to the overdetermined system of equations. To make the solution more robust to outliers (e.g., since some TRPs may be NLOS), g might be chosen to flatten large x, for example, as g(x) = 1 - sech(ω·x), where ω controls the steepness of the function. For example, the weight w k It may be configured to use different TRPs in d k Differences in measurement uncertainty should be taken into account.

[0099] As mentioned above, this solution has the benefit of being robust to outliers and also takes into account the weights associated with individual TRPs rather than pairs of TRPs.

[0100] Another approach involves first estimating the systematic error to reduce complexity. For example, if for TRPk, there exist measurements utilizing more than one antenna panel, this can be used to reduce the number of unknowns in the system of equations.

[0101]

[0102] This reduces the complexity of the localization process. Assume that for TRP k, there exists a measurement d. k,a and d k,bThen you might discover

[0103] d k,a -ε a =d k,b -ε b

[0104] or

[0105] ε b =d k,b -d k,a +ε a

[0106] Such findings can be used to remove the unknown ε from the system of equations and also from the cost function above. b This approach reduces the complexity of the positioning process, but may decrease positioning accuracy because it doesn't necessarily consider all information in an optimal way.

[0107] More generally, for a given TRP k, let M(k) be the set of UE panels for which there exists a distance estimate based on RTT.

[0108]

[0109] And the reference antenna panel p(k) for each TRP k is defined as

[0110]

[0111] Non-reference TRP set

[0112] We then let:

[0113]

[0114] Before using the complete system of equations for localization, these equations can be used to solve for as many unknown systematic errors ε as possible. m .

[0115] Considering the possibility of restating the system of equations, an overdetermined system of equations can be restated in many mathematically equivalent ways. Using the preceding nomenclature, the system of equations can be written as:

[0116]

[0117]

[0118] Similarly, the cost function can be constructed in many alternative ways, for example...

[0119]

[0120] Note that d k,m -dk,p(k) This can be interpreted as an inter-panel time difference (IPDT) measurement. The IPDT between panel m and panel n is ε. m,n ≡ε m -ε n .

[0121] Now consider an example solution to improve UL / DL TDOA positioning accuracy based on UE antenna panel information, and assume that for each UE antenna panel m in M ​​UE antenna panels, there exists a subset of TRP. TOA measurement.

[0122] Choose a TRP and an antenna panel as a reference. Without loss of generality, it can be assumed that the reference TRP is TRP 1, the reference antenna panel is panel 1, and that a TOA measurement exists using the reference TRP with antenna panel 1. Note that the TRP and antenna panel can always be renumbered, and the formulas modified accordingly.

[0123] definition

[0124]

[0125] Then, a TOA estimate δ can be formed relative to the reference TRP (TRP 1) and the reference antenna panel (antenna panel 1). k,m for:

[0126]

[0127] Note that for k≠1, this only applies to RSTD measurements of the non-reference TRP using different UE antenna panels.

[0128] δ k,m =c·RSTD k,m

[0129] For m≠1, δ 1,m This is not a normal RSTD measurement, but rather an estimate of the difference between the reference TRP TOA using a different antenna panel and using a reference antenna panel. As mentioned above, these measurements are called IPTD measurements. Also note that δ... 1,1 ≡0 and is therefore excluded by removing TRP 1 from S'(1).

[0130] Then, the problem of finding the UE's location can be formulated into an overdetermined system of equations.

[0131]

[0132] in

[0133]

[0134] The UE location is unknown, and

[0135]

[0136] It is the known position of TRP k.

[0137] Given that for all of m Measurement of TOA k,m They have the same systematic error. Therefore, for a given m, all Estimate δ k,m It also has the same systematic error. Furthermore, for all k∈S(1), δ k,1 The systematic error is zero.

[0138] In methods involving estimating system errors as part of positioning, an unknown variable ε can be introduced for the system error corresponding to each UE antenna panel other than the reference antenna panel (i.e., for m = 2, ..., M). m ε is also defined. 1 ≡0. The overdetermined system of equations can then be written as:

[0139]

[0140] We now have 3 + M - 1 unknowns.

[0141]

[0142] and

[0143]

[0144] (or 2+M-1 unknowns p1, p2, ε used for 2D positioning) 2 ,ε 3 ,…,ε M ).

[0145] There are many ways to solve overdetermined systems of equations like this. One type of solution utilizes optimization techniques based on a cost function constructed as follows.

[0146]

[0147] Here, g, referred to as the 'basic cost function', is an increasing function of real numbers greater than or equal to zero, and w k,m These are weights. Minimize the cost function. Find an approximate solution to the overdetermined system of equations. As an example, the basic cost function g can be chosen as g(x) = x. 2 And weight w k,m All of them can be set to 1. In this case, Minimizing this gives the least-squares solution to the overdetermined system of equations. For example, the weight w k,m It can be set to δ k,m The measurement uncertainty should be taken into account.

[0148] The unknown ε can be solved first before positioning. m Some of these are to reduce the complexity of the positioning steps.

[0149] In the example method that relies on estimating system errors and UE clock offset as part of the positioning, the overdetermined equations used when estimating the aforementioned system errors can be used, but additional unknown variables d for the line-of-sight distance to the reference TRP and equations are further introduced.

[0150]

[0151] It can be noted that if the reference TRP is the line of sight, then c·d can be interpreted as the UE clock offset relative to the reference TRP.

[0152] By replacing the overdetermined equations with d And note δ 1，1 ≡0 and ε 1 ≡0, the new overdetermined system of equations can be written as

[0153]

[0154] It now has 3+M unknowns.

[0155]

[0156]

[0157] as well as

[0158] d,

[0159] Or the 3+M-1 for 2D positioning.

[0160] There are many ways to solve overdetermined systems of equations like this. One type of solution utilizes optimization techniques based on a cost function constructed as follows.

[0161]

[0162] Here, g, referred to as the "basic cost function," is an increasing function of real numbers greater than or equal to zero, and w k These are weights. Minimize the cost function. Find an approximate solution to the overdetermined system of equations. As an example, the basic cost function g can be chosen as g(x) = x. 2 And weight w k All of them can be set to 1. In this case, Minimizing gives the least-squares solution to the overdetermined system of equations. To make the solution more robust to outliers (e.g., since some TRPs may be NLOS), g might be chosen to flatten large x, for example, as g(x) = 1 - sech(ω·x), where ω controls the steepness of the function. For example, the weight w k,m It may be configured to consider different TRPs in TOA k,m Differences in measurement uncertainty.

[0163] This solution has the benefits of solutions that take into account robustness to outliers, as mentioned above, and also takes into account weights associated with individual TRPs rather than pairs of TRPs.

[0164] The unknown ε can be solved first before positioning. m Some of these are done to reduce the complexity of the positioning steps. This can also be viewed as performing IPTD measurements and using them as the inter-panel time difference ε. m,n ≡ε m -ε n The estimate.

[0165] Consider now an example solution for controlling and reporting the number of UE antenna panels used by (one or more) SRS transmissions performed by a UE. One approach relies on limiting the number of UE antenna panels available for SRS transmissions. The UE reports to the network the number of antenna panels it can utilize for SRS transmissions as capability information. The network controls which UE antenna panel the UE should use through SRS configuration. One possible approach is for the network to configure the UE to use the same antenna panels for all SRS transmissions to ensure that the system transmission timing error is the same for all SRS transmissions.

[0166] Another approach is for the network to configure an SRS resource for each antenna panel of the UE, and for the TRP to select the antenna panel using antenna panel limitations and to select the TRP using spatial relationships or UL TCI status.

[0167] Now consider the limitations in SRS resources or sets of SRS resources. For example, the UE antenna panel ID field can be introduced into the SRS-Resource and / or SRS-Pos Resource-r16 IE defined in 3GPP TS38.331. Such an introduction is shown in bold in the example ASN.1 below:

[0168]

[0169]

[0170]

[0171]

[0172] Alternatively, a UE antenna panel ID field can be introduced into the SRS-ResourceSetId and / or SRS-PosResourceSetId-r16IE defined in 38.331. In this case, restrictions are placed on all SRS resources applicable to the SRS resource set. Then, the use of multiple UE antenna panels can be achieved by configuring multiple SRS resource sets.

[0173] As a third alternative, the "fixed-ue-AntennaPanel" field is introduced in SRS-ResourceSetId and / or SRS-PosResourceSetId-r16 IE, which defines whether all SRS resources within the SRS resource set should be transmitted using the same UE antenna panel.

[0174] As a fourth alternative, the restriction of using the same UE antenna panel for all SRS resources within the SRS resource set is a mandatory UE behavior.

[0175] Now consider the limitations based on UL TCI. The general ULTCI concept discussed in the version 16 MIMO enhancement work is introduced. Example ANS.1 appears below along with the UE antenna panel ID field in the UL-TCI-State IE:

[0176]

[0177] The UE will be configured with several UL TCI states, which can be used for multiple reference signals using UL TCI state IDs. Thus, SRS resources can be assigned UL TCI states by adding a UL TCI state ID field to the SRS resource IE as illustrated in the ASN.1 code below. Alternatively, a UL TCI state ID field can be added to the SRS resource set IE, in which case it will apply to all SRS resources in the SRS resource set. A third alternative is to update the UL TCI states applicable to each SRS resource via the Media Access Control (MAC) control element (CE). The UE will then be configured with several UL TCI states via RRC.

[0178] A subset of these UL TCI states will be activated for SRS via RRC. MAC CE will be used to select one of the active UL TCI states for SRS, for example, adding a new IE for SRS-PosResourCE-r16, as shown in bold in example ANS.1 below:

[0179]

[0180]

[0181]

[0182] Another example approach relies on implicit UE antenna panel constraints based on antenna panel relationships. Here, an antenna panel relationship with another reference signal is introduced, instead of explicitly configuring the antenna panel ID to constrain the UE antenna panel as in the solutions described above. The UE will be constrained to use the same antenna panel as the one used for the other reference signal. Spatial relationships (or ULTCI states) can be used in conjunction with antenna panel relationships and can involve another reference signal that may be transmitted from / to a different TRP. If the SRS is configured with antenna panel constraints for RS A and spatial relationships for RS B, the UE will use the same antenna panel for RS A for the SRS, and under the constraint of using the same antenna panel for RS A, it will use the optimal beam for RS B.

[0183] Antenna panel relationships will include a reference to a reference signal via a reference signal ID, similar to spatial relationships or UL-TCI-State. It may also include additional information such as the serving cell ID of the cell transmitting the reference signal.

[0184] Antenna panel relationships can be introduced in ASN.1-based signaling in one of the following ways:

[0185] ● In SRS-Resource and / or SRS-pos Resource-r16 IE

[0186] ● In IE, SRS-ResourceSetId and / or SRS-PosResourceSetId-r16

[0187] ●As part of the ULTCI status

[0188] ●As an addition to spatial relationships.

[0189] The following is an example ASN.1 code, where new information regarding the proposed SRS antenna panel relationship is shown in bold:

[0190]

[0191] In one embodiment, the antenna panel relationship is part of the ULTCI state, and the ULTCI state of the SRS resource can be updated via MAC CE, in which case the antenna relationship is updated as part of the ULTCI state update.

[0192] Now consider an example solution involving SRS beam and panel scanning. Here, for each UE antenna panel, the UE transmits SRS in a separate beam scan. Among the benefits of this approach, beam scanning can sometimes be more resource-efficient than transmitting SRS towards each TRP using spatial relationships of DLPRS or SSB, for example, when there are many TRPs and the beam is not very narrow. Additionally, beam and panel scanning allows the gNB or other involved radio network nodes to perform multiple gNB Rx-Tx time difference measurements for the same UE and TRP, but based on SRS transmitted using different UE antenna panels. This takes into account the impact of reducing TX timing errors on positioning accuracy.

[0193] Note that modern millimeter-wave MBB UEs typically have four dual-polarized antenna elements per antenna panel, which takes into account a very limited number of fairly wide beams. Therefore, one method for considering or compensating for the UE's internal IPTD relies on a predefined mapping of beams and panels to SRS resource sets and SRS resources. Here, the UE signals its capabilities in terms of the number of antenna panels M and the number of beams N per antenna panel, and the network configures an SRS resource set with M×N SRS resources for the UE. The SRS resource set configuration includes instructions on which beam and panel scanning the UE should perform.

[0194] The UE maps its M×N beams to M×N SRS resources in a predefined manner, enabling the network to know which SRS resource to transmit from which UE antenna panel. As an example embodiment, the UE maps the N beams of the first panel to the first N SRS resources in the configuration list order (srs-ResourceIdList IE in SRS-ResourceSet IE), maps the N beams of the second panel to the (N+1), (N+2), ..., (N+N)th SRS resources in the configuration list order, and so on.

[0195] In one embodiment, the UE maps N UE antenna panels to N different SRS resource sets and maps M different beams to M different SRS resources within the SRS resource sets.

[0196] In an alternative embodiment, the UE panel may have a different number of beams, and the configuration and mapping may be adjusted accordingly.

[0197] In another embodiment, the UE has the capability to perform multiple alternative types of beam and panel scanning, for example, one beam and panel scan with a small number of wide beams and another with a large number of narrow beams. In this embodiment, the UE reports its multiple beam and panel scanning capabilities, and the network selects which beam and panel scan to configure.

[0198] In one embodiment, the UE transmits only one beam per antenna panel, and thus "beam and antenna panel scan" can be regarded as antenna panel scan.

[0199] Now consider a method using explicit beam and antenna panel configuration. For example, the UE signals its capability in terms of the number of antenna panels M and the number of beams N per antenna panel, and the network configures an SRS resource set with several SRS resources for the UE. Each SRS resource configuration includes a beam ID and a UE antenna panel ID. This can be implemented as two separate fields in the SRS-Resource IE and / or SRS-PosResource-r16 in 38.331ASN.1. Alternatively, the beam ID is included in the SRS-Resource IE and / or SRS-posResource-r16 IE, while the UE antenna panel ID is included in the SRS-ResourceSetId and / or SRS-PosResourceSetId-r16 IE.

[0200] Alternatively, the generic UL TCI concept discussed in the version 16 MIMO enhancement work is introduced, and the beam ID and UE antenna panel ID are included in the UL-TCI-State IE, for example, as given in ASN.1 below, where the new panel information is shown in bold:

[0201]

[0202] The UE will be configured with several UL TCI states, which can be used for multiple reference signals by using UL TCI state IDs. Thus, the SRS resource will be assigned ULTCI states, for example, by adding a UL TCI state ID field to the SRS resource IE.

[0203] Example ASN.1 is provided, in which spatial relationship information is updated to include the number of antenna panels and the number of resources / beams to be used for each antenna panel.

[0204]

[0205]

[0206]

[0207] Note that NW can choose to configure SRS beam scanning using only one UE antenna panel, or it may configure scanning on multiple / all antenna panels in a well-defined manner.

[0208] In an alternative embodiment, the UE panel may have a different number of beams.

[0209] In some embodiments, “UE antenna panel” can be interpreted as “ULTCI TX timing group”, and the ASN.1 field name can be modified accordingly.

[0210] In one embodiment, the UE reports the direction of the UE beam for each antenna panel, for example, in a local coordinate system. This enables ULDOD (Direction Offset) estimation based on NW measurements on the UL SRS.

[0211] Now consider UE antenna panel reporting for SRS transmissions. SRS transmissions can use antenna panel reporting in a separate message or as part of a measurement report. The UE reports the antenna panel ID used for each transmission of SRS resources. The antenna panel ID can be reported, for example, as a separate message or as part of a UE Rx-Tx time difference measurement report.

[0212] In one embodiment, the UE is restricted to using the same UE antenna panel for transmitting configured SRS resources during a certain time period, and the UE reports the antenna panel ID used for transmitting SRS resources within each time period. This time period can be pre-configured or signaled, for example, as part of an SRS-Resource IE, as part of an SRS-ResourceSet IE (in the latter case, it applies to all SRS resources in the SRS resource set), or as part of a UE Rx-Tx time difference measurement. Alternatively, this time period can be a measurement time period already configured for UE Rx-TX time difference measurement.

[0213] Now consider antenna panel reporting based on UL TCI. In the example case, SRS-SpatialRelationInfo is replaced by the generic UL TCI concept discussed in the Release 16 MIMO Enhancement Work. When a UE is configured with one or more ULTCI states, the UE reports which UE antenna panel ID it uses for transmissions associated with each configured UL TCI state. When the UE antenna panel ID used for transmissions associated with a UL TCI state is changed, the UE reports the new antenna panel ID.

[0214] In an alternative embodiment, instead, the UE periodically reports which UE antenna panel ID it uses for transmissions associated with each configured ULTCI state.

[0215] In another embodiment, the reporting is limited to the UL TCI status of the configured SRS resources. In one or more embodiments, "UE antenna panel" may be interpreted as "UL TCI TX timing group".

[0216] Regarding the handling of multiple UE antenna panels in UE TOA measurements, a solution relying on multiple UE TOA measurements per TRP is considered. The UE performs multiple RSTD / UE-Rx-Tx time difference measurements on the same TRP using different UE antenna panels and reports these measurements. In different embodiments, the UE performs these measurements: (1) using multiple RX chains based on the same DL PRS resource to perform multiple measurements simultaneously using different antenna panels, (2) based on different timings of the same DLPRS resource, (3) based on different portions of the same DL PRS resource, such as (a) different symbols within the same time slot, (b) different repetitions of the DLPRS resource, (c) different sets of DLPRS resources based on the same TRP, or (d) based on a combination of these options.

[0217] The UE reports to the network the number of UE antenna panels it can use to receive DL PRS, and its ability to perform multiple RSTD / UE-Rx-Tx time difference measurements on the same TRP using different UE antenna panels. In some embodiments, the UE also reports its ability to perform multiple RSTD / UE-Rx-Tx time difference measurements simultaneously based on the same DL PRS resources.

[0218] The network configures the UE to perform multiple RSTD / UE-Rx-Tx time difference measurements on the same TRP using different UE antenna panels and reports these measurements.

[0219] In one embodiment, the UE performs RSTD measurements using different antenna panels for the target TRP TOA measurement, while using the same 'reference antenna panel' for the reference TRP TOA measurement. In one embodiment, the UE selects a reference antenna panel and reports the corresponding UE antenna panel ID to the network as part of the RSTD measurement report.

[0220] In one embodiment, the configuration for UE-Rx-Tx time difference measurement is performed using a field introduced in the NR-Multi-RTT-RequestLocationInformation IE of the LPP protocol in TS 37.355, which indicates whether a separate UE-Rx-Tx time difference measurement should be performed using each UE antenna panel in the UE antenna panel. In an alternative embodiment, a field is introduced in the NR-Multi-RTT-RequestLocationInformation IE of the LPP protocol in TS 37.355 that lists the UE antenna panel ID to which the measurement should be performed.

[0221] In one embodiment, configuration for RSTD measurements is performed via a field introduced in the NR-DL-TDOA-RequestLocationInformation IE of the LPP protocol in TS 37.355, which indicates whether a separate RSTD measurement should be performed for each UE antenna panel in the UE antenna panel. In an alternative embodiment, a field is introduced in the NR-DL-TDOA-RequestLocationInformation IE of the LPP protocol in TS 37.355 that lists the UE antenna panel ID to which measurements should be performed (e.g., as in ASN.1 given below).

[0222]

[0223]

[0224] Description of the NR-DL-TDOA-RequestLocationInformation field

[0225] nr-AssistanceAvailability—This field indicates whether the target device can request additional PRS auxiliary data from the server. "True" means allowed, while "False" means not allowed.

[0226] nr-RequestedMeasurements — This field specifies the requested NR DL-TDOA measurements. This is represented by a bit string, where a value of 1 at a bit position means that a specific measurement is requested; a value of zero means that no measurement is requested.

[0227] nr-DL-PRS-RstdMeasurementInfoRequest — This field indicates whether the target device is requesting the report of one or more DL PRS resource IDs or one or more DL PRS resource set IDs used to determine the timing of each TRP in RSTD measurements.

[0228] maxDL-PRS-RSRP-MeasurementsPerTRP — This field specifies the maximum number of DLPRS RSRP measurements from different DLPRS resources of the same TRP.

[0229] maxDL-PRS-RSTD-MeasurementsPerTRPPair — This field specifies the maximum number of DLPRSTD measurements per TRP pair. The maximum number is defined across all positioning frequency layers.

[0230] timingReportingGranularityFactor – This field specifies the reporting granularity of UE timing measurements (DL RSTD, UERx-Tx time difference).

[0231] The new field `nr-DL-TDOA-UE-AntennaPanelIdList-r17` specifies the UE antenna panel ID for the antenna panel width of the separate NR DL TDOA measurement that the UE should perform and report. The UE reports RSTD / UE-Rx-Tx time difference measurements, indicating which UE antenna panel is used, for example, as a new field in `NR-DL-TDOA-MeasElement-r16 / NR-Multi-RTT-MeasElement-r16` IE. For the RSTD case, the UE reports the antenna panel used for both the target TRP and the reference TRP TOA measurements (see example ASN.1 below for the RSTD case). To account for multiple measurements of the same TRP using different UE antenna panels, the number of measurements can be expanded, for example, as shown in the ASN.1 example for the RSTD case below.

[0232]

[0233]

[0234]

[0235] UE indication of whether the same or different antenna panels are used for the two RSTD measurement components.

[0236] The UE implicitly or explicitly (e.g., by transmission indication) indicates whether the same or different antenna panels are used for different measurement components that include the same RSTD measurement.

[0237] UE report on which UE antenna panel was used for UE TOA measurement.

[0238] The UE reports RSTD / UE-Rx-Tx time difference measurement, which indicates which UE antenna panel is used, for example, as a new field in NR-DL-TDOA-MeasElement-r16 / NR-Multi-RTT-MeasElement-r16 IE (see example ASN.1 for RSTD case below).

[0239]

[0240]

[0241]

[0242] Solutions for UE reporting or compensation of RX and TX timing errors

[0243] The UE obtains knowledge of the relative errors in the RX and / or TX timing errors between different antenna panels.

[0244] Next, UE or

[0245] ● Compensate for TX timing and / or RSTD / UE RX / TX time difference measurements using estimated relative error, or

[0246] ● For example, reporting relative errors to the network as part of the RSTD / UE RX / TX time difference measurement report.

[0247] In one embodiment, the reporting or compensation of relative error is performed using a reference antenna panel whose timing is kept fixed relative to the TX and / or RX. The selection of the reference antenna panel may be based on predefined rules or selected and signaled by the network. In one sub-embodiment, the identifier (ID) of the selected reference antenna panel is signaled to the network.

[0248] In one embodiment, the UE's knowledge of the RX timing difference between different antenna panels is obtained through inter-panel time difference measurement (IPTD).

[0249] In an alternative embodiment, the UE estimates the absolute error in the RX and / or TX timing errors of different antenna panels and reports or compensates for these errors, for example as part of the RSTD / UE RX / TX time difference measurement report.

[0250] In one embodiment, the UE's knowledge of the absolute or relative errors of the RX and / or TX timing errors between different antenna panels is obtained through the UE's calibration and pre-configuration.

[0251] In one embodiment, the absolute or relative error of the RX and / or TX timing error between different antenna panels is signaled to the UE by the network (e.g., by the location server via LPP).

[0252] Solutions to NLOS problems

[0253] One reason for using multiple UE antenna panels is to better cover different UE RX / TX directions. The UE panels are located on different sides of the UE, thus covering different directions. Consequently, one UE antenna panel can easily detect the LOS path pointing to the TRP in question, while another UE antenna panel located on a different side of the UE may strongly suppress and make it difficult or impossible to detect the LOS path. This is clearly a problem for the combined use of measurements based on different antenna panels described here. There is a risk that measurements taken by different antenna panels will correspond to different paths. Several solutions to mitigate this problem are presented here.

[0254] LoS indicator

[0255] ● Use the LOS indicator to verify that the first path is LOS in every panel measurement (examples of the LOS indicator are that the first path is the strongest path, Ricci-type fading, etc.).

[0256] ● Only use measurements that are classified as LOS.

[0257] Ensure the same AoA

[0258] ●Measure AOA and RSRP based on each UE antenna panel.

[0259] ●Measurements using an antenna panel that gives the highest RSRP, and measurements using an antenna panel that gives the same AOA (within measurement error), are considered as measurements using an antenna panel that gives the highest RSRP.

[0260] The CIR measured using different UE antenna panels will be fitted together.

[0261] ● Identify one or more peaks in the CIR measured by different antenna panels as corresponding to the same propagation path, but seen with different antenna panels. Identifying two peaks seen by different antenna panels as corresponding to the same propagation path can be based on, for example...

[0262] They have the same direction of arrival.

[0263] ○ The same peak delay pattern is observed using different antenna panels, that is, the time difference between two or more peaks measured with different antenna panels is the same.

[0264] ■ Note that the peak delay mode can be based on a subset of peaks, because not all peaks are necessarily seen by all antenna panels.

[0265] ○ The combination of peak delay mode and the consistent arrival direction of the peak in peak delay mode.

[0266] ● The inter-panel time difference (IPTD) is calculated as the difference in TOA between one of the peak values ​​of the identifier measured with two different UE antenna panels.

[0267] Based on the TOA of the first peak measured using one of the antenna panels and the inter-panel time difference (IPTD), the TOA of the first path as it will be seen by another antenna panel can also be calculated. As an example, if the first peak is seen by antenna panel A and measured to have a TOA, then the TOA is... B =TOA A +IPTD B-A .

[0268] Note that it is sufficient to measure IPTD based on a single PRS transmitted from one TRP (or an SRS received by one TRP). Then, based on PRS transmitted from different TRPs (or SRS received by different TRPs), it can be used to compensate for IPTD in TOA measurements.

[0269] exist Figure 1 In the CIR measured by UE antenna panel A, peak 1 and peak 2 are identified as corresponding to the same propagation paths as peak 2 and peak 3 in the CIR measured by UE antenna panel A. This is based on the fact that these peaks have the same TOA difference, i.e., t A3 -t A2 =t B2 -t B1 The inter-panel time difference (IPTD) can thus be calculated as the TOA difference between peak 1 of panel B and peak 2 of panel A, or as the TOA difference between peak 2 of panel B and peak 3 of panel A, i.e., IPTD. B-A =t B1 -t A2 =t B2 -t A3 If it can be measured as t A1 +IPTD B-A Then the TOA can also be calculated as the first path (A1) that it will see from antenna panel B.

[0270] The aforementioned functions can be performed by a measurement node (UE for DLTDOA and gNB for ULTDOA) that has direct access to complete CIR and AOA measurements. Alternatively, rich reporting of multiple peaks (delay, peak power, peak AoA) from the measurement node allows these functions to be performed by another node (e.g., a location server).

[0271] In one embodiment, the UE performs IPTD measurements and uses them to compensate for RSTD measurements of the inter-panel time difference between antenna panels used for target TRP and reference TRPTOA measurements, i.e., RSTD.补偿的 =RSTD+IPTD R-T Where R is the antenna panel used for the reference TRP, and T is the antenna panel used for the target TRP. The UE reports the compensated RSTD measurement to the network, for example, to the location server via LPP. In another embodiment, the UE performs IPTD measurement and reports the IPTD measurement and the uncompensated RSTD measurement to the network, for example, to the location server via LPP.

[0272] In one embodiment, the network controls, for example, whether the UE should compensate for RSTD measurements with IPTD via signaling on the LPP.

[0273] IPTD measurements can be performed using the same reference signal as RSTD measurements. Alternatively, a separate reference signal can be configured for IPTD measurements (e.g., a separate DLPRS resource set for DLRSTD or a separate ULSRS resource set for ULRSTD). This reference signal will be configured to allow the UE to perform TOA measurements using multiple antenna panels, for example, by utilizing more symbols for each timing than the reference signal used for RSTD measurements. In one embodiment, the separate reference signal for IPTD measurements will be configured and transmitted less frequently (e.g., with a longer periodicity) compared to the reference signal used for RSTD measurements (saving radio resources, but still considering RSTD compensation as long as the time variation of IPTD between reference signal transmissions is small).

[0274] refer to Figure 2 Peak 1 in the CIR measured by UE antenna panel B is identified as corresponding to the same propagation path as peak 2 in the CIR measured by UE antenna panel A, based on the fact that they have the same direction of arrival. The inter-panel time difference (IPTD) can thus be calculated as the difference in TOA between peak 1 on panel B and peak 2 on panel A, i.e., IPTD. B-A =t B1 -t A2 If it can be measured as t A1 +IPTD B-A Then the TOA can also be calculated as the first path (A1) that it will see from antenna panel B.

[0275] Identify the appropriate UE antenna panel for SRS transmission and RSTD / UE Rx-Tx measurements.

[0276] As described above, the network can use various mechanisms to restrict SRS transmission and RSTD / UE Rx-Tx measurements to be performed by a single UE antenna panel, a subset of UE antenna panels, or all UE antenna panels. Unless all UE antenna panels are used, one or more antenna panels need to be selected for use.

[0277] This choice can be based on, for example:

[0278] ● Early implementation of RRM or location-related measurements and reports

[0279] ●Early estimation of UE location

[0280] ● The report indicates that one or more UE antenna panels were obstructed by objects in the near field of the UE.

[0281] In one embodiment, one or more UE RRM and / or positioning-related measurements are enhanced to be performed using multiple UE antenna panels to improve such a selection mechanism.

[0282] In one example, UE RSRP measurements are performed based on multiple UE antenna panels, and results are reported for each UE antenna panel.

[0283] In one embodiment, one or more UE RRM and / or location-related measurement reports are enhanced to include an indication of which UE antenna panel was used for the measurement.

[0284] In one example, the UE antenna panel for PRS RSRP measurements used in DL-AoD is reported in the corresponding measurement report.

[0285] RSRP measurements are performed using multiple UE antenna panels, and results are reported for each UE antenna panel. Example ASN.1 is shown below.

[0286] NR-DL-AoD-SignalMeasurementInformation

[0287] The target device uses the IE NR-DL-AoD-SignalMeasurementInformation to provide NR DL-AoD measurements to the location server. Measurements are provided as a list of TRPs, where the first TRP in the list is used as the reference TRP. See example ASN.1 below.

[0288]

[0289]

[0290] Description of the NR-DL-AoD-SignalMeasurementInformation field

[0291] nr-PRS-RSRP-Result — This field specifies the Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) measurement, as defined in 3GPP TS 38.331. Based on such a measurement, the network can select a UE antenna panel or a subset of UE antenna panels for SRS transmission and / or RSTD / UE Rx-Tx measurements.

[0292] In one embodiment, the antenna panel best suited to the serving cell or reference TRP can be selected.

[0293] In another embodiment, for a given TRP, the antenna panel is excluded if the expected positioning reference signal is not heard strongly enough to account for positioning measurements.

[0294] UE Capability and Antenna Configuration Report

[0295] To support one or more of the methods described in this disclosure, according to one or more embodiments, the UE reports its capabilities and antenna configuration to the network, for example, to a location server via LPP and / or to a gNB via RRC.

[0296] The reported UE capability and antenna configuration information may include one or more of the following:

[0297] ● The number of UE antenna panels used for receiving and transmitting.

[0298] ● The position of the antenna panel relative to the reference point in the local coordinate system.

[0299] ● For example, the reference point can be one of the antenna panels, and the ID of the reference antenna panel can be predefined (e.g., predefined as 1), or it can be signaled to the network.

[0300] ● The orientation of the antenna panel in the local coordinate system.

[0301] ● The UE's ability to perform beam and panel scanning in SRS.

[0302] ● Number of beams per day on the line panel used for SRS UE beam scanning

[0303] ● The orientation of each beam in the local coordinate system for UE beam and / or antenna panel scanning used in SRS.

[0304] ● The ability to perform multiple RSTD / UE-Rx-Tx time difference measurements on the same TRP using different UE antenna panels.

[0305] ● The ability to perform multiple RSTD / UE-Rx-Tx time difference measurements simultaneously using the same DLPRS resources.

[0306] ●The ability to measure the accuracy of RSTD / UE-Rx-Tx time difference measurements.

[0307] ● The ability to ensure the accuracy of TX timing.

[0308] For UEs with a physical form that can change over time, such as foldable UEs, antenna configuration parameters can be updated via UE signaling when the UE form changes. Alternatively, the UE can first signal the antenna configuration for all UE forms, and then update the network with the current UE form as described by one or more parameters.

[0309] Network control of the antenna panel used for performing and / or reporting measurements.

[0310] Network nodes control whether a UE is allowed to use different antenna panels for two different components that include the same measurement, for example, by sending control parameters or indicators (e.g., "allow" or "disallow") in auxiliary data or measurement configuration. This affects how measurements are performed or reported (e.g., compensation relative to a reference antenna panel may be required).

[0311] Compensation relative to the reference antenna panel

[0312] When different panels are used for different components that include the same measurement, the measurement node (e.g., UE, BS, or LMU) selects a reference panel configuration and determines the amount of compensation required to compensate one or both components of the measurement, so as to achieve an effect on the components as if they were performed based on the reference antenna panel. The compensation is then either applied to the measurement before reporting or signaled along with the measurement.

[0313] The reference antenna panel can be one of those antenna panels used for one of the measurement components, or it can be a third, such as an antenna panel configuration based on predefined rules or network configurations, such as using a reference TRP or reference PRS as a reference, or using an antenna panel for DL ​​reception of the UL component as a reference for the UL measurement component, or using an antenna panel for timing reference to obtain the measurement as a reference for one or both measurement components.

[0314] Requirements and Test Design

[0315] Requirements for the TX timing difference between two SRSs configured to utilize the same UE antenna panel

[0316] The requirements for TX timing are defined so that the timing difference for transmissions using the same antenna panel (or virtual antenna panel or 'ULTCI state TX timing group') is smaller compared to when using different antenna panels.

[0317] The TX timing requirement / test is based on configuring two SRSs using the same UE antenna panel and measuring the TX timing of the transmitted SRSs. There is one requirement for the TX timing of each SRS, and a second, more stringent requirement for the difference in TX timing between the two SRSs.

[0318] This requirement can also depend on the time between the transmissions of the two SRSs.

[0319] The requirement for the difference between two UERx-Tx time difference measurements based on two different PRSs using the same UE antenna panel and transmitted from the same TRP.

[0320] The UE Rx-Tx time difference accuracy requirement is based on configuring two UE Rx-Tx time difference measurements, which are based on two different PRS and one SRS using the same UE antenna panel. There is a requirement for the accuracy of each UE Rx-Tx time difference measurement, and a second, more stringent requirement for the difference between the two UE Rx-Tx time difference measurements. The two different PRS may have different TRP identifiers, but are transmitted from the same TRP (i.e., have the same propagation delay).

[0321] Requirements for the difference between two DLTDOA measurements based on two different PRSs transmitted using the same UE antenna panel and from the same TRP.

[0322] DL TDOA accuracy requirements are based on configuring DL TDOA measurements, which are based on two different PRS and one SRS utilizing the same UE antenna panel. There is a requirement for the accuracy of each DLTDOA time difference measurement, and a second, more stringent requirement for the difference between two DLTDOA measurements. The two different PRS may have different TRP identifiers, but are transmitted from the same TRP (i.e., have the same propagation delay).

[0323] Requirements for DL ​​TDOA measurements limited to use of a single UE antenna panel

[0324] The two TOA measurements that constitute the DL TDOA measurement are restricted by signaling or UE behavior to using the same UE antenna panel.

[0325] Compared to the unrestricted DLTDOA measurement, this measurement has more stringent requirements defined.

[0326] Multiple requirements depending on UE capabilities and / or UE category

[0327] Different requirements for TX timing, DLTDOA and / or UE Rx-Tx time difference measurement are defined for UEs that support certain UE capabilities and / or are part of certain UE categories.

[0328] More stringent requirements for certain UE capabilities and / or UE categories are achieved, for example, through improved UE building practices or UE calibration and error compensation.

[0329] Requirements to take into account timing errors in the report

[0330] Requirements for TX timing and / or RSTD / UERx-Tx time difference measurement are defined after compensation for UE-reported Rx and / or Tx timing errors.

[0331] Example system implementation based on the above solutions

[0332] RTT positioning using UE antenna panel limitations for SRS transmission

[0333] This embodiment is based on a combination of UE antenna panel limitations for SRS transmission and the use of multiple UE Rx-Tx time difference measurements for the same TRP but utilizing different UE antenna panels.

[0334] Operation from the UE perspective

[0335] 1) The UE signals its capabilities to the location server via LPP, including the number of UE antenna panels that can be used for UE transmission and reception.

[0336] 2) The UE is configured by its serving gNB via RRC.

[0337] a) There are several SRSs, each SRS having a spatial relationship with a DLRS (e.g., DLPRS or SSB) transmitted by the TRP, and there are restrictions on which UE antenna panels are to be used for SRS transmission. For each TRP, one SRS is configured for each of the UE antenna panels.

[0338] 3) The UE is configured by the location server via LPP.

[0339] a) It has several PRS, each PRS is transmitted by TRP.

[0340] b) For each UE antenna panel and each TRP in the TRP set, perform and report the UE Rx-Tx time difference measurement.

[0341] 4) The UE performs UE Rx-Tx time difference measurement and reports the measurement results to the location server.

[0342] 5) UE transmits the configured SRS.

[0343] Operation from the perspective of a serving radio network node (e.g., a gNB):

[0344] 1) gNB provides the location server with DL PRS configuration details via NRPPa for use in TRP controlled by gNB.

[0345] 2) The serving gNB receives a request from the location server via NRPPa to configure several SRSs for the UE, including the proposed SRS configuration.

[0346] 3) The service gNB sends a signal to the location server via NRPPa to confirm the configuration of several SRSs, including SRS configuration details.

[0347] 4) The serving gNB configures the UE via signaling.

[0348] a) There are several SRSs, each SRS having a spatial relationship with a DLRS (e.g., DLPRS or SSB) transmitted by the TRP, and there are restrictions on which UE antenna panels are to be used for SRS transmission. For each TRP, one SRS is configured for each of the UE antenna panels.

[0349] 5) The service gNB receives requests from the location server via NRPPa to perform and report gNB Rx-Tx time difference measurements.

[0350] 6) The service gNB transmits several DLPRS from the TRP controlled by the gNB.

[0351] 7) The serving gNB receives SRSs configured with spatial relationships to DLPRS or SSBs from a TRP controlled by the serving gNB, and performs a gNB Rx-Tx time difference measurement for each SRS received with sufficient signal strength. For a given TRP, assuming the corresponding SRS is received with sufficient signal strength, a gNB Rx-Tx time difference is measured for each UE antenna panel.

[0352] 8) The service gNB sends a signal to the location server via NRPPa to notify the gNB of the Rx-Tx time difference measurement.

[0353] Operation from the perspective of a non-serving radio network node (e.g., a non-serving gNB):

[0354] 1) gNB provides the location server with DL PRS configuration details via NRPPa for use in TRP controlled by gNB.

[0355] 2) The gNB receives a request from the location server via NRPPa to perform and report gNB Rx-Tx time difference measurements. This request includes SRS configuration details to be used for the measurement.

[0356] 3) The gNB transmits several DLPRS from the TRP controlled by the gNB.

[0357] 4) The gNB receives SRSs configured with spatial relationships to DL PRS or SSBs from a TRP controlled by the gNB, and performs a gNB Rx-Tx time difference measurement for each SRS received with sufficient signal strength. For a given TRP, assuming the corresponding SRS is received with sufficient signal strength, a gNB Rx-Tx time difference is measured for each UE antenna panel.

[0358] 5) gNB sends a signal to the location server via NRPPa to notify gNB of Rx-Tx time difference measurement.

[0359] Operations from the perspective of the location server:

[0360] 1) The location server receives DL PRS configuration details from several gNBs via NRPPa for use in TRP controlled by the gNBs.

[0361] 2) The location server receives UE capabilities from the UE via LPP, which includes the number of UE antenna panels that can be used for UE transmission and reception.

[0362] 3) The location server sends a request to the UE's serving gNB to configure several SRSs for the UE. This request includes a proposed SRS configuration that includes limitations on the UE's antenna panel.

[0363] 4) The location server receives confirmation from the service gNB via NRPPa that it will configure several SRSs, including SRS configuration details.

[0364] 5) The location server configures the UE via signaling over LPP.

[0365] a) It has several PRS, each PRS is transmitted by TRP.

[0366] b) For each UE antenna panel and each TRP in the TRP set, perform and report the UE Rx-Tx time difference measurement.

[0367] 6) The location server receives gNB Rx-Tx time difference measurements from several gNBs via NRPPa.

[0368] 7) The location server receives UE Rx-Tx time difference measurements from the UE via LPP.

[0369] 8) For each TRP, the location server calculates the RTT between the TRP and the UE based on the UE Rx-Tx time difference and gNB Rx-Tx time difference measurements of the TRP on the same UE antenna panel. For a given TRP, one RTT is calculated for each UE antenna panel, assuming that the corresponding gNB and UE measurements have been performed, and the results are signaled to the location server. Frame offsets between TRPs may also be considered in the RTT calculation.

[0370] 9) The location server uses RTT measurements corresponding to different UE antenna panels, which have different system errors, to estimate the UE's location based on RTT measurements of several TRPs.

[0371] Regarding the operation of the relevant entities involved in RTT positioning using UE antenna panel limitations for SRS transmission, the following items are worth noting:

[0372] 1) Signaling for the number of UE antenna panels.

[0373] 2) Introduce restrictions on which UE antenna panels should be used for SRS transmission and the corresponding configuration signaling.

[0374] 3) Use SRS transmissions from multiple antenna panels toward the same TRP for positioning.

[0375] 4) Perform multiple UE Rx-Tx time difference measurements on the same TRP using different UE antenna panels.

[0376] a) Corresponding UE Rx-Tx time difference measurement configuration.

[0377] 5) Use UE antenna panel information to reduce the impact of systematic errors in TX timing associated with different UE antenna panels on positioning accuracy.

[0378] RTT positioning using UE beamforming and panel scanning

[0379] This embodiment is based on a combination of UE beam and panel scanning for SRS transmission and the use of multiple UE Rx-Tx time difference measurements for the same TRP but using different UE antenna panels.

[0380] Operation from the UE perspective

[0381] 1) The UE signals its capabilities to the location server via LPP, including the UE's support for SRS beam and panel scanning.

[0382] 2) The UE is configured with beam and panel scanning SRS by its serving gNB via RRC. The SRS has no spatial relationship.

[0383] 3) The UE is configured by the location server via LPP.

[0384] a) It has several PRS, each PRS is transmitted by TRP.

[0385] b) For each UE antenna panel and each TRP in the TRP set, perform and report the UE Rx-Tx time difference measurement.

[0386] 4) The UE performs UE Rx-Tx time difference measurement and reports the measurement results to the location server.

[0387] 5) UE transmission configuration using beam and panel scanning SRS.

[0388] Operations from the perspective of serving gNB:

[0389] 1) The service gNB provides the location server with DL PRS configuration details via NRPPa for use in TRP controlled by the gNB.

[0390] 2) The serving gNB receives a request from the location server via NRPPa to configure beam and panel scanning SRS for the UE, which includes the proposed SRS configuration.

[0391] 3) The service gNB sends a signal to the location server via NRPPa to confirm the configuration of SRS, which includes SRS configuration details.

[0392] 4) The serving gNB configures the beam and panel scanning SRS for the UE via RRC signaling.

[0393] 5) The service gNB receives requests from the location server via NRPPa to perform and report gNB Rx-Tx time difference measurements.

[0394] 6) The gNB transmits several DLPRS from the TRP controlled by the gNB.

[0395] 7) For each TRP and each UE antenna panel controlled by the serving gNB, the gNB receives an SRS beam scan and performs a gNB Rx-Tx time difference measurement, assuming that at least one SRS beam is received with sufficient signal strength to allow the measurement to be performed.

[0396] 8) The service gNB sends a signal to the location server via NRPPa to notify the gNB of the Rx-Tx time difference measurement.

[0397] Operations from a non-service gNB perspective:

[0398] 1) gNB provides the location server with DL PRS configuration details via NRPPa for use in TRP controlled by gNB.

[0399] 2) The gNB receives a request from the location server via NRPPa to perform and report gNBRx-Tx time difference measurements. This request includes SRS configuration details to be used for the measurement.

[0400] 3) The gNB transmits several DLPRS from the TRP controlled by the gNB.

[0401] 4) For each TRP and each UE antenna panel controlled by the gNB, the gNB receives the SRS beam scan and performs the gNBRx-Tx time difference measurement, assuming that at least one SRS beam is received with sufficient signal strength to allow the measurement to be performed.

[0402] 5) gNB sends a signal to the location server via NRPPa to notify gNB of Rx-Tx time difference measurement.

[0403] Operations from the location server's perspective:

[0404] 1) The location server receives DL PRS configuration details from several gNBs via NRPPa for use in TRP controlled by the gNBs.

[0405] 2) The location server receives UE capabilities from the UE via LPP, which includes the number of UE antenna panels that can be used for UE transmission and reception.

[0406] 3) The location server sends a request to the UE's serving gNB to configure the beam and panel scanning SRS.

[0407] 4) The location server receives confirmation from the service gNB via NRPPa that it will configure SRS, which includes SRS configuration details.

[0408] 5) The location server sends requests to several gNBs to perform and report gNB Rx-Tx time difference measurements.

[0409] 6) The location server configures the UE via signaling over LPP.

[0410] a) It has several PRS, each PRS is transmitted by TRP.

[0411] b) For each UE antenna panel and each TRP in the TRP set, perform and report the UE Rx-Tx time difference measurement.

[0412] 7) The location server receives gNB Rx-Tx time difference measurements from several gNBs via NRPPa.

[0413] 8) The location server receives UE Rx-Tx time difference measurements from the UE via LPP.

[0414] 9) For each TRP, the location server calculates the RTT between the TRP and the UE based on the UE Rx-Tx time difference and gNB Rx-Tx time difference measurements of the TRP on the same UE antenna panel. For a given TRP, one RTT is calculated for each UE antenna panel, assuming that the corresponding gNB and UE measurements have been performed, and the results are signaled to the location server. Frame offsets between TRPs may also be considered in the RTT calculation.

[0415] 10) The location server uses RTT measurements corresponding to different UE antenna panels, which have different system errors, to estimate the UE's location based on RTT measurements of several TRPs.

[0416] Regarding the operation of the relevant entities involved in RTT positioning using UE beamforming and panel scanning, at least the following items are worth noting:

[0417] 1) Signaling for UE beam and panel scanning capabilities.

[0418] 2) Use SRS beam and panel scanning instead of spatial relationships.

[0419] a) Corresponding SRS configuration signaling.

[0420] 3) Use SRS transmissions from multiple antenna panels toward the same TRP for positioning.

[0421] 4) Perform multiple UE Rx-Tx time difference measurements on the same TRP using different UE antenna panels.

[0422] a) Corresponding UE Rx-Tx time difference measurement configuration.

[0423] 5) Use UE antenna panel information to reduce the impact of systematic errors in TX timing associated with different UE antenna panels on positioning accuracy.

[0424] RTT positioning using UE reports from antenna panels used for SRS transmission and UE Rx Tx time difference measurement

[0425] This embodiment is based on UE reports from antenna panels used for SRS transmission and UE Rx Tx time difference measurement.

[0426] Operation from the UE perspective

[0427] 1) The UE signals its capabilities to the location server via LPP, including its ability to report which UE antenna panel is used for SRS transmission and the UE Rx Tx time difference measurement.

[0428] 2) The UE is configured with several SRSs by its serving gNB via RRC, and each SRS has a spatial relationship with DLRS (e.g., DLPRS or SSB) transmitted by TRP.

[0429] 3) The UE is configured by the location server via LPP.

[0430] a) It has several PRS, each PRS is transmitted by TRP.

[0431] b) Perform and report UE Rx-Tx time difference measurements for the TRP set. The measurement report is configured to include the ID of the UE antenna panel used for the measurement.

[0432] 4) The UE performs UE Rx-Tx time difference measurement and reports the measurement results, including the UE antenna panel ID, to the location server.

[0433] 5) UE transmits the configured SRS.

[0434] 6) The UE reports the UE antenna panel ID used for SRS transmission to the location server via LPP.

[0435] Operations from the perspective of serving gNB:

[0436] 1) gNB provides the location server with DL PRS configuration details via NRPPa for use in TRP controlled by gNB.

[0437] 2) The serving gNB receives a request from the location server via NRPPa to configure several SRSs for the UE, including the proposed SRS configuration.

[0438] 3) The service gNB sends a signal to the location server via NRPPa to confirm the configuration of several SRSs, including SRS configuration details.

[0439] 4) The serving gNB configures several SRSs for the UE via signaling. Each SRS has a spatial relationship with the DLRS (e.g., DLPRS or SSB) transmitted by the TRP.

[0440] 5) The service gNB receives requests from the location server via NRPPa to perform and report gNBRx-Tx time difference measurements.

[0441] 6) The service gNB transmits several DLPRS from the TRP controlled by the gNB.

[0442] 7) The serving gNB receives SRSs configured with spatial relationships to DLPRS or SSBs from TRPs controlled by the serving gNB, and performs gNB Rx-Tx time difference measurement for each SRS received with sufficient signal strength.

[0443] 8) The service gNB sends a signal to the location server via NRPPa to notify the gNB of the Rx-Tx time difference measurement.

[0444] Operations from a non-service gNB perspective:

[0445] 1) gNB provides the location server with DL PRS configuration details via NRPPa for use in TRP controlled by gNB.

[0446] 2) The gNB receives a request from the location server via NRPPa to perform and report gNBRx-Tx time difference measurements. This request includes SRS configuration details to be used for the measurement.

[0447] 3) The gNB transmits several DLPRS from the TRP controlled by the gNB.

[0448] 4) The gNB receives SRSs configured with spatial relationships to DL PRS or SSBs transmitted from the TRP controlled by the gNB, and performs gNB Rx-Tx time difference measurement for each SRS received with sufficient signal strength.

[0449] 5) gNB sends a signal to the location server via NRPPa to notify gNB of Rx-Tx time difference measurement.

[0450] Operations from the location server's perspective:

[0451] 1) The location server receives DL PRS configuration details from several gNBs via NRPPa for use in TRP controlled by the gNBs.

[0452] 2) The location server receives UE capabilities from the UE via LPP, including the ability to report which UE antenna panel is used for SRS transmission and the ability to measure UE Rx Tx time difference.

[0453] 3) The location server sends a request to the UE's serving gNB to configure several SRSs. This request includes a proposed SRS configuration that includes limitations on the UE's antenna panel.

[0454] 4) The location server receives confirmation from the service gNB via NRPPa that it will configure several SRSs, including SRS configuration details.

[0455] 5) The location server configures the UE via signaling over LPP.

[0456] a) It has several PRS, each PRS is transmitted by TRP.

[0457] b) Perform and report the UE Rx-Tx time difference measurement for the TRP set, and include the UE antenna panel ID in the measurement report.

[0458] c) Report the UE antenna panel ID used for each SRS transmission.

[0459] 6) The location server receives gNB Rx-Tx time difference measurements from several gNBs via NRPPa.

[0460] 7) The location server receives UE Rx-Tx time difference measurements from the UE via LPP.

[0461] 8) The location server receives the UE antenna panel ID for each SRS transmission from the UE via LPP.

[0462] 9) For each TRP, the location server calculates the RTT between the TRP and the UE based on the UE Rx-Tx time difference and gNB Rx-Tx time difference measurements. Frame offsets between TRPs are also taken into account in the RTT calculation.

[0463] 10) The location server uses RTT measurements corresponding to different UE antenna panels, which have different system errors, to estimate the UE's location based on RTT measurements of several TRPs.

[0464] For the relevant entities involved in RTT positioning reported by the UE using the antenna panel used for SRS transmission and UE Rx Tx time difference measurement, at least the following actions are noteworthy:

[0465] 1) Signal notification to report which UE antenna panel is used for SRS transmission and UE Rx Tx time difference measurement UE capability.

[0466] 2) Send a signal to notify which UE antenna panel is used for SRS transmission.

[0467] 3) Send a signal to notify which UE antenna panel is used for UE Rx Tx time difference measurement.

[0468] 4) Use UE antenna panel information to reduce the impact of systematic errors in TX timing associated with different UE antenna panels on positioning accuracy.

[0469] DLTDOA positioning is achieved using multiple RSTD measurements on the same TRP but with different UE antenna panels.

[0470] Operation from the UE perspective

[0471] 1) The UE signals its capabilities to the location server via LPP, including the number of UE antenna panels that can be used for UE reception.

[0472] 2) The UE is configured by the location server via LPP.

[0473] a) It has several PRS, each PRS is transmitted by TRP.

[0474] b) Perform and report RSTD measurements for each UE antenna panel and each TRP in the TRP set.

[0475] 3) The UE performs RSTD measurements and reports the measurement results to the location server.

[0476] Operation from gNB's perspective:

[0477] 1) gNB provides the location server with DL PRS configuration details via NRPPa for use in TRP controlled by gNB.

[0478] 2) The gNB transmits several DLPRS from the TRP controlled by the gNB.

[0479] Operations from the location server's perspective:

[0480] 1) The location server receives DL PRS configuration details from several gNBs via NRPPa for use in TRP controlled by the gNBs.

[0481] 2) The location server receives UE capabilities from the UE via LPP, which includes the number of UE antenna panels that can be used for UE reception.

[0482] 3) The location server configures the UE via signaling over LPP.

[0483] a) It has several PRS, each PRS is transmitted by TRP.

[0484] b) Perform and report RSTD measurements for each UE antenna panel and each TRP in the TRP set.

[0485] c) Perform inter-panel time difference measurements for the reference TRP.

[0486] 4) For each TRP and UE antenna panel, the location server receives RSTD measurements from the UE via LPP.

[0487] 5) The location server receives the inter-panel time difference measurement (IPTD) for reference TRP.

[0488] 6) The location server uses measurements corresponding to different UE antenna panels, which have different system errors, to estimate the UE's location based on RSTD and IPTD measurements of several TRPs.

[0489] Regarding DLTDOA localization using multiple RSTD measurements on the same TRP but with different UE antenna panels, at least the following aspects are noteworthy:

[0490] 1) Signaling capability for the number of UE antenna panels

[0491] 2) Multiple RSTD measurements are performed by the UE on the same TRP but using different UE antenna panels.

[0492] a) Corresponding RSTD measurement configuration.

[0493] 3) Inter-panel time difference measurement (IPTD measurement)

[0494] a) Configuration, execution, and reporting.

[0495] 4) Use UE antenna panel information to reduce the impact of systematic errors in TX timing associated with different UE antenna panels on positioning accuracy.

[0496] The UE uses IPTD to compensate for the DLTDOA positioning measured by RSTD.

[0497] Operation from the UE perspective

[0498] 1) The UE signals its capabilities to the location server via LPP, including its ability to measure IPTD, and uses this capability, along with the number of UE antenna panels, to compensate for RSTD measurements.

[0499] 2) The UE is configured by the location server via LPP.

[0500] a) There are two PRS resource sets for each TRP in the TRP set. One is intended for RSTD measurement, and the other is intended for IPTD measurement.

[0501] b) Perform RSTD measurements for several TRPs and report these RSTD measurements after compensating for the IPTD measurements.

[0502] 3) The UE performs IPTD and RSTD measurements and reports the RSTD measurement results to the location server after compensating for IPTD.

[0503] Operation from gNB's perspective:

[0504] 1) gNB provides the location server with DL PRS configuration details via NRPPa for two DL PRS resource sets for each TRP controlled by gNB.

[0505] 2) gNB transmits two DLPRS resource sets from each TRP controlled by gNB.

[0506] Operations from the location server's perspective:

[0507] 1) The location server receives DL PRS configuration details from several gNBs via NRPPa for two DL PRS resource sets for each TRP controlled by the gNB.

[0508] 2) The location server receives UE capabilities from the UE via LPP, including its ability to measure IPTD, and uses this capability, along with the number of UE antenna panels, to compensate for RSTD measurements.

[0509] 3) The location server configures the UE via signaling over LPP.

[0510] a) There are two PRS resource sets for each TRP in the TRP set. One is intended for RSTD measurement, and the other is intended for IPTD measurement.

[0511] b) Perform RSTD measurements for several TRPs and report these RSTD measurements after compensating for the IPTD measurements.

[0512] 4) For each TRP, the location server receives RSTD measurements from the UE via LPP (compensated by the UE with IPTD).

[0513] 5) The location server estimates the UE's location based on RSTD measurements of several TRPs.

[0514] Regarding the DL TDOA positioning measured by the UE using IPTD to compensate for RSTD, at least the following aspects are noteworthy:

[0515] 1) The number of UE antenna panels and the signaling capability to measure IPTD and use it to compensate for RSTD measurements of UE capabilities.

[0516] 2) Configuration of the DLPRS resource set for IPTD measurement.

[0517] 3) IPTD measurement configuration.

[0518] 4) IPTD measurements are performed by the UE.

[0519] 5) RSTD measurements are compensated by the UE using IPTD.

[0520] ULTDOA positioning using UE beamforming and panel scanning

[0521] This embodiment is based on UE beam and panel scanning for SRS transmission.

[0522] Operation from the UE perspective

[0523] 1) The UE signals its capabilities to the location server via LPP, including the UE’s support for SRS beam and panel scanning and the number of UE antenna panels that can be used for UE transmission.

[0524] 2) The UE is configured with beam and panel scanning SRS by its serving gNB via RRC. The SRS has no spatial relationship.

[0525] 3) UE transmission configuration using beam and panel scanning SRS.

[0526] Operations from the perspective of serving gNB:

[0527] 1) The serving gNB receives a request from the location server via NRPPa to configure beam and panel scanning SRS for the UE, which includes the proposed / recommended SRS configuration.

[0528] 2) The service gNB sends a signal to the location server via NRPPa to confirm the configuration of SRS, which includes SRS configuration details.

[0529] 3) The serving gNB configures the beam and panel scanning SRS for the UE via RRC signaling.

[0530] 4) The serving gNB receives requests from the location server to perform and report RTOA measurements for multiple UE antenna panels based on beam and panel scan SRS.

[0531] 5) For each TRP and each UE antenna panel controlled by the serving gNB, the gNB receives SRS beam scans and performs RTOA measurements, assuming that at least one SRS beam is received with sufficient signal strength to allow the measurement to be performed.

[0532] 6) The service gNB sends a signal to the location server to notify RTOA measurement.

[0533] Operations from a non-service gNB perspective:

[0534] 1) The non-serving (can be a neighbor) gNB receives a request from the location server to perform and report RTOA measurements for multiple UE antenna panels based on beam and panel scan SRS.

[0535] 2) For each TRP and each UE antenna panel controlled by the non-serving gNB, the gNB receives SRS beam scans and performs RTOA measurements, assuming that at least one SRS beam is received with sufficient signal strength to allow the measurement to be performed.

[0536] 3) The non-service gNB sends a signal to the location server to notify RTOA measurement.

[0537] Operations from the location server's perspective:

[0538] 1) The location server receives UE capabilities from the UE via LPP, including the UE’s support for SRS beam and panel scanning and the number of UE antenna panels that can be used for UE transmission.

[0539] 2) The location server sends a request to the UE's serving gNB to configure beamforming and panel scanning SRS for the UE.

[0540] 3) The location server sends requests to several gNBs to perform and report RTOA measurements.

[0541] 4) For each TRP and UE antenna panel, the location server receives RTOA measurements from the gNB.

[0542] 5) The location server uses RTOA measurements corresponding to different UE antenna panels, which have different system errors, to estimate the UE location based on the RTOA measurements for each TRP and UE antenna panel.

[0543] Regarding ULTDOA positioning using UE beamforming and panel scanning, at least the following aspects are worth noting:

[0544] 1) Signaling for UE beam and panel scanning capabilities.

[0545] 2) Use SRS beam and panel scanning instead of spatial relationships.

[0546] a) Corresponding SRS configuration signaling.

[0547] 3) Use SRS transmissions from multiple antenna panels toward the same TRP for positioning.

[0548] 4) For the same TRP and UE, but using different UE antenna panels, multiple RTOA measurements are performed by the gNB.

[0549] 5) Use UE antenna panel information to reduce the impact of systematic errors in TX timing associated with different UE antenna panels on positioning accuracy.

[0550] Alternative signaling used to establish DLPRS transmissions from the gNB

[0551] In the above system embodiment, the gNB is configured with DLPRS, for example, via O&M, and the gNB provides the DLPRS configuration details to the location server via NRPPa.

[0552] The signaling for this is simply as follows:

[0553] Operation from gNB's perspective:

[0554] 1) gNB provides the location server with DL PRS configuration details via NRPPa for use in TRP controlled by gNB.

[0555] Operations from the location server's perspective:

[0556] 1) The location server receives DL PRS configuration details from the gNB via NRPPa for use in TRP controlled by the gNB.

[0557] In an alternative embodiment, DL PRS configuration is manipulated by the location server requesting the gNB to transmit several DL PRSs, including proposed / recommended DL PRS configuration details. The gNB then responds with an acknowledgment, which includes configuring several DL PRSs, including DL PRS configuration details. The DL PRS-related signaling between the gNB and the location server then looks, conversely, as follows:

[0558] Operation from gNB's perspective:

[0559] 1) The serving gNB receives requests from the location server via NRPPa to transmit several DLPRS from the TRP controlled by the serving gNB, which includes proposed / recommended DLPRS configuration details.

[0560] 2) The service gNB sends an acknowledgment to the location server via NRPPa that it will configure several DL PRS, including DL PRS configuration details.

[0561] Operations from the location server's perspective:

[0562] 1) The location server sends a request to the gNB via NRPPa to transmit several DLPRS from the TRP controlled by the serving gNB, which includes the proposed / recommended DLPRS configuration details.

[0563] 2) The location server receives confirmation from the gNB via NRPPa that it will configure several DLPRS, including DLPRS configuration details.

[0564] the term

[0565] The term "UE antenna panel" may refer to a physically distinct UE antenna panel, but alternatively may be interpreted as a virtual UE antenna panel independent of UE architectural practices. A virtual antenna panel may be considered herein as a UE antenna Tx beamgroup such that the maximum Tx timing difference within the group (i.e., within the virtual UE antenna panel) is less than the maximum Tx timing difference of all beams.

[0566] Similarly, "UE antenna panel ID" can identify physically distinct UE antenna panels, or alternatively, "UE antenna panel ID" can identify a group of UE antenna Tx beams, as described above.

[0567] This disclosure uses the term DLPRS. However, another term, DLRS, can be used instead of DLPRS. This disclosure also uses the term ULPRS. However, another term, ULRS, can be used instead of UL PRS. Additionally, this disclosure uses the term gNB; however, gNB can be replaced by a network node with a different name that controls Rx and / or Tx from TRP. Such terminology is based on the 5G NR specification, but the techniques disclosed herein are applicable to LTE, 6G, and other radio access technologies. Furthermore, the term ULTCI state can also refer to a general TCI state used for both uplink and downlink signals.

[0568] Example features or operations of interest

[0569] ● Use UE antenna panel information for SRS transmission to reduce positioning errors caused by RX and TX timing differences between UE antenna panels.

[0570] ● Use multiple measurements of the same TRP, but based on different UE antenna panels used for SRS transmission and / or UE RSTD / UE Rx-Tx time difference measurements, to reduce positioning errors caused by Rx and Tx timing differences between UE antenna panels.

[0571] ● Estimate the systematic errors associated with the RX / TX timing errors of different UE antenna panels.

[0572] ● Forms a measurement difference that cancels out systematic errors associated with RX / TX timing errors.

[0573] The embodiments described herein also include corresponding devices. Examples of the embodiments described herein include, for instance, wireless devices configured to perform any of the steps in any of the embodiments described above for a UE (also referred to as a “wireless device”).

[0574] The embodiments also include a wireless device comprising a processing circuitry system and a power supply circuitry system. The processing circuitry system is configured to perform any step in any of the steps in any of the embodiments described above for the wireless device. The power supply circuitry system is configured to supply power to the wireless device.

[0575] The embodiments further include a wireless device comprising a processing circuitry system. The processing circuitry system is configured to perform any step in any of the steps described above for the wireless device. In some embodiments, the wireless device further includes a communication circuitry system.

[0576] The embodiments further include a wireless device comprising a processing circuitry system and a memory. The memory contains instructions executable by the processing circuitry system, thereby configuring the wireless device to perform any step in any of the embodiments described above for the wireless device.

[0577] The embodiments further include a UE, which includes an antenna configured to transmit and receive wireless signals. The UE also includes a radio front-end circuitry connected to the antenna and the processing circuitry, configured to modulate signals transmitted between the antenna and the processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to perform any step in any of the steps in any of the embodiments described above for the wireless device. In some embodiments, the UE also includes an input interface connected to the processing circuitry and configured to allow information to be processed by the processing circuitry to be input into the UE. The UE may include an output interface connected to the processing circuitry and configured to output information already processed by the processing circuitry from the UE. The UE may also include a battery connected to the processing circuitry and configured to supply power to the UE.

[0578] The embodiments described herein also include radio network nodes (such as gNBs) configured to perform any of the steps in any of the embodiments described above for radio network nodes.

[0579] The embodiments also include a radio network node comprising a processing circuitry system and a power supply circuitry system. The processing circuitry system is configured to perform any step in any of the steps described above for the radio network node. The power supply circuitry system is configured to supply power to the radio network node.

[0580] The embodiments further include a radio network node comprising a processing circuitry system. The processing circuitry system is configured to perform any step in any of the steps described above for the radio network node. In some embodiments, the radio network node further includes a communication circuitry system.

[0581] The embodiments further include a radio network node comprising a processing circuitry and a memory. The memory contains instructions executable by the processing circuitry, thereby configuring the radio network node to perform any step of any of the steps in any of the embodiments described above for the radio network node.

[0582] The embodiments described herein also include location servers, such as LMF, which are configured to perform any of the steps in any of the embodiments described above for location servers.

[0583] The embodiments also include a location server comprising a processing circuitry system and a power supply circuitry system. The processing circuitry system is configured to perform any step in any of the steps in any of the embodiments described above for the location server. The power supply circuitry system is configured to supply power to the location server.

[0584] The embodiments further include a location server comprising a processing circuitry system. The processing circuitry system is configured to perform any step in any of the steps described above for the location server. In some embodiments, the location server further includes a communication circuitry system.

[0585] The embodiments further include a location server comprising a processing circuitry and a memory. The memory contains instructions executable by the processing circuitry, thereby configuring the location server to perform any step in any of the embodiments described above for the location server.

[0586] More specifically, the apparatus described above can perform the methods and any other processing described herein by implementing any functional components, modules, units, or circuit systems. In one embodiment, for example, the apparatus includes a corresponding circuit or circuit system configured to perform the steps shown in the method diagrams. The circuit or circuit system may in this respect include circuitry dedicated to performing certain functional processing and / or one or more microprocessors along with memory. For example, the circuit system may include one or more microprocessors or microcontrollers, as well as other digital hardware, which may include digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific digital logic, etc. The processing circuit system may be configured to execute program code stored in memory, which may include one or more types of memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), random access memory, cache memory, flash memory devices, optical storage devices, etc. In several embodiments, the program code stored in the memory may include program instructions for executing one or more telecommunications and / or data communication protocols, and instructions for implementing one or more of the techniques described herein. In embodiments employing memory, the memory stores program code that, when executed by one or more processors, implements the techniques described herein.

[0587] Figure 3 An embodiment of a wireless communication network 10 is illustrated, which operates as an access network for a UE 12 (one is shown) or otherwise provides one or more communication services to the UE 12. Although the entities depicted are labeled according to 5G NR nomenclature, the arrangement shown is a non-limiting example.

[0588] Network 10 includes a radio access network (RAN) 14 and a location server 20, also referred to as a "location management function" 20 or LMF 20. The RAN 14 includes one or more radio network nodes 16—for example, one or both of a 5G NR base station (gNB) 16-1 and a 4G LTE base station (ng-eNB) 16-2—configured to connect to a 5G core network including an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) 18 to manage the access and mobility of the UE 12. Additionally or alternatively, the core network portion of network 10 includes an EMC 22.

[0589] like Figure 4 and 5 As seen in the diagram, network 10 can be understood as comprising multiple transmit / receive points (TRPs) 30, with 30-1 to 30-4 shown as examples. The positioning of UE 12 is achieved, for example, based on transmitting signals to or receiving signals from one or more of the TRPs 30. Each TRP 30 includes one or more transmit / receive antennas (such as beamforming antenna arrays) and may be integrated within or co-located with radio network nodes 32, with network nodes 32-1 to 32-4 shown, for example.

[0590] In one or more embodiments, each combination of TRP 30 and cooperative localization network node 32 can be understood as Figure 3 Radio network node 16 in the context of — for example Figure 3 One of the base stations 16 shown. Figure 5 The illustration depicts a variant in which a network node 32 controls or otherwise associates with multiple TRPs 30. As an example, base station 16 can be implemented in a distributed manner, where a digital unit (DU) controls one or more remote radio units (RRUs), each RRU providing antenna transmission / reception. Thus, it will be understood that the pairing of network node 32 with TRPs 30 can serve as a base station for the RAN, and a network node 32 can be paired with one or more TRPs 30.

[0591] In practice, a wireless network may further include any additional elements suitable for supporting communication between wireless devices or between a wireless device and another communication device, such as a landline telephone, a service provider, or any other network node or end device. The wireless network may provide communication and other types of services to one or more wireless devices to facilitate access to and / or use of services provided by or via the wireless network.

[0592] Wireless networks may include any type of communications, telecommunications, data, cellular and / or radio networks or other similar systems and / or be connected to them via an interface. In some embodiments, a wireless network may be configured to operate according to a specific standard or other type of predefined rules or procedures. Thus, specific embodiments of the wireless network may implement communication standards such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Long Term Evolution (LTE), Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) and / or other suitable 2G, 3G, 4G or 5G standards; Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) standards such as the IEEE 802.11 standard; and / or any other suitable wireless communication standards such as Global Microwave Access Interoperability (WiMAX), Bluetooth, Z-Wave and / or ZigBee standards.

[0593] Network 10 may include one or more backhaul networks, core networks, IP networks, public switched telephone networks (PSTN), packet data networks, optical networks, wide area networks (WAN), local area networks (LAN), wireless local area networks (WLAN), wired networks, wireless networks, metropolitan area networks, and other networks that enable communication between devices.

[0594] Network node 32 and UE 12 include various components described in more detail below. These components work together to provide network node and / or wireless device functionality, such as providing wireless connectivity in a wireless network. In various embodiments, the wireless network may include any number of wired or wireless networks, network nodes, base stations, controllers, wireless devices, relay stations, and / or any other components or systems that facilitate or participate in communication of data and / or signals, whether via wired or wireless connections.

[0595] As used herein, a network node is a device capable of, configured to, arranged to, and / or operable to communicate directly or indirectly with a wireless device and / or with other network nodes or devices in a wireless network to enable and / or provide wireless access to the wireless device and / or perform other functions (e.g., management) in the wireless network. Examples of network nodes include, but are not limited to, access points (APs) (e.g., radio access points) and base stations (BSs) (e.g., radio base stations, Node Bs, evolved Node Bs (eNBs), and NR Node Bs (gNBs)). Base stations may be classified based on the coverage they provide (or, in other words, their transmit power levels) and may then be referred to as femtocells, picocells, microcells, or macrocells. A base station may be a relay node or a relay donor node controlling a relay. A network node may also include one or more (or all) portions of a distributed radio base station, such as a centralized digital unit and / or a remote radio unit (RRU), sometimes referred to as a remote radio headend (RRH). Such a remote radio unit may or may not be integrated with an antenna as a radio device with an integrated antenna. A portion of a distributed radio base station can also be referred to as a node in a distributed antenna system (DAS). Further examples of network nodes include multi-standard radio (MSR) equipment (such as an MSR BS), network controllers (such as a radio network controller (RNC) or base station controller (BSC)), base transceiver stations (BTS), transmission points, transmission nodes, multi-cell / multicast coordination entities (MCEs), core network nodes (e.g., MSC, MME), O&M nodes, OSS nodes, SON nodes, location nodes (e.g., E-SMLC), and / or MDTs. As another example, a network node can be a virtual network node, as described in more detail below. However, more generally, a network node can represent any suitable device (or group of devices) capable of, configured to, arranged to, and / or operable to enable wireless devices to access a wireless network and / or provide access to a wireless network to wireless devices, or provide some service to wireless devices already connected to the wireless network.

[0596] like Figure 5As shown, the radio links between UE 12 and each of one or more TRPs 30 may carry signals for UE localization, such as downlink (DL) localization reference signals (PRS) or uplink (UL) sounding reference signals (SRS). Signal measurements for localization include, for example, angle of arrival (AOA) measurements or time of arrival (TOA) measurements. Measurements of multiple radio links relative to geographically separated TRPs 30 support multi-point localization for UE 12, provided that signal measurements can be performed at UE 12 and any one or any combination of the involved TRPs 30, and that corresponding localization calculations can be performed at any one or any combination of UE 12, the involved TRPs 30 / network node 32, and LMF 20.

[0597] Figure 6 An example embodiment of UE 12, network node 32, and LMF 20 is illustrated, wherein network node 32 implicitly integrates TRP 30 for radio transmission / reception. However, it should be understood that at least some of the associated interfaces and radio circuitry and radio antennas can be remote—for example, implemented in a remotely located TRP 30.

[0598] Example LMF 20 includes a communication interface circuitry 40, which includes a transmitter circuitry 42 and a receiver circuitry 44. The communication interface circuitry 40 includes, for example, a computer network interface for communicatively coupling to one or more network nodes 32, supporting the exchange of location protocol signaling with one or more network nodes 32 and via one or more of the network nodes 32 with a target UE 12 for location purposes.

[0599] LMF 20 further includes a processing circuitry 46, which, in one or more embodiments, includes or is associated with a storage device 48. The storage device 48 includes one or more types of memory or storage apparatus and is broadly understood to include one or more types of computer-readable media. Example storage devices include any one or more of short-term storage devices (volatile) and long-term storage devices (non-volatile), such as SRAM, DRAM, FLASH, EEPROM, solid-state drives (SSDs), disks, etc.

[0600] In at least one embodiment, storage device 48 stores one or more computer programs (CP) 50 comprising computer program instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of LMF 20, configure (specifically adapt) the processor(s) to perform any LMF operation described herein. In such a case, processing circuitry system 46 includes one or more processors, such as one or more microprocessors or digital signal processors (DSPs) or processing "cores" implemented in one or more FPGAs, ASICs, or system-on-a-chip (SoCs).

[0601] Storage device 48 may also include one or more data items 52. Such data may be configuration data provided in advance or acquired during field operation.

[0602] Broadly speaking, the processing circuitry 46 is configured to perform any of the LMF operations described herein, and includes fixed circuitry, programmable circuitry, or a mixture of fixed and programmable circuitry. Furthermore, it will be understood that the processing circuitry 46 can receive input data for processing via messages or other signaling exchanged through the communication interface circuitry 40, and can output data as processing results.

[0603] Example network node 32 includes a communication interface circuit system 60, which includes a transmitter circuit system 62-1 and a receiver circuit system 64-1. The transmitter circuit system 62-1 and receiver circuit system 64-1 are configured as computer network interfaces or otherwise adapted for communicatively coupling to other nodes (such as LMF 20) to support the exchange of location protocol signaling. The communication interface circuit system 60 further includes a transmitter circuit system 62-2 and a receiver circuit system 64-2, which are configured for radio communication via one or more antennas 68, which are communicatively coupled to the transmitter circuit system 62-2 / receiver circuit system 64-2 via an antenna interface circuit system 66.

[0604] As previously described, at least some of the radio communication and antenna interface connection circuitry can be implemented remotely to network node 32 as remote TRPs 30. Regardless of whether network node 32 integrates one or more TRPs 30 or is connected to one or more remote TRPs 30 via an interface, in one or more embodiments, network node 32 can be considered as a base station or other radio network node that performs or has access to signal timing measurements relative to radio signals transmitted to or received from one or more UEs 12 via one or more TRPs 30.

[0605] Network node 32 further includes a processing circuitry 70, which, in one or more embodiments, includes or is associated with a storage device 72. The storage device 72 includes one or more types of memory or storage apparatus and is broadly understood to include one or more types of computer-readable media. Example storage devices include any one or more of short-term storage devices (volatile) and long-term storage devices (non-volatile), such as SRAM, DRAM, FLASH, EEPROM, solid-state drives (SSDs), hard disks, etc.

[0606] In at least one embodiment, storage device 72 stores one or more computer programs (CP) 74 comprising computer program instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of network node 32, configure (specifically adapt) the processor(s) to perform any of the network node operations described herein. In such a case, processing circuitry system 70 includes one or more processors, such as one or more microprocessors or digital signal processors (DSPs) or processing "cores" implemented in one or more FPGAs, ASICs, or system-on-a-chip (SoCs).

[0607] Storage device 72 may also include one or more data items 76. Such data may be configuration data provided in advance or acquired during field operation.

[0608] Broadly speaking, the processing circuitry 70 is configured to perform any of the network node operations described herein, and includes fixed circuitry, programmable circuitry, or a mixture of fixed and programmable circuitry. Furthermore, it will be understood that the processing circuitry 70 can receive input data for processing via messages or other signaling exchanged through the communication interface circuitry 60, and can output data as processing results.

[0609] Network node 32 may also include a variety of illustrated components for integrating different wireless technologies (such as, for example, GSM, WCDMA, LTE, NR, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth wireless technologies) into network node 32. These wireless technologies may be integrated into the same or different chips or chipsets and other components within network node 32. Example UE 12 (or wireless device 12) includes a communication interface circuitry 80, which includes a transmitter circuitry 82 and a receiver circuitry 84. The transmitter circuitry 82 and receiver circuitry 84 are configured to radio communicate with the TRP 30 of network 10 according to one or more Radio Access Technologies (RATs) used by the corresponding TRP 30 in TRP 30. Communication interface circuitry 80 supports, for example, the transmission and reception of radio frequency signals in one or more frequency bands below 6 GHz or in one or more frequency bands above 6 GHz, and may be configured to operate according to 3GPP specifications for 5G NR or one or more other 3GPP network types. In any case, the transmitter circuit system 82 / receiver circuit system 84 is connected to two or more antennas 88 via an interface through the antenna interface circuit system 86.

[0610] Each antenna in antenna 88 may be an antenna panel, and it will be understood that the UE has an internal (signal) path corresponding to each antenna in antenna 88, and these paths may have different path delays—e.g., filter bank delay differences. The internal timing difference in the receive direction at UE 12 affects the signal timing measurements performed by UE 12 on signals received at different antennas 88, and the internal timing difference in the transmit direction at UE 12 affects the signal timing measurements performed by network 10 when network 10 receives signals transmitted from more than one of antennas 88.

[0611] UE 12 further includes a processing circuitry 90, which, in one or more embodiments, includes or is associated with a storage device 92. The storage device 92 includes one or more types of memory or storage means, and is broadly understood to include one or more types of computer-readable media. Example storage devices include any one or more of short-term storage devices (volatile) and long-term storage devices (non-volatile), such as SRAM, DRAM, FLASH, EEPROM, solid-state drives (SSDs), disks, etc.

[0612] In at least one embodiment, storage device 92 stores one or more computer programs (CP) 94 including computer program instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of UE 12, configure (specifically adapt) the processors to perform any of the network node operations described herein. In such a case, processing circuitry system 70 includes one or more processors, such as one or more microprocessors or digital signal processors (DSPs) or processing "cores" implemented in one or more FPGAs, ASICs, or system-on-a-chip (SOCs).

[0613] Storage device 92 may also include one or more data items 96. Such data may be configuration data provided in advance or acquired during field operation.

[0614] Broadly speaking, the processing circuitry 90 is configured to perform any of the UE operations described herein, and includes fixed circuitry systems, programmable circuitry systems, or a mixture of fixed and programmable circuitry systems. Furthermore, it will be understood that the processing circuitry 90 can receive input data for processing via messages or other signaling exchanged through the communication interface circuitry 80, and can output data as processing results.

[0615] As used herein, a wireless device means a means capable of, configured to, arranged to, and / or operable to wirelessly communicate with network nodes and / or other wireless devices. Unless otherwise indicated, the term wireless device may be used interchangeably with user equipment (UE) herein. Wireless communication may involve transmitting and / or receiving wireless signals using electromagnetic waves, radio waves, infrared waves, and / or other types of signals suitable for transmitting information through the air. In some embodiments, a wireless device may be configured to transmit and / or receive information without direct human interaction. For example, a wireless device may be designed to transmit information to the network according to a predetermined schedule when triggered by an internal or external event or in response to a request from the network. Examples of wireless devices include, but are not limited to, smartphones, mobile phones, cellular phones, Voice over IP (VoIP) phones, wireless local loop phones, desktop computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), wireless cameras, game consoles or devices, music storage devices, power return devices, wearable terminal devices, wireless endpoints, mobile stations, tablets, laptops, laptop embedded devices (LEEs), laptop-mounted devices (LMEs), smart devices, wireless customer premises equipment (CPEs), vehicle-mounted wireless terminal devices, etc. Wireless devices may support device-to-device (D2D) communication, for example, by implementing (3GPP) standards for pass-through link communication, vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V), vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I), and vehicle-to-everything (V2X), and in this case, may be referred to as D2D communication devices. As yet another specific example, in the Internet of Things (IoT) scenario, a wireless device may represent a machine or other device that performs monitoring and / or measurement and transmits the results of such monitoring and / or measurement to another wireless device and / or network node. In this context, the wireless device can be a machine-to-machine (M2M) device, which may be referred to as an MTC device in the 3GPP context. As a specific example, the wireless device can be a UE implementing the 3GPP Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) standard. Specific examples of such machines or devices are sensors, metering devices (such as power meters), industrial machinery or household or personal appliances (e.g., refrigerators, televisions, etc.), and personal wearable devices (e.g., watches, fitness trackers, etc.). In other scenarios, the wireless device can represent a vehicle or other equipment capable of monitoring and / or reporting its operational status or other functions associated with its operation. The wireless device described above can represent an endpoint of a wireless connection, in which case the device may be referred to as a wireless terminal. Furthermore, the wireless device described above can be mobile, in which case it may also be referred to as a mobile device or mobile terminal.

[0616] The wireless device 12 may include a plurality of sets of illustrated components for one or more of the different wireless technologies supported by the wireless device 12, such as, for example, GSM, WCDMA, LTE, NR, Wi-Fi, WiMAX, NB-IoT, or Bluetooth wireless technologies, to name just a few. These wireless technologies may be integrated into a chip or chipset that is the same as or different from other components within the wireless device 12.

[0617] Figure 7 Further details of the example arrangement are provided, in which the multiple antennas 88 of the UE 12 include multiple antenna panels 100, such as antenna panel 100-1, antenna panel 100-2, and antenna panel 100-3. Each antenna panel 100 is coupled to the common transmit / receive processing circuitry system 106 of the UE 12 via a corresponding receiver path / chain 102 and a corresponding transmitter / path chain 104. That is, antenna panel 100-1 is coupled to the common circuitry system 106 via receiver path / chain 102-1 and transmitter path / chain 104-1, antenna panel 100-2 is coupled to the common circuitry system 106 via receiver path / chain 102-2 and transmitter path / chain 104-2, and antenna panel 100-3 is coupled to the common circuitry system 106 via receiver path / chain 102-3 and transmitter path / chain 104-3.

[0618] Here, the phrase "path / chain" means that a circuit path within the UE between the common processing circuit system 106 and any corresponding antenna panel 100 of the antenna panel 100 can be considered a circuit path or chain. "Branch" is another term that may be used in this context. The key point here is that internal connections within the UE 12 to the corresponding antenna panel 100 (or more generally, the corresponding antenna 88) may impose different delays, such that any comparison or use of signal arrival times measured at the UE 12 across two or more antenna panels 100 in the antenna panel 10 will have systematic errors due to differences in receiver path delays associated with the corresponding antenna panel 100. Similarly, with regard to network 10 performing arrival time measurements on signals transmitted from more than one antenna panel 100 in the antenna panel 100 of the UE 12, those arrival time measurements will have systematic errors due to differences in transmitter path delays associated with the corresponding antenna panel 100.

[0619] Figure 8 The illustration shows an example method 800 that takes into account (box 802) the path delay difference within the UE, such as between different antennas of the user equipment (UE), in signal timing measurements of signals transmitted between multiple transmit / receive points (TRPs) of the wireless communication network and the UE for the location of the UE.

[0620] This consideration includes (box 804) avoiding or reducing system errors introduced by internal path delay differences at the UE by coordinating (e.g., by signaling) which antenna is used at the UE relative to each of the involved TRPs or relative to each of the multiple radio resources configured to transmit signals; or (box 804) considering system errors in location-related calculations on signal timing measurements.

[0621] Each antenna of the UE is an antenna panel, for example, wherein each antenna panel includes an array of antenna elements for transmitting or receiving beamforming, such that different antennas of the UE are different antenna panels, and such that the internal path delay difference is the inter-panel timing difference.

[0622] In one example, considering systematic errors in location-related calculations includes using a determined value of the internal path delay difference to compensate for signal timing measurements to compensate for time-of-arrival measurements taken at the UE across different antennas. As another example, considering systematic errors in location-related calculations includes using a determined value of the internal path delay difference to compensate for time-of-arrival measurements taken relative to different antennas at one or more of the involved TRPs.

[0623] In one or more embodiments, the determined value of the internal path delay difference is a pre-configured value stored in the UE. However, in one or more other embodiments, the determined value of the internal path delay difference is dynamically determined based on signal transmission on each antenna basis between the UE and the same TRP involved in the TRP. Of course, pre-configured values ​​of inter-antenna delay differences can be provided to the UE, and those values ​​can be replaced or corrected based on measurements taken during field operation.

[0624] For example, method 800 may include performing a calibration process for determining a determined value of the internal path delay difference, or support such performance. However, once the determined value is determined, one of the antennas may be designated as a reference antenna, and the determined value of the internal path delay difference at the UE may correspondingly include the relative time difference of each remaining antenna relative to the reference antenna.

[0625] Method 800 can be performed in a wireless communication network by one or more of the involved TRPs (or control network nodes) or a location server associated with the TRP. The method may include the network determining the value of the internal path delay difference at the UE based on a calibration operation between at least one of the TRPs and the UE, or based on a determination of the internal path delay difference received by the network via a report from the UE.

[0626] In embodiments involving coordination of which antenna to use at the UE relative to each of the TRPs involved in positioning the UE or relative to each of a plurality of radio resources configured to deliver signals for positioning, coordination may include limiting signal timing measurements to the same antenna among the UE's antennas for all involved TRPs.

[0627] In another example, considering the systematic error in positioning-related calculations based on signal timing measurements affected by the internal path delay difference at the UE includes compensating for the signal timing measurements using a determined value of the internal path delay difference.

[0628] In the example scenario, in order to determine the determined value of the internal path delay difference, the UE performs multiple transmit beam scans according to a configuration known to the network, wherein each transmit beam scan involves the transmission of a reference signal from a specific antenna among the antennas as a specific signal among the signals transmitted between the UE and the involved TRP, and the network determines the determined value of the internal path delay difference based on the signal received in the corresponding transmit beam scan.

[0629] As another example, considering systematic errors includes taking into account the systematic errors within the system of equations that depend on the timing of the signal measurement.

[0630] In another example, the method includes exchanging signaling between the UE and the network to indicate which antennas to use relative to each of the TRPs involved and / or relative to a specific radio resource among different radio resources configured to transmit signals.

[0631] In cases where the location is based on downlink (DL) time of arrival (TOA) measurements performed by the UE relative to the involved TRP, the method may include estimating the UE’s internal path delay difference based on signals received from the same TRP using each of the antennas in the antennas, and compensating for the estimated internal path delay difference by the original TOA measurements performed by the UE across different antennas, or reporting the original TOA measurements together with the estimated internal path delay difference to the network.

[0632] In cases where the location is based on an uplink (UL) time of arrival (TOA) measurement performed by the involved TRP relative to the UE, the method may include the network receiving signals from each of the antennas in the antennas, depending on at least one of the involved TRPs, and compensating for the TOA measurement using an internal path delay difference reported by the UE or based on an internal path delay difference estimated by the network.

[0633] In cases where the location is based on an uplink (UL) time of arrival (TOA) measurement performed by the involved TRP relative to the UE, the method may include the network receiving signals from each of the antennas together, depending on the involved TRPs, compensating for the TOA measurement using an internal path delay difference reported by the UE or based on an internal path delay difference estimated by the network.

[0634] Where signal measurement involves signal reception using different antennas at the UE, the internal path delay difference includes the receiver path delay difference within the UE; and where signal measurement involves signal transmission using different antennas at the UE, the internal path delay difference includes the transmit path delay difference within the UE. The receiver path delay difference is not necessarily equal to the transmit path delay difference. That is, relative to the UE's signal reception, the internal path delay is the receiver (RX) path delay within the UE, while relative to the UE's signal transmission, the internal path delay is the transmitter (TX) path delay within the UE.

[0635] Recalling the above, a UE configured to operate relative to a wireless communication network includes, for example, a communication interface circuitry configured to transmit and receive signals according to the radio access technology (RAT) of the wireless communication network. Additionally, the UE includes a processing circuitry operatively associated with the communication interface circuitry.

[0636] The UE's processing circuitry is configured to perform at least one of the following: (a) perform signal timing measurements involving downlink signals received on different antennas of the UE, and compensate for the measurements with path delay differences within the UE, such as between different antennas, and report the compensated measurements to the network and / or use them at the UE for location-related calculations; (b) perform signal timing measurements involving downlink signals received on different antennas of the UE, and report the measurements to the network for location-related calculations, together with reporting path delay differences within the UE, such as between different antennas, for network-based compensation of the measurements; and (c) transmit uplink signals from different antennas for use in location-related calculations performed by the network, and report the transmission path delay differences between the different antennas of the UE.

[0637] Figure 9Another example method of operation 900 is illustrated, wherein (box 902) the UE cooperates with the wireless communication network regarding: instructing or controlling which antennas(s) of the UE are used for signal transmission or reception between the UE and multiple Transmit / Receive Points (TRPs) of the network for calculating the UE's location; or performing a calibration process using each of the antennas, which involves signal transmission between the UE and one or more of the TRPs, for determining the value of the internal path delay difference at the UE. "Cooperation" with the network includes, for example, the UE receiving configuration signaling from the network indicating when or relative to which radio resources to use which antennas, and using the indicated antennas.

[0638] Figure 10 The illustration depicts an example method 1000 performed by a network node (e.g., a base station acting as a serving base station) relative to a UE for positioning. Method 1000 includes (box 1002) the network node cooperating with the UE to: instruct or control which antennas(s) of the UE are used for signal transmission or reception between the UE and multiple transmit / receive points (TRPs) of the network for calculating the UE's positioning; or to perform a calibration process using each of the antennas, involving signal transmission between the UE and one or more of the TRPs, for determining a value for a group delay difference.

[0639] Figure 11 Another example method 1100 performed by UE 12 (also referred to as wireless device 12) is illustrated. Method 1100 includes wireless device 12 performing (block 1102) a reference signal transmission or measurement for the location of wireless device 12. “Performing a reference signal transmission or measurement” means that wireless device 12 performs a reference signal transmission, or performs a reference signal measurement, or both. Performing a reference signal measurement means that wireless device 12 performs a measurement on a reference signal received at wireless device 12, for example, a measurement on a DL PRS received from one or more TRPs 30.

[0640] Method 1100 further includes network node transmission (box 1104) information involved in the positioning of wireless device 12. For example, the network node is LMF 20. This information indicates the association of reference signal transmission or measurement with a corresponding timing group of wireless device 12. Each timing group represents a relevant set of transmission or reception timing errors within wireless device 12.

[0641] The relevant set of each transmission or reception timing error is based on the difference in relative timing errors with a value less than the maximum value. The transmission or reception timing errors within wireless device 12 are related to the path delay or timing reference difference between multiple transmitter or receiver branches within wireless device 12.

[0642] In the example embodiment, the reference signal transmissions or measurements involving different antennas of wireless device 12 have different timing group associations. For example, see... Figure 6 The example wireless device 12 (“UE”) shown has an antenna 88. Each antenna 88 may be an antenna panel or other array of antenna elements configured to transmit or receive beamforming, wherein the antenna elements correspond to multiple receivers or transmission branches—also referred to as receiver or transmitter chains.

[0643] There may be different timing errors within the wireless device 12 associated with each antenna in antenna 88, such that the timing error associated with the transmitter or receiver path belonging to a particular antenna in antenna 88 is correlated and constitutes a corresponding timing group for the wireless device 12. Therefore, reference signal transmissions or measurements performed using a particular antenna in antenna 88 will have the same timing group association. Conversely, reference signal transmissions or measurements performed using different antennas in antenna 88 will have different timing group associations.

[0644] Performing reference signal transmission or measurement includes, for example, performing a reference signal time difference (RSTD) measurement for two or more downlink reference signals received by wireless device 12, wherein the RSTD measurement is associated with one or more timing groups of wireless device 12. This information indicates the timing group association of the RSTD measurement.

[0645] If two or more downlink reference signals are received on the same antenna 88 of the wireless device 12, the RSTD measurement is associated with a timing group, and if the corresponding signal of two or more downlink reference signals is received on different antennas 88 of the wireless device 12, the RSTD measurement is associated with more than one timing group.

[0646] In another example, performing a reference signal transmission or measurement includes the wireless device 12 determining the receive / transmit (RX / TX) time difference. Here, this information indicates the timing group association of the RX / TX time difference.

[0647] In another example, performing a reference signal transmission or measurement includes the wireless device 12 performing a time difference of arrival (TDOA) measurement on a downlink reference signal received at the wireless device. Here, this information indicates the timing group association for the downlink TDOA measurement.

[0648] In one or more embodiments, transmitting information includes the wireless device 12 including information in a measurement report transmitted by the wireless device 12 to the network node. For example, in a scenario where the wireless device 12 performs reference signal measurements and sends a report of those measurements to the LMF 20, the wireless device 12 expands or supplements the measurement report by indicating the timing group association of the measurements. These indications allow, for example, the LMF 20 to determine whether the measurements of different DL reference signals by the wireless device 12 involve the same timing group or a different timing group at the wireless device 12.

[0649] In another example, performing a reference signal transmission or measurement includes the wireless device 12 performing an uplink sounding reference signal (SRS) transmission. This information indicates a timing error group association for the uplink SRS transmission. Performing an uplink SRS transmission includes, for example, the wireless device 12 transmitting on a corresponding SRS resource, wherein the information indicates a timing group association for the corresponding SRS resource.

[0650] In another example, performing reference signal transmission or measurement includes wireless device 12 performing a downlink time difference of arrival (TDOA) measurement on a downlink reference signal received at wireless device 12, and transmitting an uplink reference signal from wireless device 12. In this example case, the information indicates the timing group association for the downlink TDOA measurement and the timing group association for the uplink reference signal.

[0651] As indicated, the antenna 88 of the wireless device 12 may be an antenna panel. Each antenna panel includes an array of antenna elements for transmitting or receiving beamforming, and each antenna panel corresponds to a different timing group.

[0652] In one or more embodiments, the wireless device 12 includes a communication interface circuitry 80 and a processing circuitry 90, the processing circuitry 90 being configured to use the communication interface circuitry 80 to: perform reference signal transmissions or measurements for the location of the wireless device 12; and transmit information to network nodes involved in the location of the wireless device 12. For example, the network node is an LMF 20, and the information indicates the association of the reference signal transmissions or measurements with corresponding timing groups of the wireless device 12. Each timing group represents a relevant set of transmission or reception timing errors within the wireless device 12.

[0653] To perform reference signal transmission or measurement, in one or more embodiments, the processing circuitry system 90 is configured to perform a Reference Signal Time Difference (RSTD) measurement for two or more downlink reference signals received by the wireless device 12. The RSTD measurement is associated with one or more timing groups of the wireless device 12, and this information indicates the timing group association for the RSTD measurement. If two or more downlink reference signals are received on the same antenna 88 of the wireless device 12, the RSTD measurement is associated with one timing group; and if corresponding signals of two or more downlink reference signals are received on different antennas 88 of the wireless device 12, the RSTD measurement is associated with more than one timing group.

[0654] In another example, in order to perform a reference signal transmission or measurement, the processing circuitry 90 is configured to determine the receive / transmit (RX / TX) time difference. Here, this information indicates the timing group association of the RX / TX time difference.

[0655] In order to perform reference signal transmission or measurement, in one or more embodiments, the processing circuitry system 90 is configured to perform a time difference of arrival (TDOA) measurement on a downlink reference signal received at the wireless device 12. Here, this information indicates the timing group association for the downlink TDOA measurement.

[0656] In one or more embodiments, the processing circuitry 90 is configured to include information in a measurement report transmitted by the wireless device 12 to a network node.

[0657] In another example embodiment or operational scenario, to perform reference signal transmission or measurement, the processing circuitry 90 is configured to perform uplink sounding reference signal (SRS) transmission. Here, this information indicates timing error group associations for the uplink SRS transmission. In at least one example, to perform uplink SRS transmission, the processing circuitry 90 is configured to transmit on the corresponding SRS resource, and this information indicates timing group associations for the corresponding SRS resource.

[0658] In another embodiment or example scenario, in order to perform reference signal transmission or measurement, the processing circuitry system 90 is configured to perform a downlink time difference of arrival (TDOA) measurement on a downlink reference signal received at the wireless device 12 and transmit an uplink reference signal from the wireless device 12. This information indicates the timing group association of the downlink TDOA measurement and the timing group association of the uplink reference signal.

[0659] As indicated, in one or more embodiments, the antenna 88 of the wireless device 12 is an antenna panel, wherein each antenna panel includes an array of antenna elements for transmitting or receiving beamforming, and wherein each antenna panel corresponds to a different timing group.

[0660] Figure 12 An example method 1200 performed by a network node such as LMF 20 is illustrated. Method 1200 includes receiving (box 1202) information transmitted by wireless device 12. This information indicates the association between a reference signal transmission or measurement performed by wireless device 12 and a corresponding timing group of wireless device 12. Method 1200 further includes considering (box 1204) different timing group associations when performing a positioning calculation based on the reference signal transmission or measurement performed by wireless device 12.

[0661] Each timing group represents a related set of transmission or reception timing errors within the wireless device 12. For example, multiple timing errors (such as those caused by path delays within the wireless device 12) are related if the relative difference between the timing errors does not exceed a certain maximum value. As a specific example, the wireless device 12 includes corresponding chains of receivers or transmitters associated with each of its multiple antennas 88. One or more unique timing errors are common to each such chain of receivers or transmitters—or within a defined range of relative differences—such that the timing errors of each chain of receivers or transmitters can be considered to form or belong to a corresponding timing group.

[0662] Remember the above details; the example "system" includes wireless device 12 and network nodes, such as LMF20.

[0663] Example wireless device 12 includes a communication interface circuitry 80 and a processing circuitry 90, which is configured to use the communication interface circuitry 80 to: perform reference signal transmission or measurement for the location of wireless device 12. The processing circuitry 90 of wireless device 12 is further configured to transmit information to network nodes relating to the location of wireless device 12. The information indicates the association of reference signal transmission or measurement with corresponding timing groups of wireless device 12, where each timing group represents a relevant set of transmission or reception timing errors within wireless device 12.

[0664] The network node includes a communication interface circuitry and a processing circuitry. The communication interface circuitry is configured to receive information transmitted by the wireless device 12, and the processing circuitry is configured to consider different timing group associations when performing positioning calculations based on reference signal transmissions or measurements performed by the wireless device 12. In the LMF-based example, the communication interface circuitry consists of... Figure 6 Reference numeral 40 is depicted in the accompanying drawings, and the processing circuit system is composed of... Figure 6 The figure is depicted by reference numeral 46.

[0665] Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that the embodiments described herein further include corresponding computer programs.

[0666] A computer program includes instructions that, when executed on at least one processor of the device, cause the device to perform any of the processes described above. In this respect, a computer program may include one or more code modules corresponding to the aforementioned components or units.

[0667] The embodiments further include a carrier containing such a computer program. The carrier may include one of the following: electronic signals, optical signals, radio signals, or computer-readable storage media.

[0668] In this regard, embodiments herein also include a computer program product stored on a non-transitory computer-readable (storage or recording) medium and comprising instructions that, when executed by a processor of the device, cause the device to perform as described above.

[0669] The embodiments further include a computer program product comprising a program code portion that, when executed by a computing device, performs the steps of any of the embodiments described herein. This computer program product may be stored on a computer-readable recording medium.

[0670] Additional embodiments will now be described. For illustrative purposes, at least some of these embodiments may be described as applicable to certain contexts and / or wireless network types, but these embodiments are similarly applicable to other contexts and / or wireless network types not explicitly described.

[0671] Figure 13 This is a schematic block diagram illustrating a virtualized environment 1300, in which functionality implemented by some embodiments can be virtualized. In this context, virtualization means creating virtual versions of devices or apparatuses, which may include virtualized hardware platforms, storage devices, and networking resources. As used herein, virtualization can be applied to nodes (e.g., virtualized base stations or virtualized radio access nodes) or apparatuses (e.g., UEs, wireless devices, or any other type of communication apparatus) or components thereof, and involves at least a portion of their functionality being implemented as an implementation of one or more virtual components (e.g., via one or more applications, components, functions, virtual machines, or containers executed on one or more physical processing nodes in one or more networks).

[0672] In some embodiments, some or all of the functions described herein may be implemented as virtual components executed by one or more virtual machines, which are implemented in one or more virtual environments 1300 hosted by one or more hardware nodes 1330. Additionally, in embodiments where the virtual node is not a radio access node or does not require radio connectivity (e.g., a core network node), the network node may then be fully virtualized.

[0673] These functionalities can be implemented by one or more applications 1320 (alternatively, they may be referred to as software instances, virtual appliances, network functions, virtual nodes, virtual network functions, etc.) operable to provide some of the features, functions, and / or benefits disclosed in the embodiments herein. Applications 1320 operate in a virtualization environment 1300 that provides hardware 1330 including a processing circuitry 1360 and memory 1390. Memory 1390 contains instructions 1395 executable by the processing circuitry 1360, thereby enabling application 1320 to operate to provide one or more of the features, benefits, and / or functions disclosed herein.

[0674] The virtualization environment 1300 includes general-purpose or special-purpose network hardware devices 1330, which include a collection of one or more processors or processing circuitry systems 1360. These processors or processing circuitry systems 1360 can be commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) processors, specialized application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or any other type of processing circuitry system, including digital or analog hardware components or special-purpose processors. Each hardware device may include memory 1390-1, which may be non-persistent memory for temporarily storing software or instructions 1395 executed by the processing circuitry system 1360. Each hardware device may include one or more network interface controllers (NICs) 1370 (also referred to as network interface cards), which include physical network interfaces 1380. Each hardware device may also include a non-transitory, permanent, machine-readable storage medium 1390-2 in which instructions and / or software 1395 executable by the processing circuitry system 1360 are stored. Software 1395 may include any type of software, including software for instantiating one or more virtualization layers 1350 (also referred to as hypervisors), software for executing virtual machines 1340, and software that allows them to perform the functions, features, and / or benefits described in conjunction with some embodiments herein.

[0675] Virtual machine 1340 includes virtual processing, virtual memory, virtual networking or interfaces, and virtual storage devices, and can be run by a corresponding virtualization layer 1350 or hypervisor. Different embodiments of instances of virtual appliance 1320 may be implemented on one or more of virtual machines 1340, and this implementation may be carried out in different ways.

[0676] During operation, the processing circuitry 1360 executes software 1395 to instantiate the hypervisor or virtualization layer 1350, which may sometimes be referred to as a virtual machine monitor (VMM). The virtualization layer 1350 can present a virtual operating platform that appears to be networked hardware to the virtual machine 1340.

[0677] like Figure 13 As shown, hardware 1330 can be a standalone network node with general or specific components. Hardware 1330 may include antenna 13225 and may implement some functions via virtualization. Alternatively, hardware 1330 may be part of a larger hardware cluster (e.g., such as in a data center or customer premises equipment (CPE)) in which many hardware nodes work together and are managed via management and orchestration (MANO) 13100, which, among other things, oversees the lifecycle management of application 1320.

[0678] Hardware virtualization is sometimes referred to as Network Functions Virtualization (NFV). NFV can be used to consolidate many types of network devices into industry-standard high-capacity server hardware, physical switches, and physical storage devices, which can reside in data centers and customer premises.

[0679] In the context of NFV, virtual machine 1340 can be a software implementation of a physical machine, and its programs run as if they were executing on a physical, non-virtualized machine. Each virtual machine in 1340, along with the portion of the hardware 1330 that executes that virtual machine (whether it is hardware dedicated to that virtual machine and / or hardware shared by that virtual machine and other virtual machines in 1340), forms a separate virtual network element (VNE).

[0680] Within the context of NFV, a Virtual Network Function (VNF) is responsible for handling specific network functions running in one or more virtual machines 1340 on top of the hardware networking infrastructure 1330, and corresponds to Figure 13 Application 1320.

[0681] In some embodiments, one or more radio units 13200, each including one or more transmitters 13220 and one or more receivers 13210, may be coupled to one or more antennas 13225. The radio unit 13200 may communicate directly with the hardware node 1330 via one or more suitable network interfaces and may be used in combination with virtual components to provide radio capabilities to the virtual node, such as a radio access node or base station.

[0682] In some embodiments, some signaling may be implemented using a control system 13230, which may alternatively be used for communication between hardware node 1330 and radio unit 13200.

[0683] Figure 14 The illustration depicts a telecommunications network connected to a host computer via an intermediate network, according to some embodiments. Specifically, reference is made to... Figure 14According to an embodiment, the communication system includes a telecommunications network 1410, such as a 3GPP-type cellular network, which includes an access network 1411 (such as a radio access network) and a core network 1414. The access network 1411 includes multiple base stations 1412a, 1412b, and 1412c, such as NBs, eNBs, gNBs, or other types of wireless access points, each base station defining a corresponding coverage area 1413a, 1413b, or 1413c. Each base station 1412a, 1412b, or 1412c can be connected to the core network 1414 via a wired or wireless connection 1415. A first UE 1491 located in coverage area 1413c is configured to wirelessly connect to or be paged by the corresponding base station 1412c. A second UE 1492 located in coverage area 1413a can wirelessly connect to the corresponding base station 1412a. Although multiple UEs 1491 and 1492 are illustrated in this example, the disclosed embodiments are equally applicable to situations where only one UE is in the coverage area or where only one UE is connected to the corresponding base station 1412.

[0684] Telecommunications network 1410 is itself connected to host computer 1430, which may be embodied in the hardware and / or software of a standalone server, a cloud-implemented server, a distributed server, or as processing resources in a server farm. Host computer 1430 may be under the ownership or control of a service provider, or may be operated by the service provider or on behalf of the service provider. Connections 1421 and 1422 between telecommunications network 1410 and host computer 1430 may extend directly from core network 1414 to host computer 1430, or may be made via optional intermediate network 1420. Intermediate network 1420 may be one or more of public, private, or hosted networks; intermediate network 1420 (if any) may be a backbone network or the Internet; in particular, intermediate network 1420 may include two or more subnets (not shown).

[0685] Figure 14The communication system as a whole enables connectivity between connected UEs 1491 and 1492 and host computer 1430. This connectivity can be described as an over-the-top (OTT) connection 1450. Host computer 1430 and connected UEs 1491 and 1492 are configured to use access network 1411, core network 1414, any intermediate network 1420, and possibly other infrastructure (not shown) as intermediaries to transmit data and / or signaling via OTT connection 1450. OTT connection 1450 can be transparent in the sense that the participating communication devices traversed by OTT connection 1450 are unaware of the routes of uplink and downlink communications. For example, it may not be necessary or required to notify base station 1412 of the past routes of incoming downlink communications containing data originating from host computer 1430 to be forwarded (e.g., hand over) to connected UE 1491. Similarly, base station 1412 does not need to know the future route of outgoing uplink communication from UE 1491 to host computer 1430.

[0686] Now refer to Figure 15 This section describes example implementations of the UE, base station, and host computer discussed in the preceding paragraphs, according to embodiments. Figure 15 The illustration depicts a host computer communicating with a user equipment via a base station through a partially wireless connection according to some embodiments. In the communication system 1500, the host computer 1510 includes hardware 1515, which includes a communication interface 1516 configured to establish and maintain an interface with different communication devices of the communication system 1500 via a wired or wireless connection. The host computer 1510 further includes a processing circuitry system 1518, which may have storage and / or processing capabilities. In particular, the processing circuitry system 1518 may include one or more programmable processors, application-specific integrated circuits, field-programmable gate arrays, or combinations thereof (not shown) adapted to execute instructions. The host computer 1510 further includes software 1511, which is stored in or accessible by the host computer 1510 and executable by the processing circuitry system 1518. The software 1511 includes a host application 1512. The host application 1512 may be operable to provide services to remote users, such as UE 1530 connected via an OTT connection 1550 terminated between UE 1530 and host computer 1510. In providing services to remote users, host application 1512 can provide user data transmitted using OTT connection 1550.

[0687] The communication system 1500 further includes a base station 1520, which is disposed in the telecommunications system and includes hardware 1525 enabling it to communicate with a host computer 1510 and a UE 1530. Hardware 1525 may include a communication interface 1526 for establishing and maintaining a wired or wireless connection to different communication devices of the communication system 1500, and for establishing and maintaining at least a connection with the coverage area served by the base station 1520. Figure 15 The radio interface 1527 of the UE 1530 (not shown) is for the wireless connection 1570. The communication interface 1526 can be configured to facilitate a connection 1560 to the host computer 1510. Connection 1560 can be direct, or it can be via the core network of a telecommunications system (…). Figure 15 (Not shown) and / or via one or more intermediate networks outside the telecommunications system. In the illustrated embodiment, the hardware 1525 of base station 1520 further includes a processing circuitry system 1528, which may include one or more programmable processors, application-specific integrated circuits, field-programmable gate arrays, or combinations thereof (not shown) adapted to execute instructions. Base station 1520 further has software 1521 stored internally or accessible via an external connection.

[0688] The communication system 1500 further includes the previously mentioned UE 1530. The hardware 1535 of the UE 1530 may include a radio interface 1537 configured to establish and maintain a wireless connection 1570 with a base station serving a coverage area where the UE 1530 is currently located. The hardware 1535 of the UE 1530 further includes a processing circuitry system 1538, which may include one or more programmable processors, application-specific integrated circuits, field-programmable gate arrays, or combinations thereof (not shown) adapted to execute instructions. The UE 1530 further includes software 1531, which is stored in or accessible to the UE 1530 and executable by the processing circuitry system 1538. The software 1531 includes a client application 1532. The client application 1532 may be operable to provide services to human or non-human users via the UE 1530 with the support of a host computer 1510. In host computer 1510, a running host application 1512 can communicate with a running client application 1532 via an OTT connection 1550 terminated between UE 1530 and host computer 1510. In providing services to the user, client application 1532 can receive request data from host application 1512 and provide user data in response to the request data. OTT connection 1550 can transmit both request data and user data. Client application 1532 can interact with the user to generate the user data it provides.

[0689] Notice, Figure 15 The host computer 1510, base station 1520, and UE 1530 shown in the diagram can be respectively connected to... Figure 14 The host computer 1430, one of base stations 1412a, 1412b, and 1412c, and one of UEs 1491 and 1492 are similar to or identical to each other. That is, the internal operation of these entities can be as follows: Figure 15 As shown, and independently, the surrounding network topology can be Figure 14 The network topology.

[0690] exist Figure 15 In this diagram, OTT connection 1550 is abstractly depicted to illustrate communication between host computer 1510 and UE 1530 via base station 1520, without explicitly mentioning any intermediary devices or the precise routing of messages via these devices. The network infrastructure can determine routes that can be configured to conceal them from either the UE 1530 or the service provider operating the host computer 1510, or both. When OTT connection 1550 is active, the network infrastructure can further make decisions, through which it dynamically changes the routes (e.g., based on network reconfiguration or load balancing considerations).

[0691] The wireless connection 1570 between UE 1530 and base station 1520 is consistent with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure. One or more embodiments in various embodiments improve the performance of OTT services provided to UE 1530 using OTT connection 1550, wherein wireless connection 1570 forms the final segment.

[0692] A measurement process may be provided for the purpose of monitoring data rates, latency, and other factors improved by one or more embodiments. Optional network functionality may further exist for reconfiguring the OTT connection 1550 between the host computer 1510 and the UE 1530 in response to changes in measurement results. The network functionality and / or measurement process for reconfiguring the OTT connection 1550 may be implemented using software 1511 and hardware 1515 of the host computer 1510, or software 1531 and hardware 1535 of the UE 1530, or both. In embodiments, sensors (not shown) may be deployed in or associated with communication devices through which the OTT connection 1550 passes; the sensors may participate in the measurement process by supplying values ​​of the monitored quantities illustrated above, or by supplying values ​​of other physical quantities that the software 1511, 1531 may calculate or estimate based on the monitored quantities. Reconfiguration of the OTT connection 1550 may include message formatting, retransmission settings, preferred routing, etc.; reconfiguration does not need to affect the base station 1520, and it may be unknown or imperceptible to the base station 1520. Such processes and functionality can be known and practiced in the art. In some embodiments, measurements may involve proprietary UE signaling, which facilitates the host computer 1510 to measure throughput, propagation time, latency, etc. Measurements can be performed whereby software 1511 and 1531 use the OTT connection 1550 to enable the transmission of messages (especially empty or 'virtual' messages) while monitoring propagation time, errors, etc.

[0693] Figure 16 This is a flowchart illustrating a method implemented in a communication system according to an embodiment. The communication system includes a host computer, a base station, and a UE, which may be referenced... Figure 14 and 15 The host computers, base stations, and UEs described herein. For the sake of simplicity in this disclosure, this section will only include descriptions of... Figure 16 Referring to the accompanying drawings. In step 1610, the host computer provides user data. In sub-step 1611 of step 1610 (which may be optional), the host computer provides user data by executing a host application. In step 1620, the host computer initiates a transmission carrying user data to the UE. In step 1630 (which may be optional), in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure, the base station transmits the user data carried in the host computer-initiated transmission to the UE. In step 1640 (which may also be optional), the UE executes a client application associated with the host application executed by the host computer.

[0694] Figure 17This is a flowchart illustrating a method implemented in a communication system according to an embodiment. The communication system includes a host computer, a base station, and a UE, which may be referenced... Figure 14 and 15 The host computers, base stations, and UEs described herein. For the sake of simplicity in this disclosure, this section will only include descriptions of... Figure 17 Refer to the accompanying drawings. In step 1710 of the method, the host computer provides user data. In an optional sub-step (not shown), the host computer provides user data by executing a host application. In step 1720, the host computer initiates a transmission carrying user data to the UE. According to the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure, the transmission may be carried out via a base station. In step 1730 (which may be optional), the UE receives the user data carried in the transmission.

[0695] Figure 18 This is a flowchart illustrating a method implemented in a communication system according to an embodiment. The communication system includes a host computer, a base station, and a UE, which may be referenced... Figure 14 and 15 The host computers, base stations, and UEs described herein. For the sake of simplicity in this disclosure, this section will only include descriptions of... Figure 18 Referring to the accompanying drawings. In step 1810 (which may be optional), the UE receives input data provided by the host computer. Additionally or alternatively, in step 1820, the UE provides user data. In sub-step 1821 of step 1820 (which may be optional), the UE provides user data by executing a client application. In sub-step 1811 of step 1810 (which may be optional), the UE executes a client application that provides user data in response to the received input data provided by the host computer. In providing user data, the executed client application may further consider user input received from the user. Regardless of the specific method used to provide user data, in sub-step 1830 (which may be optional), the UE initiates the transmission of user data to the host computer. In step 1840 of the method, the host computer receives the user data transmitted from the UE, in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure.

[0696] Figure 19 This is a flowchart illustrating a method implemented in a communication system according to an embodiment. The communication system includes a host computer, a base station, and a UE, which may be referenced... Figure 14 and 15 The host computers, base stations, and UEs described herein. For the sake of simplicity in this disclosure, this section will only include descriptions of... Figure 19Refer to the accompanying drawings. In step 1910 (which may be optional), the base station receives user data from the UE in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure. In step 1920 (which may be optional), the base station initiates a transmission of the received user data to the host computer. In step 1930 (which may be optional), the host computer receives the user data carried in the transmission initiated by the base station.

[0697] Any suitable steps, methods, features, functions, or benefits disclosed herein may be performed by one or more functional units or modules of one or more virtual devices. Each virtual device may include multiple such functional units. These functional units may be implemented via processing circuitry systems and other digital hardware, which may include one or more microprocessors or microcontrollers, and other digital hardware may include digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific digital logic, etc. The processing circuitry systems may be configured to execute program code stored in memory, which may include one or more types of memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), cache memory, flash memory devices, optical storage devices, etc. The program code stored in memory includes program instructions for executing one or more telecommunications and / or data communication protocols and instructions for implementing one or more of the techniques described herein. In some implementations, the processing circuitry systems may be used to cause corresponding functional units to perform corresponding functions according to one or more embodiments of this disclosure.

[0698] For example, Figure 20 The diagram illustrates a virtualized LMF (e.g.) Figure 3 The example implementation of the LMF 20) described herein is a virtual device 200. The virtual device 200 includes a receiving unit 2002 and a transmitting unit 2004 for communicatively coupling the device 20 to one or more other entities, such as a network node 32. The virtual device 200 further includes a configuration unit 2006, for example, for configuring which TRPs will be used to locate the UE, or configuring location reference signals (PRS or SRS) to be used to locate the UE.

[0699] The virtual device 200 further includes a measurement unit 2008, which can be configured to perform positioning measurements for the UE, for example, based on AOA or TOA measurements of radio signals traveling between the UE and one or more TRPs. Furthermore, the virtual device 200 may include a determination unit 2010, which can be configured to determine or assist in determining inter-antenna timing differences in the UE to improve the accuracy of positioning measurements performed relative to the UE.

[0700] As another example, Figure 21 The diagram illustrates a virtualized network node (e.g., in...). Figure 3 The base station 16 described in the article or in Figure 4 and 5 The virtual device 210 is an example implementation of another example network node shown in the figure.

[0701] Virtual device 210 includes a receiving unit 2102 and a transmitting unit 2104 for communicatively coupling device 210 to one or more other entities, such as LMF 20 (via one type of communication circuit system / interface) and UE 12 (via another type of communication circuit system / interface). Virtual device 210 further includes a configuration unit 2106, for example, for configuring the transmission of DLPRS or the reception of UL SRS based on configuration information received from LMF 20.

[0702] The virtual device 210 further includes a measurement unit 2108, which can be configured to perform positioning measurements relative to the UE, for example, based on AOA or TOA measurements of radio signals traveling between the UE and one or more TRPs. Furthermore, the virtual device 210 may include a determination unit 2110, which can be configured to determine or assist in determining inter-antenna timing differences in the UE to improve the accuracy of positioning measurements relative to the UE.

[0703] Figure 22 The illustration shows a wireless device (e.g.) Figure 3 The example implementation of virtual device 220 of UE 12 described in the document.

[0704] Virtual device 220 includes a receiving unit 2202 and a transmitting unit 2204 for communicatively coupling device 220 to one or more other entities, such as one or more TRPs 30, via DL / UL radio signals. Virtual device 220 further includes a configuration unit 2206, for example, for configuring UL SRS transmission or DLPRS reception based on configuration information received from LMF 20.

[0705] The virtual device 220 further includes a measurement unit 2208, which can be configured to perform positioning measurements, for example, based on AOA or TOA measurements of radio signals traveling between the UE and one or more TRPs. Furthermore, the virtual device 220 may include a determination unit 2210, which can be configured to determine or assist in determining inter-antenna timing differences in the UE to improve the accuracy of positioning measurements performed relative to the UE.

[0706] Therefore, in view of the above, the embodiments described herein generally include a communication system comprising a host computer. The host computer may include a processing circuitry configured to provide user data. The host computer may also include a communication interface configured to forward user data to a cellular network for transmission to a user equipment (UE). The cellular network may include a base station having a radio interface and a processing circuitry configured to perform any of the steps in any of the embodiments described above for the base station.

[0707] In some embodiments, the communication system further includes a base station.

[0708] In some embodiments, the communication system further includes a UE, wherein the UE is configured to communicate with a base station.

[0709] In some embodiments, the host computer's processing circuitry is configured to execute a host application, thereby providing user data. In this case, the UE includes processing circuitry configured to execute a client application associated with the host application.

[0710] The embodiments described herein also include methods implemented in a communication system comprising a host computer, a base station, and a user equipment (UE). The methods include providing user data at the host computer. The methods may also include initiating a transmission carrying user data from the host computer to the UE via a cellular network including the base station. The base station performs any of the steps in any of the embodiments described above with respect to the base station.

[0711] In some embodiments, the method further includes transmitting user data at a base station.

[0712] In some embodiments, user data is provided at a host computer by executing a host application. In this case, the method further includes executing a client application associated with the host application at the UE.

[0713] The embodiments described herein also include user equipment (UE) configured to communicate with a base station. The UE includes processing circuitry and a radio interface configured to perform any of the embodiments described above for the UE.

[0714] The embodiments described herein further include a communication system comprising a host computer. The host computer includes processing circuitry configured to provide user data, and a communication interface configured to forward the user data to a cellular network for transmission to a user equipment (UE). The UE includes a radio interface and processing circuitry. Components of the UE are configured to perform any step in any of the steps described above for the UE.

[0715] In some embodiments, the cellular network further includes a base station configured to communicate with the UE.

[0716] In some embodiments, the host computer's processing circuitry is configured to execute a host application, thereby providing user data. The UE's processing circuitry is configured to execute a client application associated with the host application.

[0717] The embodiments also include a method implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a base station, and a user equipment (UE). The method includes: at the host computer, providing user data and initiating a transmission carrying the user data to the UE via a cellular network including the base station. The UE performs any step in any of the embodiments described above for the UE.

[0718] In some embodiments, the method further includes receiving user data from a base station at the UE.

[0719] The embodiments described herein further include a communication system comprising a host computer. The host computer includes a communication interface configured to receive user data originating from transmissions from a user equipment (UE) to a base station. The UE includes a radio interface and a processing circuitry. The UE's processing circuitry is configured to perform any step in any of the steps in any of the embodiments described above for the UE.

[0720] In some embodiments, the communication system further includes a UE.

[0721] In some embodiments, the communication system further includes a base station. In this case, the base station includes a radio interface configured to communicate with the UE and a communication interface configured to forward user data carried by transmissions from the UE to the base station to a host computer.

[0722] In some embodiments, the processing circuitry of the host computer is configured to execute a host application. Furthermore, the processing circuitry of the UE is configured to execute a client application associated with the host application, thereby providing user data.

[0723] In some embodiments, the processing circuitry of the host computer is configured to execute a host application, thereby providing requested data. Furthermore, the processing circuitry of the UE is configured to execute a client application associated with the host application, thereby providing user data in response to the requested data.

[0724] The embodiments described herein also include methods implemented in a communication system comprising a host computer, a base station, and a user equipment (UE). The methods include receiving user data transmitted from the UE to the base station at the host computer. The UE performs any step in any of the embodiments described above for the UE.

[0725] In some embodiments, the method further includes providing user data to the base station at the UE.

[0726] In some embodiments, the method further includes executing a client application at the UE, thereby providing user data to be transmitted. The method may further include executing a host application associated with the client application at a host computer.

[0727] In some embodiments, the method further includes: executing a client application at the UE, and receiving input data from the client application at the UE. The input data is provided at a host computer by executing a host application associated with the client application. In response to the input data, the client application provides user data to be transmitted.

[0728] The embodiments also include a communication system comprising a host computer. The host computer includes a communication interface configured to receive user data originating from transmissions from a user equipment (UE) to a base station. The base station includes a radio interface and a processing circuitry system. The base station's processing circuitry system is configured to perform any step in any of the steps described above for any of the embodiments of the base station.

[0729] In some embodiments, the communication system further includes a base station.

[0730] In some embodiments, the communication system further includes a UE. The UE is configured to communicate with a base station.

[0731] In some embodiments, the host computer's processing circuitry is configured to execute a host application. Furthermore, the user interface (UE) is configured to execute a client application associated with the host application, thereby providing user data to be received by the host computer.

[0732] Furthermore, embodiments include a method implemented in a communication system comprising a host computer, a base station, and a user equipment (UE). The method includes: at the host computer, receiving from the base station user data transmitted to the UE. The UE performs any step in any of the steps in any of the embodiments described above for the UE.

[0733] In some embodiments, the method further includes receiving user data from the UE at the base station.

[0734] In some embodiments, the method further includes, at the base station, initiating the transmission of received user data to a host computer.

[0735] Other examples

[0736] Example 1. A method for taking into account path delay differences within the UE, such as between different antennas of the user equipment (UE), in signal timing measurements of signals transmitted between multiple transmit / receive points (TRPs) of a wireless communication network and the UE for positioning of the UE, the method comprising at least one of: avoiding the introduction of systematic errors caused by internal path delay differences by coordinating (e.g., by signaling notification) which antenna is used at the UE relative to each of the TRPs involved or relative to each of a plurality of radio resources configured for transmitting signals; and taking into account systematic errors in positioning-related calculations on the signal timing measurements.

[0737] Example 2. The method of Example 1, wherein each antenna of the UE is an antenna panel, each antenna panel including an array of antenna elements for transmitting or receiving beamforming, such that different antennas of the UE are different antenna panels, and such that the internal path delay difference is an inter-panel timing difference.

[0738] Example 3. The method of Example 1 or 2, wherein considering systematic errors in location-related calculations includes using a determined value of the internal path delay difference to compensate for signal timing measurements to compensate for arrival time measurements taken across different antennas at the UE.

[0739] Example 4. The method of Example 1 or 2, wherein considering systematic errors in location-related calculations includes using a determined value of the internal path delay difference to compensate for arrival time measurements relative to different antennas at one or more points in the TRP involved.

[0740] Example 5. The method of Example 3 or 4, where the determined value of the internal path delay difference is a pre-configured value stored in the UE.

[0741] Example 6. The method of Example 3 or 4, wherein a determined value of the internal path delay difference is dynamically determined based on signal transmission on a per-antenna basis between the UE and the same TRP involved in the TRP.

[0742] Example 7. A method of any of the examples 3-6, wherein the method includes performing a calibration process to determine a predetermined value for the internal path delay difference.

[0743] Example 8. A method of any of Examples 3-7, wherein one of the antennas is designated as a reference antenna, and wherein the determination of the internal path delay difference includes the relative time difference of each remaining antenna relative to the reference antenna.

[0744] Example 9. A method of any of Examples 3-8, wherein the method is performed in a wireless communication network by one or more of the involved TRPs or a location server associated with a TRP, and wherein the method includes determining the value of the internal path delay difference based on a calibration operation between at least one of the TRPs and the UE, or based on a determined value of the internal path delay difference received by the network via a report from the UE.

[0745] Example 10. The method of Example 1, wherein coordinating which antenna to use at the UE with respect to each of the TRPs involved or with respect to each of the multiple radio resources configured to transmit signals includes, for all the TRPs involved, limiting signal timing measurements to the use of the same antenna among the UE's antennas.

[0746] Example 11. The method of Example 1, wherein considering systematic errors in the positioning-related calculations on signal timing measurements includes using a determined value of the internal path delay difference to compensate for the signal timing measurements.

[0747] Example 12. The method of Example 11, wherein, in order to determine a determined value of the internal path delay difference, the UE performs multiple transmit beam scans according to a network-known configuration, wherein each transmit beam scan involves the transmission of a reference signal from a particular antenna among the antennas as a particular signal among the signals transmitted between the UE and the involved TRP, and the network determines the determined value of the internal path delay difference based on the signal received in the corresponding transmit beam scan.

[0748] Example 13. The method of Example 1, wherein considering systematic errors includes considering systematic errors within the system of equations that depend on the timing of the signal measurement.

[0749] Example 14. The method of Example 1, wherein the method includes exchanging signaling between the UE and the network to indicate which antennas to use relative to each of the TRPs involved and / or relative to a specific radio resource among different radio resources configured for transmitting signals.

[0750] Example 15. The method of Example 1, wherein in the case where the location is based on a downlink (DL) time of arrival (TOA) measurement performed by the UE relative to the TRP involved, the method includes estimating an internal path delay difference based on signals received from the same TRP in the TRP using each of the antennas, and compensating for the estimated internal path delay difference by the original TOA measurement performed by the UE across different antennas, or reporting the original TOA measurement together with the estimated internal path delay difference to the network.

[0751] Example 16. The method of Example 1, wherein in the case where the location is based on an uplink (UL) time of arrival (TOA) measurement performed by the involved TRP relative to the UE, the method includes the network receiving signals from each of the antennas in the antennas depending on at least one of the involved TRPs, and compensating for the TOA measurement using an internal path delay difference reported by the UE or based on an internal path delay difference estimated by the network.

[0752] Example 17. The method of Example 1, wherein in the case where the location is based on an uplink (UL) time of arrival (TOA) measurement performed by the involved TRP relative to the UE, the method includes the network receiving signals from each of the antennas together, depending on the involved TRP, compensating for the TOA measurement using an internal path delay difference reported by the UE or based on an internal path delay difference estimated by the network.

[0753] Example 18. A method of any of Examples 1-16, wherein in cases where signal measurement involves signal reception using different antennas at the UE, the internal path delay difference includes the receiver path delay difference within the UE, and in cases where signal measurement involves signal transmission using different antennas at the UE, the internal path delay difference includes the transmission path delay difference within the UE, and wherein the receiver path delay difference is not necessarily equal to the transmission path delay difference.

[0754] Example 19. A method of any of Examples 1-17, wherein the internal path delay is the receiver (RX) path delay within the UE relative to signal reception, and the internal path delay is the transmitter (TX) path delay within the UE relative to signal transmission.

[0755] Example 20. A user equipment (UE) configured to operate relative to a wireless communication network, the UE comprising: a communication interface circuitry configured to transmit and receive signals according to a radio access technology (RAT) of the wireless communication network; and a processing circuitry operatively associated with the communication interface circuitry and configured to perform at least one of the following: performing signal timing measurements relating to downlink signals received on different antennas of the UE, and compensating the measurements with path delay differences within the UE, such as between different antennas, and reporting the compensated measurements to the network and / or using them at the UE for location-related calculations; performing signal timing measurements relating to downlink signals received on different antennas of the UE, and reporting the measurements to the network for location-related calculations, together with reporting path delay differences within the UE, such as between different antennas, for network-based compensation of the measurements; and transmitting uplink signals from different antennas for use in location-related calculations performed by the network, and reporting transmission path delay differences between the different antennas of the UE.

[0756] Example A1. A method performed by a UE having multiple antennas having path delay differences within the UE between or between different antennas, the method comprising at least one of the following: cooperating with a wireless communication network with respect to: indicating or controlling which antennas or antennas of the UE are used for signal transmission or reception between the UE and multiple transmit / receive points (TRPs) of the network for calculating the UE's location; or performing a calibration process using each of the antennas, the calibration process involving signal transmission between the UE and one of the TRPs for determining the value of the internal path delay difference.

[0757] Example A2. The method of Example A1 further includes: reporting capability information to the network, indicating the UE's ability to cooperate or perform steps.

[0758] Example A3. The method of Example A1 or A2 further includes: performing a signal timing measurement for signals received at the UE from multiple TRPs; and compensating the signal timing measurement with a receive path delay difference within the UE as the internal path delay difference, or reporting the signal timing measurement to the network without compensation, and further reporting the receive path delay difference for use by the network in compensating the signal timing measurement.

[0759] Example AA. The method of any of the foregoing examples further includes: providing user data; and forwarding the user data to a host computer via a transmission to a base station.

[0760] Example B1. A method performed by a network node, the method comprising: cooperating with a user equipment (UE) regarding: instructing or controlling which antennas or antennas of the UE are used for signal transmission or reception between the UE and multiple transmit / receive points (TRPs) of the network for calculating the UE's location; or performing a calibration process using each of the antennas, the calibration process involving signal transmission between the UE and one of the TRPs, for determining the value of the internal path delay difference between or between different antennas of the multiple antennas of the UE involved in the signal transmission.

[0761] Example B2. The method of Example B1 further includes: receiving capability information from the UE, indicating the UE's ability to cooperate or perform steps.

[0762] Example B3. The method of Example B1 or B2 further includes: using a determined value based on the internal path delay difference to compensate for the timing measurement of the signal received from the UE at multiple TRPs.

[0763] Example B4. The method of any of Examples B1-B3 further includes: receiving a determined value of an internal path delay difference from the UE, and using the determined value of the internal path delay difference to compensate for signal timing measurements performed by the UE.

[0764] Example B5. A method from any of Examples B1-B4, where the network node is a radio network node.

[0765] Example BB. The method of any of the foregoing examples further includes: obtaining user data; and forwarding the user data to a host computer or wireless device.

[0766] Example C1. A wireless device configured to perform any step of any of the steps in any of the examples in Group A.

[0767] Example C2. A wireless device including a processing circuitry system configured to perform any step of any of the steps in any of the examples in Group A.

[0768] Example C3. A wireless device comprising: a communication circuit system; and a processing circuit system configured to perform any step of any example from Group A.

[0769] Example C4. A wireless device comprising: a processing circuit system configured to perform any step of any example in Group A examples; and a power supply circuit system configured to supply power to the wireless device.

[0770] Example C5. A wireless device comprising: a processing circuit system and a memory containing instructions executable by the processing circuit system, thereby configuring the wireless device to perform any step of any example in Group A of the examples.

[0771] Example C6. A user equipment (UE) comprising: an antenna configured to transmit and receive radio signals; a radio front-end circuitry system connected to the antenna and a processing circuitry system and configured to modulate signals transmitted between the antenna and the processing circuitry system; a processing circuitry system configured to perform any step of any of the steps in any of the examples in Group A; an input interface connected to the processing circuitry system and configured to allow information to be input into the UE for processing by the processing circuitry system; an output interface connected to the processing circuitry system and configured to output information already processed by the processing circuitry system from the UE; and a battery connected to the processing circuitry system and configured to supply power to the UE.

[0772] Example C7. A computer program comprising instructions that, when executed by at least one processor of a wireless device, cause the wireless device to perform the steps of any of the examples in Group A.

[0773] Example C8. A carrier containing a computer program of Example C7, wherein the carrier is one of an electronic signal, an optical signal, a radio signal, or a computer-readable storage medium.

[0774] Example C9. A network node configured to perform any step of any of the steps in any of the examples in Group B.

[0775] Example C10. A network node including a processing circuit system configured to perform any step of any example from Group B.

[0776] Example C11. A network node comprising: a communication circuit system; and a processing circuit system configured to perform any step of any example from Group B.

[0777] Example C12. A network node comprising: a processing circuit system configured to perform any step of any example in any of the examples in Group B; and a power supply circuit system configured to supply power to the radio network node.

[0778] Example C13. A network node comprising: a processing circuit system and a memory containing instructions executable by the processing circuit system, wherein the radio network node is configured to perform any step of any of the examples in Group B.

[0779] Example C14. A network node in any of the examples C9-C13, where the network node is a base station or other radio network node.

[0780] Example C15. A computer program comprising instructions that, when executed by at least one processor of a network node, cause the network node to perform the steps of any of the examples in Group B.

[0781] Example C16. A computer program of Example C14, where the network node is a base station or other radio network node.

[0782] Example C17. A carrier containing a computer program of any of the examples C15-C16, wherein the carrier is one of an electronic signal, an optical signal, a radio signal, or a computer-readable storage medium.

[0783] Example D1. A communication system including a host computer, the host computer comprising: a processing circuitry configured to provide user data; and a communication interface configured to forward the user data to a cellular network for transmission to a user equipment (UE), wherein the cellular network includes network nodes having processing circuitry configured to perform any step of any of the steps in any of the examples in Group B.

[0784] Example D2. The communication system of the aforementioned example further includes network nodes.

[0785] Example D3. The communication system of the two examples above further includes a UE, wherein the UE is configured to communicate with a network node.

[0786] Example D4. The communication system of the three examples above, wherein: the processing circuitry of the host computer is configured to execute a host application, thereby providing user data; and the UE includes a processing circuitry configured to execute a client application associated with the host application.

[0787] Example D5. A method implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a network node, and a user equipment (UE), the method comprising: providing user data at the host computer; and initiating a transmission carrying the user data from the host computer to the UE via a cellular network including the network node, wherein the network node performs any step of any example in Group B.

[0788] Example D6. The method of the foregoing example further includes: transmitting user data at a network node.

[0789] Example D7. The methods of the two examples above, wherein: user data is provided at the host computer by executing a host application, the method further includes executing a client application associated with the host application at the UE.

[0790] Example D8. A user equipment (UE) configured to communicate with a network node, the UE including a radio interface and a processing circuitry configured to perform any of the examples in the preceding three examples.

[0791] Example D9. A communication system including a host computer, the host computer comprising: a processing circuitry configured to provide user data; and a communication interface configured to forward the user data to a cellular network for transmission to a user equipment (UE), wherein the UE includes a radio interface and the processing circuitry, and components of the UE are configured to perform any step of any of the steps in any of the examples in Group A.

[0792] Example D10. The communication system of the foregoing example, wherein the cellular network further includes network nodes configured to communicate with the UE.

[0793] Example D11. The communication system of the two examples above, wherein: the processing circuitry of the host computer is configured to execute a host application, thereby providing user data; and the processing circuitry of the UE is configured to execute a client application associated with the host application.

[0794] Example D12. A method implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a network node, and a user equipment (UE), the method comprising: providing user data at the host computer; and initiating a transmission carrying the user data from the host computer to the U via a cellular network including the network node, wherein the UE performs any step of any example in Group A of the examples.

[0795] Example D13. The method of the foregoing example further includes: receiving user data from a network node at the UE.

[0796] Example D14. A communication system including a host computer, the host computer comprising: a communication interface configured to receive user data originating from transmissions from a user equipment (UE) to a network node, wherein the UE includes a radio interface and a processing circuitry system configured to perform any step of any of the steps in any of the examples in Group A.

[0797] Example D15. The communication system of the aforementioned example further includes a UE.

[0798] Example D16. The communication system of the preceding two examples further includes a network node, wherein the network node is a base station, the base station including a radio interface configured to communicate with the UE and a communication interface configured to forward user data carried by transmissions from the UE to the network node to a host computer.

[0799] Example D17. The communication system of the three examples above, wherein: the processing circuitry of the host computer is configured to execute a host application; and the processing circuitry of the UE is configured to execute a client application associated with the host application, thereby providing user data.

[0800] Example D18. The communication system of the four examples above, wherein: the processing circuitry of the host computer is configured to execute a host application, thereby providing requested data; and the processing circuitry of the UE is configured to execute a client application associated with the host application, thereby providing user data in response to the requested data.

[0801] Example D19. A method implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a network node, and a user equipment (UE), the method comprising: at the host computer, receiving user data transmitted from the UE to the network node, wherein the UE performs any step of any example in any of the examples in Group A.

[0802] Example D20. The method of the foregoing example further includes: providing user data to the network node at the UE.

[0803] Example D21. The methods of the two examples above further include: at the UE, executing a client application, thereby providing user data to be transmitted; and at the host computer, executing a host application associated with the client application.

[0804] Example D22. The methods of the three examples above further include: at the UE, executing a client application; and at the UE, receiving input data from the client application, the input data being provided at the host computer by executing a host application associated with the client application, wherein user data to be transmitted is provided by the client application in response to the input data.

[0805] Example D23. A communication system including a host computer, the host computer including a communication interface configured to receive user data originating from transmissions from a user equipment (UE) to a network node, wherein the network node includes a processing circuitry configured to perform any step of any of the steps in any of the examples in Group B.

[0806] Example D24. The communication system of the aforementioned example further includes network nodes.

[0807] Example D25. The communication system of the two examples above further includes a UE, wherein the UE is configured to communicate with a network node.

[0808] Example D26. The communication system of the three examples above, wherein: the processing circuitry of the host computer is configured to execute a host application; and the UE is configured to execute a client application associated with the host application, thereby providing user data to be received by the host computer.

[0809] Example D27. A method implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a network node, and a user equipment (UE), the method comprising: at the host computer, receiving from the network node transmitted user data that the network node has already received from the UE, wherein the UE performs any step of any of the steps in any of the examples in Group A.

[0810] Example D28. The method of the foregoing example further includes: receiving user data from the UE at a network node.

[0811] Example D29. The methods of the two examples above further include: at the network node, initiating the transmission of received user data to the host computer.

[0812] The method of any example in the D30.D group of examples, wherein the network node is a location server or base station that operates or is associated with as a transmit / receive point (TRP) for exchanging signals with the UE.

[0813] Generally, all terms used herein shall be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the relevant art, unless a different meaning is explicitly given and / or implied from the context in which they are used. Unless otherwise expressly stated, all references to an element, device, component, part, step, etc., shall be interpreted openly as referring to at least one instance of that element, device, component, part, step, etc. Unless a step is explicitly described as following or preceding another step, and / or it is implied that a step must follow or precede another step, the steps of any method disclosed herein need not be performed in the exact order disclosed. Where appropriate, any feature of any embodiment of the embodiments disclosed herein may be applied to any other embodiment. Similarly, any advantage of any embodiment of the embodiments may be applied to any other embodiment, and vice versa. Other objects, features, and advantages of the appended embodiments will become apparent from this description.

[0814] The term “unit” may have the conventional meaning in the fields of electronics, electrical devices and / or electronic devices, and may include, for example, electrical and / or electronic circuit systems, devices, modules, processors, memories, logic solid-state and / or discrete devices, computer programs or instructions for performing corresponding tasks, processes, calculations, outputs and / or display functions, such as those described herein.

[0815] As used herein, the term "A and / or B" covers embodiments having only A, only B, or both A and B together. Therefore, the term "A and / or B" may be equivalently meant as "at least one of any one or more of A and B".

[0816] Some embodiments of the ideas contemplated herein are described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, other embodiments are included within the scope of the subject matter disclosed herein. The disclosed subject matter should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided as examples to convey the scope of the subject matter to those skilled in the art.

[0817] It is worth noting that, with the help of the teachings given in the foregoing description and the associated drawings, those skilled in the art will conceive of modifications and other embodiments of the disclosed invention(s). Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention(s) is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure. Although specific terms may be used herein, they are used only in a general and descriptive sense and are not intended to be limiting.

Claims

1. A method (1100) performed by a wireless device (12), the method (1100) comprising: Perform (1102) uplink positioning reference signal transmission or downlink positioning reference signal measurement for positioning of the wireless device (12); as well as For the positioning of the wireless device (12), the network node (20) transmits (1104) information, which indicates the association between the uplink positioning reference signal transmission or downlink positioning reference signal measurement and the corresponding timing group of the wireless device (12), each timing group representing the relevant set of transmission or reception timing errors within the wireless device (12).

2. The method (1100) of claim 1, wherein, Each relevant set of transmission or reception timing errors is based on the difference between the transmission or reception timing errors and the relative timing errors that are less than the maximum value.

3. The method (1100) of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The transmission or reception timing error within the wireless device (12) is related to the path delay or timing reference difference between multiple transmitter or receiver branches within the wireless device (12).

4. The method (1100) of any of claims 1-3, wherein, Uplink positioning reference signal transmission or downlink positioning reference signal measurement involving different antennas (88) have different timing group associations.

5. The method (1100) of any of claims 1-4, wherein, Uplink positioning reference signal transmissions or downlink positioning reference signal measurements involving the same antenna (88) have the same timing group association.

6. The method (1100) of any of claims 1-5, wherein, Performing the uplink positioning reference signal transmission or downlink positioning reference signal measurement includes measuring the arrival time of downlink positioning reference signals from two or more transmission points of a wireless communication network associated with the network node, wherein the wireless device transmits a time difference of arrival (TDOA) report containing the reference signal time difference (RSTD) measurement of the corresponding pairs of the two or more transmission points.

7. The method (1100) of claim 6, wherein, Transmitting the information includes including it in the TDOA report, the information indicating a timing group association for determining the arrival time of the RSTD measurement.

8. The method (1100) of any of claims 1-5, wherein, Performing the uplink positioning reference signal transmission or downlink positioning reference signal measurement includes determining the received / transmitted RX / TX time difference, wherein the information indicates the timing group association of the RX / TX time difference.

9. The method (1100) of any of claims 1-5, wherein, Performing the uplink positioning reference signal transmission or downlink positioning reference signal measurement includes performing an uplink sounding reference signal (SRS) transmission, wherein the information indicates a timing error group association of the uplink SRS transmission.

10. The method (1100) of claim 9, wherein, Performing the uplink SRS transmission includes transmitting on the corresponding SRS resource, wherein the information indicates the timing group association of the corresponding SRS resource.

11. The method (1100) of any of claims 1-5, wherein, Performing the uplink positioning reference signal transmission or downlink positioning reference signal measurement includes performing a downlink time difference of arrival (TDOA) measurement on a downlink positioning reference signal received at the wireless device (12) and transmitting an uplink positioning reference signal from the wireless device (12), wherein the information indicates the timing group association of the downlink TDOA measurement and indicates the timing group association of the uplink positioning reference signal.

12. The method (1100) of any of claims 1-11, wherein, The wireless device (12) has multiple antenna panels, each antenna panel including an array of antenna elements for transmitting or receiving beamforming, and each antenna panel corresponds to a different timing group.

13. A wireless device (12), comprising: Communication interface circuit system (80); as well as Processing circuitry (90), the processing circuitry (90) being configured to use the communication interface circuitry (80) to: Perform uplink positioning reference signal transmission or downlink positioning reference signal measurement for positioning of the wireless device (12); and For the positioning of the wireless device (12), information is transmitted to the network node (20) involved, the information indicating the association between the uplink positioning reference signal transmission or downlink positioning reference signal measurement and the corresponding timing group of the wireless device (12), each timing group representing the relevant set of transmission or reception timing errors within the wireless device (12).

14. The wireless device (12) of claim 13 is further configured to perform any one of the methods of claims 2 to 12.

15. A method (1200) performed by a network node, the method (1200) comprising: Receive (1202) information transmitted by the wireless device (12), wherein the information indicates the association between the uplink positioning reference signal transmission or downlink positioning reference signal measurement performed by the wireless device (12) and the corresponding timing group of the wireless device (12), wherein each timing group represents a related set of transmission or reception timing errors within the wireless device (12).

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising: When performing a positioning calculation based on the uplink positioning reference signal transmission or downlink positioning reference signal measurement performed by the wireless device (12), different timing group associations are considered (1204).

17. The method of claim 15 or 16, wherein, The wireless device (12) has multiple antenna panels, each antenna panel including an array of antenna elements for transmitting or receiving beamforming, and each antenna panel corresponds to a different timing group.

18. The method according to any one of claims 15-17, wherein, If the relative difference between multiple timing errors does not exceed a certain maximum value, then the multiple timing errors, such as the timing error caused by path delay within the wireless device (12), are related.

19. The method of any one of claims 15-18, wherein, The wireless device (12) includes a corresponding chain of multiple receivers or transmitters associated with each of the multiple antennas (88) of the wireless device (12).

20. The method of any one of claims 15-19, wherein, One or more unique timing errors are common to each of such corresponding plurality of receivers or transmitter chains—or within a range of the definition of relative difference, such that the timing errors of each corresponding plurality of receivers or transmitter chains can be considered to form or belong to the corresponding timing group.

21. The method of any one of claims 15-20, wherein, The method is executed by the location management function.

22. A system comprising: Wireless device (12), the wireless device (12) comprising: Communication interface circuit system (80); and Processing circuitry (90), the processing circuitry (90) being configured to use the communication interface circuitry (80) to: Perform uplink positioning reference signal transmission or downlink positioning reference signal measurement for positioning of the wireless device (12); and For the positioning of the wireless device (12), information is transmitted to the network node (20) involved, the information indicating the association between the uplink positioning reference signal transmission or downlink positioning reference signal measurement and the corresponding timing group of the wireless device (12), each timing group representing a related set of transmission or reception timing errors within the wireless device (12); and The network node (20) includes: A communication interface circuit system (40) configured to receive the information transmitted by the wireless device (12); and The processing circuitry (46) is configured to consider different timing group associations when performing positioning calculations based on the uplink positioning reference signal transmission or downlink positioning reference signal measurement performed by the wireless device (12).

23. The system of claim 22 is further configured to perform any one of the methods of claims 2 to 12 or claims 16 to 21.

24. A computer program product comprising computer program instructions, said instructions, when executed by one or more processors, configuring said one or more processors to perform any of the methods of claims 1 to 12 or 16 to 21.

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