Positioning techniques using positioning reference signaling

Abstract

In some implementations, a wireless communication method includes transmitting an indication from an initiator of a Positioning Reference Signal (PRS) group to other members of the PRS group for access to a wireless channel used for the PRS group. The method further includes broadcasting a first PRS via each of a plurality of antenna beams. The initiator's antenna array is configured to communicate via the plurality of antenna beams. Other aspects and features are also claimed and described.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 345,183, filed June 11, 2021, entitled "POSITIONING TECHNIQUES USING POSITIONING REFERENCE SIGNALING", and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 047,211, filed July 1, 2020, entitled "POSITIONING TECHNIQUES USING POSITIONING REFERENCE SIGNALING", both of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The various aspects of this disclosure generally relate to wireless communication systems, and more particularly to positioning techniques using positioning reference signaling or other similar signaling.

[0004] introduction

[0005] Wireless communication networks are widely deployed to provide various communication services, such as voice, video, packet data, message sending and receiving, broadcasting, and so on. These wireless networks can be multiple access networks capable of supporting multiple users by sharing available network resources. Such networks can be multiple access networks that support communication for multiple users by sharing available network resources.

[0006] A wireless communication network may include several components. These components may include wireless communication devices, such as a base station (or node B) that can support communication for several user equipments (UEs). UEs may communicate with the base station via downlinks and uplinks. A downlink (or forward link) refers to the communication link from the base station to the UE, while an uplink (or reverse link) refers to the communication link from the UE to the base station.

[0007] The base station can transmit data and control information to the UE on the downlink, or receive data and control information from the UE on the uplink. On the downlink, transmissions from the base station may encounter interference from neighboring base stations or other radio frequency (RF) transmitters. On the uplink, transmissions from the UE may encounter interference from uplink transmissions from other UEs communicating with neighboring base stations or from other RF transmitters. This interference can degrade the performance of both the downlink and uplink.

[0008] As the demand for mobile broadband access continues to grow, and more user devices (UEs) are accessing long-range wireless communication networks and more short-range wireless systems are being deployed in communities, the likelihood of network interference and congestion is increasing. Research and development are continuously advancing wireless technologies to not only meet the growing demand for mobile broadband access but also to enhance and improve the user experience of mobile communications.

[0009] A growing area of ​​technology is wireless communication network access for vehicles. For example, a UE can be integrated into a vehicle (or a component thereof) (such as a “smart car”) to support vehicle functionality, such as autonomous driving, navigation assistance, and remote device control. To enable location services in a vehicle that may be in motion, the vehicle can exchange one or more wireless signals (e.g., a positioning reference signal (PRS)) with nearby wireless devices (such as, for example, roadside units (RSUs)). With advancements in wireless communication networks, many are configured for communication in the millimeter-wave (mmWave) spectrum. Due to the differences between the millimeter-wave spectrum and lower frequencies, conventional positioning techniques (e.g., for vehicles) may be less successful when performing signaling in the millimeter-wave spectrum.

[0010] Overview

[0011] The following outlines some aspects of this disclosure to provide a basic understanding of the techniques discussed. This overview is not an exhaustive summary of all conceived features of this disclosure, and is neither intended to identify all key or decisive elements of all aspects of this disclosure, nor to define the scope of any or all aspects of this disclosure. Its sole purpose is to provide, in an overview form, some concepts of one or more aspects of this disclosure as a prelude to the more detailed description that follows.

[0012] In one aspect of this disclosure, a method of wireless communication includes: transmitting from an initiator of a Position Reference Signal (PRS) group an indication of access to a wireless channel for the PRS group to other members of the PRS group. The method further includes: broadcasting a first PRS via each of a plurality of antenna beams. The initiator's antenna array is configured to communicate via the plurality of antenna beams.

[0013] In an additional aspect of this disclosure, an apparatus configured for wireless communication is disclosed. The apparatus includes at least one processor and a memory coupled to the at least one processor. The at least one processor is configured to transmit, from the initiator of a Position Reference Signal (PRS) group, an indication of access to a wireless channel for the PRS group to other members of the PRS group. The at least one processor is further configured to broadcast a first PRS via each of a plurality of antenna beams. The initiator's antenna array is configured to communicate via the plurality of antenna beams.

[0014] In an additional aspect of this disclosure, an apparatus configured for wireless communication is disclosed. The apparatus includes means for transmitting an indication from an initiator of a Position Reference Signal (PRS) group to other members of the PRS group for access to a wireless channel for the PRS group. The apparatus further includes means for broadcasting a first PRS via each of a plurality of antenna beams. The initiator's antenna array is configured to communicate via the plurality of antenna beams.

[0015] In an additional aspect of this disclosure, a non-transient computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform operations. These operations include transmitting an indication from the initiator of a Position Reference Signal (PRS) group to other members of the PRS group for access to a wireless channel used for the PRS group. These operations further include broadcasting a first PRS via each of a plurality of antenna beams. The initiator's antenna array is configured to communicate via the plurality of antenna beams.

[0016] In an additional aspect of this disclosure, a wireless communication method includes: receiving, at a responder of a Position Reference Signal (PRS) group, an indication from an initiator of the PRS group for access to a wireless channel used for the PRS group. The method further includes: receiving a broadcast of a first PRS from the initiator. The method includes: determining whether any other member of the PRS group has been scheduled to broadcast a PRS prior to the responder. The method further includes, based on the determination that no other member of the PRS group has been scheduled to broadcast prior to the responder, broadcasting a second PRS via each of one or more antenna beams. The responder's antenna array is configured to communicate via the one or more antenna beams.

[0017] In an additional aspect of this disclosure, an apparatus configured for wireless communication is disclosed. The apparatus includes at least one processor and a memory coupled to the at least one processor. The at least one processor is configured to: receive, at a responder of a Position Reference Signal (PRS) group, an indication from the initiator of the PRS group for access to a wireless channel for the PRS group. The at least one processor is also configured to receive a broadcast of a first PRS from the initiator. The at least one processor is configured to: determine whether any other member of the PRS group has been scheduled to broadcast a PRS prior to the responder; and the at least one processor is further configured to: broadcast a second PRS via each of one or more antenna beams based on the determination that no other member of the PRS group has been scheduled to broadcast prior to the responder. The responder's antenna array is configured to communicate via the one or more antenna beams.

[0018] In an additional aspect of this disclosure, an apparatus configured for wireless communication is disclosed. The apparatus includes: means for receiving, at a responder of a Position Reference Signal (PRS) group, an indication of access to a wireless channel for the PRS group from the initiator of the PRS group. The apparatus further includes: means for receiving a broadcast of a first PRS from the initiator. The apparatus includes: means for determining whether any other member of the PRS group has been scheduled to broadcast a PRS prior to the responder. The apparatus further includes means for broadcasting a second PRS via each of one or more antenna beams based on the determination that no other member of the PRS group has been scheduled to broadcast prior to the responder. The responder's antenna array is configured to communicate via the one or more antenna beams.

[0019] In an additional aspect of this disclosure, a non-transient computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform operations. These operations include: receiving, at a responder of a Position Reference Signal (PRS) group, an indication from the initiator of the PRS group for access to a wireless channel used for the PRS group. These operations also include receiving a broadcast of a first PRS from the initiator. These operations include determining whether any other member of the PRS group has been scheduled to broadcast a PRS prior to the responder. These operations further include broadcasting a second PRS via each of one or more antenna beams based on the determination that no other member of the PRS group has been scheduled to broadcast prior to the responder. The responder's antenna array is configured to communicate via the one or more antenna beams.

[0020] The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the examples according to this disclosure in an effort to facilitate a better understanding of the following detailed description. Additional features and advantages will be described thereafter. The disclosed concepts and specific examples can be readily used as the basis for modifying or designing other structures for implementing the same purposes as this disclosure. Such equivalent constructions do not depart from the scope of the appended claims. The characteristics of the concepts disclosed herein, in both their organization and manner of operation, and their associated advantages, will be better understood by considering the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Each drawing is provided for illustrative and descriptive purposes and not for defining limitations on the claims.

[0021] While aspects and implementations are described herein by way of example, those skilled in the art will understand that additional implementations and use cases may arise in many different arrangements and scenarios. The innovations described herein can be implemented across many different platform types, devices, systems, shapes, sizes, and package arrangements. For example, aspects and / or devices may be implemented via integrated chip implementations and other non-modular components (e.g., end-user devices, vehicles, communication devices, computing devices, industrial equipment, retail devices, shopping devices, medical devices, AI-enabled devices, etc.). While some examples may or may not be specific to particular use cases or applications, broad applicability of the described innovations is possible. The scope of implementations can range from chip-level or modular components to non-modular, non-chip-level implementations, and further to aggregated, distributed, or original equipment manufacturer (OEM) devices or systems incorporating one or more aspects of the described innovations. In some practical contexts, devices incorporating the described aspects and features may also necessarily include additional components and features for implementing and practicing the claimed and described aspects. For example, the transmission and reception of wireless signals requires several components for analog and digital purposes (e.g., hardware components including antennas, radio frequency (RF) chains, power amplifiers, modulators, buffers, processors, interleavers, adders, summers, etc.). The innovations described herein are intended to be implemented in a wide variety of devices, chip-level components, systems, distributed arrangements, end-user devices, etc., of various sizes, shapes, and configurations. Brief description of the attached diagram

[0023] A further understanding of the nature and advantages of this disclosure can be obtained by referring to the following figures. In the figures, similar components or features may have the same reference numerals. Furthermore, components of the same type may be distinguished by a dash following the reference numeral and a second reference numeral used to differentiate between similar components. If only the first reference numeral is used in the description, the description may be applied to any of the similar components having the same first reference numeral regardless of the second reference numeral.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating details of an example of a wireless communication system according to some aspects of this disclosure.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a block diagram that conceptually illustrates an example design of a base station and a UE configured according to some aspects of this disclosure.

[0026] Figure 3 This includes several illustrations illustrating a first example of using a Positioning Reference Signal (PRS) scheme to determine the location of a vehicle according to some aspects of this disclosure.

[0027] Figure 4 This includes a trapezoidal diagram illustrating a second example of using the PRS scheme to determine the location of a vehicle according to some aspects of this disclosure.

[0028] Figure 5 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of a system for determining the location of a vehicle using PRS transmitted in the millimeter-wave band, according to some aspects of this disclosure.

[0029] Figure 6 This includes several diagrams illustrating examples of broadcasting PRS via different antenna beams according to some aspects of this disclosure.

[0030] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for sequentially broadcasting PRS via multiple antenna beams of a roadside unit (RSU) according to some aspects of this disclosure.

[0031] Figure 8 This is a block diagram of an example of an RSU configured to sequentially broadcast PRS via multiple antenna beams, according to some aspects of this disclosure.

[0032] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for sequentially broadcasting PRS via multiple antenna beams of a UE, according to some aspects of this disclosure.

[0033] Figure 10 This is a block diagram of an example of a UE configured to sequentially broadcast PRS via multiple antenna beams, according to some aspects of this disclosure.

[0034] Detailed description

[0035] The detailed description that follows, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, is intended to describe various configurations and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Rather, this detailed description includes specific details to provide a thorough understanding of the subject matter of the invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these specific details are not required in every situation, and in some instances, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form for clarity of expression.

[0036] The electromagnetic spectrum is typically subdivided into various classes, bands, channels, etc., based on frequency / wavelength. In fifth-generation (5G) New Radio (NR), two initial operating bands have been designated as frequency ranges FR1 (410MHz–7.125GHz) and FR2 (24.25GHz–52.6GHz). The frequencies between FR1 and FR2 are generally referred to as intermediate frequency (IF) bands. Although a portion of FR1 is greater than 6GHz, in various documents and articles, FR1 is generally (interchangeably) referred to as the “sub-6GHz band.” Similar naming issues sometimes arise with FR2, although it differs from the extremely high frequency (EHF) band (30GHz–300GHz) designated as a “millimeter wave” band or spectrum by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), FR2 is generally (interchangeably) referred to as the millimeter wave band in various documents and articles. Taking all of the above into account, unless specifically stated otherwise, it should be understood that, if used herein, the term “sub-6GHz”, etc., can broadly refer to frequencies that are less than 6GHz, within FR1, or may include IF band frequencies. Furthermore, unless otherwise stated, it should be understood that, if used herein, the term “millimeter wave” and the like may broadly refer to frequencies that may include mid-band frequencies, frequencies within FR2, or frequencies within the EHF band.

[0037] This disclosure provides systems, apparatus, methods, and computer-readable media for supporting positioning based on a Positioning Reference Signal (PRS) using directional communication beams. For example, this disclosure describes designs for PRS-based positioning processes (including group formation, Listen-Before-Broadcast (LBT) sequencing, and PRS broadcast sequencing and timing) that can be performed by devices communicating using directional communication beams (as opposed to omnidirectional communication beams). For example, the techniques of this disclosure can support PRS-based positioning for vehicles configured to communicate wirelessly in the sub-6 GHz spectrum, millimeter-wave (mmWave) spectrum (e.g., at frequencies greater than 30 gigahertz (GHz), such as between 30–300 GHz), or both.

[0038] To illustrate, in one example implementation, one or more vehicles (e.g., user equipment (UE) integrated within each vehicle or its components) and one or more roadside units (RSUs) can form a PRS group based on geographical proximity. One member of the group can be designated as an initiator, or can assume the role of an initiator by forming the PRS group. Other group members are designated as responders. As further described herein, roles within the PRS group can be assigned in various ways, such as through higher-level signaling, based on the fixed location of the respective device, based on the accuracy of the determined or estimated location of the respective device, or based on other characteristics. The initiator can execute LBT procedures to gain access to the wireless communication channel used for the PRS group and can indicate channel access to other members of the group. Responder devices can each transmit the number of antenna beams (e.g., directional antenna beams) supported at the respective responder device, and the initiator can determine the PRS broadcast sequence and Channel Occupancy Time (CoT) of the PRS group. The PRS broadcast sequence can indicate the order (e.g., sequence) in which members of a PRS group are scheduled to broadcast the corresponding PRS, and the CoT can be based on the total number of antenna beams supported by the PRS group. The initiator can transmit the PRS broadcast sequence, the CoT, and the number of antenna beams supported by each member of the PRS group to other members of the PRS group.

[0039] An RSU within a PRS group can receive indicators for channel access and other PRS group information, and broadcasts a first PRS based on being identified as the first in the PRS broadcast sequence via each of a plurality of antenna beams supported by the RSU (e.g., the RSU includes an antenna array configured to communicate via multiple antenna beams). In some implementations, the RSU can broadcast the first PRS sequentially via each of the plurality of antenna beams. For example, the RSU can broadcast the first PRS via a first antenna beam, then broadcast (e.g., replay) the first PRS via a second antenna beam, and then sequentially broadcast the first PRS via each of the remaining antenna beams. The RSU can be configured to broadcast the first PRS via each of the antenna beams using the same sequence but different cyclic shifts, such that the receiving device can identify which broadcast (or replay) of the first PRS was received based on the cyclic shift of the received broadcast. As used herein, a broadcast can be directed to transmit signals or information to all wireless communication devices within a particular communication range or broadcast group (such as a PRS group), and a transmission can be directed to transmit signals or information to a specific wireless communication device or a particular plurality of wireless communication devices.

[0040] Each vehicle (e.g., each UE) and any other RSU in the PRS group can subsequently broadcast the corresponding PRS sequentially via one or more antenna beams based on the order associated with the vehicle in the PRS broadcast sequence. For example, a vehicle (e.g., a UE) can receive an indication of channel availability and additional channel information from the initiator, and subsequently receive a broadcast of the first PRS from the RSU. A vehicle can wait until it is determined that no other member of the PRS group has been scheduled to broadcast a PRS before it. For example, a vehicle can determine whether the most recently received PRS broadcast (e.g., the broadcast of the first PRS) was received from a PRS group member immediately preceding it in the PRS broadcast sequence, and if so, determine that the PRS group member has completed its PRS broadcast based on the cyclic shift associated with the most recently received PRS broadcast and the number of antenna beams associated with that PRS group member. After such determination, the vehicle can sequentially broadcast a second PRS via one or more antenna beams supported by the vehicle's antenna array. The remaining PRS group members can similarly broadcast their respective PRS sequentially via one or more corresponding antenna beams. Although the RSU in this example is described as the first in the PRS broadcast sequence, in other implementations, the vehicle can be the first in the PRS broadcast sequence, such as when the PRS group is formed without any RSUs.

[0041] After all members of the PRS group have completed their PRS broadcasts, timing data can be exchanged between the RSU and the vehicles to estimate the vehicles' location. In some implementations, the RSU can receive timing information from the vehicles, estimate the vehicles' location based on this timing information and the timing measured at the RSU, and transmit the estimated location to the vehicles. In other implementations, the vehicles can receive timing information from the RSU, and estimate their relative location based on this timing information and the timing measured at the vehicles. The RSU (or the vehicles) can provide timing information for each broadcast of the corresponding PRS so that the vehicles (or RSUs) can estimate their location based on accurate timing information.

[0042] Specific implementations of the subject matter described herein can be achieved to attain one or more of the following potential advantages. In some aspects, this disclosure provides techniques for supporting PRS-based positioning using directional communication beams. For example, devices can be grouped into PRS groups and can sequentially broadcast corresponding PRSs via one or more antenna beams supported by the respective devices in turn. After all scheduled PRS broadcasts are completed, the devices can exchange timing information indicating the timing of each broadcast of the corresponding PRS, which enables positioning estimation based on accurate timing information. In this way, PRS penetration or coverage problems due to beam directivity are compensated by the techniques disclosed herein. Therefore, the disclosed techniques can enable PRS-based positioning using vehicles configured to communicate in the millimeter-wave spectrum.

[0043] This disclosure generally relates to providing or participating in licensed shared access between two or more wireless devices in one or more wireless communication systems (also referred to as wireless communication networks). In various implementations, technologies and apparatus can be used in wireless communication networks such as Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) networks, Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) networks, Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA) networks, Orthogonal FDMA (OFDMA) networks, Single Carrier FDMA (SC-FDMA) networks, LTE networks, GSM networks, fifth-generation (5G) or new radio (NR) networks (sometimes referred to as “5G NR” networks, systems, or devices), and other communication networks. As described herein, the terms “network” and “system” can be used interchangeably.

[0044] CDMA networks can implement radio technologies such as Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (UTRA) and CDMA2000. UTRA includes Wideband CDMA (W-CDMA) and Low Chip Rate (LCR). CDMA2000 covers the IS-2000, IS-95, and IS-856 standards.

[0045] TDMA networks can implement radio technologies such as the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM). The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) defines the standard for the Radio Access Network (RAN) (also referred to as GERAN) for GSM EDGE (Enhanced Data Rate GSM Evolution). GERAN is the radio component of GSM / EDGE along with the network that connects base stations (e.g., Ater and Abis interfaces) to base station controllers (A interface, etc.). The radio access network represents the component of the GSM network through which telephone calls and packet data are routed from the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and the Internet to the subscriber's handset (also called the user terminal or user equipment (UE)) and from the subscriber's handset to the PSTN and the Internet. A mobile phone operator's network may include one or more GERANs, which, in the case of UMTS / GSM networks, may be coupled to the Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN). Additionally, the operator's network may also include one or more LTE networks, or one or more other networks. Different network types may use different Radio Access Technologies (RATs) and Radio Access Networks (RANs).

[0046] OFDMA networks can implement radio technologies such as Evolved UTRA (E-UTRA), IEEE 802.11, IEEE 802.16, IEEE 802.20, and flash-OFDM. UTRA, E-UTRA, and GSM are part of the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS). Specifically, LTE is a UMTS version using E-UTRA. UTRA, E-UTRA, GSM, UMTS, and LTE are described in documents from an organization called the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), while cdma2000 is described in documents from an organization called 3rd Generation Partnership Project 2 (3GPP2). These various radio technologies and standards are known or under development. For example, 3GPP is a collaboration between various telecommunications association groups that aims to define globally applicable third-generation (3G) mobile phone specifications. 3GPP LTE is a 3GPP project aimed at improving the UMTS mobile phone standard. 3GPP defines specifications for next-generation mobile networks, mobile systems, and mobile devices. This disclosure may refer to LTE, 4G, 5G, or NR technologies to describe certain aspects; however, the description is not intended to be limited to any particular technology or application, and one or more aspects described with reference to one technology may be understood to be applicable to another technology. Additionally, one or more aspects of this disclosure may relate to shared access to radio spectrum between networks using different radio access technologies or radio air interfaces.

[0047] 5G networks envision a variety of deployments, spectrums, services, and devices that can be implemented using a unified OFDM-based air interface. To achieve these goals, in addition to developing new radio technologies for 5G NR networks, further enhancements to LTE and LTE-A are also considered. 5G NR will be able to scale to provide coverage for: (1) ultra-high density (e.g., approximately 1 M nodes / km) 2 (1) A massive Internet of Things (IoT) with ultra-low complexity (e.g., approximately tens of bits per second), ultra-low energy consumption (e.g., approximately 10+ years of battery life), and deep coverage capable of reaching challenging locations; (2) A massive Internet of Things (IoT) with robust security (to protect sensitive personal, financial, or confidential information), ultra-high reliability (e.g., approximately 99.9999% reliability), ultra-low latency (e.g., approximately 1 millisecond (ms)), and mission-critical control for users with a wide range of mobility or lack of mobility; and (3) Enhanced mobile broadband, including extremely high capacity (e.g., approximately 10 Tbps / km). 2 Extreme data rates (e.g., multi-Gbps rates, 100+Mbps user experience rates), and deep insights with advanced discovery and optimization.

[0048] Devices, networks, and systems can be configured to communicate via one or more portions of the electromagnetic spectrum. The electromagnetic spectrum is typically subdivided into classes, bands, channels, etc., based on frequency or wavelength. In 5G NR, two initial operating bands have been designated as frequency ranges FR1 (410MHz–7.125GHz) and FR2 (24.25GHz–52.6GHz). The frequencies between FR1 and FR2 are generally referred to as the mid-band frequencies. Although a portion of FR1 is greater than 6GHz, FR1 is often (interchangeably) referred to as the “sub-6GHz” band in various documents and articles. Similar naming issues sometimes arise regarding FR2; although distinct from the Extremely High Frequency (EHF) band (30GHz–300GHz) designated as the “mmWave” band by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), FR2 is often (interchangeably) referred to as the “mmWave” band in various documents and articles.

[0049] In light of the foregoing, unless otherwise stated, it should be understood that, as used herein, the term "sub-6GHz" and similar terms can broadly refer to frequencies less than 6GHz, within FR1, or including intermediate frequency band frequencies. Furthermore, unless otherwise stated, it should be understood that, as used herein, the term "mmWave" and similar terms can broadly refer to frequencies that can include intermediate frequency band frequencies, within FR2, or within the EHF band.

[0050] 5G NR devices, networks, and systems can utilize optimized OFDM-based waveform characteristics. These characteristics can include: scalable parameter design and transmission time intervals (TTI); a shared, flexible framework for efficiently multiplexing services and features using dynamic low-latency time-division duplex (TDD) or frequency-division duplex (FDD) designs; and advanced radio technologies such as massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO), robust mmWave transport, advanced channel coding, and device-centric mobility. The scalability of parameter design in 5G NR (and the scaling of subcarrier spacing) can efficiently address the operation of diverse services across diverse spectrum and deployments. For example, in various outdoor and macro coverage deployments implemented with less than 3 GHz FDD or TDD, subcarrier spacing can occur at 15 kHz over bandwidths such as 1, 5, 10, and 20 MHz. For other various outdoor and small-cell coverage deployments with greater than 3 GHz TDD, subcarrier spacing can occur at 30 kHz over an 80 / 100 MHz bandwidth. For various other indoor broadband implementations, by using TDD in the unlicensed portion of the 5 GHz band, the subcarrier spacing can occur at 60 kHz over a 160 MHz bandwidth. Finally, for various deployments transmitting mmWave components under TDD at 28 GHz, the subcarrier spacing can occur at 120 kHz over a 500 MHz bandwidth.

[0051] 5G NR's scalable parameter design enables scalable TTIs to meet various latency and Quality of Service (QoS) requirements. For example, shorter TTIs can be used for low latency and high reliability, while longer TTIs can be used for higher spectral efficiency. Efficient multiplexing of long and short TTIs allows transmissions to begin at symbol boundaries. 5G NR also envisions a self-contained integrated subframe design that incorporates uplink or downlink scheduling information, data, and acknowledgments within the same subframe. Self-contained integrated subframes support communication in unlicensed or contention-based shared spectrum, and support adaptive uplink or downlink that can be flexibly configured on a per-cell basis to dynamically switch between uplink and downlink to meet current traffic needs.

[0052] For clarity, aspects of the devices and technologies may be described below with reference to example 5G NR implementations or in a 5G-centric manner, and 5G terminology may be used in various sections of the following description as illustrative examples; however, this description is not intended to be limited to 5G applications.

[0053] Furthermore, it should be understood that in operation, wireless communication networks adapted according to the concepts herein can be operated using any combination of licensed or unlicensed spectrum, depending on load and availability. Accordingly, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the systems, apparatus, and methods described herein can be applied to other communication systems and applications different from the specific examples provided.

[0054] While aspects are described herein by way of example, those skilled in the art will understand that additional implementations and use cases may arise in many different arrangements and scenarios. The innovations described herein can be implemented across many different platform types, devices, systems, shapes, sizes, and package arrangements. For example, implementations or uses may arise via integrated chip implementations or other devices based on non-modular components (e.g., end-user devices, vehicles, communication devices, computing devices, industrial equipment, retail devices, shopping devices, medical devices, AI-enabled devices, etc.). While some examples may or may not be specific to particular use cases or applications, broad applicability of the described innovations is possible. The scope of implementations can range from chip-level or modular components to non-modular, non-chip-level implementations, and further to distributed or original equipment manufacturer (OEM) devices or systems incorporating one or more of the described aspects. In some practical contexts, devices incorporating the described aspects and features may also necessarily include additional components and features for implementing and practicing the claimed and described aspects. The innovations described in this paper are intended to be implemented in a wide variety of ways, including large or small devices of different sizes, shapes and configurations, chip-level components, multi-component systems (e.g., radio frequency (RF) chains, communication interfaces, processors), distributed deployments, end-user equipment, and so on.

[0055] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating the details of an example wireless communication system. The wireless communication system may include a wireless network 100. Wireless network 100 may, for example, include a 5G wireless network. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, Figure 1 The components appearing in this network likely have corresponding parts in other network deployments (including, for example, cellular network deployments and non-cellular network deployments (e.g., device-to-device, peer-to-peer, or self-organizing network deployments, etc.)).

[0056] Figure 1The wireless network 100 described herein includes several base stations 105 and other network entities. A base station can be a station communicating with a UE and may also be referred to as an evolved B-node (eNB), a next-generation eNB (gNB), an access point, etc. Each base station 105 can provide communication coverage for a specific geographic area. In 3GPP, the term "cell" can refer to such a specific geographic coverage area of ​​a base station or a base station subsystem serving that coverage area, depending on the context in which the term is used. In the implementation of the wireless network 100 herein, base stations 105 may be associated with the same operator or different operators (e.g., the wireless network 100 may include multiple operator wireless networks). Additionally, in the implementation of the wireless network 100 herein, base stations 105 may use one or more frequencies (e.g., licensed spectrum, unlicensed spectrum, or one or more bands of a combination thereof) from the same frequencies as adjacent cells to provide wireless communication. In some examples, an individual base station 105 or UE 115 may be operated by more than one network operating entity. In some other examples, each base station 105 and UE 115 may be operated by a single network operating entity.

[0057] Base stations can provide communication coverage for macrocells, small cells (such as picocells or femtocells), or other types of cells. Macrocells typically cover a relatively large geographic area (e.g., a radius of several kilometers) and allow unrestricted access by UEs with service subscriptions to a network provider. Small cells (such as picocells) typically cover a relatively small geographic area and allow unrestricted access by UEs with service subscriptions to a network provider. Small cells (such as femtocells) also typically cover a relatively small geographic area (e.g., a residential area) and, in addition to unrestricted access, allow restricted access by UEs associated with that femtocell (e.g., UEs in a closed subscriber group (CSG), UEs of users in that residence, etc.). A base station for a macrocell may be referred to as a macro base station. A base station for a small cell may be referred to as a small cell base station, pico base station, femtocell, or home base station. Figure 1 In the example shown, base stations 105d and 105e are conventional macro base stations, while base stations 105a-105c are macro base stations enabled with one of 3D, full-dimensional (FD), or massive MIMO enabled. Base stations 105a-105c utilize their higher-dimensional MIMO capabilities to increase coverage and capacity using 3D beamforming in both elevation and azimuth beamforming. Base station 105f is a small cell base station, which can be a home node or a portable access point. A base station can support one or more (e.g., two, three, four, etc.) cells.

[0058] Wireless Network 100 can support synchronous or asynchronous operation. For synchronous operation, each base station can have similar frame timing, and transmissions from different base stations can be roughly aligned in time. For asynchronous operation, each base station can have different frame timing, and transmissions from different base stations can be misaligned in time. In some scenarios, the network can be implemented or configured to handle dynamic switching between synchronous and asynchronous operation.

[0059] UE 115 is distributed across wireless network 100, and each UE can be stationary or mobile. It should be understood that although mobile devices are generally referred to as UEs in standards and specifications issued by 3GPP, such devices may be otherwise referred to by those skilled in the art as mobile station (MS), subscriber station, mobile unit, subscriber unit, radio unit, remote unit, mobile device, radio device, wireless communication device, remote device, mobile subscriber station, access terminal (AT), mobile terminal, radio terminal, remote terminal, handheld device, terminal, user agent, mobile client, client, gaming device, augmented reality device, vehicle device or vehicle module, or any other suitable term. Within this document, a “mobile” device or UE does not necessarily have mobility capabilities and may be stationary. Some non-limiting examples of mobile devices may include implementations of one or more of the various UEs 115, including mobile stations, cellular phones, smartphones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, laptops, personal computers (PCs), notebooks, netbooks, smartbooks, tablets, and personal digital assistants (PDAs). Mobile devices can also be “Internet of Things” (IoT) or “Internet of Everything” (IoE) devices, such as automobiles or other transportation vehicles, satellite radios, Global Positioning System (GPS) devices, Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) devices, logistics controllers, drones, multi-rotor aircraft, quadcopters, smart energy or security devices, solar panels or solar arrays, urban lighting, water or other infrastructure; industrial automation and enterprise equipment; consumer and wearable devices, such as glasses, wearable cameras, smartwatches, health or fitness trackers, mammalian implantable devices, posture tracking devices, medical devices, digital audio players (e.g., MP3 players), cameras, game consoles, etc.; and digital home or smart home devices, such as home audio, video and multimedia equipment, appliances, sensors, vending machines, smart lighting, home security systems, smart meters, etc. In one aspect, a UE can be a device that includes a Universal Integrated Circuit Card (UICC). In another aspect, a UE can be a device that does not include a UICC. In some aspects, a UE that does not include a UICC can also be referred to as an IoE device. Figure 1The UEs 115a-115d described in the text are examples of mobile smartphone-type devices accessing the wireless network 100. The UE can also be a machine specifically configured for connected communications (including machine-type communication (MTC), enhanced MTC (eMTC), narrowband IoT (NB-IoT), etc.). Figure 1 The UE 115e-115k described in the text is an example of various machines configured for accessing communications on the wireless network 100.

[0060] Mobile devices (such as UE 115) can communicate with any type of base station (whether macro base station, pico base station, femto base station, relay, etc.). Figure 1 In this context, a communication link (represented as a lightning bolt) indicates radio transmissions between the UE and a serving base station (a serving base station is a base station designated to serve the UE on the downlink or uplink), or desired transmissions between base stations, and backhaul transmissions between base stations. In some scenarios, the UE may operate as a base station or other network node. Backhaul communication between base stations of the wireless network 100 can occur using wired and / or wireless communication links.

[0061] In the operation of wireless network 100, base stations 105a-105c use 3D beamforming and coordinated spatial technologies (such as Coordinated Multipoint (CoMP) or multi-connectivity) to serve UEs 115a and 115b. Macro base station 105d performs backhaul communication with base stations 105a-105c and small cell base station 105f. Macro base station 105d also transmits multicast services subscribed to and received by UEs 115c and 115d. Such multicast services may include mobile television or streaming video, or may include other services for providing community information (such as weather emergencies or alerts, such as Amber Alerts or Grey Alerts).

[0062] The implementation of wireless network 100 supports mission-critical communication with highly reliable and redundant links for mission-critical equipment such as UE 115e, which is a drone. Redundant communication links with UE 115e include those from macro base stations 105d and 105e, and small cell base station 105f. Other machine-type devices (such as UE 115f (thermometer), UE 115g (smart meter), and UE 115h (wearable device)) can communicate directly with base stations (such as small cell base station 105f and macro base station 105e) via wireless network 100, or in a multi-hop configuration via wireless network 100 by communicating with another user equipment relaying its information to the network (e.g., UE 115f relays temperature measurement information to smart meter UE 115g, which is then reported to the network via small cell base station 105f). Wireless network 100 can also provide additional network efficiency through dynamic, low latency TDD or low latency FDD communication, such as in vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) mesh networks between UEs 115i-115k communicating with macro base station 105e.

[0063] Figure 2 A block diagram is shown that conceptually illustrates an example design of a base station 105 and a UE 115 according to one or more aspects, wherein the base station 105 and the UE 115 may be Figure 1 Any one of the base stations and one of the UEs. For restricted association scenarios (as mentioned above), base station 105 can be... Figure 1 In the small cell base station 105f, UE 115 can be UE 115c or 115d operating within the service area of ​​base station 105f. To access small cell base station 105f, UE 115 will be included in the list of accessible UEs of small cell base station 105f. Base station 105 can also be some other type of base station. Figure 2 As shown, base station 105 may be equipped with antennas 234a to 234t, and UE 115 may be equipped with antennas 252a to 252r for facilitating wireless communication.

[0064] At base station 105, transmit processor 220 can receive data from data source 212 and control information from controller 240 (such as a processor). The control information can be used for Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH), Physical Control Format Indicator Channel (PCFICH), Physical Hybrid ARQ (Automatic Repeat Request) Indicator Channel (PHICH), Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH), Enhanced Physical Downlink Control Channel (EPDCCH), MTC Physical Downlink Control Channel (MPDCCH), etc. This data can also be for Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH), etc. Additionally, transmit processor 220 can process (e.g., encode and map symbol) the data and control information to obtain data symbols and control symbols, respectively. Transmit processor 220 can also generate reference symbols, for example, for primary synchronization signal (PSS) and secondary synchronization signal (SSS), and reference signals that vary depending on the cell. The transmit (TX) multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) processor 230 can perform spatial processing (e.g., precoding) on ​​data symbols, control symbols, or reference symbols where applicable, and can provide the output symbol stream to modulators (MODs) 232a to 232t. For example, spatial processing performed on data symbols, control symbols, or reference symbols may include precoding. Each modulator 232 can process its respective output symbol stream (e.g., for OFDM, etc.) to obtain an output sample stream. Each modulator 232 can additionally or alternatively process (e.g., convert to analog, amplify, filter, and up-convert) the output sample stream to obtain a downlink signal. The downlink signal from modulators 232a to 232t can be transmitted via antennas 234a to 234t, respectively.

[0065] At UE 115, antennas 252a to 252r can receive downlink signals from base station 105 and can respectively provide the received signals to demodulators (DEMODs) 254a to 254r. Each demodulator 254 can condition (e.g., filter, amplify, down-convert, and digitize) its respective received signal to obtain an input sample. Each demodulator 254 can further process the input sample (e.g., for OFDM, etc.) to obtain received symbols. MIMO detector 256 can obtain the received symbols from demodulators 254a to 254r, perform MIMO detection on these received symbols where applicable, and provide detected symbols. Receiver processor 258 can process (e.g., demodulate, deinterleave, and decode) these detected symbols, provide the decoded data to UE 115 to data sink 260, and provide the decoded control information to controller 280 (such as a processor).

[0066] On the uplink, at UE 115, transmit processor 264 can receive and process data from data source 262 (e.g., data for the Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH)) and control information from controller 280 (e.g., control information for the Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH)). Additionally, transmit processor 264 can also generate reference symbols for reference signals. Symbols from transmit processor 264 can be pre-encoded by TX MIMO processor 266, further processed by modulators 254a to 254r (e.g., for SC-FDM, etc.), and transmitted to base station 105, where applicable. At base station 105, uplink signals from UE 115 can be received by antenna 234, processed by demodulator 232, detected by MIMO detector 236, and further processed by receive processor 238 to obtain decoded data and control information transmitted by UE 115. The receiver processor 238 can provide the decoded data to the data trap 239 and the decoded control information to the controller 240.

[0067] Controllers 240 and 280 can respectively direct operations at base station 105 and UE 115. Controller 240 or other processors and modules at base station 105, or controller 280 or other processors and modules at UE 115, can perform or direct the execution of various processes used in the techniques described herein, such as performing or directing... Figure 7 and Figure 9 The execution described herein, or other processes used in the techniques described herein. Memory 242 and 282 may store data and program code for base station 105 and UE 115, respectively. Scheduler 244 may schedule the UE for data transmission on the downlink or uplink.

[0068] In some scenarios, UE 115 and base station 105 may operate in a shared radio spectrum band, which may include licensed or unlicensed (e.g., contention-based) spectrum. In the unlicensed frequency portion of the shared radio spectrum band, UE 115 or base station 105 may conventionally perform media sensing procedures to contend for access to the spectrum. For example, UE 115 or base station 105 may perform Listen-Before-Speak or Listen-Before-Transmit (LBT) procedures (such as Open Channel Assessment (CCA)) before communication to determine if a shared channel is available. In some implementations, CCA may include energy detection procedures to determine the presence of any other active transmissions. For example, the device may infer that a change in the Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) of the power meter indicates that the channel is occupied. Specifically, signal power concentrated in a specific bandwidth and exceeding a predetermined noise floor may indicate another wireless transmitter. CCA may also include the detection of a specific sequence indicating channel usage. For example, another device may transmit a specific preamble before transmitting a data sequence. In some cases, LBT procedures may include allowing a radio node to act as a collision-prone agent by adjusting its own backoff window based on the amount of energy detected on the channel or the ACK / NACK feedback of its own transmitted packets.

[0069] Figure 3 This includes several illustrations illustrating a first example of using a Positioning Reference Signal (PRS) scheme to determine the location of a vehicle according to some aspects of this disclosure. (Refer to...) Figure 3 The described example corresponds to a side-link (SL) based (SL-b) positioning scheme, where each vehicle estimates or calculates its corresponding location (e.g., position) in a distributed manner. (See reference...) Figure 4 The example described corresponds to a side-link assisted (SL-a) positioning scheme, in which fixed equipment (such as roadside units (RSUs) or servers) estimates or calculates the location of a vehicle on its behalf.

[0070] Both types of SL positioning schemes use a round-trip time (RTT) based approach, which comprises three phases. In phase 1, the RSUs and vehicles are grouped. In some implementations, grouping can be performed at a higher layer (e.g., via higher-layer signaling). In phase 2, the RSUs and vehicles can perform a Listen-Before-Broadcast (LBT) procedure and broadcast the corresponding PRS. In some implementations, such as when devices are communicating in unlicensed spectrum, group LBT can be performed. For example, the initiator of the group (RSU or UE) performs the LBT procedure to gain access to the wireless communication channel used for the group. After the LBT procedure, the RSUs and vehicles each broadcast their respective PRS. In phase 3, post-PRS messages can be transmitted between the RSUs and vehicles. Post-PRS messages may include, for example, timing information, measured clock error noise standard deviation, vehicle speed, clock drift standard deviation, innovative measurements, positioning data, clock data, or a combination thereof. (e)RSUs or vehicles share timing information, while another device estimates or calculates the location of these vehicles based on whether SL-b or SL-a positioning is being performed. For example, in an SL-b positioning scheme, the RSU can transmit timing information to the vehicle, including the departure time of the RSU PRS and the arrival time of the vehicle's PRS, and the vehicle can estimate or calculate its location. Alternatively, in an SL-a positioning scheme, the vehicle can transmit timing information to the RSU, including the departure time of the vehicle's PRS and the arrival time of the RSU PRS, and the RSU can estimate or calculate the vehicle's location and transmit the location data to the vehicle.

[0071] Figure 3 This includes a ladder diagram 300 illustrating the operations performed by the roadside unit (RSU) 302 and the vehicle 304 according to the SL-b positioning scheme. Although in Figure 3 RSU 302 is described in the document, but in other implementations, RSU 302 can be replaced by a server (such as Server Location Client Function (S-LCF)).

[0072] At 306, RSU 302 can broadcast a first PRS (e.g., RSU PRS) to vehicle 304. RSU 302 can measure the departure time t1 of the first PRS from RSU 302, and vehicle 304 can measure the arrival time t2 of the first PRS at vehicle 304. Based on receiving the first PRS, vehicle 304 can broadcast a second PRS (e.g., vehicle PRS) to RSU 302 at 308. Vehicle 304 can measure the departure time t3 of the second PRS from vehicle 304, and RSU 302 can measure the arrival time t4 of the second PRS at RSU 302. In some implementations, the first and second PRS can be broadcast via unlicensed spectrum. After the PRS broadcast is complete, RSU 302 can transmit timing information to vehicle 304 at 310. Timing information may include t1 (e.g., the departure time of the first PRS from RSU 302) and t4 (e.g., the arrival time of the second PRS at RSU 302). In some implementations, as a non-limiting example, the timing information is communicated via vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication or Intelligent Transportation System (ITS)-G5 communication. Vehicle 304 may estimate or calculate its location, and in some implementations, clock errors are estimated or calculated based on time information. For example, as a non-limiting example, vehicle 304 may use a Kalman filter or another time-series-based technique to estimate its location.

[0073] In some implementations, the vehicle 304 can estimate its location based on the following formula:

[0074]

[0075] Where z n It is the round-trip time, x(t) n ) represents the location at time n, and v light (v 光 ) is the speed of light, and α is a constant weighting factor.

[0076] Figure 3The diagram 320 also includes a block diagram of messages transmitted between each of the first RSU 322 (“RSU1”), the second RSU 324 (“RSU2”), and the third RSU 326 (“RSU3”) and the vehicle 328 according to the SL-b positioning scheme. For illustration, the first RSU 322 may broadcast a first PRS (“1”) to the vehicle 328, the second RSU 324 may broadcast a second PRS (“2”) to the vehicle 328, and the third RSU 326 may broadcast a third PRS (“3”) to the vehicle 328. After receiving PRS 1-3, the vehicle 328 may broadcast a fourth PRS (“4”) to each of the first RSU 322, the second RSU 324, and the third RSU 326. Each RSU may subsequently transmit timing information to the vehicle 328, including corresponding t1 and t4 measurements. For example, the first RSU 322 may transmit first timing information (“6”) to the vehicle 328, the second RSU 324 may transmit second timing information (“7”) to the vehicle 328, and the third RSU 326 may transmit third timing information (“8”) to the vehicle 328. The vehicle 328 may estimate or calculate its position based on the timing information 6-8, as described above.

[0077] Figure 3 It also includes a timing diagram 330 indicating the timing of signals 1-8 as described in reference block diagram 320. In the SL-b positioning scheme, PRS broadcasts can be performed sequentially by each device. For example, the first RSU 322 can broadcast a first PRS (“1”), followed by the second RSU 324 broadcasting a second PRS (“2”), followed by the third RSU 326 broadcasting a third PRS (“3”), and then the vehicle 328 broadcasting a fourth PRS (“4”). After receiving the fourth PRS, each of RSUs 322-326 can transmit the corresponding timing information to the vehicle 328 in the same order.

[0078] Figure 4 This includes a second example of a trapezoidal diagram 400 illustrating the use of the PRS scheme to determine the location of a vehicle according to some aspects of this disclosure. (See also...) Figure 4 The example described corresponds to a side-link assisted (SL-a) positioning scheme, in which a fixed device (such as an RSU or server) represents the vehicle to estimate or calculate the vehicle's location.

[0079] Ladder diagram 400 illustrates the operations performed by roadside unit (RSU) 402 and vehicle 404 according to the SL-a positioning scheme. Although in Figure 4 RSU 402 is described in the document, but in other implementations, RSU 402 can be replaced by a server (such as S-LCF).

[0080] At 404, RSU 402 may broadcast a first PRS (e.g., RSU PRS) to vehicle 406. RSU 402 may measure the departure time t1 of the first PRS from RSU 402, and vehicle 404 may measure the arrival time t2 of the first PRS at vehicle 404. Based on receiving the first PRS, vehicle 404 may broadcast a second PRS (e.g., vehicle PRS) to RSU 402 at 408. Vehicle 404 may measure the departure time t3 of the second PRS from vehicle 404, and RSU 402 may measure the arrival time t4 of the second PRS at RSU 402. In some implementations, the first and second PRS are broadcast via unlicensed spectrum. After the PRS broadcast is complete, vehicle 404 may transmit timing information to RSU 402 at 410. The timing information may include t2 (e.g., the arrival time of the first PRS at vehicle 404) and t3 (e.g., the departure time of the second PRS from vehicle 404). In some implementations, as a non-limiting example, timing information is communicated via V2X communication or ITS-G5 communication. RSU 402 can estimate or calculate the position of vehicle 404, and in some implementations, estimate or calculate clock errors based on timing information, and can transmit position data (and clock data) to vehicle 404.

[0081] This disclosure provides systems, apparatus, methods, and computer-readable media for supporting PRS-based positioning using directional communication beams. For example, this disclosure describes designs for PRS-based positioning processes (including group formation, LBT sequencing, and PRS broadcast sequencing and timing) that can be performed by devices communicating using directional communication beams (as opposed to omnidirectional communication beams). For example, the techniques of this disclosure can support PRS-based positioning for vehicles configured to communicate wirelessly in the sub-6 GHz spectrum, the mmWave spectrum (e.g., at frequencies greater than 30 GHz, such as between 30–300 GHz), or both.

[0082] To illustrate, in one example implementation, one or more vehicles (e.g., UEs integrated within each vehicle or its components) and one or more RSUs can form a PRS group based on geographical proximity. A member of the group can be designated as an initiator, or can assume the role of an initiator by forming the PRS group. Other group members are designated as responders. As further described herein, roles within the PRS group can be assigned in various ways, such as through higher-level signaling, based on the fixed location of the respective device, based on the accuracy of the determined or estimated location of the respective device, or based on other characteristics. The initiator can execute LBT procedures to gain access to the wireless communication channel used for the PRS group and can indicate channel access to other members of the group. Responder devices can each transmit the number of antenna beams (e.g., directional antenna beams) supported at the respective responder device, and the initiator can determine the PRS broadcast sequence and Channel Occupancy Time (CoT) of the PRS group. The PRS broadcast sequence can indicate the order (e.g., sequence) in which members of a PRS group are scheduled to broadcast the corresponding PRS, and the CoT can be based on the total number of antenna beams supported by the PRS group. The initiator can transmit the PRS broadcast sequence, the CoT, and the number of antenna beams supported by each member of the PRS group to other members of the PRS group.

[0083] An RSU within a PRS group can receive indicators for channel access and other PRS group information, and broadcasts a first PRS based on being identified as the first in the PRS broadcast sequence via each of a plurality of antenna beams supported by the RSU (e.g., the RSU includes an antenna array configured to communicate via multiple antenna beams). In some implementations, the RSU can broadcast the first PRS sequentially via each of the plurality of antenna beams. For example, the RSU can broadcast the first PRS via a first antenna beam, then broadcast (e.g., replay) the first PRS via a second antenna beam, and then sequentially broadcast the first PRS via each of the remaining antenna beams. The RSU can be configured to broadcast the first PRS via each of the antenna beams using the same sequence but different cyclic shifts, such that the receiving device can identify which broadcast (or replay) of the first PRS was received based on the cyclic shift of the received broadcast. As used herein, a broadcast can be directed to transmit signals or information to all wireless communication devices within a particular communication range or broadcast group (such as a PRS group), and a transmission can be directed to transmit signals or information to a specific wireless communication device or a particular plurality of wireless communication devices.

[0084] Each vehicle (e.g., each UE) and any other RSU in the PRS group can subsequently broadcast the corresponding PRS sequentially via one or more antenna beams based on the order associated with the vehicle in the PRS broadcast sequence. For example, a vehicle (e.g., a UE) can receive an indication of channel availability and additional channel information from the initiator, and subsequently receive a broadcast of the first PRS from the RSU. A vehicle can wait until it is determined that no other member of the PRS group has been scheduled to broadcast a PRS before it. For example, a vehicle can determine whether the most recently received PRS broadcast (e.g., the broadcast of the first PRS) was received from a PRS group member immediately preceding it in the PRS broadcast sequence, and if so, determine that the PRS group member has completed its PRS broadcast based on the cyclic shift associated with the most recently received PRS broadcast and the number of antenna beams associated with that PRS group member. After such determination, the vehicle can sequentially broadcast a second PRS via one or more antenna beams supported by the vehicle's antenna array. The remaining PRS group members can similarly broadcast their respective PRS sequentially via one or more corresponding antenna beams. Although the RSU in this example is described as the first in the PRS broadcast sequence, in other implementations, the vehicle can be the first in the PRS broadcast sequence, such as when the PRS group is formed without any RSUs.

[0085] After all members of the PRS group have completed their PRS broadcasts, timing data can be exchanged between the RSU and the vehicles to estimate the vehicles' location. In some implementations, the RSU can receive timing information from the vehicles, estimate the vehicles' location based on this timing information and timing measured at the RSU, and transmit the estimated location to the vehicles. In other implementations, the vehicles can receive timing information from the RSU, and estimate their relative location based on this timing information and timing measured at the vehicles. The RSU (or the vehicles) can provide timing information for each broadcast of the corresponding PRS so that the vehicles (or RSUs) can estimate their location based on accurate timing information.

[0086] Specific implementations of the subject matter described herein can be achieved to attain one or more of the following potential advantages. In some aspects, this disclosure provides techniques for supporting PRS-based positioning using directional communication beams. For example, devices can be grouped into PRS groups and can sequentially broadcast corresponding PRSs via one or more antenna beams supported by the respective devices in turn. After all scheduled PRS broadcasts are completed, the devices can exchange timing information indicating the timing of each broadcast of the corresponding PRS, which enables positioning estimation based on accurate timing information. In this way, PRS penetration or coverage problems due to beam directivity are compensated by the techniques disclosed herein. Therefore, the disclosed techniques can enable PRS-based positioning using vehicles configured to communicate in the millimeter-wave spectrum.

[0087] Figure 5This is a block diagram illustrating an example wireless communication system 500 used in the mmWave band to determine the location of a vehicle according to some aspects of this disclosure. In some implementations, the wireless communication network 500 may implement aspects of the wireless system 100. The wireless communication system 500 includes a UE 115, one or more UEs 530, an initiator 540, and a roadside unit (RSU) 550. Each of UE 115 and UE 530 may be a vehicle (or a component thereof). Vehicles may include cars, trucks, motorcycles, other types of land vehicles, aircraft, water vehicles, or combinations thereof. Vehicles may be at least partially operated by a user, or may be autonomous or semi-autonomous, such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) (e.g., drones), unmanned land vehicles, or unmanned water vehicles. Additionally or alternatively, UE 115 and one or more UEs 530 may include or correspond to other mobile devices, such as wearable devices (e.g., watches, biometric monitors, fitness equipment, etc. for users in pedestrians or non-network-capable vehicles), UE-capable bicycles, UE-capable skateboards, UE-capable personal mobility devices, etc. RSU 550 may include or correspond to a network device with a fixed location and configured to wirelessly communicate with one or more vehicles (e.g., UEs). In some implementations, RSU 550 may resemble or include a base station (such as base station 105). Although described herein as an RSU, in some other implementations, RSU 550 may be replaced by a server (such as an S-LCF) or other network device with a fixed location. Initiator 540 may include or correspond to a UE (e.g., a vehicle) or RSU currently operating as the initiator of a group (including UE 115, UE 530, Initiator 540, and RSU 550), as further described herein. Although two UEs and one RSU 550 have been described, in some other implementations, the wireless communication system 500 may generally include more than two UEs and may include more than one RSU 550.

[0088] UE 115 may include various components (such as architecture, hardware components) for performing one or more of the functions described herein. For example, these components may include processor 502, memory 504, antenna array 506, transmitter 508, and receiver 510. Processor 502 may be configured to execute instructions stored in memory 504 to perform the operations described herein. In some implementations, processor 502 includes or corresponds to controller 280, and memory 504 includes or corresponds to memory 282.

[0089] Antenna array 506 (of multiple antenna panels) may include multiple antenna elements configured to perform wireless communication with other devices, such as UE 530, initiator 540, and RSU 550. In some implementations, antenna array 506 may be configured to perform directional wireless communication. For illustration, each antenna element (or set of antenna elements) of antenna array 506 may be configured to communicate using different corresponding antenna beams having at least partially different corresponding directions. For example, a first antenna element (or set of first antenna elements) of antenna array 506 may be configured to communicate via a first antenna beam having a first direction, a second antenna element (or set of second antenna elements) of antenna array 506 may be configured to communicate via a second antenna beam having a second direction, and an Nth antenna element (or set of Nth antenna elements) of antenna array 506 may be configured to communicate via an Nth antenna beam having an Nth direction (where N is any positive integer). As a non-limiting example, the direction of the antenna beam may include or correspond to an offset angle to the main lobe center of the antenna beam.

[0090] Transmitter 508 is configured to transmit reference signals, control information, and data to one or more other devices, and receiver 510 is configured to receive reference signals, synchronization signals, control information, and data from one or more other devices. For example, transmitter 508 may transmit signaling, control information, and data via a network (such as a wired network, a wireless network, or a combination thereof), and receiver 510 may receive signaling, control information, and data via that network. For example, UE 115 may be configured to transmit or receive signaling, control information, and data via a direct device-to-device connection, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a modem-to-modem connection, the Internet, an intranet, an extranet, a cable transmission system, a cellular communication network, any combination thereof, or any other communication network now known or hereafter developed that allows communication between two or more electronic devices. In some implementations, transmitter 508 and receiver 510 may be integrated into a transceiver. Additionally or alternatively, transmitter 508, receiver 510, or both may include and correspond to reference signals, synchronization signals, control information, and data. Figure 2 One or more components of the described UE 115.

[0091] RSU 550 may include various components (such as architecture, hardware components) for performing one or more of the functions described herein. For example, these components may include processor 552, memory 554, transmitter 556, receiver 558, and antenna array 559. Processor 552 may be configured to execute instructions stored in memory 554 to perform the operations described herein. In some implementations, processor 552 includes or corresponds to controller 240, and memory 554 includes or corresponds to memory 242.

[0092] Transmitter 556 is configured to transmit reference signals, synchronization signals, control information, and data to one or more other devices, and receiver 558 is configured to receive reference signals, control information, and data from one or more other devices. For example, transmitter 556 may transmit signaling, control information, and data via a network (such as a wired network, a wireless network, or a combination thereof), and receiver 558 may receive signaling, control information, and data via that network. For example, RSU 550 may be configured to transmit or receive data via a direct device-to-device connection, LAN, WAN, modem-to-modem connection, the Internet, intranet, extranet, cable transmission system, cellular communication network, any combination thereof, or any other communication network now known or developed hereafter that allows communication between two or more electronic devices. In some implementations, transmitter 556 and receiver 558 may be integrated into a transceiver. Additionally or alternatively, transmitter 556, receiver 558, or both may include and correspond to a reference signal. Figure 2 One or more components of the described base station 105.

[0093] Antenna array 559 (or multiple antenna panels) may include multiple antenna elements configured to perform wireless communication with other devices, such as UE 115, UE 530, and initiator 540. In some implementations, antenna array 559 may be configured to perform directional wireless communication. To illustrate, each antenna element (or set of antenna elements) of antenna array 559 may be configured to communicate using different corresponding antenna beams with different corresponding directions. For example, a first antenna element (or set of first antenna elements) of antenna array 559 may be configured to communicate via a first antenna beam having a first direction, a second antenna element (or set of second antenna elements) of antenna array 559 may be configured to communicate via a second antenna beam having a second direction, and an Mth antenna element (or set of Mth antenna elements) of antenna array 559 may be configured to communicate via an Mth antenna beam having an Mth direction (where M is any positive integer).

[0094] UE 530 may be similar to UE 115. For example, each of UE 530 may include components similar to those described with reference to UE 115. Initiator 540 may be another UE or another RSU and may include components similar to those described with reference to UE 115 or RSU 550.

[0095] In some implementations, the wireless communication system 500 implements a 5G NR network. For example, the wireless communication system 500 may include multiple UEs 115 and 530 with 5G capabilities, and multiple RSUs 550 with 5G capabilities, such as UEs and RSUs configured to operate according to 5G NR network protocols (such as those defined by 3GPP). In some implementations, the wireless communication system 500 is configured to support wireless communication in the millimeter-wave spectrum.

[0096] During the operation of the wireless communication system 500, UE 115, UE 530, initiator 540, and RSU 550 may be configured in a PRS group. Devices may be included in the PRS group to enable scheduled broadcasting of the PRS via a wireless communication channel, as further described herein. The PRS group may be configured at an upper layer (e.g., based on higher-layer signaling). In some implementations, the PRS group may be configured based on geographical proximity. For example, RSU 550 may have a coverage area corresponding to a portion of a road, and other devices may be included in the PRS group when they move into or are otherwise located within that portion of the road covered by RSU 550. In some other implementations where RSU is not included in the PRS group, UE 115, UE 530, and initiator 540 may be included in the PRS group based on their location within the coverage area of ​​devices supporting the PRS group, such as initiator 540 (which may be a PRS-anchored vehicle).

[0097] Forming a PRS group includes assigning roles within the PRS group. For example, initiator 540 may be assigned the role of initiator (also known as group leader), and UE 115, UE 530, and RSU 550 may each be assigned the role of responder. Roles in a PRS group can be assigned from higher layers (e.g., via higher-level signaling between members of the PRS group). In some implementations, the initiator role is assigned to an RSU at a specific location. For example, as a non-limiting example, the initiator role may be assigned to an RSU located approximately in the middle of a section of a road corresponding to the PRS group, or to an RSU located at an intersection. In some other implementations, the initiator role may be assigned to a specific member of the PRS group based on the member having a fixed location or "complete knowledge" of that location. For example, the initiator role may be assigned to an RSU, a server, or other network device with a fixed location. Alternatively, the initiator role can be assigned to a device whose location is "fully known" (e.g., a device with a fixed location or a location that can be determined with high accuracy and precision by external means such as GPS or another positioning measurement technique), such as an RSU (e.g., for vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) positioning) or a PRS anchor vehicle (e.g., for vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) positioning). In some other implementations, the initiator role can be assigned to a specific member of the PRS group that has the largest coverage area within that PRS group. In some other implementations, the initiator role can be assigned to a specific member of the PRS group based on the highest accuracy of its determined location within that PRS group. For example, for V2V positioning, the initiator role can be assigned to the vehicle with the highest accuracy of its determined location (such as a location determined based on an external source) among all members of the PRS group. In some other implementations, the initiator role can be assigned to a specific member of the PRS group based on the highest accuracy of its estimated location within that PRS group. For example, the accuracy of the location estimate can be determined or inferred based on innovations from the measurements used to estimate the location. As used herein, "innovation" refers to the difference between the observed value of a variable at time t and the best prediction of that value based on information available before time t. In other implementations, the initiator role can be assigned based on other characteristics or parameters. Initiator 540 (e.g., a device assigned the initiator role of a PRS group) can be configured to organize and maintain the PRS group. In some implementations, initiator 540 can be configured to communicate with other initiators (e.g., group leaders) of other PRS groups, such as sharing group membership information, changing group membership, etc. To enable wireless communication for the PRS group, initiator 540 can be configured to perform LBT procedures on behalf of the PRS group to gain access to the wireless communication channel.LBT procedures can be similar to those performed by wireless devices communicating in lower frequency bands (e.g., frequencies less than mmWave spectrum).

[0098] To determine the Channel Occupancy Time (CoT) of the PRS group for the wireless communication channel, the initiator 540 needs to know the total number of antenna beams (also called “sidelobes”) used for communication by the members of the PRS group. Accordingly, each member of the PRS group can transmit to the initiator 540 the number of antenna beams supported at the respective device (e.g., the number of analog beams that can be generated or used to receive data or signaling at each member of the PRS group). For example, the RSU 550 can transmit to the initiator 540 the number of antenna beams 596, where the number of antenna beams 596 indicates the total number of antenna beams supported by or otherwise used for communication by the antenna array 559 of the RSU 550. As another example, UE 115 may transmit an antenna beam count 598 to initiator 540, wherein the antenna beam count 598 indicates the total number of antenna beams supported by antenna array 506 of UE 115 or otherwise used for communication of antenna array 506 of UE 550. UE 530 may similarly transmit to initiator 540 a corresponding number of antenna beams supported at UE. In some implementations, each member of the PRS group may support the same number of antenna beams. In some other implementations, the number of antenna beams supported by at least one member of the PRS group may differ from the number of antenna beams supported by one or more other members of the PRS group.

[0099] The initiator 540 may determine the total number of antenna beams 599 as the sum of all antenna beams supported by other members of the PRS group and the number of antenna beams supported by the initiator 540. The initiator 540 may determine the CoT of the PRS group based at least on the total number of antenna beams 599 and the PRS broadcast duration. For example, the CoT of the PRS group may be equal to the product of the total number of antenna beams 599 and the PRS broadcast duration. Alternatively, the CoT may also include additional time associated with post-PRS communication (such as timing information, velocity information, error measurements, innovations, other information, or combinations thereof), as further described herein. In some implementations, the maximum CoT of the PRS group is less than approximately 5 ms.

[0100] After executing the LBT procedure and obtaining access to the wireless communication channel, the initiator 540 may transmit a channel access indicator 560 to UE 115, UE 530, and RSU 550 (e.g., other members of the PRS group). The channel access indicator 560 may indicate access to the wireless communication channel used for the PRS group, one or more parameters associated with the wireless communication channel, additional information, or a combination thereof. For example, the channel access indicator 560 may identify the channel identifier associated with the wireless communication channel, the start time of access to the wireless communication channel of the PRS group, the resources associated with the access (e.g., time resources, frequency resources, or both), etc. Additionally, the initiator 540 may transmit a CoT indicator 563 and a total antenna beam count 599 to UE 115, UE 530, and RSU 550. The CoT indicator 563 may indicate the duration of the CoT reserved for the wireless communication channel for the PRS group. The total number of antenna beams, 599, can indicate the total number of antenna beams supported by all members of a PRS group, and in some implementations, it can also indicate the number of antenna beams supported by each member of the PRS group. Although Figure 5 While shown as separate transmissions, in some other implementations, one or more of the channel access indicator 560, CoT indicator 563, and total antenna beam count 599 may be included in the same message or transmission.

[0101] To prevent collisions during PRS broadcasting, initiator 540 may determine PRS broadcast sequence 561. PRS broadcast sequence 561 may indicate the order (e.g., sequence) in which members of the PRS group are designated to broadcast the corresponding PRS signal. In some implementations, the RSU (or other equipment with a fixed location) is scheduled to be scheduled before the vehicle (e.g., UE) in PRS broadcast sequence 561. In some other implementations, initiator 540 may be scheduled first in PRS broadcast sequence 561. Other sequences are also possible. After determining PRS broadcast sequence 561, initiator 540 transmits PRS broadcast sequence 561 to UE 115, UE 530, and RSU 550 (e.g., other members of the PRS group). Although Figure 5 While shown as separate transmissions, in some other implementations, the PRS broadcast sequence 561 may be included in the same message or transmission along with one or more of the channel access indicator 560, the CoT indicator 563, and the total number of antenna beams 599.

[0102] Upon receiving the channel access indicator 560 and additional PRS group information (e.g., PRS broadcast sequence 561, CoT indicator 563, and total number of antenna beams 599), each member of the PRS group can begin broadcasting its corresponding PRS signal based on the PRS broadcast sequence 561. When it is determined that it is their turn (e.g., based on the PRS broadcast sequence 561), each member of the PRS group can sequentially broadcast its corresponding PRS via one or more antenna beams supported by the member of the PRS group.

[0103] To illustrate, RSU 550 can receive channel access indicator 560 and additional PRS group information (e.g., PRS broadcast sequence 561, CoT indicator 563, and total number of antenna beams 599). Based on determining that RSU 550 is the first to be scheduled in PRS broadcast sequence 561, RSU 550 can sequentially broadcast the first PRS via each of the multiple antenna beams supported by or used for communication of antenna array 559. Antenna beams (e.g., analog beams) may also be referred to as sidelobes or lobes and may correspond to different directions on which antenna array 559 is configured for communication. To illustrate, RSU 550 can broadcast the first PRS via each of the multiple antenna beams supported by antenna array 559 (one antenna beam at a time). Each antenna beam may be generated by different antenna elements or subsets of antenna elements of antenna array 559. In some implementations, each antenna beam is associated with a different direction and may be associated with different beamforming coefficients. In some implementations, PRS is associated with a bandwidth of at least 40 MHz or at least 100 MHz.

[0104] To illustrate, RSU 550 can broadcast a first PRS as a first PRS broadcast 562 via a first antenna beam. After completing the first PRS broadcast 562, RSU 550 can broadcast (e.g., replay) a first PRS as a first PRS broadcast 568 via a second antenna beam. The first antenna beam is associated with a first direction, which is different from the second direction associated with the second antenna beam (e.g., these antenna beams are generated using different antenna elements of antenna array 559). If antenna array 559 supports more than two antenna beams, RSU 550 can sequentially broadcast the first PRS via each of the remaining antenna beams, similar to first PRS broadcast 562 and first PRS broadcast 568. Further reference is provided for sequential broadcasting of PRS via multiple antenna beams. Figure 6 Describe it.

[0105] The RSU 550 can broadcast the first PRS using the same sequence via each antenna beam. For example, in each broadcast, the first PRS may have the same pseudo-random quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK) sequence, which is mapped to a diagonal pattern with frequency and time offsets to avoid collisions with reference signals that vary from cell to cell and overlaps with control channels such as the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH). To illustrate, the RSU 550 can use sequence 564 for first PRS broadcast 562 and for first PRS broadcast 568.

[0106] To enable other members of the PRS group to determine which antenna beam is being used to broadcast the first PRS, and therefore when RSU 550 is about to complete the PRS broadcast, RSU 550 can use different cyclic shifts via each antenna beam to broadcast the first PRS. For example, when broadcasting the first PRS via different antenna beams, RSU 550 can delay the spatial-temporal flow to a different time reference. To illustrate, RSU 550 can apply cyclic shift 566 to the first PRS broadcast 562 and can apply cyclic shift 570 to the first PRS broadcast 568. Cyclic shift 566 can differ from cyclic shift 570, such that cyclic shift 570 results in a longer delay than cyclic shift 566. Because the cyclic shift associated with each broadcast of the first PRS is different, each broadcast of the first PRS can be individually identified to other members of the PRS group, at least based on that cyclic shift.

[0107] After RSU 550 has completed broadcasting the first PRS (e.g., the first PRS has been broadcast via each of the multiple antenna beams supported by antenna array 559), other members of the PRS group can each sequentially broadcast their respective PRS via one or more supported antenna beams in the order indicated by PRS broadcast sequence 561. For ease of description, these operations will be described with reference to UE 115. Similar operations can be performed by either UE 530 or initiator 540.

[0108] UE 115 can receive a first PRS broadcast from RSU 550. For example, UE 115 can receive first PRS broadcast 562, first PRS broadcast 568, or another broadcast of the first PRS from RSU 550. After receiving the first PRS broadcast from RSU 550, UE 115 can determine whether any other member of the PRS group was scheduled to broadcast a PRS before UE 115. Determining whether any other member of the PRS group was scheduled to broadcast a PRS before UE 115 may include determining whether the most recently received PRS broadcast was received from a specific member of the PRS group immediately preceding UE 115 in the PRS broadcast sequence 561. For example, if first PRS broadcast 562 is the most recently received PRS broadcast at UE 115, then UE 115 can determine whether RSU 550 is immediately preceding UE 115 in the PRS broadcast sequence 561 (e.g., there is no intermediary member in the PRS group scheduled to broadcast a PRS). If UE 115 determines that RSU 550 is not immediately preceding UE 115 in the PRS broadcast sequence 561, UE 115 may continue to wait until it receives the corresponding PRS broadcast from a member of the PRS group that is immediately preceding UE 115 in the PRS broadcast sequence 561. For example, if RSU 550 is the first in the PRS broadcast sequence 561, and UE 115 is the third (or later) in the PRS broadcast sequence 561, UE 115 may wait until it receives the corresponding PRS broadcast from a member of the PRS group that is the second (or later) in the PRS broadcast sequence 561.

[0109] If UE 115 determines that RSU 550 immediately precedes UE 115 in the PRS broadcast sequence 561 (e.g., RSU 550 is the first and UE 115 is the second, or RSU 550 and UE 115 are adjacent at a later location in the PRS broadcast sequence 561), determining whether any other member of the PRS group was scheduled to broadcast PRS before UE 115 may further include determining whether a particular member (e.g., a member preceding UE 115 in the PRS broadcast sequence 561) has completed PRS broadcasting based on the number of antenna beams associated with the most recently received PRS broadcast. For example, if the first PRS broadcast 562 is the most recently received PRS broadcast at UE 115, UE 115 may determine which number in the PRS broadcast sequence of RSU 550 corresponds to the first PRS broadcast 562 based on the cyclic shift 566 associated with the first PRS broadcast 562. To explain, UE 115 may have already received the number of antenna beams associated with RSU 550 (e.g., included in the total number of antenna beams 599 or other PRS group information received from initiator 540), and UE 115 can determine the position of the first PRS broadcast 562 in the sequence of PRS broadcasts via each antenna element associated with RSU 550 based on cyclic shift 566. Based on this determination, UE 115 can determine whether there are any remaining PRS broadcasts to be performed by RSU 550. For example, if RSU 550 is associated with four antenna beams and UE 115 receives the first PRS broadcast 562, UE 115 can determine, based on cyclic shift 566 indicating that the received PRS broadcast is the first PRS broadcast performed by RSU 550, that there are three remaining PRS broadcasts to be performed by RSU 550 before UE 115 can begin its own PRS broadcast. As another example, if RSU 550 is associated with two antenna beams and UE 115 receives the first PRS broadcast 568, UE 115 can determine that there are no other PRS broadcasts to be performed by RSU 550 before UE 115 can start its own PRS broadcast based on the indication from cyclic shift 570 that the received PRS broadcast was a second PRS broadcast performed by RSU 550.

[0110] Based on the determination that other members of the PRS group have not been scheduled to broadcast before UE 115, UE 115 may sequentially broadcast a second PRS via each of one or more antenna beams supported by or used for communication of antenna array 506. Antenna beams may also be referred to as sidelobes or lobes and may correspond to different directions on which antenna array 506 is configured to communicate. To illustrate, UE 115 may broadcast a second PRS via each of one or more antenna beams supported by antenna array 506 (one antenna beam at a time). Each antenna beam may be generated by different antenna elements or subsets of antenna elements of antenna array 506. In some implementations, each antenna beam is associated with a different direction and may be associated with different beamforming coefficients. In some implementations, antenna array 506 is configured to support multiple (e.g., two or more) antenna beams.

[0111] To explain, UE 115 can broadcast a second PRS as a second PRS broadcast 572 via a first antenna beam. After completing the second PRS broadcast 572, UE 115 can broadcast (e.g., replay) a second PRS as a second PRS broadcast 578 via a second antenna beam. The first antenna beam is associated with a first direction, which is different from the second direction associated with the second antenna beam (e.g., these antenna beams are generated using different antenna elements of antenna array 506). If antenna array 506 supports more than two antenna beams, UE 115 can sequentially broadcast the second PRS via each of the remaining antenna beams, similar to second PRS broadcast 572 and second PRS broadcast 578.

[0112] UE 115 can broadcast a second PRS using the same sequence via each antenna beam. For example, in each broadcast, the second PRS may have the same pseudo-random QPSK sequence, which is mapped to a diagonal pattern with frequency and time offsets to avoid collisions with reference signals that vary from cell to cell and overlaps with control channels (such as PDCCH). To illustrate, UE 115 can use sequence 574 for second PRS broadcast 572 and for second PRS broadcast 578.

[0113] To enable other members of the PRS group to determine which antenna beam is being used to broadcast the second PRS, and therefore when UE 115 is about to complete its PRS broadcast, UE 115 can use different cyclic shifts via each antenna beam to broadcast the second PRS. For example, when broadcasting the second PRS via different antenna beams, UE 115 can delay the spatial-temporal flow to a different time reference. To illustrate, UE 115 can apply cyclic shift 576 to the second PRS broadcast 572 and can apply cyclic shift 580 to the second PRS broadcast 578. Cyclic shift 576 can differ from cyclic shift 580, such that cyclic shift 580 results in a longer delay than cyclic shift 576. Because the cyclic shift associated with each broadcast of the second PRS is different, each broadcast of the second PRS can be individually identified to other members of the PRS group, at least based on that cyclic shift.

[0114] After UE 115 has completed broadcasting the second PRS (e.g., the corresponding broadcast of the second PRS has been completed via each of the one or more antenna beams supported by antenna array 506), other members of the PRS group may each sequentially broadcast their respective PRS via one or more supported antenna beams in the order indicated by PRS broadcast sequence 561. For example, each of UE 530 may wait until it is determined that no other member of the PRS group is scheduled to broadcast a PRS before broadcasting the corresponding PRS as PRS broadcast 582. If any of UE 530 supports multiple antenna beams, broadcasting the corresponding PRS involves sequentially broadcasting the corresponding PRS via each antenna beam supported by UE 530, as described with reference to RSU 550 and UE 115. Initiator 540 may perform similar operations to broadcast the corresponding PRS via one or more antenna beams supported by initiator 540.

[0115] After all PRS broadcasts have been completed in the PRS group, post-PRS information can be shared among the group's members. In some implementations, post-PRS information is shared according to the SL-b scheme, as shown in the reference... Figure 3 As described. In some other implementations, the PRS post-processing information is shared according to the SL-a scheme, as referenced. Figure 4 As described.

[0116] To illustrate, in the implementation of the SL-b scheme, RSU 550 can transmit timing information 584 to UE 115. Timing information 584 may include the transmission time (e.g., departure time) for each broadcast of the first PRS at RSU 550, first antenna beam information indicating the antenna beam corresponding to each broadcast of the first PRS, the reception time (e.g., arrival time) of the received broadcast of the second PRS at RSU 550, and second antenna beam information indicating the antenna beam corresponding to the reception of the broadcast of the second PRS. For example, timing information 584 may include: the departure time of each broadcast of the first PRS as measured by RSU 550 (e.g., similar to a reference time). Figure 3-4 The described departure time (tl), and the arrival time of the second PRS broadcast received from UE 115, as measured at RSU 550 (e.g., similar to reference). Figure 3-4 The arrival time t4 is described. The first antenna beam information may indicate an identifier, a cyclic shift, or both associated with each of the departure times (e.g., to enable UE 115 to determine which departure time corresponds to the broadcast of the first PRS received at UE 115), and the second antenna beam information may indicate an identifier, a cyclic shift, or both associated with the broadcast of the second PRS received at RSU 550 (e.g., to enable UE 115 to determine which broadcast of the second PRS received at RSU 550).

[0117] In some implementations, RSU 550 may transmit additional information 588 to UE 115. For example, RSU 550 may determine the clock error noise standard deviation, the clock drift standard deviation, or both, and the additional information 588 may include the clock error noise standard deviation, the clock drift standard deviation, or both. As another example, RSU 550 may determine an innovative measurement associated with the PRS measurement at RSU 550, and the additional information 588 may include the innovative measurement. In some implementations, the innovative measurement may include or be based on the difference between the observed value of the variable at time t and the best prediction of that value based on information available before time t.

[0118] Upon receiving timing information 584, UE 115 can determine positioning data 586 indicating the estimated positioning of UE 115. Positioning data 586 (and any other positioning data or estimated positioning data described herein) may include or indicate positioning coordinates (such as latitude or longitude coordinates or Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates) or more relative positioning information (such as the distance between the corresponding device and other devices, as a non-limiting example), or information that can be used to determine positioning or relative positioning (or triangulation) (such as angle of arrival data, as a non-limiting example). UE 115 may base its determination on timing information 584, such as the reception time (e.g., time of arrival) of the broadcast of the first PRS received from RSU 550 as measured at UE 115 (e.g., corresponding to, as referenced...). Figure 3-4 The arrival time t2 described, and the transmission time (e.g., departure time) of the broadcast of the specific antenna beam to the second PRS indicated by the second antenna beam information included in the timing information 584 (e.g., corresponding to, as referenced) Figure 3-4 The described departure time t3) is used to determine location data 586. For example, UE 115 can determine location data 586 as described above. Figure 5 As described. In some implementations, UE 115 may also receive additional information 588 from RSU 550, and UE 115 may further determine location data 586 based on the additional information 588. After determining the location data 586, UE 115 may transmit the location data 586 to RSU 550. In some implementations, UE 115 may determine clock information or adjust the clock signal based on timing information 584 and additional information 588.

[0119] In some implementations of the SL-a scheme, UE 115 may transmit timing information 590 to RSU 550. Timing information 590 may include the reception time (e.g., arrival time) of the received broadcast of the first PRS at UE 115, first antenna beam information indicating the antenna beam corresponding to the received broadcast of the first PRS, the transmission time (e.g., departure time) of each broadcast of the second PRS at UE 115, and second antenna beam information indicating the antenna beam corresponding to the received broadcast of the second PRS. For example, timing information 590 may include: the arrival time of the broadcast of the first PRS received from RSU 50, as measured at UE 115 (e.g., similar to a reference time). Figure 3-4 The arrival time t2 described, and the departure time for each broadcast of the first PRS, as measured by the UE 550 (e.g., similar to reference t2). Figure 3-4The described departure time t3). The first antenna beam information may indicate an identifier, a cyclic shift, or both associated with the received broadcast of the second PRS at UE 550 (e.g., to enable RSU 550 to determine which broadcast of the first PRS was received by UE 115), and the second antenna beam information may indicate an identifier, a cyclic shift, or both associated with each of the departure times (e.g., to enable RSU 550 to determine which departure time corresponds to the broadcast of the second PRS received at RSU 550).

[0120] In some implementations, UE 115 may transmit additional information 594 to RSU 550. For example, UE 115 may determine velocity information associated with UE 115 (e.g., information indicating one or more velocity measurements or estimates of UE 115), and additional information 594 may include the velocity information. Although referred to as velocity information, in other examples, velocity information may include or be replaced by other information, such as velocity information, Doppler-related information, (e.g., for UAVs) flight information, etc. As another example, UE 115 may determine the clock error noise standard deviation, the clock drift standard deviation, or both, and additional information 594 may include the clock error noise standard deviation, the clock drift standard deviation, or both. As another example, UE 115 may determine an innovative measurement associated with a PRS measurement at UE 115, and additional information 594 may include the innovative measurement.

[0121] Upon receiving timing information 590, RSU 550 can determine location data 592 indicating the estimated location of UE 115. RSU 550 can then determine the location based on timing information 590, the transmission time (e.g., departure time) of the broadcast of the first PRS to a specific antenna beam indicated by the first antenna beam information included in timing information 590 (e.g., corresponding to, as referenced in the reference). Figure 3-4 The described departure time t1), and the reception time (e.g., arrival time) of the first PRS broadcast received from RSU 550 as measured at RSU 550 (e.g., corresponding to, as referenced). Figure 3-4 The arrival time t4 described above is used to determine location data 592. For example, RSU 550 can determine location data 592, as referenced above. Figure 3As described. In some implementations, RSU 550 may also receive additional information 594 from UE 115, and RSU 550 may further determine location data 592 based on the additional information 594. After determining the location data 592, RSU 550 may transmit the location data 592 to UE 115. In some implementations, RSU 550 may determine the clock information of UE 115 based on RSU 550's clock signal, timing information 590, the corresponding departure time t1 and the corresponding arrival time t4 (and optional additional information 594), similar to determining the location data 592. RSU 550 may transmit the clock information to UE 115 for generating or adjusting the clock signal at UE 115.

[0122] RSU 550, UE 530, and initiator 540 can similarly share timing information and determine location data according to the SL-b or SL-a scheme, as described above with reference to RSU 550 and UE 115. Although RSU 550 and UE 115 have been described as being assigned a responder role in the PRS group, in other implementations, RSU 550 or UE 115 may be assigned an initiator role (and initiator 540 may not exist). In such implementations, in addition to the operations described with respect to RSU 550 or UE 115, RSU 550 or UE 115 may perform operations to manage the PRS group, such as executing LBT procedures and shared channel access indicator 560, PRS broadcast sequence 561, CoT indicator 563, and total antenna beam count 599. Additionally or alternatively, although RSU 550 is described as the first to be scheduled to broadcast PRS, in other implementations, initiator 540 (or any member role in the PRS group assigned to initiator) may schedule any member of the PRS group, including initiator 540 (as the first to perform the PRS broadcast).

[0123] For reference Figure 5As described, the wireless communication system 500 can support PRS-based positioning using directional communication beams. For example, each member of a PRS group can sequentially broadcast a corresponding PRS via one or more antenna beams supported at that member of the PRS group. Each broadcast by a particular group member can have a different cyclic shift to enable identification of individual broadcasts by other members of the PRS group. Based on the PRS broadcast sequence 561 and the total number of antenna beams 599, each member of the PRS group can determine when all group members scheduled before that member have completed their PRS broadcasts and can initiate their own PRS broadcasts. Additionally, timing information shared by members of the PRS group can include timing information varying by antenna beam and information for identifying which broadcast (e.g., corresponding to which antenna beam) was received by other members of the PRS group. In this way, PRS-based positioning can be supported for communication in high-frequency bands (such as millimeter-wave spectrum).

[0124] Figure 6 This includes several diagrams illustrating examples of broadcasting PRS via different antenna beams according to some aspects of this disclosure. For example, Figure 6 The diagram includes a first diagram 600 for an antenna beam for broadcasting a first PRS by the initiator (“Initiator”) of the PRS group, a second diagram 610 for an antenna beam for broadcasting a second PRS by a first responder device (“Responder 1”) of the PRS group, and a third diagram 620 for an antenna beam for broadcasting a third PRS by a second responder device (“Responder 2”) of the PRS group. Each of the Initiator, Responder 1, and Responder 2 may include or correspond to an RSU (or other equipment with a fixed location, such as a server) or a vehicle (e.g., a UE integrated into a vehicle or a component thereof). In some implementations, the Initiator, Responder 1, and Responder 2 may each include or correspond to Figure 5 The initiator 540 (or RSU 550, in the case where RSU 550 is assigned the initiator role), UE 115, and UE 530.

[0125] Each of the initiator, responder 1, and responder 2 may sequentially broadcast a corresponding PRS via each antenna beam (e.g., a lobe or sidelobe) of one or more antenna beams supported by a corresponding device (such as an antenna array supported by the corresponding device). For example, the initiator may sequentially broadcast a first PRS via a first antenna beam I_0, a second antenna beam I_1, a third antenna beam I_2, a fourth antenna beam I_3, a fifth antenna beam I_4, a sixth antenna beam I_5, a seventh antenna beam I_6, and an eighth antenna beam I_7. Similarly, responder 1 may sequentially broadcast a second PRS via antenna beams R1_0 to R1_7, and responder 2 may sequentially broadcast a third PRS via antenna beams R2_0 to R2_7. Although the initiator, responder 1, and responder 2... Figure 6 The implementation is shown as broadcasting the corresponding PRS via eight antenna beams (e.g., lobes or sidelobes), but in other implementations, the initiator, responder 1, and responder 2 may each broadcast the corresponding PRS via fewer or more than eight antenna beams. Additionally, although the initiator, responder 1, and responder 2 are shown as broadcasting the corresponding PRS via eight antenna beams (e.g., lobes or sidelobes), the implementation may differ in the specific implementation details. Figure 6 The implementation is shown to support the same number of antenna beams (e.g., eight), but in other implementations, one or more of the initiator, responder 1, and responder 2 may support a different number of antenna beams than the other of the initiator, responder 1, and responder 2.

[0126] like Figure 6 As shown, each antenna beam (e.g., lobe or sidelobe) used by the device to broadcast a corresponding PRS can have a different orientation than other antenna beams used by the same device for broadcasting other PRSs. For example, the first antenna beam I_0 can have a different orientation than antenna beams I_1 to I_7, the second antenna beam I_1 can have a different orientation than antenna beams I_0 and I_2 to I_7, the third antenna beam I_2 can have a different orientation than antenna beams I_0 to I_1 and I_3 to I_7, and so on. Similarly, antenna beams R1_0 to R1_7 can each have a different orientation, and antenna beams R2_0 to R2_7 can each have a different orientation. Each of antenna beams I_0 to I_7, R1_0 to R1_7, and R2_0 to R2_7 can be generated by different antenna elements (or subsets of antenna elements) of the antenna array of the corresponding device, as shown in the reference. Figure 5 As described.

[0127] In order to distinguish or identify which PRS broadcast (or replay) was received by other members of the PRS group, each PRS broadcast of the device may have a different cyclic shift than other PRS broadcasts of the same device. For example, the first PRS broadcast via the first antenna beam I_0 may have a first cyclic shift, the first PRS broadcast via the second antenna beam I_1 may have a second cyclic shift, the first PRS broadcast via the third antenna beam I_2 may have a third cyclic shift, the first PRS broadcast via the fourth antenna beam I_3 may have a fourth cyclic shift, the first PRS broadcast via the fifth antenna beam I_4 may have a fifth cyclic shift, the first PRS broadcast via the sixth antenna beam I_5 may have a sixth cyclic shift, the first PRS broadcast via the seventh antenna beam I_7 may have a seventh cyclic shift, and the first PRS broadcast via the eighth antenna beam I_7 may have an eighth cyclic shift. Similarly, each second PRS broadcast via antenna beams R1_0 to R1_7 may have a different cyclic shift, and each third PRS broadcast via antenna beams R2_0 to R2_7 may have a different cyclic shift.

[0128] Figure 6 It also includes timing diagram 630. Timing diagram 630 illustrates the timing of the PRS broadcasts by the initiator, responder 1, and responder 2. Timing diagram 630 also illustrates the PRS group CoT, which includes the timing of all PRS broadcasts within the PRS group. The PRS group CoT can indicate the duration of access to the wireless communication channel reserved by the initiator of the PRS group. The PRS group CoT can include the amount of time sufficient for all PRS broadcasts by all members of the PRS group. For example, the PRS group CoT can be the total number of antenna beams supported by all members of the PRS group (e.g., Figure 6 The example uses 24 units as the product of the PRS broadcast duration (which is the same for all PRS broadcasts from all members of the PRS group). In other implementations, the PRS group CoT may include additional time for post-PRS communication, as shown in the reference. Figure 5 As described, as shown in timing diagram 630, the initiator, responder 1, and responder 2 each broadcast their respective PRS sequentially via all supported antenna elements. This order can be indicated by the PRS group sequence determined by the initiator. Although the initiator... Figure 6 In the example shown, it is depicted as the first to execute the PRS broadcast, but in other implementations, the initiator can schedule any member of the PRS group as the first. For example... Figure 6As shown, the initiator broadcasts a first PRS sequentially via antenna elements I_0 to I_7 from time t_I to t_I+7T, followed by responder 1 broadcasting a second PRS sequentially via antenna elements R1_0 to R1_7 from time t_R1 to t_R1+7T, followed by responder 2 broadcasting a third PRS sequentially via antenna elements R2_0 to R2_7 from time t_R2 to t_R2+7T, where T is the duration of the PRS broadcast.

[0129] A device receiving a PRS broadcast can identify the PRS broadcast based on a cyclic shift, and determine whether it is capable of initiating a PRS broadcast based on the received PRS broadcast, the PRS broadcast sequence, and the number of antenna beams associated with each other member of the PRS group. For example, if responder 1 receives a first PRS broadcast via the third antenna beam I_3, responder 1 can determine, based on the cyclic shift of the received PRS broadcast, that the received PRS broadcast is the third PRS broadcast performed by the initiator. Responder 1 can also determine, based on the fact that the initiator is immediately preceding responder 1 in the PRS broadcast sequence and is associated with eight antenna beams, that responder 1 must wait five additional PRS broadcast durations before initiating its own PRS broadcast. As another example, if responder 2 receives a second PRS broadcast via antenna beam R1_5, responder 2 can determine, based on the cyclic shift of the received PRS broadcast, that the received PRS broadcast is the sixth PRS broadcast performed by responder 1. Responder 2 can also determine, based on Responder 1's immediate precedence in the PRS broadcast sequence and its association with eight antenna beams, that Responder 2 must wait two additional PRS broadcast durations before beginning its own PRS broadcast. In this way, broadcasting PRS using different cyclic shift sequences allows other members of the PRS group to determine when to begin their own PRS broadcasts, enabling each member of the PRS group to perform one or more sequential PRS broadcasts during the PRS group CoT without conflict.

[0130] Figure 7 This is a flow diagram of an example procedure for RSU operation of sequentially broadcasting PRS via multiple antenna beams of the RSU, according to some aspects of this disclosure. In some implementations, procedure 700 may be performed by RSU 550 or, as... Figure 8The RSU shown is executed by the RSU. In some other implementations, process 700 may be executed by a device configured for wireless communication. For example, the device may include at least one processor and memory coupled to the processor. The processor may be configured to perform the operations of process 700. In some other implementations, process 700 may be executed or run using a non-transient computer-readable medium on which program code is recorded. The program code may be program code that can be used to cause a computer to perform the operations of process 700. In some implementations, RSU operations are executed by an RSU assigned the initiator role of a PRS group.

[0131] The example operation (also known as the "box") in process 700 will also be about, for example... Figure 8 The RSU 800 described herein will be used as an example. Figure 8 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of an RSU 800 configured to sequentially broadcast PRS via multiple antenna beams, according to some aspects of this disclosure. The RSU 800 may include... Figure 5 The RSU550 is cited as an illustrative, non-limiting example. The RSU 800 includes, for example... Figure 1 and Figure 2 Base station 105 Figure 5 The structure, hardware, and components described herein are those of the RSU 550, or combinations thereof. For example, the RSU 800 may include a controller 240 that operates to execute logical or computer instructions stored in memory 242 and to control the various components of the RSU 800 that provide the characteristics and functionality of the RSU 800. Under the control of the controller 240, the RSU 800 transmits and receives signals via a wireless radio 801a-t and an antenna 234a-t. The wireless radio 801a-t includes various components and hardware (such as those in…) Figure 2 (As explained in the text for base station 105), it includes modulator / demodulator 232a-t, transmitter processor 220, TX MIMO processor 230, MIMO detector 236, and receiver processor 238.

[0132] As shown, memory 242 may include transmission logic 802, PRS logic 803, and broadcast logic 804. Transmission logic 802 can be configured to transmit information or signals, such as PRS, to other devices. PRS logic 803 can be configured to generate a PRS for broadcasting to other devices. Broadcast logic 804 can be configured to initiate the broadcast of information or signals, such as PRS, to other devices. RSU 800 can receive signals from one or more UEs (such as...). Figure 1-2 and Figure 5 UE 115 Figure 5 UE 530 or reference Figure 10 The UE (as described) or another RSU receives or transmits signals to it.

[0133] Return to reference Figure 7 The described process 700, as explained in block 702, involves RSU 800 transmitting an indication of access to a radio channel for the PRS group from the initiator of the PRS group to other members of the PRS group. As an example of block 702, RSU 800 may use a wireless radio 801a-t and antenna 252a-t and transmit the indication of access to the radio channel using transmission logic 802. For example, RSU 800 may execute transmission logic 802 stored in memory 282 under the control of controller 280. The execution environment of transmission logic 802 provides the functionality to transmit an indication of access to a radio channel for the PRS group from the initiator of the PRS group (RSU 800) to other members of the PRS group.

[0134] In block 704, the RSU 800 broadcasts a first PRS via each of a plurality of antenna beams. The antenna array of the RSU 800 is configured to communicate via the plurality of antenna beams. For illustration, the RSU 800 can broadcast the first PRS using a wireless radio 801a-t and antennas 252a-t (e.g., an antenna array). For further illustration, the RSU 800 can execute PRS logic 803 and broadcast logic 804 stored in memory 282 under the control of controller 280. The execution environment of PRS logic 803 provides functionality for generating the first PRS for broadcast and setting parameters for each broadcast, such as sequence and cyclic shift, as non-limiting examples. The execution environment of broadcast logic 804 provides functionality for broadcasting the first PRS via each of the plurality of antenna beams supported by the RSU 800.

[0135] In some implementations, the initiator includes or corresponds to the RSU. Alternatively, the initiator may include or correspond to the UE. Additionally or alternatively, broadcasting the first PRS via each of the plurality of antenna beams may include broadcasting the first PRS sequentially via each of the plurality of antenna beams. Additionally or alternatively, process 700 may also include using the same order for each broadcast of the first PRS. Additionally or alternatively, process 700 may include applying a different cyclic shift to each broadcast of the first PRS. Additionally or alternatively, broadcasting the first PRS may include communication in the millimeter-wave band. Additionally or alternatively, each of the plurality of antenna beams may be associated with at least a partially different direction.

[0136] In some implementations, process 700 further includes receiving a broadcast of a second PRS from a wireless communication device assigned a responder role in the PRS group. In some such implementations, the wireless communication device includes a vehicle or a component of a vehicle. Additionally or alternatively, process 700 may also include transmitting timing information to the wireless communication device after receiving a corresponding PRS broadcast from each of the remaining members included in the PRS group. In some such implementations, the timing information may include the transmission time for each broadcast of the first PRS, first antenna beam information indicating the antenna beam corresponding to each broadcast of the first PRS, the reception time of the broadcast of the second PRS, and second antenna beam information indicating the antenna beam corresponding to the reception of the broadcast of the second PRS. Additionally or alternatively, process 700 may further include receiving location data from the wireless communication device. The location data may be at least partially based on the timing information. In some such implementations, process 700 may further include: determining a measured clock error noise standard deviation, a clock drift standard deviation, or both at the initiator; and transmitting the measured clock error noise standard deviation, the clock drift standard deviation, or both at the initiator to the UE before receiving the positioning data. Additionally or alternatively, process 700 may further include determining an innovative measurement associated with the PRS measurement at the RSU; and transmitting the innovative measurement to the wireless communication device before receiving the positioning data.

[0137] In some implementations, process 700 further includes receiving a broadcast of a second PRS from a wireless communication device; process 700 may also include receiving timing information from the wireless communication device after receiving a corresponding PRS broadcast from each of the remaining members of the PRS group; determining location data indicating the estimated location of the wireless communication device based on the timing information, the transmission time of the broadcast of the first PRS via an antenna beam indicated by the timing information, and the reception time of the broadcast of the second PRS; and transmitting the location data to the wireless communication device. In some such implementations, process 700 may further include determining clock information for the wireless communication device based on the initiator's clock signal and the timing information; and transmitting the clock information to the wireless communication device. Additionally or alternatively, the timing information from the wireless communication device may include: the reception time of the broadcast of the first PRS at the wireless communication device, antenna beam information indicating the antenna beam corresponding to the reception of the broadcast of the first PRS at the wireless communication device, the transmission time of one or more broadcasts of the second PRS by the wireless communication device, and second antenna beam information indicating at least one antenna beam corresponding to the broadcast of the second PRS. Additionally or alternatively, process 700 may further include receiving speed information from the wireless communication device. The positioning data may be further based on the speed information. Additionally or alternatively, process 700 may further include receiving from the wireless communication device a measured clock error noise standard deviation, a clock drift standard deviation, or both at the wireless communication device. The positioning data may be further based on the measured clock error noise standard deviation, the clock drift standard deviation, or both. Additionally or alternatively, process 700 may further include receiving from the wireless communication device an innovative measurement associated with a PRS measurement at the wireless communication device. The positioning data may be further based on this innovative measurement.

[0138] In some implementations, process 700 further includes transmitting a PRS broadcast sequence associated with the PRS group to other members of the PRS group. This PRS broadcast sequence may indicate the order in which members of the PRS group are designated to broadcast corresponding PRS signals. Additionally or alternatively, process 700 may also include receiving from a member of the PRS group the number of antenna beams used by that member. In some such implementations, process 700 may further include transmitting an indication of the CoT (CoT) of the PRS group on the radio channel to other members of the PRS group. This CoT may be based on the total number of antenna beams used by all members of the PRS group.

[0139] In some implementations, roles within the PRS group are assigned via higher-level signaling between members of the PRS group. Alternatively, the initiator role within the PRS group may be assigned to an RSU located at a specific location. Alternatively, the initiator role within the PRS group may be assigned to a specific member based on the member having a fixed location or complete knowledge of that location. In some such implementations, the initiator includes an RSU or a PRS anchor vehicle. Alternatively, the initiator role within the PRS group may be assigned to a specific member within the PRS group that has the largest coverage area within the PRS group. Alternatively, the initiator role within the PRS group may be assigned to a specific member based on the member's determined location having the highest accuracy within the PRS group. Alternatively, the initiator role within the PRS group may be assigned to a specific member based on the member's estimated location having the highest accuracy within the PRS group.

[0140] Figure 9 This is a flow diagram of an example procedure 900 for sequentially broadcasting PRS via multiple antenna beams of a UE, according to some aspects of this disclosure. In some implementations, procedure 900 may be... Figure 1-2 and Figure 2 UE115 or as referenced Figure 10 The process 900 is performed by the UE described herein. In some other implementations, process 900 may be performed by equipment configured for wireless communication. For example, the equipment may include at least one processor and memory coupled to the processor. The processor may be configured to perform the operations of process 900. In some other implementations, process 900 may be executed or run using a non-transient computer-readable medium on which program code is recorded. The program code may be program code that can be used to cause a computer to perform the operations of process 900. In some implementations, UE operations may be performed by a UE assigned a responder role in a PRS group.

[0141] The example boxes for process 900 will also refer to, for example... Figure 10 It is described using UE 1000 as explained in the document. Figure 10 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of a UE 1000 configured to sequentially broadcast PRS via multiple antenna beams according to some aspects of this disclosure. Although described as a UE, UE 1000 may include a vehicle (or a component thereof) (or be integrated within a vehicle (or a component thereof). UE 1000 includes as described for... Figure 1-2 or Figure 5The structure, hardware, and components described in UE 115. For example, UE 1000 includes a controller 280, which operates to execute logical or computer instructions stored in memory 282, and various components that control UE 1000 and provide the features and functionality of UE 1000. Under the control of controller 280, UE 1000 transmits and receives signals via wireless radio 1001a-r and antenna 252a-r. Wireless radio 1001a-r includes various components and hardware, such as those described in... Figure 2 The components described in the section on UE 115 include modulator / demodulator 254a-r, MIMO detector 256, receiver processor 258, transmitter processor 264, and TX MIMO processor 266.

[0142] As shown, memory 282 may include receive logic 1002, PRS logic 1003, and broadcast logic 1004. Receive logic 1002 may be configured to receive information or signaling, such as PRS group information or PRS, from other devices. PRS logic 1003 may be configured to generate a PRS signal for broadcast to other devices. Broadcast logic 1004 may be configured to implement the broadcasting of signaling or messages, such as PRS, to other devices. UE 1000 can receive information or signaling, such as PRS, from one or more UEs (such as...). Figure 5 UE 530) or one or more RSUs (such as Figure 5 RSU 550 or Figure 8 (or RSU 800) to receive or transmit signals.

[0143] Return to reference Figure 9 The described process 900, as explained in block 902, involves the UE 1000 receiving, at the responder of a PRS group, an indication for access to a radio channel used by that PRS group from the initiator of that PRS group. For illustration, the UE 1000 may use radio 1001a-r and antenna 252a-r, along with receiving logic 1002, to receive the indication. Further illustration, the UE 1000 may execute the receiving logic 1002 stored in memory 282 under the control of controller 280. The execution environment of the receiving logic 1002 provides the functionality for receiving an indication for access to a radio channel used by that PRS group from the initiator of that PRS group.

[0144] In block 904, UE 1000 receives a broadcast of the first PRS from the initiator. For illustration, UE 1000 can use radio 1001a-r and antenna 252a-r, along with receiving logic 1002, to receive the broadcast of the first PRS. To further illustrate, UE 1000 can execute the receiving logic 1002 stored in memory 282 under the control of controller 280. The execution environment of receiving logic 1002 provides the functionality for receiving the broadcast of the first PRS from the initiator.

[0145] In block 906, UE 1000 determines whether any other member of the PRS group was scheduled to broadcast a PRS before UE 1000 (e.g., the responder). As an example of block 906, UE 1000 may execute PRS logic 1003 stored in memory 282 under the control of controller 280. The execution environment of PRS logic 1003 provides functionality for determining PRS broadcast scheduling, such as determining whether any other member of the PRS group was scheduled to broadcast a PRS before the responder.

[0146] In block 908, UE 1000 broadcasts a second PRS based on the determination that no other member in the PRS group has been scheduled to broadcast before UE 1000 (e.g., a responder), via each of one or more antenna beams. The antenna array of UE 1000 is configured to communicate via these one or more antenna beams. For illustration, UE 1000 can broadcast the second PRS using radio 1001a-t and antenna 252a-t (e.g., an antenna array), as well as PRS logic 1003 and broadcast logic 1004. For further illustration, UE 1000 can execute PRS logic 1003 and broadcast logic 1004 stored in memory 282 under the control of controller 280. The execution environment of PRS logic 1003 provides functionality for generating a second PRS for broadcast and setting one or more parameters associated with the broadcast, such as sequence and cyclic shift, as a non-limiting example. The execution environment of broadcast logic 1004 provides the functionality to broadcast a second PRS via each of one or more antenna beams, based on the determination that no other member in the PRS group has been scheduled to broadcast before UE 1000.

[0147] In some implementations, the responder may include or correspond to the UE. Alternatively, the responder may include or correspond to the RSU. Additionally or alternatively, broadcasting the second PRS via each of the one or more antenna beams may include broadcasting the second PRS sequentially via each of the one or more antenna beams. Additionally or alternatively, process 900 may also include using the same order for each broadcast of the second PRS. Additionally or alternatively, process 900 may further include applying a different cyclic shift to each broadcast of the second PRS. Additionally or alternatively, broadcasting the second PRS may include communication in a millimeter-wave band. Additionally or alternatively, each of the one or more antenna beams may be associated with at least a partially different direction. Additionally or alternatively, UE 1000 may include a vehicle or a component of a vehicle.

[0148] In some implementations, process 900 further includes receiving from the initiator a PRS broadcast sequence associated with the PRS group and the number of antenna beams corresponding to each member of the PRS group. The PRS broadcast sequence may indicate the order in which members of the PRS group are designated to broadcast corresponding PRS signals. In some such implementations, determining whether any other member of the PRS group was scheduled to broadcast PRS before UE 1000 may include: determining whether the most recently received PRS broadcast was received from a specific member of the PRS group that immediately precedes UE 1000 in the PRS broadcast sequence. In some such implementations, determining whether any other member of the PRS group was scheduled to broadcast PRS before UE 1000 may further include: determining whether the specific member has completed PRS broadcasting based on the cyclic shift associated with the most recently received PRS broadcast and the number of antenna beams associated with the specific member.

[0149] In some implementations, process 900 further includes receiving timing information from the initiator after receiving a corresponding PRS broadcast from each of the remaining members of the PRS group. In some such implementations, the timing information from the initiator may include the transmission time for each broadcast of the first PRS, first antenna beam information indicating the antenna beam corresponding to each broadcast of the second PRS at the initiator, the reception time of the broadcast of the second PRS at the initiator, and second antenna beam information indicating the antenna beam corresponding to the reception of the broadcast of the second PRS at the initiator. In some such implementations, process 900 may further include: determining estimated positioning data indicating the location of UE 1000 based on the timing information, the reception time of the broadcast of the first PRS, and the transmission time of the broadcast of the second PRS via the antenna beam indicated by the second antenna beam information; and transmitting the positioning data to the initiator. Additionally or alternatively, process 900 may further include determining the measured clock error noise standard deviation, the clock drift standard deviation, or both at UE 1000; and transmitting the measured clock error noise standard deviation, the clock drift standard deviation, or both to the initiator. Additionally or alternatively, process 900 may further include determining an innovative measurement associated with the PRS measurement at UE 1000; and transmitting the innovative measurement to the initiator.

[0150] In some implementations, process 900 further includes transmitting timing information to the initiator after receiving a corresponding PRS broadcast from each of the remaining members of the PRS group. This timing information may indicate the reception time of the first PRS broadcast, antenna beam information indicating the antenna beam corresponding to the first PRS broadcast, the transmission time of the second PRS broadcast, and second antenna beam information indicating the antenna beam corresponding to the second PRS broadcast. In some such implementations, process 900 may further include receiving location data from the initiator. The location data may indicate the estimated location of UE 1000. In some such implementations, process 900 may further include determining speed information associated with UE 1000 and transmitting the speed information to the initiator before receiving the location data. Alternatively, process 900 may further include determining the measured clock error noise standard deviation, the clock drift standard deviation, or both at UE 1000; and transmitting the measured clock error noise standard deviation, the clock drift standard deviation, or both to the initiator before receiving the positioning data. Alternatively, process 900 may further include determining an innovative measurement associated with the PRS measurement at UE 1000; and transmitting the innovative measurement to the initiator before receiving the positioning data. Alternatively, process 900 may further include receiving clock information from the initiator. This clock information may indicate a clock signal to be used by UE 1000.

[0151] In some implementations, process 900 further includes transmitting to the initiator the number of antenna beams included in the one or more antenna beams. Additionally or alternatively, process 900 may also include receiving from the initiator an indication of the CoT (CoT) for the PRS group on the radio channel. The CoT may be based on the total number of antenna beams used by all members of the PRS group.

[0152] In some implementations, roles within the PRS group are assigned via higher-level signaling between members of the PRS group. Alternatively, the initiator role within the PRS group may be assigned to an RSU located at a specific location. Alternatively, the initiator role within the PRS group may be assigned to a specific member of the PRS group based on the member having a fixed location or complete knowledge of that location. In some implementations, the initiator includes an RSU or a PRS anchor vehicle. Alternatively, the initiator role within the PRS group may be assigned to a specific member of the PRS group that has the largest coverage area within the PRS group. Alternatively, the initiator role within the PRS group may be assigned to a specific member based on the highest accuracy of their determined location within the PRS group. Alternatively, the initiator role within the PRS group may be assigned to a specific member based on the highest accuracy of their estimated location within the PRS group.

[0153] It should be noted that, for reference Figure 7 and Figure 9 One or more boxes (or operations) described can be combined with one or more boxes (or operations) in another figure. For example, Figure 7 One or more boxes (or operations) can be combined with Figure 9 A combination of one or more boxes (or operations). As another example, Figure 7 Or one or more boxes of 9 can be combined with Figure 2 , 3 Or a combination of one or more boxes (or operations) from another of 5. Additionally or alternatively, refer to the above. Figure 1-9 One or more operations described can be compared with the reference Figure 10 The described combination of one or more operations.

[0154] In some aspects of this disclosure, techniques for locating vehicles using millimeter-wave PRS may include additional aspects, such as any single aspect or any combination of aspects described below and / or in conjunction with one or more other processes or apparatuses described elsewhere herein. In some aspects of this disclosure, techniques for locating vehicles using millimeter-wave PRS may include: equipment transmitting from the initiator of a PRS group to other members of the PRS group an indication of access to a radio channel used for the PRS group. The equipment may also broadcast a first PRS via each of a plurality of antenna beams. The initiator's antenna array may be configured to communicate via the plurality of antenna beams. In some implementations, the equipment (e.g., the initiator) includes a radio device, such as an RSU or UE. In some implementations, the equipment may include at least one processor and memory coupled to the processor. The processor may be configured to perform the operations described herein with reference to the radio device. In some other implementations, the equipment may include a non-transient computer-readable medium on which program code is recorded, and the program code may be executed by a computer to cause the computer to perform the operations described herein with reference to the radio device. In some implementations, the equipment may include one or more means configured to perform the operations described herein.

[0155] In the first aspect, the initiator includes the RSU.

[0156] Secondly, the initiator includes the UE.

[0157] In a third aspect, broadcasting the first PRS via each of the plurality of antenna beams includes broadcasting the first PRS sequentially via each of the plurality of antenna beams.

[0158] In the fourth aspect, the equipment uses the same sequence for each broadcast of the first PRS, either alone or in combination with one or more of the first to third aspects.

[0159] In the fifth aspect, either alone or in combination with one or more of the first to fourth aspects, the apparatus applies a different cyclic shift to each broadcast of the second PRS.

[0160] In the sixth aspect, broadcasting the first PRS, either alone or in combination with one or more of the first to fifth aspects, includes communication in the millimeter-wave band.

[0161] In the seventh aspect, individually or in combination with one or more of the first to sixth aspects, each of the plurality of antenna beams is associated with a direction that is at least partially different.

[0162] In the eighth aspect, either alone or in combination with one or more of the first to seventh aspects, the equipment receives a broadcast of a second PRS from a wireless communication device assigned a responder role in the PRS group.

[0163] In the ninth aspect, in conjunction with the eighth aspect, the wireless communication device includes a vehicle or a component of a vehicle.

[0164] In the tenth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the eighth to ninth aspects, the equipment transmits timing information to the wireless communication device after receiving a corresponding PRS broadcast from each of the remaining members included in the PRS group.

[0165] In the eleventh aspect, in conjunction with the tenth aspect, the timing information includes the transmission time for each broadcast of the first PRS, first antenna beam information indicating the antenna beam corresponding to each broadcast of the first PRS, the reception time of the broadcast of the second PRS, and second antenna beam information indicating the antenna beam corresponding to the reception of the broadcast of the second PRS.

[0166] In the twelfth aspect, the equipment receives positioning data from the wireless communication device, either alone or in combination with one or more of the tenth to eleventh aspects. The positioning data is based at least in part on the timing information.

[0167] In the thirteenth aspect, in conjunction with the twelfth aspect, the equipment determines the measured clock error noise standard deviation at the initiator, the clock drift standard deviation at the initiator, or both; and transmits the measured clock error noise standard deviation, the clock drift standard deviation, or both to the wireless communication device before receiving the positioning data.

[0168] In the fourteenth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the twelfth to thirteenth aspects, the equipment determines an innovative measurement associated with the PRS measurement at the initiator; and transmits the innovative measurement to the wireless communication device before receiving the positioning data.

[0169] In the fifteenth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the eighth to ninth aspects, the equipment receives timing information from the wireless communication device after receiving a corresponding PRS broadcast from each of the remaining members of the PRS group; determines, based on the timing information, the transmission time of the broadcast of the first PRS via the antenna beam indicated by the timing information, and the reception time of the broadcast of the second PRS, the estimated location of the wireless communication device; and transmits the location data to the wireless communication device.

[0170] In the sixteenth aspect, in conjunction with the fifteenth aspect, the equipment determines clock information for the wireless communication device based on the initiator's clock signal and the timing information; and transmits the clock information to the wireless communication device.

[0171] In the seventeenth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of aspects fifteen to sixteen, the timing information from the wireless communication device includes: the reception time of the first PRS broadcast at the wireless communication device, antenna beam information indicating the antenna beam corresponding to the reception of the first PRS broadcast at the wireless communication device, the transmission time of one or more broadcasts of the second PRS by the wireless communication device, and second antenna beam information indicating the antenna beam corresponding to the broadcast of the second PRS.

[0172] In the eighteenth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of aspects fifteen to seventeen, the equipment receives speed information from the wireless communication device. The positioning data is further based on the speed information.

[0173] In the nineteenth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of aspects fifteen to eighteen, the equipment receives from the wireless communication device a measured clock error noise standard deviation at the wireless communication device, a clock drift standard deviation at the wireless communication device, or both. The positioning data is further based on the measured clock error noise standard deviation, the clock drift standard deviation, or both.

[0174] In the twentieth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of aspects fifteen to nineteen, the equipment receives from the wireless communication device an innovative measurement associated with the PRS measurement at the wireless communication device. The positioning data is further based on this innovative measurement.

[0175] In the twenty-first aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first to twentieth aspects, the equipment transmits a PRS broadcast sequence associated with the PRS group to other members of the PRS group. This PRS broadcast sequence indicates the order in which members of the PRS group are designated to broadcast corresponding PRS signals.

[0176] In the twenty-second aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first to twenty-first aspects, the equipment receives from a member of the PRS group the number of antenna beams used by that member of the PRS group.

[0177] In the twenty-third aspect, in conjunction with the twenty-second aspect, the equipment transmits an indication of the CoT (Coordination of Telemetry) for the PRS group on the radio channel to the other members of the PRS group. The CoT is based on the total number of antenna beams used by all members of the PRS group.

[0178] In aspect 24, either alone or in combination with one or more of aspects 1 to 23, roles in the PRS group are assigned via higher-level signaling between the members of the PRS group.

[0179] In aspect 25, either alone or in combination with one or more of aspects 1 to 24, the initiator role in the PRS group is assigned to the RSU located at a specific location.

[0180] In the twenty-sixth aspect, either alone or in combination with one or more of the first to twenty-fifth aspects, the initiator role in the PRS group is assigned to a particular member based on the member's fixed location or complete knowledge of the location.

[0181] In aspect 27, in conjunction with aspect 26, the initiator includes RSU or PRS anchor vehicles.

[0182] In aspect 28, either alone or in combination with one or more of aspects 1 to 27, the initiator role in the PRS group is assigned to a specific member of the PRS group who has the largest coverage area within the PRS group.

[0183] In aspect 29, either alone or in combination with one or more of aspects 1 to 28, the initiator role in the PRS group is assigned to that particular member based on the highest accuracy of the determined positioning within the PRS group.

[0184] In the thirtieth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first to twenty-ninth aspects, the initiator role in the PRS group is assigned to a particular member based on the estimated location of that particular member within the PRS group having the highest accuracy within the PRS group.

[0185] In some aspects of this disclosure, an apparatus configured for wireless communication is configured to receive, at a responder of a PRS group, an indication from the initiator of the PRS group for access to a wireless channel for the PRS group. The apparatus is also configured to receive a broadcast of a first PRS from the initiator. The apparatus is further configured to determine whether any other member of the PRS group has been scheduled to broadcast a PRS prior to the responder. The apparatus is further configured to broadcast a second PRS via each of one or more antenna beams based on the determination that no other member of the PRS group has been scheduled to broadcast prior to the responder. The responder's antenna array may be configured to communicate via the one or more antenna beams. In some implementations, the apparatus (e.g., the responder) includes a wireless device, such as a UE or RSU. In some implementations, the apparatus may include at least one processor and memory coupled to the processor. The processor may be configured to perform the operations described herein with reference to the wireless device. In some other implementations, the apparatus may include a non-transient computer-readable medium on which program code is recorded, and the program code may be executed by a computer to cause the computer to perform the operations described herein with reference to the wireless device. In some implementations, the apparatus may include one or more means configured to perform the operations described herein.

[0186] In the thirty-first aspect, the responder includes the UE.

[0187] In aspect thirty-two, the respondent includes the RSU.

[0188] In aspect 33, broadcasting the second PRS via each of the one or more antenna beams, either alone or in combination with one or more of aspects 31 to 32, includes broadcasting the second PRS sequentially via each of the one or more antenna beams.

[0189] In aspect thirty-four, alone or in combination with one or more of aspects thirty-one to thirty-three, the equipment uses the same sequence for each broadcast of the second PRS.

[0190] In aspect thirty-five, alone or in combination with one or more of aspects thirty-one to thirty-four, the equipment applies a different cyclic shift to each broadcast of the second PRS.

[0191] In aspect thirty-six, broadcasting the second PRS, either alone or in combination with one or more of aspects thirty-one to thirty-five, includes communication in the millimeter-wave band.

[0192] In the thirty-seventh aspect, individually or in combination with one or more of the thirty-first to thirty-sixth aspects, each of the one or more antenna beams is associated with a direction that is at least partially different.

[0193] In aspect thirty-eight, the initiator includes the RSU, either alone or in combination with one or more of aspects thirty-one to thirty-seven.

[0194] In aspect thirty-nine, alone or in combination with one or more of aspects thirty-one to thirty-eight, the equipment receives from the initiator a PRS broadcast sequence associated with the PRS group and the number of antenna beams corresponding to each member of the PRS group. The PRS broadcast sequence indicates the order in which the members of the PRS group are designated to broadcast the corresponding PRS signals.

[0195] In the fortieth aspect, in conjunction with the thirty-ninth aspect, determining whether any other member of the PRS group was scheduled to broadcast a PRS prior to the responder includes determining whether the most recently received PRS broadcast was received from a specific member of the PRS group that immediately precedes the responder in the PRS broadcast sequence.

[0196] In the forty-first aspect, in conjunction with the forty-first aspect, determining whether any other member of the PRS group was scheduled to broadcast a PRS prior to the responder further includes determining whether the particular member has completed the PRS broadcast based on the cyclic shift associated with the most recently received PRS broadcast and the number of antenna beams associated with the particular member.

[0197] In aspect 42, alone or in combination with one or more of aspects 31 to 41, the equipment receives timing information from the initiator after receiving a corresponding PRS broadcast from each of the remaining members of the PRS group.

[0198] In aspect 43, in conjunction with aspect 42, the timing information from the initiator includes the transmission time for each broadcast of the first PRS, first antenna beam information indicating the antenna beam corresponding to each broadcast of the second PRS of the initiator, the reception time of the broadcast of the second PRS at the initiator, and second antenna beam information indicating the antenna beam corresponding to the reception of the broadcast of the second PRS at the initiator.

[0199] In the forty-fourth aspect, in conjunction with the forty-third aspect, the equipment determines estimated positioning data indicating the responder's location based on the timing information, the reception time of the first PRS broadcast, and the transmission time of the second PRS broadcast via the antenna beam indicated by the second antenna beam information; and transmits the positioning data to the initiator.

[0200] In aspect 45, alone or in combination with one or more of aspects 43 to 44, the equipment determines the measured clock error noise standard deviation, the clock drift standard deviation, or both at the responder; and transmits the measured clock error noise standard deviation, the clock drift standard deviation, or both to the initiator.

[0201] In aspect 46, alone or in combination with one or more of aspects 43 to 45, the equipment determines an innovative measurement associated with the PRS measurement at the responding party; and transmits the innovative measurement to the initiating party.

[0202] In aspect forty-seven, either alone or in combination with one or more of aspects thirty-one to forty-one, the equipment transmits timing information to the initiator after receiving a corresponding PRS broadcast from each of the remaining members of the PRS group. This timing information indicates the reception time of the first PRS broadcast, antenna beam information indicating the antenna beam corresponding to the first PRS broadcast, the transmission time of the second PRS broadcast, and second antenna beam information indicating the antenna beam corresponding to the second PRS broadcast.

[0203] In aspect forty-eight, in conjunction with aspect forty-seven, the equipment receives positioning data from the initiator. This positioning data indicates the estimated positioning of the responder.

[0204] In the forty-ninth aspect, in conjunction with the forty-tenth aspect, the equipment determines speed information associated with the responder and transmits the speed information to the initiator before receiving the positioning data.

[0205] In the fiftieth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the forty-eighth and forty-ninth aspects, the equipment determines the measured clock error noise standard deviation, the clock drift standard deviation, or both at the responder; and transmits the measured clock error noise standard deviation, the clock drift standard deviation, or both to the initiator before receiving the positioning data.

[0206] In the fifty-first aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of aspects forty-eight to fifty, the equipment determines an innovative measurement associated with the PRS measurement at the responder; and transmits the innovative measurement to the initiator before receiving the positioning data.

[0207] In aspect 52, the equipment receives clock information from the initiating party, either alone or in combination with one or more of aspects 48 to 51. This clock information indicates a clock signal to be used by the responding party.

[0208] In aspect 53, alone or in combination with one or more of aspects 31 to 52, the equipment transmits to the initiator the number of antenna beams included in the one or more antenna beams.

[0209] In aspect 54, in conjunction with aspect 53, the equipment receives from the initiator an indication of the CoT (Coordination of Telemetry) for the PRS group on the radio channel. The CoT is based on the total number of antenna beams used by all members of the PRS group.

[0210] In aspect 55, either alone or in combination with one or more of aspects 31 to 54, roles in the PRS group are assigned via higher-level signaling between the members of the PRS group.

[0211] In aspect 56, either alone or in combination with one or more of aspects 31 to 55, the initiator role in the PRS group is assigned to the RSU located at a specific location.

[0212] In aspect 57, either alone or in combination with one or more of aspects 31 to 56, the initiator role in the PRS group is assigned to a particular member based on the member's fixed location or complete knowledge of the location.

[0213] In aspect 58, in conjunction with aspect 57, the initiator includes RSU or PRS anchor vehicles.

[0214] In aspect 59, either alone or in combination with one or more of aspects 51 to 58, the initiator role in the PRS group is assigned to a specific member of the PRS group who has the largest coverage area within the PRS group.

[0215] In the sixtieth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of aspects thirty-one to fifty-nine, the initiator role in the PRS group is assigned to that particular member based on the highest accuracy of the determined positioning within the PRS group.

[0216] In the sixty-first aspect, either alone or in combination with one or more of aspects thirty-one to sixty, the initiator role in the PRS group is assigned to a particular member based on the estimated location of that particular member within the PRS group having the highest accuracy within the PRS group.

[0217] Those skilled in the art will understand that information and signals can be represented using any of a variety of different techniques and skills. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be referred to throughout the above description can be represented by voltage, current, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, optical fields or optical particles, or any combination thereof. Additionally, unless otherwise stated, the use of “location reference signal” or “PRS” herein is intended to indicate that at least a portion of one or more signals can be used for location purposes (e.g., location determination or estimation), etc. Thus, those skilled in the art will recognize that, unless otherwise stated, the PRS used herein is not necessarily limited to representing a specific signal or message scheme in a given communication standard, etc.

[0218] The components, functional blocks, and modules described in this document (e.g., Figure 2 , 5 The components, functional blocks, and modules in sections 8 and 10 may include processors, electronic devices, hardware devices, electronic components, logic circuits, memory, software code, firmware code, etc., or any combination thereof. Furthermore, the components discussed herein are related to… Figure 1-10 The relevant features can be implemented via a dedicated processor circuit system, via executable instructions, or a combination thereof.

[0219] Those skilled in the art will further appreciate that, in conjunction with the various illustrative logic blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithmic steps disclosed herein (e.g., Figure 7 and 9 The logic blocks (in this document) can be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability between hardware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps are generally described above in their functional form. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends on the specific application and the design constraints imposed on the overall system. Those skilled in the art may implement the described functionality in different ways for each specific application, but such implementation decisions should not be construed as departing from the scope of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art will also readily recognize that the order or combination of components, methods, or interactions described herein is merely illustrative and that components, methods, or interactions of various aspects of this disclosure may be combined or performed in ways other than those described and illustrated herein.

[0220] The various illustrative logic blocks, modules, and circuits described herein can be implemented or executed using a general-purpose processor, digital signal processor (DSP), application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof, designed to perform the functions described herein. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in alternatives, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors cooperating with a DSP core, or any other such configuration.

[0221] The steps of the methods or algorithms described herein can be implemented directly in hardware, in a software module executed by a processor, or a combination of both. The software module may reside in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, hard disk, removable disk, CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to a processor so that the processor can read and write information from / to the storage medium. In an alternative, the storage medium may be integrated into the processor. The processor and storage medium may reside in an ASIC. The ASIC may reside in a user terminal. In an alternative, the processor and storage medium may reside as discrete components in the user terminal.

[0222] In one or more exemplary designs, the described functionality may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, the functionality may be stored or transmitted as one or more instructions or code on or through a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media includes both computer storage media and communication media, including any medium that facilitates the transfer of a computer program from one location to another. Computer-readable storage media may be any available medium accessible to a general-purpose or special-purpose computer. By way of example and not limitation, such computer-readable media may include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disc storage, disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and is accessible to a general-purpose or special-purpose computer, or a general-purpose or special-purpose processor. As used herein, disk and disc include compact discs (CDs), laser discs, optical discs, digital multi-purpose discs (DVDs), hard disks, solid-state drives (SSDs), and Blu-ray discs, wherein disks typically reproduce data magnetically, and discs reproduce data optically using lasers. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0223] As used herein (including in the claims), the term “and / or” in a list of two or more items means that any one of the listed items may be used alone, or any combination of two or more listed items may be used. For example, if a composition is described as containing components A, B, and / or C, then the composition may contain only A; only B; only C; a combination of A and B; a combination of A and C; a combination of B and C; or a combination of A, B, and C. Moreover, as used herein (including in the claims), the word “or” in a list of items containing “at least one of” indicates a disjunctive list, such that a list such as “at least one of A, B, or C” means A or B or C or AB or AC or BC or ABC (i.e., A and B and C) or any combination thereof.

[0224] The prior description of this disclosure is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use this disclosure. Various modifications to this disclosure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other variations without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. Therefore, this disclosure is not intended to be limited to the examples and designs described herein, but should be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A method for wireless communication, the method comprising: From the originator of a Positioning Reference Signal (PRS) group, an indication is transmitted to other members of the PRS group for access to a radio channel used by the PRS group, wherein the originator is one of the members of the PRS group; as well as The first PRS is broadcast via each of a plurality of antenna beams, wherein the initiator’s antenna array is configured to communicate via the plurality of antenna beams.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein broadcasting the first PRS via each of the plurality of antenna beams comprises broadcasting the first PRS sequentially via each of the plurality of antenna beams.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising using the same order for each broadcast of the first PRS.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising applying a different cyclic shift to each broadcast of the first PRS.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising: The wireless communication device receiving a broadcast of a second PRS from a responder role assigned in the PRS group, the wireless communication device including a vehicle or a component of a vehicle; and After receiving the corresponding PRS broadcast from each of the remaining members included in the PRS group, timing information is transmitted to the wireless communication device.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the timing information includes the transmission time for each broadcast of the first PRS, first antenna beam information indicating the antenna beam corresponding to each broadcast of the first PRS, the reception time of the broadcast of the second PRS, and second antenna beam information indicating the antenna beam corresponding to the reception of the broadcast of the second PRS.

7. The method of claim 5, further comprising receiving positioning data from the wireless communication device, the positioning data being at least partially based on the timing information.

8. The method of claim 7, further comprising: Determine the measured clock error noise standard deviation at the initiator, the clock drift standard deviation at the initiator, or both; as well as Before receiving the positioning data, the measured clock error noise standard deviation, the clock drift standard deviation, or both are transmitted to the wireless communication device.

9. The method of claim 7, further comprising: Identify innovative measurements associated with PRS measurements at the initiator; as well as The innovative measurement is transmitted to the wireless communication device before the location data is received.

10. The method of claim 1, further comprising transmitting a PRS broadcast sequence associated with the PRS group to the other members of the PRS group, the PRS broadcast sequence indicating the order in which the members of the PRS group are designated to broadcast corresponding PRS signals.

11. The method of claim 1, further comprising: The number of antenna beams used by the member of the PRS group is received from a member of the PRS group; as well as The channel occupancy time (CoT) of the PRS group on the radio channel is transmitted to other members of the PRS group, the CoT being based on the total number of antenna beams used by all members of the PRS group.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein, The initiator role in the PRS group is assigned to specific members of the PRS group based on the following: The specific member is a roadside unit (RSU) located at a specific location. The specific member has a fixed location or complete knowledge of the location; The specific member has the largest coverage within the PRS group; The location of the specific member has the highest accuracy within the PRS group; or The estimated location of the specific member has the highest accuracy within the PRS group.

13. An apparatus configured for wireless communication, the apparatus comprising: At least one processor; as well as Memory coupled to the at least one processor, The at least one processor is configured to: From the originator of a Positioning Reference Signal (PRS) group, an indication is transmitted to other members of the PRS group for access to a radio channel used by the PRS group, wherein the originator is one of the members of the PRS group; as well as The first PRS is broadcast via each of a plurality of antenna beams, wherein the initiator’s antenna array is configured to communicate via the plurality of antenna beams.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein each of the plurality of antenna beams is associated with a direction that is at least partially different.

15. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: Receive the broadcast of the second PRS from the wireless communication device that has been assigned the role of the responder in the PRS group; After receiving the corresponding PRS broadcast from each of the remaining members of the PRS group, timing information is received from the wireless communication device; Based on timing information, the transmission time of the broadcast of the first PRS via the antenna beam indicated by the timing information, and the reception time of the broadcast of the second PRS, estimated positioning data indicating the location of the wireless communication device is determined; and The location data is transmitted to the wireless communication device.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: Clock information for the wireless communication device is determined based on the initiator's clock signal and the timing information; and The clock information is transmitted to the wireless communication device.

17. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the timing information from the wireless communication device includes: The reception time of the first PRS broadcast at the wireless communication device, the antenna beam information indicating the antenna beam corresponding to the reception of the first PRS broadcast at the wireless communication device, the transmission time of one or more broadcasts of the second PRS by the wireless communication device, and the second antenna beam information indicating at least one antenna beam corresponding to the broadcast of the second PRS.

18. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to receive speed information from the wireless communication device, and wherein the positioning data is further based on the speed information.

19. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to receive from the wireless communication device a measured clock error noise standard deviation at the wireless communication device, a clock drift standard deviation at the wireless communication device, or both, and wherein the positioning data is further based on the measured clock error noise standard deviation, the clock drift standard deviation, or both.

20. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to receive from the wireless communication device an innovative measurement associated with a PRS measurement at the wireless communication device, and wherein the positioning data is further based on the innovative measurement.

21. A method for wireless communication, the method comprising: At the responder of a Position Reference Signal (PRS) group, an indication for access to a radio channel for the PRS group is received from the initiator of the PRS group, wherein the initiator is a member of the PRS group. Receive a broadcast of a first PRS from the initiator, wherein the first PRS is broadcast via each of the multiple antenna beams of the initiator; Determine whether any other member of the PRS group was scheduled to broadcast a PRS before the responder; as well as Based on the determination that no other member in the PRS group has been scheduled to broadcast before the responder, a second PRS is broadcast via each of one or more antenna beams, wherein the responder's antenna array is configured to communicate via the one or more antenna beams.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein broadcasting the second PRS via each of the one or more antenna beams comprises broadcasting the second PRS sequentially via each of the one or more antenna beams, and wherein broadcasting the second PRS comprises communicating in the millimeter wave (mmWave) band.

23. The method of claim 21, further comprising: The same order is used for each broadcast of the second PRS; or A different cyclic shift is applied to each broadcast of the second PRS.

24. The method of claim 21, further comprising receiving from the initiator a PRS broadcast sequence associated with the PRS group and a number of antenna beams corresponding to each member of the PRS group, the PRS broadcast sequence indicating the order in which the members of the PRS group are designated to broadcast corresponding PRS signals.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein determining whether any other member of the PRS group was scheduled to broadcast a PRS before the responder comprises: Determine whether the most recently received PRS broadcast was received from a specific member of the PRS group, the specific member being immediately preceding the responder in the PRS broadcast sequence; and Whether a particular member has completed a PRS broadcast is determined based on the cyclic shift associated with the most recently received PRS broadcast and the number of antenna beams associated with that particular member.

26. An apparatus configured for wireless communication, the apparatus comprising: At least one processor; as well as Memory coupled to the at least one processor, The at least one processor is configured to: At the responder of a Position Reference Signal (PRS) group, an indication for access to a radio channel for the PRS group is received from the initiator of the PRS group, wherein the initiator is a member of the PRS group. Receive a broadcast of a first PRS from the initiator, wherein the first PRS is broadcast via each of the multiple antenna beams of the initiator; Determine whether any other member of the PRS group was scheduled to broadcast a PRS before the responder; as well as Based on the determination that no other member in the PRS group has been scheduled to broadcast before the responder, a second PRS is broadcast via each of one or more antenna beams, wherein the responder's antenna array is configured to communicate via the one or more antenna beams.

27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: After receiving the corresponding PRS broadcast from each of the remaining members of the PRS group, timing information is received from the initiator. The timing information from the initiator includes the transmission time for each broadcast of the first PRS, first antenna beam information indicating the antenna beam corresponding to each broadcast of the second PRS, the reception time of the broadcast of the second PRS at the initiator, and second antenna beam information indicating the antenna beam corresponding to the reception of the broadcast of the second PRS at the initiator. Based on the timing information, the reception time of the first PRS broadcast, and the transmission time of the second PRS broadcast via the antenna beam indicated by the second antenna beam information, the estimated positioning data indicating the responder's location is determined; and The location data is transmitted to the initiator.

28. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: After receiving the corresponding PRS broadcast from each of the remaining members of the PRS group, a timing information is initiated to be transmitted to the initiator. This timing information indicates the reception time of the first PRS broadcast, antenna beam information indicating the antenna beam corresponding to the first PRS broadcast, the transmission time of the second PRS broadcast, and second antenna beam information indicating the antenna beam corresponding to the second PRS broadcast; and Location data is received from the initiator, the location data indicating the estimated location of the responder.

29. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: Determine the velocity information associated with the responder, the measured clock error noise standard deviation at the responder, the clock drift standard deviation at the responder, innovative measurements associated with the PRS measurement at the responder, or combinations thereof; and Before receiving positioning data from the initiator, the initiator transmits speed information, the measured clock error noise standard deviation, the clock drift standard deviation, the innovative measurement, or a combination thereof to the initiator.

30. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: Initiating the transmission to the initiator of the number of antenna beams included in the one or more antenna beams; and The initiator receives an indication of the Channel Occupancy Time (CoT) of the PRS group on the radio channel, the CoT being based on the total number of antenna beams used by all members of the PRS group.

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