Mobility-based beam configuration for locating reference signals

Abstract

Example embodiments of this disclosure relate to apparatus, methods, devices, and computer-readable storage media for mobility-based beam configuration of a positioning reference signal (PRS). In an example embodiment, a first device determines its mobility state from a plurality of mobility states and selects a beam configuration for transmitting the positioning reference signal from a plurality of beam configurations based at least in part on the determined mobility state. Furthermore, the first device transmits the PRS to a second device using the selected beam configuration. This facilitates a reduction in power consumption and processing complexity of the positioning device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The exemplary embodiments of this disclosure generally relate to the field of communications, and more particularly to devices, methods, apparatuses, and computer-readable storage media for mobility-based beam configuration of a positioning reference signal (PRS). Background Technology

[0002] In Release 16 (Rel-16), the new radio (NR) positioning technology is based on downlink time difference of arrival (DL-TDOA), uplink time difference of arrival (UL-TDOA), downlink angle of departure (DL-AoD), uplink angle of arrival (UL-AoA), and multi-cell round-trip time (Multi-RTT). Additionally, a new sounding reference signal (SRS) for uplink positioning is introduced. Radio access technology (RAT) related positioning in Rel-16 is for user equipment (UE) in RRC connected mode.

[0003] Location services will be enhanced in Rel-17 to support location services for UEs in an RRC inactive state. However, if the UE is configured with a narrow beam, spatial relationship configuration may be ineffective for location services when the UE moves. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In general, exemplary embodiments of this disclosure provide apparatus, methods, devices, and computer-readable storage media for mobility-based beam configuration of a positioning reference signal (PRS).

[0005] In a first aspect, a first device is provided, comprising at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, together with the at least one processor, to cause the first device to determine a mobility state from a plurality of mobility states and to select, at least in part, a beam configuration from a plurality of beam configurations for transmitting a positioning reference signal based on the determined mobility state. The first device is also configured to transmit the positioning reference signal to a second device using the selected beam configuration.

[0006] In a second aspect, a second device is provided, comprising at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, together with the at least one processor, to cause the second device to transmit positioning reference signals to a first device, deriving at least two of a plurality of beam configurations. The second device is also configured to receive positioning reference signals from the first device at least in part based on the beam configurations of the plurality of beam configurations.

[0007] In a third aspect, a third device is provided, comprising at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, together with the at least one processor, to cause the third device to transmit positioning reference signals to a first device to determine at least two of a plurality of beam configurations. The third device is also configured to send indications of at least two of the plurality of beam configurations to the first device.

[0008] In a fourth aspect, a method is provided at a first device. In this method, the first device determines a mobility state from a plurality of mobility states and selects a beam configuration from a plurality of beam configurations for transmitting a positioning reference signal, based at least in part on the determined mobility state. Furthermore, the first device transmits the positioning reference signal to a second device using the selected beam configuration.

[0009] In a fifth aspect, a method is provided at a second device. In this method, the second device derives at least two beam configurations from a plurality of beam configurations in relation to a positioning reference signal transmitted to a first device. The second device then receives the positioning reference signal from the first device at least partially based on the beam configurations of the plurality of beam configurations.

[0010] In a sixth aspect, a method is provided at a third device. In this method, the third device determines at least two beam configurations from a plurality of beam configurations in response to a positioning reference signal transmitted to a first device. The third device sends indications of at least two beam configurations from the plurality of beam configurations to the first device.

[0011] In a seventh aspect, an apparatus is provided that includes components for performing the method according to the fourth, fifth, or sixth aspect.

[0012] In a seventh aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, the computer-readable storage medium including program instructions stored thereon. When executed by a processor of a device, the instructions cause the device to perform the method according to the fourth, fifth, or sixth aspect.

[0013] It should be understood that the overview section is not intended to identify key or essential features of the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, nor is it intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Other features of this disclosure will become readily apparent from the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Some exemplary embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0015] Figure 1 An example environment in which example embodiments of this disclosure may be implemented is shown;

[0016] Figure 2Signaling flows according to some example embodiments of this disclosure are shown;

[0017] Figure 3 An example mobility state machine of a first device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0018] Figure 4 A flowchart of an example method according to some example embodiments of this disclosure is shown;

[0019] Figure 5 A flowchart of an example method according to some other example embodiments of this disclosure is shown;

[0020] Figure 6 A flowchart of an example method according to some other example embodiments of this disclosure is shown; and

[0021] Figure 7 A simplified block diagram of an apparatus suitable for implementing an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0022] Throughout the accompanying drawings, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The principles of this disclosure will now be described with reference to some exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that these exemplary embodiments are described merely for illustration and to help those skilled in the art understand and implement this disclosure, and do not imply any limitation on the scope of this disclosure. The disclosure described herein can be implemented in various ways other than those described below.

[0024] In the following description and claims, unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains.

[0025] As used herein, the terms "terminal device" or "user equipment" (UE) refer to any terminal device capable of wirelessly communicating with each other or with a base station. Communication may involve transmitting and / or receiving wireless signals using electromagnetic signals, radio waves, infrared signals, and / or other types of signals suitable for transmitting information over the air. In some example embodiments, the UE may be configured to transmit and / or receive information without direct human-machine interaction. For example, the UE may transmit information to the base station according to a predetermined schedule upon triggering by an internal or external event, or in response to a request from the network side.

[0026] Examples of UEs include, but are not limited to, smartphones, wireless-enabled tablets, laptop embedded devices (LEEs), laptop-mounted devices (LMEs), wireless client devices (CPEs), sensors, metering devices, personal wearable devices such as watches, and / or vehicles capable of communication. For discussion purposes, some exemplary embodiments will be described with reference to UEs as examples of terminal devices, and the terms "terminal device" and "user equipment" (UE) may be used interchangeably in the context of this disclosure.

[0027] As used herein, the term "network device" refers to a device that can provide services to terminal devices in a communication network. As an example, a network device may include a base station. As used herein, the term "base station" (BS) refers to a network device that can provide services to terminal devices in a communication network. A base station may include any suitable device through which a terminal device or UE can access a communication network. Examples of base stations include relays, access points (APs), transmit and receive points (TRPs), NodeBs (NodeBs or NBs), evolved NodeBs (eNodeBs or eNBs), new radio (NR) NodeBs (gNBs), remote radio modules (RRUs), radio heads (RHs), remote radio head ends (RRHs), and low-power nodes such as femtoseconds and picoseconds.

[0028] As used herein, the term “Location Reference Signal” (PRS) refers to any reference signal that can be used for location purposes. Examples of PRS may include a DL PRS transmitted from a network device to an end device, a UL SRS transmitted from an end device to a network device, or other types of PRS. As examples, a PRS may include an SRS, a demodulation reference signal (DMRS), a random access channel (RACH) preamble, or a dedicated reference signal for location.

[0029] As used herein, the term "circuit system" may refer to one or more or all of the following:

[0030] (a) Pure hardware circuit implementation (such as implementation using only analog and / or digital circuit systems), and

[0031] (b) A combination of hardware circuitry and software, such as (if applicable): (i) (multiple)

[0032] A combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuitry and software / firmware, and (ii) any part of a hardware processor(s) having software (including digital signal processors), software, and memory(s), which work together to enable a device (such as a mobile phone or server) to perform various functions, and

[0033] (c) Multiple hardware circuits and / or multiple processors, such as multiple microprocessors or a portion thereof, that require software (e.g., firmware).

[0034] The software can be used to perform operations, but it may not exist when the operations are not needed.

[0035] The definition of "circuit system" applies to all uses of the term in this application, including in any claim. As another example, as used in this application, the term "circuit system" also covers implementations of only hardware circuitry or processors (or processors in general) or portions thereof and their accompanying software and / or firmware. For example, if applicable to a particular claim element, the term "circuit system" also covers baseband integrated circuits or processor integrated circuits for mobile devices, or similar integrated circuits in servers, cellular base stations, or other computing or base stations.

[0036] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context explicitly indicates otherwise. The term “comprising” and its variations should be understood as open terms meaning “including, but not limited to.” The term “based on” should be understood as “at least partially based on.” The terms “one embodiment” and “embodiment” should be understood as “at least one embodiment.” The term “another embodiment” should be understood as “at least one other embodiment.” Other definitions (explicit and implicit) may be included below.

[0037] As used herein, the terms “first,” “second,” etc., may be used to describe various elements, and these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element, without departing from the scope of the exemplary embodiments. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed terms.

[0038] In Rel-16, a transmission beam configuration for Sounding Reference Signals (SRS) resources is introduced for target neighboring cells or Transmitter and Receiver Points (TRPs), and power control takes neighboring cells or TRPs into account. This allows the UE to transmit SRS resources intended for transmission to the target cell or TRP. For this purpose, a higher-layer parameter, spatialRelationInfoPos-r16, is introduced in the configuration for each SRS resource to determine the transmission (Tx) spatial filter used to locate the SRS transmission. The path loss reference RS for power control used to locate the SRS can follow the downlink RS in the spatial relation configuration from the serving cell or neighboring cells. Furthermore, the path loss reference RS and spatial relation information are configured according to the SRS resources set in Rel-16 NR.

[0039] For example, in 3GPP standards (such as 3GPP TS 38.331), the configuration of the spatial relationship between the reference RS and the target SRS can be provided by the Radio Resource Control (RRC) or Media Access Control (MAC-CE) element as follows:

[0040]

[0041] Beam transmission can benefit the coverage or audibility of the SRS used for uplink positioning. If the TRP provides DL-RS for positioning measurements, the UE can be configured with higher-layer parameters spatialRelationInfo to determine the transmission spatial filters (such as transmission beams) used to transmit the positioning SRS. DL-RS from multiple TRPs are associated with the UE's receive (Rx) spatial filters respectively. Based on the reciprocity principle, the UE will first measure DL-RS, such as synchronization signal blocks (SSBs), PRS, and / or CSI-RS, in each SRS resource from the target cell or neighboring cells, and then transmit the SRS in the corresponding UL beam direction based on the received DL Rx beams. Simultaneously, the UE can estimate path loss based on the path loss reference RS for each SRS resource used for power control of the positioning SRS.

[0042] In Rel-17, NR Positioning focuses on the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). A key objective is to support the high accuracy (horizontal and vertical), low latency, network efficiency (scalability, reference signal overhead, etc.), and device efficiency (power consumption, complexity, etc.) requirements of commercial use cases, including both general commercial use cases and specific (I)IoT use cases. One such use case in Industrial IoT is asset tracking. Asset tracking is the process of locating assets and is becoming increasingly important for improving processes and increasing flexibility in industrial environments. This use case requires a cost-effective and power-efficient combination of positioning and wireless communication technologies. NR Positioning will be enhanced in Rel-17 for UEs in RRC inactive states.

[0043] However, if the UE moves, the spatial relation configuration may no longer be effective for uplink positioning. Therefore, the spatial relation configuration needs to be updated on the network side. Although the UE can transmit the positioning SRS with higher output power to compensate for the path loss estimated based on the path loss reference RS, the received signal quality at the TRP may still be weak due to the invalid spatial relation configuration used for transmission beam determination. This will lead to degraded positioning performance and unnecessary power consumption by the UE. Therefore, it is necessary to quickly update the spatial relation used for positioning a moving UE to align the transmission beam with the direction of the TRP, thereby improving the audibility of the positioning SRS and reducing UE power consumption.

[0044] Currently, NR data transmission is supported only in RRC connected state. To maintain an effective spatial relationship between UE transmission and TRP reception for positioning purposes in RRC inactive state, inactive UEs need to frequently enter RRC connected state for beam management and spatial relationship configuration. However, such frequent message exchange with the network inevitably leads to unnecessary UE power consumption and increased UE complexity, which is particularly inefficient and unacceptable for low-power asset tracking devices.

[0045] This disclosure provides an example embodiment of a mobility-based autonomous selection mechanism for beam configuration for the transmission of a Positioning Reference Signal (PRS), such as an SRS. This mechanism provides at least two beam configurations to a device, such as a UE, for the transmission of the PRS. The device autonomously selects the beam configuration at least in part based on its mobility state and uses the selected beam configuration to transmit the PRS.

[0046] As an example, the device can be provided with at least one of a beam configuration based on the spatial relationship configuration of resources used for positioning reference signals, an omnidirectional beam configuration, or a configuration of multiple narrow beams for beam scanning. When the device is in a quasi-static state, the beam configuration based on the spatial relationship configuration can be used for the transmission of positioning reference signals. When the device is in a mobile state, the omnidirectional beam or multiple narrow beams for beam scanning can be used for the transmission of positioning reference signals.

[0047] In this way, positioning devices (such as asset tracking devices) do not need to frequently update the configuration of positioning reference signals from the network due to mobility. Therefore, it helps reduce power consumption and processing complexity at the positioning device. This mechanism is particularly meaningful for UEs in an RRC inactive state.

[0048] Figure 1 An example environment 100 in which example embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented is shown.

[0049] Environment 100, which may be part of a communication network, includes terminal devices 110 (such as UEs) and base stations 120 (such as new radio NodeBs or gNBs) that can communicate with each other. Environment 100 also includes a transmission and reception point (TRP) 130 for providing location services to the terminal devices 110 and a location management function (LMF) 140.

[0050] It should be understood that terminal device 110, base station 120, TRP 130, and LMF 140 are shown in environment 200 for illustrative purposes only and not for any limitation on the scope of this disclosure. Any suitable number of terminal devices, base stations, TRPs, and LMFs, as well as any other devices, may be present in environment 100.

[0051] It should also be understood that the physical separation arrangement of base station 120, TRP 130 and LMF 140 is shown for illustrative purposes only and does not imply any limitation. As another example, TRP 130 and / or LMF 140 may be integrated into base station 120 or another base station (not shown).

[0052] Communications in Environment 100 may follow any suitable communication standards or protocols that are already in use or will be developed in the future, such as Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), 5G New Radio (NR), Wi-Fi, and Global Microwave Access Interoperability (WiMAX) standards, and may employ any suitable communication technologies, including, for example, Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM), Time Division Multiplexing (TDM), Frequency Division Multiplexing (FDM), Code Division Multiplexing (CDM), Bluetooth, ZigBee and Machine-Type Communications (MTC), Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), Massive Machine-Type Communications (mMTC), Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communications (URLLC), Carrier Aggregation (CA), Dual Connectivity (DC), and New Radio Unlicensed (NR-U) technologies.

[0053] According to some example embodiments of this disclosure, base station 120 or LMF 140 can specify at least two beam configurations for terminal device 110 to transmit positioning reference signals such as SRS. The beam configurations can be dynamic, semi-persistent, or semi-static, or even fixed or predefined. Therefore, before transmitting SRS, terminal device 110 selects a beam configuration based on its mobility state and then uses the selected beam configuration to transmit SRS to base station 120 or TRP 130.

[0054] Figure 2 An example signaling stream 200 of PRS transmission according to some example embodiments of this disclosure is shown.

[0055] like Figure 2 As shown, the first device 205 receives (210) an indication of at least one beam configuration from the third device 220 via the second device 215. As an example, the first device 210 may be... Figure 1 The terminal device 110 is implemented in the middle, and the second device 220 can be implemented by the terminal device 110. Figure 1 This can be achieved through base station 120 or TRP 130, and the third device 230 can be implemented by... Figure 1 It is implemented using LMF 140.

[0056] Other implementations of devices 205, 215, and 220 are possible. For example, the first device 205 can be implemented by a relay or TRP or even another base station. The second device 215 can be implemented by a terminal device or a relay or even an LMF with positioning and measurement capabilities. The second device 215 and the third device 220 can also be implemented by a single device such as base station 220.

[0057] As an example, multiple beam configurations may include a first beam configuration, such as a narrow beam configuration. In some example embodiments, the first beam configuration may include a beam configuration based on spatial relational configurations of resources used for the PRS. Based on the spatial relational configuration, the PRS's transmission beam (or transmission spatial filter) is associated with downlink reference signals (DL-RS) from serving or neighboring cells, such as synchronization signal blocks (SSBs), channel state information reference signals (CSI-RS), or downlink positioning reference signals (DL-PRS). The beam configuration may also include different second beam configurations, such as a wide beam configuration. As an example, the second beam configuration may include an omnidirectional beam configuration or a configuration of multiple narrow beams for beam scanning.

[0058] Indication of beam configurations from third device 220 to first device 205 is optional. Multiple beam configurations can be predefined or indicated together or individually. For example, one or more beam configurations among multiple beam configurations can be predefined, and other beam configurations can be dynamically indicated from the network. In an example embodiment where more than one beam configuration is configured by third device 220, first device 205 can receive one or more indications from third device 220. For example, first device 205 can receive one indication from third device 220 for all dynamically adjusted beam configurations. Alternatively or additionally, first device 205 can receive separate indications for different beam configurations.

[0059] The first device 205 selects (225) a beam configuration for PRS transmission from a plurality of beam configurations based at least in part on the mobility state of the first device 205. For example, the terminal device 205 may autonomously select one of the beam configurations based on its mobility state machine.

[0060] Figure 3 An example mobility state machine 300 of a first device 205 according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0061] As an example, the mobility state machine 300 can be predefined or configured by considering multiple mobility states. In this example, the mobility states of the first device 205 are classified into a quasi-static state 305 and a mobile state 310. The mobility state can be determined based on movement speed and / or movement distance. For example, if the first device 205's movement speed is greater than a threshold speed, and / or its movement distance is greater than a threshold distance, then the terminal device 205 can be determined to be in mobile state 310. Otherwise, the terminal device 205 can be considered to be in quasi-static state 305.

[0062] Alternatively or additionally, the first device 205 may use the results of DL-RS measurements from the second device 215 (such as...) Figure 1 The TRP (Touch Reference Power Received) in the first device 205 (TRP 130) is used as a factor in determining mobility status. For example, the first device 205 can compare received signal strengths such as SSB Reference Signal Received Power (SSB-RSRP) or PRS-RSRP with threshold signal strengths. RSs to be measured, such as DL-RS, can be indicated by the spatial relational configuration of resources used for PRS.

[0063] In some example embodiments, the first device 205 may determine the mobility state based on a combined consideration of the movement speed and the DL-RS measurement results from the second device 215. For example, if the movement speed is greater than a given threshold and the DL-RS measurement RSRP is lower than a given threshold, the first device 205 may be determined to be in a moving state. Otherwise, the first device 205 may be identified as being in a quasi-static state 305.

[0064] In this document, the thresholds described above can be predefined in the 3GPP standard or determined by a third device 220 (e.g., Figure 1 Configure it using networks such as base station 120 or LMF 140.

[0065] like Figure 3 As shown, there are two transitions between mobility states, including transition 315 to start moving and transition 320 to stop moving. In an example embodiment where multiple beam configurations include narrow beam configurations such as beam configurations based on spatial relationships, the first device 204 can select a first type of beam configuration in a quasi-static state. After the first device 205 moves, the narrow beam may become ineffective, and then the first device 205 can select a wide beam configuration (such as an omnidirectional beam) for PRS transmission.

[0066] Still referencing Figure 2Using the selected beam configuration, the first device 205 transmits (230) a PRS to the second device 215 (such as base station 120 or TRP 130). Furthermore, the second device 215 receives (225) at least one indication of multiple beam configurations from the third device 220. The second device 215, in response to the PRS transmitted to the first device 205, derives (225) at least two of the multiple beam configurations. Therefore, the second device 215 receives (240) a PRS from the first device 205 at least in part based on the beam configurations among the multiple beam configurations.

[0067] The transmission of at least one indication of multiple beam configurations from the third device 220 to the second device 215 is also optional. For example, in an example embodiment where the multiple beam configurations are predefined in the 3GPP standard, such an indication is not required.

[0068] Optionally, the first device 205 may report (245) an indication of at least one transition between multiple mobility states to the third device 220, for example, such as Figure 3 As defined in the mobility state machine 300 shown. Therefore, the network can at least determine whether to update the beam configuration for the first device 205.

[0069] Figure 4 A flowchart of an example method 400 according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Method 400 can be... Figure 2 The first device 205 shown is implemented, such as terminal device 110. For the purposes of discussion, method 400 will be referred to Figures 1 to 3 To describe.

[0070] In box 405, the first device 205 determines its mobility state from a plurality of mobility states. For example, this determination may be performed by the first device 205 when transmitting a PRS to the second device 215. This determination may also be triggered by specific events, such as updates for beam configuration, which will be detailed in the following paragraphs.

[0071] For example, multiple mobility states can be in the following manner: Figure 3 The mobility state machine 300 shown is predefined or configured. The first device 205 can determine its mobility state using any suitable rules or criteria. In some example embodiments, the first device 205 may jointly consider the moving speed, moving distance, and / or received signal strength of the DL RS from the second device 215. The DL RS may be indicated by the beam configuration of multiple beam configurations.

[0072] For example, the first device 205 can compare its moving speed to a threshold speed, or its moving distance to a threshold distance. If the first device 205 moves faster or farther, it may be moving. If the first device 205 moves slower or closer, it may be considered semi-static. The moving speed or distance can be measured using any suitable positioning technology or device that already exists or will be developed in the future.

[0073] Alternatively or additionally, the first device 205 may compare the received signal strength (such as reference signal received power (RSRP) and reference signal received quality (RSRQ)) of the DL RS from the second device 215 with a threshold signal strength to determine its motion state. Any suitable signal measurement mechanism may be used, and the scope of this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0074] As an example, if the received signal strength is low, the first device 205 may be moving. Otherwise, the first device 205 can be considered semi-static. In an example embodiment where both moving speed and received signal strength are considered, if the moving speed is greater than a given threshold and the measured RSRP of the DL-RS is less than a given threshold, the first device 205 can be considered to be in a moving state. Otherwise, the first device 205 can be identified as being in a quasi-static state.

[0075] The aforementioned thresholds can be predefined in the 3GPP standard, or configured dynamically, semi-permanently, or fixedly by networks such as third-party devices 220 as needed.

[0076] In block 410, the first device 205 selects a beam configuration for PRS transmission from a plurality of beam configurations, at least in part, based on the determined mobility state. In some example embodiments, the network may specify two or more beam configurations for transmitting PRS over a given SRS resource. For example, a beam configuration may be determined by a spatial relation configuration, where the transmission spatial filters (such as transmission beams) of the PRS are associated with DL-RS (such as SSB, CSI-RS, or DL-PRS) from serving or neighboring cells. With such a beam configuration, the first device 205 can measure DL-RS transmissions for use with a second device 215 (such as... Figure 1 The transmission beam of TRP 130 is aligned, and a narrow beam is used to transmit PRS to improve the audibility of PRS at the second device 215.

[0077] As another example, the beam configuration may include another beam configuration in which the first device 205 uses a wide beam (such as an omnidirectional beam) or beam scanning operation to transmit the PRS. If an omnidirectional beam or a beam scanning configuration is used, the second device 215 (such as...) can be ensured... Figure 1 The TRP 130 in the system can hear the PRS transmission, and therefore the PRS transmission efficiency can be guaranteed.

[0078] Multiple beam configurations can be predefined or specified together or individually. For example, these beam configurations can be indicated together to the first device 205, for example, via an Information Element (IE) SRS-Config or other messages. As another example, one beam configuration can be indicated to the first device 205, for example, via an IE SRS-Config or other messages, and another beam configuration can be predefined in the 3GPP standard.

[0079] In some example embodiments, multiple beam configurations can be separately signed to the first device 205 via different messages. For example, the first device 205 can obtain them from a third device 220 (such as...). Figure 1 The base station 120 or / and LMF 140 in the system receives multiple beam configurations.

[0080] For example, in an example embodiment where the first device 205 is implemented by terminal device 110, the beam configuration may be determined by base station 120 and then signaled to terminal device 110 via higher-layer signaling such as RRC signaling defined in Rel-16 NR positioning or via L1 or physical layer (PHY) signaling. As another example, the spatial relationship configuration may be determined by LMF 140. LMF 140 may signal the beam configuration to terminal device 110 via the Long Term Evolution (LTE) Positioning Protocol (LPP). Alternatively or additionally, LMF 140 may forward the spatial relationship configuration to base station 120, and base station 120 may then send the configuration to terminal device 110 via RRC or L1 signaling. As another example, each beam configuration may be determined separately by different network nodes or functional entities (e.g., by base station 120 or LMF 140).

[0081] Beam configuration can be selected based on a mobility state machine of the first device 205, such as mobility state machine 300. The mobility state machine can be predefined in the 3GPP standard or configured by the network based on the mobility state of the first device 205. Figure 3 In the mobility state machine 300 shown, the first device 205 may have mobility state transitions / switches from quasi-static state 305 to mobile state 310 or from mobile state 310 to quasi-static state 305. For example, based on the mobility state machine 300, the first device 205 may autonomously select one of the beam configurations based on state transitions or specific events.

[0082] For example, when the first device 205 begins to move (e.g., switching from quasi-static state 305 to moving state 310), a first beam configuration such as a narrow beam will become invalid and the first device 205 can select a second beam configuration (such as a wide beam) to determine the spatial filter (such as a transmission beam) used to transmit the PRS.

[0083] When the first device 205 stops moving (e.g., switching from moving state 310 to quasi-static state 305), the first device 205 can check whether the first beam configuration is valid. If the first beam configuration is valid, the terminal device 205 will use the first beam configuration; otherwise, it will still use the second beam configuration to determine the transmission spatial filter of the PRS.

[0084] In some example embodiments, the beam configuration can be updated. For example, the first device 205 can receive indications of updates to one or more beam configurations. The first device 205 is... Figure 2 When the terminal device 110 is implemented, the first device 205 can receive indications of being in a connected state, such as an RRC connected state, or an inactive state, such as an RRC inactive state, through a paging process and / or a RACH / Configuration Authorization (CG) based process.

[0085] Using the indication of an update to the beam configuration, the first device 205 can be triggered to check the mobility state. For example, when the first device 205 is in a mobile state 310, it can transition to a quasi-static state 305 after receiving the indication for updating the beam configuration.

[0086] In some example embodiments, the first device 205 can refresh the validity status of the beam configuration. For example, if the narrow beam configuration is updated, it can be activated by the first device 205 to transmit the PRS when it is in a quasi-static state 305. If the wide beam configuration is updated, it can be activated by the first device 205 to transmit the PRS when it is in a moving state 310 or when the narrow beam configuration is invalid in a quasi-static state. In some example embodiments, if the beam configuration is invalid, it will be marked as invalid.

[0087] In some example embodiments, the first device 205 may be configured to report mobility state transition information. Therefore, the first device 205 may report to a third device 220 (such as...). Figure 1 The base station 120 and LMF 140 in the system send an indication of at least one transition between their mobility states.

[0088] Configuration information can be transmitted to the first device 205 in any suitable manner. For example, in an example embodiment where the first device 205 is implemented by the terminal device 110, the configuration information can be received from a base station 120, such as a serving gNB, via RRC or L1 signaling, or from an LMF 140 based on the LPP protocol. As an example, the reported configuration can be signaled to the first device 205 via IE SRS-Config.

[0089] For example, the report can be triggered by at least one of the state transitions defined in the mobility state machine 300. As an example, the first device 205 can be configured to report an indication of each state transition defined in the mobility state machine 300, respectively. As another example, the first device 205 can be triggered to report an indication of any state transition defined in the mobility state machine 300. After receiving a state transition indication from the first device 205, the third device 220 can update the corresponding beam configuration, which will be referenced in the following paragraphs. Figure 5 Detailed explanation.

[0090] After selecting a beam configuration, in block 415, the first device 205 transmits a PRS to the second device 215 using the selected beam configuration. For example, the first device 205 may transmit a PRS on the corresponding resource in the beam direction determined by using a beam configuration selected based on its own mobility state machine.

[0091] As an example, the first device 205 can transmit the PRS in a mobile state 310 using an omnidirectional beam or multiple narrow beams via beam scanning indicated by the beam configuration to ensure that the second device 215 can effectively measure the PRS. As another example, the first device 205 can transmit the PRS in a quasi-static state using a narrow beam associated with the DL-RS of the second device 215 indicated by the first beam configuration to improve the audibility / coverage of the PRS.

[0092] Figure 5 A flowchart of an example method 500 according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Method 500 can be... Figure 2 The second device 215 shown implements, such as Figure 1 The TRP 130 or base station 120 in the example. For discussion purposes, method 500 will refer to... Figures 1 to 3 To describe.

[0093] In block 505, the second device 215 transmits a PRS to the first device 205 to derive at least two of a plurality of beam configurations. For example, in an example embodiment where at least two beam configurations are configured by a third device 220 such as base station 120 or LMF 140, the second device 215, such as TRP 130 or base station 120, may receive one or more indications of at least one beam configuration.

[0094] In some example embodiments, the second device 215 may configure at least two beam configurations itself. In this example, the second device 215 may indicate at least two beam configurations to the first device 205.

[0095] In some example embodiments, the second device 215 may receive at least one indication of multiple beam configurations from the third device 220. For example, one or more of the multiple beam configurations may be configured by the third device 220, and the beam configurations may be indicated to the second device 215 together or individually. Therefore, the second device 215 may receive an indication of the beam configuration for all configurations or a separate indication for different beam configurations from the third device 220. In some example embodiments, the multiple beam configurations may be predefined in the 3GPP standard. In this example, the second device 215 does not need to receive beam configuration indications from the third device 220.

[0096] In block 510, the second device 215 receives PRS from the first device 205 at least in part based on a beam configuration among multiple beam configurations. As an example, the beam configuration used can be selected from multiple beam configurations via beam scanning. As another example, in an embodiment where the second device 215 is implemented by TRP 130 and the third device 220 by LMF 140, the third device 220 can signal the mobility status of the first device 205 to the second device 215. Accordingly, the second device 215 can switch to the corresponding receiving beam based on the mobility status to perform PRS measurement, thereby improving measurement accuracy.

[0097] As referenced above Figures 1 to 4 All the operations and features described also apply to method 500 and have similar effects. For simplicity, details will be omitted.

[0098] Figure 6 A flowchart of an example method 600 according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Method 600 can be... Figure 2 The third device 220 shown implements, such as Figure 1 Base station 120 or LMF 140 in the middle. For discussion purposes, method 600 will refer to Figures 1 to 3 To describe.

[0099] In block 605, third device 220 transmits a PRS to first device 205 to determine at least two beam configurations. The determination of the beam configurations can be dynamic, semi-persistent, or even fixed. For example, in some example embodiments, one or more beam configurations can be updated based on the mobility state of first device 205.

[0100] For example, the third device 220 may receive from the first device 205 an indication of at least one transition between multiple mobility states of the first device 205. Based on the indication of the state transition of the first device 205, the third device 220 may determine whether to update the beam configuration. For example, if the indication relates to a state transition from mobile state 310 to quasi-static state 305, the third device 220 may determine to update the configuration for narrow beams, such as beams configured based on the spatial relationship of the PRS for the first device 205, to achieve better performance. The update of the SRS configuration may be performed based on the location of the first device 205.

[0101] In some example embodiments, the third device 220 can configure or instruct the first device 205 to report mobility state transition information. In an example embodiment where the first device 205 is implemented by the terminal device 110 and the third device 220 is implemented by the base station 120, configuration information can be transmitted to the first device 205 via RRC or L1 signaling. In an example embodiment where the third device 220 is implemented by the LMF 140, configuration information can be transmitted based on the LPP protocol. As an example, an indication for reporting mobility state can be signaled to the first device 205 via IE SRS-Config.

[0102] In block 610, third device 220 sends indications of at least two of a plurality of beam configurations to first device 205. In an example embodiment in which third device 220 participates in positioning measurements of first device 205, third device 220 may receive PRS from first device 205 using beam configurations of the plurality of beam configurations.

[0103] In some example embodiments, one or more beam configurations of a plurality of beam configurations may be specified by a third device 220. In this example, the third device 220 may send at least one indication of one or more beam configurations to the second device 215.

[0104] As referenced above Figures 1 to 5 All the operations and features described also apply to method 600 and have similar effects. For simplicity, details will be omitted.

[0105] Figure 7 This is a simplified block diagram of a device 700 suitable for implementing exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Device 700 can... Figure 2It is implemented at or as part of the first device 205, the second device 215, or the third device 220 shown.

[0106] As shown in the figure, device 700 includes a processor 710, a memory 720 coupled to the processor 710, a communication module 730 coupled to the processor 710, and a communication interface (not shown) coupled to the communication module 730. The memory 720 stores at least a program 740. The communication module 730 is used for bidirectional communication, for example, via multiple antennas. The communication interface can represent any interface required for communication.

[0107] Assume that program 740 includes program instructions that, when executed by the associated processor 710, enable device 700 to operate according to an example embodiment of this disclosure, as referenced herein. Figures 2 to 6 The exemplary embodiments described herein can be implemented by computer software executable by processor 710 of device 700, or by hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware. Processor 710 can be configured to implement various exemplary embodiments of this disclosure.

[0108] Memory 720 can be of any type suitable for a local technology network, and by way of non-limiting example, it can be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as non-transient computer-readable storage media, semiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory, and removable memory. Although only one memory 720 is shown in device 700, there can be several physically different memory modules in device 700. Processor 710 can be of any type suitable for a local technology network, and by way of non-limiting example, it can include one or more of the following: general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, microprocessor, digital signal processor (DSP), and processor based on a multi-core processor architecture. Device 700 can have multiple processors, such as application-specific integrated circuit chips that are time-dependent on a clock synchronized with the main processor.

[0109] When device 700 acts as or is part of first device 205, processor 710 and communication module 730 can cooperate to achieve the above-mentioned reference. Figures 1 to 4 Method 400 is described. When device 700 acts as or is part of second device 215, processor 710 and communication module 730 can cooperate to achieve the above-described reference. Figures 1 to 3 Method 500 is described in reference 5. When device 700 acts as or is part of third device 220, processor 710 and communication module 730 can cooperate to achieve the above-mentioned method. Figures 1 to 3 Method 600 is described in section 6. (See above for reference.) Figures 1 to 6All the operations and features described also apply to device 700 and have similar effects. For simplicity, details will be omitted.

[0110] Generally, the various exemplary embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented in hardware or dedicated circuitry, software, logic, or any combination thereof. Some aspects can be implemented in hardware, while others can be implemented in firmware or software that can be executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device. Although various aspects of the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are shown and described as block diagrams, flowcharts, or other illustrated representations, it should be understood that, as non-limiting examples, the blocks, apparatuses, systems, techniques, or methods described herein can be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, dedicated circuitry or logic, general-purpose hardware or controllers or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

[0111] The disclosure also provides at least one computer program product tangibly stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The computer program product includes computer-executable instructions, such as instructions included in a program module, which execute in a device on a target real or virtual processor to perform the functions described above. Figures 1 to 5 Methods 400, 500, or 600 are described. Typically, a program module includes routines, programs, libraries, objects, classes, components, data structures, etc., that perform specific tasks or implement specific abstract data types. In various example embodiments, the functionality of a program module can be combined or split among program modules as needed. The machine-executable instructions of a program module can execute on a local or distributed device. In a distributed device, the program module can reside on both local and remote storage media.

[0112] Program code used to perform the methods of this disclosure may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. This program code may be provided to a processor or controller of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus, such that, when executed by the processor or controller, the program code causes the functions / operations specified in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams to be implemented. The program code may be executed entirely on a machine, partially on a machine, as a stand-alone software package, partially on a machine and partially on a remote machine, or entirely on a remote machine or server.

[0113] In the context of this disclosure, computer program code or related data may be carried by any suitable carrier to enable a device, apparatus, or processor to perform the various processes and operations described above. Examples of carriers include signals and computer-readable media.

[0114] Computer-readable media can be computer-readable signal media or computer-readable storage media. Computer-readable media can include, but is not limited to, electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, apparatuses, or devices, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples of computer-readable storage media will include electrical connections having one or more wires, portable computer floppy disks, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), optical fiber, portable optical disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital versatile optical disc (DVD), optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

[0115] Furthermore, although operations are described in a specific order, this should not be construed as requiring that such operations be performed in the specific order shown or sequentially, or that all shown operations be performed to obtain the desired result. In some cases, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Similarly, while several specific implementation details are included in the foregoing discussion, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to particular example embodiments. Certain features described in the context of individual example embodiments may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, the various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented individually or in any suitable sub-combination in multiple example embodiments.

[0116] Although this disclosure has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological actions, it should be understood that this disclosure as defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or actions described above. Rather, the specific features and actions described above are disclosed as exemplary forms of implementing the claims.

[0117] Various example embodiments of these technologies have been described. The following embodiments are described as supplementary or alternative to the foregoing. Features described in any of the following examples may be used in conjunction with any other examples described herein.

[0118] In some aspects, a first device includes: at least one processor; at least one memory including computer program code; the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured together with the at least one processor to cause the first device to: determine a mobility state of the first device from a plurality of mobility states; select a beam configuration for transmitting a positioning reference signal from a plurality of beam configurations based at least in part on the determined mobility state; and transmit the positioning reference signal to a second device using the selected beam configuration.

[0119] In some example embodiments, the first device is also configured to receive an indication of at least one of a plurality of beam configurations from the third device.

[0120] In some example embodiments, at least one of the multiple beam configurations is predefined.

[0121] In some example embodiments, the plurality of beam configurations include at least a first beam configuration and a second beam configuration, the first beam configuration including a beam configuration based on the spatial relationship of resources used for locating reference signals, and the second beam configuration including at least one of an omnidirectional beam configuration or a configuration of a plurality of narrow beams for beam scanning.

[0122] In some example embodiments, the first device is configured to select a beam configuration if the mobility state of the first device is determined to be quasi-static.

[0123] In some example embodiments, the first device is also configured to: select a second beam configuration for subsequent transmission of the positioning reference signal in response to a transition from a quasi-static state to a mobile state.

[0124] In some example embodiments, the first device is configured to select a beam configuration by selecting a second beam configuration if the mobility state of the first device is determined to be mobile.

[0125] In some example embodiments, the first device is further configured to: if it is determined that the first device has stopped moving, determine the validity of the first beam configuration; and if it is determined that the first beam configuration is valid, select the first beam configuration for subsequent transmission of the positioning reference signal.

[0126] In some example embodiments, the first device is also configured to continue using a second beam configuration for subsequent transmission of the positioning reference signal if the first beam configuration is determined to be invalid.

[0127] In some example embodiments, the first device is also configured to send an indication to the third device of at least one transition between multiple mobility states of the first device.

[0128] In some example embodiments, the first device is configured to determine its mobility state by: in response to receiving an indication from a third device for an update of at least one beam configuration, determining the mobility state of the first device. The first device is configured to transmit a positioning reference signal using the selected beam configuration by: updating the selected beam configuration based on the received indication if it is determined that an update is associated with the selected beam configuration; and transmitting the positioning reference signal to a second device using the updated beam configuration.

[0129] In some example embodiments, the first device is configured to determine its mobility state by at least one of the following: comparing the moving speed of the first device with a threshold speed; comparing the moving distance of the first device with a threshold distance; or comparing the received signal strength of a downlink reference signal from a second device with a threshold signal strength.

[0130] In some example embodiments, the downlink reference signal is indicated by a beam configuration among multiple beam configurations.

[0131] In some example embodiments, the positioning reference signal includes at least one of a probe reference signal, a demodulation reference signal, a random access channel preamble, or a dedicated reference signal for positioning.

[0132] In some aspects, a second device includes: at least one processor; at least one memory including computer program code; the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured together with the at least one processor to cause the second device to: transmit positioning reference signals to a first device to derive at least two of a plurality of beam configurations; and receive positioning reference signals from the first device at least in part based on the beam configurations of the plurality of beam configurations.

[0133] In some example embodiments, the second device is configured to derive at least two beam configurations by receiving at least one indication of a plurality of beam configurations from the third device.

[0134] In some example embodiments, the second device includes a new radio node B or a transmit and receive point.

[0135] In some example embodiments, the third device includes a new radio node B or a location management function unit.

[0136] In some aspects, a third device includes: at least one processor; at least one memory including computer program code; the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured together with the at least one processor to cause the third device to: transmit positioning reference signals to a first device to determine at least two of a plurality of beam configurations; and send instructions to the first device regarding at least two of the plurality of beam configurations.

[0137] In some example embodiments, the third device is also configured to receive a positioning reference signal from the first device using a beam configuration of a plurality of beam configurations.

[0138] In some example embodiments, at least one of the multiple beam configurations is predefined.

[0139] In some example embodiments, the third device is also configured to receive from the first device an indication of at least one transition between multiple mobility states of the first device.

[0140] In some example embodiments, the third device is also configured to: determine the transition of the first device from a mobile state to a quasi-static state based on the received indication; and update at least one of a plurality of beam configurations based on the location of the first device.

[0141] In some example embodiments, at least one beam configuration includes at least one of an omnidirectional beam configuration or a configuration of multiple narrow beams for beam scanning.

[0142] In some example embodiments, the positioning reference signal includes at least one of a probe reference signal, a demodulation reference signal, a random access channel preamble, or a dedicated reference signal for positioning.

[0143] In some aspects, a method implemented at a first device includes: determining a mobility state of the first device from a plurality of mobility states; selecting a beam configuration for transmitting a positioning reference signal from a plurality of beam configurations based at least in part on the determined mobility state; and transmitting the positioning reference signal to a second device using the selected beam configuration.

[0144] In some example embodiments, the method further includes receiving an indication of at least one of a plurality of beam configurations from a third device.

[0145] In some example embodiments, at least one of the multiple beam configurations is predefined.

[0146] In some example embodiments, the plurality of beam configurations include at least a first beam configuration and a second beam configuration, the first beam configuration including a beam configuration based on the spatial relationship of resources used for locating reference signals, and the second beam configuration including at least one of an omnidirectional beam configuration or a configuration of a plurality of narrow beams for beam scanning.

[0147] In some example embodiments, selecting a beam configuration includes selecting a first beam configuration if the mobility state of the first device is determined to be a quasi-static state.

[0148] In some example embodiments, the method further includes: in response to a transition from a quasi-static state to a mobile state, selecting a second beam configuration for locating subsequent transmission of the reference signal.

[0149] In some example embodiments, selecting a beam configuration includes selecting a second beam configuration if the mobility state of the first device is determined to be mobile.

[0150] In some example embodiments, the method further includes: if it is determined that the first device has stopped moving, determining the validity of the first beam configuration; and if it is determined that the first beam configuration is valid, selecting the first beam configuration for subsequent transmission of the positioning reference signal.

[0151] In some example embodiments, the method further includes: if it is determined that the first beam configuration is invalid, continuing to use the second beam configuration for subsequent transmission of the reference signal.

[0152] In some example embodiments, the method further includes sending an indication to a third device of at least one transition between multiple mobility states of the first device.

[0153] In some example embodiments, determining the mobility state of the first device includes: determining the mobility state of the first device in response to receiving an indication from a third device for an update of at least one beam configuration. Transmitting a positioning reference signal using the selected beam configuration includes: updating the selected beam configuration based on the received indication if it is determined that an update is associated with the selected beam configuration; and transmitting the positioning reference signal to a second device using the updated beam configuration.

[0154] In some example embodiments, determining the mobility state of the first device includes determining the mobility state of the first device by at least one of the following: comparing the moving speed of the first device with a threshold speed; comparing the moving distance of the first device with a threshold distance; or comparing the received signal strength of a downlink reference signal from a second device with a threshold signal strength.

[0155] In some example embodiments, the downlink reference signal is indicated by a beam configuration among multiple beam configurations.

[0156] In some example embodiments, the positioning reference signal includes at least one of a probe reference signal, a demodulation reference signal, a random access channel preamble, or a dedicated reference signal for positioning.

[0157] In some aspects, a method implemented at a second device includes: transmitting a positioning reference signal to a first device to derive at least two beam configurations from a plurality of beam configurations; and receiving the positioning reference signal from the first device at least in part based on the beam configurations from the plurality of beam configurations.

[0158] In some example embodiments, determining at least two beam configurations includes receiving at least one indication of multiple beam configurations from a third device.

[0159] In some example embodiments, the second device includes a new radio node B or a transmit and receive point.

[0160] In some example embodiments, the third device includes a new radio node B or a location management function unit.

[0161] In some aspects, a method implemented at a third device includes: determining at least two beam configurations of a plurality of beam configurations by transmitting a positioning reference signal to a first device; and sending an indication of at least two beam configurations of the plurality of beam configurations to the first device.

[0162] In some example embodiments, the method further includes receiving a positioning reference signal from a first device using a beam configuration of a plurality of beam configurations.

[0163] In some example embodiments, at least one of the multiple beam configurations is predefined.

[0164] In some example embodiments, the method further includes receiving an indication of at least one transition between multiple mobility states of the first device.

[0165] In some example embodiments, the method further includes: determining a transition of the first device from a mobile state to a quasi-static state based on the received indication; and updating at least one of a plurality of beam configurations based on the location of the first device.

[0166] In some example embodiments, at least one beam configuration includes at least one of an omnidirectional beam configuration or a configuration of multiple narrow beams for beam scanning.

[0167] In some example embodiments, the positioning reference signal includes at least one of a probe reference signal, a demodulation reference signal, a random access channel preamble, or a dedicated reference signal for positioning.

[0168] In some aspects, an apparatus includes: means for determining a mobility state of a first device from a plurality of mobility states; means for selecting a beam configuration for transmitting a positioning reference signal from a plurality of beam configurations based at least in part on the determined mobility state; and means for transmitting the positioning reference signal to a second device using the selected beam configuration.

[0169] In some example embodiments, the apparatus further includes a component for receiving an indication of at least one of a plurality of beam configurations from a third device.

[0170] In some example embodiments, at least one of the multiple beam configurations is predefined.

[0171] In some example embodiments, the plurality of beam configurations include at least a first beam configuration and a second beam configuration, the first beam configuration including a beam configuration based on the spatial relationship of resources used for locating reference signals, and the second beam configuration including at least one of an omnidirectional beam configuration or a configuration of a plurality of narrow beams for beam scanning.

[0172] In some example embodiments, the components for selecting a beam configuration include: components for selecting a first beam configuration if the mobility state of the first device is determined to be a quasi-static state.

[0173] In some example embodiments, the apparatus further includes a component for selecting a second beam configuration for locating subsequent transmission of a reference signal in response to a transition from a quasi-static state to a mobile state.

[0174] In some example embodiments, the components for selecting a beam configuration include: components for selecting a second beam configuration if the mobility state of the first device is determined to be a mobile state.

[0175] In some example embodiments, the apparatus further includes: means for determining the validity of a first beam configuration if it is determined that the first device has stopped moving; and means for selecting the first beam configuration for subsequent transmission of a positioning reference signal if it is determined that the first beam configuration is valid.

[0176] In some example embodiments, the apparatus further includes a component for continuing to use a second beam configuration for locating subsequent transmissions of a reference signal if the first beam configuration is determined to be invalid.

[0177] In some example embodiments, the apparatus further includes a component for sending an indication to a third device of at least one transition between multiple mobility states of the first device.

[0178] In some example embodiments, the components for determining the mobility state of a first device include: components for determining the mobility state of the first device in response to receiving an indication from a third device for an update of at least one beam configuration. The components for transmitting a positioning reference signal using the selected beam configuration include: components for updating the selected beam configuration based on the received indication if it is determined that an update is associated with the selected beam configuration; and components for transmitting the positioning reference signal to a second device using the updated beam configuration.

[0179] In some example embodiments, the components for determining the mobility state of the first device include components for determining the mobility state of the first device by at least one of: comparing the moving speed of the first device with a threshold speed; comparing the moving distance of the first device with a threshold distance; or comparing the received signal strength of a downlink reference signal from a second device with a threshold signal strength.

[0180] In some example embodiments, the downlink reference signal is indicated by a beam configuration among multiple beam configurations.

[0181] In some example embodiments, the positioning reference signal includes at least one of a probe reference signal, a demodulation reference signal, a random access channel preamble, or a dedicated reference signal for positioning.

[0182] In some aspects, an apparatus includes: components for deriving at least two beam configurations of a plurality of beam configurations for transmitting positioning reference signals to a first device; and components for receiving positioning reference signals from the first device at least in part based on the beam configurations of the plurality of beam configurations.

[0183] In some example embodiments, the components for deriving at least two beam configurations include: a component for receiving at least one indication of a plurality of beam configurations from a third device.

[0184] In some example embodiments, the second device includes a new radio node B or a transmit and receive point.

[0185] In some example embodiments, the third device includes a new radio node B or a location management function unit.

[0186] In some aspects, an apparatus includes: components for determining at least two beam configurations of a plurality of beam configurations by transmitting a positioning reference signal to a first device; and components for transmitting an indication of at least two beam configurations of the plurality of beam configurations to the first device.

[0187] In some example embodiments, the apparatus also includes a component for receiving a positioning reference signal from a first device using a beam configuration of a plurality of beam configurations.

[0188] In some example embodiments, at least one of the multiple beam configurations is predefined.

[0189] In some example embodiments, the apparatus further includes a component for receiving an indication of at least one transition between a plurality of mobility states of the first device.

[0190] In some example embodiments, the apparatus further includes: components for determining a transition of the first device from a mobile state to a quasi-static state based on the received indication; and components for updating at least one of a plurality of beam configurations based on the location of the first device.

[0191] In some example embodiments, at least one beam configuration includes at least one of an omnidirectional beam configuration or a configuration of multiple narrow beams for beam scanning.

[0192] In some example embodiments, the positioning reference signal includes at least one of a probe reference signal, a demodulation reference signal, a random access channel preamble, or a dedicated reference signal for positioning.

[0193] In some aspects, a computer-readable storage medium includes program instructions stored thereon that, when executed by a processor of a device, cause the device to perform a method according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A method implemented at a first device, comprising: The mobility state of the first device is determined from multiple mobility states; The beam configuration for transmitting the positioning reference signal is selected from a plurality of beam configurations at least in part based on the determined mobility state, wherein the plurality of beam configurations include at least a first beam configuration and a second beam configuration, the first beam configuration including a beam configuration configured based on the spatial relationship of resources for the positioning reference signal, and the second beam configuration including at least one of an omnidirectional beam configuration or a configuration of a plurality of narrow beams for beam scanning. The positioning reference signal is transmitted to the second device using the selected beam configuration; as well as The first device refreshes the validity status of the plurality of beam configurations. If the narrow beam configuration is updated, the narrow beam configuration is activated by the first device to transmit positioning reference signals when the first device is in a quasi-static state. If the wide beam configuration is updated, the wide beam configuration is activated by the first device to transmit a positioning reference signal when the first device is in a mobile state or when the first beam configuration is invalid in a quasi-static state, wherein the narrow beam is included in the first beam and the wide beam is included in the second beam.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: Receive an indication of at least one of the plurality of beam configurations from a third device.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one of the plurality of beam configurations is predefined.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein selecting the beam configuration comprises: If the mobility state of the first device is determined to be a quasi-static state, the first beam configuration is selected.

5. The method according to claim 4, further comprising: In response to the transition from the quasi-static state to the mobile state, the second beam configuration is selected for subsequent transmission of the positioning reference signal.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein selecting the beam configuration comprises: If the mobility state of the first device is determined to be mobile, the second beam configuration is selected.

7. The method of claim 6, further comprising: If it is determined that the first device has stopped moving, determine the validity of the first beam configuration; as well as If the first beam configuration is determined to be valid, the first beam configuration is selected for subsequent transmission of the positioning reference signal.

8. The method according to claim 7, further comprising: If the first beam configuration is determined to be invalid, the second beam configuration continues to be used for the subsequent transmission of the positioning reference signal.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising: Send an indication to a third device of at least one transition between multiple mobility states of the first device.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein Determining the mobility state of the first device includes: In response to receiving an indication from a third device of an update for at least one beam configuration, the mobility state of the first device is determined; as well as Transmitting the positioning reference signal using the selected beam configuration includes: If it is determined that the update is associated with the selected beam configuration, the selected beam configuration is updated based on the received indication; as well as The positioning reference signal is transmitted to the second device using the updated beam configuration.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein determining the mobility state of the first device comprises determining the mobility state of the first device by at least one of the following: Compare the moving speed of the first device with the threshold speed; Compare the movement distance of the first device with the threshold distance; or The received signal strength of the downlink reference signal from the second device is compared with the threshold signal strength.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the downlink reference signal is indicated by a beam configuration among the plurality of beam configurations.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the positioning reference signal includes at least one of a detection reference signal, a demodulation reference signal, a random access channel preamble, or a dedicated reference signal for positioning.

14. A device for communication, comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory, including computer program code; The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, together with the at least one processor, to cause the first device to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. An apparatus for communication, comprising components for performing the method of any one of claims 1 to 13.

16. A computer-readable storage medium comprising program instructions stored thereon, the program instructions causing the device to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 13 when executed by a processor of the device.

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