Handling of punctured positioning reference signals

Abstract

Various techniques for wireless communications are disclosed. In an aspect, a user equipment (UE) measures multiple positioning reference signal (PRS) instances during a measurement period that spans multiple measurement opportunities to produce multiple positioning measurements, each PRS instance occupying a different measurement opportunity. A PRS instance can be a PRS resource, a PRS resource set, a PRS frequency layer, a transmission / reception point, or a combination thereof. For each measured PRS instance, the UE determines whether the PRS instance is punctured. Upon determining that a PRS instance is punctured, the UE discards at least a portion of the positioning measurements and modifies the measurement period, such as by restarting the measurement period or extending the measurement period, to measure another PRS instance.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This patent application claims priority to Indian Patent Application No. 202041044914, filed on October 15, 2020, entitled “HANDLING OF PUNCTUREDPOSITIONING REFERENCE SIGNALS”, which has been assigned to the assignee of this application and is hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0003] Public background

[0004] 1. Public domain

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

[0006] 2. Relevant Technical Descriptions

[0007] Wireless communication systems have undergone several generations of development, including first-generation analog radiotelephone service (1G), second-generation (2G) digital radiotelephone service (including transitional 2.5G and 2.75G networks), third-generation (3G) high-speed data radio service with Internet capabilities, and fourth-generation (4G) service (e.g., Long Term Evolution (LTE) or WiMax). Currently, many different types of wireless communication systems are in use, including cellular and Personal Communication Services (PCS) systems. Known examples of cellular systems include cellular analog Advanced Mobile Phone Systems (AMPS), and digital cellular systems based on Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), etc.

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

[0009] Overview

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

[0011] In one aspect, a wireless communication method performed by a user equipment (UE) includes: measuring multiple positioning reference signal (PRS) instances during a measurement period spanning multiple measurement opportunities to generate multiple positioning measurements, each PRS instance occupying a different measurement opportunity, each positioning measurement corresponding to one of the multiple PRS instances; and for each PRS instance measured in its corresponding measurement opportunity, upon determining that the PRS instance is punched, discarding at least a portion of the corresponding positioning measurement and modifying the measurement period.

[0012] In one aspect, a wireless communication method performed by a UE includes: measuring a first PRS instance on a first PFL occupying a first frequency band and during a measurement opportunity associated with the first PFL to generate a first positioning measurement; receiving an indication that the first PRS instance has been punched via a second frequency band different from the first frequency band and during the measurement opportunity associated with the first PFL; and discarding at least a portion of the first positioning measurement.

[0013] In one aspect, a wireless communication method performed by a base station includes: detecting that a first PRS instance transmitted on a first PFL occupying a first frequency band and during a measurement opportunity associated with the first PFL has been punctured; and transmitting an indication that the first PRS instance has been punctured via a second frequency band different from the first frequency band and during a measurement opportunity associated with the first PFL.

[0014] In one aspect, a UE includes: a memory, at least one transceiver, and at least one processor communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, the at least one processor being configured to: measure a plurality of PRS instances during a measurement period spanning a plurality of measurement opportunities to generate a plurality of positioning measurements, each PRS instance occupying a different measurement opportunity, each positioning measurement corresponding to one of the plurality of PRS instances; and for each PRS instance measured in its corresponding measurement opportunity, upon determining that the PRS instance is punched, discarding at least a portion of the corresponding positioning measurement and modifying the measurement period.

[0015] In one aspect, a UE includes: a memory, at least one transceiver, and at least one processor communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, the at least one processor being configured to: measure a first PRS instance on a first PFL occupying a first frequency band and during a measurement opportunity associated with the first PFL to generate a first positioning measurement; receive, via the at least one transceiver, an indication that the first PRS instance has been punched via a second frequency band different from the first frequency band and during a measurement opportunity associated with the first PFL; and discard at least a portion of the first positioning measurement.

[0016] In one aspect, a base station includes: a memory; at least one transceiver; and at least one processor communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, the at least one processor being configured to: detect that a first PRS instance transmitted on a first PFL occupying a first frequency band and during a measurement opportunity associated with the first PFL has been punctured; and transmit, via the at least one transceiver, an indication that the first PRS instance has been punctured via a second frequency band different from the first frequency band and during a measurement opportunity associated with the first PFL.

[0017] In one aspect, a UE includes: means for measuring multiple PRS instances during a measurement period spanning multiple measurement opportunities to generate multiple positioning measurements, each PRS instance occupying a different measurement opportunity, each positioning measurement corresponding to one of the multiple PRS instances; and means for discarding at least a portion of the corresponding positioning measurement and modifying the measurement period for each PRS instance measured in its corresponding measurement opportunity, upon determining that the PRS instance is punctured.

[0018] In one aspect, a UE includes: means for measuring a first PRS instance on a first PFL occupying a first frequency band and during a measurement opportunity associated with the first PFL to generate a first positioning measurement; means for receiving an indication that the first PRS instance has been punched via a second frequency band different from the first frequency band and during a measurement opportunity associated with the first PFL; and means for discarding at least a portion of the first positioning measurement.

[0019] In one aspect, a base station includes: means for detecting that a first PRS instance transmitted on a first PFL occupying a first frequency band and during a measurement opportunity associated with the first PFL has been punched; and means for transmitting an indication that the first PRS instance has been punched via a second frequency band different from the first frequency band and during a measurement opportunity associated with the first PFL.

[0020] In one aspect, a non-transient computer-readable medium storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a UE, cause the UE to: measure multiple PRS instances during a measurement period spanning multiple measurement opportunities to generate multiple positioning measurements, each PRS instance occupying a different measurement opportunity, each positioning measurement corresponding to one of the multiple PRS instances; and for each PRS instance measured in its corresponding measurement opportunity, upon determining that the PRS instance is punctured, discard at least a portion of the corresponding positioning measurement and modify the measurement period.

[0021] In one aspect, a non-transient computer-readable medium storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a UE, cause the UE to: measure a first PRS instance on a first PFL occupying a first frequency band and during a measurement opportunity associated with the first PFL to generate a first positioning measurement; receive an indication that the first PRS instance has been punctured via a second frequency band different from the first frequency band and during a measurement opportunity associated with the first PFL; and discard at least a portion of the first positioning measurement.

[0022] In one aspect, a non-transient computer-readable medium storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a base station, cause the base station to: detect that a first PRS instance transmitted on a first PFL occupying a first frequency band and during a measurement opportunity associated with the first PFL has been punctured; and transmit an indication regarding the puncturing of the first PRS instance via a second frequency band different from the first frequency band and during a measurement opportunity associated with the first PFL.

[0023] Other objectives and advantages associated with the aspects disclosed herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art based on the accompanying drawings and detailed description. Brief description of the attached diagram

[0025] The accompanying drawings are provided to help describe examples of one or more aspects of the disclosed subject matter, and these drawings are provided merely to illustrate the examples and not to limit the scope thereof:

[0026] Figure 1 Exemplary wireless communication systems based on various aspects are explained.

[0027] Figure 2A and Figure 2B The example wireless network architecture is explained from various aspects.

[0028] Figure 3A , 3B The 3C and 3C are simplified block diagrams of several sample aspects of components that can be adopted in user equipment (UE), base stations, and network entities and configured to support communications as taught herein.

[0029] Figure 4A and 4B This is a diagram illustrating example frame structures and channels within these frame structures according to various aspects of this disclosure.

[0030] Figure 5 It is a time-frequency grid according to various aspects of this disclosure, which is subdivided into symbols along the time axis and subcarriers along the frequency axis.

[0031] Figure 6 The graph illustrates the phase noise variation of punctured symbols relative to non-punctured symbols, according to various aspects of this disclosure.

[0032] Figure 7A The conventional methods for processing PRS data are explained.

[0033] Figure 7B The article explains the common methods for processing PRS data.

[0034] Figure 8 A portion of the methods for disposing of perforated PRS according to various aspects of this disclosure is explained.

[0035] Figure 9 Another part of the method for treating perforated PRS according to various aspects of this disclosure is explained.

[0036] Figure 10 This explains another part of the methods for treating perforated PRS according to various aspects of this disclosure.

[0037] Figure 11 This describes part of another method for treating perforated PRS according to various aspects of this disclosure.

[0038] Figure 12 Exemplary methods of wireless communication according to various aspects of this disclosure are explained.

[0039] Figure 13 Another exemplary method of wireless communication according to various aspects of this disclosure is explained.

[0040] Figure 14 Another exemplary method of wireless communication according to various aspects of this disclosure is explained.

[0041] Detailed description

[0042] Various techniques for wireless communication are disclosed. In one aspect, a user equipment (UE) measures multiple Positioning Reference Signal (PRS) instances during a measurement period spanning multiple measurement opportunities to generate multiple positioning measurements, each PRS instance occupying a different measurement opportunity. A PRS instance can be a PRS resource, a PRS resource set, a PRS frequency layer, a Transmit / Receive Point (TRP), or a combination thereof. For each measured PRS instance, the UE determines whether the PRS instance has been punctured. Upon determining that a PRS instance has been punctured, the UE discards at least a portion of the positioning measurements and modifies the measurement period, for example, by restarting or extending the measurement period, to measure another PRS instance.

[0043] Various aspects of this disclosure are provided below in the description and accompanying drawings of various examples provided for illustrative purposes. Alternative aspects may be designed without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, elements well-known in this disclosure will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of this disclosure.

[0044] To overcome the technical shortcomings of the aforementioned conventional systems and methods, a mechanism is proposed that allows for dynamic adjustment (e.g., in response to environmental conditions) of the bandwidth used by the user equipment (UE) for the positioning reference signal (PRS). For example, the UE receiver can indicate the environmental conditions in which the UE is operating to the transmitting entity, and in response, the transmitting entity can adjust the PRS bandwidth.

[0045] The terms “exemplary” and “example” are used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any aspect described herein as “exemplary” or “example” is not necessarily to be construed as superior to or better than the others. Similarly, the term “aspects of this disclosure” does not require that all aspects of this disclosure include the features, advantages, or modes of operation discussed.

[0046] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the information and signals described below can be represented using any of a variety of different techniques and arts. For example, the data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be referred to throughout the following description may be represented by voltage, current, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, optical fields or optical particles, or any combination thereof, depending in part on the specific application, in part on the desired design, in part on the corresponding technology, etc.

[0047] Furthermore, many aspects are described in the form of sequences of actions performed by elements of, for example, computing devices. It will be appreciated that the various actions described herein can be performed by special-purpose circuitry (e.g., application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs)), by program instructions being executed by one or more processors, or by a combination of both. Additionally, the sequences of actions described herein can be considered to be fully embodied in any form of non-transient computer-readable storage medium storing a corresponding set of computer instructions that, upon execution, will cause an associated processor of the device to perform the functions described herein. Thus, various aspects of this disclosure can be embodied in several different forms, all of which are contemplated to fall within the scope of the claimed subject matter. Furthermore, for each aspect described herein, a corresponding form of any such aspect may be described herein as, for example, "logic configured to perform the described actions."

[0048] As used herein, the terms “User Equipment” (UE) and “Base Station” are not intended to be specific to or otherwise limited to any particular Radio Access Technology (RAT) unless otherwise stated. Generally, a UE can be any wireless communication device used by a user to communicate over a wireless communication network (e.g., mobile phone, router, tablet computer, laptop computer, tracking device, wearable device (e.g., smartwatch, glasses, augmented reality (AR) / virtual reality (VR) headset, etc.), vehicle (e.g., car, motorcycle, bicycle, etc.), Internet of Things (IoT) device, etc.). A UE can be mobile or can (e.g., at certain times) be stationary and can communicate with a Radio Access Network (RAN). As used herein, the term “UE” can be interchangeably referred to as “Access Terminal” or “AT”, “Client Equipment”, “Wireless Equipment”, “Subscriber Equipment”, “Subscriber Terminal”, “Subscriber Station”, “User Terminal” (UT), “Mobile Equipment”, “Mobile Terminal”, “Mobile Station”, or variations thereof. Generally, a UE can communicate with the core network via the RAN, and through the core network, the UE can connect to external networks (such as the Internet) and other UEs. Of course, other mechanisms for connecting to the core network, to the Internet, or to both are also possible for the UE, such as through a wired access network, a wireless local area network (WLAN) (e.g., based on IEEE 802.11, etc.).

[0049] A base station may operate according to one of several RATs to communicate with a UE, depending on the network in which it is deployed, and may be alternatively referred to as an Access Point (AP), Network Node, B-Node, Evolved B-Node (eNB), Next Generation eNB (ng-eNB), New Radio (NR) B-Node (also known as gNB or gNodeB), etc. A base station may primarily be used to support radio access by the UE, including supporting data, voice, signaling connections, or various combinations thereof with respect to the supported UE. In some systems, the base station may provide purely edge node signaling functions, while in others, it may provide additional control functions, network management functions, or both. The communication link through which the UE can signal to the base station is called an uplink (UL) channel (e.g., reverse traffic channel, reverse control channel, access channel, etc.). The communication link through which the base station can signal to the UE is called a downlink (DL) or forward link channel (e.g., paging channel, control channel, broadcast channel, forward traffic channel, etc.). As used herein, the term Traffic Channel (TCH) can refer to either the uplink / reverse traffic channel or the downlink / forward traffic channel.

[0050] The term "base station" can refer to a single physical transmit / receive point (TRP) or multiple physical TRPs that may or may not be located in the same place. For example, when the term "base station" refers to a single physical TRP, the physical TRP may be a base station antenna corresponding to a cell (or several cell sectors) of the base station. When the term "base station" refers to multiple physical TRPs located in the same place, the physical TRP may be an antenna array of the base station (e.g., in a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) system or in the case of beamforming at the base station). When the term "base station" refers to multiple physical TRPs not located in the same place, the physical TRP may be a distributed antenna system (DAS) (a network of spatially separated antennas connected to a common source via a transmission medium) or a remote radio headend (RRH) (a remote base station connected to a serving base station). Alternatively, physical TRPs not located in the same place may be the serving base station from which the UE receives measurement reports and neighboring base stations where the UE is measuring its reference radio frequency (RF) signal (or simply "reference signal"). Since a TRP is the point from which a base station transmits and receives wireless signals, as used herein, references to transmissions from or receptions at a base station should be understood as references to the specific TRP of that base station.

[0051] In some implementations that support UE positioning, the base station may not support the UE's radio access (e.g., it may not support data, voice, signaling connections, or various combinations thereof regarding the UE), but may instead transmit reference signals to the UE for measurement, receive and measure signals transmitted by the UE, or both. Such a base station may be referred to as a positioning tower (e.g., in the case of transmitting signals to the UE), a location measurement unit (e.g., in the case of receiving and measuring signals from the UE), or both.

[0052] An “RF signal” refers to an electromagnetic wave of a given frequency that transmits information across the space between a transmitter and a receiver. As used herein, a transmitter may transmit a single “RF signal” or multiple “RF signals” to a receiver. However, due to the propagation characteristics of individual RF signals through a multipath channel, a receiver may receive multiple “RF signals” corresponding to each transmitted RF signal. The same RF signal transmitted on different paths between the transmitter and receiver may be referred to as a “multipath” RF signal. As used herein, an RF signal may also be referred to as a “wireless signal” or simply a “signal,” where the context clearly indicates that the term “signal” refers to a wireless signal or an RF signal.

[0053] Figure 1 An exemplary wireless communication system 100 according to various aspects has been described. The wireless communication system 100 (also referred to as a wireless wide area network (WWAN)) may include various base stations 102 and various UEs 104. Base station 102 may include macrocell base stations (high-power cellular base stations), small cell base stations (low-power cellular base stations), or both. In one aspect, macrocell base stations may include eNB, ng-eNB, or both (where wireless communication system 100 corresponds to an LTE network), or gNB (where wireless communication system 100 corresponds to an NR network), or a combination of both, and small cell base stations may include femtocells, picocells, microcells, etc.

[0054] Base station 102 can collectively form a radio access network (RAN) 106 and interface with a core network 108 (e.g., an evolved packet core (EPC) or a 5G core (5GC)) via backhaul link 110, and connect to one or more location servers 112 (which may be part of or outside the core network 108) via the core network 108. Among other functions, base station 102 can also perform functions related to one or more of the following: transmitting user data, radio channel cryptography and decoding, integrity protection, header compression, mobility control functions (e.g., handover, dual connectivity), inter-cell interference coordination, connection establishment and release, load balancing, distribution of non-access stratum (NAS) messages, NAS node selection, synchronization, RAN sharing, multimedia broadcast multicast service (MBMS), subscriber and equipment tracking, RAN information management (RIM), paging, location, and delivery of alarm messages. Base station 102 can communicate with each other directly or indirectly (e.g., via EPC / 5GC) via backhaul link 114 (which may be wired or wireless).

[0055] Base station 102 can wirelessly communicate with UE 104. Each base station 102 can provide communication coverage for its respective geographical coverage area 116. In one aspect, one or more cells can be supported by base station 102 in each geographical coverage area 116. A “cell” is a logical communication entity used to communicate with a base station (e.g., on a frequency resource, referred to as a carrier frequency, component carrier, carrier, frequency band, etc.) and can be associated with an identifier (e.g., Physical Cell Identifier (PCI), Virtual Cell Identifier (VCI), Cell Global Identifier (CGI)) to distinguish cells operating via the same or different carrier frequencies. In some cases, different cells can be configured according to different protocol types that can provide access to different types of UEs (e.g., Machine Type Communication (MTC), Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT), Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), or others). Since cells are supported by specific base stations, the term “cell” can refer to either or both of the logical communication entity and the base station supporting that logical communication entity, depending on the context. Additionally, since the TRP is typically the physical transmission point of a cell, the terms "cell" and "TRP" are used interchangeably. In some cases, the term "cell" can also refer to the geographical coverage area (e.g., sector) of a base station, in the sense that the carrier frequency can be detected and used for communication within a portion of the geographical coverage area 116.

[0056] While the geographic coverage areas 116 of adjacent macrocell base stations 102 may partially overlap (e.g., in handover areas), some geographic coverage areas 116 may substantially overlap with larger geographic coverage areas 116. For example, a small cell base station 102' may have coverage areas 116' that substantially overlap with the geographic coverage areas 116 of one or more macrocell base stations 102. A network that includes both small cell and macrocell base stations may be referred to as a heterogeneous network. A heterogeneous network may also include home eNBs (HeNBs) that can provide service to a restricted group known as a Closed Subscriber Group (CSG).

[0057] The communication link 118 between base station 102 and UE 104 may include uplink (also known as reverse link) transmission from UE 104 to base station 102, downlink (also known as forward link) transmission from base station 102 to UE 104, or both. The communication link 118 may use MIMO antenna technologies, including spatial multiplexing, beamforming, transmit diversity, or various combinations thereof. The communication link 118 may use one or more carrier frequencies. Carrier allocation may be asymmetric with respect to the downlink and uplink (e.g., more or fewer carriers may be allocated to the downlink compared to the uplink).

[0058] The wireless communication system 100 may further include a wireless local area network (WLAN) access point (AP) 120 communicating with a WLAN station (STA) 122 via a communication link 124 in unlicensed spectrum (e.g., 5 GHz). When communicating in unlicensed spectrum, the WLAN STA 122, WLAN AP 120, or various combinations thereof may perform a clear channel assessment (CCA) or listen-before-speak (LBT) procedure to determine channel availability before communication.

[0059] Small cell base station 102' can operate in licensed, unlicensed spectrum, or both. When operating in unlicensed spectrum, small cell base station 102' can employ LTE or NR technology and use the same 5 GHz unlicensed spectrum as used by WLAN AP 120. Small cell base station 102' employing LTE / 5G in unlicensed spectrum can enhance access network coverage, increase access network capacity, or both. NR in unlicensed spectrum may be referred to as NR-U. LTE in unlicensed spectrum may be referred to as LTE-U, Licensed Assisted Access (LAA), or MulteFire.

[0060] The wireless communication system 100 may further include a millimeter-wave (mmW) base station 126, which can operate in mmW frequencies, near-mmW frequencies, or combinations thereof to communicate with the UE 128. Extremely high frequency (EHF) is a portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that contains radio frequency (RF). EHF has a range of 30 GHz to 300 GHz and wavelengths between 1 mm and 10 mm. Radio waves in this band are referred to as millimeter waves. Near-mmW extends down to a frequency of 3 GHz with a wavelength of 100 mm. Ultra-high frequency (SHF) bands extend between 3 GHz and 30 GHz, and are also referred to as centimeter waves. Communication using mmW / near-mmW RF bands has high path loss and relatively short range. The mmW base station 126 and the UE 128 can utilize beamforming (transmit, receive, or both) on the mmW communication link 130 to compensate for the extremely high path loss and short range. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that in alternative configurations, one or more base stations 102 may also use mmW or near-mmW and beamforming for transmission. Accordingly, it will be understood that the foregoing explanations are merely illustrative and should not be construed as limiting the aspects disclosed herein.

[0061] Transmit beamforming is a technique for focusing RF signals in a specific direction. Conventionally, when a network node (e.g., a base station) broadcasts an RF signal, it broadcasts the signal in all directions (omnidirectionally). Using transmit beamforming, the network node determines where a given target device (e.g., a UE) is located (relative to the transmitting network node) and projects a stronger downlink RF signal in that specific direction, thus providing the receiving device with a faster (in terms of data rate) and stronger RF signal. To change the directivity of the RF signal during transmission, the network node can control the phase and relative amplitude of the RF signal at each of one or more transmitters broadcasting the RF signal. For example, the network node can use an antenna array (referred to as a "phased array" or "antenna array") that generates a beam of RF waves, which can be "guided" to different directions without actually moving the antennas. Specifically, RF currents from the transmitters are fed to the individual antennas with the correct phase relationship so that radio waves from the separate antennas add together in the desired direction to increase radiation, while canceling each other out in the undesired direction to suppress radiation.

[0062] Transmit beams can be quasi-co-located, meaning they appear to the receiver (e.g., the UE) with identical parameters, regardless of whether the transmit antennas of network nodes are physically co-located. In NR, there are four types of quasi-co-location (QCL) relationships. Specifically, a given type of QCL relationship means that certain parameters of the second reference RF signal on the second beam can be derived from information about the source reference RF signal on the source beam. Thus, if the source reference RF signal is QCL type A, the receiver can use the source reference RF signal to estimate the Doppler shift, Doppler spread, average delay, and delay spread of the second reference RF signal transmitted on the same channel. If the source reference RF signal is QCL type B, the receiver can use the source reference RF signal to estimate the Doppler shift and Doppler spread of the second reference RF signal transmitted on the same channel. If the source reference RF signal is QCL type C, the receiver can use the source reference RF signal to estimate the Doppler shift and average delay of the second reference RF signal transmitted on the same channel. If the source reference RF signal is of type QCL D, the receiver can use the source reference RF signal to estimate the spatial reception parameters of the second reference RF signal transmitted on the same channel.

[0063] In receive beamforming, a receiver uses a receive beam to amplify an RF signal detected on a given channel. For example, a receiver may increase the gain setting of an antenna array, adjust the phase setting of the antenna array, or a combination thereof, in a specific direction to amplify the RF signal received from that direction (e.g., increase its gain level). Thus, when a receiver is said to be beamforming in a certain direction, it means that the beam gain in that direction is higher than the beam gain in other directions, or that the beam gain in that direction is the highest compared to the beam gain of all other receive beams available to the receiver in that direction. This results in a stronger received signal strength (e.g., reference signal received power (RSRP), reference signal received quality (RSRQ), signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR), etc.) of the RF signal received from that direction.

[0064] The receive beam can be spatially dependent. Spatial dependency means that the parameters of the transmit beam used for the second reference signal can be derived from information about the receive beam of the first reference signal. For example, a UE can use a specific receive beam to receive one or more reference downlink reference signals (e.g., Position Reference Signal (PRS), Narrowband Reference Signal (NRS), Tracking Reference Signal (TRS), Phase Tracking Reference Signal (PTRS), Cell-Specific Reference Signal (CRS), Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS), Primary Synchronization Signal (PSS), Secondary Synchronization Signal (SSS), Synchronization Block (SSB), etc.) from a base station. The UE can then form a transmit beam based on the parameters of the receive beam to transmit one or more uplink reference signals (e.g., Uplink Position Reference Signal (UL-PRS), Detection Reference Signal (SRS), Demodulation Reference Signal (DMRS), PTRS, etc.) to the base station.

[0065] Note that, depending on the entity forming the "downlink" beam, the beam can be either a transmit beam or a receive beam. For example, if a base station is forming a downlink beam to transmit a reference signal to a UE, then the downlink beam is a transmit beam. However, if a UE is forming a downlink beam, then the downlink beam is a receive beam for receiving downlink reference signals. Similarly, depending on the entity forming the "uplink" beam, the beam can be either a transmit beam or a receive beam. For example, if a base station is forming an uplink beam, then the uplink beam is an uplink receive beam, while if a UE is forming an uplink beam, then the uplink beam is an uplink transmit beam.

[0066] In 5G, the spectrum in which radio nodes (e.g., base stations 102 / 126, UEs 104 / 128) operate is divided into several frequency ranges: FR1 (from 450 to 6000 MHz), FR2 (from 24250 to 52600 MHz), FR3 (above 52600 MHz), and FR4 (between FR1 and FR2). In multi-carrier systems (such as 5G), one of the carrier frequencies is referred to as the “primary carrier” or “anchor carrier” or “primary serving cell” or “PCell,” and the remaining carrier frequencies are referred to as “secondary carriers” or “secondary serving cells” or “SCell.” In carrier aggregation, the anchor carrier is the carrier operating on the primary frequency (e.g., FR1) utilized by UE 104 / 128 and on the cell in which UE 104 / 128 performs an initial radio resource control (RRC) connection establishment procedure or initiates an RRC connection re-establishment procedure. The primary carrier carries all shared control channels as well as UE-specific control channels, and can be a carrier on a licensed frequency (however, this is not always the case). The secondary carrier is a carrier operating on a second frequency (e.g., FR2), which can be configured once an RRC connection is established between UE 104 and the anchor carrier, and can be used to provide additional radio resources. In some cases, the secondary carrier can be a carrier on an unlicensed frequency. The secondary carrier may contain only the necessary signaling information and signals; for example, UE-specific signaling information and signals may not be present on the secondary carrier, since both the primary uplink and downlink carriers are typically UE-specific. This means that different UEs 104 / 128 in a cell can have different downlink primary carriers. The same applies to the uplink primary carrier. The network can change the primary carrier of any UE 104 / 128 at any time. For example, this is done to balance the load on different carriers. Since a “serving cell” (whether PCell or SCell) corresponds to the carrier frequency / component carrier that a base station is using for communication, the terms “cell,” “serving cell,” “component carrier,” “carrier frequency,” etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0067] For example, still refer to Figure 1 One of the frequencies utilized by the macrocell base station 102 can be an anchor carrier (or "PCell"), and other frequencies utilized by the macrocell base station 102, mmW base station 126, or a combination thereof can be secondary carriers ("SCell"). Simultaneous transmission, reception, or both on multiple carriers allows the UE 104 / 128 to significantly increase its data transmission rate, reception rate, or both. For example, two 20MHz aggregated carriers in a multi-carrier system would theoretically result in twice the data rate (i.e., 40MHz) compared to the data rate obtained from a single 20MHz carrier.

[0068] The wireless communication system 100 may further include one or more UEs (such as UE 132) that are indirectly connected to one or more communication networks via one or more device-to-device (D2D) peer-to-peer (P2P) links (referred to as “side links”). Figure 1 In the example, UE 132 has a D2D P2P link 134 with a UE 104 connected to a base station 102 (e.g., UE 132 can indirectly obtain cellular connectivity from this link), and a D2D P2P link 194 with a WLANSTA 122 connected to a WLAN AP 120 (UE 132 can indirectly obtain WLAN-based Internet connectivity from this link). In one example, D2D P2P links 134 and 136 can use any known D2D RAT (such as LTE Direct (LTE-D), WiFi Direct (WiFi-D)). (etc.) to support.

[0069] The wireless communication system 100 may further include a UE 138, which can communicate with a macrocell base station 102 on a communication link 118, with an mmW base station 126 on an mmW communication link 130, or a combination thereof. For example, the macrocell base station 102 may support PCells and one or more SCells for the UE 138, and the mmW base station 126 may support one or more SCells for the UE 138.

[0070] Figure 2AExample wireless network architecture 200 is explained. For example, 5GC 210 (also known as Next Generation Core (NGC)) can be functionally considered as control plane (C-plane) functions 214 (e.g., UE registration, authentication, network access, gateway selection, etc.) and user plane (U-plane) functions 212 (e.g., UE gateway functions, access to data networks, IP routing, etc.), which operate collaboratively to form the core network. User plane interface (NG-U) 213 and control plane interface (NG-C) 215 connect gNB 222 to 5GC 210, specifically to user plane function 212 and control plane function 214, respectively. In an additional configuration, ng-eNB 224 can also connect to 5GC 210 via NG-C 215 to control plane function 214 and NG-U 213 to user plane function 212. Furthermore, ng-eNB 224 can communicate directly with gNB 222 via backhaul connection 223. In some configurations, the next-generation RAN (NG-RAN) 220 may have one or more gNBs 222, while other configurations include one or more ng-eNBs 224 and one or more gNBs 222. The gNB 222 or ng-eNB 224 (or both) may communicate with one or more UEs 204 (e.g., any UE described herein).

[0071] Another optional aspect may include location server 230, which can communicate with 5GC 210 to provide location assistance to UE 204. Location server 230 may be implemented as multiple separate servers (e.g., physically separate servers, different software modules on a single server, different software modules extending across multiple physical servers, etc.), or alternatively, each may correspond to a single server. Location server 230 may be configured to support one or more location services for UE 204, which UE 204 can connect to via the core network, 5GC 210, and / or via the Internet (not explained). Furthermore, location server 230 may be integrated into a component of the core network, or alternatively, it may be external to the core network (e.g., a third-party server, such as an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) server or a business server).

[0072] Figure 2B Another example wireless network architecture, 250.5GC 260, was explained (which can correspond to...). Figure 2AThe 5GC 210 in the document can be functionally viewed as a control plane function (provided by the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) 264) and a user plane function (provided by the User Plane Function (UPF) 262), which operate collaboratively to form the core network (i.e., 5GC 260). The functions of AMF 264 include registration management, connection management, reachability management, mobility management, lawful interception, session management (SM) message transmission between one or more UEs 204 (e.g., any UE described herein) and session management function (SMF) 266, transparent proxy service for routing SM messages, access authentication and access authorization, short message service (SMS) message transmission between UE 204 and short message service function (SMSF) (not shown), and security anchor functionality (SEAF). AMF 264 also interacts with the authentication server function (AUSF) (not shown) and UE 204, and receives an intermediate key established as a result of the UE 204 authentication process. In cases where authentication is based on the UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) Subscriber Identity Module (USIM), the AMF 264 retrieves security material from the AMF. The AMF 264 also includes Security Context Management (SCM). The SCM receives a key from the SEAF, which it uses to derive a key that varies depending on the access network. The AMF 264's functionality also includes: location service management for regulatory services, location service message transmission between the UE 204 and the Location Management Function (LMF) 270 (which acts as a location server 230), location service message transmission between the NG-RAN 220 and the LMF 270, EPS bearer identifier allocation for interoperability with the Evolved Packet System (EPS), and UE 204 mobility event notification. Additionally, the AMF 264 supports functionality for non-3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) access networks.

[0073] The functions of UPF 262 include: acting as an anchor point for intra / inter-RAT mobility (where applicable), acting as an external Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session point interconnecting to a data network (not shown), providing packet routing and forwarding, packet inspection, user plane policy rule enforcement (e.g., strobing, redirection, traffic steering), lawful interception (user plane collection), traffic usage reporting, quality of service (QoS) handling for the user plane (e.g., uplink / downlink rate enforcement, reflective QoS marking in the downlink), uplink traffic verification (Service Data Flow (SDF) to QoS flow mapping), transport-level packet marking in the uplink and downlink, downlink packet buffering and downlink data notification triggering, and sending and forwarding one or more "end markers" to the source RAN node. UPF 262 may also support the transmission of location service messages between UE 204 and a location server (such as SLP 272) on the user plane.

[0074] The functions of SMF 266 include session management, UE Internet Protocol (IP) address allocation and management, selection and control of user plane functions, traffic bootstrapping configuration at UPF 262 for routing traffic to the correct destination, partial control of policy enforcement and QoS, and downlink data notification. The interface used by SMF 266 to communicate with AMF 264 is called the N11 interface.

[0075] Another optional aspect may include LMF 270, which can communicate with 5GC 260 to provide location assistance to UE 204. LMF 270 can be implemented as multiple separate servers (e.g., physically separate servers, different software modules on a single server, different software modules extending across multiple physical servers, etc.), or alternatively, each may correspond to a single server. LMF 270 can be configured to support one or more location services for UE 204, which can connect to LMF 270 via the core network, 5GC 260, and / or via the Internet (not explained). SLP 272 can support similar functions to LMF 270, but while LMF 270 can communicate with AMF 264, NG-RAN 220, and UE 204 on the control plane (e.g., using interfaces and protocols designed to convey signaling messages rather than voice or data), SLP 272 can communicate with UE 204 and external clients (e.g., third-party server 274) on the user plane (e.g., using protocols designed to carry voice and / or data, such as Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and / or IP).

[0076] Another optional aspect may include a third-party server 274, which can communicate with LMF 270, SLP 272, 5GC 260 (e.g., via AMF 264 and / or UPF 262), NG-RAN 220, and / or UE 204 to obtain location information (e.g., location estimation) of UE 204. Thus, in some cases, the third-party server 274 may be referred to as a Location Services (LCS) client or an external client. The third-party server 274 may be implemented as multiple separate servers (e.g., physically separate servers, different software modules on a single server, different software modules extending across multiple physical servers, etc.), or alternatively, each may correspond to a single server.

[0077] User plane interface 263 and control plane interface 265 connect 5GC 260 (and in particular UPF 262 and AMF 264, respectively) to one or more gNB 222 and / or ng-eNB 224 in NG-RAN 220. The interface between gNB 222 and / or ng-eNB 224 and AMF 264 is referred to as the "N2" interface, while the interface between gNB 222 and / or ng-eNB 224 and UPF 262 is referred to as the "N3" interface. The gNB 222 and / or ng-eNB 224 of NG-RAN 220 can communicate directly with each other via backhaul connection 223, which is referred to as the "Xn-C" interface. One or more of gNB 222 and / or ng-eNB 224 can communicate with one or more UEs 204 on a radio interface, which is referred to as the "Uu" interface.

[0078] The functionality of the gNB 222 is divided among the gNB Central Unit (gNB-CU) 226, one or more gNB Distributed Units (gNB-DU) 228, and one or more gNB Radio Units (gNB-RU) 229. The gNB-CU 226 is a logical node that includes base station functions such as transmitting user data, mobility control, radio access network sharing, positioning, and session management, in addition to those functions specifically allocated to the gNB-DU 228. More specifically, the gNB-CU 226 generally manages the radio resource control (RRC), serving data adaptation protocol (SDAP), and packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) of the gNB 222. The gNB-DU 228 is a logical node that generally manages the radio link control (RLC) and media access control (MAC) layers of the gNB 222. Its operation is controlled by the gNB-CU 226. One gNB-DU 228 can support one or more cells, while a cell is supported by only one gNB-DU 228. The interface 232 between gNB-CU 226 and one or more gNB-DU 228 is referred to as the "F1" interface. The physical (PHY) layer functionality of gNB 222 is typically managed by one or more independent gNB RU 229s, which perform functions such as power amplification and signal transmission / reception. The interface between gNB DU 228 and gNB RU 229 is referred to as the "Fx" interface. Thus, UE 204 communicates with gNB-CU 226 via the RRC, SDAP, and PDCP layers, with gNB-DU 228 via the RLC and MAC layers, and with gNB-RU 229 via the PHY layer.

[0079] Figure 3A , Figure 3B and Figure 3CThe description includes UE 302 (which may correspond to any UE described herein), base station 304 (which may correspond to any base station described herein), and network entity 306 (which may correspond to or embody any network function described herein, including location server 230 and LMF 270, or alternatively may be independent of UE 302). Figure 2A and Figure 2B The NG-RAN 220 and / or 5GC 210 / 260 infrastructure (such as a private network) depicted herein includes several example components (represented by corresponding boxes) to support file transfer operations as taught herein. It will be appreciated that these components may be implemented in different types of devices (e.g., in an ASIC, in a system-on-a-chip (SoC), etc.) in various implementations. The illustrated components may also be incorporated into other devices in a communication system. For example, other devices in the system may include components similar to those described to provide similar functionality. Furthermore, a given device may include one or more of these components. For example, a device may include multiple transceiver components that enable the device to operate on multiple carriers and / or communicate via different technologies.

[0080] UE 302 and base station 304 each include one or more wireless wide area network (WWAN) transceivers 310 and 350, respectively, to provide means (e.g., means for transmitting, means for receiving, means for measuring, means for tuning, means for suppressing transmission, etc.) for communicating via one or more wireless communication networks (not shown) (such as NR networks, LTE networks, GSM networks, etc.). WWAN transceivers 310 and 350 may each be connected to one or more antennas 316 and 356 for communicating with other network nodes (such as other UEs, access points, base stations (e.g., eNB, gNB)) over a wireless communication medium of interest (e.g., a time / frequency resource set in a specific spectrum) via at least one designated RAT (e.g., NR, LTE, GSM, etc.). WWAN transceivers 310 and 350 can be configured, according to a specified RAT, in various ways to transmit and encode signals 318 and 358 (e.g., messages, indications, information, etc.), and conversely, to receive and decode signals 318 and 358 (e.g., messages, indications, information, pilots, etc.). Specifically, WWAN transceivers 310 and 350 each include one or more transmitters 314 and 354 for transmitting and encoding signals 318 and 358, respectively, and each includes one or more receivers 312 and 352 for receiving and decoding signals 318 and 358, respectively.

[0081] In at least some cases, UE 302 and base station 304 each further include one or more short-range radio transceivers 320 and 360, respectively. The short-range radio transceivers 320 and 360 can be connected to one or more antennas 326 and 366, respectively, and provide access via at least one designated RAT (e.g., WiFi, LTE-D, etc.). Z- A means for communicating with other network nodes (such as other UEs, access points, base stations, etc.) over a wireless communication medium of interest (e.g., means for transmitting, means for receiving, means for measuring, means for tuning, means for suppressing transmission, etc.) such as PC5, Dedicated Short Range Communication (DSRC), Wireless Access in Vehicle Environments (WAVE), Near Field Communication (NFC), etc.). Short-range transceivers 320 and 360 can be configured, according to a specified RAT, in various ways to transmit and encode signals 328 and 368 (e.g., messages, indications, information, etc.), and conversely, to receive and decode signals 328 and 368 (e.g., messages, indications, information, pilots, etc.). Specifically, short-range transceivers 320 and 360 each include one or more transmitters 324 and 364 for transmitting and encoding signals 328 and 368, respectively, and one or more receivers 322 and 362 for receiving and decoding signals 328 and 368, respectively. As specific examples, the short-range wireless transceivers 320 and 360 can be WiFi transceivers, transceiver and / or Z- Transceivers, NFC transceivers, or vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and / or vehicle-to-everything (V2X) transceivers.

[0082] In at least some cases, UE 302 and base station 304 also include satellite signal receivers 330 and 370. Satellite signal receivers 330 and 370 may be connected to one or more antennas 336 and 376, respectively, and may be provided with means for receiving and / or measuring satellite positioning / communication signals 338 and 378, respectively. When satellite signal receivers 330 and 370 are satellite positioning system receivers, satellite positioning / communication signals 338 and 378 may be Global Positioning System (GPS) signals, Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS) signals, Galileo signals, BeiDou signals, Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (NAVIC), Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS), etc. When satellite signal receivers 330 and 370 are non-terrestrial network (NTN) receivers, satellite positioning / communication signals 338 and 378 may be communication signals originating from a 5G network (e.g., carrying control and / or user data). Satellite signal receivers 330 and 370 may include any suitable hardware and / or software for receiving and processing satellite positioning / communication signals 338 and 378, respectively. Satellite signal receivers 330 and 370 may request information and operations from other systems as appropriate, and in at least some cases perform calculations to determine the respective locations of UE 302 and base station 304 using measurements obtained by any suitable satellite positioning system algorithm.

[0083] Base station 304 and network entity 306 each include one or more network transceivers 380 and 390, respectively, to provide means (e.g., means for transmitting, means for receiving, etc.) for communicating with other network entities (e.g., other base stations 304, other network entities 306). For example, base station 304 may use one or more network transceivers 380 to communicate with other base stations 304 or network entities 306 on one or more wired or wireless backhaul links. As another example, network entity 306 may use one or more network transceivers 390 to communicate with one or more base stations 304 on one or more wired or wireless backhaul links, or to communicate with other network entities 306 on one or more wired or wireless core network interfaces.

[0084] Transceivers can be configured to communicate over wired or wireless links. A transceiver (whether wired or wireless) includes a transmitter circuitry (e.g., transmitters 314, 324, 354, 364) and a receiver circuitry (e.g., receivers 312, 322, 352, 362). In some implementations, the transceiver may be an integrated device (e.g., implementing the transmitter and receiver circuitry in a single device), in some implementations it may include separate transmitter and receiver circuitry, or in other implementations it may be implemented in a different manner. The transmitter and receiver circuitry of a wired transceiver (e.g., in some implementations, network transceivers 380 and 390) may be coupled to one or more wired network interface ports. Wireless transmitter circuitry (e.g., transmitters 314, 324, 354, 364) may include or be coupled to multiple antennas (e.g., antennas 316, 326, 356, 366), such as antenna arrays, which permit the corresponding device (e.g., UE 302, base station 304) to perform transmit beamforming as described herein. Similarly, wireless receiver circuitry (e.g., receivers 312, 322, 352, 362) may include or be coupled to multiple antennas (e.g., antennas 316, 326, 356, 366), such as antenna arrays, which permit the corresponding device (e.g., UE 302, base station 304) to perform receive beamforming as described herein. In one aspect, the transmitter and receiver circuitry may share the same multiple antennas (e.g., antennas 316, 326, 356, 366) so that the corresponding device can only receive or transmit at a given time, rather than both simultaneously. Wireless transceivers (e.g., WWAN transceivers 310 and 350, short-range wireless transceivers 320 and 360) may also include network listening modules (NLMs) for performing various measurements.

[0085] As used herein, various wireless transceivers (e.g., transceivers 310, 320, 350, and 360, and network transceivers 380 and 390 in some implementations) and wired transceivers (e.g., network transceivers 380 and 390 in some implementations) can generally be characterized as "transceiver," "at least one transceiver," or "one or more transceivers." Thus, whether a particular transceiver is a wired or wireless transceiver can be inferred from the type of communication performed. For example, backhaul communication between network devices or servers generally involves signaling via a wired transceiver, while wireless communication between a UE (e.g., UE 302) and a base station (e.g., base station 304) generally involves signaling via a wireless transceiver.

[0086] UE 302, base station 304, and network entity 306 also include other components that can be used in conjunction with operations as disclosed herein. UE 302, base station 304, and network entity 306 each include one or more processors 332, 384, and 394 for providing functionality related to, for example, wireless communication, and for providing other processing functionality. Processors 332, 384, and 394 can therefore provide means for processing, such as means for determining, means for calculating, means for receiving, means for transmitting, means for indicating, etc. In one aspect, processors 332, 384, and 394 may include, for example, one or more general-purpose processors, multi-core processors, central processing units (CPUs), ASICs, digital signal processors (DSPs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), other programmable logic devices or processing circuitry systems, or various combinations thereof.

[0087] UE 302, base station 304, and network entity 306 include memory circuitry that respectively implements memories 340, 386, and 396 (e.g., each including a memory device) for maintaining information (e.g., information indicating reserved resources, thresholds, parameters, etc.). Therefore, memories 340, 386, and 396 can provide means for storage, means for retrieval, means for maintenance, etc. In some cases, UE 302, base station 304, and network entity 306 may respectively include positioning components 342, 388, and 398. Positioning components 342, 388, and 398 may be hardware circuitry as part of or coupled to processors 332, 384, and 394, which, when executed, enable UE 302, base station 304, and network entity 306 to perform the functionality described herein. In other respects, positioning components 342, 388, and 398 may be external to processors 332, 384, and 394 (e.g., part of a modem processing system, integrated with another processing system, etc.). Alternatively, positioning components 342, 388, and 398 may be memory modules stored in memories 340, 386, and 396, respectively, which, when executed by processors 332, 384, and 394 (or a modem processing system, another processing system, etc.), enable UE 302, base station 304, and network entity 306 to perform the functionality described herein. Figure 3A The possible locations of the positioning component 342 are described. The positioning component 342 may be, for example, part of one or more WWAN transceivers 310, memory 340, one or more processors 332, or any combination thereof, or may be a self-contained component. Figure 3BThe possible locations of the positioning component 388 are explained. The positioning component 388 may be, for example, part of one or more WWAN transceivers 350, memory 386, one or more processors 384, or any combination thereof, or may be a self-contained component. Figure 3C The possible locations of the positioning component 398 are explained. The positioning component 398 may be, for example, part of one or more network transceivers 390, memory 396, one or more processors 394, or any combination thereof, or may be a self-contained component.

[0088] UE 302 may include one or more sensors 344 coupled to one or more processors 332 to provide means for sensing or detecting motion and / or orientation information independent of motion data derived from signals received by one or more WWAN transceivers 310, one or more short-range wireless transceivers 320, and / or satellite signal receivers 330. As an example, sensor 344 may include accelerometers (e.g., microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices), gyroscopes, geomagnetic sensors (e.g., compasses), altimeters (e.g., barometric altimeters), and / or any other type of motion detection sensor. Furthermore, sensor 344 may include multiple different types of devices and combine their outputs to provide motion information. For example, sensor 344 may use a combination of multi-axis accelerometers and orientation sensors to provide the ability to calculate position in two-dimensional (2D) and / or three-dimensional (3D) coordinate systems.

[0089] Additionally, UE 302 includes a user interface 346, which provides means for providing instructions to the user (e.g., audible and / or visual instructions) and / or for receiving user input (e.g., when the user actuates a sensing device (such as a keypad, touchscreen, microphone, etc.)). Although not shown, base station 304 and network entity 306 may also include user interfaces.

[0090] Referring more specifically to one or more processors 384, in the downlink, IP packets from network entity 306 may be provided to processor 384. One or more processors 384 may implement functionality for the RRC layer, Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer, Radio Link Control (RLC) layer, and Media Access Control (MAC) layer. One or more processors 384 may provide RRC layer functionality associated with system information (e.g., Master Information Block (MIB), System Information Block (SIB)) broadcasting, RRC connection control (e.g., RRC connection paging, RRC connection establishment, RRC connection modification, and RRC connection release), inter-RAT mobility, and measurement configuration for UE measurement reporting; PDCP layer functionality associated with header compression / decompression, security (cryptography, cryptographic decoding, integrity protection, integrity verification), and handover support functions; RLC layer functionality associated with upper-layer PDU delivery, error correction via Automatic Repeat Request (ARQ), concatenation, segmentation and reassembly of RLC Service Data Units (SDUs), resegmentation of RLC data PDUs, and reordering of RLC data PDUs; and MAC layer functionality associated with mapping between logical channels and transport channels, scheduling information reporting, error correction, priority handling, and logical channel priority ordering.

[0091] Transmitter 354 and receiver 352 implement Layer 1 (L1) functionality associated with various signal processing functions. Layer-1, including the physical (PHY) layer, may include error detection on the transport channel, forward error correction (FEC) decoding / decoding of the transport channel, interleaving, rate matching, mapping to the physical channel, modulation / demodulation of the physical channel, and MIMO antenna processing. Transmitter 354 processes the mapping to the signal constellation based on various modulation schemes (e.g., binary phase shift keying (BPSK), quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK), M-phase shift keying (M-PSK), M-quadrature amplitude modulation (M-QAM)). The decoded and modulated symbols can then be split into parallel streams. Each stream can then be mapped to an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) subcarrier, multiplexed with a reference signal (e.g., a pilot) in the time and / or frequency domains, and subsequently combined using an inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) to produce a physical channel carrying a time-domain OFDM symbol stream. The OFDM symbol stream is spatially precoded to generate multiple spatial streams. Channel estimates from the channel estimator can be used to determine the coding and modulation schemes, as well as for spatial processing. The channel estimates can be derived from reference signals transmitted by UE 302 and / or channel condition feedback. Each spatial stream can then be provided to one or more different antennas 356. Transmitter 354 can use the corresponding spatial stream to modulate an RF carrier for transmission.

[0092] At UE 302, receiver 312 receives signals via its corresponding antenna 316. Receiver 312 recovers the information modulated onto the RF carrier and provides this information to one or more processors 332. Transmitter 314 and receiver 312 implement Layer 1 functionality associated with various signal processing functions. Receiver 312 can perform spatial processing on this information to recover any spatial stream destined for UE 302. If multiple spatial streams are destined for UE 302, they can be combined by receiver 312 into a single OFDM symbol stream. Receiver 312 then uses a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) to transform the OFDM symbol stream from the time domain to the frequency domain. The frequency domain signal consists of a separate OFDM symbol stream for each subcarrier of the OFDM signal. Symbols on each subcarrier, along with a reference signal, are recovered and demodulated by determining the signal constellation points most likely to be transmitted by base station 304. These soft decisions can be based on a channel estimate calculated by a channel estimator. These soft decisions are then decoded and deinterleaved to recover the original data and control signals transmitted by base station 304 over the physical channel. This data and control signals are then provided to one or more processors 332 that implement Layer 3 (L3) and Layer 2 (L2) functionality.

[0093] In the uplink, one or more processors 332 provide demultiplexing, packet reassembly, cipher decoding, header decompression, and control signal processing between the transport and logical channels to recover IP packets from the core network. One or more processors 332 are also responsible for error detection.

[0094] Similar to the functionality described in conjunction with downlink transmissions performed by base station 304, one or more processors 332 provide RRC layer functionality associated with system information (e.g., MIB, SIB) capture, RRC connectivity, and measurement reporting; PDCP layer functionality associated with header compression / decompression and security (cryptography, cryptographic decoding, integrity protection, integrity verification); RLC layer functionality associated with upper-layer PDU delivery, error correction via ARQ, concatenation, segmentation and reassembly of RLC SDUs, resegmentation of RLC data PDUs, and reordering of RLC data PDUs; and MAC layer functionality associated with mapping between logical channels and transport channels, multiplexing MAC SDUs onto transport blocks (TBs), demultiplexing MAC SDUs from TBs, scheduling information reporting, error correction via Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ), priority handling, and logical channel priority ordering.

[0095] The channel estimate derived by the channel estimator from the reference signal or feedback transmitted by the base station 304 can be used by the transmitter 314 to select an appropriate coding and modulation scheme and to facilitate spatial processing. The spatial stream generated by the transmitter 314 can be provided to different antennas 316. The transmitter 314 can use the corresponding spatial stream to modulate the RF carrier for transmission.

[0096] Uplink transmissions are handled at base station 304 in a manner similar to that described in conjunction with the receiver function at UE 302. Receiver 352 receives signals via its corresponding antenna 356. Receiver 352 recovers the information modulated onto the RF carrier and provides that information to one or more processors 384.

[0097] In the uplink, one or more processors 384 provide demultiplexing, packet reassembly, cipher decoding, header decompression, and control signal processing between the transport and logical channels to recover IP packets from UE 302. IP packets from the one or more processors 384 can be provided to the core network. The one or more processors 384 are also responsible for error detection.

[0098] For convenience, UE 302, base station 304 and / or network entity 306 are in Figure 3A , 3B The components shown in 3C are various and can be configured according to the various examples described herein. However, it will be understood that the components described may have different functionalities in different designs. Specifically, Figures 3A to 3C The various components are optional in the replacement configuration, and various aspects include configurations that can vary due to design choices, cost, equipment usage, or other considerations. For example, in Figure 3A In this scenario, a specific implementation of UE 302 may omit WWAN transceiver 310 (e.g., wearable devices, tablets, PCs, or laptops may have Wi-Fi and / or Bluetooth capabilities but no cellular capabilities), or short-range wireless transceiver 320 (e.g., cellular only), or satellite signal receiver 330, or sensor 344, etc. In another example, in Figure 3B In such cases, a particular implementation of base station 304 may omit WWAN transceiver 350 (e.g., a Wi-Fi "hotspot" access point without cellular capabilities), or short-range wireless transceiver 360 (e.g., cellular only), or satellite receiver 370, etc. For the sake of brevity, explanations of various alternative configurations are not provided herein, but will be readily understood by those skilled in the art.

[0099] Various components of UE 302, base station 304, and network entity 306 can be communicatively coupled to each other on data buses 334, 382, ​​and 392, respectively. In one aspect, data buses 334, 382, ​​and 392 can form or be part of the communication interfaces of UE 302, base station 304, and network entity 306, respectively. For example, when different logical entities are implemented in the same device (e.g., gNB and location server functionality are incorporated into the same base station 304), data buses 334, 382, ​​and 392 can provide communication between them.

[0100] Figure 3A , 3B The various components of 3C can be implemented in various ways. In some implementations, Figure 3A , Figure 3B and Figure 3C The components can be implemented in one or more circuits, such as, for example, one or more processors and / or one or more ASICs (which may include one or more processors). Here, each circuit may use and / or incorporate at least one memory component for storing information or executable code used by that circuit to provide this functionality. For example, some or all of the functionalities represented by blocks 310-346 may be implemented by the processor and memory components of UE 302 (e.g., by executing appropriate code and / or by appropriately configuring the processor components). Similarly, some or all of the functionalities represented by blocks 350-388 may be implemented by the processor and memory components of base station 304 (e.g., by executing appropriate code and / or by appropriately configuring the processor components). Furthermore, some or all of the functionalities represented by blocks 390-398 may be implemented by the processor and memory components of network entity 306 (e.g., by executing appropriate code and / or by appropriately configuring the processor components). For simplicity, various operations, actions, and / or functions are described herein as being performed "by the UE," "by the base station," "by the network entity," etc. However, as will be understood, such operations, actions, and / or functions can actually be performed by specific components or combinations of components (such as processors 332, 384, 394, transceivers 310, 320, 350 and 360, memory 340, 386 and 396, positioning components 342, 388 and 398, etc.) of UE 302, base station 304, network entity 306, etc.

[0101] In some designs, network entity 306 may be implemented as a core network component. In other designs, network entity 306 may be a network operator or operation different from the cellular network infrastructure (e.g., NG RAN 220 and / or 5GC 210 / 260). For example, network entity 306 may be a component of a private network that may be configured to communicate with UE 302 via base station 304 or independently of base station 304 (e.g., on a non-cellular communication link, such as WiFi).

[0102] NR supports several cellular network-based positioning technologies, including downlink-based positioning methods, uplink-based positioning methods, and downlink-and-uplink-based positioning methods. Downlink-based positioning methods include: Observed Time Difference of Arrival (OTDOA) in LTE, Downlink Time Difference of Arrival (DL-TDOA) in NR, and Downlink Angle of Departure (DL-AoD) in NR. In an OTDOA or DL-TDOA positioning procedure, the UE measures the difference between the times of arrival (ToA) of reference signals (e.g., PRS, TRS, Narrowband Reference Signal (NRS), CSI-RS, SSB, etc.) received from paired base stations (referred to as Reference Signal Time Difference (RSTD) or Time Difference of Arrival (TDOA) measurements) and reports these differences to the positioning entity. More specifically, the UE receives identifiers of a reference base station (e.g., a serving base station) and multiple non-reference base stations in auxiliary data. The UE then measures the RSTD between the reference base station and each non-reference base station. Based on the known locations of the base stations involved and the RSTD measurements, the positioning entity can estimate the UE's location. For DL-AoD positioning, base station measurements are used to estimate the location of the UE by taking the angle of the downlink transmit beam used to communicate with the UE and other channel properties (e.g., signal strength).

[0103] Uplink-based positioning methods include uplink time difference of arrival (UL-TDOA) and uplink angle of arrival (UL-AoA). UL-TDOA is similar to DL-TDOA, but it is based on uplink reference signals (e.g., SRS) transmitted by the UE. For UL-AoA positioning, the base station measures the angle of the uplink received beam used to communicate with the UE and other channel properties (e.g., gain level) to estimate the UE's location.

[0104] Downlink and uplink-based positioning methods include Enhanced Cellular ID (E-CID) positioning and Multiple Round Trip (RTT) positioning (also known as "Multi-Cell RTT"). In an RTT procedure, the initiator (base station or UE) transmits an RTT measurement signal (e.g., PRS or SRS) to the responder (UE or base station), which then transmits an RTT response signal (e.g., SRS or PRS) back to the initiator. The RTT response signal includes the difference between the ToA of the RTT measurement signal and the transmission time of the RTT response signal (referred to as the receive-to-transmit (Rx-Tx) measurement). The initiator calculates the difference between the transmission time of the RTT measurement signal and the ToA of the RTT response signal (referred to as the "Tx-Rx" measurement). The propagation time between the initiator and the responder (also known as "time of flight") can be calculated from the Tx-Rx and Rx-Tx measurements. Based on the propagation time and the known speed of light, the distance between the initiator and the responder can be determined. For multi-RTT positioning, the UE executes RTT procedures with multiple base stations so that the UE's location can be triangulated based on the known locations of each base station. RTT and multi-RTT methods can be combined with other positioning technologies (such as UL-AoA and DL-AoD) to improve location accuracy.

[0105] The E-CID positioning method is based on Radio Resource Management (RRM) measurements. In E-CID, the UE reports the serving cell ID, timing advance (TA), and the identifiers, estimated timings, and signal strengths of detected neighboring base stations. The UE's location is then estimated based on this information and the known locations of the base stations.

[0106] To assist in positioning operations, a location server (e.g., location server 112, LMF 270, SLP 272) may provide auxiliary data to the UE. For example, auxiliary data may include: the identifier of the base station (or the cell / TRP of the base station) from which the reference signal is measured; reference signal configuration parameters (e.g., the number of consecutive positioning slots, the periodicity of the positioning slots, the silence sequence, the frequency hopping sequence, the reference signal identifier (ID), the reference signal bandwidth, the slot offset, etc.); other parameters applicable to a particular positioning method; or combinations thereof. Alternatively, auxiliary data may originate directly from the base station itself (e.g., in periodically broadcast overhead messages, etc.). In some cases, the UE may be able to detect neighboring network nodes without using auxiliary data.

[0107] Location estimation can be referred to by other names, such as location estimate, location, positioning, location lock, lock, etc. Location estimation can be geodetic and include coordinates (e.g., latitude, longitude, and possible elevation), or it can be municipal and include street addresses, postal addresses, or some other verbal description of location. Location estimation can be further defined relative to some other known location or in absolute terms (e.g., using latitude, longitude, and possible elevation). Location estimation can include expected errors or uncertainties (e.g., by including the area or volume that the location is expected to be included with a specified or default confidence level).

[0108] Various frame structures can be used to support downlink and uplink transmissions between network nodes (e.g., base stations and UEs).

[0109] Figure 4A Figure 400 illustrates an example of the downlink frame structure based on various aspects.

[0110] Figure 4B Figure 430 illustrates an example of a channel within a downlink frame structure, illustrating various aspects. Other wireless communication technologies may have different frame structures, different channels, or both.

[0111] LTE, and in some cases NR, utilizes OFDM on the downlink and single-carrier frequency division multiplexing (SC-FDM) on the uplink. However, unlike LTE, NR also has the option to use OFDM on the uplink. OFDM and SC-FDM divide the system bandwidth into multiple (K) orthogonal subcarriers, which are often referred to as frequency modulation, frequency slots, etc. Each subcarrier can be modulated with data. Generally, modulation symbols are transmitted in the frequency domain for OFDM and in the time domain for SC-FDM. The spacing between adjacent subcarriers can be fixed, and the total number of subcarriers (K) can depend on the system bandwidth. For example, the subcarrier spacing can be 15 kHz, and the minimum resource allocation (resource block) can be 12 subcarriers (or 180 kHz). Therefore, for system bandwidths of 1.25, 2.5, 5, 10, or 20 MHz, the nominal FFT size can be equal to 128, 256, 504, 1024, or 2048, respectively. The system bandwidth can also be divided into subbands. For example, a subband can cover 1.8MHz (i.e., 6 resource blocks), and for system bandwidths of 1.25, 2.5, 5, 10, or 20MHz, there can be 1, 2, 4, 8, or 16 subbands, respectively.

[0112] LTE supports a single set of parameters (subcarrier spacing, symbol length, etc.). In contrast, NR can support multiple parameter designs (μ), for example, subcarrier spacings of 15kHz, 30kHz, 60kHz, 120kHz, and 240kHz or greater can be available. Table 1 provided below lists some of the various parameters used for different NR parameter sets.

[0113] Table 1

[0114]

[0115] exist Figure 4A and Figure 4B In the example, a 15kHz parameter design is used. Therefore, in the time domain, a 10-millisecond (ms) frame is divided into 10 equal-sized subframes, each 1ms, and each subframe includes one time slot. Figure 4A and 4B In this context, time is represented horizontally (e.g., on the X-axis), where time increases from left to right, while frequency is represented vertically (e.g., on the Y-axis), where frequency increases (or decreases) from bottom to top.

[0116] A resource grid is used to represent time slots, each time slot comprising one or more concurrent resource blocks (RBs) in the frequency domain (also known as physical RBs (PRBs)). The resource grid is further divided into multiple resource elements (REs). An RE corresponds to one symbol length in the time domain and one subcarrier in the frequency domain. In NR, a subframe is 1 ms in duration, a time slot is 14 symbols in the time domain, and an RB contains 12 consecutive subcarriers in the frequency domain and 14 consecutive symbols in the time domain. Therefore, in NR, there is one RB per time slot. Depending on the SCS, an NR subframe can have 14 symbols, 28 symbols, or more symbols, and therefore can have one, two, or more time slots. The number of bits carried by each RE depends on the modulation scheme.

[0117] Some REs carry downlink reference (pilot) signals (DL-RS). DL-RS may include PRS, TRS, PTRS, CRS, CSI-RS, DMRS, PSS, SSS, SSB, etc. Figure 4A An exemplary location (labeled "R") of the RE carrying the PRS is explained.

[0118] A “PRS instance” or “PRS timing” is an instance of a periodically repeating time window in which a PRS is expected to be transmitted (e.g., a group of one or more consecutive time slots). A PRS timing may also be referred to as a “PRS positioning timing,” “PRS positioning instance,” “positioning timing,” “positioning instance,” “positioning repetition,” or simply “timing,” “instance,” or “repetition.”

[0119] The set of resource elements (REs) used for PRS transmission is called a "PRS resource". This set of resource elements can span multiple PRBs in the frequency domain and can span 'N' (e.g., one or more) consecutive symbols within a time slot in the time domain. In a given OFDM symbol in the time domain, the PRS resource occupies a consecutive PRB in the frequency domain.

[0120] The transmission of PRS resources within a given PRB has a specific comb size (also known as "comb density"). The comb size 'N' represents the subcarrier spacing (or frequency / frequency modulation spacing) within each symbol of the PRS resource configuration. Specifically, for a comb size 'N', the PRS is transmitted in every Nth subcarrier of a symbol in the PRB. For example, for comb-4, for each of the 4th symbols of the PRS resource configuration, the RE corresponding to each 4th subcarrier (e.g., subcarriers 0, 4, 8) is used to transmit the PRS resource. Currently, comb sizes 2, 4, 6, and 12 are supported for DL ​​PRS. Figure 4A An exemplary PRS resource configuration for comb tooth 6 (which spans six symbols) is explained. That is, the location of the shaded RE (marked as "R") indicates the PRS resource configuration for comb tooth 6.

[0121] A “PRS resource set” is a collection of PRS resources used to transmit PRS signals, where each PRS resource has a PRS resource identifier (ID). Furthermore, PRS resources in a PRS resource set are associated with the same TRP. A PRS resource set is identified by the PRS resource set ID and associated with a specific TRP (identified by the TRP ID). Additionally, PRS resources in a PRS resource set share the same periodicity, a shared silent mode configuration, and the same cross-slot repetition factor (e.g., PRS-ResourceRepetitionFactor). Periodicity is the time from the first repetition of the first PRS resource in the first PRS instance to the same first repetition of the same first PRS resource in the next PRS instance. Periodicity can have a length selected from the following: 2 μ • {4,5,8,10,16,20,32,40,64,80,160,320,640,1280,2560,5040,10240} time slots, where μ = 0,1,2,3. The repetition factor can have a length selected from {1,2,4,6,8,16,32} time slots.

[0122] In a PRS resource set, a PRS resource ID is associated with a single beam (or beam ID) transmitted from a single TRP (where a TRP can transmit one or more beams). That is, each PRS resource in a PRS resource set can be transmitted on a different beam, and thus, a "PRS resource" (or simply "resource") can also be referred to as a "beam". Note that this does not imply whether the UE is aware of the TRP and beam transmitting the PRS.

[0123] A “positioning frequency layer” (also simply “frequency layer”) is a collection of one or more PRS resource sets with identical values ​​for certain parameters across one or more TRPs. Specifically, the collection of PRS resource sets has the same subcarrier spacing (SCS) and cyclic prefix (CP) type (meaning all parameter sets supported by PDSCH are also supported by PRS), the same point A, the same downlink PRS bandwidth, the same starting PRB (and center frequency), and the same comb size. The point A parameter uses the value of the parameter ARFCN-ValueNR (where “ARFCN” stands for “Absolute Radio Channel Number”) and is an identifier / code specifying the physical radio channel pair used for transmission and reception. The downlink PRS bandwidth can have a granularity of 4 PRBs, with a minimum of 24 PRBs and a maximum of 272 PRBs. Currently, up to four frequency layers have been defined, and up to two PRS resource sets can be configured per frequency layer per TRP.

[0124] The concept of a frequency layer is somewhat similar to that of component carriers and bandwidth portions (BWPs), but the difference is that component carriers and BWPs are used by a single base station (or macrocell base station and small cell base station) to transmit data channels, while a frequency layer is used by several (often three or more) base stations to transmit PRS (Positioning Signals). A UE can indicate the number of frequency layers it can support when sending its positioning capabilities to the network (such as during an LTE Positioning Protocol (LPP) session). For example, a UE can indicate whether it can support one or four positioning frequency layers.

[0125] Figure 4BExamples of various channels within the downlink time slot of a radio frame are explained. In NR, the channel bandwidth, or system bandwidth, is divided into multiple BWPs. A BWP is a set of adjacent PRBs selected from a contiguous subset of shared RBs for a given set of parameters for a given carrier. Generally, a maximum of four BWPs can be specified in both the downlink and uplink. That is, a UE can be configured to have up to four BWPs in the downlink and up to four BWPs in the uplink. Only one BWP (uplink or downlink) can be active at a given time, meaning that the UE can only receive or transmit on one BWP at a time. In the downlink, the bandwidth of each BWP should be equal to or greater than the bandwidth of the SSB, but it may or may not contain an SSB.

[0126] Reference Figure 4B The Primary Synchronization Signal (PSS) is used by the UE to determine subframe / symbol timing and physical layer identity. The Secondary Synchronization Signal (SSS) is used by the UE to determine the physical layer cell identity group number and radio frame timing. Based on the physical layer identity and physical layer cell identity group number, the UE can determine the PCI. Based on the PCI, the UE can determine the location of the aforementioned DL-RS. The Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH) carrying the MIB can be logically grouped with the PSS and SSS to form the SSB (also known as SS / PBCH). The MIB provides the number of RBs in the downlink system bandwidth and the System Frame Number (SFN). The Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) carries user data, broadcast system information (such as System Information Blocks (SIBs)) not transmitted through the PBCH, and paging messages.

[0127] The Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) carries downlink control information (DCI) within one or more Control Channel Elements (CCEs). Each CCE includes one or more RE Group (REG) bundles (which can span multiple symbols in the time domain). Each REG bundle includes one or more REGs, and each REG corresponds to 12 resource elements (one resource block) in the frequency domain and one OFDM symbol in the time domain. The physical resource set used to carry the PDCCH / DCI is called the Control Resource Set (CORESET) in NR. In NR, the PDCCH is confined to a single CORESET and transmitted along with its own DMRS. This enables UE-specific beamforming for the PDCCH.

[0128] exist Figure 4BIn the example, each BWP has one CORESET, and this CORESET spans three symbols in the time domain (although it can be only one or two symbols). Unlike the LTE control channel, which occupies the entire system bandwidth, in NR, the PDCCH channel is localized to a specific region in the frequency domain (i.e., the CORESET). Therefore, Figure 4B The frequency components of the PDCCH shown are interpreted in the frequency domain as fewer than a single BWP. Note that although the interpreted CORESETs are contiguous in the frequency domain, they do not need to be contiguous. Additionally, a CORESET can span fewer than three symbols in the time domain.

[0129] The DCI within the PDCCH carries information about uplink resource allocation (persistent and non-persistent) and a description of the downlink data transmitted to the UE. Multiple (e.g., up to eight) DCIs can be configured in the PDCCH, and these DCIs can have one of several formats. For example, different DCI formats exist for uplink scheduling, non-MIMO downlink scheduling, MIMO downlink scheduling, and uplink power control. The PDCCH can be transmitted by 1, 2, 4, 8, or 16 CCEs to accommodate different DCI payload sizes or coding rates.

[0130] A positioning reference signal has been defined for NR positioning, enabling the UE to detect and measure more neighboring TRPs. Several configurations are supported for various deployments (such as indoor, outdoor, sub-6, and millimeter-wave (mmW) deployments). Both UE-assisted and UE-based positioning calculations are supported.

[0131] Table 2

[0132]

[0133] In a conventional system, a UE or other external entity (e.g., an emergency response center) can request a DL PRS, and in response to this request, the location server must provide the PRS configuration to the UE via Long Term Evolution (LTE) Location Protocol (LPP) signaling. If the UE makes the request directly to its serving base station (e.g., gNB) instead of the location server (e.g., LMF), the serving base station can trigger its own PRS. If multiple cells have been notified in advance to begin transmitting their PRS, the serving base station can (e.g., via Media Access Control (MAC) Control Element (CE) (MAC-CE) or via Downlink Control Information (DCI) signaling) trigger the UE to monitor PRS from these cells. The same limitations apply to DCI-based triggering of UL SRS / PRS transmission by the UE to multiple cells. However, one issue with conventional systems is that non-serving base stations may take longer to be notified (e.g., via LMF or through the Xn interface) to trigger their PRS. Another issue is how PRS signals are affected by puncturing—that is, when a UE expects a symbol containing PRS to actually contain other content, for example, because the symbol is preempted by a higher-priority communication—since the UE is generally unaware that a symbol is being punctured when it is being punctured.

[0134] Figure 5 It is a time-frequency grid, which is subdivided into symbols along the time axis and subcarriers along the frequency axis. Figure 5 The diagram illustrates the possible locations of two distinct reference symbols within a time-frequency group, including configurations such as Comb-2 and Symbol-2, which interleave these symbols in time and frequency. A UE configured for Comb-2 and Symbol-2 operation requires two symbols to correctly measure the Time of Arrival (ToA), Reference Signal Time Difference (RSTD), and Reference Symbol Received Power (RSRP). However, one or both of these symbols may be punctured by the serving gNB or a neighboring gNB. The UE will not be aware of this puncturing until after the measurement of that symbol has been performed. Figure 6 The explanation covers the potential impact of perforations on code elements.

[0135] Figure 6This is a graph showing the phase noise variation of punctured symbols (dashed line) relative to unpunctured symbols (solid line). Unpunctured symbols show the appropriate phase ramp due to delay, but punctured symbols are essentially noise. In terms of cyclic error rate (CER) performance, punctured symbols have a loss of approximately 3 dB for comb-2, symbol-2 compared to unpunctured symbols, and introduce sidelobes at length / 2 of the inverse Fast Fourier Transform (IFFT) on the CER graph, reducing the detection range. Therefore, if the UE processes punctured symbols as if they were not punctured, this can lead to incorrect measurement results, which the UE may report without realizing the errors caused by puncturing. This is in... Figure 7A and 7B Chinese explanation.

[0136] Figure 7A The article explains the standard method for processing PRS data 700: every time a PRS occurs (in Figure 7A (Labeled as PRS1, PRS2, and PRS3), the UE processes the data almost immediately, and the results are reported by the UE after the measurement period / response time has ended. The length of the measurement period depends on several factors, including the number of PRS samples to be used. For example, T PRS-RSTD,i This is the measurement period used for PRS RSTD measurements in the i-positioning frequency layer, and it is calculated as follows:

[0137]

[0138] ·N RxBeam，i This is the UE Rx beam sweep factor. In FR1, N RxBeam,i =1; and in FR2, N RxBeam,i =8.

[0139] ·CSSF PRS，i It is defined as CSSF in clause 9.1.5.2. within_gap,i The scaling factor of the positioning frequency layer i, which varies with the carrier.

[0140] ·N 样本 N is the number of PRS RSTD samples, and N 样本 =4.

[0141] ·T 最后 This is the measurement duration of the last PRS RSTD sample, including sampling time and processing time, T 最后 =T i +L PRS，i .

[0142] ·

[0143] ·T 可用_PRS，i=LCM(T PRS，i MGRP i ), T PRS，i and MGRP i The least common multiple between.

[0144] ·L PRS，i It is the time duration as defined in Clause 5.1.6.5 of 3GPP TS 38.214.

[0145] · It is the maximum number of DL PRS resources configured in the positioning frequency layer i within the time slot.

[0146] • {N, T} is the UE capability combination per frequency band, where N is the duration of DL PRS symbols processed per T ms for a given maximum bandwidth supported by the UE, as specified in Clause 4.2.7.2 of 3GPP TS 38.306.

[0147] •N' is the UE capability of the number of DL PRS resources that the UE can process in a time slot, as specified in Clause 4.2.7.2 of 3GPP TS 38.306.

[0148] If a positioning frequency layer i has more than one DL PRS resource set with different PRS periodicity, the measurement period of that positioning frequency layer is derived using the largest PRS periodicity in the DL PRS resource set.

[0149] Figure 7B This explains the problem with the conventional method 700 for processing PRS data—that is, the UE is unaware of the PRS (in Figure 7B In this context, PRS1 has been punctured until it receives a notification from the network (referred to herein as a Puncture Indication (PI)). Figure 7B In this process, the PI is transmitted as part of the DCI message. However, by the time the UE receives the PI, it has already processed PRS1. This is because punctured symbols behave like noise, as described above. Figure 6 As shown, any measurement calculated by the UE based on the punched PRS1 may contain errors, which means that the reports sent by the UE to the network may also contain errors.

[0150] To overcome the technical shortcomings of conventional methods for processing perforated positioning reference signals, several improvements are proposed. As used herein, the term "positioning resource" refers to positioning reference signal (PRS) resources, PRS resource sets, PRS frequency layers, transmit / receive points (TRPs), or combinations thereof.

[0151] In one aspect, processing of the location resource during the first measurement gap is delayed or postponed to the next measurement gap to give the UE time to receive a puncturing indication from the network before processing the location resource. If a puncturing indication is received, data derived from the punctured location resource is discarded. More specifically, in one aspect, the location resource is measured by the UE during a measurement gap, generating a location measurement, but this location measurement is not processed by the UE until the next measurement gap, provided that the UE has not received an indication that the location resource has been punctured.

[0152] On the other hand, a UE operating in multiple Positioning Frequency Layers (PFLs) can be configured such that the measurement gap in one PFL does not overlap with the measurement gap in another PFL, and the UE can be quickly reported via the second PFL to the UE for a perforation that occurs in the first PFL, for example, while the measurement gap in the first PFL is still in progress.

[0153] Figure 8 A portion of a method 800 for treating perforated PRS according to various aspects of this disclosure is explained. In some aspects, the PRS measured during measurement gap X is not processed until measurement gap X+1. For example, in Figure 8 In this process, PRS1 is measured during MG1 but not processed until MG2, while PRS2 is measured during MG2 but not processed until MG3. This continues until all location measurements taken during the measurement period that were not discarded have been processed, after which the UE can report the processed location measurements to the network entity, use the processed location measurements to calculate the UE's location, or both. Figure 8 As shown, a report (if any) is not issued until all PRS moments within the measurement period have been processed. In the example where the UE reports processed location measurements to a network entity (which may include a base station), the network entity can use the information in the report to calculate the UE's location. Therefore, the calculation of the UE's location can be performed by the UE, the network entity, or both.

[0154] exist Figure 8 In the example shown, the measurement period covers the two measurement gaps MG1 and MG2, but other measurement periods can also be specified. Figure 8 The key points are explained: a UE may need multiple PRS times to perform all PRS measurements, and the number of samples, instances, or times that a UE can use is specified using the concept of measurement time periods.

[0155] Figure 9 Another part of the method 800 for treating perforated PRS according to various aspects of this disclosure has been explained. For example... Figure 8As shown, the UE measures (labeled M1, M2, M3) the PRS timing and processes (labeled P1, P2, and P3) these measurements. In some aspects, when the PRS is perforated, the UE will receive a perforation indication (PI), for example, via MAC-CE or DCI signaling. Figure 9 As explained, in response to receiving the PI, the UE will discard the data from PRS1 and restart the measurement period. Therefore, the UE will report the results of PRS2 and PRS3 (neither of which have been perforated), instead of reporting the results of the PRS measurements from PRS1 and PRS2.

[0156] In some respects, certain obligations of the UE may be waived for PRS resources for which it has received a punch indicator for the entire instance, or at least one repetition of a PRS resource, or a set of PRS resources, or a majority of a PRS resource, instance, or set of resources. For example, regarding the response time configured in a location request, in some respects, the UE may not be expected to (a) meet accuracy requirements or (b) report a failure to meet location measurements for a new measurement period that begins after the PI is received.

[0157] Figure 10 Another part of the method 800 for handling a punctured PRS according to various aspects of this disclosure is explained. In some aspects, when a PRS is punctured, the UE will receive a puncturing indication (PI), for example, via MAC-CE or DCI signaling. In some aspects, the PI notifies the UE that an individual PRS instance is affected. Figure 10 As explained in the text, in response to receiving the PI, the UE will discard data from the affected PRS (e.g., PRS1) and extend the measurement period as needed to measure as many PRS times as the perforated PRS times. For example, in Figure 10 In this case, only one PRS timing (PRS1) is punched, so the measurement period is extended to give the UE the opportunity to measure an additional PRS timing, such as PRS3.

[0158] In some embodiments, only the punctured symbols within PRS1 are discarded, and the non-punctured symbols within PRS1 are measured and included in the report. If all symbols in PRS1 are punctured, then all symbols in PRS1 are discarded. In some embodiments, all symbols within the punctured PRS1, including non-punctured symbols, are discarded, even if not all symbols in PRS1 are punctured.

[0159] Figure 11 A portion of method 1100 for disposing of perforated PRS according to various aspects of this disclosure is explained. Figure 11The aspect described herein involves configuring a UE operating within multiple positioning frequency layers (labeled PFL1 and PFL2) such that measurement gaps in PFL1 do not overlap with measurement gaps in PFL2, and that DCI transmissions in one PFL occur during measurement gaps in another PFL—a configuration referred to herein as "concurrent DCI scheduling." In this manner, perforations occurring in PFL1 can be quickly reported to the UE via PFL2, and vice versa.

[0160] For example, in Figure 11 In this process, PRS2 in PFL2 is punctured, and a puncturing indication is sent to the UE via PFL1 while MG2 is still in progress. This allows the UE to quickly decide whether to process or discard the PRS measurement, i.e., during or shortly after the measurement interval. If the network provides a puncturing indication before the PRS transmission—which the network can do if it knows in advance that puncturing will occur—the UE can be able to completely avoid the measurement and will at least be able to discard any such measurement immediately. The same approach described above for PFLs can be applied to frequency bands.

[0161] Figure 12 This is a flowchart of an example process 1200 associated with the processing of the perforated positioning reference signal. In some implementations, Figure 12 One or more process blocks can be executed by a user equipment (UE) (e.g., UE 104). In some implementations, Figure 12 One or more process frames can be executed by another device or a group of devices separate from or including the UE. Additionally or alternatively, Figure 12 One or more process blocks may be executed by one or more components of UE 302, such as processor 332, memory 340, WWAN transceiver 310, short-range wireless transceiver 320, satellite signal receiver 330, sensor 344, user interface 346, and positioning component 342, wherein any or all of the components may be means for performing the operation of process 1200.

[0162] like Figure 12As shown, process 1200 may include measuring multiple PRS instances during a measurement period spanning multiple measurement opportunities to generate multiple positioning measurements, each PRS instance occupying a different measurement opportunity, and each positioning measurement corresponding to one of the multiple PRS instances (block 1210). Means for performing the operations of block 1210 may include processors 332, memory 340, or WWAN transceivers 310 of UE 302. For example, UE 302 may use receivers 312 to measure the multiple PRS instances. In some aspects, the multiple measurement opportunities include multiple measurement gaps. In some aspects, the multiple PRS instances include Positioning Reference Signal (PRS) resources, PRS resource sets, PRS frequency layers, Transmit / Receive Points (TRPs), or combinations thereof.

[0163] like Figure 12 As further shown, process 1200 may include: for each PRS instance measured in its corresponding measurement opportunity, upon determining that the PRS instance has been punched, discarding at least a portion of the corresponding positioning measurement and modifying the measurement period (block 1220). The means for performing the operation of block 1220 may include processor 332, memory 340, or WWAN transceiver 310 of the UE 302.

[0164] For example, in some aspects, UE 302 can determine that a PRS instance has been punctured by receiving a puncturing indication from a network entity using receiver 312. In some aspects, receiving a puncturing indication from a network entity includes receiving a puncturing indication from a base station or location server. In some aspects, receiving a puncturing indication includes receiving a puncturing indication via a Media Access Control (MAC) control element (CE). In some aspects, receiving a puncturing indication includes receiving a puncturing indication via Downlink Control Information (DCI) signaling.

[0165] In some respects, discarding at least a portion of the corresponding positioning measurement includes discarding a portion or all of the corresponding positioning measurement associated with the punched symbol.

[0166] In some aspects, modifying the measurement period includes restarting the measurement period, and may also include discarding positioning measurements processed before restarting the measurement period. In some aspects, modifying the measurement period includes extending the measurement period. In some aspects, extending the measurement period includes extending the measurement period to span additional measurement opportunities. In some aspects, extending the measurement period to span additional measurement opportunities includes extending the measurement period to span an additional measurement opportunity for each PRS resource that is perforated.

[0167] like Figure 12As further shown, process 1200 may include: for each PRS instance measured in its corresponding measurement opportunity, processing the corresponding positioning measurement upon determining that the PRS instance has not been punched (block 1240). The means for performing the operation of block 1240 may include processor(s) 332, memory 340, or WWAN transceiver(s) of UE 302. For example, UE 302 may use processor(s) 332 to process the corresponding positioning measurement. In some aspects, processing the corresponding positioning measurement includes processing the corresponding positioning measurement within its corresponding measurement opportunity or in a subsequent measurement opportunity.

[0168] In some aspects, process 1200 includes reporting processed location measurements to network entities. In some aspects, reporting processed location measurements to network entities includes reporting processed location measurements to base stations or location servers.

[0169] In some respects, process 1200 includes using processed positioning measurements to calculate the location of the UE.

[0170] Process 1200 may include additional implementations, such as any single implementation or any combination of implementations described below and / or in conjunction with one or more other processes described elsewhere herein. Although Figure 12 An example box of process 1200 is shown, but in some implementations, process 1200 may include... Figure 12 The boxes depicted in the process are compared to additional boxes, fewer boxes, different boxes, or boxes arranged differently. Additionally or alternatively, two or more boxes in process 1200 can be executed in parallel.

[0171] Figure 13 This is a flowchart of an example process 1300 associated with the processing of the perforated positioning reference signal. In some implementations, Figure 13 One or more process blocks can be executed by the UE (e.g., UE 104). In some implementations, Figure 13 One or more process frames can be executed by another device or a group of devices separate from or including the UE. Additionally or alternatively, Figure 13 One or more process blocks may be executed by one or more components of UE 302, such as processor 332, memory 340, WWAN transceiver 310, short-range wireless transceiver 320, satellite signal receiver 330, sensor 344, user interface 346, and positioning component 342, wherein any or all of the components may be means for performing the operation of process 1300.

[0172] like Figure 13As shown, process 1300 may include measuring a first PRS instance on a first positioning frequency layer (PFL) occupying a first frequency band and during a measurement opportunity associated with the first PFL to generate a first positioning measurement (block 1310). Apparatus for performing the operations of block 1310 may include processors 332, memory 340, or WWAN transceivers 310 of UE 302. For example, UE 302 may use receiver 312 to measure the first PRS instance and processor 332 to generate the first positioning measurement. In some aspects, the measurement opportunity associated with the first PFL includes a measurement gap. In some aspects, the first PRS instance includes a positioning reference signal (PRS) resource, a PRS resource set, a PRS frequency layer, a transmit / receive point (TRP), or a combination thereof.

[0173] like Figure 13 As further shown, process 1300 may include receiving an indication that the first PRS instance has been punctured via a second frequency band different from the first frequency band and during a measurement opportunity associated with the first PFL (block 1320). Apparatus for performing the operation of block 1320 may include processors 332, memory 340, or WWAN transceivers 310 of the UE 302. For example, the UE 302 may use receiver 312 to receive the indication that the first PRS instance has been punctured. In some aspects, receiving the indication that the first PRS instance has been punctured includes receiving the indication during a measurement opportunity associated with the first PFL. In some aspects, receiving the indication that the first PRS instance has been punctured includes receiving the indication via a Media Access Control (MAC) control element (CE). In some aspects, receiving the indication that the first PRS instance has been punctured includes receiving the indication via Downlink Control Information (DCI) signaling.

[0174] like Figure 13 As further shown, process 1300 may include discarding at least a portion of the first positioning measurement (block 1330). Apparatus for performing the operation of block 1330 may include processor(s) 332, memory 340, or WWAN transceiver(s) of UE 302. For example, UE 302 may use processor(s) 332 to discard at least a portion of the first positioning measurement. In some aspects, discarding at least a portion of the first positioning measurement includes discarding a portion of the first positioning measurement associated with punctured symbols. In some aspects, discarding at least a portion of the first positioning measurement includes discarding the entire first positioning measurement.

[0175] In some aspects, process 1300 includes measuring a second PRS instance on a second PFL occupying a second frequency band and during a measurement opportunity associated with the second PFL to generate a second positioning measurement, receiving an indication via a first frequency band that the second PRS instance has been punctured, and discarding at least a portion of the second positioning measurement.

[0176] Process 1300 may include additional implementations, such as any single implementation or any combination of implementations described below and / or in conjunction with one or more other processes described elsewhere herein. Although Figure 13 An example box of process 1300 is shown, but in some implementations, process 1300 may include... Figure 13 The boxes depicted in the process are compared to additional boxes, fewer boxes, different boxes, or boxes arranged differently. Additionally or alternatively, two or more boxes in process 1300 can be executed in parallel.

[0177] Figure 14 This is a flowchart of an example process 1400 associated with the processing of the perforated positioning reference signal. In some implementations, Figure 14 One or more process frames can be executed by a base station (BS) (e.g., BS 102). In some implementations, Figure 14 One or more process frames can be executed by another device or a group of devices that are separate from or include the BS. Additionally or alternatively, Figure 14 One or more process frames may be executed by one or more components of BS 304, such as processor 384, memory 386, WWAN transceiver 350, short-range wireless transceiver 360, satellite signal receiver 370, network transceiver 380, and positioning component 388, wherein any or all of the components may be means for performing the operation of process 1400.

[0178] like Figure 14 As shown, process 1400 may include detecting that a first PRS instance transmitted on a first positioning frequency layer (PFL) occupying a first frequency band and during a measurement opportunity associated with the first PFL has been punctured (block 1410). Means for performing the operation of block 1410 may include processors 384, memory 386, or WWAN transceivers 350 of BS 304. For example, BS 304 may use receiver 352 and processor 384 to detect that the first PRS instance has been punctured. In some aspects, the measurement opportunity associated with the first PFL includes a measurement gap. In some aspects, the first PRS instance includes a positioning reference signal (PRS) resource, a PRS resource set, a PRS frequency layer, a transmit / receive point (TRP), or a combination thereof.

[0179] like Figure 14 As further shown, process 1400 may include transmitting an indication that the first PRS instance has been punctured via a second frequency band different from the first frequency band and during a measurement opportunity associated with the first PFL (block 1420). Apparatus for performing the operations of block 1420 may include processors 384, memory 386, or WWAN transceivers 350 of the BS 304. For example, the BS 304 may use transmitter 354 to transmit the indication that the first PRS instance has been punctured. In some aspects, transmitting the indication that the first PRS instance has been punctured includes transmitting the indication via a Media Access Control (MAC) control element (CE). In some aspects, transmitting the indication that the first PRS instance has been punctured includes transmitting the indication via Downlink Control Information (DCI) signaling.

[0180] Process 1400 may include additional implementations, such as any single implementation or any combination of implementations described below and / or in conjunction with one or more other processes described elsewhere herein. Although Figure 14 An example box of process 1400 is shown, but in some implementations, process 1400 may include... Figure 14 The boxes depicted in the process are compared to additional boxes, fewer boxes, different boxes, or boxes arranged differently. Additionally or alternatively, two or more boxes in process 1400 can be executed in parallel.

[0181] In the detailed description above, it can be seen that different features are grouped together in the examples. This manner of disclosure should not be construed as an intention to have more features than those explicitly mentioned in each clause. Rather, aspects of this disclosure may include fewer features than those of the individual example clauses disclosed. Therefore, the appended clauses should thus be considered as incorporated into this description, where each clause may be a separate example. Although each dependent clause may refer in its respective clause to a specific combination with one of the other clauses, the aspects of that dependent clause are not limited to that specific combination. It will be appreciated that other example clauses may also include combinations of aspects of the dependent clause with the subject matter of any other dependent or independent clause, or any feature combined with other dependent and independent clauses. The aspects disclosed herein expressly include these combinations unless explicitly stated or readily inferred that a particular combination is not intended (e.g., contradictory aspects, such as defining an element as both an insulator and a conductor). Furthermore, it is intended that aspects of a clause may be included in any other independent clause, even if that clause is not directly subordinate to that independent clause.

[0182] Examples of implementations are described in the following numbered clauses:

[0183] Clause 1: A wireless communication method performed by a UE, the method comprising: measuring a plurality of PRS instances during a measurement period spanning a plurality of measurement opportunities to generate a plurality of positioning measurements, each PRS instance occupying a different measurement opportunity, each positioning measurement corresponding to one of the plurality of PRS instances; and for each PRS instance measured in its corresponding measurement opportunity, upon determining that the PRS instance is punched, discarding at least a portion of the corresponding positioning measurement and modifying the measurement period.

[0184] Clause 2: The method of Clause 1, wherein the plurality of measurement opportunities includes a plurality of measurement gaps.

[0185] Clause 3: The method of any of Clauses 1 to 2 further includes: for each PRS instance measured in its corresponding measurement opportunity, processing the corresponding positioning measurement upon determining that the PRS instance has not been perforated.

[0186] Clause 4: The method of Clause 3, wherein processing the corresponding positioning measurement includes processing the corresponding positioning measurement within its corresponding measurement opportunity or in a subsequent measurement opportunity.

[0187] Clause 5: The method of any of Clauses 1 to 4 further includes: reporting the processed location measurement to the network entity.

[0188] Clause 6: The method of Clause 5, wherein reporting processed location measurements to network entities includes reporting processed location measurements to base stations or location servers.

[0189] Clause 7: The method of any of Clauses 1 to 6 further includes: using processed positioning measurements to calculate the position of the UE.

[0190] Clause 8: The method of any of Clauses 1 to 7, wherein the plurality of PRS instances includes PRS resources, PRS resource sets, PRS frequency layers, TRPs, or combinations thereof.

[0191] Clause 9: The method of any of Clauses 1 to 8, wherein determining whether a PRS instance has been punched includes receiving a punching indication from a network entity.

[0192] Clause 10: The method of Clause 9, wherein receiving a punching instruction from a network entity includes receiving a punching instruction from a base station or location server.

[0193] Clause 11: The method of any of Clauses 9 to 10, wherein receiving the punching instruction includes receiving the punching instruction via MAC CE.

[0194] Clause 12: The method of any of Clauses 9 to 11, wherein receiving the punching instruction includes receiving the punching instruction via DCI signaling.

[0195] Clause 13: The method of any of Clauses 1 to 12, wherein discarding at least a portion of the corresponding positioning measurement includes discarding a portion of the corresponding positioning measurement associated with the punched symbol.

[0196] Clause 14: The method of any of Clauses 1 to 13, wherein discarding at least a portion of the corresponding positioning measurement includes discarding all of the corresponding positioning measurement.

[0197] Clause 15: The method of any of Clauses 1 to 14, wherein modifying the measurement period includes restarting the measurement period.

[0198] Clause 16: The method of Clause 15 further includes: discarding positioning measurements processed before the restart measurement period.

[0199] Clause 17: The method of any of Clauses 1 to 16, wherein modifying the measurement period includes extending the measurement period.

[0200] Clause 18: The method of Clause 17, wherein the extended measurement period includes extending the measurement period to span additional measurement opportunities.

[0201] Clause 19: The method of Clause 18, wherein extending the measurement period to span additional measurement opportunities includes extending the measurement period to span an additional measurement opportunity for each PRS resource that is punctured.

[0202] Clause 20: A wireless communication method performed by a UE, the method comprising: measuring a first PRS instance on a first PFL occupying a first frequency band and during a measurement opportunity associated with the first PFL to generate a first positioning measurement; receiving an indication that the first PRS instance has been punched via a second frequency band different from the first frequency band and during the measurement opportunity associated with the first PFL; and discarding at least a portion of the first positioning measurement.

[0203] Clause 21: The method of Clause 20, wherein the measurement opportunity associated with the first PFL includes the measurement gap.

[0204] Clause 22: The method of any of Clauses 20 to 21, wherein receiving an indication that the first PRS instance has been perforated includes receiving the indication during a measurement opportunity associated with the first PFL.

[0205] Clause 23: The method of any of Clauses 20 to 22, wherein receiving an indication that the first PRS instance has been perforated includes receiving the indication via MAC CE.

[0206] Clause 24: The method of any of Clauses 20 to 23, wherein receiving an indication that the first PRS instance has been perforated includes receiving the indication via DCI signaling.

[0207] Clause 25: The method of any of Clauses 20 to 24, wherein discarding at least a portion of the first positioning measurement includes discarding a portion of the first positioning measurement associated with the punctured symbol.

[0208] Clause 26: The method of any of Clauses 20 to 25, wherein discarding at least a portion of the first positioning measurement includes discarding the entire first positioning measurement.

[0209] Clause 27: The method of any of Clauses 20 to 26, wherein the first PRS instance includes a PRS resource, a PRS resource set, a PRS frequency layer, a TRP, or a combination thereof.

[0210] Clause 28: The method of any of Clauses 20 to 27 further comprises: measuring a second PRS instance on a second PFL occupying a second frequency band and during a measurement opportunity associated with the second PFL to generate a second positioning measurement; receiving an indication via a first frequency band that the second PRS instance has been punctured; and discarding at least a portion of the second positioning measurement.

[0211] Clause 29: A wireless communication method performed by a base station, the method comprising: detecting that a first PRS instance transmitted on a first PFL occupying a first frequency band and during a measurement opportunity associated with the first PFL has been punctured; and transmitting an indication that a first location resource has been punctured via a second frequency band different from the first frequency band and during a measurement opportunity associated with the first PFL.

[0212] Clause 30: The method of Clause 29, wherein the measurement opportunity associated with the first PFL includes the measurement gap.

[0213] Clause 31: The method of any of Clauses 29 to 30, wherein the first PRS instance includes a PRS resource, a PRS resource set, a PRS frequency layer, a TRP, or a combination thereof.

[0214] Clause 32: The method of any of Clauses 29 to 31, wherein transmitting an indication that the first PRS instance has been punctured includes transmitting the indication via MAC CE.

[0215] Clause 33: The method of any of Clauses 29 to 32, wherein transmitting an indication that the first PRS instance has been punctured includes transmitting the indication via DCI signaling.

[0216] Clause 34: A UE comprising: a memory; at least one transceiver; and at least one processor communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, the at least one processor being configured to: measure a plurality of PRS instances during a measurement period spanning a plurality of measurement opportunities to generate a plurality of positioning measurements, each PRS instance occupying a different measurement opportunity, each positioning measurement corresponding to one of the plurality of PRS instances; and for each PRS instance measured in its corresponding measurement opportunity, upon determining that the PRS instance is punched, discarding at least a portion of the corresponding positioning measurement and modifying the measurement period.

[0217] Clause 35: As in Clause 34, the UE wherein the multiple measurement opportunities include multiple measurement gaps.

[0218] Clause 36: UE as in any of Clauses 34 to 35, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: process the corresponding positioning measurement for each PRS instance measured in its corresponding measurement opportunity, upon determining that the PRS instance has not been punctured.

[0219] Clause 37: The UE as described in Clause 34, wherein, in order to process the corresponding positioning measurement, the at least one processor is configured to process the corresponding positioning measurement within its corresponding measurement opportunity or in a subsequent measurement opportunity.

[0220] Clause 38: UE of any of Clauses 34 to 37, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: report the processed location measurements to the network entity.

[0221] Clause 39: As in Clause 38, the at least one processor is configured to report the processed location measurements to a base station or location server in order to report the processed location measurements to a network entity.

[0222] Clause 40: UE as in any of Clauses 34 to 39, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: calculate the position of the UE using processed positioning measurements.

[0223] Clause 41: UEs of any of Clauses 34 to 40, wherein the plurality of PRS instances include PRS resources, PRS resource sets, PRS frequency layers, TRPs, or combinations thereof.

[0224] Clause 42: For any of Clauses 34 to 41, the UE wherein, in order to determine whether a PRS instance has been punctured, the at least one processor is configured to receive a puncturing indication from a network entity.

[0225] Clause 43: The UE as in Clause 42, wherein, in order to receive a punching indication from a network entity, the at least one processor is configured to receive a punching indication from a base station or a location server.

[0226] Clause 44: UE as in any of Clauses 42 to 43, wherein, in order to receive the punching instruction, the at least one processor is configured to receive the punching instruction via a MAC CE.

[0227] Clause 45: A UE as described in any of Clauses 42 to 44, wherein, in order to receive a punching indication, the at least one processor is configured to receive a punching indication via DCI signaling.

[0228] Clause 46: UE as in any of Clauses 34 to 45, wherein, in order to discard at least a portion of the corresponding positioning measurement, the at least one processor is configured to discard a portion of the corresponding positioning measurement associated with the punctured symbol.

[0229] Clause 47: UE of any of Clauses 34 to 46, wherein, in order to discard at least a portion of the corresponding positioning measurement, the at least one processor is configured to discard all of the corresponding positioning measurement.

[0230] Clause 48: For any of Clauses 34 to 47, the UE wherein, in order to modify the measurement period, the at least one processor is configured to restart the measurement period.

[0231] Clause 49: The UE as in Clause 48, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to discard positioning measurements processed before the restart measurement period.

[0232] Clause 50: UE as in any of Clauses 34 to 49, wherein, in order to modify the measurement period, the at least one processor is configured to extend the measurement period.

[0233] Clause 51: The UE as in Clause 50, wherein, in order to extend the measurement period, the at least one processor is configured to extend the measurement period to span additional measurement opportunities.

[0234] Clause 52: The UE as in Clause 51, wherein, in order to extend the measurement period to span an additional measurement opportunity, the at least one processor is configured to extend the measurement period to span an additional measurement opportunity for each PRS resource that is punched.

[0235] Clause 53: A UE comprising: a memory; at least one transceiver; and at least one processor communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, the at least one processor being configured to: measure a first PRS instance on a first PFL occupying a first frequency band and during a measurement opportunity associated with the first PFL to generate a first positioning measurement; receive, via the at least one transceiver, an indication that the first PRS instance has been punched via a second frequency band different from the first frequency band and during a measurement opportunity associated with the first PFL; and discard at least a portion of the first positioning measurement.

[0236] Clause 54: As in Clause 53, the UE where the measurement opportunity associated with the first PFL includes the measurement gap.

[0237] Clause 55: UE as in any of Clauses 53 to 54, wherein, in order to receive an indication that the first PRS instance has been punctured, the at least one processor is configured to receive the indication during a measurement opportunity associated with the first PFL.

[0238] Clause 56: UE as in any of Clauses 53 to 55, wherein, in order to receive an indication that the first PRS instance has been punctured, the at least one processor is configured to receive the indication via a MAC CE.

[0239] Clause 57: A UE as described in any of Clauses 53 to 56, wherein, in order to receive an indication that a first PRS instance has been punctured, the at least one processor is configured to receive the indication via DCI signaling.

[0240] Clause 58: UE as in any of Clauses 53 to 57, wherein, in order to discard at least a portion of the first positioning measurement, the at least one processor is configured to discard a portion of the first positioning measurement associated with the punctured symbol.

[0241] Clause 59: UE of any of Clauses 53 to 58, wherein, in order to discard at least a portion of the first positioning measurement, the at least one processor is configured to discard all of the first positioning measurement.

[0242] Clause 60: For any UE of any of Clauses 53 to 59, wherein the first PRS instance includes a PRS resource, a PRS resource set, a PRS frequency layer, a TRP, or a combination thereof.

[0243] Clause 61: A UE as described in any of Clauses 53 to 60, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: measure a second PRS instance on a second PFL occupying a second frequency band and during a measurement opportunity associated with the second PFL to generate a second positioning measurement; receive an indication via the at least one transceiver via the first frequency band that the second PRS instance has been punched; and discard at least a portion of the second positioning measurement.

[0244] Clause 62: A base station comprising: a memory; at least one transceiver; and at least one processor communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, the at least one processor being configured to: detect that a first PRS instance transmitted on a first PFL occupying a first frequency band and during a measurement opportunity associated with the first PFL has been punctured; and transmit, via the at least one transceiver, an indication that the first location resource has been punctured via a second frequency band different from the first frequency band and during a measurement opportunity associated with the first PFL.

[0245] Clause 63: Base stations as described in Clause 62, wherein the measurement opportunities associated with the first PFL include measurement gaps.

[0246] Clause 64: A base station as described in any of Clauses 62 to 63, wherein: the first PRS instance includes PRS resources, PRS resource sets, PRS frequency layers, TRPs, or combinations thereof.

[0247] Clause 65: A base station as described in any of Clauses 62 to 64, wherein, in order to transmit an indication that a first PRS instance has been punctured, the at least one processor is configured to transmit the indication via a MAC CE.

[0248] Clause 66: A base station of any of Clauses 62 to 65, wherein, in order to transmit an indication that a first PRS instance has been punctured, the at least one processor is configured to transmit the indication via DCI signaling.

[0249] Clause 67: A UE comprising: means for measuring a plurality of PRS instances during a measurement period spanning a plurality of measurement opportunities to generate a plurality of positioning measurements, each PRS instance occupying a different measurement opportunity, each positioning measurement corresponding to one of the plurality of PRS instances; and means for discarding at least a portion of the corresponding positioning measurement and modifying the measurement period for each PRS instance measured in its corresponding measurement opportunity, upon determining that the PRS instance is punctured.

[0250] Clause 68: A UE comprising: means for measuring a first PRS instance on a first PFL occupying a first frequency band and during a measurement opportunity associated with the first PFL to generate a first positioning measurement; means for receiving an indication that the first PRS instance has been punched via a second frequency band different from the first frequency band and during a measurement opportunity associated with the first PFL; and means for discarding at least a portion of the first positioning measurement.

[0251] Clause 69: A base station comprising: means for detecting that a first PRS instance transmitted on a first PFL occupying a first frequency band and during a measurement opportunity associated with the first PFL has been punctured; and means for transmitting an indication that a first location resource has been punctured via a second frequency band different from the first frequency band and during a measurement opportunity associated with the first PFL.

[0252] Clause 70: A non-transient computer-readable medium storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a UE, cause the UE to: measure a plurality of PRS instances during a measurement period spanning a plurality of measurement opportunities to generate a plurality of positioning measurements, each PRS instance occupying a different measurement opportunity, each positioning measurement corresponding to one of the plurality of PRS instances; and for each PRS instance measured in its corresponding measurement opportunity, upon determining that the PRS instance is punctured, discard at least a portion of the corresponding positioning measurement and modify the measurement period.

[0253] Clause 71: A non-transient computer-readable medium storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a UE, cause the UE to: measure a first PRS instance on a first PFL occupying a first frequency band and during a measurement opportunity associated with the first PFL to generate a first positioning measurement; receive an indication that the first PRS instance has been punctured via a second frequency band different from the first frequency band and during a measurement opportunity associated with the first PFL; and discard at least a portion of the first positioning measurement.

[0254] Clause 72: A non-transient computer-readable medium storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a base station, cause the base station to: detect that a first PRS instance transmitted on a first PFL occupying a first frequency band and during a measurement opportunity associated with the first PFL has been punctured; and transmit an indication regarding the puncturing of a first location resource via a second frequency band different from the first frequency band and during a measurement opportunity associated with the first PFL.

[0255] Clause 67: An apparatus comprising: a memory, a transceiver, and a processor communicatively coupled to the memory and the transceiver, the memory, the transceiver, and the processor being configured to perform a method pursuant to any one of Clauses 1 to 33.

[0256] Clause 68: An apparatus comprising means for performing a method as described in any of Clauses 1 to 33.

[0257] Clause 69: A non-transient computer-readable medium storing computer-executable instructions, including at least one instruction for causing a computer or processor to perform a method as described in any of Clauses 1 to 33.

[0258] Other aspects include, but are not limited to, the following:

[0259] In one aspect, a wireless communication method performed by a UE includes: measuring multiple positioning resources during a measurement period spanning multiple measurement gaps to generate multiple positioning measurements, each positioning resource occupying a different measurement gap, each positioning measurement corresponding to one of the multiple positioning resources; and for each positioning resource measured in its corresponding measurement gap: determining whether the positioning resource is punctured; when it is determined that the positioning resource is not punctured, processing the corresponding positioning measurement during a subsequent measurement gap; and when it is determined that the positioning resource is punctured, discarding at least a portion of the corresponding positioning measurement and modifying the measurement period; until all positioning measurements performed during the measurement period and not discarded have been processed.

[0260] In some respects, the method includes reporting processed location measurements to network entities.

[0261] In some respects, reporting processed location measurements to network entities includes reporting processed location measurements to base stations or location servers.

[0262] In some aspects, the method includes using processed positioning measurements to calculate the UE's location.

[0263] In some respects, these multiple positioning resources include PRS resources, PRS resource sets, PRS frequency layers, TRPs, or combinations thereof.

[0264] In some respects, determining whether a location resource has been punched includes receiving a punching indication from a network entity.

[0265] In some respects, receiving a punching indication from a network entity includes receiving a punching indication from a base station or location server.

[0266] In some respects, receiving a punching indication includes receiving a punching indication via a MAC CE.

[0267] In some respects, receiving a punching indication includes receiving a punching indication via DCI signaling.

[0268] In some respects, discarding at least a portion of the corresponding positioning measurement includes discarding a portion of the corresponding positioning measurement associated with the punched symbol.

[0269] In some respects, discarding at least a portion of the corresponding positioning measurements includes discarding all of the corresponding positioning measurements.

[0270] In some respects, modifying the measurement period includes restarting the measurement period.

[0271] In some respects, the method includes discarding positioning measurements that were processed before the measurement period was restarted.

[0272] In some respects, modifying the measurement period includes extending the measurement period.

[0273] In some respects, extended measurement periods include extending the measurement time span across additional measurement gaps.

[0274] In some respects, extending the measurement period to span an additional measurement gap includes extending the measurement period to span an additional measurement gap for each PRS resource that is perforated.

[0275] In one aspect, a wireless communication method performed by a UE includes: measuring a first positioning resource on a first PFL and during a measurement gap associated with the first PFL to generate a first positioning measurement; receiving an indication via a second PFL and during the measurement gap associated with the first PFL that the first positioning resource has been perforated; and discarding at least a portion of the first positioning measurement.

[0276] In some respects, the measurement gap associated with the second PFL does not overlap with the measurement gap associated with the first PFL.

[0277] In some respects, receiving an indication that the first location resource has been punctured includes receiving the indication via a MAC CE.

[0278] In some respects, receiving an indication that a first location resource has been punctured includes receiving the indication via DCI signaling.

[0279] In some respects, discarding at least a portion of the first positioning measurement includes discarding a portion of the first positioning measurement associated with the punched symbol.

[0280] In some respects, discarding at least a portion of the first positioning measurement includes discarding all of the first positioning measurement.

[0281] In some respects, primary positioning resources include PRS resources, PRS resource sets, PRS frequency layers, TRPs, or combinations thereof.

[0282] In one aspect, a wireless communication method performed by a base station includes: detecting that a first positioning resource being transmitted on a first PFL and during a measurement gap associated with the first PFL has been punctured; and transmitting an indication of the puncturation of the first positioning resource via a second PFL and during a measurement gap associated with the first PFL.

[0283] In some respects, primary positioning resources include PRS resources, PRS resource sets, PRS frequency layers, TRPs, or combinations thereof.

[0284] In some respects, transmitting an indication that the first location resource has been punctured includes transmitting the indication via a MAC CE.

[0285] In some respects, transmitting an indication that a first location resource has been punctured includes transmitting the indication via DCI signaling.

[0286] In one aspect, a UE includes: a memory, at least one transceiver, and at least one processor communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, the at least one processor being configured to: measure a plurality of positioning resources during a measurement period spanning a plurality of measurement gaps to generate a plurality of positioning measurements, each positioning resource occupying a different measurement gap, each positioning measurement corresponding to one of the plurality of positioning resources; and for each positioning resource measured in its corresponding measurement gap: determining whether the positioning resource is punctured; upon determining that the positioning resource is not punctured, processing the corresponding positioning measurement during a subsequent measurement gap; and upon determining that the positioning resource is punctured, discarding at least a portion of the corresponding positioning measurement and modifying the measurement period; until all positioning measurements performed during the measurement period and not discarded have been processed.

[0287] In some respects, the at least one processor is further configured to report the processed location measurements to network entities.

[0288] In some respects, reporting processed location measurements to network entities includes reporting processed location measurements to base stations or location servers.

[0289] In some respects, the at least one processor is further configured to use processed positioning measurements to calculate the UE's position.

[0290] In some respects, these multiple positioning resources include PRS resources, PRS resource sets, PRS frequency layers, TRPs, or combinations thereof.

[0291] In some respects, determining whether a location resource has been punched includes receiving a punching indication from a network entity.

[0292] In some respects, receiving a punching indication from a network entity includes receiving a punching indication from a base station or location server.

[0293] In some respects, receiving a punching indication includes receiving a punching indication via a MAC CE.

[0294] In some respects, receiving a punching indication includes receiving a punching indication via DCI signaling.

[0295] In some respects, discarding at least a portion of the corresponding positioning measurement includes discarding a portion of the corresponding positioning measurement associated with the punched symbol.

[0296] In some respects, discarding at least a portion of the corresponding positioning measurements includes discarding all of the corresponding positioning measurements.

[0297] In some respects, modifying the measurement period includes restarting the measurement period.

[0298] In some respects, the at least one processor is further configured to discard positioning measurements processed before the measurement period is restarted.

[0299] In some respects, modifying the measurement period includes extending the measurement period.

[0300] In some respects, extended measurement periods include extending the measurement time span across additional measurement gaps.

[0301] In some respects, extending the measurement period to span an additional measurement gap includes extending the measurement period to span an additional measurement gap for each PRS resource that is perforated.

[0302] In one aspect, a UE includes: a memory, at least one transceiver, and at least one processor communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, the at least one processor being configured to: measure a first positioning resource on a first PFL and during a measurement gap associated with the first PFL to generate a first positioning measurement; receive an indication via a second PFL and during a measurement gap associated with the first PFL regarding the first positioning resource being perforated; and discard at least a portion of the first positioning measurement.

[0303] In some respects, the measurement gap associated with the second PFL does not overlap with the measurement gap associated with the first PFL.

[0304] In some respects, receiving an indication that the first location resource has been punctured includes receiving the indication via a MAC CE.

[0305] In some respects, receiving an indication that a first location resource has been punctured includes receiving the indication via DCI signaling.

[0306] In some respects, discarding at least a portion of the first positioning measurement includes discarding a portion of the first positioning measurement associated with the punched symbol.

[0307] In some respects, discarding at least a portion of the first positioning measurement includes discarding all of the first positioning measurement.

[0308] In some respects, the positioning resource includes PRS resources, PRS resource sets, PRS frequency layers, TRPs, or combinations thereof.

[0309] In one aspect, a base station includes: a memory; at least one transceiver; and at least one processor communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, the at least one processor being configured to: detect that a first positioning resource being transmitted on a first PFL and during a measurement gap associated with the first PFL has been perforated; and cause the at least one transceiver to transmit an indication of the perforation of the first positioning resource via a second PFL and during a measurement gap associated with the first PFL.

[0310] In some respects, the positioning resource includes PRS resources, PRS resource sets, PRS frequency layers, TRPs, or combinations thereof.

[0311] In some respects, transmitting an indication that the first location resource has been punctured includes transmitting the indication via a MAC CE.

[0312] In some respects, transmitting an indication that a first location resource has been punctured includes transmitting the indication via DCI signaling.

[0313] In one aspect, a UE includes: means for: measuring a plurality of positioning resources during a measurement period spanning a plurality of measurement gaps to generate a plurality of positioning measurements, each positioning resource occupying a different measurement gap, each positioning measurement corresponding to one of the plurality of positioning resources; and means for: for each positioning resource measured in its corresponding measurement gap: determining whether the positioning resource is punctured; when determining that the positioning resource is not punctured, processing the corresponding positioning measurement during a subsequent measurement gap; and when determining that the positioning resource is punctured, discarding at least a portion of the corresponding positioning measurement and modifying the measurement period.

[0314] In one aspect, a UE includes: means for measuring a first positioning resource on a first PFL and during a measurement gap associated with the first PFL to generate a first positioning measurement; means for receiving an indication via a second PFL and during a measurement gap associated with the first PFL that the first positioning resource has been perforated; and means for discarding at least a portion of the first positioning measurement.

[0315] In one aspect, a base station includes: means for detecting that a first positioning resource being transmitted on a first PFL and during a measurement gap associated with the first PFL has been perforated; and means for transmitting an indication of the perforation of the first positioning resource via a second PFL and during a measurement gap associated with the first PFL.

[0316] In one aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer-executable instructions includes:

[0317] An instruction instructing the UE to perform at least one of the following operations: measuring multiple positioning resources during a measurement period spanning multiple measurement gaps to generate multiple positioning measurements, each positioning resource occupying a different measurement gap, and each positioning measurement corresponding to one of the multiple positioning resources; and

[0318] The instruction instructs the UE to perform at least one of the following operations: for each positioning resource measured in its corresponding measurement gap: determine whether the positioning resource is perforated; if the positioning resource is not perforated, process the corresponding positioning measurement during a subsequent measurement gap; and if the positioning resource is perforated, discard at least a portion of the corresponding positioning measurement and modify the measurement period.

[0319] In one aspect, a non-transient computer-readable medium storing computer-executable instructions includes: at least one instruction instructing a UE to: measure a first positioning resource on a first PFL and during a measurement gap associated with the first PFL to generate a first positioning measurement; at least one instruction instructing the UE to: receive an indication via a second PFL and during a measurement gap associated with the first PFL regarding the first positioning resource being perforated; and at least one instruction instructing the UE to: discard at least a portion of the first positioning measurement.

[0320] In one aspect, a non-transient computer-readable medium storing computer-executable instructions includes: at least one instruction instructing a base station to perform the following operations: detecting that a first positioning resource being transmitted on a first PFL and during a measurement gap associated with the first PFL has been perforated; and at least one instruction instructing the base station to perform the following operations: transmitting an indication via a second PFL and during a measurement gap associated with the first PFL regarding the perforation of the first positioning resource.

[0321] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that information and signals can be represented using any of a variety of different techniques and skills. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be referred to throughout the above description can be represented by voltage, current, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, light fields or light particles, or any combination thereof.

[0322] Furthermore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the various illustrative logic blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithmic steps described in connection with the aspects disclosed herein can be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability between hardware and software, the various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps are described above in a generalized manner in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends on the specific application and the design constraints imposed on the overall system. Those skilled in the art may implement the described functionality in different ways for each specific application, but such implementation decisions should not be construed as departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0323] The various illustrative logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in conjunction with the aspects disclosed herein can be implemented or executed using a general-purpose processor, DSP, ASIC, 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, it may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The processor can 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.

[0324] The methods, sequences, and / or algorithms described in conjunction with the aspects disclosed herein may be embodied directly in hardware, in a software module executed by a processor, or in a combination of both. The software module may reside in random access memory (RAM), flash memory, read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), registers, hard disks, removable disks, CD-ROMs, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to a processor such 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 (e.g., a UE). In an alternative, the processor and storage medium may reside as discrete components in the user terminal.

[0325] In one or more exemplary aspects, the described functionality may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, the functionality may be stored or transmitted as one or more instructions or codes on or through a computer-readable medium. A computer-readable medium includes both computer storage media and communication media, including any medium that facilitates the transfer of a computer program from one location to another. A storage medium may be any available medium accessible to a computer. By way of example and not limitation, such computer-readable media may include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disc storage, disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and is accessible to a computer. Similarly, any connection is also legitimately referred to as a computer-readable medium. For example, if software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave, then such coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave are included in the definition of medium. As used in this article, disks and discs include compact discs (CDs), laser discs, optical discs, digital multi-purpose discs (DVDs), floppy disks, and Blu-ray discs. Disks typically reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically using lasers. Combinations of these should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0326] While the foregoing disclosure has illustrated illustrative aspects of this disclosure, it should be noted that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the scope of this disclosure as defined by the appended claims. The functions, steps, and / or actions in the method claims according to the aspects of this disclosure described herein need not be performed in any particular order. Furthermore, although elements of this disclosure may be described or claimed in the singular, pluralism is also contemplated unless explicitly stated to be limited to the singular.

Claims

1. A wireless communication method performed by a user equipment (UE), the method comprising: Multiple PRS instances are measured during a measurement period spanning multiple measurement opportunities to generate multiple positioning measurements, each PRS instance occupying a different measurement opportunity, and each positioning measurement corresponding to one of the multiple PRS instances; as well as For each PRS instance measured in its corresponding measurement opportunity, upon determining that the PRS instance has been punched, at least a portion of the corresponding positioning measurements is discarded and the measurement period is modified. Modifying the measurement period includes restarting the measurement period or extending the measurement period.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: For each PRS instance measured in its corresponding measurement opportunity, the corresponding positioning measurement is processed once it is determined that the PRS instance has not been perforated.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein processing the corresponding positioning measurement includes processing the corresponding positioning measurement within its corresponding measurement opportunity or in a subsequent measurement opportunity.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of measurement opportunities comprises a plurality of measurement gaps.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising: Report processed location measurements to network entities.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein reporting the processed location measurement to the network entity includes reporting the processed location measurement to a network node or location server.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising: The location of the UE is calculated using processed positioning measurements.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of PRS instances include a location reference signal PRS resource, a PRS resource set, a PRS frequency layer, a transmit / receive point (TRP), or a combination thereof.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein determining whether the PRS instance is perforated includes receiving a perforation indication from a network entity.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein receiving the punching indication from the network entity includes receiving the punching indication from a network node or a location server.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein receiving the punch indication includes receiving the punch indication via a Media Access Control (MAC) control element (CE).

12. The method of claim 9, wherein receiving the puncture indication comprises receiving the puncture indication via downlink control information (DCI) signaling.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein discarding the at least portion of the corresponding positioning measurement includes discarding a portion of the corresponding positioning measurement associated with the punched symbol.

14. The method of claim 1, wherein discarding at least a portion of the corresponding positioning measurement includes discarding all of the corresponding positioning measurement.

15. The method of claim 1, wherein when the measurement period is restarted, positioning measurements processed before the measurement period was restarted are discarded.

16. The method of claim 1, wherein when the measurement period is extended, the measurement period is extended to span additional measurement opportunities.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein extending the measurement period to span the additional measurement opportunity comprises extending the measurement period to span an additional measurement opportunity for each PRS resource that is punctured.

18. A wireless communication method performed by a user equipment (UE), the method comprising: A first positioning measurement is generated by measuring a first PRS instance on a first positioning frequency layer (PFL) occupying a first frequency band and during a measurement opportunity associated with the first PFL. Receive an indication that the first PRS instance has been perforated via a second frequency band different from the first frequency band and during the measurement opportunity associated with the first PFL; as well as Discard at least a portion of the first positioning measurement. Receiving an indication that the first PRS instance has been perforated includes receiving the indication during the measurement opportunity associated with the first PFL.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the measurement opportunity associated with the first PFL includes a measurement gap.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein receiving an indication that the first PRS instance has been punctured comprises receiving the indication via a Media Access Control (MAC) control element (CE).

21. The method of claim 18, wherein receiving an indication that the first PRS instance has been punctured comprises receiving the indication via downlink control information (DCI) signaling.

22. The method of claim 18, wherein discarding at least a portion of the first positioning measurement includes discarding a portion of the first positioning measurement associated with a punched symbol.

23. The method of claim 18, wherein discarding at least a portion of the first positioning measurement includes discarding all of the first positioning measurement.

24. The method of claim 18, wherein the first PRS instance includes a location reference signal PRS resource, a PRS resource set, a PRS frequency layer, a transmit / receive point (TRP), or a combination thereof.

25. The method of claim 18, further comprising: A second positioning measurement is generated by measuring a second PRS instance on a second PFL occupying the second frequency band and during a measurement opportunity associated with the second PFL. Receive an indication via the first frequency band regarding the puncturing of the second PRS instance; and Discard at least a portion of the second positioning measurement.

26. A wireless communication method performed by a network node, the method comprising: The detection shows that the first PRS instance transmitted on the first positioning frequency layer PFL occupying the first frequency band and during the measurement opportunity associated with the first PFL has been punched. as well as Indications regarding the puncturing of the first PRS instance are transmitted via a second frequency band different from the first frequency band and during the measurement opportunity associated with the first PFL, for discarding at least a portion of the first positioning measurement corresponding to the first PRS instance.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein the measurement opportunity associated with the first PFL includes a measurement gap.

28. The method of claim 26, wherein the first PRS instance includes a location reference signal PRS resource, a PRS resource set, a PRS frequency layer, a transmit / receive point (TRP), or a combination thereof.

29. The method of claim 26, wherein transmitting an indication that the first PRS instance has been punctured comprises transmitting the indication via a Media Access Control (MAC) control element (CE).

30. The method of claim 26, wherein transmitting an indication that the first PRS instance has been punctured comprises transmitting the indication via downlink control information (DCI) signaling.

31. A user equipment (UE), comprising: Memory; At least one transceiver; as well as At least one processor communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, the at least one processor being configured to: Multiple PRS instances are measured during a measurement period spanning multiple measurement opportunities to generate multiple positioning measurements, each PRS instance occupying a different measurement opportunity, and each positioning measurement corresponding to one of the multiple PRS instances; as well as For each PRS instance measured in its corresponding measurement opportunity, upon determining that the PRS instance has been punched, at least a portion of the corresponding positioning measurements is discarded and the measurement period is modified. Modifying the measurement period includes restarting the measurement period or extending the measurement period.

32. The UE of claim 31, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: For each PRS instance measured in its corresponding measurement opportunity, the corresponding positioning measurement is processed once it is determined that the PRS instance has not been perforated.

33. The UE of claim 32, wherein the at least one processor is configured to process the corresponding positioning measurement, which includes the at least one processor being configured to process the corresponding positioning measurement within its corresponding measurement opportunity or in a subsequent measurement opportunity.

34. The UE of claim 31, wherein the plurality of measurement opportunities includes a plurality of measurement gaps.

35. The UE of claim 31, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: report processed location measurements to a network entity via the at least one transceiver.

36. The UE of claim 35, wherein the at least one processor is configured to report the processed location measurements to the network entity, including the at least one processor being configured to report the processed location measurements to a network node or a location server.

37. The UE of claim 31, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: calculate the position of the UE using processed positioning measurements.

38. The UE of claim 31, wherein the plurality of PRS instances include a location reference signal PRS resource, a PRS resource set, a PRS frequency layer, a transmit / receive point (TRP), or a combination thereof.

39. The UE of claim 31, wherein the at least one processor is configured to determine whether the PRS instance is punctured, including the at least one processor being configured to receive a puncturing indication from a network entity.

40. The UE of claim 39, wherein the at least one processor is configured to receive the punching indication from the network entity, including the at least one processor being configured to receive the punching indication from a network node or a location server.

41. The UE of claim 39, wherein the at least one processor is configured to receive the punching indication, wherein the at least one processor is configured to receive the punching indication via a Media Access Control (MAC) control element (CE).

42. The UE of claim 39, wherein the at least one processor is configured to receive the punching indication, including the at least one processor being configured to receive the punching indication via downlink control information (DCI) signaling.

43. The UE of claim 31, wherein the at least one processor is configured to discard the at least a portion of the corresponding positioning measurement, including the at least one processor being configured to discard a portion of the corresponding positioning measurement associated with a punched symbol.

44. The UE of claim 31, wherein the at least one processor is configured to discard at least a portion of the corresponding positioning measurement, including the at least one processor being configured to discard all of the corresponding positioning measurement.

45. The UE of claim 31, wherein when the at least one processor is configured to restart the measurement period, the at least one processor is further configured to discard positioning measurements processed prior to restarting the measurement period.

46. ​​The UE of claim 31, wherein when the at least one processor is configured to extend the measurement period, the at least one processor being configured to extend the measurement period includes the at least one processor being configured to extend the measurement period to span additional measurement opportunities.

47. The UE of claim 46, wherein the at least one processor is configured to extend the measurement period to span the additional measurement opportunity, comprising the at least one processor being configured to extend the measurement period to span an additional measurement opportunity for each PRS resource that is perforated.

48. A user equipment (UE), comprising: Memory; At least one transceiver; as well as At least one processor communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, the at least one processor being configured to: A first positioning measurement is generated by measuring a first PRS instance on a first positioning frequency layer (PFL) occupying a first frequency band and during a measurement opportunity associated with the first PFL. The at least one transceiver receives an indication that the first PRS instance has been punched via a second frequency band different from the first frequency band and during the measurement opportunity associated with the first PFL; as well as Discard at least a portion of the first positioning measurement. Receiving an indication that the first PRS instance has been perforated includes receiving the indication during the measurement opportunity associated with the first PFL.

49. The UE of claim 48, wherein the measurement opportunity associated with the first PFL includes a measurement gap.

50. The UE of claim 48, wherein the at least one processor is configured to receive an indication that the first PRS instance has been punctured, including the at least one processor being configured to receive the indication via a Media Access Control (MAC) control element (CE).

51. The UE of claim 48, wherein the at least one processor is configured to receive an indication that the first PRS instance has been punctured, including the at least one processor being configured to receive the indication via downlink control information (DCI) signaling.

52. The UE of claim 48, wherein the at least one processor is configured to discard the at least a portion of the first positioning measurement, including the at least one processor being configured to discard a portion of the first positioning measurement associated with a punctured symbol.

53. The UE of claim 48, wherein the at least one processor is configured to discard at least a portion of the first positioning measurement, including the at least one processor being configured to discard all of the first positioning measurement.

54. The UE of claim 48, wherein the first PRS instance includes a location reference signal PRS resource, a PRS resource set, a PRS frequency layer, a transmit / receive point (TRP), or a combination thereof.

55. The UE of claim 48, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: A second positioning measurement is generated by measuring a second PRS instance on a second PFL occupying the second frequency band and during a measurement opportunity associated with the second PFL. Receive, via the at least one transceiver, an indication that the second PRS instance has been punctured via the first frequency band; and Discard at least a portion of the second positioning measurement.

56. A network node, comprising: Memory; At least one transceiver; as well as At least one processor communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, the at least one processor being configured to: The detection shows that the first PRS instance transmitted on the first positioning frequency layer PFL occupying the first frequency band and during the measurement opportunity associated with the first PFL has been punched. as well as The at least one transceiver transmits an indication that the first PRS instance has been punctured via a second frequency band different from the first frequency band and during the measurement opportunity associated with the first PFL, for the purpose of discarding at least a portion of the first positioning measurement corresponding to the first PRS instance.

57. The network node of claim 56, wherein the measurement opportunity associated with the first PFL includes a measurement gap.

58. The network node of claim 56, wherein the first PRS instance includes a location reference signal PRS resource, a PRS resource set, a PRS frequency layer, a transmit / receive point (TRP), or a combination thereof.

59. The network node of claim 56, wherein the at least one processor is configured to transmit an indication regarding the first PRS instance being punctured, including the at least one processor being configured to transmit the indication via a Media Access Control (MAC) control element (CE).

60. The network node of claim 56, wherein the at least one processor is configured to transmit an indication that the first PRS instance has been punctured, including the at least one processor being configured to transmit the indication via downlink control information (DCI) signaling.

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