Hierarchical user equipment positioning

Abstract

A method for facilitating position information determination includes transmitting, from a UE, an uplink reference signal to one or more base stations and a request for positioning resources to a network entity; receiving, at the UE from one or more of the one or more base stations in response to the uplink reference signal and the request, a plurality of first downlink reference signals among a first plurality of beams; determining, at the UE from the first plurality of beams based on one or more respective measurements of the plurality of first downlink reference signals, a second plurality of beams; and transmitting, from the UE to the network entity, a beam report that indicates the second plurality of beams.

Description

[0001] Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of Greek Patent Application No. 20200100621, entitled “HIERARCHICAL UE POSITIONING,” filed October 14, 2020, assigned to the assignee hereof, and which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety as if fully set forth below for all purposes. BACKGROUND

[0003] Wireless communication systems have developed through various generations, including first-generation analog wireless telephony systems (1G), second-generation (2G) digital wireless telephony systems (including the transitional 2.5G and 2.75G networks), third-generation (3G) high-speed data wireless systems, fourth-generation (4G) wireless systems (e.g., Long-Term Evolution (LTE) or WiMax), fifth generation (5G) wireless systems, etc. Many different types of wireless communication systems are in use including various cellular and personal communication service (PCS) systems. Examples of known cellular systems include the cellular Analog Advanced Mobile Phone System (AMPS), digital cellular systems such as the various Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) systems, Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA) systems, Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) systems, Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) systems, the Global System for Mobile Access (GSM) variation of TDMA, and so on.

[0004] A fifth generation (5G) mobile standard is adapted to achieve higher data transfer speeds, higher numbers of connected devices, and better coverage and energy efficiency than previous standards. The 5G standard is designed to provide data rates of several tens of megabits per second to each of tens of thousands of users, with 1 gigabit per second to each of tens of users. It is expected that the 5G standard will support SUMMARY

[0005] An example user equipment includes a transceiver, a memory, and one or more processors communicatively coupled to the transceiver and the memory and configured to transmit, via the transceiver, an uplink reference signal to one or more base stations and a request for positioning resources to a network entity, receive, via the transceiver, a plurality of first downlink reference signals from one or more of the one or more base stations in a first plurality of beams, determine a second plurality of beams from the first plurality of beams based on one or more respective measurements of the plurality of first downlink reference signals, and transmit, to the network entity, a beam report that indicates the second plurality of beams.

[0006] Another example user equipment includes means for transmitting an uplink reference signal to one or more base stations and transmitting a request for positioning resources to a network entity; means for receiving, at a first plurality of beams, a plurality of first downlink reference signals from one or more of the one or more base stations; means for determining, based on one or more respective measurements of the plurality of first downlink reference signals, a second plurality of beams from the first plurality of beams; and means for transmitting, to the network entity, a beam report that indicates the second plurality of beams.

[0007] An example method for facilitating position information determination includes transmitting, from a user equipment (UE) to one or more base stations, an uplink reference signal and transmitting a request for positioning resources to a network entity; receiving, at the UE from one or more of the one or more base stations, a plurality of first downlink reference signals in a first plurality of beams in response to the uplink reference signal and the request; determining, at the UE based on one or more respective measurements of the plurality of first downlink reference signals, a second plurality of beams from the first plurality of beams; and transmitting, from the UE to the network entity, a beam report that indicates the second plurality of beams.

[0008] An example non-transitory processor-readable storage medium includes processor-readable instructions configured to cause one or more processors of a user equipment (UE) to, for facilitating position information determination: transmit, to one or more base stations, an uplink reference signal and transmit a request for positioning resources to a network entity; receive, at the UE from one or more of the one or more base stations, a plurality of first downlink reference signals in a first plurality of beams; determine, based on one or more respective measurements of the plurality of first downlink reference signals, a second plurality of beams from the first plurality of beams; and transmit, from the UE to the network entity, a beam report that indicates the second plurality of beams.

[0009] An example server includes a transceiver, a memory, and a processor communicatively coupled to the transceiver and the memory, the processor configured to at least one of: (1) receive, via the transceiver, a plurality of indications of at least one uplink reference signal transmitted by a user equipment (UE) and received in a first plurality of beams by a first plurality of transmission / reception points (TRPs), select a second plurality of beams of a second plurality of TRPs based on the first plurality of beams, and request, via the transceiver, the second plurality of TRPs to transmit a first plurality of downlink reference signals to the UE employing the second plurality of beams; or (2) receive, via the transceiver, a plurality of indications of received signal quality of a second plurality of downlink reference signals transmitted by a third plurality of TRPs and received by the UE, select a third plurality of beams of a fourth plurality of TRPs based on the plurality of indications of received signal quality, and request, via the transceiver, the fourth plurality of TRPs to transmit a third plurality of downlink reference signals to the UE employing the third plurality of beams.

[0010] Another example server includes a transceiver, and at least one of: (1) means for receiving, via the transceiver, a plurality of indications of at least one uplink reference signal transmitted by a user equipment (UE) and received in a first plurality of beams by a first plurality of transmission / reception points (TRPs), means for selecting a second plurality of beams of a second plurality of TRPs based on the first plurality of beams, and means for requesting, via the transceiver, the second plurality of TRPs to transmit a first plurality of downlink reference signals to the UE employing the second plurality of beams; or (2) means for receiving, via the transceiver, a plurality of indications of received signal quality of a second plurality of downlink reference signals transmitted by a third plurality of TRPs and received by the UE, means for selecting a third plurality of beams of a fourth plurality of TRPs based on the plurality of indications of received signal quality, and means for requesting, via the transceiver, the fourth plurality of TRPs to transmit a third plurality of downlink reference signals to the UE employing the third plurality of beams.

[0011] An example method for facilitating positioning of a user equipment (UE) includes at least one of: (1) receiving, at a server, a plurality of indications of at least one uplink reference signal transmitted by the UE and received by a first plurality of transmission / reception points (TRPs) in a first plurality of beams; selecting a second plurality of beams of a second plurality of TRPs based on the first plurality of beams; and requesting, by the server, the second plurality of TRPs to transmit a first plurality of downlink reference signals to the UE employing the second plurality of beams; or (2) receiving, at a server, a plurality of indications of received signal quality of a second plurality of downlink reference signals transmitted by a third plurality of TRPs and received by the UE; selecting a third plurality of beams of a fourth plurality of TRPs based on the plurality of indications of received signal quality; and requesting, by the server, the fourth plurality of TRPs to transmit a third plurality of downlink reference signals to the UE employing the third plurality of beams.

[0012] Another example non-transitory processor-readable storage medium includes processor-readable instructions configured to cause one or more processors of a server to implement at least one of the following schemes for facilitating positioning of a user equipment: (1) receive a plurality of indications of at least one uplink reference signal transmitted by the user equipment (UE) and received by a first plurality of transmission / reception points (TRPs) in a first plurality of beams; select a second plurality of beams of a second plurality of TRPs based on the first plurality of beams; and request the second plurality of TRPs to transmit a first plurality of downlink reference signals to the UE employing the second plurality of beams; or (2) receive a plurality of indications of received signal quality of a second plurality of downlink reference signals transmitted by a third plurality of TRPs and received by the UE; select a third plurality of beams of a fourth plurality of TRPs based on the plurality of indications of received signal quality; and request the fourth plurality of TRPs to transmit a third plurality of downlink reference signals to the UE employing the third plurality of beams.

[0013] An example base station includes a transceiver, a memory, and one or more processors communicatively coupled to the transceiver and the memory and configured to receive, via a plurality of beams of the transceiver, an uplink reference signal from a user equipment, transmit, via the transceiver, a beam identification message to a server, the beam identification message including a plurality of indications each indicative of a measurement of the uplink reference signal taken with a respective one of the plurality of beams of the transceiver and an identification of the respective one of the plurality of beams of the transceiver, receive, via the transceiver, a reference signal configuration message from the server responsive to the beam identification message that identifies one or more of the plurality of beams of the transceiver, and transmit, via the transceiver, a downlink reference signal to the user equipment using the one or more of the plurality of beams of the transceiver identified in the reference signal configuration message responsive to the reference signal configuration message.

[0014] An example reference signal providing method includes receiving, via a plurality of beams of a transceiver of a base station, an uplink reference signal from a user equipment, transmitting, from the base station, a beam identification message to a server, the beam identification message including a plurality of indications each indicative of a measurement of the uplink reference signal taken with a respective one of the plurality of beams of the transceiver and an identification of the respective one of the plurality of beams of the transceiver, receiving, at the base station, a reference signal configuration message from the server responsive to the beam identification message that identifies one or more of the plurality of beams of the transceiver, and transmitting, from the base station, a downlink reference signal to the user equipment using the one or more of the plurality of beams of the transceiver identified in the reference signal configuration message responsive to the reference signal configuration message.

[0015] Another example base station includes means for receiving, via a plurality of beams, an uplink reference signal from a user equipment, means for transmitting a beam identification message to a server, the beam identification message including a plurality of indications each indicative of a measurement of the uplink reference signal taken with a respective one of the plurality of beams and an identification of the respective one of the plurality of beams, means for receiving, from the server, a reference signal configuration message responsive to the beam identification message that identifies one or more of the plurality of beams, and means for transmitting, to the user equipment, a downlink reference signal using the one or more of the plurality of beams identified in the reference signal configuration message responsive to the reference signal configuration message.

[0016] Another example non-transitory processor-readable storage medium includes processor-readable instructions configured to cause one or more processors of a base station to: receive, via a plurality of beams of the base station, an uplink reference signal from a user equipment; send, to a server, a beam identification message including, for each of a plurality of beams, an indication of a measurement of the uplink reference signal taken with a respective one of the plurality of beams and an identification of the respective one of the plurality of beams; receive, from the server, a reference signal configuration message identifying one or more of the plurality of beams in response to the beam identification message; and send, to the user equipment, a downlink reference signal using the one or more of the plurality of beams identified in the reference signal configuration message in response to the reference signal configuration message. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 is a simplified diagram of an example wireless communication system.

[0018] Figure 2 is a block diagram of components of an example user equipment. Figure 1

[0019] Figure 3 is a block diagram of components of an example transmission / reception point.

[0020] Figure 4 is a block diagram of components of an example server, Figure 1 various embodiments of the example server are shown.

[0021] Figure 5 is a block diagram of an example user equipment.

[0022] Figure 6 is a block diagram of a server.

[0023] Figure 7 is signaling and procedures for determining location information.

[0024] Figure 8 is a block flow diagram of a method of facilitating location information determination.

[0025] Figure 9 is a block flow diagram of a method of requesting reference signal transmission.

[0026] Figure 10 is a block flow diagram of a reference signal providing method. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] ​Techniques for determining location information for a user equipment are discussed herein. For example, techniques for on-demand positioning resource configuration and / or hierarchical location information determination are discussed. For example, a user equipment can transmit reference signals to one or more base stations and transmit a request for (on-demand) positioning resources. The base station(s) can transmit one or more downlink reference signals (DL-RS) to the user equipment. The DL-RS can be selected based on the reference signals from the user equipment. The user equipment can measure the DL-RS and provide feedback to the base station regarding the best received DL-RS, e.g., which beams carried the best received DL-RS. The base station can refine which beams to use to transmit DL-RS for the user equipment. The user equipment can report measurements of the received DL-RS and selectively report DL-RS measurements based on the accuracy of the measurements and the available payload size for reporting the measurements. These are just examples, other examples (e.g., other examples of UEs and / or standards) can be implemented.

[0028] The items and / or techniques described herein can provide one or more of the following capabilities, as well as other capabilities not mentioned. User equipment positioning can be performed with lower power consumption by reporting fewer reference signal measurements than all reference signal measurements. User equipment positioning can be performed with lower power consumption by reducing transmitted reference signals based on user equipment reference signal measurement feedback. User equipment positioning latency can be reduced by transmitting a selected subset of reference signals from a base station and / or reporting a selected set of measured reference signals from a user equipment. An expected balance between overhead, performance (e.g., positioning accuracy), and power efficiency can be achieved. Other capabilities can be provided, and not every implementation according to the present disclosure must provide any or all of the capabilities discussed (much less all of the capabilities).

[0029] Obtaining a location of a mobile device accessing a wireless network can be useful for many applications, such as emergency calls, personal navigation, tracking of consumer assets, locating of friends or family members, etc. Existing positioning methods include methods that are based on measuring radio signals transmitted by a wide variety of devices or entities, including artificial satellites (SVs) and terrestrial radio sources (e.g., base stations and access points) in a wireless network. Standardization of 5G wireless networks is expected to include support for various positioning methods that can utilize reference signals transmitted by base stations in a similar manner as LTE wireless networks currently utilize Positioning Reference Signals (PRSs) and / or Cell-specific Reference Signals (CRSs) for position determination.

[0030] The descriptions can relate to sequences of actions to be performed, for example, by elements of a computing device. Various actions described herein can be performed by specific circuits (e.g., application specific integrated circuits (ASICs)), by program instructions being executed by one or more processors, or by a combination of both. Sequences of actions described herein can be embodied within systems having corresponding sets of computer instructions stored thereon that, when executed, would cause an associated processor to perform the functionality described. Thus, the various aspects described herein can be embodied as a number of different forms, all of which are within the scope of the disclosure including claimed subject matter.

[0031] As used herein, the terms "user equipment" (UE) and "base station" are not specific or limited to any particular radio access technology (RAT) unless otherwise noted. In general, such UEs can be any wireless communication device (e.g., a mobile phone, router, tablet computer, laptop computer, consumer asset tracking device, Internet of Things (IoT) device, etc.) used by a user to communicate over a wireless communication network. A UE can be mobile or can be stationary (e.g., at certain times), and can communicate with a Radio Access Network (RAN). As used herein, the term "UE" can be referred to interchangeably as an "access terminal" or "AT," a "client device," a "wireless device," a "subscriber device," a "subscriber terminal," a "subscriber station," a "user terminal" or UT, a "mobile terminal," a "mobile station," a "mobile device," or variations thereof. Generally, UEs can communicate with a core network via a RAN, and through the core network the UEs can be connected to one or more external networks such as the Internet and / or to the public switched telephone network. Of course, other mechanisms of connecting to the core network and / or the Internet are also possible for the UEs, such as over wired access networks, WiFi networks (e.g., based on IEEE 802.11), etc.

[0032] A base station can operate according to one of several RATs in communications with UEs depending on the network in which it is deployed. Examples of base stations include an access point (AP), a network node, a NodeB, an evolved NodeB (eNB), or generally a gNodeB (gNB). Furthermore, in some systems, a base station can provide pure edge node signaling functions, while in other systems, a base station can provide additional control and / or network management functions.

[0033] A UE can be embodied by any of a variety of devices including, but not limited to, a personal computer (PC), a smart phone, a tablet PC, a consumer asset tracking device, an asset tag, etc. A UE can communicate with a RAN via any of a variety of types of devices including, but not limited to, a printed circuit (PC) card, a compact flash device, an external or internal modem, a wireless or wireline phone, a smart phone, a tablet, a consumer asset tracking device, an asset tag, etc. A communication link through which the UE can send signals to the RAN is called an uplink channel (e.g., a reverse traffic channel, a reverse control channel, an access channel, etc.). A communication link through which a RAN can send signals to a UE is called a downlink or forward link channel (e.g., a paging channel, a control channel, a broadcast channel, a forward traffic channel, etc.). As used herein the term "traffic channel" can refer to either an uplink / reverse or downlink / forward traffic channel.

[0034] As used herein, the term "cell" or "sector" can correspond to one of multiple cells of a base station or to the base station itself, depending on the context. The term "cell" can refer to a logical communication entity used for communication (e.g., over a carrier) with a base station and can be associated with an identifier (e.g., a physical cell identifier (PCID), a virtual cell identifier (VCID)) used to distinguish neighboring cells operating via the same or different carriers. In some examples, a carrier can support multiple cells, and different cells can be configured according to different protocol types (e.g., machine type communication (MTC), narrowband internet of things (NB-IoT), enhanced mobile broadband (EMBB), or other) providing access for different types of devices. In some examples, the term "cell" can refer to a portion (e.g., a sector) of the geographic area over which the logical entity operates.

[0035] Reference Figure 1An example of a communication system 100 includes a UE 105, a UE 106, a radio access network (RAN) (here, a next generation (NG) RAN (NG-RAN) 135 for fifth generation (5G)), a 5G core (5GC) 140, and a server 150. The UE 105 and / or the UE 106 can be, for example, an IoT device, a location tracker device, a cell phone, a vehicle (e.g., a car, a truck, a bus, a boat, etc.), or other device. A 5G network can also be referred to as a New Radio (NR) network; the NG-RAN 135 can be referred to as a 5G RAN or an NR RAN; and the 5GC 140 can be referred to as an NG core network (NGC). Standardization of the NG-RAN and the 5GC is ongoing in the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). Accordingly, the NG-RAN 135 and the 5GC 140 can comply with current or future standards from 3GPP for 5G support. The NG-RAN 135 can be another type of RAN, such as a 3G RAN, a 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) RAN, etc. The UE 106 can be configured and coupled in a similar manner as the UE 105 to transmit and / or receive signals to / from similar other entities in the system 100, but in Figure 1 the interest of simplicity of the drawing, such signaling is not shown in the figure. Similarly, for simplicity, the focus of the discussion is on the UE 105. The communication system 100 can use information from a constellation 185 of artificial satellites (SVs) 190, 191, 192, 193 for a satellite positioning system (SPS) (e.g., a global navigation satellite system (GNSS)), such as Global Positioning System (GPS), Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS), Galileo, or Beidou, or some other local or regional SPS, such as Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System (IRNSS), European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS), or Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS). Additional components of the communication system 100 will be described below. The communication system 100 can include additional or alternative components.

[0036] As Figure 1As shown, the NG-RAN 135 includes NR NodeBs (gNBs) 110a, 110b, and a next generation eNodeB (ng-eNB) 114, and the 5GC 140 includes an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) 115, a Session Management Function (SMF) 117, a Location Management Function (LMF) 120, and a Gateway Mobile Location Center (GMLC) 125. The gNBs 110a, 110b, and ng-eNB 114 are communicatively coupled to each other, are each configured to wirelessly communicate with the UE 105, and are each communicatively coupled to, and configured to wirelessly communicate with, the AMF 115. The gNBs 110a, 110b, and ng-eNB 114 can be referred to as base stations (BSs). The AMF 115, SMF 117, LMF 120, and GMLC 125 are communicatively coupled to each other, and the GMLC is communicatively coupled to an external client 130. The SMF 117 can function as an initial point of contact for a Service Control Function (SCF) (not shown) to establish, control, and delete media sessions. A base station, such as the gNBs 110a, 110b, and / or ng-eNB 114, can be a macrocell (e.g., a high-power cellular base station) or a small cell (e.g., a low-power cellular base station) or an access point (e.g., configured to communicate using a short-range technology such as WiFi, WiFi-Direct (WiFi-D), Bluetooth®, Low Power Consumption (BLE), Zigbee, etc.). One or more BSs (e.g., one or more of the gNBs 110a, 110b, and / or ng-eNB 114) can be configured to communicate with the UE 105 via multiple carriers. Each of the gNBs 110a, 110b, and ng-eNB 114 can provide communication coverage for a respective geographic area (e.g., a cell). Each cell can be divided into multiple sectors.

[0037] Figure 1A generalized illustration of various components is provided, any or all of which can be utilized as appropriate, and such components can each be duplicated, omitted, or made redundant as desired. Specifically, although one UE 105 is illustrated, many UEs (e.g., hundreds, thousands, millions, etc.) can be employed in the communication system 100. Similarly, the communication system 100 can include a larger (or smaller) number of SVs (i.e., more or fewer than the four SVs 190-193 illustrated), gNBs 110a, 110b, ng-eNBs 114, AMFs 115, external clients 130, and / or other components. The illustrated connections that connect the various components in the communication system 100 include data and signaling connections that can include additional (intermediary) components, direct or indirect physical and / or wireless connections, and / or additional networks. Furthermore, these components can be re-arranged, combined, separated, replaced, and / or omitted, depending on desired functionality.

[0038] Although Figure 1 A 5G-based network is illustrated, but similar network implementations and configurations can be used for other communication technologies, e.g., 3G, Long Term Evolution (LTE), etc. The implementations described herein (regardless of whether they are for 5G technology and / or for one or more other communication technologies and / or protocols) can be used to transmit (or broadcast) directional synchronization signals, receive and measure directional signals at a UE (e.g., UE 105), and / or provide positioning assistance to the UE 105 (via GMLC 125 or other location server), and / or compute a location of the UE 105 at a capable device (e.g., UE 105, gNB 110a, 110b, or LMF 120) based on measurements received at the UE 105 for such directional transmission signals. Gateway Mobile Location Center (GMLC) 125, Location Management Function (LMF) 120, Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) 115, SMF 117, ng-eNB (eNodeB) 114, and gNB (gNodeB) 110a, 110b are examples, and in various embodiments, they include various other location server functions and / or base station functions, respectively, or they are replaced by them, respectively.

[0039] System 100 is capable of wireless communication because components of system 100 are capable of communicating with each other directly or indirectly (at least sometimes using wireless connections), e.g., via gNBs 110a, 110b, ng-eNB 114, and / or 5GC 140 (and / or one or more other devices not shown, e.g., one or more other base stations). For indirect communication, the communication can be altered during transmission from one entity to another, e.g., changing header information of data packets, changing format, etc. UE 105 can include multiple UEs and can be a mobile wireless communication device, but can also communicate wirelessly and via wired connections. UE 105 can be any of a variety of devices, e.g., a smartphone, a tablet computer, a vehicle-based device, etc., but these are just examples because UE 105 is not required to be any of these configurations, other configurations of UEs can be employed. Other UEs can include wearable devices (e.g., smart watches, smart jewelry, smart glasses or headsets, etc.). Other UEs can also be employed, whether existing or future developments. Further, other wireless devices (whether mobile or not) can be implemented within system 100, and these wireless devices can communicate with each other and / or with UE 105, gNBs 110a, 110b, ng-eNB 114, 5GC 140, and / or external client 130. For example, such other devices can include Internet of Things (IoT) devices, medical devices, home entertainment and / or automation devices, etc. 5GC 140 can communicate with external client 130 (e.g., a computer system), allowing external client 130 to request and / or receive location information about UE 105 (e.g., via GMLC 125).

[0040] The UE 105 or other device can be configured to communicate in various networks and / or for various purposes and / or using various technologies (e.g., 5G, Wi-Fi communications, multiple frequencies of Wi-Fi communications, satellite positioning, one or more types of communications (e.g., GSM (Global System for Mobiles), CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access), LTE (Long-Term Evolution), V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything, e.g., V2P (Vehicle-to-Pedestrian), V2I (Vehicle-to-Infrastructure), V2V (Vehicle-to-Vehicle), etc.), IEEE 802.11p, etc.). V2X communications can be cellular (C-V2X) and / or WiFi (e.g., DSRC (Dedicated Short-Range Communications)). The system 100 can support operation on multiple carriers (waveform signals of different frequencies). Multi-carrier transmitters can transmit modulated signals simultaneously on the multiple carriers. Each modulated signal can be a Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) signal, a Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) signal, an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) signal, a Single-Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access (SC-FDMA) signal, etc. Each modulated signal can be sent on a different carrier and can carry pilot signals, overhead information, data, etc. The UEs 105, 106 can communicate with each other via UE-to-UE sidelink (SL) communications by transmitting on one or more sidelink channels, such as a Physical Sidelink Shared Channel (PSSCH), a Physical Sidelink Broadcast Channel (PSBCH), or a Physical Sidelink Control Channel (PSCCH).

[0041] The UE 105 can include and / or be referred to as a device, a mobile device, a wireless device, a mobile terminal, a terminal, a mobile station (MS), a Secure User Plane Location (SUPL)-enabled terminal (SET), or some other name. Also, the UE 105 can correspond to a cellular phone, a smartphone, a laptop, a tablet, a PDA, a consumer asset tracking device, a navigation device, an Internet of Things (IoT) device, a health monitor, a security system, a smart city sensor, a smart meter, a wearable tracker, or some other portable or moveable device. Typically, though not necessarily, the UE 105 can support wireless communication using one or more Radio Access Technologies (RATs), such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Wideband CDMA (WCDMA), LTE, High Rate Packet Data (HRPD), IEEE 802.11 WiFi (also referred to as Wi-Fi), (BT), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), 5G New Radio (NR) (e.g., using NG-RAN 135 and 5GC 140), etc. A UE 105 can employ Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) support for wireless communication, e.g., which can employ Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) or packet cable connections to other networks (e.g., the Internet). Use of one or more of these RATs can allow the UE 105 to communicate with external clients 130 (e.g., via the Figure 1 elements of the 5GC 140 not shown in FIG. 1, or possibly via the GMLC 125) and / or allow the external client 130 to receive location information for the UE 105 (e.g., via the GMLC 125).

[0042] A UE 105 can comprise a single entity or can comprise multiple entities such as in a network of devices each with its own communication capabilities that is in communication with one another over a wireless or wired medium. The location of the UE 105 can be estimated and can be referred to as a location, location estimate, position, position estimate, site, site estimate, or the like, and can be geographic, thus providing location coordinates (e.g., latitude and longitude) of the UE 105, which can or can not include an altitude component (e.g., height above or depth below sea level, height above or depth below a floor, floor level, or the like). Alternatively, a location of the UE 105 can be expressed as a civic location (e.g., designated by a postal address or a point or area within a building such as a particular room or floor) or expressed as some other representation of location. A location of the UE 105 can be expressed as an area or volume (defined in geographic or civic terms) within which the UE 105 is expected to be located with some probability or confidence level (e.g., 67%, 95%, etc.). A location of the UE 105 can be expressed as a relative location, including a distance or direction from a known location. A relative location can be expressed as relative coordinates (e.g., X, Y (and Z) coordinates) defined relative to some origin on a known location, which can be defined, for example, in geographic terms, civic terms, or by reference to a point, area, or volume indicated on a map, floor plan, or building plan. In the description contained herein, use of the term “location” can include any of these variations unless otherwise indicated. In computing a location of a UE, it is common practice to solve for local x, y, and possibly z coordinates, and then convert the local coordinates to absolute coordinates (e.g., for latitude, longitude, and altitude above or below mean sea level) if needed.

[0043] UE 105 can be configured to communicate with other entities using one or more of a variety of technologies. UE 105 can be configured to indirectly connect to one or more communication networks via one or more device-to-device (D2D) peer-to-peer (P2P) links. Technologies such as LTE Direct (LTE-D), WiFi Direct (WiFi-D), etc., can be used. Any appropriate D2D radio access technology (RAT) can be used to support these D2D P2P links. One or more UEs in a group utilizing D2D communication may be located within the geographic coverage area of ​​a Transmitting / Receiving Point (TRP) (such as one or more of gNB 110a, 110b and / or ng-eNB 114). Other UEs in such a group may be located outside such geographic coverage area or may not be able to receive transmissions from the base station. A group of UEs communicating via D2D communication can utilize a one-to-many (1:M) system, in which each UE transmits to other UEs within the group. The TRP can facilitate the scheduling of resources for D2D communication. In other cases, D2D communication can be implemented between UEs without involving a TRP. One or more UEs in a group utilizing D2D communication may be located within the geographic coverage area of ​​a TRP. Other UEs in such a group may be located outside such geographic coverage area or may not be able to receive transmissions from the base station. A group of UEs communicating via D2D communication can utilize a one-to-many (1:M) system, in which each UE transmits to other UEs within the group. TRP can facilitate the scheduling of resources used for D2D communication. In other cases, D2D communication can be implemented between UEs without involving TRP.

[0044] Figure 1 The base stations (BS) in the NG-RAN 135 shown include NR NodeBs, referred to as gNBs 110a and 110b. The paired gNBs 110a and 110b in the NG-RAN 135 can be interconnected via one or more other gNBs. Access to the 5G network is provided to the UE 105 via wireless communication with one or more of the gNBs 110a and 110b, which can provide wireless communication access to the 5GC 140 on behalf of the UE 105 using 5G. Figure 1 In this context, the serving gNB of UE 105 is assumed to be gNB 110a, but another gNB (e.g., gNB 110b) may act as the serving gNB (if UE 105 moves to another location) or may act as an auxiliary gNB to provide additional throughput and bandwidth to UE 105.

[0045] Figure 1 A base station (BS) in the NG-RAN 135, as illustrated in FIG. 1, can include an ng-eNB 114, which is also referred to as a next generation evolved Node B. The ng-eNB 114 can connect to one or more of gNBs 110a, 110b in the NG-RAN 135, possibly via one or more other gNBs and / or one or more other ng-eNBs. The ng-eNB 114 can provide LTE wireless access and / or evolved LTE (eLTE) wireless access for UEs 105. One or more of gNBs 110a, 110b and / or ng-eNB 114 can be configured to function as a positioning only beacon, which can transmit signals that help determine a location of a UE 105, but cannot receive signals from UEs 105 or from other UEs.

[0046] The gNBs 110a, 110b and / or ng-eNB 114 can each include one or more TRPs. For example, each sector within a cell of a BS can include a TRP, but multiple TRPs can share one or more components (e.g., share a processor, but have separate antennas). The system 100 can include only macro TRPs, or the system 100 can have different types of TRPs, such as macro, pico, and / or femto TRPs, etc. A macro TRP can cover a relatively large geographic area (e.g., a radius of several kilometers) and can allow unrestricted access to terminals subscribed to services. A pico TRP can cover a relatively small geographic area (e.g., a pico cell) and can allow restricted access to terminals subscribed to services. A femto or home TRP can cover a small geographic area (e.g., a femto cell) and can allow restricted access to terminals associated with the femto cell, such as terminals in a household.

[0047] Each of the gNBs 110a, 110b, and / or the ng-eNB 114 can include a radio unit (RU), a distributed unit (DU), and a central unit (CU). For example, the gNB 110a includes a RU 111, a DU 112, and a CU 113. The RU 111, the DU 112, and the CU 113 share the functions of the gNB 110a. Although the gNB 110a is shown as having a single RU, a single DU, and a single CU, a gNB can include one or more RUs, one or more DUs, and / or one or more CUs. The interface between the CU 113 and the DU 112 can be referred to as the FI interface. The RU 111 is configured to perform digital front end (DFE) functions (e.g., analog-to-digital conversion, filtering, power amplification, transmission / reception) and digital beamforming, and includes a portion of the physical (PHY) layer. The RU 111 can perform DFE with massive multiple-input / multiple-output (MIMO) and can be integrated with one or more antennas of the gNB 110a. The DU 112 hosts the radio link control (RLC), medium access control (MAC), and physical layers of the gNB 110a. One DU can support one or more cells, and each cell is supported by a single DU. The operation of the DU 112 is controlled by the CU 113. The CU 113 is configured to perform functions for user data transfer, mobility control, radio access network sharing, positioning, session management, etc., although some functions can be allocated exclusively to the DU 112. The CU 113 hosts the radio resource control (RRC), service data adaptation protocol (SDAP), and packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layers of the gNB 110a. The UE 105 can communicate with the CU 113 via the RRC, SDAP, and PDCP layers, with the DU 112 via the RLC, MAC, and PHY layers, and with the RU 111 via the PHY layer.

[0048] As indicated, although Figure 1 Nodes configured to communicate according to the 5G communication protocol are depicted, nodes configured to communicate according to other protocols, such as an LTE protocol or an IEEE 802.1 lx protocol, can be employed. For example, in an Evolved Packet System (EPS), which provides LTE wireless access to UEs 105, a RAN can comprise an Evolved Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN), which can comprise base stations including evolved Node Bs (eNBs). A core network for an EPS can comprise an Evolved Packet Core (EPC). The EPS can comprise the E-UTRAN plus the EPC, wherein the E-UTRAN corresponds to the NG-RAN 135 and the EPC corresponds to the Figure 1 5GC 140 in FIG. 1.

[0049] The gNBs 110a, 110b, and the ng-eNB 114 can communicate with an AMF 115, which communicates with an LMF 120 to enable positioning functionality. The AMF 115 can support mobility of the UE 105, including cell change and handover, and can participate in supporting a signaling connection for the UE 105 and possible data and voice bearers for the UE 105. The LMF 120 can communicate directly with the UE 105 (e.g., through wireless communications), or directly with the gNBs 110a, 110b, and / or the ng-eNB 114. The LMF 120 can support positioning of the UE 105 when the UE 105 accesses the NG-RAN 135, and can support positioning procedures / methodologies such as Assisted GNSS (A-GNSS), Observed Time Difference of Arrival (OTDOA) (e.g., Downlink (DL) OTDOA or Uplink (UL) OTDOA), Round Trip Time (RTT), Multicell RTT, Real Time Kinematic (RTK), Precise Point Positioning (PPP), Differential GNSS (DGNSS), Enhanced Cell ID (E-CID), Angle of Arrival (AoA), Angle of Departure (AoD), and / or other positioning methods. The LMF 120 can process a location service request for the UE 105, e.g., received from the AMF 115 or from the GMLC 125. The LMF 120 can connect to the AMF 115 and / or the GMLC 125. The LMF 120 can be referred to by other names, e.g., Location Manager (LM), Location Function (LF), Commercial LMF (CLMF), or Value Added LMF (VLMF). A node / system implementing the LMF 120 can additionally or alternatively implement other types of positioning support modules, such as an Enhanced Serving Mobile Location Center (E-SMLC) or a Secure User Plane Location (SUPL) Location Platform (SLP). At least part of the positioning functionality, including the derivation of a location of the UE 105, can be performed at the UE 105, e.g., using signal measurements obtained by the UE 105 for signals transmitted by wireless nodes such as the gNBs 110a, 110b, and / or the ng-eNB 114 and / or assistance data provided to the UE 105, e.g., by the LMF 120. The AMF 115 can act as a control node for the signaling between the UE 105 and the 5GC 140, and can provide QoS (Quality of Service) flow and session management. The AMF 115 can support mobility of the UE 105, including cell change and handover, and can participate in supporting a signaling connection for the UE 105.

[0050] The server 150 (e.g., a cloud server) is configured to obtain a location estimate for the UE 105 and provide it to the external client 130. The server 150 can be configured to run, for example, a microservice / service that obtains a location estimate for the UE 105. The server 150 can pull the location estimate from one or more of the UE 105 (e.g., by sending a location request to it), the gNBs 110a, 110b (e.g., via the RUs 111, the DUs 112, and the CUs 113), and / or the ng-eNB 114, and / or the LMF 120, for example. As another example, one or more of the UE 105, the gNBs 110a, 110b (e.g., via the RUs 111, the DUs 112, and the CUs 113), and / or the LMF 120 can push a location estimate for the UE 105 to the server 150.

[0051] The GMLC 125 can support a location request for the UE 105 received from the external client 130 via the server 150 and can forward such a location request to the AMF 115 for forwarding by the AMF 115 to the LMF 120 or can forward the location request directly to the LMF 120. A location response from the LMF 120 (e.g., containing a location estimate for the UE 105) can be returned to the GMLC 125 directly or via the AMF 115, after which the GMLC 125 can return the location response (e.g., containing the location estimate) to the external client 130 via the server 150. The GMLC 125 is shown as connected to both the AMF 115 and the LMF 120, but can not be connected to the AMF 115 or the LMF 120 in some implementations.

[0052] As further shown in Figure 1 The LMF 120 can communicate with the gNBs 110a, 110b, and / or the ng-eNB 114 using New Radio Positioning Protocol A (which can be referred to as NPPa or NRPPa), which can be defined in 3GPP Technical Specification (TS) 38.455, as further shown in Figure 1As further shown, the LMF 120 and the UE 105 can employ LTE Positioning Protocol (LPP) communications, which can be defined in 3GPP TS 36.355. The LMF 120 and the UE 105 can also or alternatively employ New Radio Positioning Protocol (which can be referred to as NPP or NRPP), which can be the same as or similar to LPP or an extension thereof, for communications. Here, LPP and / or NPP messages can be transferred between the UE 105 and the LMF 120 via the AMF 115 and a serving gNB 110a, 110b or serving ng-eNB 114 for the UE 105. For example, LPP and / or NPP messages can be transferred between the LMF 120 and the AMF 115 employing a 5G Location Services Application Protocol (LCS AP), and can be transferred between the AMF 115 and the UE 105 employing a 5G Non-Access Stratum (NAS) protocol. The LPP and / or NPP protocol can be used to support positioning of the UE 105 employing UE-assisted and / or UE-based position methods, such as A-GNSS, RTK, OTDOA, and / or E-CID. The NRPPa protocol can be used to support positioning of the UE 105 employing network-based position methods, e.g., E-CID (e.g., when used in conjunction with measurements obtained by the gNB 110a, 110b or ng-eNB 114), and / or can be used by the LMF 120 to obtain location related information from the gNBs 110a, 110b and / or ng-eNB 114, such as parameters defining directional SS transmissions from the gNBs 110a, 110b and / or ng-eNB 114. The LMF 120 can be co-located or integrated with a gNB or TRP, or can be disposed at a remote location relative to the gNBs and / or TRPs and configured to communicate directly or indirectly with the gNBs and / or TRPs.

[0053] With UE-assisted position methods, the UE 105 can obtain location measurements and send the measurements to a location server (e.g., LMF 120) for computation of a location estimate for the UE 105. For example, the location measurements can include one or more of a received signal strength indication (RSSI), round trip signal propagation time (RTT), reference signal time difference (RSTD), reference signal received power (RSRP), and / or reference signal received quality (RSRQ) for gNBs 110a, 110b, ng-eNB 114, and / or WLAN APs. The location measurements can also or alternatively include measurements of GNSS pseudo-range, code phase, and / or carrier phase for SVs 190-193.

[0054] With a UE-based position method, the UE 105 can obtain location measurements (e.g., which can be the same as or similar to location measurements for a UE-assisted position method) and can calculate a position of the UE 105 (e.g., with assistance data received from a location server (e.g., LMF 120) or broadcast by a gNB 110a, 110b, ng-eNB 114, or other base station or AP).

[0055] With a network-based position method, one or more base stations (e.g., gNBs 110a, 110b, and / or ng-eNB 114) or APs can obtain location measurements (e.g., measurements of RSSI, RTT, RSRP, RSRQ, or time of arrival (ToA) for signals transmitted by the UE 105) and / or can receive measurements obtained by the UE 105. The one or more base stations or APs can send the measurements to a location server (e.g., LMF 120) for calculation of a position estimate for the UE 105.

[0056] Information provided by the gNBs 110a, 110b, and / or ng-eNB 114 to the LMF 120 using NRPPa can include timing and configuration information for directional SS transmissions and location coordinates. The LMF 120 can provide some or all of this information to the UE 105 as assistance data in LPP and / or NPP messages via the NG-RAN 135 and 5GC 140.

[0057] An LPP or NPP message sent from the LMF 120 to the UE 105 can instruct the UE 105 to do any of a variety of things, depending on the desired functionality. For example, the LPP or NPP message can contain instructions for the UE 105 to obtain measurements for GNSS (or A-GNSS), WLAN, E-CID, and / or OTDOA (or some other position method). For E-CID, the LPP or NPP message can instruct the UE 105 to obtain one or more measurement quantities (e.g., beam ID, beam width, mean angle, RSRP, RSRQ measurements) for directional signals transmitted within a particular cell supported by one or more of the gNBs 110a, 110b, and / or ng-eNB 114 (or by some other type of base station such as an eNB or WiFi Ap). The UE 105 can send the measurement quantities back to the LMF 120 in LPP or NPP messages (e.g., within 5G NAS messages) via the serving gNB 110a (or serving ng-eNB 114) and AMF 115.

[0058] As noted, although the communication system 100 is described in connection with 5G technology, the communication system 100 can be implemented to support other communication technologies, such as GSM, WCDMA, LTE, etc., for supporting and interacting with mobile devices (e.g., UE 105) (e.g., to implement voice, data, location, and other functions). In some such embodiments, 5GC 140 can be configured to control different air interfaces. For example, 5GC 140 can employ non-3GPP interoperability functions (N3IWF) in 5GC 140. Figure 1 (Not shown) Connects to a WLAN. For example, the WLAN may support IEEE 802.11 WiFi access for UE 105 and may include one or more WiFi APs. Here, the N3IWF may connect to the WLAN and may also connect to other components in the 5GC140, such as the AMF 115. In some embodiments, both the NG-RAN 135 and the 5GC 140 may be replaced by one or more other RANs and one or more other core networks. For example, in an EPS, the NG-RAN 135 may be replaced by an E-UTRAN containing eNBs, and the 5GC 140 may be replaced by an EPC containing a Mobility Management Entity (MME) replacing the AMF 115, an E-SMLC replacing the LMF 120, and a GMLC similar to the GMLC 125. In such an EPS, the E-SMLC may use LPPa instead of NRPPa to send location information to and receive location information from the eNBs in the E-UTRAN, and may use LPP to support the positioning of UE 105. In these other embodiments, the location of UE 105 using directional PRS can be supported in a manner similar to that described herein for 5G networks, the difference being that the functions and procedures described herein for gNB 110a, 110b, ng-eNB 114, AMF 115 and LMF 120 can, in some cases, be alternatively applied to other network elements, such as eNB, WiFi AP, MME and E-SMLC.

[0059] As noted, in some embodiments, at least in part, the UE located at the location to be determined (e.g., Figure 1 The UE (105) uses directional SS beams transmitted by base stations within its range (e.g., gNB 110a, 110b and / or ng-eNB 114) to perform positioning. In some cases, the UE may use directional SS beams from multiple base stations (e.g., gNB 110a, 110b and / or ng-eNB 114, etc.) to calculate the UE's location.

[0060] refer to Figure 2, the UE 200 is an example of one of the UEs 105, 106 and includes a computing platform having a processor 210, a memory 211 containing software (SW) 212, one or more sensors 213, a transceiver interface 214 for a transceiver 215 (including a wireless transceiver 240 and a wired transceiver 250), a user interface 216, a satellite positioning system (SPS) receiver 217, a camera 218, and a positioning device (PD) 219. The processor 210, the memory 211, the sensors 213, the transceiver interface 214, the user interface 216, the SPS receiver 217, the camera 218, and the positioning device (PD) 219 can be communicatively coupled to each other by a bus 220, which can be configured for optical and / or electrical communication, for example. One or more of the illustrated devices (e.g., the camera 218, the positioning device 219, and / or the one or more sensors 213, etc.) can be omitted from the UE 200. The processor 210 can include one or more intelligent hardware devices, e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a microcontroller, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc. The processor 210 can include multiple processors including a general-purpose / application processor 230, a digital signal processor (DSP) 231, a modem processor 232, a video processor 233, and / or a sensor processor 234. One or more of the processors 230-234 can include multiple devices (e.g., a plurality of processors). For example, the sensor processor 234 can include a processor for RF (radio frequency) sensing (in which one or more transmitted (cellular) wireless signals and reflections are employed to identify, map, and / or track objects) and / or ultrasound, etc. The modem processor 232 can support dual SIM / dual connectivity (and even more SIMs). For example, one SIM (subscriber identity module or subscriber identification module) can be used by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and the other can be used by an end user of the UE 200 to implement connectivity. The memory 211 is a non-transitory storage medium that can include random access memory (RAM), flash memory, disc storage, and / or read-only memory (ROM), etc. The memory 211 stores the software 212, which can be processor-readable and processor-executable software code containing instructions that are configured to, when executed, cause the processor 210 to perform various functions described herein. Alternatively, the software 212 can not be directly executable by the processor 210 but can be configured to, for example, when compiled and executed, cause the processor 210 to perform the functions. The description can refer to the processor 210 executing the software, but this is an abstraction that refers to the execution of the instructions by one or more of the processors 230-234.The description can refer to performing functions by the UE 200, which is a shorthand way of saying that one or more appropriate components of the UE 200 perform the functions. The processor 210 can include memory having stored instructions in addition to and / or in place of the memory 211. The functions of the processor 210 will be discussed more fully below.

[0061] Figure 2 The illustrated configuration of the UE 200 is an example of the present disclosure including the claims and not a limitation of the present disclosure, and other configurations can be used. For example, an example configuration of the UE includes one or more of the processors 230-234 of the processor 210, the memory 211, and the wireless transceiver 240. Other example configurations include one or more of the processors 230-234 of the processor 210, the memory 211, the wireless transceiver, one or more of the sensors 213, the user interface 216, the SPS receiver 217, the camera 218, the PD 219, and / or the wired transceiver.

[0062] The UE 200 can include a modem 232 that is capable of performing baseband processing of signals received and down-converted by the transceiver 215 and / or the SPS receiver 217. The modem processor 232 can perform baseband processing of signals that are to be up-converted for transmission by the transceiver 215. Additionally or alternatively, baseband processing can be performed by the processor 230 and / or the DSP 231. However, other configurations can be employed to perform baseband processing.

[0063] The UE 200 can include sensors 213, for example, the sensors 213 can include one or more different types of sensors, such as one or more inertial sensors, one or more magnetometers, one or more environmental sensors, one or more optical sensors, one or more weight sensors, and / or one or more radio frequency (RF) sensors, etc. An inertial measurement unit (IMU) can include, for example, one or more accelerometers (e.g., collectively responsive to acceleration of the UE 200 in three dimensions) and / or one or more gyroscopes (e.g., three-dimensional gyroscopes). The sensors 213 can include one or more magnetometers (e.g., three-dimensional magnetometers) to determine orientation (e.g., relative to magnetic and / or true north), which can be used for any of a wide variety of purposes, such as to support one or more compass applications. Environmental sensors can include, for example, one or more temperature sensors, one or more barometric pressure sensors, one or more ambient light sensors, one or more camera imagers, and / or one or more microphones, etc. The sensors 213 can generate analog and / or digital signals indications that can be stored into the memory 211 and processed by the DSP 231 and / or the processor 230 to support one or more applications, such as applications related to positioning and / or navigation operations.

[0064] Sensor 213 can be used for relative position measurement, relative position determination, motion determination, etc. Information detected by sensor 213 can be used for motion detection, relative displacement, dead reckoning, sensor-based position determination, and / or sensor-assisted position determination. Sensor 213 can be used to determine whether UE 200 is fixed (stationary) or mobile, and / or to determine whether to report certain useful information about mobility of UE 200 to LMF 120. For example, based on information obtained / measured by sensor 213, UE 200 can inform or report to LMF 120 that UE 200 has detected or has experienced a movement, and report a relative displacement / distance (e.g., by dead reckoning, or by sensor-based position determination, or sensor-assisted position determination implemented by sensor 213). In another example, to obtain relative positioning information, sensor / IMU can be employed to determine an angle and / or orientation of other devices relative to UE 200, etc.

[0065] An IMU can be configured to provide measurements about a direction of motion and / or a speed of motion of UE 200, which can be used for relative position determination. For example, one or more accelerometers and / or one or more gyroscopes of the IMU can detect linear acceleration and rotational velocity of UE 200, respectively. Linear acceleration and rotational velocity measurements of UE 200 can be integrated over time to determine an instantaneous direction of motion and a displacement of UE 200. The instantaneous direction of motion and displacement can be integrated to track a position of UE 200. For example, a reference position of UE 200 at a certain time can be determined using SPS receiver 217 (and / or by some other means), and measurements from the accelerometers and gyroscopes taken after this time can be used for dead reckoning to determine a current position of UE 200 based on movement (direction and distance) of UE 200 relative to the reference position.

[0066] A magnetometer can determine magnetic field strength in different directions, which can be used to determine an orientation of UE 200. For example, the orientation can be used to provide a digital compass for UE 200. A magnetometer can include a two-dimensional magnetometer configured to detect and provide an indication of magnetic field strength in two orthogonal dimensions. A magnetometer can include a three-dimensional magnetometer configured to detect and provide an indication of magnetic field strength in three orthogonal dimensions. A magnetometer can provide a means for sensing a magnetic field and providing an indication of the magnetic field to, for example, processor 210.

[0067] Transceiver 215 may include a wireless transceiver 240 and a wired transceiver 250, configured to communicate with other devices via wireless and wired connections, respectively. For example, wireless transceiver 240 may include a wireless transmitter 242 and a wireless receiver 244, coupled to antenna 246, to transmit (e.g., on one or more uplink channels and / or one or more sidelink channels) and / or receive (e.g., on one or more downlink channels and / or one or more sidelink channels) wireless signals 248, and to convert signals from wireless signals 248 into wired (e.g., electrical and / or optical) signals and from wired (e.g., electrical and / or optical) signals into wireless signals 248. Thus, wireless transmitter 242 may include multiple transmitters, which may be discrete components or combined / integrated components, and / or wireless receiver 244 may include multiple receivers, which may be discrete components or combined / integrated components. The wireless transceiver 240 can be configured to communicate signals according to a variety of radio access technologies (RATs) (e.g., with RPTs and / or one or more other devices). For example, the RAT may be 5G New Radio (NR), GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications), UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System), AMPS (Advanced Mobile Telephone System), CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access), WCDMA (Wideband CDMA), LTE (Long Term Evolution), LTE Direct (LTE-D), 3GPP LTE-V2X (PC5), IEEE 802.11 (including IEEE 802.11p), WiFi, and WiFi Direct (WiFi-D). Zigbee, etc. The new radio interface can employ millimeter-wave frequencies and / or sub-6 GHz frequencies. Wired transceiver 250 may include a wired transmitter 252 and a wired receiver 254 configured for wired communication, for example, a network interface that can be used to communicate with NG-RAN 135 to transmit and receive communications to and from NG-RAN 135. Wired transmitter 252 may include multiple transmitters, which may be discrete components or combined / integrated components, and / or wired receiver 254 may include multiple receivers, which may be discrete components or combined / integrated components. Wired transceiver 250 may be configured for, for example, optical and / or electrical communication. Transceiver 215 may be communicatively coupled to transceiver interface 214, for example, via optical and / or electrical connections. Transceiver interface 214 may be at least partially integrated with transceiver 215. The wireless transmitter 242, the wireless receiver 244, and / or the antenna 246 may each include multiple transmitters, multiple receivers, and / or multiple antennas, thereby transmitting and / or receiving appropriate signals respectively.

[0068] The user interface 216 can include one or more of several devices, such as a speaker, microphone, display, vibratory device, keyboard, touch screen, and the like. The user interface 216 can include more than one of any of these devices. The user interface 216 can be configured to enable a user to interact with one or more applications hosted by the UE 200. For example, the user interface 216 can store indications of analog and / or digital signals into the memory 211 for processing by the DSP 231 and / or general processor 230 in response to actions from a user. Similarly, applications hosted on the UE 200 can store indications of analog and / or digital signals into the memory 211, presenting output signals to the user. The user interface 216 can include audio input / output (I / O) devices including, for example, a speaker, microphone, digital-to-analog circuitry, analog-to-digital circuitry, amplifiers, and / or gain control circuitry, including more than one of any of these devices. Other configurations of audio I / O devices can be employed. Also or alternatively, the user interface 216 can include one or more touch sensors that respond to touches and / or pressures on, for example, a keyboard and / or touch screen of the user interface 216.

[0069] The SPS receiver 217 (e.g., a global positioning system (GPS) receiver) can be capable of receiving and acquiring SPS signals 260 via an SPS antenna 262. The SPS antenna 262 is configured to convert SPS signals 260 from wireless signals to wired signals (e.g., electrical or optical signals) and can be integrated with the antenna 246. The SPS receiver 217 can be configured to process acquired SPS signals 260, in whole or in part, to estimate a location of the UE 200. For example, the SPS receiver 217 can be configured to employ SPS signals 260 to determine a location of the UE 200 through trilateration. The acquired SPS signals can be processed, in whole or in part, with the general processor 230, memory 211, DSP 231, and / or one or more special purpose processors (not shown), and / or the estimated location of the UE 200 can be computed in cooperation with the SPS receiver 217. The memory 211 can store indications (e.g., measurements) of SPS signals 260 and / or other signals (e.g., signals acquired from the wireless transceiver 240) for use in performing positioning operations. The general processor 230, DSP 231, and / or one or more special purpose processors and / or memory 211 can provide or support a location engine for processing measurements to estimate a location of the UE 200.

[0070] The UE 200 can include a camera 218 for capturing still or moving images. The camera 218 can include, for example, an imaging sensor (e.g., a charge-coupled device or CMOS imager), a lens, analog circuitry, a frame buffer, etc. Additional processing, conditioning, encoding, and / or compression of signals representing captured images can be performed by the general-purpose processor 230 and / or the DSP 231. Also or alternatively, the video processor 233 can perform conditioning, encoding, compression, and / or manipulation of signals representing captured images. The video processor 233 can decode / decompress stored image data for presentation on a display device (not shown), e.g., of the user interface 216.

[0071] The positioning device (PD) 219 can be configured to determine a location of the UE 200, a motion of the UE 200, and / or a relative location and / or time of the UE 200. For example, the PD 219 can communicate with and / or include some or all of the SPS receiver 217. The PD 219 can be suitably coordinated with the processor 210 and the memory 211 to perform at least a portion of one or more positioning methods, although the description herein can refer to the PD 219 being configured to operate according to the positioning methods or to the PD 219 being operating according to the positioning methods. In addition or alternatively, the PD 219 can be configured to employ terrestrial-based signals (e.g., at least some of the signals 248) to determine a location of the UE 200 for trilateration, to assist in acquisition and use of SPS signals 260, or for both. The PD 219 can be configured to determine a location of the UE 200 based on a cell (e.g., a cell center) of a serving base station and / or other techniques (e.g., E-CID). The PD 219 can be configured to employ image recognition of one or more images from the camera 218 in combination with known landmark (e.g., natural landmarks such as mountains and / or man-made landmarks such as buildings, bridges, streets, etc.) locations to determine a location of the UE 200. The PD 219 can be configured to employ one or more other techniques (e.g., relying on a self-reported location of the UE (e.g., part of a location beacon of the UE)) to determine a location of the UE 200, and can use a combination of techniques (e.g., SPS and terrestrial positioning signals) to determine a location of the UE 200. The PD 219 can include one or more of the sensors 213 (e.g., a gyroscope, an accelerometer, a magnetometer, etc.) that can sense an orientation and / or motion of the UE 200 and provide an indication thereof, and the processor 210 (e.g., the processor 230 and / or the DSP 231) can be configured to employ the indication to determine a motion (e.g., a velocity vector and / or an acceleration vector) of the UE 200. The PD 219 can be configured to provide an indication of an uncertainty and / or error in a determined location and / or motion. The functionality of the PD 219 can be provided in a variety of ways and / or configurations, e.g., by the general / application processor 230, the transceiver 215, the SPS receiver 217, and / or other components of the UE 200, and the functionality of the PD 219 can be provided by hardware, software, firmware, or various combinations thereof.

[0072] Reference is also made to Figure 3The example of a TRP 300 of a gNB 110a, 110b and / or ng-eNB 114 includes a computing platform having a processor 310, a memory 311 having software (SW) 312, and a transceiver 315. The processor 310, memory 311, and transceiver 315 can be communicatively coupled to each other by a bus 320, which can be configured for optical and / or electrical communication, for example. One or more of the illustrated devices (e.g., wireless interface) can be omitted from the TRP 300. The processor 310 can include one or more intelligent hardware devices, e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a microcontroller, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc. The processor 310 can include multiple processors (e.g., including both general-purpose / application processors and DSPs). The processor 310 can be configured to execute software 312 (e.g., an operating system, an application programming interface, and / or client applications) stored in the memory 311 to Figure 2 The memory 311 is a non-transitory storage medium that can include random access memory (RAM), flash memory, disc storage, and / or read-only memory (ROM) among others. The memory 311 stores the software 312, which is processor-readable and processor-executable software code containing instructions that are configured to, when executed, cause the processor 310 to perform various functions described herein. Alternatively, the software 312 can not be directly executable by the processor 310 but can be configured to, e.g., when compiled and executed, cause the processor 310 to perform the functions.

[0073] The description can refer to the processor 310 executing the functions, but this includes other implementations such as the processor 310 executing software and / or firmware. The description can refer to the processor 310 executing the functions as a shorthand way of referring to one or more of the processors contained in the processor 310 performing the functions. The description can refer to the TRP 300 executing the functions as a shorthand way of referring to one or more appropriate components (e.g., the processor 310 and the memory 311) of the TRP 300 (and thus of one of the gNBs 110a, 110b and / or ng-eNB 114) performing the functions. The processor 310 can include memory having stored instructions in addition to and / or in place of the memory 311. The functions of the processor 310 will be discussed more fully below.

[0074] The transceiver 315 can include a wireless transceiver 340 and / or a wired transceiver 350 configured to communicate with other devices through wireless and wired connections, respectively. For example, the wireless transceiver 340 can include a wireless transmitter 342 and a wireless receiver 344 coupled to one or more antennas 346, so as to transmit (e.g., on one or more uplink channels and / or one or more downlink channels) and / or receive (e.g., on one or more downlink channels and / or one or more uplink channels) wireless signals 348 and convert the signals from the wireless signals 348 to wired (e.g., electrical and / or optical) signals and from wired (e.g., electrical and / or optical) signals to the wireless signals 348. As such, the wireless transmitter 342 can include multiple transmitters, which can be discrete components or combined / integrated components, and / or the wireless receiver 344 can include multiple receivers, which can be discrete components or combined / integrated components. The wireless transceiver 340 can be configured to communicate signals (e.g., with the UE 200, one or more UEs, and / or one or more other devices) in accordance with a variety of radio access technologies (RATs), e.g., 5G New Radio (NR), GSM (Global System for Mobiles), UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunication System), AMPS (Advanced Mobile Phone System), CDMA (Code Zigbee, etc. The wired transceiver 350 can include a wired transmitter 352 and a wired receiver 354 configured to communicate wired communications, e.g., a network interface that can be used to communicate with the NG-RAN 135 to transmit communications to and receive communications from, e.g., the LMF 120 and / or one or more other network entities. The wired transmitter 352 can include multiple transmitters, which can be discrete components or combined / integrated components, and / or the wired receiver 354 can include multiple receivers, which can be discrete components or combined / integrated components. The wired transceiver 350 can be configured for, e.g., optical and / or electrical communications.

[0075] Figure 3The configuration of TRP 300 shown is an example of this disclosure, including the claims, and not a limitation thereof, and other configurations may be used. For example, the description herein discusses that TRP 300 is configured to perform or perform several functions, but one or more of these functions may be performed by LMF 120 and / or UE 200 (i.e., LMF 120 and / or UE 200 may be configured to perform one or more of these functions).

[0076] Also refer to Figure 4 Server 400 (LMF 120 is an example thereof) includes a computing platform with processor 410, memory 411 with software (SW) 412, and transceiver 415. Processor 410, memory 411, and transceiver 415 can be communicatively coupled to each other via bus 420 (which can be configured for, for example, optical and / or electrical communication). One or more of the devices shown (e.g., wireless interface) may be omitted from server 400. Processor 410 may include one or more intelligent hardware devices, such as a central processing unit (CPU), microcontroller, application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc. Processor 410 may include multiple processors (e.g., including...). Figure 2 (The general-purpose / application processor, DSP, modem processor, video processor, and / or sensor processor shown). Memory 411 is a non-transitory storage medium, which may include random access memory (RAM), flash memory, disk storage, and / or read-only memory (ROM), etc. Memory 411 stores software 412, which may be processor-readable and processor-executable software code containing instructions configured to cause processor 410 to perform the various functions described herein when executed. Alternatively, software 412 may not be executed directly by processor 410, but may be configured (e.g., during compilation and execution) to cause processor 410 to perform the functions. The description may relate to the execution of functions by processor 410, but this includes other implementations, such as the execution of software and / or firmware by processor 410. The description may relate to the execution of functions by processor 410, which is a simplified expression of the execution of functions by one or more of the processors included in processor 410. The description may relate to the execution of functions by server 400, which is a simplified expression of the execution of functions by one or more suitable components of server 400. Processor 410 may include memory containing stored instructions, in addition to memory 411 and / or as an alternative to memory 411. The functionality of processor 410 will be discussed in more detail below.

[0077] The transceiver 415 can include a wireless transceiver 440 and / or a wired transceiver 450 configured to communicate with other devices over wireless and wired connections, respectively. For example, the wireless transceiver 440 can include a wireless transmitter 442 and a wireless receiver 444 coupled to one or more antennas 446 so as to transmit (e.g., on one or more downlink channels) and / or receive (e.g., on one or more uplink channels) wireless signals 448 and convert the signals from and to wired (e.g., electrical and / or optical) signals. As such, the wireless transmitter 442 can include multiple transmitters, which can be discrete components or combined / integrated components, and / or the wireless receiver 444 can include multiple receivers, which can be discrete components or combined / integrated components. The wireless transceiver 440 can be configured to communicate signals (e.g., with the UE 200, one or more UEs, and / or one or more other devices) in accordance with a variety of radio access technologies (RATs) such as, for example, 5G New Radio (NR), GSM (Global System for Mobiles), UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunication System), AMPS (Advanced Mobile Phone System), CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access), WCDMA (Wideband CDMA), LTE (Long-Term Evolution), LTE Direct (LTE-D), 3GPP LTE-V2X (PC5), IEEE 802.11 (including IEEE 802.11p), WiFi, WiFi Direct (WiFi-D), Bluetooth®, Zigbee, etc. The wired transceiver 450 can include a wired transmitter 452 and a wired receiver 454 configured to communicate wired communications, such as a network interface that can be used to communicate with the NG-RAN 135 to transmit communications to and receive communications from, for example, the TRP 300 and / or one or more other network entities. The wired transmitter 452 can include multiple transmitters, which can be discrete components or combined / integrated components, and / or the wired receiver 454 can include multiple receivers, which can be discrete components or combined / integrated components. The wired transceiver 450 can be configured for, for example, optical and / or electrical communications. Zigbee, etc. The wired transceiver 450 can include a wired transmitter 452 and a wired receiver 454 configured to communicate wired communications, such as a network interface that can be used to communicate with the NG-RAN 135 to transmit communications to and receive communications from, for example, the TRP 300 and / or one or more other network entities. The wired transmitter 452 can include multiple transmitters, which can be discrete components or combined / integrated components, and / or the wired receiver 454 can include multiple receivers, which can be discrete components or combined / integrated components. The wired transceiver 450 can be configured for, for example, optical and / or electrical communications.

[0078] The description herein can refer to the processor 410 performing a function, but this includes other implementations such as the processor 410 executing software (stored in the memory 411) and / or firmware. The description herein can refer to the server 400 performing a function as a shorthand way of saying that one or more appropriate components of the server 400 (e.g., the processor 410 and the memory 411) perform the function.

[0079] Figure 4The illustrated configuration of the server 400 is an example of the present disclosure, including the claims, and not a limitation of the present disclosure, and other configurations can be used. For example, the wireless transceiver 440 can be omitted. Also or alternatively, the description herein discusses the server 400 being configured to perform or performing several functions, but one or more of these functions can be performed by the TRP 300 and / or the UE 200 (i.e., the TRP 300 and / or the UE 200 can be configured to perform one or more of these functions).

[0080] Positioning techniques

[0081] For terrestrial positioning of UEs in cellular networks, techniques such as Advanced Forward Link Trilateration (AFLT) and Observed Time Difference of Arrival (OTDOA) tend to work in a "UE-assisted" mode in which measurements are made by the UE of reference signals (e.g., PRS, CRS, etc.) transmitted by base stations and the measurements are provided to a location server. The location of the UE is then computed by the location server based on the measurements and known locations of the base stations. Since these techniques use a location server rather than the UE itself to compute the location of the UE, these positioning techniques are less commonly used in applications such as car or cellular phone navigation, which instead typically rely on satellite-based positioning.

[0082] A UE can use a Satellite Positioning System (SPS) (Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)) for high-accuracy positioning with Precise Point Positioning (PPP) or Real Time Kinematic (RTK) techniques. These techniques employ assistance data, e.g., measurements from ground-based stations. LTE Release 15 allows encryption of the data, thus enabling only UEs that subscribe to the service to read the information. Such assistance data varies over time. Thus, a UE that subscribes to the service can not easily "crack the encryption" by passing the data to other UEs that do not subscribe by paying. The passing would have to be repeated each time the assistance data changes.

[0083] In UE-assisted positioning, the UE sends measurements (e.g., TDOA, Angle of Arrival (AOA), etc.) to the location server (e.g., LMF / eSMLC). The location server has a Base Station Almanac (BSA) that includes a plurality of "entries" or "records", one record per cell, where each record contains not only the geographic cell location but can also include other data. A reference to an identifier of a "record" in the BSA can be made. The BSA and measurements from the UE can be used to compute the location of the UE.

[0084] In conventional UE-based positioning, the UE computes its own position, thus avoiding sending measurements to the network (e.g., location server), which in turn improves latency and scalability. The UE employs relevant BSA record information (e.g., locations of gNBs (more generally, base stations)) from the network. The BSA information can be encrypted. But because the BSA information changes much less frequently than, for example, the PPP or RTK assistance data described earlier, it can be more easily made available to UEs that have not subscribed to and paid for the decryption key (as compared to the PPP or RTK information). Transmission of reference signals by gNBs makes it possible for the BSA information to be accessed by crowd-sourcing or war-driving, thus enabling the BSA information to be generated based on in-the-field and / or over-the-top observations.

[0085] Positioning techniques can be characterized and / or evaluated based on one or more criteria such as position determination accuracy and / or latency. Latency is the time that elapses between an event that triggers determination of position-related data and the availability of that data at a positioning system interface (e.g., an interface of LMF 120). The latency with respect to availability of the position-related data at the time of initialization of the positioning system is referred to as time-to-first-fix (TTFF), and the latency after more than TTFF. The inverse of the time that elapses between availability of two successive position-related data is referred to as update rate, i.e., the rate at which position-related data is generated after the first fix. Latency can depend on processing capability (e.g., of the UE). For example, assuming 272 PRB (physical resource block) allocation, the UE can report a duration of DL PRS symbols in time (e.g., milliseconds) that the UE is capable of processing per T amount of time (e.g., T milliseconds) as a processing capability of the UE. Other examples of capabilities that can affect latency are a number of TRPs from which the UE is capable of processing PRS, a number of PRS that the UE is capable of processing, and a bandwidth of the UE.

[0086] The position of an entity (e.g., one of the UEs 105, 106) can be determined using one or more of a number of different positioning techniques (also referred to as positioning methods). For example, known position determination techniques include RTT, multi-RTT, OTDOA (also referred to as TDOA and including UL-TDOA and DL-TDOA), enhanced cell identification (E-CID), DL-AoD, UL-AoA, etc. RTT uses the time taken for a signal to travel from one entity to another and back to determine a range between the two entities. This range, together with a known position of a first of the entities and an angle (e.g., azimuth angle) between the two entities, can be used to determine a position of a second of the entities. In multi-RTT (also referred to as multi-cell RTT), multiple ranges from one entity (e.g., a UE) to several other entities (e.g., TRPs) and known positions of the other entities can be used to determine a position of the one entity. In TDOA techniques, differences in propagation times between one entity and each of several other entities can be used to determine a relative range from the other entities, and these, in combination with known positions of the other entities, can be used to determine a position of the one entity. Angle of arrival and angle of departure can be used to assist in determination of entity positions. For example, an angle of arrival or angle of departure of a signal, in combination with a range between devices (determined using, e.g., signal propagation times, signal received power, etc.) and a known position of one of the devices can be used to determine a position of the other device. The angle of arrival or angle of departure can be an azimuth angle relative to a reference direction (e.g., true north). The angle of arrival or angle of departure can be a zenith angle relative to directly upward from an entity (i.e., relative to radially outward from the center of the Earth). E-CID uses the identity of a serving cell, a timing advance (i.e., a difference between a reception time and a transmission time at the UE), estimated timing and power of detected neighbor cell signals, and possibly an angle of arrival (e.g., of a signal at the UE from a base station (or vice versa)) to determine a position of the UE. In TDOA, differences in times of arrival of signals from different sources at a receiving device, together with known positions of the sources and known offsets of transmission times from the sources, are used to determine a position of the receiving device.

[0087] In network-centric RTT estimation, the serving base station instructs the UE to scan / receive RTT measurement signals (e.g., PRS) on the serving cells of two or more neighboring base stations (and usually the serving base station, as at least three base stations are required). These one or more base stations transmit the RTT measurement signals on low-reuse resources (e.g., resources used by the base stations to transmit system information) allocated by the network (e.g., a location server, such as LMF 120). The UE records the arrival time (also referred to as reception time, received time, or time of arrival (ToA)) of each RTT measurement signal relative to the UE's current downlink timing (e.g., derived by the UE from the DL signal received from its own serving base station), and (e.g., when instructed by its serving base station) sends a shared or individual RTT response message (e.g., an SRS (Sound Reference Signal) for positioning, i.e., UL-PRS) to the one or more base stations. The time difference T between the ToA of the RTT measurement signal and the transmission time of the RTT response message can be used to calculate the time difference. Rx→Tx (i.e., UE T) Rx-Tx or UE Rx-Tx The time to arrival (ToA) of the RTT response is included in the payload of each RTT response message. The RTT response message will include a reference signal from which the base station can derive the ToA of the RTT response. This is achieved by comparing the transmission time of the RTT measurement signal from the base station with the difference T between the transmission time and the ToA of the RTT response at that base station. Tx→Rx Time difference T with UE report Rx→Tx By comparison, the base station can deduce the propagation time between the base station and the UE. By assuming that this propagation time is equal to the speed of light, the base station can determine the distance between the UE and the base station.

[0088] The UE-centric RTT estimation is similar to the network-based method described above, except that the UE sends an uplink RTT measurement signal (e.g., upon instruction from a serving base station), which is received by multiple base stations in the UE's neighborhood. Each involved base station responds with a downlink RTT response message, which may include the time difference between the ToA of the RTT measurement signal at that base station and the transmission time of the RTT response message from that base station in the RTT response message payload.

[0089] For both network-centric and UE-centric processes, the side performing RTT calculation (network or UE) typically (though not always) sends a first message or signal (e.g., an RTT measurement signal), while the other side responds with one or more RTT response messages or signals, which may include the difference between the ToA of the first message or signal and the transmission time of the RTT response message or signal.

[0090] Multi-RTT techniques can be employed to determine a position. For example, a first entity (e.g., a UE) can send one or more signals (e.g., unicast, multicast, or broadcast from a base station) and multiple second entities (e.g., other TSPs, such as base stations and / or UEs) can receive the signals from the first entity and respond to this reception. The first entity receives the responses from the multiple second entities. The first entity (or another entity, such as an LMF) can employ the responses from the second entities to determine ranges from the second entities and can employ the multiple ranges and known positions of the second entities to determine a position of the first entity through trilateration.

[0091] In some cases, additional information in the form of an angle of arrival (AoA) or angle of departure (AoD) can be obtained, which define a straight line direction (which can be in a horizontal plane or in three dimensions) or possibly a range of directions (e.g., for a UE’s position relative to base stations). The intersection of two directions can provide another estimate of the UE’s position.

[0092] For positioning techniques that use PRS (positioning reference signal) signals (e.g., TDOA and RTT), PRS signals transmitted by multiple TRPs are measured and the times of arrival of these signals, known times of transmission, and known positions of the TRPs are employed to determine ranges from the UE to the TRPs. For example, an RSTD (reference signal time difference) can be determined for PRS signals received from multiple TRPs and employed in TDOA techniques to determine a position (location) of the UE. Positioning reference signals can be referred to as PRS or PRS signals. PRS signals are typically transmitted with the same power, and PRS signals with the same signal characteristics (e.g., same frequency shift) can interfere with each other such that PRS signals from closer TRPs can drown out PRS signals from farther TRPs, and thus the signals from the farther TRPs can not be detectable. PRS muting can be employed to help reduce interference by muting some PRS signals (reducing the power of the PRS signals to, e.g., zero, and thus not transmitting the PRS signals). In this way, weaker (at the UE) PRS signals can be more easily detected by the UE in the absence of interference of the stronger PRS signals with the weaker PRS signals. The term RS and its variants (e.g., PRS, SRS, CSI-RS (channel state information - reference signal)) can refer to one reference signal or more than one reference signal.

[0093] Positioning Reference Signals (PRS) include Downlink PRS (DL PRS, often simply referred to as PRS) and Uplink PRS (UL PRS) (which can be referred to as SRS (Sounding Reference Signal) for positioning). PRS can include or be generated with a PN code (Pseudo-Noise code) (e.g., by modulating a carrier signal with a PN code), such that the source of the PRS can act as a pseudolite. The PN code can be unique to the PRS source (at least within a specified area, such that there is no overlap of the same PRS from different PRS sources). PRS can include a PRS resource or PRS resource set of a frequency layer. A DL PRS positioning frequency layer (or simply frequency layer) is a set of DL PRS resource sets from one or more TRPs with PRS resources of the DL PRS resource sets having common parameters configured by higher layer parameters (DL-PRS-PositioningFrequencyLayer, DL-PRS-ResourceSet, and DL-PRS-Resource). Each frequency layer has a DL PRS subcarrier spacing (SCS) for the DL PRS resource sets and DL PRS resources in the frequency layer. Each frequency layer has a DL PRS cyclic prefix (CP) for the DL PRS resource sets and DL PRS resources in the frequency layer. In 5G, a resource block occupies 12 consecutive subcarriers and a specified number of symbols. Also, a DL PRS Point A parameter defines the frequency of a reference resource block (and the lowest subcarrier of the resource block), where DL PRS resources belonging to the same DL PRS resource set have the same Point A, and all DL PRS resource sets belonging to the same frequency layer have the same Point A. A frequency layer also has the same DL PRS bandwidth, the same starting PRB (and center frequency), the same comb size value (i.e., the frequency of PRS resource elements per symbol, such that every Nth resource element is a PRS resource element for Comb-N). A PRS resource set is identified by a PRS resource set ID and can be associated with a particular TRP (identified by a cell ID) transmitted by an antenna panel of a base station. A PRS resource ID in a PRS resource set can be associated with an omnidirectional signal and / or with a single beam (and / or beam ID) transmitted by a single base station (where a base station can transmit one or more beams). Each PRS resource of a PRS resource set can be transmitted on a different beam, and as such a PRS resource (or simply resource) can also be referred to as a beam. This does not have any implications about whether the base station and beam transmitting the PRS are known to the user.

[0094] A TRP can be configured (e.g., by instructions received from a server and / or by software in the TRP) to transmit DL PRS according to a schedule. According to the schedule, the TRP can transmit DL PRS intermittently (e.g., periodically at consistent intervals from an initial transmission). The TRP can be configured to transmit one or more PRS resource sets. A resource set is a collection of PRS resources across one TRP, where the resources have the same periodicity, a common muting pattern configuration if any, and the same cross-slot repetition factor. Each of the PRS resource sets includes multiple PRS resources, where each PRS resource includes multiple resource elements (REs) that can be located in multiple resource blocks (RBs) within N (one or more) consecutive symbols within a slot. A RB is a collection of REs across a number of consecutive symbols in the time domain and a number (12 for a 5G RB) of consecutive subcarriers in the frequency domain. Each PRS resource is configured with a RE offset, a slot offset, a symbol offset within a slot, and a number of consecutive symbols within a slot that the PRS resource occupies. The RE offset defines a starting RE offset of a first symbol within the DL PRS resource in terms of frequency. The relative RE offsets of the remaining symbols within the DL PRS resource are defined based on the initial offset. The slot offset is a starting slot of the DL PRS resource relative to a corresponding resource set slot offset. The symbol offset determines a starting symbol within the starting slot for the DL PRS resource. The transmitted REs can be repeated across slots, where each transmission is referred to as a repetition, and thus there can be multiple repetitions in a PRS resource. The DL PRS resources in a DL PRS resource set are associated with the same TRP, and each DL PRS resource has a DL PRS resource ID. One DL PRS resource ID in a DL PRS resource set is associated with a single beam transmitted from a single TRP (although one TRP can transmit one or more beams).

[0095] A PRS resource can also be defined by a quasi co-location parameter and a starting PRB parameter. The quasi co-location (QCL) parameter can define any quasi co-location information of the DL PRS resource with other reference signals. The DL PRS can be configured to be QCL Type D with a DL PRS or SS / PBCH (synchronization signal / physical broadcast channel) block from a serving cell or a non-serving cell. The DL PRS can be configured to be QCL Type C with a SS / PBCH block from a serving cell or a non-serving cell. The starting PRB parameter defines a starting PRB index of the DL PRS resource relative to a reference Point A. The starting PRB index has a granularity of one PRB and can have a minimum value of 0 and a maximum value of 2176 PRBs.

[0096] A PRS resource set is a collection of PRS resources with the same periodicity, the same muting pattern configuration (if any), and the same cross-slot repetition factor. Each time all repetitions of all PRS resources of a PRS resource set are configured to be transmitted is referred to as an “instance.” Thus, an “instance” of a PRS resource set is a specified number of repetitions of each PRS resource and a specified number of PRS resources within the PRS resource set, and thus the instance is complete once the specified number of repetitions is transmitted for each of the specified number of PRS resources. An “instance” can also be referred to as an “occasion.” A UE can be provided a DL PRS configuration including a DL PRS transmission schedule to facilitate (and even enable) the UE to measure the DL PRS.

[0097] Multiple frequency layers of PRS can be aggregated to provide an effective bandwidth that individually is greater than any of the bandwidths of the layers. Multiple frequency layers of component carriers (which can be contiguous and / or separate) can be stitched and meet criteria (e.g., are quasi co-located (QCLed)) and have the same antenna port to provide a larger effective PRS bandwidth (for both DL PRS and UL PRS) resulting in increased time of arrival measurement accuracy. Stitching includes combining PRS over individual bandwidth segments into a single measurement such that the stitched PRS can be treated as having been obtained from a single measurement. Different frequency layers that meet QCLed have similar behavior allowing for stitching of PRS to obtain a larger effective bandwidth. The larger effective bandwidth (which can be referred to as the bandwidth of the aggregated PRS or the frequency bandwidth of the aggregated PRS) provides better time domain resolution (e.g., of TDOA). An aggregated PRS includes a collection of PRS resources, and each PRS resource of the aggregated PRS can be referred to as a PRS component, and each PRS component can be transmitted on a different component carrier, band, or frequency layer or on a different portion of the same band.

[0098] RTT positioning is an active positioning technique in that RTT employs positioning signals transmitted by a TRP to a UE or by a UE (participating in RTT positioning) to a TRP. A TRP can transmit a DL-PRS signal that is received by a UE, and a UE can transmit an SRS (sounding reference signal) signal that is received by multiple TRPs. A sounding reference signal can be referred to as an SRS or SRS signal. In 5G multi-RTT, co-located positioning can be employed with a UE in which the UE transmits a single UL-SRS for positioning that is received by multiple TRPs, rather than transmitting a separate UL-SRS for positioning for each TRP. TRPs participating in multi-RTT will typically search for UEs that are currently camped on the TRP (served UEs, where the TRP is the serving TRP) as well as UEs that are camped on neighboring TRPs (neighbor UEs). Neighbor TRPs can be individual TRPs of a single BTS (e.g., gNB), or can be one TRP of one BTS and one TRP of a separate BTS. For RTT positioning including multi-RTT positioning, the positioning signals used to determine RTT (and thus used to determine ranging between a UE and a TRP) can be the DL-PRS signals for positioning and the UL-SRS signals for positioning in a PRS / SRS pair that occur in close proximity in time, such that errors due to UE motion and / or UE clock drift and / or TRP clock drift are within acceptable limits. For example, the signals in a PRS / SRS pair for positioning can be transmitted from a TRP and a UE, respectively, within about 10 ms of each other. In cases where the SRS for positioning is transmitted by a UE and the PRS and SRS for positioning are communicated in close proximity in time, it has been found that radio frequency (RF) signal congestion (which can result in excessive noise, etc.) can result, especially in cases where many UEs are attempting positioning at the same time, and / or can result in computational congestion at a TRP attempting to measure many UEs at the same time.

[0099] RTT positioning can be UE-based or UE-assisted. In UE-based RTT, the UE 200 determines the RTT and corresponding range to each of the TRPs 300 and determines the position of the UE 200 based on the ranges to the TRPs 300 and the known positions of the TRPs 300. In UE-assisted RTT, the UE 200 measures the positioning signals and provides the measurement information to the TRPs 300, and the TRPs 300 determine the RTT and range. The TRPs 300 provide the range to a location server, e.g., the server 400, and the server determines the position of the UE 200, e.g., based on the ranges of different TRPs 300. The RTT and / or range can be determined by the TRP 300 that receives the signals from the UE 200, by this TRP 300 in combination with one or more other devices, e.g., one or more other TRPs 300 and / or the server 400, or by one or more devices other than the TRP 300 that receives the signals from the UE 200.

[0100] Various positioning techniques are supported in 5G NR. NR native positioning methods supported in 5G NR include DL-only, UL-only, and DL+UL positioning methods. Downlink-based positioning methods include DL-TDOA and DL-AoD. Uplink-based positioning methods include UL-TDOA and UL-AoA. Combined DL+UL positioning methods include RTT with one base station and RTT with multiple base stations (multi-RTT).

[0101] A position estimate (e.g., for a UE) can be referred to by other names, such as a position fix, a position, a location, a location fix, or a fix, among others. A position fix can be geodetic and include coordinates (e.g., latitude, longitude, and possibly altitude) or can be civic and include a street address, a postal address, or some other literal description of a location. A position fix can also be defined relative to some other known location or by an absolute term (e.g., using latitude, longitude, and possibly altitude). A position fix can include an expected error or uncertainty (e.g., by including an area or volume within which the position lies with some specified or default confidence).

[0102] A UE and a server (e.g., LMF) can engage in upper layer messaging, e.g., message exchange for handshaking, or message transfer, to provide, e.g., UE capabilities, assistance data for measuring reference signals, and / or location information (e.g., reference signal measurements, ranging, location estimates, etc.). For example, an LMF can request capabilities of a UE, e.g., support for E-CID, multi-RTT, DL-AoD, DL-TDOA, and / or UL positioning techniques. The UE responds to the request by providing capabilities of the UE with respect to one or more of the positioning techniques. As another example, a UE can send a request to an LMF for assistance data that is used by the UE to facilitate measurements and / or other processing of one or more reference signals for one or more positioning techniques, such as multi-RTT, DL-AoD, and / or DL-TDOA. The LMF can respond to the request by providing the assistance data to facilitate the measurements and / or processing of the one or more reference signals for the one or more positioning techniques. As another example, an LMF can request location information from a UE, e.g., with respect to E-CID, multi-RTT, DL-AoD, and / or DL-TDOA positioning techniques. The UE can respond by providing the requested location information with respect to one or more of the positioning techniques.

[0103] OTDOA-based positioning performance depends on the bandwidth (e.g., maximum bandwidth) and carrier frequency of the UE. The accuracy using OTDOA is affected by the time-bandwidth product, and thus the bandwidth of the UE affects the resolution that can be provided by the UE for OTDOA. The bandwidth of the UE can vary from UE to UE, but is typically fixed for each UE and can be reported by the UE to the LMF, although each UE can have different bandwidths for different radio technologies (e.g., WiFi vs. LTE vs. NR vs. Bluetooth®). In addition, different carrier frequencies can have different line-of-sight (LOS) paths due to different propagation for the different carrier frequencies. For example, FR2 (24.25 GHz - 52.6 GHz) typically has better and / or more LOS paths than FR1 (410 MHz - 7.125 GHz), but has higher losses.

[0104] AoD / AoA-based positioning performance can depend more on carrier frequency than bandwidth. Propagation can be more affected by carrier frequency than bandwidth, and thus AoD / AoA-based positioning performance can depend more on carrier frequency than bandwidth. AoD / AoA-based positioning can be more suitable for indoor positioning of a UE than outdoor positioning of the UE, e.g., due to more stringent outdoor requirements.

[0105] Layered beam search and measurement reporting

[0106] The UE can provide capabilities to one or more TRPs and one or more servers (e.g., LMFs) and is provided with multiple downlink reference signals for measurement. For example, DL-RS such as SSB (Synchronization Block), CSI-RS (Channel State Information-Reference Signal), TRS (Tracking Reference Signal), and / or PRS can be provided to the UE and measured by the UE. The UE can measure and report more measurements than are needed to determine the expected location information (e.g., a location estimate with the expected level of accuracy). Furthermore, not all measurements may be equally useful in determining location information. Therefore, this paper discusses techniques for selectively providing DL-RS, selectively measuring DL-RS, and / or selectively reporting location information based on DL-RS. Doing so can reduce overhead and / or improve power efficiency without significantly (if any) affecting the accuracy of location information determination.

[0107] refer to Figure 5 For further reference Figures 1-4 UE 500 includes a processor 510, an interface 520, and a memory 530 that are communicatively coupled to each other via a bus 540. UE 500 may include... Figure 5 The components shown may include one or more other components, such as Figure 2 Any of the components shown, and thus UE 200 can be an example of UE 500. For example, processor 510 may include one or more of the components of processor 210. Interface 520 may include one or more of the components of transceiver 215, such as wireless transmitter 242 and antenna 246, or wireless receiver 244 and antenna 246, or wireless transmitter 242, wireless receiver 244 and antenna 246. And or alternatively, interface 520 may include wired transmitter 252 and / or wired receiver 254. Memory 530 may have a similar configuration to memory 211, for example, including software with processor-readable instructions configured to cause processor 510 to perform functions.

[0108] The description herein may refer to functions performed by processor 510, but this includes other implementations, such as software (stored in memory 530) and / or firmware performed by processor 510. The description herein may also refer to functions performed by UE 500, which is a simplified expression of functions performed by one or more suitable components of UE 500 (e.g., processor 510 and memory 530). Processor 510 (potentially cooperating with memory 530 and, where appropriate, interface 520) includes a hierarchical reporting unit 550 configured to provide signaling that facilitates the selection of DL-RS and selectively reports DL-RS measurements. Hierarchical reporting unit 550 will be further discussed below, and UE 500 is configured to implement functions related to the hierarchical reporting unit 550. This description may refer to any function performed by processor 510 or UE 500 in general.

[0109] Also refer to Figure 6 Server 600 includes a processor 610, an interface 620, and a memory 630 that are communicatively coupled to each other via a bus 640. Server 600 (e.g., LMF) may include... Figure 6 The components shown may include one or more other components, such as Figure 4 Any of the components shown, and thus server 400 can be an example of server 600. For example, interface 620 may include one or more of the components of transceiver 415, such as wireless transmitter 442 and antenna 446 and / or wireless receiver 444 and antenna 446 and / or wired transmitter 452 and / or wired receiver 454. Memory 630 may have a similar configuration to memory 411, for example, including software with processor-readable instructions configured to cause processor 610 to perform functions. Server 600 may be integrated with TRP 300 into a single physical entity, wherein server 600 and TRP share one or more components.

[0110] The description herein can refer to the execution of functionality by the processor 610, but this includes other implementations such as execution of software (stored in the memory 630) and / or firmware by the processor 610. The description herein can refer to the execution of functionality by the server 600 as a shorthand way of referring to the execution of the functionality by one or more appropriate components of the server 600, such as the processor 610 and the memory 630. The processor 610, possibly in cooperation with the memory 630 and as appropriate the interface 620, includes a hierarchical scheduling unit 650. The hierarchical scheduling unit 650 is configured to request the transmission of DL-RS based on one or more signals received from the UE 500, e.g., to request a TRP 300 to transmit a DL-RS. For example, the hierarchical scheduling unit 650 can send a request for DL-RS transmission based on a SRS received from the UE 500 and / or based on one or more indications of DL-RS reception made by the UE 500. The hierarchical scheduling unit 650 will be discussed further below, and the network entity 600 is configured to implement the functionality discussed in connection with the hierarchical reporting unit 550. The description can refer to any of the functionality of the hierarchical scheduling unit 650 being performed generally by the processor 610 or generally by the server 600

[0111] Reference is also made to Figure 7 The UE 500 and the server 600, along with the plurality of TRPs 300-1, 300-2, are configured to cooperate to provide hierarchical positioning of the UE 500. Figure 7 A signaling and procedure flow 700 is shown for determining location information based on hierarchical beam selection, hierarchical signal measurement, and / or hierarchical signal measurement reporting. The flow 700 includes the stages shown, and is merely an example as adding / removing and / or reordering stages can occur. Although Figure 7 Although only two TPRs 300-1, 300-2 are shown in

[0112] In stage 710, the UE 500 transmits the RS 712 and a positioning resource request 714. For example, the hierarchical reporting unit 550 can be configured to transmit the SRS to the TPRs 300-1, 300-2 (and any other TRPs within range). The SRS is received by the TPRs 300-1, 300-2 with respective beams. Each of the TPRs 300-1, 300-2 (e.g., a respective processor 310 of each of the TPRs 300-1, 300-2) can be configured to transmit a respective beam ID message 716, 717 to the server 600 indicating the beams of the respective TPRs 300-1, 300-2 that received the SRS. The beam ID messages 716, 717 can include RS measurement information, e.g., one or more indications of signal quality of the RS 712 received from the UE 500, and which beam corresponds to which signal measurement. The hierarchical reporting unit 550 can be configured to transmit the positioning resource request 714 to the server 600 (e.g., via the interface 520 and the serving TRP 300 of the UE 500) requesting resources for positioning, e.g., one or more measurement gaps, one or more DL-PRS configurations (e.g., frequency layers, offsets, etc.), etc. The UE 500 can be configured to transmit the RS 712 and the positioning resource request 714 together on, e.g., a PUCCH (Physical Uplink Control Channel), a PUSCH (Physical Uplink Shared Channel), or UCI (Uplink Control Information) multiplexed on the PUSCH. Also or alternatively, the UE 500 can be configured to transmit the RS 712 and the positioning resource request 714 separately, e.g., time division multiplexed or back-to-back (i.e., consecutively without a time gap).

[0113] As part of the positioning resource request 714, the UE 500 can report information (e.g., RAT-dependent information and / or RAT-independent information) that can help the server 600 allocate resources for positioning of the UE 500 (i.e., determining location information of the UE 500 (e.g., one or more reference signal measurements, one or more ranges, one or more location estimates, etc.)). The RAT-dependent information can include different RATs (e.g., WiFi, NR, 5G, Bluetooth®, etc.) that are available to the UE 500, and / or the capabilities of the UE 500 for each RAT. The RAT-independent information can include, e.g., the UE 500’s current location, the UE 500’s current velocity, the UE 500’s current direction of travel, the UE 500’s current power state, etc. The information can include, for example, the bandwidth of the UE 500, the positioning technologies supported by different RATs, the available power of different RATs, and / or the distance of the UE 500 from one or more base stations for different RATs, etc. This information can be used by the server 600 to avoid allocating cellular-based positioning resources to the UE 500 for positioning if the UE 500 is unlikely to have the capability to support such positioning, e.g., the UE 500 is far from one or more base stations, has a narrow bandwidth, and / or has low available power. The unrelated information can include whether the UE 500 has the capability to determine the location of the UE 500 through non-cellular means (e.g., SPS) and / or the UE type, etc. For example, the unrelated information can indicate that the UE 500 is a reduced-capability UE and / or can provide reduced-capability characteristics of the UE 500, such as the bandwidth of the UE 500, the capability to support (or lack of capability to support) carrier aggregation, and / or one or more conditions for supporting carrier aggregation, etc. In particular, if the UE 500 is a reduced-capability UE, it can be desirable to efficiently utilize power to determine the location of the UE 500 and / or to support another entity to determine the location of the UE 500.

[0114] The positioning resource request 714 can trigger positioning of the UE 500, including triggering allocation of resources for positioning of the UE 500. The positioning resource request 714 can request positioning resources on-demand. This on-demand positioning triggering can help to efficiently utilize power by not using power for positioning if, for example, an application running on the UE 500 or other entity (e.g., the server 600) sending a location request to the UE 500 does not request the location of the UE 500.

[0115] In stage 720, the server 600 selects beams of the TRPs for sending DL-RS to the UE 500 for measurements to determine location information. The RS 712 received by the TRPs 300-1, 300-2 can help identify candidate locations for the UE 500 (which can be an RRC-connected UE) and the beams used to receive the RS 712 can influence which beams are selected to send DL-RS to the UE 500. For example, the hierarchical scheduling unit 650 can be configured to use the beams indicated in the beam ID messages 716, 717 (and / or other beam ID messages) to select beams and corresponding TRPs 300 (here at least the TRPs 300-1, 300-2) for sending DL-RS to the UE 500. The hierarchical scheduling unit 650 may, for example, select every beam from which the UE 500 received RS 712, or can select at least every beam from which the UE 500 received RS 712 indicated at a threshold RSRP (reference signal received power) and / or at another threshold level of quality of reception of RS 712, or can select every beam indicated in the beam ID messages 716, 717 (e.g., if the TRPs 300-1, 300-2 selectively report beam IDs, e.g., beam IDs corresponding to highest signal measurement quality or at least having a threshold amount of signal measurement quality). As another example, the hierarchical scheduling unit 650 can be configured to use the beams indicated in the beam ID messages 716, 717, the speed of the UE 500, and knowledge of available beams at the TRPs 300-1, 300-2 to select beams for sending DL-RS to the UE 500. The hierarchical scheduling unit 650 can be configured to consider the RAT-dependent and / or RAT-independent information provided in the positioning resource request 714 in the selection of beams and TRPs 300. Thus, the server 600 can allocate resources based on the capabilities of the UE 500 (e.g., available power, availability of positioning technologies (e.g., SPS, WiFi, etc.)). To select beams and TRPs 300, the hierarchical scheduling unit 650 can also or instead consider one or more other factors, such as efficiency of location information determination, positioning accuracy requirements, positioning accuracy that can be provided by the UE 500, latency that can be provided by the UE 500 and / or latency requirements, etc. For example, the server 600 can schedule a reduced set of beams (e.g., fewer than the beams from which the UE 500 received RS 712) to, for example, improve efficiency if more beams would not result in significantly better positioning accuracy and / or if the required positioning accuracy does not require more beams than the reduced set.The hierarchical scheduling unit 650 can be configured to schedule the selected beams of the corresponding TRPs with appropriate RSs, e.g., appropriate configurations including RS types (e.g., SSB, CSI-RS, TRS, PRS, etc.), transmission parameters (e.g., frequency layer, comb number, time and frequency offsets, etc.). The selected beams can help the UE 500 to efficiently measure the RSs, e.g., by reducing or eliminating waste produced by the UE 500 attempting to measure low quality RSs. Selecting fewer beams than possible or fewer than would be selected without considering one or more factors (e.g., impact on positioning accuracy) can reduce power consumption by the one or more TRPs to make the beam measurements. Transmitting with fewer beams can reduce signaling traffic and thus signal interference, which can help improve the accuracy of the signal measurements made by the UE 500.

[0116] In stage 730, the server 600 requests the TRPs 300-1, 300-2 to transmit DL-RSs with the selected beams. The hierarchical scheduling unit 650 can transmit RS configuration messages 732, 733, 734 to the TRPs 300-1, 300-2 and the UE 500, respectively. The RS configuration messages 732, 733 contain at least the parameters of the RSs to be transmitted by the TRPs 300-1, 300-2, respectively, and the corresponding beams to be used to transmit the RSs. The RS configuration message 734 includes the RS parameters from both RS configuration messages 732, 733. The TRPs 300-1, 300-2 are configured to respond to the RS configuration messages 732, 733 by transmitting appropriate RSs 736, 738 to the UE 500 with the indicated beams.

[0117] In stage 740, the UE 500 measures the RSs 736, 738 (and any other RSs from any other TRP 300 selected in stage 720 and configured in stage 730 to transmit RSs to the UE 500). The hierarchical reporting unit 550 measures the received DL-RSs and selects which corresponding beam(s) to report to the server 600. The hierarchical reporting unit 550 can select the beams, for example, based on respective measurements that indicate respective measurement qualities obtainable from each of the DL-RSs. For example, the hierarchical reporting unit 550 can select the DL-RS(s) that are best suited for positioning accuracy and / or confidence (e.g., that best satisfy one or more criteria for TDOA and / or AoD accuracy and / or confidence (e.g., highest value of a formula with a combination of criteria)) and report the corresponding beam(s). The criteria can include measurement qualities such as RSRP, SINR, SNR, LOS / NLOS, etc. The criteria can be preconfigured (e.g., stored in the memory 530 during manufacturing or dynamically configured by one or more signals received via the interface 520 and stored in the memory 530). The criteria can be selected by the hierarchical reporting unit 550. The hierarchical reporting unit 550 can employ machine learning (e.g., a neural network) and / or spatial filtering to determine the beams to report. With machine learning, the hierarchical reporting unit 550 can adapt over time to select beams that yield the best results (e.g., for positioning accuracy). The hierarchical reporting unit 550 can receive DL-RSs from multiple beams across multiple cells and can report a subset (less than all) of the beams. The hierarchical reporting unit 550 can determine to report the best beam or the best beams from a subset of best cells (e.g., closest cells, LOS cells). The hierarchical reporting unit 550 can be configured to report the beams by beam index and cell ID. The hierarchical reporting unit 550 can be configured to report the beams in an order determined by expectedness, for example, with or without parameters associated with the beams.

[0118] The hierarchical reporting unit 550 can be configured in a variety of ways depending on the number of beams to be reported. For example, the hierarchical reporting unit 550 can be configured to report a fixed number of beams that satisfy one or more criteria, a maximum number of beams that satisfy one or more criteria, and / or a minimum number of beams that satisfy one or more criteria and that will be able to satisfy one or more metrics (e.g., expected positioning accuracy, expected confidence, and / or expected reliability). As another example, the hierarchical reporting unit 550 can be configured to report measurements and corresponding beams for all of the DL-RSs received in stage 730, and the server 600 can select the best beams for future transmission of DL-RSs.

[0119] The hierarchical reporting unit 550 sends the determined beam indications in a beam report 742 to the server 600. The beam report 742 can be sent from the UE 500 directly to and / or via a serving TRP 300 (e.g., TRP 300-1) of the UE 500 to the server 600. The beam report 742 can include location information (e.g., one or more signal measurement indications), e.g., multiplexed with the beam indications.

[0120] In stage 750, the server 600 determines a refined set of beams of the TRPs for DL-RS. The hierarchical scheduling unit 650 can be configured to select a refined set of TRPs 300 for sending DL-RS to the UE 500 for measurement for determining the location of the UE 500, employing the beam report 742. For example, the hierarchical scheduling unit 650 can select the beams contained in the beam report 742 or a subset of the beams in the beam report 742, e.g., the N best beams indicated in the beam report 742 determined by the UE 500. The hierarchical scheduling unit 650 can be configured to consider the RAT-dependent and / or RAT-independent information provided in the positioning resource request 714 in the selection of beams and TRPs 300. Also or alternatively, the hierarchical scheduling unit 650 can employ the raw information from the UE 500 to determine the best beams (e.g., discussed in connection with stage 740) and select a subset of the measured beams for sending further DL-RS to the UE 500. The hierarchical scheduling unit 650 can also or alternatively select one or more beams not indicated in the beam report 742. For example, the hierarchical scheduling unit 650 can select a non-indicated beam adjacent to an indicated beam in the beam report 742 based on the coverage of the indicated beam and the information that the UE 500 is leaving the coverage of the indicated beam and moving towards the coverage of the non-indicated beam. Thus, the resource IDs of the beams selected in stage 750 (and sent in stage 760) can be the same or different from the resource IDs of the beams sent to the UE 500 in stage 730. The server 600 can send multiple sets of positioning resources to the UE 500.

[0121] In stage 760, the hierarchical scheduling unit 650 can request that the selected beams be used for transmitting DL-RS from the corresponding TRPs. For example, the server 600 requests that the TRPs 300-1, 300-2 transmit DL-RS using the selected beams. The hierarchical scheduling unit 650 can transmit RS configuration messages 762, 763, 764 to the TRPs 300-1, 300-2 and the UE 500, respectively. The RS configuration messages 762, 763 contain at least the parameters of the RS to be transmitted by the TRPs 300-1, 300-2, respectively, and the RS configuration message 764 includes RS parameters from both of the RS configuration messages 762, 763. The TRPs 300-1, 300-2 are configured to respond to the RS configuration messages 762, 763 by transmitting appropriate RS 766, 768 to the UE 500. The beam selection in stage 750 and the RS transmission using the selected beams in stage 760 can contribute to improved positioning performance, e.g., reduced power consumption by the UE 500 (and thus by the TRPs 300-1, 300-2), reduced latency of position information determination by reducing the number of measurements made by the UE 500, reduced channel traffic for RS (which can contribute to RS measurement accuracy), etc.

[0122] In stage 770, UE 500 measures the received RSs 766, 768 (and any other received RSs), determines location information, and can report at least some of the location information to server 600 (directly and / or via a serving TRP of UE 500) in a location information report 772. For example, UE 500 can measure TDOA and / or AoD for each measured RS (e.g., determine TDOA and / or AoD based on the measured RSs), and select which TDOA measurements and / or which AoD measurements to report based on a quality of the TDOA measurements and / or the AoD measurements (e.g., which can depend on signal measurement accuracy). For example, UE 500 can report TDOA and / or AoD corresponding to at least a threshold TDOA measurement accuracy or at least a threshold AoD measurement accuracy, or at most a respective number of TDOA measurements and / or AoD measurements corresponding to respective threshold measurement accuracies (which can be different). UE 500 can limit a number of TDOA measurements and / or AoD measurements that UE 500 will report, e.g., to comply with a payload size limit of location information report 772. The location information in location information report 772 can include one or more measurements and / or information derived from one or more measurements (e.g., one or more ranges, one or more location parameters). Location information report 772 can include multiple messages, and / or location information report 772 can report TDOA and AoD measurements simultaneously or sequentially. Location information report 772 can include raw signal information and / or processed positioning signal information, such as reference signal measurements, ranges, and / or location estimates of UE 500. Location information report 772 can include one or more indications of the RSs and / or beams for which the location information was determined. The location information can be determined and included with beam report 742. For UE-based positioning, UE 500 can not report location information to server 600.

[0123] In stage 780, server 600 can determine location information for UE 500. Server 600 can collect location information from one or more location information reports 772, and perform one or more positioning techniques to determine further location information, e.g., determine ranges from raw measurements, determine a location of UE 500 from ranges, etc. Server 600 can update previously determined location information for UE 500 using location information from messages 772.

[0124] Reference is made to Figure 8 and further reference is made to Figures 1-7The method 800 of facilitating position information determination includes the stages shown. The method 800 is, however, an example and not limiting. The method 800 can be altered, e.g., by having stages added, removed, rearranged, combined, performed concurrently, and / or split into multiple stages.

[0125] In stage 810, the method 800 includes transmitting, from a user equipment (UE) to one or more base stations, a reference signal and transmitting, to a network entity, a request for positioning resources. For example, the hierarchical reporting unit 550 transmits the RS 712 to the TRPs 300-1, 300-2 (and possibly other TRPs) and the positioning resource request 714 to the server 600. The processor 510, possibly in combination with the memory 530, and the interface 520 (e.g., the wireless transmitter 242 and the antenna 246 of the transceiver 215) can constitute means for transmitting the reference signal and the request for positioning resources.

[0126] In stage 820, the method 800 includes receiving, at the UE from one or more of the one or more base stations, a plurality of first downlink reference signals in a first plurality of beams in response to the uplink reference signal and the request. For example, the UE 500 receives the RSs 736, 738 in beams selected based on the positioning resource request 714 and the indication measured by the server 600 based on the RS 712 using the RS configuration information received from the server 600. The processor 510, possibly in combination with the memory 530, and the interface 520 (e.g., the wireless receiver 244 and the antenna 246 of the transceiver 215) can constitute means for receiving the plurality of first downlink reference signals.

[0127] In stage 830, the method 800 includes determining, at the UE from the first plurality of beams, a second plurality of beams based on one or more respective measurements of the plurality of first downlink reference signals. For example, the hierarchical reporting unit 550 determines (in stage 740) which beams result in the best measurement quality at the UE 500 based on measurements of the RSs 736, 738 (and possibly RSs received from one or more other TRPs). The one or more respective measurements can be the same for all downlink reference signals, or one or more of the respective measurements can be different for at least one of the downlink reference signals. The processor 510, possibly in combination with the memory 530, can constitute means for determining the second plurality of beams.

[0128] In stage 840, the method 800 includes transmitting, from the UE to the network entity, a beam report that indicates the second plurality of beams. For example, the hierarchical reporting unit 550 transmits the beam report 742 that indicates the N best beams (e.g., corresponding to the N best signal qualities). The processor 510, possibly in combination with the memory 530, and the interface 520 (e.g., the wireless transmitter 242 of the transceiver 215 and the antenna 246) can constitute means for transmitting the beam report.

[0129] Implementations of the method 800 can include one or more of the following features. In one example implementation, the method 800 includes receiving a second plurality of downlink reference signals transmitted in a third plurality of beams in response to the beam report, and measuring the second plurality of downlink reference signals. For example, the UE 500 receives and measures the RSs 766, 768 in beams selected by the server 600 based on the beam report 742. The beams of the RSs 766, 768 can include some or all of the beams indicated in the beam report 742, and can include one or more beams not included in the beam report 742. The processor 510, possibly in combination with the memory 530, and the interface 520 (e.g., the wireless receiver 244 and the antenna 246) can constitute means for receiving the second plurality of downlink reference signals. The means for receiving the first downlink signals can be the same as the means for receiving the second downlink signals. The processor 510, possibly in combination with the memory 530, can constitute means for measuring the second plurality of downlink reference signals. In another example implementation, the method 800 includes reporting, for each of the second plurality of downlink reference signals, a time difference of arrival and an angle of departure. For example, the hierarchical reporting unit 550 can report the TDOA and / or ToA of each measured RS 766, 768 in the location information report 772. The time difference of arrival and the angle of departure can be reported sequentially or simultaneously. The processor 510, possibly in combination with the memory 530, and the interface 520 (e.g., the wireless transmitter 242 and the antenna 246) can constitute means for reporting the TDOA and the AoD, and can constitute means for reporting the TDOA and the AoD simultaneously, or means for reporting the TDOA and the AoD sequentially, or means for reporting the TDOA and the AoD either simultaneously or sequentially. To report the TDOA and the AoD simultaneously, the UE 500 can employ a larger payload size, faster processing, and / or a larger transmission bandwidth than to report the TDOA and the AoD sequentially. In another further example implementation, the method 800 includes measuring, for each of the second plurality of downlink reference signals, at least one of a time difference of arrival or an angle of departure, and determining, based on a respective first measurement accuracy of the respective time difference of arrival or a respective second measurement accuracy of the respective angle of departure, whether to report which, if any, of the at least one of the time difference of arrival or the angle of departure for each of the second plurality of downlink reference signals to the network entity. For example, the UE 500 can measure the TDOA and / or the AoD of each measured RS 766, 768, and the hierarchical reporting unit 550 can determine whether to report the TDOA and / or the AoD based on the measurement accuracy of the TDOA or the AoD, respectively.The processor 510, possibly in combination with the memory 530, can constitute means for measuring at least one of TDOA or AoD and means for determining which one of TDOA and AoD to report. In another example implementation, determining which one, if any, of the at least one of a time difference of arrival or an angle of departure of each of the plurality of second downlink reference signals to report to the network entity is based on a payload limit of a positioning report for reporting location information from the user equipment to the network entity. For example, the hierarchical reporting unit 550 determines which one of TDOA and / or AoD to report based on whether there is sufficient payload in the positioning report to include TDOA and / or AoD.

[0130] With reference to Figure 9 , and with further reference to the reference Figures 1-7 , the method 900 of requesting reference signal transmission includes the illustrated stages. However, the method 900 is merely an example and does not limit the scope of a possible implementation. Changes can be made to the method 900, e.g., by adding, removing, rearranging, combining, simultaneously performing, and / or dividing single stages into multiple stages.

[0131] In stage 910, the method 900 includes at least one of the following: (1) receiving, at a server, a plurality of indications of at least one uplink reference signal transmitted by a UE and received in a first plurality of beams by a first plurality of transmission / reception points (TRPs), selecting a second plurality of beams of a second plurality of TRPs based on the first plurality of beams, and requesting, by the server, the second plurality of TRPs to transmit a first plurality of downlink reference signals to the UE using the second plurality of beams; or (2) receiving, at a server, a plurality of indications of received signal quality of a second plurality of downlink reference signals transmitted by a third plurality of TRPs and received by the UE, selecting a third plurality of beams of a fourth plurality of TRPs based on the plurality of indications of received signal quality, and requesting, by the server, the fourth plurality of TRPs to transmit a third plurality of downlink reference signals to the UE using the third plurality of beams. For example, the server 600 receives the beam ID messages 716, 717, selects beams to use for transmitting RSs to the UE 500 using the beam ID messages 716, 717, and requests the TRPs 300-1, 300-2 (and / or one or more other TRPs) to transmit the RSs to the UE 500 using the selected beams. The hierarchical scheduling unit 650 can request the beams, e.g., by transmitting RS configuration messages 732, 733 to the TRPs 300-1, 300-2. Also or alternatively, the server 600 receives a beam report 742 from the UE 500 indicating received signal quality of corresponding RSs, selects beams to use for transmitting future RSs to the UE 500, and requests the TRPs 300-1, 300-2 (and / or one or more other TRPs) to transmit the RSs to the UE 500 using the selected beams. The processor 610, possibly in combination with the memory 630, and the interface 620 (e.g., the wireless receiver 444 and the antenna 446 and / or the wired receiver 454) can constitute means for receiving indications of at least one uplink reference signal and / or means for receiving indications of received signal quality.

[0132] Implementations of the method 900 can include one or more of the following features. In one example implementation, the method includes (1), and further includes receiving at least one capability indication of at least one capability of the UE, and selecting the second plurality of beams of the second plurality of TRPs includes selecting the second plurality of beams of the second plurality of TRPs further based on the at least one capability indication. For example, the hierarchical scheduling unit 650 can utilize one or more capabilities of the UE 500 (e.g., from the RAT-related information and / or the RAT-independent information provided in the positioning resource request 714) in selecting beams and corresponding TRPs 300 for transmitting DL-RS to the UE 500. The processor 610, possibly in combination with the memory 630, and the interface 620 (e.g., the wireless receiver 444 and the antenna 446 and / or the wired transmitter 452) can constitute means for receiving the at least one capability indication. In another example implementation, the method includes (2), and selecting the third plurality of beams of the fourth plurality of TRPs includes selecting the third plurality of beams of the fourth plurality of TRPs to include at least one of the second plurality of beams of the second plurality of TRPs. For example, the selected beams for transmitting DL-RS to the UE 500 can include one or more of the beams previously used for transmitting DL-RS to the UE 500 (for which measurements were used to generate the beam report 742). Also or alternatively, the hierarchical scheduling unit 650 can employ other information (e.g., one or more capabilities of the UE 500) in selecting beams for transmitting DL-RS to the UE 500.

[0133] Referring to Figure 10 , further referring to Figures 1-9 , the reference signal providing method 1000 includes the illustrated stages. The method 1000 is, however, an example and not limiting. Changes can be made to the method 1000, e.g., by adding, removing, rearranging, combining, simultaneously performing, and / or dividing single stages into multiple stages.

[0134] In stage 1010, the method 1000 includes receiving, via a plurality of beams of a transceiver of a base station, an uplink reference signal from a user equipment. For example, in stage 710 of the flow 700, the TRP 300-1 receives the RS 712 from the UE 500 via a plurality of beams of the transceiver 315 (e.g., a plurality of beams of the antenna 346 and the wireless receiver 344). The processor 310, possibly in combination with the memory 311, in combination with the transceiver 315 (e.g., the antenna 346 and the wireless receiver 344) can constitute means for receiving the downlink reference signal.

[0135] In stage 1020, the method 1000 includes transmitting, from the base station to a server, a beam identification message including a plurality of indications each indicative of a measurement of an uplink reference signal measured with a respective one of the plurality of beams of the transceiver and an identification of the respective one of the plurality of beams of the transceiver. For example, the TRP 300-1 transmits the beam ID message 717 to the server 600, which message indicates the beam IDs and corresponding measurements of the RS 712. The processor 310, possibly in combination with the memory 311, in combination with the transceiver 315 (e.g., the wired transmitter 352) can constitute means for transmitting the beam identification message.

[0136] In stage 1030, the method 1000 includes receiving, at the base station from the server, a reference signal configuration message identifying one or more of the plurality of beams of the transceiver in response to the beam identification message. For example, the TRP 300-1 receives the RS configuration message 732 from the server 600, which message indicates one or more of the beams identified in the beam ID message 717 for the TRP 300-1 to use for transmitting DL-RS to the UE 500. The processor 310, possibly in combination with the memory 311, in combination with the transceiver 315 (e.g., the wired receiver 354) can constitute means for receiving the reference signal configuration message.

[0137] In stage 1040, the method 1000 includes transmitting, from the base station to the user equipment, a downlink reference signal using the one or more of the plurality of beams of the transceiver identified in the reference signal configuration message in response to the reference signal configuration message. For example, the TRP 300-1 transmits the RS 736 to the UE 500 using the beams identified in the RS configuration message 732. The processor 310, possibly in combination with the memory 311, in combination with the transceiver 315 (e.g., the wireless transmitter 344 and the antenna 346) can constitute means for transmitting the downlink reference signal.

[0138] Implementations of the method 1000 can include one or more of the following features. In one example implementation, each of the plurality of indications of the beam identification message is indicative of a signal quality of the uplink reference signal.

[0139] Embodiment examples

[0140] Examples of implementations are provided in the following numbered clauses.

[0141] Clause 1. A user equipment comprising:

[0142] a transceiver;

[0143] a memory; and

[0144] one or more processors communicatively coupled to the transceiver and the memory, and configured to:

[0145] transmit, via the transceiver, an uplink reference signal to one or more base stations and a request for positioning resources to a network entity;

[0146] receive, via the transceiver, a plurality of first downlink reference signals from one or more of the one or more base stations in a first plurality of beams;

[0147] determine a second plurality of beams from the first plurality of beams based on one or more respective measurements of the plurality of first downlink reference signals; and

[0148] transmit, to the network entity, a beam report that indicates the second plurality of beams.

[0149] Clause 2. The user equipment of clause 1, wherein the one or more processors are configured to:

[0150] receive, via the transceiver, a plurality of second downlink reference signals transmitted in a third plurality of beams in response to the beam report; and

[0151] measure the plurality of second downlink reference signals.

[0152] Clause 3. The user equipment of clause 2, wherein the one or more processors are configured to report, for each of the plurality of second downlink reference signals, a time difference of arrival and an angle of departure, wherein the one or more processors are configured to report the time difference of arrival and the angle of departure simultaneously, or are configured to report the time difference of arrival and the angle of departure sequentially, or are configured to report the time difference of arrival and the angle of departure either simultaneously or sequentially.

[0153] Clause 4. The user equipment of clause 2, wherein the one or more processors are configured to:

[0154] measure, for each of the plurality of second downlink reference signals, at least one of a time difference of arrival or an angle of departure; and

[0155] determine, based on a respective first measurement accuracy of a respective time difference of arrival or a respective second measurement accuracy of a respective angle of departure, which, if any, of the at least one of the time difference of arrival or the angle of departure for each of the plurality of second downlink reference signals to report to the network entity.

[0156] Clause 5. The user equipment of clause 4, wherein the one or more processors are configured to determine which, if any, of the at least one of a time difference of arrival or an angle of departure for each of the plurality of second downlink reference signals to report to the network entity based on a payload limit of a positioning report for reporting location information from the user equipment to the network entity.

[0157] Clause 6. A user equipment comprising:

[0158] means for transmitting an uplink reference signal to one or more base stations and a request for positioning resources to a network entity;

[0159] means for receiving a plurality of first downlink reference signals from one or more of the one or more base stations in a first plurality of beams;

[0160] means for determining a second plurality of beams from the first plurality of beams based on one or more respective measurements of the plurality of first downlink reference signals; and

[0161] means for transmitting a beam report to the network entity that indicates the second plurality of beams.

[0162] Clause 7. The user equipment of clause 6, further comprising:

[0163] means for receiving a plurality of second downlink reference signals transmitted in a third plurality of beams in response to the beam report; and

[0164] means for measuring the plurality of second downlink reference signals.

[0165] Clause 8. The user equipment of clause 7, wherein further comprising means for reporting a time difference of arrival and an angle of departure for each of the plurality of second downlink reference signals, wherein the means for reporting comprises means for reporting the time difference of arrival and the angle of departure simultaneously, or comprises means for reporting the time difference of arrival and the angle of departure sequentially, or comprises means for reporting the time difference of arrival and the angle of departure either simultaneously or sequentially.

[0166] Clause 9. The user equipment of clause 7, further comprising:

[0167] means for measuring at least one of a time difference of arrival or an angle of departure for each of the plurality of second downlink reference signals; and

[0168] a component for determining which, if any, of the at least one of a time difference of arrival or an angle of departure for each of the plurality of second downlink reference signals to report to the network entity based on a payload limit for a positioning report used to report location information from the user equipment to the network entity.

[0169] Clause 10. The user equipment of clause 9, wherein the component for determining which, if any, of the at least one of a time difference of arrival or an angle of departure for each of the plurality of second downlink reference signals to report to the network entity comprises a component for determining which, if any, of the at least one of a time difference of arrival or an angle of departure for each of the plurality of second downlink reference signals to report to the network entity based on a payload limit for a positioning report used to report location information from the user equipment to the network entity.

[0170] Clause 11. A method for facilitating position information determination, the method comprising:

[0171] sending, from a user equipment (UE) to one or more base stations, an uplink reference signal and to a network entity a request for positioning resources;

[0172] receiving, at the UE from one or more of the one or more base stations, a plurality of first downlink reference signals in a first plurality of beams in response to the uplink reference signal and the request;

[0173] determining, at the UE from one or more respective measurements of the plurality of first downlink reference signals, a second plurality of beams from the first plurality of beams; and

[0174] sending, from the UE to the network entity, a beam report indicating the second plurality of beams.

[0175] Clause 12. The method of clause 11, further comprising:

[0176] receiving a plurality of second downlink reference signals transmitted in a third plurality of beams in response to the beam report; and

[0177] measuring the plurality of second downlink reference signals.

[0178] Clause 13. The method of clause 12, further comprising reporting a time difference of arrival and an angle of departure for each of the plurality of second downlink reference signals.

[0179] Clause 14. The method of clause 12, further comprising:

[0180] measuring at least one of a time difference of arrival or an angle of departure for each of the plurality of second downlink reference signals; and

[0181] determining which, if any, of the at least one of a time difference of arrival or an angle of departure for each of the plurality of second downlink reference signals to report to the network entity based on a respective first measurement accuracy of the respective time difference of arrival or a respective second measurement accuracy of the respective angle of departure.

[0182] Clause 15. The method of clause 14, wherein determining which, if any, of the at least one of a time difference of arrival or an angle of departure for each of the plurality of second downlink reference signals to report to the network entity is based on a payload limit for a positioning report reporting location information from the UE to the network entity.

[0183] Clause 16. A non-transitory processor-readable storage medium comprising processor-readable instructions configured to cause one or more processors of a user equipment (UE) to, in furtherance of a location information determination:

[0184] transmit uplink reference signals to one or more base stations and transmit a request for positioning resources to a network entity;

[0185] receive, at the UE, a plurality of first downlink reference signals from one or more of the one or more base stations in a first plurality of beams;

[0186] determine a second plurality of beams from the first plurality of beams based on one or more respective measurements of the plurality of first downlink reference signals; and

[0187] transmit a beam report from the UE to the network entity indicating the second plurality of beams.

[0188] Clause 17. The non-transitory processor-readable storage medium of clause 16, further comprising processor-readable instructions configured to cause the one or more processors to:

[0189] receive a plurality of second downlink reference signals transmitted in a third plurality of beams in response to the beam report; and

[0190] measure the plurality of second downlink reference signals.

[0191] Clause 18. The non-transitory processor-readable storage medium of clause 17, further comprising processor-readable instructions configured to cause the one or more processors to report, for each of the plurality of second downlink reference signals, a time difference of arrival and an angle of departure, wherein the processor-readable instructions configured to cause the one or more processors to report a time difference of arrival and an angle of departure comprise processor-readable instructions configured to cause the one or more processors to report a time difference of arrival and an angle of departure simultaneously, or comprise processor-readable instructions configured to cause the one or more processors to report a time difference of arrival and an angle of departure sequentially, or comprise processor-readable instructions configured to cause the one or more processors to report a time difference of arrival and an angle of departure either simultaneously or sequentially.

[0192] Clause 19. The non-transitory processor-readable storage medium of clause 17, further comprising processor-readable instructions configured to cause the one or more processors to:

[0193] measure, for each of the plurality of second downlink reference signals, at least one of a time difference of arrival and an angle of departure; and

[0194] determine, based on a respective first measurement accuracy of a respective time difference of arrival or a respective second measurement accuracy of a respective angle of departure, which, if any, of the at least one of a time difference of arrival or an angle of departure for each of the plurality of second downlink reference signals to report to the network entity.

[0195] Clause 20. The non-transitory processor-readable storage medium of clause 19, wherein the processor-readable instructions configured to cause the one or more processors to determine which, if any, of the at least one of a time difference of arrival or an angle of departure for each of the plurality of second downlink reference signals to report to the network entity comprise processor-readable instructions configured to cause the one or more processors to determine which, if any, of the at least one of a time difference of arrival or an angle of departure for each of the plurality of second downlink reference signals to report to the network entity based on a payload limit of a positioning report for reporting location information from the user equipment to the network entity.

[0196] Clause 21. A server, comprising:

[0197] a transceiver;

[0198] a memory; and

[0199] a processor communicatively coupled to the transceiver and memory and configured to perform at least one of:

[0200] (1) receiving, via the transceiver, a plurality of indications of at least one uplink reference signal transmitted by a user equipment (UE) and received by a first plurality of transmission / reception points (TRPs) in a first plurality of beams;

[0201] selecting a second plurality of beams of a second plurality of TRPs based on the first plurality of beams; and

[0202] requesting, via the transceiver, the second plurality of TRPs to transmit a first plurality of downlink reference signals to the UE employing the second plurality of beams; or

[0203] (2) receiving, via the transceiver, a plurality of indications of received signal qualities of a second plurality of downlink reference signals transmitted by a third plurality of TRPs and received by the UE;

[0204] selecting a third plurality of beams of a fourth plurality of TRPs based on the plurality of indications of received signal qualities; and

[0205] requesting, via the transceiver, the fourth plurality of TRPs to transmit a third plurality of downlink reference signals to the UE employing the third plurality of beams.

[0206] Clause 22. The server of Clause 21, wherein the processor is configured according to (1), and wherein the processor is configured to:

[0207] receive at least one capability indication of at least one capability of the UE; and

[0208] further select the second plurality of beams of the second plurality of TRPs based on the at least one capability indication.

[0209] Clause 23. The server of Clause 21, wherein the processor is configured according to (2), and wherein the processor is configured to select the third plurality of beams of the fourth plurality of TRPs to include at least one of the second plurality of beams of the second plurality of TRPs.

[0210] Clause 24. A server comprising:

[0211] a transceiver; and

[0212] at least one of the following approaches:

[0213] (1) means for receiving, via the transceiver, a plurality of indications of at least one uplink reference signal transmitted by a user equipment (UE) and received by a first plurality of transmission / reception points (TRPs) in a first plurality of beams;

[0214] means for selecting a second plurality of beams of a second plurality of TRPs based on the first plurality of beams; and

[0215] means for requesting, via the transceiver, the second plurality of TRPs to employ the second plurality of beams to transmit a first plurality of downlink reference signals to the UE; or

[0216] (2) means for receiving, via the transceiver, a plurality of indications of received signal quality of a second plurality of downlink reference signals transmitted by a third plurality of TRPs and received by the UE;

[0217] means for selecting a third plurality of beams of a fourth plurality of TRPs based on the plurality of indications of received signal quality; and

[0218] means for requesting, via the transceiver, the fourth plurality of TRPs to employ the third plurality of beams to transmit a third plurality of downlink reference signals to the UE.

[0219] Clause 25. The server of claim 24, wherein the server comprises (1) and further comprises means for receiving at least one capability indication of at least one capability of the UE, and wherein the means for selecting the second plurality of beams of the second plurality of TRPs is to select the second plurality of beams of the second plurality of TRPs further based on the at least one capability indication.

[0220] Clause 26. The server of clause 24, wherein the server comprises (2), and wherein the means for selecting the third plurality of beams of the fourth plurality of TRPs is to select the third plurality of beams of the fourth plurality of TRPs to include at least one of the second plurality of beams of the second plurality of TRPs.

[0221] Clause 27. A method for facilitating positioning of a user equipment (UE), the method comprising at least one of:

[0222] (1) receiving, at a server, a plurality of indications of at least one uplink reference signal transmitted by the UE and received in a first plurality of beams by a first plurality of transmission / reception points (TRPs);

[0223] selecting a second plurality of beams of a second plurality of TRPs based on the first plurality of beams; and

[0224] requesting, by the server, the second plurality of TRPs to employ the second plurality of beams to transmit a first plurality of downlink reference signals to the UE; or

[0225] (2) receiving, at the server, a plurality of indications of received signal quality of a second plurality of downlink reference signals transmitted by a third plurality of TRPs and received by the UE;

[0226] selecting a third plurality of beams of a fourth plurality of TRPs based on the plurality of indications of the received signal quality; and

[0227] requesting the fourth plurality of TRPs to transmit a third plurality of downlink reference signals to the UE using the third plurality of beams.

[0228] Clause 28. The method of clause 27, wherein the method includes (1), and further comprising receiving at least one capability indication of at least one capability of the UE, and wherein selecting the second plurality of beams of the second plurality of TRPs includes selecting the second plurality of beams of the second plurality of TRPs further based on the at least one capability indication.

[0229] Clause 29. The method of clause 27, wherein the method includes (2), and wherein selecting the third plurality of beams of the fourth plurality of TRPs includes selecting the third plurality of beams of the fourth plurality of TRPs to include at least one of the second plurality of beams of the second plurality of TRPs.

[0230] Clause 30. A non-transitory processor-readable storage medium comprising processor-readable instructions configured to cause one or more processors of a server to implement at least one of the following schemes for facilitating positioning of a user equipment:

[0231] (1) receiving a plurality of indications of at least one uplink reference signal transmitted by a user equipment (UE) and received in a first plurality of beams by a first plurality of transmission / reception points (TRPs);

[0232] selecting a second plurality of beams of a second plurality of TRPs based on the first plurality of beams; and

[0233] requesting the second plurality of TRPs to transmit a first plurality of downlink reference signals to the UE using the second plurality of beams; or

[0234] (2) receiving a plurality of indications of received signal quality of a second plurality of downlink reference signals transmitted by a third plurality of TRPs and received by the UE;

[0235] selecting a third plurality of beams of a fourth plurality of TRPs based on the plurality of indications of the received signal quality; and

[0236] requesting the fourth plurality of TRPs to transmit a third plurality of downlink reference signals to the UE using the third plurality of beams.

[0237] Clause 31. The storage medium of Clause 30, wherein the storage medium comprises processor-readable instructions configured to cause the one or more processors to receive, select, and request in accordance with (1), wherein the storage medium further comprises processor-readable instructions configured to cause the one or more processors to receive at least one capability indication of at least one capability of the UE, and wherein the processor-readable instructions configured to cause the one or more processors to select the second plurality of beams of the second plurality of TRPs comprise processor-readable instructions configured to cause the one or more processors to select the second plurality of beams of the second plurality of TRPs further based on the at least one capability indication.

[0238] Clause 32. The storage medium of Clause 30, wherein the storage medium comprises processor-readable instructions configured to cause the one or more processors to receive, select, and request in accordance with (2), and wherein the processor-readable instructions configured to cause the one or more processors to select the third plurality of beams of the fourth plurality of TRPs comprise processor-readable instructions configured to cause the one or more processors to select the third plurality of beams of the fourth plurality of TRPs to include at least one of the second plurality of beams of the second plurality of TRPs.

[0239] Clause 33. A base station, comprising:

[0240] a transceiver;

[0241] a memory; and

[0242] one or more processors communicatively coupled to the transceiver and the memory and configured to:

[0243] receive, via a plurality of beams of the transceiver, an uplink reference signal from a user equipment;

[0244] transmit, via the transceiver to a server, a beam identification message comprising a plurality of indications each indicative of a measurement of the uplink reference signal taken with a respective one of the plurality of beams of the transceiver and an identification of the respective one of the plurality of beams of the transceiver;

[0245] receive, via the transceiver from the server, a reference signal configuration message identifying one or more of the plurality of beams of the transceiver in response to the beam identification message; and

[0246] in response to the reference signal configuration message, transmit, via the transceiver to the user equipment, a downlink reference signal using the one or more of the plurality of beams of the transceiver identified in the reference signal configuration message.

[0247] Clause 34. The base station of clause 33, wherein each of the plurality of indications of the beam identification message indicates a signal quality of the uplink reference signal.

[0248] Clause 35. A reference signal providing method comprising:

[0249] receiving, via a plurality of beams of a transceiver of a base station, an uplink reference signal from a user equipment;

[0250] sending, from the base station to a server, a beam identification message comprising a plurality of indications each indicating a measurement of the uplink reference signal measured with a respective one of the plurality of beams of the transceiver and an identification of the respective one of the plurality of beams of the transceiver;

[0251] receiving, at the base station from the server, a reference signal configuration message identifying one or more of the plurality of beams of the transceiver in response to the beam identification message; and

[0252] in response to the reference signal configuration message, sending, from the base station to the user equipment, a downlink reference signal using the one or more of the plurality of beams of the transceiver identified in the reference signal configuration message.

[0253] Clause 36. The reference signal providing method of clause 35, wherein each of the plurality of indications of the beam identification message indicates a signal quality of the uplink reference signal.

[0254] Clause 37. A base station comprising:

[0255] means for receiving, via a plurality of beams, an uplink reference signal from a user equipment;

[0256] means for sending, to a server, a beam identification message comprising a plurality of indications each indicating a measurement of the uplink reference signal measured with a respective one of the plurality of beams and an identification of the respective one of the plurality of beams;

[0257] means for receiving, from the server, a reference signal configuration message identifying one or more of the plurality of beams in response to the beam identification message; and

[0258] means for sending, to the user equipment, a downlink reference signal using the one or more of the plurality of beams identified in the reference signal configuration message in response to the reference signal configuration message.

[0259] Clause 38. The base station of clause 37, wherein each of the plurality of indications of the beam identification message indicates a signal quality of the uplink reference signal.

[0260] Clause 39. A non-transitory processor-readable storage medium comprising processor-readable instructions configured to cause one or more processors of a base station to:

[0261] receive, via a plurality of beams of the base station, an uplink reference signal from a user equipment;

[0262] send, to a server, a beam identification message comprising a plurality of indications each indicative of a measurement of the uplink reference signal taken with a respective one of the plurality of beams and an identification of the respective one of the plurality of beams;

[0263] receive, from the server, a reference signal configuration message identifying one or more of the plurality of beams in response to the beam identification message; and

[0264] send, to the user equipment, a downlink reference signal using the one or more of the plurality of beams identified in the reference signal configuration message in response to the reference signal configuration message.

[0265] Clause 40. The non-transitory processor-readable storage medium of Clause 39, wherein each of the plurality of indications of the beam identification message is indicative of a signal quality of the uplink reference signal.

[0266] Other considerations

[0267] Other examples and implementations are within the scope of the disclosure and appended claims. For example, due to the nature of software and computers, software can be employed to implement functions described above, including any of the following: software, hardware, firmware, hardwiring, or combinations of any of the above. Features implementing functions can also be physically located at various positions, including being distributed such that portions of functions are implemented at different physical locations.

[0268] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” and / or “has,” “having” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0269] Also, as used in the specification and the claims, the phrase “at least one,” in reference to a list of one or more elements, means that at least one element is present, and that one or more of those elements can be present. For example, the phrase “at least one of A or B” means that A is present, or B is present, or both A and B are present. As used herein, the term “or” means any one member of a set or all. For example, the phrase A or B means either A or B or both A and B. As used herein, the term “and” means all. For example, the phrase A and B means both A and B. As used herein, the term “based on” means at least partially based on. For example, the phrase “based on A or B” means that the function or operation is based on at least one of A or B.

[0270] As used herein, the statement that two or more parts or components “engage” one another means that the parts or components either come in direct contact with one another, or that one or more other parts or components interpose the two parts or components that are in direct contact. As used herein, the term “coupled” means the joining of two members together such that the two members so joined co-operate.

[0271] Significant variations can be made in accordance with specific requirements. For example, customized hardware might also be used, and / or particular elements might be implemented in hardware, software (including portable software, such as applets, etc.), or both. Further, connection to other computing devices such as network input / output devices can be employed. Components shown in the diagrams as well as / or discussed in the text might, in some examples, be implemented in the context of a general computer system, a device external to a general computer system, or a combination of computer systems and devices. In general, any number of user computers can be used, with or without central processing units (CPUs), and / or with or without graphics processing units (GPUs), as well as any number of mobile or stationary devices.

[0272] The systems and apparatuses discussed above are examples. Various configurations can omit, substitute, or add various procedures or components as appropriate. For instance, features described with respect to certain configurations can be combined in various other configurations. Different aspects and elements of these configurations can be combined to create still further configurations, and many modifications, substitutions, and changes can be made to the example configurations identified herein without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Examples of methods can be used in varying order and / or with various changes to the protocols and / or hardware arrangements. The systems and apparatuses discussed above are examples. Various configurations can omit, substitute, or add various procedures or components as appropriate. For instance, features described with respect to certain configurations can be combined in various other configurations. Different aspects and elements of these configurations can be combined to create still further configurations, and many modifications, substitutions, and changes can be made to the example configurations identified herein without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Examples of methods can be used in varying order and / or with various changes to the protocols and / or hardware arrangements.

[0273] A wireless communication system is a system in which communication is carried via wireless transmission between communicating units, such as electromagnetic and / or acoustic waves that propagate through the atmosphere rather than over wires or other physical connections. A wireless communication network can not have all communication transmitted wirelessly, but is configured to have at least some communication transmitted wirelessly. Also, the term "wireless communication device" or similar term does not require that the function of the device be exclusively or even primarily for communication, or that the device be a mobile device, but indicates that the device includes wireless communication capability (one-way or two-way), such as including at least one radio (each radio being part of a transmitter, receiver, or transceiver) for wireless communication.

[0274] In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments might be practiced without these specific details. For example, well-known methods, structures, algorithms, and techniques have not been described in detail herein in order to avoid obscuring the configurations. This description provides example configurations, but does not limit the scope, applicability, or configurations of the claims. Rather, the preceding description of the configurations is provided as illustrative examples of the described techniques. Various changes might be made in the function and arrangement of elements.

[0275] The terms "processor-readable medium," "machine-readable medium," and "computer-readable medium" as used herein refer to any medium that participates in providing data that causes a machine to operate in a specific fashion. With a computing platform, various such processor-readable media might be involved in providing such data to such processor(s) and / or might be employed in storing and / or carrying such instructions / code (e.g., as signals). In many implementations, such processor-readable media can be a physical and / or tangible storage medium. Such a medium can take many forms, including but not limited to, non-volatile media and volatile media. Non-volatile media includes, for example, optical and / or magnetic disks. Volatile media includes, for example, dynamic memory.

[0276] Several example configurations have been described. Various modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalent

[0277] A statement that a value exceeds (or is greater than or higher than) a first threshold is equivalent to a statement that the value meets or exceeds a second threshold that is slightly greater than the first threshold, e.g., the second threshold is one value higher than the first threshold, according to the resolution of the computing system. A statement that a value is less than a first threshold (or is within or below the first threshold) is equivalent to a statement that the value is less than or equal to a second threshold that is slightly lower than the first threshold, e.g., the second threshold is one value lower than the first threshold, according to the resolution of the computing system.

Claims

1. A user equipment (UE), comprising: a transceiver; a memory; and one or more processors communicatively coupled to the transceiver and memory and configured to: transmit, via the transceiver, an uplink reference signal to one or more base stations and a request for positioning resources to a network entity; receive, via the transceiver, a plurality of first downlink reference signals from one or more of the one or more base stations in a first plurality of beams; determine, from the first plurality of beams, a second plurality of beams based on one or more respective measurements of the plurality of first downlink reference signals; transmit, to the network entity, a beam report indicating the second plurality of beams; receive, via the transceiver, a plurality of second downlink reference signals transmitted in a third plurality of beams in response to the beam report; and measure the plurality of second downlink reference signals, wherein the measurements are used to determine a location of the UE. the one or more processors are configured to report, for each of the plurality of second downlink reference signals, a time difference of arrival and an angle of departure, wherein the one or more processors are configured to report the time difference of arrival and the angle of departure simultaneously, or are configured to report the time difference of arrival and the angle of departure sequentially, or are configured to report the time difference of arrival and the angle of departure either simultaneously or sequentially.

2. The user equipment of claim 1, wherein, the one or more processors are configured to:

3. The user equipment of claim 1, wherein, measure, for each of the plurality of second downlink reference signals, at least one of a time difference of arrival or an angle of departure; and determine, based on a respective first measurement accuracy of a respective time difference of arrival or a respective second measurement accuracy of a respective angle of departure, which, if any, of the at least one of the time difference of arrival or the angle of departure for each of the plurality of second downlink reference signals to report to the network entity. the one or more processors are configured to determine, based on a payload limit of a positioning report for reporting location information from the user equipment to the network entity, which, if any, of the at least one of the time difference of arrival or the angle of departure for each of the plurality of second downlink reference signals to report to the network entity.

5. A method for facilitating location information determination, the method comprising:

4. The user equipment of claim 3, wherein, transmitting, from a user equipment (UE), an uplink reference signal to one or more base stations and a request for positioning resources to a network entity; receiving, at the UE, a plurality of first downlink reference signals from one or more of the one or more base stations in a first plurality of beams in response to the uplink reference signal and the request; determining, at the UE, a second plurality of beams from the first plurality of beams based on one or more respective measurements of the plurality of first downlink reference signals; transmitting, from the UE to the network entity, a beam report indicating the second plurality of beams; receiving a plurality of second downlink reference signals transmitted in a third plurality of beams in response to the beam report; and measuring the plurality of second downlink reference signals, wherein the measurements are used to determine a location of the UE. ​ ​ 6. The method of claim 5, further comprising reporting, for each of the plurality of second downlink reference signals, a time difference of arrival and an angle of departure.

7. The method of claim 5, further comprising: measuring, for each of the plurality of second downlink reference signals, at least one of a time difference of arrival or an angle of departure; and determining which, if any, of the at least one of a time difference of arrival or an angle of departure for each of the plurality of second downlink reference signals to report to the network entity based on a respective first measurement accuracy of a respective time difference of arrival or a respective second measurement accuracy of a respective angle of departure.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein, The determining which, if any, of the at least one of a time difference of arrival or an angle of departure for each of the plurality of second downlink reference signals to report to the network entity is based on a payload limit of a positioning report for reporting location information from a UE to the network entity.

9. A server, comprising: a transceiver; a memory; and a processor communicatively coupled to the transceiver and memory and configured to perform the following processes: (1) receiving, via the transceiver, a plurality of indications of at least one uplink reference signal transmitted by a user equipment (UE) and received in a first plurality of beams by a first plurality of transmission / reception points (TRPs); selecting, based on the first plurality of beams, a second plurality of beams of a second plurality of TRPs; requesting, via the transceiver, the second plurality of TRPs to transmit a first plurality of downlink reference signals to the UE employing the second plurality of beams; and (2) receiving, via the transceiver, a plurality of indications of received signal qualities of a second plurality of downlink reference signals transmitted by a third plurality of TRPs and received by the UE; selecting, based on the plurality of indications of received signal qualities, a third plurality of beams of a fourth plurality of TRPs; requesting, via the transceiver, the fourth plurality of TRPs to transmit a third plurality of downlink reference signals to the UE employing the third plurality of beams, wherein the processor is configured to select the third plurality of beams of the fourth plurality of TRPs to include at least one of the second plurality of beams of the second plurality of TRPs. The processor is configured according to (1), and wherein the processor is configured to:

10. The server of claim 9, wherein, receive at least one capability indication of at least one capability of the UE; and further select the second plurality of beams of the second plurality of TRPs based on the at least one capability indication.

11. A method for facilitating positioning of a user equipment (UE), the method comprising the following processes: (1) receiving, at a server, a plurality of indications of at least one uplink reference signal transmitted by the UE and received in a first plurality of beams by a first plurality of transmission / reception points (TRPs); selecting, based on the first plurality of beams, a second plurality of beams of a second plurality of TRPs; and requesting, by the server, the second plurality of TRPs to transmit a first plurality of downlink reference signals to the UE employing the second plurality of beams; and ​ (2) receiving, at the server, a plurality of indications of received signal quality of a second plurality of downlink reference signals transmitted by a third plurality of TRPs and received by the UE; selecting a third plurality of beams of a fourth plurality of TRPs based on the plurality of indications of received signal quality; requesting, by the server, the fourth plurality of TRPs to transmit a third plurality of downlink reference signals to the UE employing the third plurality of beams, wherein selecting the third plurality of beams of the fourth plurality of TRPs comprises selecting the third plurality of beams of the fourth plurality of TRPs to include at least one of the second plurality of beams of the second plurality of TRPs.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein, The method comprises (1), and further comprises receiving at least one capability indication of at least one capability of the UE, and wherein selecting the second plurality of beams of the second plurality of TRPs comprises selecting the second plurality of beams of the second plurality of TRPs further based on the at least one capability indication.

13. A base station comprising: a transceiver; a memory; and one or more processors communicatively coupled to the transceiver and memory and configured to: receive, via a plurality of beams of the transceiver, an uplink reference signal from a user equipment; transmit, via the transceiver, a beam identification message to a server, the beam identification message comprising a plurality of indications each indicative of a measurement of the uplink reference signal measured employing a respective one of the plurality of beams of the transceiver and an identification of the respective one of the plurality of beams of the transceiver; receive, via the transceiver, a first reference signal configuration message from the server responsive to the beam identification message identifying one or more of the plurality of beams of the transceiver; transmit, via the transceiver, a first downlink reference signal to the user equipment using the one or more of the plurality of beams of the transceiver identified in the first reference signal configuration message responsive to the first reference signal configuration message; and receive, via the transceiver, a second reference signal configuration message from the server responsive to a beam report based on the first downlink reference signal of one or more of the plurality of beams of the transceiver; and transmit, via the transceiver, a second downlink reference signal to the user equipment using the one or more of the plurality of beams of the transceiver identified in the second reference signal configuration message responsive to the second reference signal configuration message, wherein the second downlink reference signal is used to determine a location of the UE. Each of the plurality of indications of the beam identification message is indicative of a signal quality of the uplink reference signal.

15. A reference signal providing method comprising: receiving, via a plurality of beams of a transceiver of a base station, an uplink reference signal from a user equipment; 14. The base station of claim 13, wherein, ​ ​ ​ transmitting, from the base station to a server, a beam identification message comprising a plurality of indications each indicative of a measurement of the uplink reference signal taken with a respective one of the plurality of beams of the transceiver and an identification of the respective one of the plurality of beams of the transceiver; receiving, at the base station from the server, a first reference signal configuration message identifying one or more of the plurality of beams of the transceiver in response to the beam identification message; transmitting, from the base station to the user equipment, a first downlink reference signal using the one or more of the plurality of beams of the transceiver identified in the first reference signal configuration message in response to the reference signal configuration message; receiving, from the server via the transceiver, a second reference signal configuration message of one or more of the plurality of beams of the transceiver in response to a beam report based on the first downlink reference signal; and transmitting, from the base station to the user equipment, a second downlink reference signal using the one or more of the plurality of beams of the transceiver identified in the second reference signal configuration message in response to the second reference signal configuration message, wherein the second downlink reference signal is used to determine a location of the UE. Each of the plurality of indications of the beam identification message is indicative of a signal quality of the uplink reference signal.

16. The reference signal providing method according to Claim 15, wherein The program code can be executed by one or more processors of a user equipment, UE, to cause the processors to perform the method of any one of claims 5 to 8.

17. A computer readable medium having program code recorded thereon, wherein, The program code can be executed by one or more processors of a server to cause the processors to perform the method of any one of claims 11 to 12.

18. A computer readable medium having program code recorded thereon, wherein, The program code can be executed by one or more processors of a base station to cause the processors to perform the method of any one of claims 15 to 16.

19. A computer readable medium having program code recorded thereon, wherein, ​

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