Method and apparatus for sidelink positioning

Abstract

This disclosure relates to techniques for UE-based location reference services. Specifically, this disclosure relates to a first user equipment (1601a) including: a transceiver (1605a) for: receiving a location reference indication configuration to configure the first user equipment (1601a) to send or receive indication messages; and sending or receiving indication messages via a side link (1602), wherein the indication message indicates a location reference available for positioning assistance on the side link (1602).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to techniques for lateral walkway positioning. Specifically, this disclosure relates to providing location reference information on a lateral walkway. Background Technology

[0002] Starting with Release 9, 3GPP has been developing radio solutions for location services. For current radio access technology (RAT)-related location technologies in Long Term Evolution (LTE) and New Radio (NR), location measurements are obtained based on reference signals transmitted in the downlink and / or uplink between the target device and one or more network devices (e.g., a reference base station). This limits the application of RAT-dependent location services (LCS) within the coverage area of ​​cellular mobile networks. For next-generation LCS, user equipment (UE) use cases in partial and out-of-coverage scenarios have generated interest, particularly for vehicle-to-everything (V2X) and public safety services.

[0003] Location services relying on Reference Atlas (RATs) are currently provided by cellular mobile networks, and therefore depend on network deployment, i.e., fixedly installed base stations or transmit-receive points (TRPs) used as location reference nodes. Typically, network deployments are optimized primarily to meet data communication performance requirements. For location services requiring coverage from multiple reference nodes, typical communication network deployments may be insufficient. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One object of this disclosure is to provide a UE-based location reference technology and corresponding signaling technology that provides reliable and highly available location measurements in communication networks, such as for communications via 5G mobile wireless networks. A specific object of this disclosure is to provide a mechanism for providing a location reference UE for a target UE.

[0005] One or more of these objectives are achieved through the features of the independent claim. Other implementations are apparent from the dependent claims, the description, and the drawings.

[0006] The basic idea of ​​this disclosure is to provide a scheme for user equipment to indicate its availability as a location reference. This scheme may include the following steps:

[0007] 1) Configure the location reference device of the UE type to send location reference indication messages, and configure the target UE to receive them accordingly;

[0008] 2) Indicates the availability of the UE's location reference to its vicinity;

[0009] 3) Optionally, update the location information and check the status of the location reference UE.

[0010] This disclosure defines the prerequisite steps for location services relying on RAT (Range Attribution-Based Positioning) measurements using sidelink measurements. Allowing UE-type devices as location references enables location services in partial / out-of-coverage scenarios and improves service availability. Even in typical coverage scenarios, the disclosed scheme allows for dynamic activation of UE-type location references, thereby reducing power consumption and deployment costs. UE-type location references with sidelink location measurements can be combined with any network-based or UE-based positioning method, adding flexibility to the location services provided by current cellular mobile systems.

[0011] According to the first aspect, this disclosure relates to a first user equipment, comprising: a transceiver configured to: receive a location reference indication configuration to configure the first user equipment to send or receive indication messages; and to send or receive indication messages via a side link, wherein the indication message indicates a location reference available for positioning assistance on the side link.

[0012] This first user equipment supports UE-based location reference services and corresponding signaling to provide reliable and highly available location measurements in communication networks, such as for communications via 5G mobile wireless networks. Advantageously, the first user equipment supports the discovery of a location reference UE by the target UE.

[0013] The first user equipment can act as a location reference device sending indication messages or as a target user equipment receiving indication messages (hereinafter referred to as the second user equipment). If the first user equipment acts as the target user equipment, it will receive location reference indication configuration from the network and indication messages from the location reference device. Both of these cases are included in the first aspect.

[0014] The location reference described in this disclosure is a reference to a location in a coordinate system. The location reference can be defined by a geographic coordinate system, i.e., a global coordinate system associated with a location on Earth or a local coordinate system associated with a location relative to the device. The location reference can define an absolute geographic location, which other devices can use to determine their geographic location based on this location reference.

[0015] It should be understood that the first user equipment (UE) acts as a transmitting device (or location reference UE) in some scenarios, but as a receiving device (or target UE) in others. In some scenarios, the first UE can act as both a transmitting device and a receiving device simultaneously. This disclosure may consider the first UE as both a transmitting device and a receiving device, but it should be understood that the first UE may only act as a transmitting device or a receiving device. In this disclosure, the first UE may be referred to as UE (user equipment). The same applies to the second UE.

[0016] The sidelink or sidelink communication disclosed herein is an adaptation of the core LTE standard, allowing communication between two or more nearby devices using E-UTRAN (Evolved UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network) technology without the need for a base station. This technology can be used in out-of-network coverage scenarios. This functionality can also be combined with traditional LTE connections to mobile networks to enable various innovative connected car services, factory automation services, and more.

[0017] In an exemplary implementation of the first user equipment, the first user equipment is configured as a location reference device and provides indication messages to the second user equipment and provides a measurement reference for positioning to the second user equipment via a side link.

[0018] This offers the advantage of informing the second user equipment of the availability of a location reference device used for positioning measurements performed by the first user equipment. Specifically, in scenarios outside the coverage area without a connection to a base station, the second user equipment can accurately determine its location with the assistance of the first user equipment, without the need for a base station. This improves availability and security in connected car services, factory automation services, and the like.

[0019] The second user equipment can be multiple user equipments that use the first user equipment as a location reference.

[0020] In an exemplary implementation of the first user equipment, the transceiver is configured to receive location reference indication configuration via dedicated signaling, broadcast signaling, or multicast signaling.

[0021] This offers the following advantages: it allows for flexible configuration of location reference indicators based on the specific scenario, such as unicast, broadcast, or multicast.

[0022] The location reference indication configuration can be UE-specific or non-UE-specific. In the case of a UE-specific configuration, the location server notifies the location reference device (and the target user equipment) of the configuration parameters of the indication message, for example, as described below. Figure 4As shown. In non-UE-specific configurations, configuration parameters can be sent to the Radio Access Network (RAN) and then further broadcast to one or more target user equipments, for example, as described below. Figure 5 As shown.

[0023] In an exemplary implementation of the first user equipment, the first user equipment is used to provide a positioning measurement reference for the second user equipment by: transmitting a positioning reference signal (PRS) via a side link to provide a positioning measurement reference for the second user equipment; or measuring a reference signal (RS) transmitted by the second user equipment to use as a positioning measurement reference.

[0024] This offers the advantage that positioning measurements can be flexibly performed by either the first or second user equipment.

[0025] In an exemplary implementation of the first user equipment, the indication message includes at least one of the following: a location reference identifier (ID) of the first user equipment; an indication of whether the first user equipment can assist the second user equipment in absolute positioning; an indication of whether the first user equipment can transmit a positioning reference signal (PRS) via a sidelink; an indication of whether the first user equipment can perform positioning measurements on the sidelink; location information indicating to the second user equipment whether the first user equipment can assist the second user equipment in positioning; an indication of the validity duration of the information provided in the indication message; a PRS capability level, indicating the level of support for PRS sidelink transmission; a measurement capability level, indicating the level of positioning measurements on the sidelink; and a location information accuracy level, indicating the accuracy level of the location information from the first user equipment. This information corresponds to the parameters in Table 2 described below, and additional parameters based on the basic information in Table 2A.

[0026] This provides the following advantage: notifying the second user equipment of all relevant parameters that may be important for enabling the location reference service between the first and second user equipment.

[0027] In an exemplary implementation of the first user equipment, the indication regarding whether the first user equipment is capable of transmitting a positioning reference signal via a side link includes at least one of the following: the number of antennas, panels, and / or antenna reference points (ARPs); the location of the antennas, panels, and / or ARPs; the maximum bandwidth; the supported frequency bands; and the maximum transmission power for each antenna, panel, and / or ARP. This information corresponds to the “PRS Capability” section of Table 2, as described below.

[0028] This provides the following advantages: notifying the second user equipment of all relevant communication and transmission resources of the first user equipment so that the second user equipment can decide whether or how to use the first user equipment as a location reference.

[0029] In an exemplary implementation of the first user equipment, the indication regarding whether the first user equipment is capable of performing positioning measurements on the side link includes at least one of the following: reference signal time difference (RSTD); reference signal received power (RSRP); number of antennas, panels, and / or antenna reference points (ARPs); location of antennas, panels, and / or ARPs; maximum bandwidth; supported frequency bands; and maximum transmit power. This information corresponds to the "Positioning Measurement Capability" section of Table 2 described below.

[0030] This provides the following advantages: all relevant location measurement capabilities of the first user equipment can be effectively communicated to the second user equipment in order to determine whether or how the first user equipment can be used as a location reference.

[0031] In an exemplary implementation of the first user equipment, the location information includes at least one of the following: the location coordinates of the first user equipment, including uncertainty information of the location estimate; the speed estimate of the first user equipment, including the speed, bearing information, and uncertainty information of the speed estimate; the location source positioning technology, specifically GNSS, WLAN, or radio; a location timestamp indicating the validity period of the location estimate; an indication of whether the first user equipment is a location reference; and the validity period of the location information. This information corresponds to the "Location Information" section of Table 2 described below, and more specifically, to the parameters of the location information described in detail in Table 3.

[0032] This provides the following advantages: all details of the location information associated with the first user equipment can be effectively communicated to the second user equipment in order to determine whether or how the first user equipment can be used as a location reference.

[0033] In an exemplary implementation of the first user equipment, the instruction message is sent to the second user equipment via unicast, or to a specific user equipment group via multicast, or to a specific user equipment group via broadcast.

[0034] This offers the following advantages: indication messages can be flexibly sent to a second user device or a group of one or more second user devices, depending on the specific scenario.

[0035] In an exemplary implementation of the first user equipment, the indication message is carried in one of the following: a Physical Sidelink Broadcast Channel (PSBCH); a Physical Sidelink Shared Channel (PSSCH); a Physical Sidelink Control Channel (PSCCH); a Medium Access Control-Control Element (MAC-CE); or a PC5-RRC interface for sidelink communication.

[0036] This offers the advantage that indicative messages can be flexibly carried on different channels depending on channel availability.

[0037] In an exemplary implementation of the first user equipment, the indication message includes at least a first part and a second part, wherein the first part and the second part of the indication message are sent in separate messages.

[0038] This offers the following advantages: it allows for the efficient transmission of instruction messages to a second user device, for example, sending only basic information in the first part and all detailed information in the second part.

[0039] In an exemplary implementation of the first user equipment, the first part of the indication message includes at least one of the following: a location reference identifier of the first UE; an indication of whether the first user equipment can assist the second user equipment in absolute positioning; a PRS capability level, indicating the level of support for PRS-side walkway transmission; a measurement capability level, indicating the level of positioning measurement on the walkway; and a location information accuracy level, indicating the accuracy level of location information from the first user equipment.

[0040] This offers the following advantages: the second user equipment can quickly determine whether the first user equipment can be used as a location reference based on the first part. The first part can be transmitted to the second user equipment using the available frequency band.

[0041] In an exemplary implementation of the first user equipment, the transceiver is configured to receive a location information request, wherein the location information request is used to update the status of the first user equipment as a location reference device for the second user equipment.

[0042] This provides the following advantages: the status of the first user equipment is always up-to-date, and the current status of the first user equipment can be notified to the second user equipment.

[0043] In an exemplary implementation of the first user equipment, the location information request includes at least one of the following: the location coordinates of the first user equipment, including uncertainty information of the location estimate; the speed estimate of the first user equipment, including the speed, orientation information and uncertainty information of the speed estimate; information about the location source positioning technology (e.g., GNSS, WLAN, radio); a location timestamp indicating the time for which the location estimate is valid; an indication of whether the first user equipment is a location reference; and the validity period of the location information.

[0044] This provides the following advantages: the first user equipment can provide relevant parameters as a location reference, so the second user equipment can decide whether to use the first user equipment as a location reference based on these parameters.

[0045] In an exemplary implementation of the first user equipment, the transceiver is used to send location information updates to the network device, wherein the location information updates are used to update the status of the first user equipment as a location reference device for the second user equipment.

[0046] This provides the following advantages: informing network devices (e.g., base stations) of the current state of the first user equipment as a location reference.

[0047] This message can be sent automatically by the first user equipment without relying on a location information request. Then, the network equipment can be periodically notified of the first user equipment's status as a location reference.

[0048] In an exemplary implementation of the first user equipment, the first user equipment includes a processor configured to trigger a state update of the first user equipment based on at least one of the following: a location reference update performed at a location server; and a location reference update performed at the first user equipment.

[0049] This offers the following advantages: updates can be flexibly performed on the location server or the first user device, depending on the scenario.

[0050] In an exemplary implementation of the first user equipment, the location reference update includes at least one of the following: a parameter indicating whether the first user equipment should perform an update; update timing information indicating the time or frequency at which the first user equipment should perform the update; and a parameter to be updated. This is based on the information in Table 4 described below.

[0051] This offers the following advantages: updates can be performed flexibly, and detailed update procedures can be communicated to the second user equipment.

[0052] In an exemplary implementation of the first user equipment, at least one of the location information request and location information update is received from the Location Management Function (LMF) via the LTE positioning protocol (LPP) or the new radio positioning protocol annex (NRPPa).

[0053] This offers the following advantage: updates can be performed efficiently in 5G systems.

[0054] In an exemplary implementation of the first user equipment, the location reference indication configuration is received via at least one of the following: LTE Positioning Protocol (LPP); New Radio Positioning Protocol Annex (NRPPa); or Radio Resource Control (RRC) protocol.

[0055] This offers the following advantages: it allows for efficient configuration of signal transmission location reference indication in 5G systems.

[0056] According to a second aspect, this disclosure relates to a network device, comprising: a processor for acquiring a location reference indication configuration, wherein the location reference indication configuration is configured to configure a first user equipment to send an indication message to a second user equipment via a side link or to receive an indication message from the second user equipment, wherein the indication message indicates a location reference available for positioning assistance on the side link; and a transceiver for sending the location reference indication configuration to the first user equipment.

[0057] For example, a network device can be a device in a wireless access network or a device in a wireless core network. A network device can be, for example, a server or base station, or any other network entity.

[0058] This network device supports UE-based location reference services and corresponding signaling to provide reliable and highly available location measurements in communication networks, such as for communications via 5G mobile wireless networks. Advantageously, the network device supports the discovery of a location reference UE by the target UE.

[0059] In an exemplary implementation of the network device, the indication message includes at least one of the following: a location reference identifier for a first user equipment; an indication of whether the first user equipment can assist a second user equipment in absolute positioning; an indication of whether the first user equipment can transmit a Position Reference Signal (PRS) via a sidelink; an indication of whether the first user equipment can perform positioning measurements on the sidelink; location information indicating to the second user equipment whether the first user equipment can assist the second user equipment in positioning; an indication of the validity duration of the information provided in the indication message; a PRS capability level, indicating the level of support for PRS sidelink transmission; a measurement capability level, indicating the level of positioning measurements on the sidelink; and a location information accuracy level, indicating the accuracy level of the location information from the first user equipment. This information corresponds to the parameters in Table 2 described below, and additional parameters based on the basic information in Table 2A described below.

[0060] This provides the following advantage: notifying the second user equipment of all relevant parameters that may be important for enabling the location reference service between the first and second user equipment.

[0061] In an exemplary implementation of a network device, the transceiver is used to send a location reference indication configuration via dedicated signaling, broadcast signaling, or multicast signaling.

[0062] This offers the following advantages: it allows for flexible configuration of location reference indicators based on the specific scenario, such as unicast, broadcast, or multicast.

[0063] In an exemplary implementation of the network device, the location reference indication configuration is received via at least one of the following: LTE Positioning Protocol (LPP); New Radio Positioning Protocol Annex (NRPPa); or Radio Resource Control (RRC) protocol.

[0064] This offers the following advantages: it allows for efficient configuration of signal transmission location reference indication in 5G systems.

[0065] According to a third aspect, this disclosure relates to a method for indicating a location reference for positioning assistance, the method comprising: a first user equipment receiving a location reference indication configuration; configuring the first user equipment to send or receive an indication message based on the location reference indication configuration; and the first user equipment sending or receiving the indication message via a side link, wherein the indication message indicates a location reference available for positioning assistance on the side link.

[0066] This provides the same advantages as those described above for the first aspect.

[0067] According to a fourth aspect, this disclosure relates to a method for providing a location reference indication configuration for positioning assistance, the method comprising: a network device acquiring a location reference indication configuration, wherein the location reference indication configuration is configured to configure a first user equipment to send an indication message to a second user equipment via a side link or to receive an indication message from the second user equipment, wherein the indication message indicates a location reference available for positioning assistance on the side link; and the network device sending the location reference indication configuration to the first user equipment.

[0068] This provides the same advantages as those described above for the second aspect.

[0069] According to a fifth aspect, this disclosure relates to a computer program product including computer-executable code or computer-executable instructions, which, when executed, cause at least one computer to perform the method according to a third aspect or the method according to a fourth aspect. Such a computer program product may include a non-transitory readable storage medium storing program code for use by a processor, the program code including instructions for performing the methods or computational blocks described below.

[0070] Computer program products can be found below regarding Figure 16 It can run on any component of the described communication system. For example, a computer program product can run on, for instance, a... Figure 16 The first user equipment 1601a shown operates on this system. This first user equipment may include: processing circuitry 1603a, such as a processor 1603a, for processing and generating data (e.g., the program code described above); a transceiver 1605a, including, for example, a transmitter, a receiver, and an antenna, for exchanging data with other components of the communication system 1600; and non-transient memory 1607a for storing data (e.g., the program code described above). The computer program product may also be available on, for example... Figure 16 The computer program product can also run on, as shown in the second user equipment 1601b. Figure 16 The network device 1620 shown is running on it.

[0071] This computer program product improves the location measurement and availability in wireless communication networks (such as those used for transmissions via 5G wireless networks).

[0072] According to a sixth aspect, this disclosure relates to a computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method described in the third aspect or the method described in the fourth aspect. Such a computer-readable medium may be a non-transitory readable storage medium. The computer may, for example, be a first user device including a processor, a transceiver, and memory, such as the first user device described in the first aspect. The computer-readable medium may be stored in the memory of the first user device. The instructions stored on the computer-readable medium may be executed by the processor of the first user device. The computer may, for example, be a network device including a processor, a transceiver, and memory, such as the network device described in the second aspect. The computer-readable medium may be stored in the memory of the network device. The instructions stored on the computer-readable medium may be executed by the processor of the network device.

[0073] The following description provides details of the disclosed techniques for indicating the availability of a location reference for a UE-type device. The signaling process between the location server and the location reference UE or the target UE is described. The location server described in this disclosure is responsible for location reference management. This function can be implemented in the same entity used for location determination or independently of the location determination entity. The location server can be implemented as a network function (e.g., LMF); it can also be implemented as an application server or an application function. For the former, a new LPP IE is introduced to enable the configuration, indication, and updating of the location reference UE; for the latter, Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) or other application layer protocols can be used to transmit signaling information. Furthermore, this disclosure does not exclude other implementation formats of the location server, such as location management functions located in a serving base station, a RAN node, a core network, or in a UE-type device such as a handheld terminal or a mobile vehicle. For each implementation possibility, a different communication protocol is used accordingly to carry the disclosed signaling process. Attached Figure Description

[0074] Further embodiments of the present invention will be described in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0075] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of positioning 100 that relies on RAT (Radio Access Technology) is shown.

[0076] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of side-link positioning 200 with the assistance of a location reference UE is shown in the example provided.

[0077] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a method 300, provided in the example, uses a user equipment indication as a location reference.

[0078] Figure 4 The example provides a message sequence diagram 400 for a UE-specific location reference indication configuration.

[0079] Figure 5 The example provides a message sequence diagram 500 for a non-UE-specific location reference indication configuration.

[0080] Figure 6 The example provided shows a message sequence diagram 600 for a UE-specific location reference indication configuration using the LTE Location Protocol (LPP).

[0081] Figure 7 The example provided in diagram 700 illustrates a non-UE-specific location reference indication configuration using NRPPa and SIB.

[0082] Figure 8 The example provides a message sequence diagram 800 for the transmission of location reference indication messages.

[0083] Figure 9 The following is a message sequence diagram 900 illustrating a location reference UE state update at a location server provided in an embodiment.

[0084] Figure 10 Figure 1000 illustrates a message sequence diagram for a location reference UE state update at the LMF using LPP, provided as an example.

[0085] Figure 11 The example provided in Figure 1100 shows the message sequence for UE state updates based on the location reference at the UE.

[0086] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of a dynamically enabled location reference UE in a factory workshop 1200 provided in the example is shown.

[0087] Figure 13 A message sequence diagram of a signaling procedure 1300 for dynamically enabling a location reference UE according to a request from a target UE is shown according to an embodiment.

[0088] Figure 14 A schematic diagram of a street scene 1400 provided in the example is shown, in which a location reference UE provides location reference services to a target UE outside the coverage area.

[0089] Figure 15 The example shows a message sequence diagram for signaling procedure 1500 for UE-based location reference service.

[0090] Figure 16 A schematic diagram of the communication system 1600 provided in this disclosure is shown.

[0091] Figure 17A schematic diagram of a method 1700 for indicating a position reference for positioning assistance, as provided in this disclosure, is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0092] To describe the invention in detail, the following terms, abbreviations, and symbols will be used:

[0093] UE User Equipment

[0094] RAT wireless access technology

[0095] LTE Long Term Evolution

[0096] NR New Radio

[0097] LCS Location Service

[0098] V2X vehicle-to-everything (V2X)

[0099] TRP Send / Receive Point

[0100] PRS Positioning Reference Signal

[0101] ARP antenna reference point

[0102] RS reference signal

[0103] RSRP reference signal received power

[0104] RSTD (Reference Signal Time Difference)

[0105] GNSS Global Navigation Satellite System

[0106] WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network)

[0107] LMF location management function

[0108] LPP LTE positioning protocol

[0109] BWP bandwidth portion

[0110] NRPPa New Radio Positioning Protocol

[0111] SIB System Information Block

[0112] PSBCH Physical Side Link Broadcast Channel

[0113] PSSCH Physical Side Link Shared Channel

[0114] PSCCH (Physical Side Link Control Channel)

[0115] MAC CE Media Access Control Control Element

[0116] PC5-RRC PC5 Wireless Resource Control

[0117] ID identifier

[0118] LMF location management function

[0119] AMF Access and Mobility Management Functions

[0120] HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol)

[0121] IE Information

[0122] RAN (Radio Access Network)

[0123] The following detailed description is taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are an integral part of the description and illustrate, by way of illustration, specific aspects of which the present disclosure may be practiced. It should be understood that other aspects may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the following detailed description should not be construed in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims.

[0124] It should be understood that the arguments relating to the described method can also apply to the corresponding device or system used to perform the method, and vice versa. For example, if a specific method step is described, the corresponding device may include units for performing the described method steps, even if such units are not illustrated or depicted in detail in the figures. Furthermore, it should be understood that, unless otherwise expressly stated, features of the various exemplary aspects described herein can be combined with each other.

[0125] The methods, apparatus, and systems described herein can be implemented in wireless networks, specifically in LTE, 5G, or other wireless networks. The described apparatus may include integrated circuits and / or passive devices, which can be manufactured according to various technologies. For example, the circuits may be designed as logic integrated circuits, analog integrated circuits, mixed-signal integrated circuits, optical circuits, memory circuits, and / or integrated passive circuits.

[0126] The device described herein can be used to transmit and / or receive wireless signals. Wireless signals can be or can include radio frequency signals radiated by a wireless transmitting device (or wireless transmitter or transmitter). However, the device described herein is not limited to transmitting and / or receiving wireless signals, and can also transmit and / or receive other signals designed for transmission in deterministic communication networks.

[0127] The devices and systems described herein may include processors or processing devices, memory, and transceivers, i.e., transmitters and / or receivers. The terms "processor" or "processing device" describe any device that can be used to process a specific task (or block or step). A processor or processing device may be a single-processor or a multi-core processor, or may include a group of processors, or may include means for processing. A processor or processing device may process software, firmware, or applications, etc.

[0128] The devices and systems described herein may include transceivers or transceiver devices. A transceiver is a device capable of transmitting and receiving information or signals over a transmission medium, such as a wireless channel. It is a combination of a transmitter and a receiver, hence the name transceiver. Transmission is typically accomplished via radio waves. By combining the receiver and transmitter into an integrated device, transceivers offer greater flexibility than either device alone provides.

[0129] In this disclosure, the device may be referred to as a user device in some embodiments, and the device may be, for example, a mobile phone, a smart terminal, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a video game console, a multimedia player, a vehicle, a device-to-device (D2D) device, or any smart device that supports location functionality. In some embodiments of this disclosure, the user device may also be referred to as user equipment (UE).

[0130] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of positioning 100 that relies on RAT (Radio Access Technology) is shown.

[0131] In current location technologies that rely on Radio Access Technology (RAT), location measurements 105 are obtained based on reference signals transmitted in the downlink and / or uplink between the target device 110 and one or more network devices (e.g., one or more reference base stations 101, 102, 103). This limits the application of RAT-dependent Location Services (LCS) 100 within the coverage area of ​​cellular mobile networks.

[0132] The target user equipment (UE) 110 can be reached via three exemplary wireless cells (e.g., base stations 101, 102, and 103). In this example, the first base station is a reference base station with a known location. This known location may have been obtained via a GPS receiver or stored information about the fixed location of the base station (e.g., for a base station installed in a fixed location).

[0133] An exemplary positioning measurement 105 can be initiated between the first base station 101 and the target UE 110 to determine the location of the target UE 110. For example, base station 101 can determine the signal strength and angle of arrival of a reference signal transmitted by the target UE. Based on this information, the location of the target UE 110 can be determined relative to the location of the reference base station 101.

[0134] Another possibility for determining the location of the target UE 110 is through triangulation or trilateration based on reference signals transmitted between the target UE 110 and three base stations 101, 102, and 103. The three base stations 101, 102, and 103 serve as reference base stations.

[0135] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of side-link positioning 200 with the assistance of a location reference UE is shown in the example provided.

[0136] 3GPP NR has developed sidelink transmission and reception to support UEs in coverage, partially covered, and out of coverage. To improve the availability of RAT-dependent positioning, positioning measurements 205 are considered via a sidelink between two UEs (e.g., 110, 201).

[0137] Figure 2 An exemplary scenario for side-link positioning 200 is described in [the document]. Figure 1 The base stations 101, 102, and 103 used as location references are replaced by one or more location reference UEs 201. Positioning measurements 205 are obtained based on reference signals transmitted between the target UE 110 and each location reference UE 201.

[0138] It should be noted that, in Figure 2 In this configuration, only UE 201 is designated as the location reference UE. However, other UEs 202 and 203 can also be configured as location reference UEs. The relative position between the target UE 110 and the location reference UE 201 can also be determined. If the position of the location reference UE 201 is known or partially known, the absolute position of the target UE 110 can also be determined accordingly.

[0139] As a prerequisite step for side-link localization, this disclosure focuses on location reference UE 201 and provides a solution to the problem of how to provide location reference UE 201 for target UE 110.

[0140] To enable a user equipment (UE) to function as a location reference UE, or to use a location reference UE for more accurate positioning, one embodiment provides a solution. The first UE can receive a location reference indication configuration, which can be used to configure the first UE to send or receive indication messages. The first UE can send or receive indication messages via a sidelink, where the indication messages can be used to indicate that the location reference is available for positioning assistance on the sidelink.

[0141] It should be understood that the first user equipment is also a user equipment; the term "first" is used here for clarity. The first user equipment can refer to any user equipment.

[0142] In some embodiments, the first user equipment (UE) can act as a location reference UE. The first UE can receive a location reference indication configuration, which configures the first UE to send indication messages via a sidelink. After receiving the location reference indication configuration, the first UE can send indication messages via the sidelink. In this scenario, the first UE will provide positioning assistance to other UEs.

[0143] In some embodiments, the first user equipment (UE) may act as the target UE. The first UE may receive a location reference indication configuration, which configures a location reference device (or UE) via a sidelink for the first UE. After receiving the location reference indication configuration, the first UE can receive an indication message via the sidelink. In this scenario, a location reference device for positioning assistance will be provided to the first UE.

[0144] This disclosure will describe a first user equipment from the perspective of a location reference UE and / or a target UE. In some embodiments, the first user equipment may serve as a location reference UE, and in other embodiments as a target UE.

[0145] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a method 300, provided in the example, uses a user equipment indication as a location reference.

[0146] Assuming that a device of type UE (also referred to as a user equipment or simply UE in this disclosure) has been identified as a location reference UE, Figure 3 A method 300 is shown that allows a user device to indicate its availability as a location reference. Method 300 includes three steps, such as... Figure 3 As shown, that is:

[0147] Step 1: Configure the location reference UE to send an indication message and / or configure the target UE to receive the indication message;

[0148] Step 2: The location reference UE sends an indication message, indicating its availability to nearby UEs and / or the target UE receiving the indication message via the side link;

[0149] Step 3: Optionally, update the location information and check the status of the location reference UE.

[0150] The following sections elaborate on these three steps or frames. Specifically, Figures 4 to 7 Related to the configuration steps (step 1), Figure 8 Related to the instruction message transmission step (step 2), Figures 9 to 11 This relates to the update step (step 3).

[0151] 1. Configuration

[0152] In order for the location reference UE to be discovered by the target UE, the location reference UE sends an indication message via a side link, indicating its availability in the vicinity. The target UE listens for the indication message.

[0153] The configuration parameters of a location reference indication message can be related to its scheduling information, such as time-frequency resources and periodicity. The time-frequency resources for location reference indication can be pre-configured or dynamically allocated. Examples of time-frequency resources include one or more Bandwidth Parts (BWPs), one or more resource pools, sub-channels, or multiple resource blocks. The allocation of time-frequency resources can be periodic, semi-static, or aperiodic.

[0154] The configuration parameters of the location reference indication message can also be related to signal configuration, such as the type or parameter configuration of the sequence sent as the indication message. For example, the location reference UE may send a synchronization sequence initiated using a location reference ID to indicate its identification; or other sequences that have been agreed upon with the target UE for location reference indication.

[0155] More specifically, for a location-referenced UE, the configuration parameters for the location-referenced indication message can also specify: the start and / or end time of the message transmission, such as at a specific time or triggered by a specific type of event such as motion change, location change, timer expiration, etc.; and whether the transmission is periodic, semi-static, or non-periodic.

[0156] The location reference indication configuration is provided by the location server to the location reference UE and / or the target UE. However, the location server can obtain the above configuration parameters from the radio access network (RAN).

[0157] For location-referenced UEs, the indication configuration can be provided before the indication message transmission begins. Alternatively, a device of the UE type can obtain the location-referenced indication configuration in advance and send an indication message configured as a location-referenced UE after being triggered by certain events.

[0158] For a target UE, the location reference indication configuration can indicate available location reference UEs in its vicinity and / or those available upon request or triggered by events (such as when the target UE enters a specific geographic area, when a timer expires, or when its movement changes).

[0159] The instruction configuration can be UE-specific (see...) Figure 4 and Figure 6 ) or non-UE specific (see Figure 5 and Figure 7 Under UE-specific configurations, the location server can notify the location reference indication message configuration parameters to both the location reference UE and / or the target UE, such as... Figure 4 As shown. In non-UE-specific configurations, configuration parameters can be transmitted to the Radio Access Network (RAN) and then further broadcast to one or more radio nodes, such as... Figure 5 As shown.

[0160] Figure 4 The example provides a message sequence diagram 400 for a UE-specific location reference indication configuration.

[0161] Location server 410 (e.g., a network device located in a radio access network or core network) can send a message, such as "LocRef UE" 201, to location reference UE 201 to configure UE 201 to send a location reference indication message, i.e., a user equipment that can act as a location reference. UE 201 can be the same as described above regarding... Figure 2 The location described is the same as that of UE 201.

[0162] As mentioned above, a location reference is a reference to a position within a coordinate system. A location reference can be defined by a geographic coordinate system, i.e., a global coordinate system, or a local coordinate system associated with the position relative to the device. A location reference can define an absolute geographic location, other than that of the device (e.g., [missing information]). Figure 2 UEs 202 and 203 in the document can use this absolute geographic location to determine their geographic location based on this location reference.

[0163] Location server 410 can send a message, such as "LocRefIndication message configuration" 412, to target UE 110 to notify target UE 110 of the configuration of the location reference indication message. Message 412 may be the same as message 411, or may be slightly different, for example, with different configuration parameters and a different address.

[0164] Figure 5 The example provides a message sequence diagram 500 for a non-UE-specific location reference indication configuration.

[0165] Location server 410 (e.g., a network device that may be located in the radio access network or core network) may send a message, such as “Sidelink LocRef Information” 501, to RAN node 510 (e.g., a base station, base station controller, AMF entity, or any other RAN entity) to notify RAN node 510 of the configuration of the location reference indication message. RAN node 510 may then send a message, such as “LocRefIndication Message Configuration” 502, to one or more corresponding UEs 110, 201, 202, 203, for example, via broadcast, to configure one or more UEs 110, 201, 202, 203 to receive or send location reference indication messages based on the UE's role. Message 502 may be related to... Figure 4 The messages 411 and / or 412 described herein are the same as or similar to those in the description.

[0166] Specifically, for 5G systems, existing protocols can be reused to achieve this. Figure 4 and Figure 5 The process is shown.

[0167] Figure 6 The example provided shows a message sequence diagram 600 for a UE-specific location reference indication configuration using the LTE Location Protocol (LPP).

[0168] Location Management Function (LMF) 610 (e.g., a location management server or entity according to 5G system terminology, such as a network device that may be located in the radio access network or core network) can send a message, such as "LPP:ProvideAssistanceData (e.g., SL-LocRef-ConfigInfo)" 611, to the location reference UE "LocRef UE" 201 to configure UE 201 to send a location reference indication message, i.e., a user equipment that can act as a location reference. UE 201 can be the same as described above regarding... Figure 2 The location described is the same as that of UE 201.

[0169] LMF entity 610 can send a message, such as “LPP:ProvideAssistanceData (e.g., SL-LocRef-Common)” 612, to target UE 110 to notify target UE 110 of the configuration of the location reference indication message. This message 612 can be the same as message 611, but can provide different configuration parameters (e.g., SL-LocRef-Common).

[0170] For UE-specific configurations, such as Figure 6As shown, LTE Location Protocol (LPP) messages used to provide auxiliary data can be used. A new common location information element (IE) for location reference indication configuration is introduced according to Table 1.

[0171] Table 1: New Public Location IE Configuration for Location Reference Indicator

[0172]

[0173] The signaling process using these IEs is as follows: Figure 6 As shown, this is Figure 4 The signaling process in the code uses LPP messages.

[0174] Figure 7 The example provided in diagram 700 illustrates a non-UE-specific location reference indication configuration using NRPPa and SIB.

[0175] Location Management Function (LMF) 610 (e.g., a location management server or entity according to 5G system terminology, such as a network device that may be located in the radio access network or core network) can send a message, such as “NRPPa: Side Link LocRefInformation” 701, to RAN Node 510 (e.g., a base station, base station controller, AMF entity, or any other RAN entity) to notify RAN Node 510 of the configuration of the location reference indication message. After receiving a message, such as “RRCSystemInfoRequest” 702, from UEs 110, 201, 202, 203 (through which the UE queries RAN Node 510 for system information), RAN Node 510 can send a message, such as “SIBtype X (e.g., SL-LocRef-Common)” 703, to one or more corresponding UEs 110, 201, 202, 203, for example, via broadcast, to configure one or more UEs 110, 201, 202, 203 to receive or send the location reference indication message.

[0176] For non-UE-specific configurations, a new NR Positioning Protocol a (NRPPa) procedure is introduced to transmit location reference-related information from LMF 610 to RAN 510. The location reference UE and the target UE can obtain a new type of System Information Block (SIB) upon request, including the location reference indication configuration (SL-LocRef-Common), such as... Figure 7 As shown.

[0177] Both UE-specific and non-UE-specific indication configurations can be performed as part of the pre-configuration process. This means that when a UE type device is within the coverage area of ​​the wireless network, only the location reference indication configuration needs to be obtained. Indication message transmission is performed via the side link and can be applied to both partial coverage and out-of-coverage scenarios.

[0178] 2. Instruct message transmission

[0179] Figure 8 The example shows a message sequence diagram 800 of the location reference indication message transmission between the location reference UE 201 and the target UE 110.

[0180] The indication from location reference UE 201 can be executed via a direct radio link between location reference UE 201 and target UE 110, such as... Figure 8 As shown. This ensures that the positioning measurements can then be obtained using the side walkway signals transmitted between the two.

[0181] After location reference UE 201 is enabled, it can send a location reference indication message 811, or simply "indication message" 811, to its vicinity, for example, as Figure 8 Option 1 (801) is shown. The content of message 811 may include at least one of the following parameters in Table 2. Message 811 may be carried in PSBCH, PSSCH, PSCCH, MAC-CE or via the PC5-RRC interface for side link communication.

[0182] If a direct communication link has not yet been established between the location reference UE 201 and the target UE 110, the location reference UE 201 can be configured or pre-configured to broadcast a location reference indication message 811 via a sidelink. The target UE 110 can be configured or pre-configured to listen accordingly. The RAN can pre-configure a dedicated resource area for the location reference indication message 811.

[0183] If a direct communication link has been established between the location reference UE 201 and the target 110, the location reference indication message 811 can be transmitted via unicast. Alternatively, the location reference indication message 811 can be multicast to a group of UEs interested in acquiring sidelink positioning measurements.

[0184] Table 2: Contents of Location Reference Indication Messages

[0185]

[0186] Alternatively, such as Figure 8 As described in the document, location reference indication messages 811 can be transmitted in multiple stages.

[0187] For example, the first-stage indication message 821 (e.g., "Location Reference Indication Message" 811) may only include a brief version of basic information indicating the location reference 201, such as identification, availability of absolute location, indicators such as capability flags or levels, etc. The target UE 110, intending to obtain further location assistance from this location reference UE 201, can obtain a second-stage indication message (e.g., "Location Reference Indication Message" 822) that includes detailed information. Examples of the first-stage location reference indication messages are provided in Table 2A below:

[0188] Table 2A: Contents of the Phase 1 Location Reference Indication Message

[0189]

[0190] Once the first phase instruction message 821 is received, the target UE 110 can determine how to proceed based on its capability level, i.e., request further sidelink PRS transmission from UE X, or configure UE X to measure the PRS sent by the target, abandon UE X due to insufficient accuracy of UE X's location information, or request detailed location reference information, etc.

[0191] Two examples are provided below for the transmission of two-stage location reference indication messages.

[0192] Example 1: Location reference UE 201 can be used to send an indication sequence embedding its location reference UE ID. Target UE 110 can be used to detect the sequence in the received signal and decode the location reference UE ID accordingly. This indication sequence can be accompanied by a short payload including a first-stage indication message 821. Alternatively, this can be achieved using a sidelink synchronization signal in 5G NR. The first-stage location reference indication message 821 can then be included in the subsequent PSBCH. Based on the received first-stage location reference indication message 821, target UE 110 determines whether it is necessary to further request or decode the complete indication message, i.e., the details of this information listed in Table 2.

[0193] Example 2: A sidelink control information format can be defined for sidelink positioning measurement purposes, with its first phase 821 carried on the PSCCH and its second phase 822 carried on the PSSCH. The first phase 821 may include a short version of the location reference indication message and the scheduling of the extended location reference indication message 822. The target UE 110 can determine whether it is necessary to decode the extended message 822 based on the short version 821 received on the PSCCH.

[0194] 3. Update

[0195] After enabling a location-referenced UE, it is necessary to update its status promptly, especially its location information. Location information may include information about whether the absolute location is available, whether the location is fully known or an estimate with uncertainty, and the source of the location information (e.g., GNSS). Table 3 provides a list of exemplary parameters that may be included in the location information IE (SL-LocRef-LocationInfo) of a location-referenced UE.

[0196] Table 3: Location Reference Information (SL-LocRef-LocationInfo)

[0197]

[0198] Considering the constantly changing wireless environment due to moving scatterers or the mobility of the location reference UE, the update process ensures that the location reference UE is qualified. Status updates can be performed at the location server (e.g., Figure 9 and Figure 10 (As shown in the illustration), it can also be performed at the location reference UE itself (e.g. Figure 11 (Illustrative illustration).

[0199] Figure 9 The following is a message sequence diagram 900 illustrating a location reference UE state update at a location server provided in an embodiment.

[0200] When location server 410 updates the status of location reference UE 201, location server 410 can promptly request location information 901 from location reference UE 201 to check whether location reference UE 201 is qualified or needed. The requested location information 901 may include a subset of the parameters listed in Table 3. An indication field can be introduced into the location reference configuration information listed in Table 1, which is used to enable / disable location reference UE 201. The signaling process for location reference updates based on the location server is as follows: Figure 9 As shown, the description is as follows:

[0201] Location server 410 sends a message, such as "Request Location Information" 901, to location reference UE 201 to request location information. Location reference UE 201 provides the requested location information to location server 410 via message 902. Location server 410 can then perform an update 910. After update 910, location server 410 can send a message, such as "Provide LocRef Configuration Information" 903, to location reference UE 201 to provide updated location reference configuration information. In the event of confirmation or error, location reference UE 201 responds with a Confirm or Error message 904.

[0202] Figure 10 Figure 1000 illustrates a message sequence diagram for a location reference UE state update at the LMF using LPP, provided as an example.

[0203] Specifically, for 5G systems, LPP messages can be used to update the location information (SL-LocRef-LocationInfo) of the location reference UE 201, and the updated configuration information can be provided to the location reference UE 201 as auxiliary data (SL-LocRef-ConfigInfo). The LPP-based signaling process is as follows: Figure 10 As shown. For example, this procedure can be applied when the location reference UE 201 is within network coverage.

[0204] The signaling process for location reference updates based on location servers using LPP messages is as follows: Figure 10 As shown, the description is as follows:

[0205] LMF entity 610 can send a message, such as “LPP:RequestLocationInformation(SL-LocRef-LocationInfo)” 1001, to location reference UE 201 to request location information. Location reference UE 201 can provide the requested location information to LMF entity 610 via a message such as “LPP:ProvideLocationInformation(SL-LocRef-LocationInfo)” 1002. LMF entity 610 can then perform update 1010. After update 1010, LMF entity 610 can send a message, such as “LPP:ProvideAssistanceData(SL-LocRef-ConfigInfo)” 1003, to location reference UE 201 to provide updated location reference configuration information. In the event of confirmation or error, location reference UE 201 responds with the message “LPP:Confirm / Error”.

[0206] Figure 11 The example provided in Figure 1100 shows the message sequence for updating the state of the location reference UE at the location reference UE.

[0207] The location reference UE 201 can also be used to perform state updates and verify itself in a timely manner. The location server or LMF entity 610 can configure parameters for the location reference UE 201 according to Table 4 to perform location reference updates. This information can be provided to the location reference UE 201 along with the location reference configuration information (SL-LocRef-ConfigInfo) in Table 1. Once the update configuration has been transmitted to the location reference UE 201, updates can be performed on the UE side for both within-coverage and outside-coverage scenarios. If the location reference UE 201 is within coverage, it can optionally notify the location server 610 of its location reference service status.

[0208] Table 4: Location Reference Update Configuration Parameters

[0209] parameter illustrate UE-based update Boolean value, indicating whether the location reference UE should perform a state update after its validity period. Update scheduled information Location references the time or frequency at which the UE performs status updates, such as start time or period. Update parameters Parameters to be updated, such as the location information in Table 3.

[0210] For 5G systems, the above process can be implemented using LPP messages with the newly introduced IE. Figure 11 An example is shown.

[0211] The location of the LPP message at the UE is referenced in the UE state update signaling process, as follows: Figure 11 As shown, the description is as follows:

[0212] LMF entity 610 can send a message, such as “LPP:ProvideAssistanceData(SL-LocRef-ConfigInfo,UpdateConfig)” 1101, to location reference UE 201 to configure location reference updates. Then, location reference UE 201 can perform location information updates 1110. After update 1110, location reference UE 201 can provide updated location information to LMF entity 610 via a message such as “LPP:ProvideLocationInformation(SL-LocRef-LocationInfo)” 1102.

[0213] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of a dynamically enabled location reference UE in a factory workshop 1200 provided in the example is shown.

[0214] Given the above text about Figure 3 The three-step approach shown can dynamically enable or disable location-referenced UE indication to provide enhanced location services in various environments. Two examples of UE-based location reference services applied in different scenarios (i.e., within and outside coverage) are described below.

[0215] Figure 12The entire factory workshop 1201 with a positioning service is shown, which has certain accuracy requirements.

[0216] Four RAN nodes 1202 have been deployed for mobile wireless communication purposes. However, this deployment may be insufficient to meet the LCS service quality in a given area. To provide enhanced LCS with variable accuracy requirements, anchor tags 1212 and 1213 of UE type with known location have been installed. In this example, it can be assumed that the target UE 1211 and the anchor tags 1212 and 1213 of UE type are both within wireless coverage, i.e., the communication link between the location server and the UE is available. Therefore, the location server can dynamically determine how many and which anchor tags to enable as location reference UEs based on the positioning accuracy requirements and the prior location or velocity estimate of the target UE.

[0217] exist Figure 12 In the figure, the moving target UE is represented by reference numeral 1211, the enabled location reference UE is represented by reference numeral 1212, and the disabled location reference UE is represented by reference numeral 1213.

[0218] Detailed signaling process as follows Figure 13 As shown, and described below.

[0219] Figure 13 A message sequence diagram is shown for a signaling procedure 1300 for dynamically enabling a location reference UE according to a request from a target UE, according to an embodiment. Location server 410 (e.g., as described in the preceding sections), UE X (e.g., as described in the preceding sections according to...) Figure 2 UEs 201, 202, and 203), and target UE 110 (e.g., as described in the sections above). Figure 2 The target UE 110) communicates with each other as described below.

[0220] Step 1. Message "RequestAssistanceData", 1301:

[0221] In the case of UE-based positioning, the target UE can query the location server for location references of additional UE types. For network-based positioning, the location server determines whether location references of additional UE types are needed.

[0222] Step 2. Confirm, 1302:

[0223] The location server can determine whether UE X is used as a location reference.

[0224] Step 3. Message “ProvideAssistanceData(SL-LocRef-ConfigInfo(Enabled))”, 1303:

[0225] The location server can provide location reference configuration information to UE X and enable location reference indication message transmission. The location reference configuration information may include the configuration of the location reference indication message.

[0226] Step 4. Message "Confirmation", 1304:

[0227] UE X confirmed.

[0228] Step 5. Message "ProvideAssistanceData", 1305:

[0229] The location server can provide the identifier of the location reference UE X as location assistance data to the target UE.

[0230] Step 6. Message “ProvideAssistanceData(SL-LocRef-Common)”, 1306:

[0231] The location server can provide a common configuration for providing location reference indication messages to the target UE.

[0232] Step 7. Message "Location Reference Indication Message", 1307:

[0233] The location reference UE X can send a location reference indication message via the sidelink. The target UE can listen to and know that it can obtain sidelink positioning measurements using the PRS sent between UE X and itself.

[0234] Step 8. Message “ProvideLocationInformation(SL-LocRef-UElist)”, 1308:

[0235] Optionally, in the case of network-based positioning, the target UE may notify the location server of the selected location reference UE.

[0236] Step 9. Lateral link positioning and measurement process, 1309:

[0237] The sidelink positioning measurement can be obtained using the signals transmitted between UE X and the target UE.

[0238] Step 10. Periodically update 1310 with messages “RequestLocationInformation” 1310a, “ProvideLocationInformation” 1310b, and update 1310c:

[0239] In this example, the location server can perform location reference updates by periodically requesting location information from the location reference UE X and then evaluating whether the UE X needs to remain enabled. In a given example with a fixed UE type whose location is fully known, location information updates can also be optional.

[0240] Step 11. Message "ProvideAssistanceData", 1311:

[0241] If the location reference UE X may no longer be needed after the update, the location server can notify the target UE that the location reference UE X has been disabled.

[0242] Step 12. Message “ProvideAssistanceData(SL-LocRef-ConfigInfo(Disabled))”, 1312:

[0243] The location server can send location reference configuration information to disable UE X as a location reference.

[0244] Step 13. Message "Location Reference Indication Message", 1313:

[0245] UE X can directly notify the target UE that location reference service is disabled at that UE via the sidelink. Alternatively, if no further indication message is received after the valid duration, the target UE can assume that the location reference UE is disabled. This applies to partial coverage or out-of-coverage scenarios where the communication link between the location server and the UE is unavailable.

[0246] Step 14. Message "Confirm", 1314:

[0247] UE X can confirm with the location server that its location reference service is disabled.

[0248] like Figure 12 As shown, this process can be applied in parallel to multiple location reference UEs and multiple target UEs. The location server can consider the coarse estimated locations of multiple target UEs and determine which multiple location reference UEs are enabled within a common area of ​​interest.

[0249] In this example, the UE-based location reference service allows existing network-based positioning methods to include sidelink positioning measurements. For target UE-based positioning, the location server can provide location reference configuration information. By dynamically enabling or disabling the location reference UE, the positioning system can provide scalable accuracy and optimized power consumption for LCS.

[0250] Besides industrial applications, such as factory floors, this exemplary signaling procedure 1300 can also be applied to scenarios where UE-type infrastructure nodes can participate in positioning to achieve higher positioning accuracy. Examples include roadside units, unmanned aerial vehicles, etc.

[0251] Figure 14 A schematic diagram of a street scene 1400 provided in the example is shown, where a location reference UE provides location reference services to a target UE outside the coverage area. Figure 14 As shown, RAN node 1202 can only reach some of UEs 1403. In this example, a vehicle is a user equipment or UE. UE 1403 is a UE within coverage, while UEs 1401 and 1404 are UEs outside coverage. However, UE 1401 outside coverage (e.g., an autonomous vehicle with higher location accuracy) can be a location reference UE that sends a location reference indication message 1402 to UE 1404 outside coverage.

[0252] In scenarios with LCS areas of interest that are partially or completely out of coverage, accurate localization in both partially and completely out-of-coverage scenarios is of particular interest for V2X and public safety use cases. In obstructed outdoor and deep indoor areas, such as long tunnels or underground parking lots, GNSS or base stations may be unable to reach the UE. Mission-critical organizations require mission-critical services to have accurate localization in order to locate first responders in all challenging scenarios.

[0253] Since the location reference indication configuration and update configuration can be predefined by the location server and provided to the UE, the location reference UE can enable indication message transmission itself. Triggered by a location request, the target UE can be pre-configured to search for nearby location reference UEs and acquire location measurements using signals transmitted via the side walkway.

[0254] Figure 14 The document describes an application example where UE 1403 within coverage area is (pre-)configured to provide location reference services, and there are also some UE 1401 outside coverage area with enhanced positioning capabilities, such as in autonomous vehicles. Location reference for these UE types can provide LCS for scenarios outside coverage area or where the number of reference base stations is insufficient. The signaling process is as follows... Figure 15 As shown in the image, it can be seen that only the behavior of the UE is needed.

[0255] Figure 15 The example shows a message sequence diagram for signaling procedure 1500 for UE-based location reference service.

[0256] UE 1401 (e.g.) Figure 14The UE 1401 (in the form of an autonomous vehicle) shown can determine (1501) as a location reference UE 201, and according to Figure 14 Message 1402 in the middle is sent to target UE 1404 (e.g. Figure 14 UE 1404 (outside the coverage area) sends a location reference indication message 1402. Then, the two UEs 1401 and 1404 exchange side walkway procedures 1503 for location measurement. Then, UE 1401 performs an update 1504 and sends an updated location reference indication message 1402 to the target UE 1404.

[0257] Figure 16 A schematic diagram of the communication system 1600 provided in this disclosure is shown.

[0258] According to the example, the communication system 1600 may include a first user equipment 1601a or UE, one or more second user equipments or UEs 1601b, and a network device or base station 1620. Figure 16 In the example shown, the first user equipment 1601a and the second user equipment 1601b are portable devices, specifically smartphones 1601a and 1601b. However, one or more of these user equipments 1601a and 1601b can also be laptop computers 1601a and 1601b, mobile vehicles, or machine-like devices. The first user equipment 1601a and one or more second user equipments 1601b can be used to communicate with base station 1620, for example, via a Uu channel. The first user equipment 1601a and one or more second user equipments 1601b are used to communicate with each other via a side link channel in the absence of base station 1120.

[0259] from Figure 16 As can be seen, the first user equipment 1601a may include: a processing circuit 1603a, such as a processor 1603a, for processing and generating data; a transceiver 1605a, including, for example, a transmitter, a receiver, and an antenna, for exchanging data with other components of the communication system 1600; and a non-transient memory 1607a for storing data. The processor 1603a of the first user equipment 1601a may be implemented in hardware and / or software.

[0260] The hardware may include digital circuits, or both analog and digital circuits. Digital circuits may include components such as application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable arrays (FPGAs), digital signal processors (DSPs), or general-purpose processors. The non-transitory memory 1607a may store data and executable program code, which, when executed by the processor 1603a, causes the first user equipment 1601a to perform the functions, operations, and methods described in this disclosure.

[0261] In one example, one or more second user equipment 1601b may have an architecture similar to that of the first user equipment 1601a, namely, it may include a processor 1603b for processing and generating data, a transceiver 1605b for exchanging data with other components of the communication system 1600, and a memory 1607b for storing data. Similarly, as Figure 16 As shown, base station 1620 may include processor 1613 for processing and generating data, transceiver 1615 for exchanging data with other components of communication system 1600, and non-transient memory 1617 for storing data.

[0262] As described above, the first user equipment 1601a may include a processor 1603a and a transceiver 1605a. The transceiver 1605a of the first user equipment 1601a can be used to receive a location reference indication configuration, wherein the location reference indication configuration can be used to configure the first user equipment 1601a to send or receive indication messages. The transceiver 1605a of the first user equipment 1601a can be used to send or receive indication messages via a side link 1602, wherein the indication messages are used to indicate that the location reference is available for positioning assistance on the side link 1602.

[0263] Indication messages can be sent or received as described in section "2. Indication Message Transmission" above. The location reference indication configuration can correspond to the location reference indication configuration described in section "1. Configuration" above.

[0264] The first user equipment 1601a can be configured as a location reference device 201 (e.g., as described above regarding...). Figures 2 to 15 (as described above), and via side link 1602 to the second user equipment 1601b (e.g., as mentioned above regarding Figures 2 to 15 The second reference device 110 described above provides indication messages (e.g., as mentioned above regarding...). Figure 8The described instruction message 811). The first user equipment 1601a can be used to provide a positioning measurement reference for the second user equipment 1601b, 110.

[0265] The transceiver can be configured to receive location reference indications via dedicated signaling, broadcast signaling, or multicast signaling, for example, as described above. Figures 4 to 11 As described, dedicated signaling can be referred to as UE-specific signaling, while broadcast or multicast signaling can be referred to as non-UE-specific signaling.

[0266] The first user equipment 1601a can be used to provide a positioning measurement reference for the second user equipment 1601b and 110 by transmitting a positioning reference signal (PRS) via the side link 1602 to provide a positioning measurement reference for the second user equipment 1601b and 110; or by measuring the reference signal (RS) transmitted by the second user equipment 1601b and 110 for use as a positioning measurement reference.

[0267] Instruction messages (e.g., as mentioned above regarding...) Figures 2 to 15 ,in particular Figure 8 The described indication message 811 may include at least one of the following: a location reference identifier for the first user equipment 1601a; an indication of whether the first user equipment 1601a can assist the second user equipment 1601b in absolute positioning; an indication of whether the first user equipment 1601a can transmit a Positioning Reference Signal (PRS) via the side link 1602; an indication of whether the first user equipment 1601a can perform positioning measurements on the side link; location information indicating to the second user equipment 1601b whether the first user equipment 1601a can assist the second user equipment in positioning; an indication of the validity period of the information provided in the indication message 811; a PRS capability level, indicating the level of support for PRS transmission on the side link 1602; a measurement capability level, indicating the level of positioning measurements on the side link 1602; and a location information accuracy level, indicating the accuracy level of the location information from the first user equipment 1601a. ​​This information corresponds to the parameters in Table 2 as described above, and additional parameters based on the basic information in Table 2A.

[0268] Indications regarding whether the first user equipment can transmit positioning reference signals via sidelink 1602 include at least one of the following: the number of antennas, panels, and / or antenna reference points (ARPs); the location of the antennas, panels, and / or ARPs; the maximum bandwidth; the supported frequency bands; and the maximum transmit power for each antenna, panel, and / or ARP. This information corresponds to the “PRS Capability” section of Table 2 as described above.

[0269] Indications regarding whether the first user equipment 1601a is capable of performing positioning measurements on the side link include at least one of the following: measurement type, such as Reference Signal Time Difference (RSTD) and Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP); number of antennas, panels, and / or Antenna Reference Points (ARPs); location of antennas, panels, and / or ARPs; maximum bandwidth; and supported frequency bands. This information corresponds to the "Positioning Measurement Capabilities" section of Table 2 as described above.

[0270] Location information may include at least one of the following: the location coordinates of the first user equipment 1601a, including uncertainty information of the location estimate; the velocity estimate of the first user equipment 1601a, including the velocity, orientation information and uncertainty information of the velocity estimate; the location source positioning technology, specifically GNSS, WLAN, or radio; a location timestamp indicating the validity period of the location estimate; an indication of whether the first user equipment 1601a is a location reference; and the validity period of the location information. This information corresponds to the "Location Information" section of Table 2 as described above, and more specifically, to the parameters of the location information described in detail in Table 3 (for update cases), as described above.

[0271] Instruction message 811 can be sent to the second user equipment 1601b via unicast, or to a specific user equipment group via multicast, or to a specific user equipment group via broadcast.

[0272] The instruction message 811 may be carried in one of the following: Physical Side Link Broadcast Channel (PSBCH); Physical Side Link Shared Channel (PSSCH); Physical Side Link Control Channel (PSCCH); Media Access Control-Control Element (MAC-CE); and PC5-RRC interface for side link communication.

[0273] Instruction message 811 may include at least a first part 821 and a second part 822, for example, as mentioned above regarding Figure 8 As described, the first part 821 of the instruction message and the second part 822 of the instruction message are sent in separate messages.

[0274] The first part 821 of the indication message may include at least one of the following: a location reference identifier of the first UE; an indication of whether the first user equipment 1601a can assist the absolute positioning of the second user equipment; a PRS capability level, indicating the support level of the PRS side link 1602 transmission; a measurement capability level, indicating the level of positioning measurement on the side link; and a location information accuracy level, indicating the accuracy level of the location information from the first user equipment 1601a.

[0275] Transceiver 1605a can be used to receive location information requests, wherein the location information requests are used to update the status of the first user equipment 1601a as a location reference device for the second user equipment 1601b.

[0276] The location information request may include at least one of the following: the location coordinates of the first user equipment 1601a, including uncertainty information of the location estimate; the velocity estimate of the first user equipment 1601a, including the velocity, orientation information and uncertainty information of the velocity estimate; information about the location source positioning technology (e.g., GNSS, WLAN, radio); a location timestamp indicating the time when the location estimate is valid; and information about whether the first user equipment 1601a is a location reference (e.g., as mentioned above regarding...). Figures 2 to 14 The described location refers to the indication in reference 201; the validity period of the location information. This information corresponds to the "Location Information" section of Table 2 as described above.

[0277] Transceiver 1605a can be used to send location information updates to network device 1620, wherein the location information is used to update the status of the first user equipment 1601a as a location reference device 201 for the second user equipment 1601b, for example, as described above in section “3. Update”.

[0278] Processor 1603a can be used to trigger a state update of first user equipment 1601a based on at least one of the following: a location reference update performed at location servers 410, 610; or a location reference update performed on first user equipment 1601a, for example, as described above. Figures 4 to 14 As described.

[0279] The location reference update may include at least one of the following: parameters indicating whether the first user equipment 1601a should perform an update, update timing information indicating the time or frequency at which the first user equipment 1601a should perform an update, and parameters to be updated, such as those described above in the "Update" section.

[0280] Location information requests and / or location information updates can be received from the Location Management Function (LMF) 610 via the LTE Positioning Protocol (LPP) or the New Radio Positioning Protocol Annex (NRPPa), for example, as described above regarding... Figure 7 As described.

[0281] Location reference indication configuration can be received via at least one of the following: LTE Positioning Protocol (LPP), New Radio Positioning Protocol Annex (NRPPa), or Radio Resource Control (RRC) protocol, for example, as described above regarding... Figure 6 , Figure 10 , Figure 11 As described.

[0282] As described above, network device 1620 includes a processor 1613 and a transceiver 1615. The processor 1613 is used to acquire a location reference indication configuration, wherein the location reference indication configuration is used to configure a first user equipment 1601a to send an indication message to a second user equipment 1601b via a side link 1602 or to receive an indication message from the second user equipment 1601b, wherein the indication message indicates that the location reference is available for positioning assistance on the side link 1602. The transceiver 1615 is used to send the location reference indication configuration to the first user equipment 1601a.

[0283] As described above, the indication message may include at least one of the following: a location reference identifier for the first user equipment 1601a; an indication of whether the first user equipment 1601a can assist the second user equipment 1601b in absolute positioning; an indication of whether the first user equipment 1601a can transmit a Positioning Reference Signal (PRS) via the side link 1602; an indication of whether the first user equipment 1601a can perform positioning measurements on the side link 1602; location information indicating to the second user equipment 1601b whether the first user equipment 1601a can assist the second user equipment 1601b in positioning; an indication of the validity period of the information provided in the indication message; a PRS capability level, indicating the level of support for PRS side link transmission; a measurement capability level, indicating the level of positioning measurements on the side link; and a location information accuracy level, indicating the accuracy level of the location information from the first user equipment 1601a.

[0284] The transceiver 1615 can be used to send location reference indication configurations via dedicated signaling, broadcast signaling, or multicast signaling.

[0285] As described above, the location reference indication configuration can be received via at least one of the following: LTE Positioning Protocol (LPP), New Radio Positioning Protocol Annex (NRPPa), or RRC protocol.

[0286] Figure 17 A schematic diagram of a method 1700 for indicating a position reference for positioning assistance, as provided in this disclosure, is shown.

[0287] Method 1700 includes: a first user equipment receiving (1701) a location reference indication configuration, wherein the location reference indication configuration is used to configure the first user equipment to send or receive indication messages, for example, as described above for the first user equipment.

[0288] Method 1700 includes: a first user equipment sending or receiving (1702) an indication message via a side link, wherein the indication message is used to indicate a location reference that can be used for positioning assistance on the side link, for example, as described above for the first user equipment.

[0289] This disclosure also supports computer program products comprising computer-executable code or computer-executable instructions, which, when executed, cause at least one computer to perform the execution and computation steps described herein, particularly the methods and processes described above. Such computer program products may include a non-transitory readable storage medium on which program code is stored for computer use. The program code can perform the processing and computation steps described herein, specifically, the methods and processes described above.

[0290] While a particular feature or aspect of this disclosure may have been disclosed in combination with only one of several implementations, such features or aspects may be combined with one or more features or aspects of other implementations, as long as it is necessary or advantageous for any given or particular application. Furthermore, the terms “comprising,” “having,” “having,” or other variations of these words are used to a certain extent in the detailed description or claims; these terms are similar to the term “including” and are intended to indicate inclusion. Similarly, the terms “exemplary,” “for example,” and “such” are used only as examples and do not imply best or optimal. The terms “coupled” and “connected,” as well as derivatives, may be used. It should be understood that these terms may be used to indicate that two elements cooperate or interact with each other, whether they are in direct physical or electrical contact or not in direct contact.

[0291] While specific aspects have been illustrated and described herein, those skilled in the art will understand that various alternatives and / or equivalent implementations may be used to replace the specific aspects shown and described without departing from the scope of this disclosure. This application is intended to cover any modifications or alterations to the specific aspects discussed herein.

[0292] Although the elements in the above claims are described in a specific order with corresponding labels, these elements are not necessarily limited to being implemented in that specific order unless the description of the claims otherwise implies a specific order for implementing some or all of these elements.

[0293] Based on the above teachings, many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Of course, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that numerous other applications of the invention exist besides those described herein. Although the invention has been described in conjunction with one or more specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that many changes can be made to the invention without departing from its scope. Therefore, it should be understood that the invention can be practiced in ways other than those specifically described herein, within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A first user equipment (1601a), characterized in that, include: Transceiver (1605a), used for: Receive location reference indication configuration to configure the first user equipment (1601a) to send or receive indication messages; and The indication message is sent or received via a side link (1602), wherein the indication message indicates a location reference available for positioning assistance on the side link (1602); The first user equipment (1601a) is configured as a location reference device (201) to provide the indication message to the second user equipment (1601b, 110) and to provide the second user equipment (1601b, 110) with a positioning measurement reference via the side link (1602); The first user equipment (1601a) provides the positioning measurement reference for the second user equipment (1601b, 110) by measuring a reference signal RS transmitted by the second user equipment (1601b, 110) through the side link (1602) as the positioning measurement reference.

2. The first user equipment (1601a) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transceiver (1605a) is used to receive the location reference indication configuration via dedicated signaling, broadcast signaling, or multicast signaling.

3. The first user equipment (1601a) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The instruction message includes at least one of the following: The location reference identifier of the first user equipment (1601a); Indication regarding whether the first user equipment (1601a) can assist the second user equipment (1601b, 110) in absolute positioning; Indication regarding whether the first user equipment (1601a) is able to send a positioning reference signal (PRS) via the side link (1602); Instructions regarding whether the first user equipment (1601a) is capable of performing positioning measurements on the side link (1602); Indicate to the second user equipment (1601b, 110) whether the first user equipment (1601a) can assist the second user equipment in locating location information; The indication message provides an indication of the duration for which the information is valid. PRS capability level indicates the level of support for PRS-side crosslink (1602) transmission; Measurement capability level, indicating the level of the positioning measurement on the side walkway (1602); and Location information accuracy level indicates the accuracy level of the location information from the first user equipment (1601a).

4. The first user equipment (1601a) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The indication regarding whether the first user equipment is capable of transmitting a Position Reference Signal (PRS) via the side link (1602) includes at least one of the following: The number of antennas, panels, and / or antenna reference points (ARPs); The location of the antenna, the panel, and / or the ARP; Maximum bandwidth; Supported frequency bands; as well as Maximum transmit power for each antenna, panel, and / or ARP.

5. The first user equipment (1601a) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The indication regarding whether the first user equipment (1601a) is capable of performing positioning measurements on the side link (1602) includes at least one of the following: Reference signal time difference (RSTD); Reference signal received power RSRP; The number of antennas, panels, and / or antenna reference points (ARPs); The location of the antenna, the panel, and / or the ARP; Maximum bandwidth; Supported frequency bands; and Maximum transmission power.

6. The first user equipment (1601a) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The location information includes at least one of the following: The location coordinates of the first user equipment (1601a) include uncertainty information in the location estimation; The speed estimation of the first user equipment (1601a) includes the speed, orientation information and uncertainty information of the speed estimation; Information about location source localization technology; Location timestamp, indicating the time during which the location estimate is valid; An indication of whether the first user equipment (1601a) is a location reference; and The validity period of the location information.

7. The first user equipment (1601a) according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The instruction message is sent to the second user equipment (1601b, 110) via unicast, or to a specific user equipment group via multicast, or to a specific user equipment group via broadcast.

8. The first user equipment (1601a) according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The instruction message carries one of the following: Physical side link broadcast channel PSBCH; Physical side cross link shared channel (PSSCH); Physical side link control channel (PSCCH); Media Access Control (MAC-CE) element; and PC5-RRC interface for side link communication.

9. The first user equipment (1601a) according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The instruction message includes at least a first part (821) and a second part (822), and The first part (821) and the second part (822) of the indication message are sent in separate messages.

10. The first user equipment (1601a) according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first part (821) of the instruction message includes at least one of the following: The location reference identifier of the first user equipment (1601a); Indication regarding whether the first user equipment (1601a) can assist the second user equipment in absolute positioning; The location reference signal PRS capability level indicates the level of support for transmission on the PRS side link (1602); The measured capability level indicates the level of positioning measurements on the side walkway (1602); and The location information accuracy level indicates the accuracy level of the location information from the first user equipment (1601a).

11. The first user equipment (1601a) according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The transceiver (1605a) is used to receive a location information request, wherein the location information request is used to update the status of the first user equipment (1601a) as a location reference device for the second user equipment (1601b, 110).

12. The first user equipment (1601a) according to claim 11, characterized in that, The location information request includes at least one of the following: The location coordinates of the first user equipment (1601a) include uncertainty information in the location estimation; The speed estimation of the first user equipment (1601a) includes the speed, orientation information and uncertainty information of the speed estimation; Information about location source localization technology; Location timestamp, indicating the time during which the location estimate is valid; An indication of whether the first user equipment (1601a) is a location reference (201); and The validity period of the location information.

13. The first user equipment (1601a) according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The transceiver (1605a) is used to send location information updates to the network device (1620), wherein the location information updates are used to update the status of the first user equipment (1601a) as a location reference device (201) for the second user equipment (1601b, 110).

14. The first user equipment (1601a) according to claim 13, characterized in that, The first user equipment (1601a) includes a processor (1603a) configured to trigger the state update of the first user equipment (1601a) based on at least one of the following: Location reference updates performed at location servers (410, 610); and Location reference update performed at the first user equipment (1601a).

15. The first user equipment (1601a) according to claim 14, characterized in that, The location reference update includes at least one of the following: Indicates whether the first user equipment should execute the updated parameters; Update timing information instructing the first user equipment (1601a) to perform the update at a specific time or frequency; and Parameters to be updated.

16. The first user equipment (1601a) according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, At least one of the location information request and location information update is received from the location management function LMF (610) via the LTE positioning protocol LPP or the New Radio positioning protocol annex NRPPa.

17. The first user equipment (1601a) according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The location reference indication configuration is received via at least one of the following: LTE Location Protocol (LPP); New Radio Positioning Protocol Annex NRPPa; and Radio Resource Control (RRC) protocol.

18. A network device (1620), characterized in that, include: A processor (1613) is configured to acquire a location reference indication configuration, wherein the location reference indication configuration is configured to configure a first user equipment (1601a) to send an indication message to a second user equipment (1601b, 110) via a side link (1602) or to receive the indication message from the second user equipment (1601b, 110), wherein the indication message indicates a location reference available for positioning assistance on the side link (1602), the first user equipment (1601a) is configured as a location reference device for the second user equipment (1601b, 110), and a reference signal RS sent by the second user equipment (1601b, 110) via the side link (1602) is received and measured by the first user equipment (1601a) for use as a measurement reference for positioning of the second user equipment (1601b, 110); and Transceiver (1615) is used to send the location reference indication configuration to the first user equipment (1601a).

19. The network device (1620) according to claim 18, characterized in that, The instruction message includes at least one of the following: The location reference identifier of the first user equipment (1601a); Indication regarding whether the first user equipment (1601a) can assist the second user equipment (1601b, 110) in absolute positioning; Indication regarding whether the first user equipment (1601a) is able to send a positioning reference signal (PRS) via the side link (1602); Instructions regarding whether the first user equipment (1601a) is capable of performing positioning measurements on the side link (1602); Indicate to the second user equipment (1601b, 110) whether the first user equipment (1601a) can assist the second user equipment (1601b, 110) in locating location information; The indication message provides an indication of the duration for which the information is valid. PRS capability level indicates the level of support for PRS-side crosslink (1602) transmission; Measurement capability level, indicating the level of the positioning measurement on the side walkway (1602); and Location information accuracy level indicates the accuracy level of the location information from the first user equipment (1601a).

20. The network device (1620) according to claim 18, characterized in that, The transceiver (1615) is used to transmit the location reference indication configuration via dedicated signaling, broadcast signaling, or multicast signaling.

21. The network device (1620) according to any one of claims 18-20, characterized in that, The location reference indication configuration is received via at least one of the following: LTE Location Protocol (LPP); New Radio Positioning Protocol Annex NRPPa; and Radio Resource Control (RRC) protocol.

22. A method (1700) for indicating a position reference for positioning assistance, characterized in that, The method includes: The first user equipment receives (1701) location reference indication configuration; Based on the location reference indication configuration, configure the first user equipment to send or receive indication messages; and The first user equipment sends or receives the indication message (1702) via a side link, wherein the indication message indicates a location reference that can be used for positioning assistance on the side link; The first user equipment provides the indication message to the second user equipment and provides the second user equipment with a positioning measurement reference through the side link; The first user equipment provides a measurement reference for the positioning to the second user equipment by measuring a reference signal RS transmitted by the second user equipment via the side link, and using it as a measurement reference for the positioning.

23. A method for providing a location reference indication configuration for positioning assistance, characterized in that, The method includes: A network device acquires a location reference indication configuration, wherein the location reference indication configuration is used to configure a first user equipment to send an indication message to a second user equipment via a side link or to receive the indication message from the second user equipment, wherein the indication message indicates a location reference available for positioning assistance on the side link, the first user equipment is configured as a location reference device for the second user equipment, and a reference signal RS sent by the second user equipment via the side link is received and measured by the first user equipment for use as a measurement reference for positioning of the second user equipment; and The network device sends the location reference indication configuration to the first user equipment.

24. A computer program product, characterized in that, Includes computer-executable code or computer-executable instructions, which, when executed, cause at least one computer to perform the method according to claim 22 or 23.

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