Positioning time gap scheduling for non-terrestrial communications

Abstract

Various example embodiments relate to providing a positioning time gap in a paging procedure. An apparatus can obtain positioning capability information of a device. The positioning capability information can include an indication of a first time period for determining a position of the device with first initial positioning data and an indication of a second time period for determining the position of the device with second initial positioning data. Based on the positioning capability information of the device, a positioning time gap can be determined. The apparatus can transmit a first signal but refrain from transmitting a second signal for at least a duration of the positioning time gap from the first signal. Apparatuses, methods, and computer programs are disclosed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The various example embodiments generally relate to the field of wireless communications. Specifically, some example embodiments relate to scheduling time slots for positioning in non-terrestrial communications. Background Technology

[0002] Various wireless communication systems (such as 3GPP 5G New Radio (NR)) can provide non-terrestrial network support, for example, by including base stations in satellites or by relaying signals via satellite. Positioning capabilities can be provided to devices such as user equipment (UEs) by integrating Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) equipment, for instance. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This summary is provided to introduce some concepts in a simplified form, which will be further described in the following detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0004] The various example embodiments enable the reduction of power consumption in unnecessary signaling and paging processes. Further implementations are provided in the dependent claims, specification, and drawings.

[0005] According to a first aspect, an apparatus may include: components for obtaining positioning capability information of a device, wherein the positioning capability information includes an indication of a first time period and an indication of a second time period, the indication of the first time period being used to determine the location of the device using first initial positioning data, and the indication of the second time period being used to determine the location of the device using second initial positioning data; components for determining a positioning time interval based on the positioning capability information of the device; components for sending a first signal to the device; and components for avoiding sending a second signal to the device for at least a duration of the positioning time interval starting from the first signal.

[0006] According to an example embodiment of the first aspect, the device may further include a component for receiving positioning capability information from the device.

[0007] According to an example embodiment of the first aspect, the first signal may include a paging message, and the second signal may include a second paging message.

[0008] According to an example embodiment of the first aspect, the device may further include components for determining at least one paging timing for indicating a second paging message based on a positioning time interval.

[0009] According to an example embodiment of the first aspect, the device may further include components for sending a wake-up signal before transmitting a paging message.

[0010] According to an example embodiment of the first aspect, the first signal may include a wake-up signal, and the second signal may include a paging message.

[0011] According to an example embodiment of the first aspect, the device may further include components for determining at least one paging timing for indicating a paging message based on a positioning time interval.

[0012] According to an example embodiment of the first aspect, the apparatus may further include a component for determining not to transmit a second signal in response to receiving a random access signal from the device.

[0013] According to an example embodiment of the first aspect, the device may further include components for determining a positioning time interval based on a first time period or a second time period.

[0014] According to an example embodiment of the first aspect, the first initial positioning data may include at least almanac data of multiple satellites but exclude ephemeris data. The second initial positioning data may include at least almanac data of multiple satellites and ephemeris data of at least one of the multiple satellites.

[0015] According to an example embodiment of the first aspect, the apparatus may further include: a component for determining, if a previous position update of the device is received within the update interval of the almanac data, rather than within the update interval of the ephemeris data, to use a first time period as the basis for determining the positioning time interval; or a component for determining, if a previous position update of the device has already been received within the update interval of the ephemeris data, to use a second time period as the basis for determining the positioning time interval.

[0016] According to an example embodiment of the first aspect, the apparatus may further include: a component for scaling the positioning time gap according to a scaling factor associated with a previous position of the device; and a component for sending an indication of the scaling factor to the device.

[0017] According to an example embodiment of the first aspect, the apparatus may further include: components for determining that the device expects to perform cell reselection to another cell before the expected transmission time of the second paging message; and components for adjusting the positioning time interval based on the cell reselection time.

[0018] According to an example embodiment of the first aspect, the wake-up signal may include at least one of the following: a flag indicating the use of a positioning time gap, an indication of the duration of the positioning time gap, or an indication of using a first time period or a second time period as a positioning time gap.

[0019] According to an example embodiment of the first aspect, the device may further include components for transmitting a second signal at a plurality of consecutive paging opportunities, the plurality of consecutive paging opportunities occurring after the duration of a positioning time gap from the start of the transmission of the first signal.

[0020] According to an example embodiment of the first aspect, the apparatus may further include components for avoiding the transmission of additional paging messages in response to receiving a random access signal from the device.

[0021] According to a second aspect, a method may include obtaining positioning capability information of a device, wherein the positioning capability information includes an indication of a first time period and an indication of a second time period, the indication of the first time period being used to determine the location of the device using first initial positioning data, and the indication of the second time period being used to determine the location of the device using second initial positioning data; determining a positioning time interval based on the positioning capability information of the device; sending a first signal to the device; and avoiding sending a second signal to the device for at least a duration of the positioning time interval starting from the first signal.

[0022] According to an example embodiment of the second aspect, the method may further include receiving positioning capability information from the device.

[0023] According to an example embodiment of the second aspect, the first signal may include a paging signal, and the second signal may include a second paging message.

[0024] According to an example embodiment of the second aspect, the device may further include components for determining at least one paging timing for indicating a second paging message based on a positioning time interval.

[0025] According to an example embodiment of the second aspect, the method may further include sending a wake-up signal before transmitting a paging message.

[0026] According to an example embodiment of the second aspect, the first signal may include a wake-up signal, and the second signal may include a paging message.

[0027] According to an example embodiment of the second aspect, the method may further include determining at least one paging timing for indicating a paging message based on a positioning time interval.

[0028] According to an example embodiment of the second aspect, the method may further include: determining not to send a second signal in response to receiving a random access signal from the device.

[0029] According to an example embodiment of the second aspect, the method may further include determining a positioning time interval based on a first time period or a second time period.

[0030] According to an example embodiment of the second aspect, the first initial positioning data may include at least almanac data of multiple satellites but exclude ephemeris data. The second initial positioning data may include at least almanac data of multiple satellites and ephemeris data of at least one of the multiple satellites.

[0031] According to an example embodiment of the second aspect, the method may further include: if a previous location update of the device is received within the update interval of the almanac data, but not within the update interval of the ephemeris data, then determining to use a first time period as the basis for determining the positioning time interval; or, if a previous location update of the device has already been received within the update interval of the ephemeris data, then determining to use a second time period as the basis for determining the positioning time interval.

[0032] According to an example embodiment of the second aspect, the method may further include scaling the positioning time gap according to a scaling factor associated with the previous position of the device; and sending an indication of the scaling factor to the device.

[0033] According to an example embodiment of the second aspect, the method may further include: determining that the device expects to perform cell reselection to another cell before the expected transmission time of the second paging message; and adjusting the positioning time interval based on the cell reselection time.

[0034] According to an example embodiment of the second aspect, the wake-up signal may include at least one of the following: a flag indicating the use of a positioning time gap, an indication of the duration of the positioning time gap, or an indication of using a first time period or a second time period as a positioning time gap.

[0035] According to an example embodiment of the second aspect, the method may further include sending a second signal at a plurality of consecutive paging opportunities, the plurality of consecutive paging opportunities occurring after the duration of the positioning time interval from the start of the transmission of the first signal.

[0036] According to an example embodiment of the second aspect, the method may further include: avoiding sending additional paging messages in response to receiving a random access signal from the device.

[0037] According to a third aspect, a computer program may include instructions for causing a device to perform at least the following: obtaining positioning capability information of the device, wherein the positioning capability information includes an indication of a first time period and an indication of a second time period, the indication of the first time period being used to determine the location of the device using first initial positioning data, and the indication of the second time period being used to determine the location of the device using second initial positioning data; determining a positioning time interval based on the positioning capability information of the device; sending a first signal to the device; and avoiding sending a second signal to the device for at least a duration from the first signal to the positioning time interval. The computer program may also include instructions for causing the device to perform any example embodiment of the method of the second aspect.

[0038] According to a fourth aspect, an apparatus may include: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code; the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured, together with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: obtaining positioning capability information of a device, wherein the positioning capability information includes an indication of a first time period and an indication of a second time period, the indication of the first time period being used to determine the location of the device using first initial positioning data, and the indication of the second time period being used to determine the location of the device using second initial positioning data; determining a positioning time interval based on the positioning capability information of the device; sending a first signal to the device; and avoiding sending a second signal to the device for at least a duration of the positioning time interval beginning with the first signal. The at least one memory and the computer code may also be configured, together with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to perform any example embodiment of the method of the second aspect.

[0039] According to a fifth aspect, an apparatus may include: components for receiving a first signal from a network node; components for activating a positioning device of the apparatus and determining the location of the apparatus in response to receiving the first signal; components for determining not to monitor paging opportunities during a positioning time gap starting from the reception of the first signal, wherein the positioning time gap is based on positioning capability information of the apparatus, the positioning capability information including an indication of a first time period and an indication of a second time period, the indication of the first time period being used to determine the location of the apparatus using first initial positioning data, and the indication of the second time period being used to determine the location of the apparatus using second initial positioning data; and components for sending a random access signal to a network node in response to determining the location of the apparatus or in response to receiving a second signal after the positioning time gap starting from the reception of the first signal.

[0040] According to an example embodiment of the fifth aspect, the device may further include components for sending location capability information to network nodes.

[0041] According to an example embodiment of the fifth aspect, the first signal may include a paging message, and the second signal may include a second paging message.

[0042] According to an example embodiment of the fifth aspect, the device may further include components for receiving a wake-up signal before receiving a paging message.

[0043] According to an example embodiment of the fifth aspect, the first signal may include a wake-up signal, and the second signal may include a paging message.

[0044] According to an example embodiment of the fifth aspect, the apparatus may further include: a component for monitoring at least one paging opportunity occurring after a positioning time gap; and a component for receiving a paging message at at least one paging opportunity after a positioning time gap.

[0045] According to an example embodiment of the fifth aspect, the device may further include: a component for receiving a scaling factor of a positioning time gap, wherein the scaling factor is associated with a previous position of the device; a component for scaling the positioning time gap according to the scaling factor; and a component for monitoring at least one paging opportunity occurring after the scaled positioning time gap to receive a paging message.

[0046] According to an example embodiment of the fifth aspect, the first initial positioning data may include at least almanac data of multiple satellites but exclude ephemeris data. The second initial positioning data may include at least almanac data of multiple satellites and ephemeris data of at least one of the multiple satellites.

[0047] According to an example embodiment of the fifth aspect, the wake-up signal may include at least one of the following: a flag indicating the use of a positioning time gap, an indication of a positioning time gap, or an indication of using a first time period or a second time period as a positioning time gap.

[0048] According to a sixth aspect, a method may include: receiving a first signal from a network node; activating a positioning device of a device and determining the location of the device in response to receiving the first signal; determining not to monitor paging opportunities during a positioning time gap starting from the reception of the first signal, wherein the positioning time gap is based on positioning capability information of the device, the positioning capability information including an indication of a first time period and an indication of a second time period, the indication of the first time period being used to determine the location of the device using first initial positioning data, and the indication of the second time period being used to determine the location of the device using second initial positioning data; and sending a random access signal to the network node in response to determining the location of the device or in response to receiving the second signal after the positioning time gap starting from the reception of the first signal.

[0049] According to an example embodiment of the sixth aspect, the method may further include sending location capability information to network nodes.

[0050] According to an example embodiment of the sixth aspect, the first signal may include a paging message, and the second signal may include a second paging message.

[0051] According to an example embodiment of the sixth aspect, the method may further include receiving a wake-up signal before receiving a paging message.

[0052] According to an example embodiment of the sixth aspect, the first signal may include a wake-up signal, and the second signal may include a paging message.

[0053] According to an example embodiment of the sixth aspect, the method may further include: monitoring at least one paging opportunity that occurs after a positioning time gap; and receiving a paging message at at least one paging opportunity after a positioning time gap.

[0054] According to an example embodiment of the sixth aspect, the method may further include: receiving a scaling factor for a positioning time gap, wherein the scaling factor is associated with a previous position of the device; scaling the positioning time gap according to the scaling factor; and monitoring at least one paging opportunity occurring after the scaled positioning time gap to receive a paging message.

[0055] According to an example embodiment of the sixth aspect, the first initial positioning data may include at least almanac data of multiple satellites but exclude ephemeris data. The second initial positioning data may include at least almanac data of multiple satellites and ephemeris data of at least one of the multiple satellites.

[0056] According to an example embodiment of the sixth aspect, the wake-up signal may include at least one of the following: a flag indicating the use of a positioning time gap, an indication of a positioning time gap, or an indication of using a first time period or a second time period as a positioning time gap.

[0057] According to the seventh aspect, a computer program may include instructions for causing a device to perform at least the following: receiving a first signal from a network node; activating a positioning device of the device and determining the location of the device in response to receiving the first signal; determining not to monitor paging opportunities for a duration of a positioning time gap beginning from the reception of the first signal, wherein the positioning time gap is based on positioning capability information of the device, the positioning capability information including an indication of a first time period and an indication of a second time period, the indication of the first time period being for determining the location of the device using first initial positioning data, and the indication of the second time period being for determining the location of the device using second initial positioning data; and sending a random access signal to the network node in response to determining the location of the device or in response to receiving the second signal after the positioning time gap beginning from the reception of the first signal. The computer program may also include instructions for causing the device to perform any example embodiment of the method of the sixth aspect.

[0058] According to the eighth aspect, an apparatus may include: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code; the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured, together with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: receiving a first signal from a network node; activating a positioning device of the apparatus and determining the location of the apparatus in response to receiving the first signal; determining not to monitor paging opportunities for a duration of a positioning time gap beginning from the reception of the first signal, wherein the positioning time gap is based on positioning capability information of the apparatus, the positioning capability information including an indication of a first time period and an indication of a second time period, the indication of the first time period being for determining the location of the apparatus using first initial positioning data, and the indication of the second time period being for determining the location of the apparatus using second initial positioning data; and sending a random access signal to a network node in response to determining the location of the apparatus, or in response to receiving a second signal after the positioning time gap beginning from the reception of the first signal. The at least one memory and the computer code may also be configured, together with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to perform any example embodiment of the method of the sixth aspect.

[0059] Any example embodiment may be combined with one or more other example embodiments. Many of the accompanying features will become more readily understood by referring to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0060] The accompanying drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments and, together with the specification, aid in understanding these exemplary embodiments. The drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the exemplary embodiments and form part of this specification. In the drawings:

[0061] Figure 1 An example of a non-terrestrial communication network according to an exemplary embodiment is illustrated;

[0062] Figure 2 An example of a device is illustrated, which is configured to practice one or more example embodiments;

[0063] Figure 3 The illustration shows an example of a network-side flowchart according to an exemplary embodiment, which is used to determine, configure, and apply GNSS gaps for a UE;

[0064] Figure 4 An example flowchart of a UE-side process according to an exemplary embodiment is shown for configuring and applying GNSS gaps;

[0065] Figure 5 The illustration shows examples of wake-up signals, paging timing, and GNSS activation delay according to an example embodiment;

[0066] Figure 6The illustration shows an example of a wake-up signal and paging message according to an example embodiment, which has a GNSS gap;

[0067] Figure 7 An example of a paging method according to an exemplary embodiment is illustrated; and

[0068] Figure 8 An example of a method for receiving a paging message according to an exemplary embodiment is illustrated.

[0069] In the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same parts. Detailed Implementation

[0070] Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The detailed description provided below, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, is intended to describe this example and is not intended to represent the only form in which this example can be constructed or utilized. This description illustrates the function of the example and the order of steps for constructing and operating the example. However, the same or equivalent function and order can be implemented through different examples.

[0071] This allows devices such as User Equipment (UE) to access services via terrestrial networks (TN). Furthermore, it enables devices to access services via non-terrestrial networks (NTN) provided by satellite. For example, terrestrial cellular networks (such as those based on the 5G NR standard) can be configured to support NTN. UEs supporting NTN can have positioning capabilities, such as through GNSS. In one example of an NTN system, a 5G base station (gNB) can be deployed on a satellite, or the gNB signal can be relayed via satellite(s) to provide communication coverage over very large areas where cellular networks may not reach. Non-terrestrial networks can be used, for example, to globally connect Internet of Things (IoT) devices and provide personal communications in remote areas and disaster relief.

[0072] Figure 1 An example of a non-terrestrial communication network according to an exemplary embodiment is illustrated. The non-terrestrial communication network 100 may include one or more UEs 110. A service link may be provided between the UEs 110 and a satellite 120, which may also be connected to a gateway 130 via a feeder link. The gateway 130 may be connected to a data network 140 to enable the UEs 110 to access data services.

[0073] Satellite 120 can be located in a satellite orbit (such as Low Earth Orbit (LEO)), approximately 600 kilometers above the Earth. Therefore, Satellite 120 can include an LEO satellite. However, other types of satellites can also be used, including, for example, geostationary satellites with higher orbits. However, compared to other types of satellites, using LEO satellites can result in shorter communication latency and lower costs for LEO satellites and their deployment. The beam footprint of an LEO satellite can, for example, have a radius between 100 and 1000 kilometers. Therefore, a single LEO satellite can cover a very large area of ​​the Earth, potentially including multiple countries.

[0074] Technologies specified by the 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) such as Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), Long Term Evolution Machine Type Communications (LTE-M), and Enhanced Machine Type Communications (eMTC) enable low-power communication over cellular networks. When implementing NB-IoT or eMTC on an NTN, UE 110 can be equipped with GNSS or some other positioning system. GNSS can be used, for example, to compensate for Random Access Channel (RACH) timing, such as initial RACH timing and / or frequency misalignment due to rapid satellite movement (e.g., 7.5 km / s). This may result in network access only when UE 110 knows its location. Meanwhile, particularly for IoT devices, reduced power consumption may be desirable, meaning the system can be optimized by taking into account the power consumption of GNSS at UE 110. Although 3GPP 5G NR and GNSS are used as examples of communication networks and positioning systems, it should be understood that the example embodiments described herein can be applied to any suitable communication and positioning system.

[0075] The amount of energy required to acquire a location depends at least on the time taken to acquire the necessary information and can be categorized based on the UE's activation state, for example, whether the UE 110 has available almanac and / or ephemeris data. Almanac data describes the orbital paths of satellites. Each satellite can broadcast its own almanac data. Almanac data can include parameters for each satellite, enabling the UE 110 to determine the satellite's position in its orbit. Therefore, almanac data can include coarse satellite position information for all or more satellites. Almanac data can be transmitted at a first time interval between consecutive transmissions (e.g., approximately every 12.5 minutes). Therefore, it may take the UE 110 a relatively long time to receive almanac data, such as 12.5 minutes. Ephemeris data can include more precise information about individual satellites. Ephemeris data can be transmitted at a second (shorter) time interval between consecutive transmissions. For example, ephemeris data can be updated approximately every 30 seconds. Almanac data can be valid for, for example, several months, while the validity of ephemeris data can be on the order of, for example, several hours. Therefore, the update interval for almanac data may be longer than that for ephemeris data.

[0076] In GNSS, or typically in any positioning system, the UE 110 can begin positioning, for example, from one of the following states:

[0077] Cold start: UE 110 does not have available almanac or ephemeris data. Given a long almanac period, it may take, for example, 15 minutes to obtain a valid location estimate for UE 110.

[0078] Warm start: UE 110 has almanac data but not ephemeris data. UE 110's GNSS radio can receive signals from multiple satellites simultaneously, and the average time to obtain a valid position estimate can be, for example, 30 seconds.

[0079] Hot start: The UE 110 has the latest almanac and ephemeris data, which enables the UE 110 to obtain a valid position estimate, for example, in about 1 second.

[0080] Other examples of positioning systems include (e.g., using LTE) Observational Time Difference of Arrival (OTDOA), (e.g., using 5G NR) Downlink Time Difference of Arrival (DL-TDOA), or camera-based positioning.

[0081] In some positioning chipsets, the warm start latency can be, for example, 28 to 33 seconds, and the hot start latency can be 1.0 to 1.1 seconds. The power consumption of the positioning chipset can range, for example, from 6mW to 22.5mW. For example, IoT devices can be active every 15 minutes, every two hours, or every day. Communication activity can be initiated by the UE, or the device can be requested to send updates at regular intervals (the update interval can be hours, minutes, days, etc.). The activity of the cellular modem (e.g., a 3GPP modem such as a 5G NR modem) can be quite limited; therefore, from an overall power consumption perspective, continuous operation of the GNSS device may not be optimal.

[0082] Typically, since GNSS is a non-cellular radio that is usually independent of 3GPP, the use of GNSS equipment at UE 110 can be implementation-specific. However, in NTN scenarios (both IoT and NR cases), UE 110 can use its GNSS equipment to assist 3GPP radio communication, for example, by pre-compensating before attempting initial RACH access. When UE 110 selects a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN), the location of UE 110 obtained via GNSS can also be used for country identification. One solution is to keep the GNSS equipment continuously running, or at least running with very frequent sampling, to maintain accurate location estimation. However, this can impact the overall battery life of UE 110, and therefore the GNSS and 3GPP modems can be configured not to be active simultaneously. Therefore, power consumption can be optimized by leveraging coordination between the 3GPP modem and the GNSS counterpart.

[0083] Cellular communication signals can be arranged in a radio frame. This radio frame can be called a paging frame (PF), in which UE 110 is configured to wake up to receive paging messages. A paging frame may include multiple subframes, and UE 110 can be configured to receive only the specific subframes within the paging frame. Such subframes can be called paging opportunities (POs). The paging opportunity may contain paging downlink control information (DCI), which can be transmitted, for example, via the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH). The paging DCI can provide resource configuration for the paging message, which can be carried on the subsequent PDSCH.

[0084] Wake-up signals (WUS) can be used (e.g., in NB-IoT or eMTC) to make paging monitoring more energy-efficient. WUS can include physical signals, which may be based, for example, on a sequence of complex-valued symbols (e.g., a Zadoff-Chu sequence). Alternatively, any other type of wake-up signal can be used, such as a binary wake-up sequence. Typically, wake-up signals can be received with lower power consumption compared to other signals or messages in the system (e.g., paging messages). For example, wake-up signals can have a narrower bandwidth than (multiple) paging messages. WUS can be configured, for example, according to 3GPP specifications.

[0085] A WUS can be cell-specific and / or identify a specific UE group. The network can send a WUS if at least one UE in that group (or cell) is paged during the next paging opportunity. When a UE receives a WUS, it can initiate paging downlink control information (DCI) monitoring during the corresponding paging opportunity. If a UE does not receive a WUS, it can skip paging monitoring until the next cycle.

[0086] If extended DRX (Discontinuous Receive) is used, the network can be configured with multiple paging opportunities, indicating the number of consecutive paging opportunities (numPO>1), and the UE 110 is configured to monitor these paging opportunities after receiving a single WUS (one-to-many mapping). The WUS configuration may also include a time offset (e.g., measured in a subframe) between the end of the WUS and the start of a paging opportunity (the first PO if multiple POs are configured). The time offset may be based, for example, in part on the parameter wakeUpSignalMinGap-eDRX (e.g., 40 ms, 240 ms, 1000 ms, or 2000 ms) reported by the UE 110, which indicates UE capability based on the time gap between the WUS and the paging opportunity.

[0087] However, unlike single delay parameters (such as wakeUpSignalMinGap-eDRX), GNSS-enabled UEs can be configured with delays specific to cold start, warm start, and / or hot start implementations. Furthermore, these delays can vary across different locations. Therefore, if the NTN gNB does not need to rely on a single delay or offset value to account for GNSS usage in the UE 110, the energy efficiency of the paging process can be improved.

[0088] Furthermore, Early Paging Indication (PEI) can be applied during the paging process. Early Paging Indication may include the network sending a WUS-type signal prior to the UE's paging timing to indicate whether the UE 110 should monitor the paging timing. PEI may include sub-packet functionality, which allows the network to address subgroups of UEs sharing a particular paging timing. Early Paging Indication can be considered a specific type of wake-up signal; therefore, example, when the exemplary embodiments are applied to a 5G NR system, the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure can also be applied to such early paging signals.

[0089] The exemplary embodiments of this disclosure enable the minimization of power consumption due to the use of GNSS, while taking into account that GNSS may be required for network access in some applications. For example, time slots (time periods) can be scheduled to measure GNSS and appropriately access the network via a non-terrestrial network. The exemplary embodiments can be applied to the context of initiating (multiple) downlink sessions, such as in an NTN network.

[0090] According to an example embodiment, an apparatus can obtain positioning capability information of a device. The positioning capability information includes indications of a first time period and a second time period, the first time period indicating the location of the device using first initial positioning data, and the second time period indicating the location of the device using second initial positioning data. Based on the device's positioning capability information, a positioning time interval can be determined. The apparatus can send a first signal, but avoids sending a second signal for at least a duration within the positioning time interval starting from the first signal. This allows the transmission of unnecessary signals (e.g., paging messages) to be avoided during positioning time intervals where the device may be unreachable.

[0091] Figure 2 An example embodiment of device 200 (e.g., UE 110, satellite 120, or components or chipsets of UE 110 or satellite 120, or base station) is illustrated. Device 200 may include at least one processor 202. At least one processor 202 may include one or more of various processing devices or processor circuits, such as coprocessors, microprocessors, controllers, digital signal processors (DSPs), and processing circuitry systems with or without accompanying DSPs or various other processing devices (including integrated circuits, such as application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), microcontroller units (MCUs), hardware accelerators, dedicated computer chips, etc.).

[0092] The device 200 may also include at least one memory 204. The at least one memory 204 may be configured to store, for example, computer program code, such as operating system software and application software. The at least one memory 204 may include one or more volatile memory devices, one or more non-volatile memory devices, and / or combinations thereof. For example, the at least one memory 204 may be implemented as a magnetic storage device (such as a hard disk drive, floppy disk, magnetic tape, etc.), an optical magnetic storage device, or a semiconductor memory (such as a mask ROM, PROM (programmable ROM), EPROM (erasable PROM), flash ROM, RAM (random access memory), etc.).

[0093] Device 200 may also include a communication interface 208 configured to enable device 200 to send information to and / or receive information from other devices. In one example, device 200 may use communication interface 208 to send or receive signaling information and data according to at least one cellular communication protocol. The communication interface may be configured to provide at least one wireless air interface connection, such as a 3GPP mobile broadband connection (e.g., 3G, 4G, 5G). However, the communication interface may be configured to provide one or more other types of connections, such as a wireless local area network (WLAN) connection, such as a connection standardized by the IEEE 802.11 series or the Wi-Fi Alliance; a short-range wireless network connection, such as Bluetooth, NFC (Near Field Communication), or RFID connection; a wired connection, such as a local area network (LAN) connection, a universal serial bus (USB) connection, or an optical network connection; or a wired Internet connection. Communication interface 208 may include, or be configured to be coupled to at least one antenna to transmit and / or receive radio frequency signals. One or more of the various types of connections may also be implemented as separate communication interfaces, which may be coupled to, or configured to be coupled to, one or more of a plurality of antennas.

[0094] The device 200 may also include a user interface 210, which includes input devices and / or output devices. Input devices may take various forms, such as a keyboard, a touchscreen, or one or more embedded control buttons. Output devices may include, for example, a display, a speaker, a vibration motor, etc.

[0095] When the device 200 is configured to perform certain functions, certain components and / or multiple components of the device 200 (such as at least one processor 202 and / or at least one memory 204) may be configured to perform those functions. Furthermore, when at least one processor 202 is configured to perform certain functions, those functions may be implemented using program code 206, which may be included, for example, in at least one memory 204.

[0096] The functions described herein can be performed, at least in part, by one or more computer program product components (such as software components). According to one embodiment, the device includes a processor or processor circuitry system (such as a microcontroller) configured by program code that, when executed, performs embodiments of the described operations and functions. Alternatively or additionally, the functions described herein can be performed, at least in part, by one or more hardware logic components. Exemplary types of hardware logic components that can be used, such as but not limited to, include field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), application-specific standard products (ASSPs), system-on-a-chip (SoCs), complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), and graphics processing units (GPUs).

[0097] The apparatus 200 includes means for performing at least one method described herein. In one example, the apparatus includes at least one processor 202 and at least one memory 204 including program code 206 configured to cause the apparatus 200 to perform the method when executed by the at least one processor.

[0098] Device 200 may include, for example, computing devices (e.g., base stations), servers, mobile phones, tablet computers, laptop computers, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, etc. Examples of IoT devices include, but are not limited to, consumer electronics, wearable devices, sensors, and smart home appliances. In one example, device 200 may include a vehicle (e.g., an automobile). Although device 200 is illustrated as a single device, it should be understood that, where applicable, for example, the functionality of device 200 may be distributed across multiple devices to implement the example embodiment as a cloud computing service.

[0099] Figure 3 An example network-side flowchart according to an exemplary embodiment is illustrated for determining, configuring, and applying GNSS gaps for a UE. Figure 3 The process can be applied to network nodes, such as base stations. Although example embodiments have been described in the context of GNSS, it should be noted that these example embodiments can be applied to any suitable positioning system. An example of a GNSS system is the Global Positioning System (GPS).

[0100] At operation 301, the network node can obtain UE capability information related to GNSS. For example, UE 110 can send a UE capability report to the network node, or the network can retrieve UE capability information from the network node's memory or an external device. This report may include UE 110's positioning capability information. This positioning capability information may include information about the time period used to determine the location of UE 110 under various conditions associated with different types of available initial positioning data.

[0101] As described above, UE 110 can perform positioning, for example, in a cold start, warm start, or hot start state. In a cold start state, the available initial positioning data includes neither almanac data nor ephemeris data. In a warm start state, the available initial positioning data may include almanac data but not ephemeris data. In a hot start state, the available initial positioning data may include both almanac data and ephemeris data. Typically, any two of these different startup states can be referred to as startup states associated with a first initial positioning data and a second initial positioning data. For example, the first initial positioning data may include almanac data but not ephemeris data (warm start). The second initial positioning data includes both almanac data and ephemeris data (hot start). However, it should be noted that the example embodiments can generally be applied to any number of positioning startup states with different available initial positioning information. Therefore, the warm start state and hot start state are only used as examples of different positioning startup states.

[0102] Location capability information may include indications of time periods (e.g., a first time period and a second time period) that are associated with determining the location of UE 110 when UE 110 has different available initial location data. For example, location capability information may include indications of a first time period associated with a warm start state and a second time period associated with a hot start state. UE 110 may send these time period indications to network nodes, for example, as location capability information.

[0103] Regarding UE capability reporting, UE 110 can report the maximum time required for UE 110 to perform warm and hot starts. To simplify signaling and network operations, a sequence of values ​​can be defined. UE 110 can then select the nearest value beyond its internal warm / hot start time. For example, if the sequence of values ​​includes T... hot start = [0.5 1 1.5 2] seconds, and UE110 requires 1.3 seconds for a warm start, so it can report a 1.5-second warm start capability to the network node. UE110 can also report the maximum time between GNSS positioning (location updates), which allows UE110 to still use a warm start while at least meeting the accuracy requirements for initial access in the NTN.

[0104] At operation 302, the network node can determine whether downlink data to be transmitted to UE 110 exists. If no data to UE 110 exists, the network node can wait until downlink data to be transmitted to UE 110 is received (see the "No" loop of the procedure). If data to UE 110 exists, the network node can determine that UE 110 needs to be paged. In response to determining that downlink data to UE 110 exists, the network node can proceed to operation 303.

[0105] At operation 303, the network node can determine the GNSS_gap parameter, which represents an example of a positioning time gap. The GNSS_gap can be specific to each UE. The GNSS_gap can be determined based on the positioning capability information of UE 110. The GNSS_gap can be used to provide sufficient time between a wake-up signal or paging message and a subsequent paging timing to facilitate GNSS initiation at UE 110. Typically, the GNSS_gap can be provided after the transmission of a first signal, which may include, for example, a wake-up signal or a paging message. The network device can avoid the transmission of a second signal for the duration of the GNSS_gap, starting from the transmission of the first signal. The second signal may include a paging message. If the first signal includes a paging message, then a subsequent paging message corresponding to the second signal can be referred to as a second paging message.

[0106] According to an example embodiment, a network node can determine the GNSS_gap based on a first time period or a second time period (e.g., warm start delay or hot start delay). For example, if the network node does not know the startup state of UE 110, it can determine the positioning time gap based on the time period associated with the warm state to ensure that even if no ephemeris data is available at UE 110, there is sufficient time for UE 110 to determine its location before sending a (second) paging message. The network node can, for example (e.g., via broadcast), configure the gap between WUS and PO to accommodate the longest warm start delay. When UE 110 detects WUS, it can determine whether a warm start or hot start is required and then determine the start time of GNSS startup to ensure that the process is completed before the PO begins. This can be determined by adding the WUS reception time to the network-configured GNSS_gap. This method is useful if the network does not know the GNSS state of an individual UE.

[0107] However, if the network node knows or can determine the startup state of UE 110, it can choose a time period associated with the startup state of UE 110 as the basis for determining GNSS_gap. For example, if UE 110 is in a warm startup state, the network node can choose GNSS_gap equal to a first time period, or determine GNSS_gap based on adjustments to the first time period. Furthermore, if UE 110 is in a hot startup state, the network node can choose GNSS_gap equal to a second time period, or determine GNSS_gap based on adjustments to the second time period.

[0108] According to an example embodiment, a network node can determine which time period indicated in the positioning capability information is used to determine the GNSS_gap based on the arrival time of a previous (e.g., the latest) location update from the UE 110.

[0109] As mentioned above, the ephemeris, star charts, and the validity period of past position estimates can differ. Therefore, the network node can estimate whether a warm or hot GNSS start is required based on the duration since the last location update provided by UE 110. Since UE 110 has the same understanding as when it last used GNSS, no additional signaling is required between the network node and UE 110.

[0110] For example, if a previous location update of UE 110 is received within the almanac data update interval but not within the ephemeris data update interval, the network node can determine to use a first time period as the basis for determining the GNSS_gap of UE 110 (see Warm Start). If a previous location update of UE 110 is received within the ephemeris data update interval, the network node can determine to use a second time period as the basis for determining the GNSS_gap of UE 110 (see Warm Start). As mentioned above, the GNSS_gap can be selected to be equal to either the first or second time period, or determined by adjusting either the first or second time period (e.g., scaling it using a location-dependent scaling factor, or adding cell reselection time), which will be further described below. Therefore, the GNSS_gap time can be determined based on the last time UE 110 was active, as this is the last time the network knew that UE 110 updated its location and almanac / ephemeris data.

[0111] According to the example embodiment, the GNSS_gap can depend on the location of UE 110, as warm start and hot start times may differ in different environments and / or locations on Earth. A location-dependent GNSS_gap can be applied based on information collected during previous paging attempts, or based on testing GNSS start capability at different locations, which may be associated with different UEs. If a change in location alters the GNSS gap time, the network can determine to make a location-dependent adjustment to the GNSS_gap. The network node can also notify UE 110 of this adjustment.

[0112] Location-related adjustments can be made, for example, by applying a scaling factor to the UE 110's positioning capabilities. Network nodes can adjust the GNSS_gap by scaling the GNSS_gap according to the scaling factor. The scaling factor can be location-related. Network nodes can collect, maintain, and / or update lists of scaling factors applicable to different locations or geographic regions. For example, a network node can select a scaling factor from a list of scaling factors associated with different locations based on the UE 110's previous location.

[0113] Network nodes can also send an indication to UE 110 regarding the use of a scaling factor. This indication can be provided, for example, via broadcast. The location-related GNSS gap can be indicated, for example, using a notification from the network to UE 110.

[0114] It should be noted that the scaling factor can be applied in the following ways: scaling the GNSS_gap and notifying the UE 110 of the scaled GNSS_gap; or not scaling the GNSS_gap at the network node, but instead indicating the scaling factor to be applied at the UE 110. In the latter case, the UE 110 can apply the received scaling factor to the unscaled GNSS_gap.

[0115] According to example embodiments, for instance, in the case of a LEO system with rapidly moving satellites, the GNSS_gap can also depend on the possible cells or satellites identified or predicted to provide coverage to UE 110 after the application of the GNSS_gap. The network node can determine that UE 110 is expected to perform cell reselection to another cell before the expected transmission time of the (second) paging message. The network node can, for example, determine the hot-start capability time and / or warm-start capability time that can be signaled by UE 110, and that the next possible WUS transmission timing results in the next possible paging timing, occurring when the current cell (or satellite) no longer provides coverage to UE 110. Therefore, UE 110 may also require time to perform cell (or satellite) reselection and potential cell search. In this case, the network can provide a paging period that accounts for the additional time required for cell reselection and / or cell search. This additional time allows UE 110 to reselect a new cell. In the case of NTN, a single paging area can cover a fixed area on Earth.

[0116] Therefore, the network node can determine that UE 110 needs to perform cell (or satellite) reselection to another cell before the expected transmission time of the (second) paging message. The expected transmission time of the (second) paging message may include a time determined based on either an unadjusted GNSS_gap or an adjusted GNSS_gap based on UE 110's previous location. This GNSS_gap (which results in the expected transmission time) can then be adjusted based on the cell reselection time. For example, the network node can add a predetermined cell (or satellite) reselection time to an earlier determined GNSS_gap. The cell reselection time may also include the cell search time. Alternatively, the GNSS_gap can be adjusted by adding the cell reselection time and the cell search time to the GNSS_gap separately.

[0117] At operation 304, the network node can determine whether to use WUS. If WUS is in use, the network node can proceed to operation 305 to send WUS. If WUS is not in use, the network node can proceed to operation 306 to send a paging message to UE 110. However, it should be noted that in some example embodiments, the network node may be pre-configured to send WUS (operation 305) or paging (operation 306), therefore, determining whether to use WUS may be optional.

[0118] At operation 305, the network node may send a WUS at time t0 (first time). The WUS may include an indication (e.g., a single-bit indication (flag)) to notify the UE 110 whether GNSS_gap has been used. Alternatively or additionally, the WUS may include an indication of the value (duration) of GNSS_gap. The WUS may include an indication of using a first time period or a second time period as GNSS_gap. Since it is not necessary to signal the duration of the relevant time period, signaling volume is reduced. The use of GNSS_gap and / or the indication of the value of GNSS_gap may optionally be included in any other control signal or control message. Using a WUS can reduce the false alarm paging rate of the UE 110 because the UE 110 can monitor only the PO(s) indicated by the WUS, rather than every PO.

[0119] In NTN, GNSS can be used for synchronization prior to uplink transmission. By receiving primary and secondary synchronization signals, UE 110 can maintain downlink timing synchronization, which can be periodically broadcast by network nodes. Therefore, UE 110 can receive WUS without using GNSS.

[0120] At operation 306, as an alternative to operation 305, the network node can send a paging message to UE 110 at time t0. Instead of using WUS, or signaling the GNSS_gap or target PO via WUS, the network can calculate the potential gap time caused by the GNSS initiation process and provide the GNSS_gap between the paging message and the second (subsequent) paging message. A paging message can be sent at a specific paging time, and a second paging message can be sent at a second (subsequent) paging time.

[0121] At operation 306, the network may page UE 110 at the first possible paging opportunity. When paging UE 110, UE 110 may require a GNSS_gap (similar to after WUS) to complete GNSS startup before attempting to connect to the network via random access. Therefore, the network node may store a defined GNSS_gap. The network node may avoid sending additional paging messages during the GNSS_gap period. This allows the network node to avoid unnecessarily retransmitting paging messages when UE 110 is in the process of GNSS startup. The network node may retransmit paging messages after the GNSS_gap expires, or after the warm start and / or warm start delay period. When using operation 306, the network node may not schedule a second paging, but may also anticipate a later response (e.g., a later anticipated response via RACH). Therefore, operation 307 may be optional.

[0122] For example, the expiration of the GNSS_gap can be determined based on a timer that can be started when a wake-up signal or paging message is sent, such as at the start or end of a related transmission. For instance, in response to detecting that the timer value has decreased to zero, a timer can be started at the GNSS_gap parameter value, and the expiration of the GNSS_gap time can be determined.

[0123] Although operations 305 and 306 have already been... Figure 3 The options are illustrated as relative to each other, but according to the example embodiment, the network node can send the WUS, paging message, and second paging message in this order. The network node can avoid sending additional paging messages to the device during the duration of the GNSS_gap, which begins from the transmission of the paging message. Therefore, a GNSS_gap can be provided between the paging message and the second paging message, as well as if the WUS exists before the paging message and the second paging message.

[0124] At operation 307, the network node may send a (second) paging message to UE 110 at time t0 + GNSS_gap (second time). Therefore, the network node may avoid sending a paging message to UE 110 for the duration of a positioning time gap based on the transmission count of WUS (in the case of operation 305) or paging messages (in the case of operation 306). Note that, as mentioned above, GNSS_gap may be equal to a time period included in the positioning capability information, or a modified version thereof. Based on the determined GNSS_gap, the network node may determine the timing for transmitting the paging message. Therefore, the network node may send a (second) paging message to UE 110 at the second time, or schedule a (second) paging message to be sent to UE 110. GNSS_gap may be provided between the first time (t0) and the second time (t0 + GNSS_gap).

[0125] As described above, the application of GNSS_gap can result in a (second) paging timing, which, for example, occurs after WUS time plus a warm start delay, or after WUS time plus a mild start delay. Alternatively, scaling factors can be applied to both the warm start delay and the mild start delay to account for location dependencies. As a fallback solution, for example when the network is unaware of the startup state of UE 110, the network node can send a paging message after both the warm start delay and the mild start delay. It should be noted that in all embodiments, for example, by assigning a potential paging message occurring after GNSS_gap to the earliest possible paging timing occurring after GNSS_gap, the network node can optionally avoid the transmission of the second signal for a period longer than the duration of GNSS_gap.

[0126] At operation 308, the network node can receive a response to the (second) paging message from UE 110. This response may include a random access signal, such as a random access preamble. The random access signal can be sent to initiate a connection with the network node. The response may also include an indication of the location of UE 110. A connection can then be established between the network node and UE 110 based on the location information of UE 110.

[0127] Figure 4 An example flowchart of the UE side according to an example embodiment is illustrated for configuring and applying GNSS gaps. Figure 4 The process can be applied to devices such as UE 110. Although example embodiments have been described in the context of GNSS, it should be noted that, as mentioned above, example embodiments can be applied to any suitable positioning system.

[0128] Initially, UE 110 can send its positioning capability information to the network node. As mentioned above, the positioning capability information may include an indication of a time period associated with determining the location of UE 110 in various GNSS activation states.

[0129] At operation 401, as described above, UE 110 can receive a WUS or paging message, which is provided as an example of a first signal. The WUS or paging message can be as referenced. Figure 3 The configuration is as described. WUS or paging messages can be received at time t0 (first time). For simplicity, the propagation delay between the transmission of WUS or paging at the network node and its reception at UE 110 is omitted in this example. In some embodiments, UE 110 can receive WUS before receiving a paging message and can provide GNSS_gap after the paging message.

[0130] UE 110 can also receive a scaling factor for the GNSS_gap. The scaling factor can be associated with a previous position of UE 110. The WUS can also include at least one of the following: an indication of GNSS_gap usage, an indication of the duration of the GNSS_gap, or an indication of using a first time period or a second time period as the GNSS_gap. Alternatively, this information can be received in any other control signal or control message. Based on this indication, UE 110 can avoid monitoring paging opportunities occurring during the GNSS_gap, which reduces power consumption.

[0131] At operation 402, UE 110 can read GNSS and determine its location. Initially, UE 110 may be in RRC idle / inactive mode. Furthermore, UE 110 may have already turned off its GNSS device to save power, or may typically have its GNSS device configured to low power. Therefore, UE 110 can first activate (e.g., turn on) its GNSS device. Then, for example, based on GNSS signals received from multiple satellites by the activated GNSS device, UE 110's location can be determined. At operation 401, in response to receiving a WUS or first paging message, the GNSS device can be activated. This allows UE 110 to prepare its location upon arrival of a (second) paging message, which allows UE 110 to use GNSS to access the NTN network, for example, for pre-compensation and / or location updates. Pre-compensation enables UE 110 to ensure its transmissions are time-frequency aligned with the network, for example, preventing excessive interference in the receiver. For example, by using the UE's location and satellite ephemeris (=location), the UE 110 can calculate the radio propagation delay and then determine the timing advance before transmission. For example, for legal reasons, a network node can also request the UE 110 to provide its location to the network. Therefore, based on the determined location of the UE 110, the UE 110 can determine the timing advance for subsequent communication with the network node. Furthermore, the UE 110 can send an indication of its determined location to the network node.

[0132] At operation 403, UE 110 can read the (second) paging message after GNSS_gap. The (second) paging message can be received at time t0 + GNSS_gap (second time). As described above, GNSS_gap can be provided after the transmission of a wake-up signal or paging message. GNSS_gap can be based on UE 110's positioning capability information. The positioning capability information may include an indication of a first time period (see Available Data during Warm Startup) and an indication of a second time period (see Available Data during Hot Startup), the first time period indicating the location of the device using first initial positioning data, and the second time period indicating the location of the device using second initial positioning data.

[0133] In order to receive the (second) paging message, UE 110 may monitor at least one PO occurring after the GNSS_gap for receiving the (second) paging message. For example, if a scaling factor is received in WUS, UE 110 may scale the GNSS_gap, or a first time period or a second time period, according to that scaling factor. Then, UE 110 may monitor at least one PO occurring after the GNSS_gap scaled according to the scaling factor to receive the (second) paging message. According to an example embodiment, UE 110 may scale the GNSS_gap according to a scaling factor provided by the network node before initiating monitoring of the corresponding PO(multiple) PO(s).

[0134] At operation 404, UE 110 may connect to the network. For example, UE 110 may send a random access signal, such as a random access preamble, to the network node. Typically, UE 110 may send a response to a (second) paging message to the network node. This response may include an indication of the location of UE 110 as determined at operation 402.

[0135] Figure 5 The illustration shows an example of a wake-up signal, paging timing, and GNSS activation delay according to an example embodiment. The wake-up signal 502 is illustrated with dashed shading, and the paging periods 504 (#1 to #8) are illustrated in white.

[0136] For example, as described with reference to operation 302, the network node can initially determine that paging is required. The network node can then send a WUS at time t0. For example, in operation 303, once the network node has determined the GNSS gap time, it can calculate the relationship between the WUS(t0) and potential paging opportunities(s). Paging opportunities can be scheduled based on a paging cycle, which may involve POs occurring at a certain cycle (e.g., at 1.28-second intervals). Since the GNSS hot start / warm start delay can be expressed as an absolute time value, the network node can determine the first one or more POs occurring after the GNSS_gap based on the paging cycle. The network node can determine the first paging opportunity to paging UE 110 after the WUS time(t0) plus the GNSS_gap time (reflecting the hot start delay or warm start delay).

[0137] In this example, the first paging timing (PO#1) does not allow GNSS_gap to be provided between WUS time (t0) and PO#1. In the case of a warm start, PO#2 can be the first PO that allows GNSS_gap to be provided. Therefore, if the network has determined that UE 110 is capable of performing a warm start, the network node can determine to page UE 110 at PO#2.

[0138] In the case of a warm start, PO#6 can be the first PO that allows GNSS_gap to be provided. Therefore, if the network has determined that UE 110 can perform a warm start and cannot perform a hot start, the network node can determine to page UE 110 on PO#6.

[0139] If the network node is unsure whether UE 110 can perform a warm or hot start, it can send paging messages in PO#2 and PO#6. Therefore, the network node can first page UE 110 in PO#2. If UE 110 does not respond to the paging (e.g., by sending a paging response), the network node can repeat the paging in PO#6.

[0140] According to the example embodiment, such as Figure 5 As shown, a network node can send a (second) paging message at multiple consecutive paging opportunities following a warm-start delay. In this example, the WUS can indicate multiple POs (e.g., #6 to #8) to be monitored by UE 110. Similarly, a network node can request UE 110 to monitor multiple POs (...) following a warm-start delay. Figure 5 (Not shown in the diagram). Multiple POs can include consecutive POs.

[0141] Alternatively, the WUS can indicate the GNSS_gap time used by the network node, or directly indicate the target PO of the network node. For example, the WUS may include an identifier (e.g., a subframe number) of the paging timing that will be monitored by the UE 110.

[0142] Therefore, UE 110 can monitor one or more paging opportunities to receive a (second) paging message. The paging opportunities (multiple) can correspond to GNSS_gap. For example, the monitored paging opportunities (multiple) can be located after the GNSS_gap time counted from the WUS sent at time t0.

[0143] Figure 6 An example of a wake-up signal and paging message with a GNSS gap is illustrated according to an exemplary embodiment. In case 1, a GNSS gap can be provided between the transmission of WUS 502 and paging message 601. The network node can expect to receive a random access preamble after sending paging message 601. Paging message 601 can be sent at the earliest paging time that occurs after the transmission of WUS 502. In response to receiving paging message 601, UE 110 can send a random access preamble.

[0144] In scenario 2, the network node can send WUS 502, paging message 601, and possibly a second paging message 602. A GNSS gap can be provided after paging message 601. The second paging message 602 can be scheduled for transmission at a paging time that occurs after the GNSS gap expires. If the network node does not receive the RA preamble from UE 110 after the GNSS gap expires, it can send the second paging message 602. However, if it receives the random access preamble from UE 110 before the scheduled second paging message 602 is sent, the network node can determine not to send the second paging message 602. UE 110 can send the random access preamble whenever it has determined its location. Therefore, the random access preamble can be sent during the GNSS gap.

[0145] In scenario 3, the network node may not send WUS. The network node may directly send paging message 601 and may provide GNSS_gap after paging message 601. Paging message 601 may be referred to as the first paging message. Similar to scenario 2, the second paging message 602 may or may not be transmitted depending on whether UE 110 sends a random access preamble before the scheduled transmission of the second paging message 602. Also in this case, UE 110 may send a random access preamble in response to determining its location (possibly within the GNSS_gap).

[0146] In all the above cases, paging messages 601 and / or 602 may include the identifier (UE ID) of UE 110. However, in the case of more than one paging message, the paging messages may not be exactly the same, because some other UEs may be paged at the first paging time but not at the second paging time, and vice versa. Transmitting a paging message to UE 110 may include transmitting a paging message that includes (e.g., in the UE ID list) the UE ID of UE 110. As mentioned above, the network node may only send the second paging message 602 if the network node does not receive the random access preamble from the device at the expected time. Therefore, the benefit provided by the example embodiment is that retransmission of paging messages can be avoided until the GNSS_gap expires. Otherwise, since UE 110 is still in the GNSS process, the network can quickly assume that the random access / paging message from UE 110 failed and the retransmission of the paging message was unsuccessful.

[0147] By taking into account the warm-start / mild-start GNSS delay (based on UE capability signaling), the network can page UE 110 at the correct time. If the network is unaware of this delay, it may prematurely send a paging message after WUS or repeatedly paging, because UE 110 does not respond to the paging in a timely manner. This situation may occur if UE 110 does receive the first paging message but is still in the process of GNSS startup. Both of these situations can lead to unnecessary signaling and network energy consumption, which can be avoided using the example embodiments of this disclosure. Since UE 110 knows that the network is aware of its GNSS delay, UE 110 can avoid running GNSS at random times and / or before each paging opportunity, instead activating GNSS only when it is actually paging. This reduces power consumption at UE 110, thereby extending battery life.

[0148] Figure 7 An example of a paging method 700 according to an exemplary embodiment is illustrated.

[0149] At 701, the method may include: obtaining positioning capability information of the device, wherein the positioning capability information includes an indication of a first time period and an indication of a second time period, the indication of the first time period being used to determine the location of the device using first initial positioning data, and the indication of the second time period being used to determine the location of the device using second initial positioning data.

[0150] At 702, the method may include: determining a positioning time interval based on the device's positioning capability information.

[0151] At 703, the method may include: sending a first signal to the device.

[0152] At 704, the method may include: avoiding sending a second signal to the device for at least a period of time during the positioning time interval that begins with the first signal.

[0153] Figure 8 An example of a method 800 for receiving a paging is illustrated according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0154] At 801, the method may include: receiving a first signal from a network node.

[0155] At 802, the method may include: in response to receiving a first signal, activating a positioning device of the device and determining the position of the device.

[0156] At 803, the method may include: determining not to monitor paging opportunities during the duration of a positioning time gap starting from the reception of the first signal, wherein the positioning time gap is based on device positioning capability information, the positioning capability information including an indication of a first time period and an indication of a second time period, the indication of the first time period being used to determine the location of the device using first initial positioning data, and the indication of the second time period being used to determine the location of the device using second initial positioning data.

[0157] At 804, the method may include sending a random access signal to a network node in response to determining the location of the device or in response to receiving a second signal after a positioning time gap beginning from the reception of the first signal.

[0158] As described in the appended claims and throughout the specification, other features of the method are directly generated by the functions and parameters of the UE 110, satellite 120, or general device 200, and therefore will not be repeated here. Different variations of the method may also be applied as described in conjunction with the various example embodiments.

[0159] The apparatus may be configured to perform, or cause to perform, any aspect of the methods(s) described herein. Furthermore, the computer program or computer program product may include instructions, when executed, to cause the apparatus to perform any aspect of the methods(s) described herein. Additionally, the apparatus may include components for performing any aspect of the methods(s) described herein. According to an example embodiment, the components include at least one processor and at least one memory including program code configured to, when executed by the at least one processor, cause to perform any aspect of the methods(s).

[0160] Any ranges or device values ​​given herein may be extended or modified without losing the desired effect. Furthermore, unless expressly prohibited, any embodiment may be combined with another embodiment.

[0161] Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and / or actions, it should be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or actions described above. Rather, the specific features and actions described above are disclosed as examples of implementing the claims, and other equivalent features and actions are intended to fall within the scope of the claims.

[0162] It should be understood that the above benefits and advantages may relate to one embodiment or several embodiments. The embodiments are not limited to embodiments that solve any or all of the described problems, or embodiments that have any or all of the described benefits and advantages. It should also be understood that references to 'an' may refer to one or more of these items.

[0163] The steps or operations described herein can be performed in any suitable order, or simultaneously where appropriate. Furthermore, individual blocks can be removed from any method without departing from the scope of the subject matter described herein. Aspects of any of the embodiments described above can be combined with aspects of any other embodiments described to form further embodiments without sacrificing the desired effects.

[0164] The term 'comprise' is used herein to mean including the identified method, block, or element, but such block or element does not include an exclusive list, and the method or apparatus may include additional blocks or elements.

[0165] As used in this application, the term "circuit system" may refer to one or more or all of the following: (a) a purely hardware circuit implementation (such as an implementation using only analog and / or digital circuit systems), and (b) a combination of hardware circuits and software, such as (if applicable): (i) a combination of (multiple) analog and / or digital hardware circuits with software / firmware, and (ii) any part of (multiple) hardware processors having software, including (multiple) digital signal processors, software, and (multiple) memories, which work together to cause a device (such as a mobile phone or a server) to perform various functions, and (c) (multiple) hardware circuits and / or (multiple) processors, such as (multiple) microprocessors or a portion thereof, which require software (e.g., firmware) to operate, but may be absent when operation is not required.

[0166] As another example, as used in this application, the term "circuit system" also encompasses implementations of only hardware circuitry or processors (or processors) or portions thereof and their accompanying software and / or firmware. For instance, if applicable to certain claim elements, the term "circuit system" also encompasses baseband integrated circuits or processor integrated circuits for mobile devices, or similar integrated circuits in servers, cellular network devices, or other computing or network devices.

[0167] It should be understood that the above description is given by way of example only, and various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art. The foregoing description, examples, and data provide a complete description of the structure and use of the exemplary embodiments. Although various embodiments have been described above with a degree of specificity or with reference to one or more individual embodiments, those skilled in the art can make various changes to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the scope of this specification.

Claims

1. A device for communication, comprising: A component for obtaining positioning capability information of a device, wherein the positioning capability information includes an indication of a first time period and an indication of a second time period, wherein the indication of the first time period is used to determine the location of the device using first initial positioning data, and the indication of the second time period is used to determine the location of the device using second initial positioning data, wherein the first initial positioning data and the second initial positioning data are associated with different startup states of the device. Components for determining positioning time intervals based on the positioning capability information of the device; Components for sending a first signal to the device; A component for preventing the transmission of a second signal to the device for at least a period of time during the positioning time interval starting from the first signal; as well as Wherein, the first signal includes a first paging message and the second signal includes a second paging message, or the first signal includes a wake-up signal and the second signal includes a third paging message.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: A component for determining not to transmit the second signal in response to receiving a random access signal from the device.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The first initial positioning data includes at least almanac data of multiple satellites, but excludes ephemeris data; the second initial positioning data includes at least the almanac data of the multiple satellites, and the ephemeris data of at least one of the multiple satellites.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising: A component for determining, if a previous location update of the device has been received within the update interval of the almanac data, rather than within the update interval of the ephemeris data, to use the first time period as the basis for determining the positioning time interval; or A component for determining, if the previous location update of the device has been received within the update interval of the ephemeris data, to use the second time period as the basis for determining the positioning time interval.

5. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: A component for scaling the positioning time gap according to a scaling factor associated with the previous position of the device; as well as A component for sending an indication of the scaling factor to the device.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: A component for determining that the device expects to perform cell reselection to another cell before the expected transmission time of the second paging message; as well as A component used to adjust the positioning time interval based on the cell reselection time.

7. A device for communication, comprising: Components used to receive the first signal from the network node; Components for activating the positioning device of the device in response to receiving the first signal and determining the position of the device; A component for determining that paging timing is not monitored during the duration of a positioning time gap starting from the reception of the first signal, wherein the positioning time gap is based on positioning capability information of the device, the positioning capability information including an indication of a first time period and an indication of a second time period, the first time period being used to determine the location of the device using first initial positioning data, the second time period being used to determine the location of the device using second initial positioning data, wherein the first initial positioning data and the second initial positioning data are associated with different activation states of the device; A component for sending a random access signal to the network node in response to determining the location of the device or in response to receiving a second signal after the positioning time interval beginning from the reception of the first signal; and Wherein, the first signal includes a first paging message and the second signal includes a second paging message, or the first signal includes a wake-up signal and the second signal includes a third paging message.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising: Components for monitoring at least one paging opportunity that occurs after the positioning time interval; as well as A component for receiving the paging message at at least one paging time after the positioning time interval.

9. The apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, further comprising: A component for receiving a scaling factor of the positioning time interval, wherein the scaling factor is associated with the previous position of the device; A component for scaling the positioning gap time according to the scaling factor; as well as A component for detecting at least one paging opportunity that occurs after the scaled positioning time interval, in order to receive the paging message.

10. A method for communication, comprising: Obtain device positioning capability information, wherein the positioning capability information includes an indication of a first time period and an indication of a second time period, wherein the indication of the first time period is used to determine the location of the device using first initial positioning data, and the indication of the second time period is used to determine the location of the device using second initial positioning data, wherein the first initial positioning data and the second initial positioning data are associated with different startup states of the device. Based on the positioning capability information of the device, the positioning time interval is determined; Send a first signal to the device; For at least a period of time during the positioning time interval beginning with the first signal, a second signal is avoided from being sent to the device; and Wherein, the first signal includes a first paging message and the second signal includes a second paging message, or the first signal includes a wake-up signal and the second signal includes a third paging message.

11. A method for communication, comprising: Receive the first signal from the network node; In response to receiving the first signal, the positioning device of the device is activated and the position of the device is determined; Determine that paging opportunities are not monitored during the duration of a positioning time gap starting from the reception of the first signal, wherein the positioning time gap is based on the device's positioning capability information, the positioning capability information including an indication of a first time period and an indication of a second time period, the first time period being used to determine the device's location using first initial positioning data, the second time period being used to determine the device's location using second initial positioning data, wherein the first initial positioning data and the second initial positioning data are associated with different activation states of the device; In response to determining the location of the device, or in response to receiving a second signal after the positioning time interval beginning from the reception of the first signal, a random access signal is sent to the network node; and Wherein, the first signal includes a first paging message and the second signal includes a second paging message, or the first signal includes a wake-up signal and the second signal includes a third paging message.

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