Radio resource control configuration for positioning reference signal aggregation

Abstract

Techniques for wireless communications are disclosed. In an aspect, a user equipment (UE) receives a radio resource control (RRC) configuration defining a composite positioning resource comprising a plurality of positioning resources, the plurality of positioning resources comprising at least one positioning resource from each of a plurality of frequency layers (FLs) or bandwidth parts (BWPs), from each of a plurality of positioning resource sets, or a combination thereof. The UE performs a positioning measurement using the composite positioning resource, e.g., the UE receives one or more reference signals within the composite positioning resource in accordance with the RRC configuration and performs measurements on the one or more reference signals. In some aspects, the UE can report results of the positioning measurement, which can include measurement values, a positioning estimate based on the measurement values, or a combination thereof.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The various aspects of this disclosure generally relate to wireless communications. Background Technology

[0002] Wireless communication systems have evolved through generations, including first-generation analog radiotelephone service (1G), second-generation (2G) digital radiotelephone service (including temporary 2.5G and 2.75G networks), third-generation (3G) high-speed data, wireless services supporting the Internet, and fourth-generation (4G) services (e.g., Long Term Evolution (LTE) or WiMax). Currently, many different types of wireless communication systems are in use, including cellular and Personal Communication Services (PCS) systems. Known examples of cellular systems include cellular analog Advanced Mobile Phone Systems (AMPS) and digital cellular systems based on Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), etc.

[0003] The fifth-generation (5G) wireless standard, known as New Radio (NR), demands higher data transmission speeds, more connections, better coverage, and other improvements. According to the Next Generation Mobile Networks Alliance (NGNA), the 5G standard is designed to provide tens of megabits per second (Mbps) of data to each of tens of thousands of users, or 1 gigabits per second (Gbps) to dozens of employees in an office. To support large-scale sensor deployments, it should support hundreds of thousands of simultaneous connections. Therefore, the spectral efficiency of 5G mobile communications should be significantly improved compared to the current 4G standard. Furthermore, signaling efficiency should be improved, and latency should be significantly reduced compared to the current standard. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The following is a simplified summary of the invention relating to one or more aspects disclosed herein. Therefore, this summary should not be considered a broad overview relating to all anticipated aspects, nor should it be regarded as identifying key or essential elements relating to all anticipated aspects, or defining the scope associated with any particular aspect. Thus, the following summary has the sole purpose of presenting, in a simplified form, certain concepts relating to one or more aspects of the mechanisms disclosed herein, prior to the detailed description presented below.

[0005] In one aspect, a wireless communication method performed by a user equipment (UE) includes: receiving a radio resource control (RRC) configuration defining a composite positioning resource comprising a plurality of positioning resources, the plurality of positioning resources including at least one positioning resource from each of a plurality of frequency layers (FLs) or bandwidth portions (BWPs), from each of a plurality of positioning resource sets, or a combination thereof; and performing a positioning measurement using the composite positioning resource.

[0006] In one aspect, a wireless communication method performed by a UE includes: receiving a positioning resource configuration defining an aggregated positioning resource, the aggregated positioning resource comprising a plurality of positioning resource blocks that differ from each other in the time domain, the frequency domain, or both; and performing a positioning measurement using the aggregated positioning resource.

[0007] In one aspect, a wireless communication method performed by a base station includes: receiving from a location server an RRC configuration defining a composite location resource comprising a plurality of location resources, the plurality of location resources including at least one location resource from each of a plurality of FLs or BWPs, from each of a plurality of location resource sets, or a combination thereof; and transmitting the RRC configuration to a UE.

[0008] In one aspect, a wireless communication method performed by a base station includes: receiving from a location server a location resource configuration defining aggregated location resources, the aggregated location resources including multiple location resource blocks that differ from each other in the time domain, the frequency domain, or both; and sending the location resource configuration to a UE.

[0009] In one aspect, a wireless communication method performed by a location server includes: determining an RRC configuration that defines a composite location resource comprising a plurality of location resources, the plurality of location resources including at least one location resource from each of a plurality of FLs or BWPs, from each of a plurality of location resource sets, or a combination thereof; and transmitting the RRC configuration to a base station.

[0010] In one aspect, a wireless communication method performed by a location server includes: determining a location resource configuration that defines an aggregated location resource, the aggregated location resource including multiple location resource blocks that are different from each other in the time domain, the frequency domain, or both; and transmitting the location resource configuration to a base station.

[0011] In one aspect, a UE includes: a memory; at least one transceiver; and at least one processor communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, the at least one processor being configured to: receive an RRC configuration defining a composite positioning resource comprising a plurality of positioning resources, the plurality of positioning resources including at least one positioning resource from each of a plurality of FLs or BWPs, from each of a plurality of positioning resource sets, or a combination thereof; and perform positioning measurements using the composite positioning resource.

[0012] In one aspect, a UE includes: a memory; at least one transceiver; and at least one processor communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, the at least one processor being configured to: receive a positioning resource configuration defining an aggregated positioning resource, the aggregated positioning resource including a plurality of positioning resource blocks that are different from each other in the time domain, the frequency domain, or both; and perform positioning measurements using the aggregated positioning resource.

[0013] In one aspect, a base station includes: a memory; at least one transceiver; and at least one processor communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, the at least one processor being configured to: receive from a location server an RRC configuration defining a composite location resource including a plurality of location resources, the plurality of location resources including at least one location resource from each of a plurality of FLs or BWPs, from each of a plurality of location resource sets, or a combination thereof; and issue the RRC configuration to a UE.

[0014] In one aspect, a base station includes: a memory; at least one transceiver; and at least one processor communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, the at least one processor being configured to: receive from a location server a location resource configuration defining aggregated location resources, the aggregated location resources including a plurality of location resource blocks that differ from each other in the time domain, the frequency domain, or both; and issue the location resource configuration to a UE.

[0015] In one aspect, a location server includes: a memory; at least one transceiver; and at least one processor communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, the at least one processor being configured to: determine an RRC configuration defining a composite location resource comprising a plurality of location resources, the plurality of location resources including at least one location resource from each of a plurality of FLs or BWPs, from each of a plurality of location resource sets, or a combination thereof; and transmit the RRC configuration to a base station.

[0016] In one aspect, a location server includes: a memory; at least one transceiver; and at least one processor communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, the at least one processor being configured to: determine a location resource configuration defining aggregated location resources, the aggregated location resources including a plurality of location resource blocks that are different from each other in the time domain, the frequency domain, or both; and issue the location resource configuration to a base station.

[0017] Based on the accompanying drawings and detailed description, other objects and advantages associated with the aspects disclosed herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The accompanying drawings are provided to help describe various aspects of this disclosure, and are provided only to illustrate the aspects and not to limit it.

[0019] Figure 1 An exemplary wireless communication system according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown.

[0020] Figure 2A and Figure 2B An exemplary wireless network architecture according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown.

[0021] Figures 3A to 3C These are simplified block diagrams of several sample aspects of components that can be adopted and configured in user equipment (UE), base stations, and network entities to support communications as taught herein.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a diagram of an exemplary Positioning Reference Signal (PRS) configuration for PRS transmission of a given base station, according to various aspects of this disclosure.

[0023] Figures 5A to 5D This is a diagram illustrating exemplary frame structures and channels within frame structures according to various aspects of this disclosure.

[0024] Figure 6 The conventional radio resource control (RRC) configuration for DL-PRS is shown.

[0025] Figure 7A and Figure 7B Two forms of PRS tape splicing are shown.

[0026] Figure 8 PRS splicing according to some aspects of this disclosure is shown, in which multiple FLs are spliced ​​together.

[0027] Figure 9 PRS splicing according to some aspects of this disclosure is shown, wherein PRS resources are spliced ​​together at the FL level, the PRS resource set level, and the PRS resource level.

[0028] Figure 10A and Figure 10B This illustrates some limitations of conventional networks.

[0029] Figures 11A to 11E An aggregated PRS block is shown according to some aspects of this disclosure.

[0030] Figures 12 to 17 Exemplary methods of wireless communication according to various aspects of this disclosure are shown. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Various aspects of this disclosure are provided in the following description and in the related figures for various examples provided for illustrative purposes. Alternative aspects may be designed without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, well-known elements of this disclosure will not be described in detail or will be omitted to avoid obscuring the relevant details of this disclosure.

[0032] The terms “exemplary” and / or “illustrated” are used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any aspect described herein as “exemplary” and / or “illustrated” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects. Similarly, the term “aspects of this disclosure” does not require that all aspects of this disclosure include the features, advantages, or modes of operation discussed.

[0033] Those skilled in the art will understand that any of a variety of different technologies and techniques can be used to represent the information and signals described below. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be mentioned throughout the following description can be represented by voltage, current, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, light fields or light particles, or any combination thereof, depending on the specific application, the desired design, and the corresponding technology, etc.

[0034] Furthermore, many aspects are described in relation to sequences of actions performed, for example, by elements of a computing device. It will be appreciated that the various actions described herein can be performed by a particular circuit (e.g., an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC)), by program instructions executed by one or more processors, or by a combination of both. Additionally, it can be considered that the sequence(s) of actions described herein are fully embodied in any form of non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a corresponding set of computer instructions, which, when executed, will cause or instruct the associated processor of the device to perform the functionality described herein. Therefore, various aspects of this disclosure can be embodied in many different forms, all of which are considered to be within the scope of the claimed subject matter. Furthermore, for each aspect described herein, the corresponding form of any such aspect may be described, for example, as "logic configured to" perform the described actions.

[0035] As used herein, unless otherwise stated, the terms “User Equipment” (UE) and “Base Station” are not intended to be specific to or otherwise limited to any particular Radio Access Technology (RAT). Generally, a UE can be any wireless communication device used by a user to communicate over a wireless communication network (e.g., mobile phone, router, tablet computer, laptop computer, consumer asset tracking device, wearable device (e.g., smartwatch, glasses, augmented reality (AR) / virtual reality (VR)) headset, etc.), vehicle (e.g., car, motorcycle, bicycle, etc.), Internet of Things (IoT) device, etc.). A UE can be mobile or can (e.g., at certain times) be stationary and can communicate with a Radio Access Network (RAN). As used herein, the term “UE” can be interchangeably referred to as “Access Terminal” or “AT”, “Client Equipment”, “Wireless Equipment”, “Subscriber Equipment”, “Subscriber Terminal”, “Subscriber Station”, “User Terminal” or “UT”, “Mobile Equipment”, “Mobile Terminal”, “Mobile Station”, or variations thereof. Generally, a UE can communicate with a core network via the RAN, and through the core network, a UE can connect to external networks such as the Internet and to other UEs. Of course, for the UE, other mechanisms such as connecting to the core network and / or the Internet via wired access networks, wireless local area network (WLAN) networks (e.g., based on the IEEE 802.11 standard) are also possible.

[0036] Depending on the network in which it is deployed, a base station can operate according to one of several RATs (Radio Access Points) for communicating with the UE, and can be alternatively referred to as an Access Point (AP), Network Node, NodeB, Evolved NodeB (eNB), Next Generation eNB (ng-eNB), New Radio (NR) NodeB (also known as gNB or gNodB), etc. The base station can primarily be used to support the UE's radio access, including supporting data, voice, and / or signaling connections for the supported UE. In some systems, the base station may purely provide edge node signaling functions, while in others it may provide additional control and / or network management functions. The communication link through which the UE signals to the base station is called an uplink (UL) channel (e.g., reverse traffic channel, reverse control channel, access channel, etc.). The communication link through which the base station signals to the UE is called a downlink (DL) or forward link channel (e.g., paging channel, control channel, broadcast channel, forward traffic channel, etc.). As used herein, the term Traffic Channel (TCH) can refer to an uplink / reverse or downlink / forward traffic channel.

[0037] The term "base station" can refer to a single physical transmit / receive point (TRP), or multiple physical TRPs that may or may not be in the same location. For example, when the term "base station" refers to a single physical TRP, the physical TRP can be an antenna of the base station corresponding to a cell (or several cell sectors) of the base station. When the term "base station" refers to multiple in-situ physical TRPs, the physical TRP can be an antenna array of the base station (e.g., as in a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) system, or where the base station employs beamforming). When the term "base station" refers to multiple out-of-situ physical TRPs, the physical TRP can be a distributed antenna system (DAS) (a spatially separated antenna network connected to a common source via a transmission medium), or a remote radio head end (RRH) (a remote base station connected to a serving base station). Alternatively, an out-of-situ physical TRP can be a serving base station from which a measurement report is received from the UE and a neighboring base station from which the UE is measuring its reference radio frequency (RF) signal. Because a TRP is the point from which a base station transmits and receives radio signals, as used herein, references to transmitting from or receiving at a base station will be understood to refer to a specific TRP of the base station.

[0038] In some implementations that support UE positioning, the base station may not support the UE's radio access (e.g., it may not support the UE's data, voice, and / or signaling connections), but may instead transmit reference signals to the UE for measurement, and / or receive and measure signals transmitted by the UE. Such a base station may be referred to as a positioning beacon (e.g., when transmitting signals to the UE) and / or a location measurement unit (e.g., when receiving and measuring signals from the UE).

[0039] An “RF signal” comprises electromagnetic waves of a given frequency that transmit information across space between a transmitter and a receiver. As used herein, a transmitter may send a single “RF signal” or multiple “RF signals” to a receiver. However, due to the propagation characteristics of RF signals through multipath channels, a receiver may receive multiple “RF signals” corresponding to each transmitted RF signal. The same transmitted RF signal on different paths between the transmitter and receiver can be referred to as a “multipath” RF signal.

[0040] Figure 1An exemplary wireless communication system 100 is illustrated. The wireless communication system 100 (also referred to as a wireless wide area network (WWAN)) may include various base stations 102 and various UEs 104. Base station 102 may include macro cell base stations (high-power cellular base stations) and / or small cell base stations (low-power cellular base stations). In one aspect, the macro cell base station may include an eNB and / or ng-eNB where the wireless communication system 100 corresponds to an LTE network, or a gNB where the wireless communication system 100 corresponds to an NR network, and / or a combination of both, and the small cell base station may include femtocells, picocells, microcells, etc.

[0041] Base station 102 can collectively form a RAN and interface with core network 170 (e.g., Evolved Packet Core (EPC) or 5G Core (5GC)) via backhaul link 122, and interface with one or more location servers 172 (which may be part of core network 170 or external to core network 170) via core network 170. Among other functions, base station 102 can also perform functions related to one or more of the following: transmitting user data, radio channel encryption and decryption, integrity protection, header compression, mobility control functions (e.g., handover, dual connectivity), inter-cell interference coordination, connection establishment and release, load balancing, distribution of non-access stratum (NAS) messages, NAS node selection, synchronization, RAN sharing, multimedia broadcast multicast service (MBMS), subscriber and equipment tracking, RAN information management (RIM), paging, location, and warning message delivery. Base station 102 can communicate with each other directly or indirectly (e.g., via EPC / 5GC) via backhaul link 134, which can be wired or wireless.

[0042] Base station 102 can wirelessly communicate with UE 104. Each of base stations 102 can provide communication coverage for a corresponding geographic coverage area 110. In one aspect, base station 102 in each geographic coverage area 110 can support one or more cells. A “cell” is a logical communication entity used to communicate with a base station (e.g., via a frequency resource, referred to as a carrier frequency, component carrier, carrier, band, etc.) and can be associated with an identifier (e.g., Physical Cell Identifier (PCI), Virtual Cell Identifier (VCI), Cell Global Identifier (CGI)) used to distinguish cells operating via the same or different carrier frequencies. In some cases, different cells can be configured based on different protocol types that can provide access for different types of UEs (e.g., Machine Type Communication (MTC), Narrowband IoL (NB-IoT), Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), or other protocol types). Because a cell is supported by a specific base station, the term “cell” can refer to one or both of the logical communication entity and the base station that supports it, depending on the context. In some cases, the term "cell" can also refer to the geographic coverage area of ​​a base station (e.g., a sector), as long as the carrier frequency can be detected and used for communication within a portion of the geographic coverage area 110.

[0043] Although the geographic coverage areas 110 of adjacent macro cell base stations 102 may partially overlap (e.g., in handover areas), some geographic coverage areas 110 may substantially overlap with larger geographic coverage areas 110. For example, a small cell (SC) base station 102' may have a geographic coverage area 110' that substantially overlaps with the geographic coverage areas 110 of one or more macro cell base stations 102. A network that includes both small cell and macro cell base stations can be referred to as a heterogeneous network. A heterogeneous network may also include home eNBs (HeNBs) that provide service to restricted groups referred to as closed subscriber groups (CSGs).

[0044] The communication link 120 between base station 102 and UE 104 may include uplink (also known as reverse link) transmission from UE 104 to base station 102, and / or downlink (also known as forward link) transmission from base station 102 to UE 104. The communication link 120 may use MIMO antenna techniques including spatial multiplexing, beamforming, and / or transmit diversity. The communication link 120 may use one or more carrier frequencies. Carrier allocation may be asymmetric for the downlink and uplink (e.g., more or fewer carriers may be allocated to the downlink compared to the uplink).

[0045] The wireless communication system 100 may also include a wireless local area network (WLAN) access point (AP) 150, which communicates with a WLAN station (STA) 152 via a communication link 154 in an unlicensed frequency spectrum (e.g., 5 GHz). When communicating in an unlicensed frequency spectrum, the WLAN STA 152 and / or WLAN AP 150 may perform a free channel assessment (CCA) or listen-before-talk (LBT) procedure before communication to determine whether the channel is available.

[0046] Small cell base station 102' can operate in licensed and / or unlicensed frequency spectrum. When operating in unlicensed frequency spectrum, small cell base station 102' can employ LTE or NR technology and use the same 5 GHz unlicensed frequency spectrum as WLANAP 150. Small cell base station 102' employing LTE / 5G in unlicensed frequency spectrum can increase coverage and / or capacity of the access network. NR in unlicensed spectrum can be referred to as NR-U. LTE in unlicensed frequency spectrum can be referred to as LTE-U, Unlicensed Assisted Access (LAA), or MulteFire.

[0047] The wireless communication system 100 may also include a millimeter-wave (mmW) base station 180, which can communicate with the UE 182 in mmW and / or near-mmW frequencies. Extremely high frequency (EHF) is a portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that contains radio frequency (RF). EHF has a range of 30 GHz to 300 GHz and wavelengths between 1 mm and 10 mm. Radio waves in this band can be referred to as millimeter waves. Near-mmW can extend down to a 3 GHz frequency with a wavelength of 100 mm. Ultra-high frequency (SHF) bands extend between 3 GHz and 30 GHz and are also referred to as centimeter waves. Communication using mmW / near-mmW radio frequency bands has high path loss and relatively short range. The mmW base station 180 and the UE 182 can utilize beamforming (transmit and / or receive) on the mmW communication link 184 to compensate for the extremely high path loss and short range. Furthermore, it should be understood that in alternative configurations, one or more base stations 102 may also use mmW or near-mmW and beamforming for transmission. Therefore, it should be understood that the foregoing illustrations are merely examples and should not be construed as limiting the various aspects disclosed herein.

[0048] Transmit beamforming is a technique for focusing RF signals in a specific direction. Traditionally, when a network node (e.g., a base station) broadcasts an RF signal, it broadcasts the signal in all directions (omnidirectionally). Using transmit beamforming, the network node determines the location of a given target device (e.g., a UE) (relative to the transmitting network node) and projects a stronger downlink RF signal in that specific direction, thereby providing a faster (in terms of data rate) and stronger RF signal to the receiving device. To change the directivity of the RF signal during transmission, the network node can control the phase and relative amplitude of the RF signal at each of one or more transmitters broadcasting the RF signal. For example, the network node can use an antenna array (referred to as a "phased array" or "antenna array") that generates beams that can be "guided" to point RF waves in different directions without actually moving the antennas. Specifically, RF currents from the transmitters are fed to individual antennas with the correct phase relationship, allowing radio waves from the individual antennas to be added together to increase radiation in the desired direction while canceling out radiation in undesired directions.

[0049] Transmit beams can be quasi-co-located, meaning they appear to the receiver (e.g., the UE) as having the same parameters, regardless of whether the transmit antennas of the network nodes are physically co-located. In NR, there are four types of quasi-co-located (QCL) relationships. Specifically, a given type of QCL relationship means that certain parameters about the target reference RF signal on the target beam can be derived from information about the source reference RF signal on the source beam. If the source reference RF signal is QCL type A, the receiver can use the source reference RF signal to estimate the Doppler shift, Doppler spread, average delay, and delay spread of the target reference RF signal transmitted on the same channel. If the source reference RF signal is QCL type B, the receiver can use the source reference RF signal to estimate the Doppler shift and Doppler spread of the target reference RF signal transmitted on the same channel. If the source reference RF signal is QCL type C, the receiver can use the source reference RF signal to estimate the Doppler shift and average delay of the target reference RF signal transmitted on the same channel. If the source reference RF signal is of type QCL D, the receiver can use the source reference RF signal to estimate the spatial reception parameters of the target reference RF signal transmitted on the same channel.

[0050] In receive beamforming, a receiver uses a receive beam to amplify an RF signal detected on a given channel. For example, the receiver may increase the gain setting and / or adjust the phase setting of the antenna array in a specific direction to amplify the RF signal received from that direction (e.g., to increase its gain level). Therefore, when a receiver is considered to be beamforming in a certain direction, it means that the beam gain in that direction is high relative to the beam gain in other directions, or that the beam gain in that direction is the highest compared to the beam gain in all other directions available to the receiver. This results in a stronger received signal strength (e.g., reference signal received power (RSRP), reference signal received quality (RSRQ), signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR), etc.) of the RF signal received from that direction.

[0051] The receive beam can be spatially correlated. Spatial correlation means that the parameters of the transmit beam used for the second reference signal can be derived from information about the receive beam of the first reference signal. For example, the UE can use a specific receive beam to receive one or more reference downlink reference signals (e.g., Position Reference Signal (PRS), Tracking Reference Signal (TRS), Phase Tracking Reference Signal (PTRS), Cell Specific Reference Signal (CRS), Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS), Primary Synchronization Signal (PSS), Secondary Synchronization Signal (SSS), Synchronization Signal Block (SSB), etc.) from the base station. The UE can then form a transmit beam for transmitting one or more uplink reference signals (e.g., Uplink Position Reference Signal (UL-PRS), Sounding Reference Signal (SRS), Demodulation Reference Signal (DMRS), PTRS, etc.) to the base station based on the parameters of the receive beam.

[0052] Note that a "downlink" beam can be either a transmit or receive beam, depending on the entity forming it. For example, if a base station is forming a downlink beam to transmit a reference signal to a UE, then the downlink beam is a transmit beam. However, if a UE is forming a downlink beam, then that downlink beam is a receive beam for receiving downlink reference signals. Similarly, an "uplink" beam can be either a transmit or receive beam, depending on the entity forming it. For example, if a base station is forming an uplink beam, then that uplink beam is an uplink receive beam, and if a UE is forming an uplink beam, then that uplink beam is an uplink transmit beam.

[0053] In 5G, the frequency spectrum operated by radio nodes (e.g., base stations 102 / 180, UE104 / 182) is divided into several frequency ranges: FR1 (from 450MHz to 6000MHz), FR2 (from 24250MHz to 52600MHz), FR3 (above 52600MHz), and FR4 (between FR1 and FR2). In multi-carrier systems such as 5G, one of the carrier frequencies is referred to as the “primary carrier” or “anchor carrier” or “primary serving cell” or “PCell,” while the remaining carrier frequencies are referred to as “secondary carriers” or “secondary serving cells” or “SCells.” In carrier aggregation, the anchor carrier is the carrier operating on the primary frequency (e.g., FR1) utilized by UE 104 / 182 and the cell in which UE 104 / 182 performs the initial radio resource control (RRC) connection establishment procedure or initiates the RRC connection re-establishment procedure. The primary carrier carries all common and UE-specific control channels and may be a carrier in a licensed frequency (however, this is not always the case). A secondary carrier is a carrier operating on a second frequency (e.g., FR2). This carrier can be configured once an RRC connection is established between UE 104 and the anchor carrier, and can be used to provide additional radio resources. In some cases, the secondary carrier may be a carrier on an unlicensed frequency. The secondary carrier may contain only the necessary signaling information and signals; for example, UE-specific signaling information and signals may not be present in the secondary carrier, as both the primary uplink and downlink carriers are typically UE-specific. This means that different UEs 104 / 182 within a cell may have different downlink primary carriers. The same applies to the uplink primary carrier. The network can change the primary carrier of any UE 104 / 182 at any time. This is done, for example, to balance the load on different carriers. Because a “serving cell” (whether PCell or SCell) corresponds to the carrier frequency / component carrier on which a base station is communicating, the terms “cell,” “serving cell,” “component carrier,” “carrier frequency,” etc., are used interchangeably.

[0054] For example, still refer to Figure 1 One of the frequencies used by the macro cell base station 102 can be an anchor carrier (or "PCell"), while the other frequencies used by the macro cell base station 102 and / or the mmW base station 180 can be secondary carriers ("SCell"). Simultaneous transmission and / or reception on multiple carriers allows the UE 104 / 182 to significantly increase its data transmission and / or reception rates. For example, compared to that achieved by a single 20MHz carrier, the aggregation of two 20MHz carriers in a multi-carrier system theoretically results in a doubling of the data rate (i.e., 40MHz).

[0055] The wireless communication system 100 may also include a UE 164, which can communicate with the macro cell base station 102 via communication link 120 and / or with the mmW base station 180 via mmW communication link 184. For example, the macro cell base station 102 may support PCells and one or more SCells for the UE 164, and the mmW base station 180 may support one or more SCells for the UE 164.

[0056] exist Figure 1 In the example, one or more Earth-orbiting Satellite Positioning System (SPS) spacecraft (SV) 112 (e.g., satellites) can be used as the UE shown (for simplicity, in Figure 1 An independent source of location information is shown as any of a single UE 104. UE 104 may include one or more dedicated SPS receivers specifically designed to receive SPS signal 124 to derive geographic location information from SV 112. The SPS typically includes a system of transmitters (e.g., SV 112) positioned such that the receiver (e.g., UE 104) can determine its location on or above the earth based at least in part on signals received from the transmitters (e.g., SPS signal 124). Such transmitters typically transmit signals of repeating pseudo-random noise (PN) codes marked with a predetermined number of chips. Although typically located in SV 112, the transmitter may sometimes be located at a terrestrial control station, base station 102, and / or other UE 104.

[0057] The use of SPS signal 124 can be enhanced by various satellite-based augmentation systems (SBAS) that can be associated with or otherwise enabled for use with one or more global and / or regional navigation satellite systems. For example, SBAS may include one or more augmentation systems that provide integrity information, differential correction, etc., such as Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS), European Geostationary Navigation Coverage Service (EGNOS), Multifunctional Satellite Augmentation System (MSAS), GPS-assisted Geo Augmentation, or GPS and Geo Augmentation Navigation System (GAGAN). Therefore, as used herein, SPS may include any combination of one or more global and / or regional navigation satellite systems and / or augmentation systems, and SPS signal 124 may include SPS signals, SPS-like signals, and / or other signals associated with one or more such SPSs.

[0058] The wireless communication system 100 may also include one or more UEs, such as UE 190, that are indirectly connected to one or more communication networks via one or more device-to-device (D2D) peer-to-peer (P2P) links (referred to as "sidechains"). Figure 1In the example, UE 190 has: a D2D P2P link 192 with one of UEs 104 connected to one of base stations 102 (e.g., UE 190 can indirectly obtain cellular connectivity through this link); and a D2DP2P link 194 with a WLAN STA 152 connected to a WLAN AP 150 (UE 190 can indirectly obtain WLAN-based Internet connectivity through this link). In the example, D2DP2P links 192 and 194 can be provided by any known D2D RAT (such as LTE Direct (LTE-D), WiFi Direct (WiFi-D)). (etc.) support.

[0059] Figure 2A An exemplary wireless network architecture 200 is illustrated. For example, a 5GC 210 (also referred to as a Next-Generation Core (NGC)) can functionally be considered as cooperating to form control plane functions 214 (e.g., UE registration, authentication, network access, gateway selection, etc.) and user plane functions 212 (e.g., UE gateway functions, access to data networks, IP routing, etc.) of the core network. A user plane interface (NG-U) 213 and a control plane interface (NG-C) 215 connect a gNB 222 to the 5GC 210, specifically to control plane functions 214 and user plane functions 212. In an additional configuration, an ng-eNB 224 can also connect to the 5GC 210 via NG-C 215 to control plane function 214 and NG-U 213 to user plane function 212. Furthermore, the ng-eNB 224 can communicate directly with the gNB 222 via a backhaul connection 223. In some configurations, the new RAN 220 may have only one or more gNB 222s, while other configurations include one or more of ng-eNB 224 and gNB 222. gNB 222 or ng-eNB 224 can be used with UE 204 (e.g., Figure 1 The UE 204 can communicate with any of the UEs depicted in the diagram. Another optional aspect may include a location server 230, which can communicate with the 5GC 210 to provide location assistance to the UE 204. The location server 230 may be implemented as multiple separate servers (e.g., physically separate servers, different software modules on a single server, different software modules distributed across multiple physical servers, etc.), or alternatively, each may correspond to a single server. The location server 230 may be configured to support one or more location services for the UE 204, which can connect to the location server 230 via the core network, the 5GC 210, and / or via the Internet (not shown). Furthermore, the location server 230 may be integrated into a component of the core network, or alternatively, may be external to the core network.

[0060] Figure 2B Another exemplary wireless network architecture 250 is illustrated. For example, 5GC 260 can be functionally viewed as a control plane function provided by Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) 264 and a user plane function provided by User Plane Function (UPF) 262, which cooperate to form the core network (i.e., 5GC 260). User plane interface 263 and control plane interface 265 connect ng-eNB 224 to 5GC 260, and specifically to UPF 262 and AMF 264, respectively. In an additional configuration, gNB 222 can also connect to 5GC 260 via control plane interface 265 to AMF 264 and user plane interface 263 to UPF 262. Furthermore, ng-eNB 224 can communicate directly with gNB 222 via backhaul connection 223, with or without utilizing gNB direct connectivity to 5GC 260. In some configurations, the new RAN 220 may have only one or more gNB 222s, while other configurations include one or more of both ng-eNB 224 and gNB 222. The gNB 222 or ng-eNB 224 can be used with UE 204 (e.g., Figure 1 The base station of the new RAN 220 communicates with the AMF 264 via the N2 interface and with the UPF 262 via the N3 interface.

[0061] The functions of AMF 264 include registration management, connection management, reachability management, mobility management, lawful interception, transmission of Session Management (SM) messages between UE 204 and Session Management Function (SMF) 266, transparent proxy service for routing SM messages, access authentication and access authorization, transmission of Short Message Service (SMS) messages between UE 204 and Short Message Service Function (SMSF) (not shown), and Security Anchor Functionality (SEAF). AMF 264 also interacts with Authentication Server Function (AUSF) (not shown) and UE 204, and receives intermediate keys established as a result of UE 204's authentication process. In the case of UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) Subscriber Identity Module (USIM)-based authentication, AMF 264 retrieves security material from the AUSSF. The functions of AMF 264 also include Security Context Management (SCM). The SCM receives keys from the SEAF, which are used to derive access network-specific keys. The functionality of AMF 264 also includes location service management for regulatory services, transmission of location service messages between UE 204 and Location Management Function (LMF) 270 (which acts as location server 230), transmission of location service messages between new RAN 220 and LMF 270, Evolved Packet System (EPS) bearer identifier allocation for interoperability with EPS, and UE 204 mobility event notification. Additionally, AMF 264 supports functionality for non-3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) access networks.

[0062] The functions of UPF 262 include acting as an anchor point for intra / inter-RAT mobility (where applicable), acting as an external Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session interconnection point to a data network (not shown), providing packet routing and forwarding, packet inspection, user plane policy rule enforcement (e.g., gating, redirection, traffic steering), lawful interception (user plane collection), traffic usage reporting, user plane Quality of Service (QoS) processing (e.g., uplink / downlink rate enforcement, reflected QoS marking in downlink), uplink traffic authentication (Service Data Flow (SDF) to QoS flow mapping), transport-level packet marking in uplink and downlink, downlink packet buffering and downlink data notification triggering, and issuing and forwarding one or more "end markers" to the source RAN node. UPF 262 can also support the delivery of location service messages on the user plane between UE 204 and a location server such as the Secure User Plane Location (SUPL) Location Platform (SLP) 272.

[0063] The functions of SMF 266 include session management, UE Internet Protocol (IP) address allocation and management, selection and control of user plane functions, service bootstrapping configuration at UPF 262 for routing services to the correct destination, policy enforcement and QoS control, and downlink data notification. The interface on which SMF 266 communicates with AMF 264 is called the N11 interface.

[0064] Another optional aspect may include an LMF 270, which can communicate with the 5GC 260 to provide location assistance to the UE 204. The LMF 270 can be implemented as multiple separate servers (e.g., physically separate servers, different software modules on a single server, different software modules distributed across multiple physical servers, etc.), or alternatively, each can correspond to a single server. The LMF 270 can be configured to support one or more location services for the UE 204, which can connect to the LMF 270 via the core network, the 5GC 260, and / or via the Internet (not shown). The SLP 272 can support similar functionality to the LMF 270, but the LMF 270 can (e.g., using interfaces and protocols intended to convey signaling messages rather than voice or data) communicate with the AMF 264, the new RAN 220, and the UE 204 through the control plane, while the SLP 272 can (e.g., using protocols intended to carry voice and / or data, such as the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and / or IP) communicate with the UE 204 and external clients (…) through the user plane. Figure 2B (Not shown in the image) Communication.

[0065] Figure 3A , Figure 3B and Figure 3C Several exemplary components (represented by corresponding boxes) are shown that can be incorporated into UE 302 (which may correspond to any of the UEs described herein), base station 304 (which may correspond to any of the base stations described herein), and network entity 306 (which may correspond to or embody any of the network functions described herein, including location server 230 and LMF 270) to support file transfer operations as taught herein. It should be understood that these components can be implemented in different types of devices in different implementations (e.g., in an ASIC, in a system-on-a-chip (SoC), etc.). The components shown can also be incorporated into other devices in a communication system. For example, other devices in the system may include components similar to those described to provide similar functionality. Moreover, a given device may contain one or more of the components. For example, a device may include multiple transceiver components that enable the device to operate on multiple carriers and / or communicate via different technologies.

[0066] UE 302 and base station 304 each include wireless wide area network (WWAN) transceivers 310 and 350, respectively, which provide components (e.g., components for transmitting, components for receiving, components for measuring, components for tuning, and components for blocking transmission) for communication via one or more wireless communication networks (not shown), such as NR networks, LTE networks, and GSM networks. WWAN transceivers 310 and 350 can be connected to one or more antennas 316 and 356, respectively, to communicate with other network nodes (such as other UEs, access points, base stations (e.g., eNB, gNB), etc.) via at least one designated RAT (e.g., NR, LTE, GSM, etc.) through a wireless communication medium of interest (e.g., a time / frequency resource set in a specific frequency spectrum). WWAN transceivers 310 and 350 can be configured differently to transmit and encode signals 318 and 358 (e.g., messages, indications, information, etc.) according to a specified RAT, and conversely, to receive and decode signals 318 and 358 (e.g., messages, indications, information, pilots, etc.). Specifically, WWAN transceivers 310 and 350 each include one or more transmitters 314 and 354 for transmitting and encoding signals 318 and 358, respectively, and one or more receivers 312 and 352 for receiving and decoding signals 318 and 358, respectively.

[0067] UE 302 and base station 304 also include, at least in some cases, one or more short-range radio transceivers 320 and 360, respectively. The short-range radio transceivers 320 and 360 can be connected to one or more antennas 326 and 366, respectively, and provide access via at least one designated RAT (e.g., WiFi, LTE-D, etc.). Components (e.g., components for transmitting, receiving, measuring, tuning, and blocking transmission) that communicate with other network nodes (such as other UEs, access points, base stations, etc.) via a wireless communication medium of interest, including PC5, Dedicated Short Range Communication (DSRC), WAVE, Near Field Communication (NFC), etc. Short-range transceivers 320 and 360 can be configured differently to transmit and encode signals 328 and 368 (e.g., messages, indications, information, etc.) according to a specified RAT, and conversely, to receive and decode signals 328 and 368 (e.g., messages, indications, information, pilots, etc.). Specifically, short-range transceivers 320 and 360 each include one or more transmitters 324 and 364 for transmitting and encoding signals 328 and 368, respectively, and one or more receivers 322 and 362 for receiving and decoding signals 328 and 368, respectively. As specific examples, the short-range wireless transceivers 320 and 360 can be WiFi transceivers, transceiver and / or Transceiver, NFC transceiver, or vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and / or vehicle-to-everything (V2X) transceiver.

[0068] Transceiver circuitry including at least one transmitter and at least one receiver may, in some embodiments, comprise an integrated device (e.g., transmitter and receiver circuitry embodied as a single communication device), in some embodiments, comprise separate transmitter and receiver devices, or in other embodiments, may be embodied in other ways. In one aspect, the transmitter may include or be coupled to multiple antennas (e.g., antennas 316, 326, 356, 366), such as an antenna array, which allows the corresponding device to perform transmit “beamforming” as described herein. Similarly, the receiver may include or be coupled to multiple antennas (e.g., antennas 316, 326, 356, 366), such as an antenna array, which allows the corresponding device to perform receive “beamforming” as described herein. In one aspect, the transmitter and receiver may share the same multiple antennas (e.g., antennas 316, 326, 356, 366), such that the corresponding device can only receive or transmit at a given time, rather than receiving and transmitting simultaneously. The wireless communication equipment of UE 302 and / or base station 304 (e.g., one or both of transceivers 310 and 320 and / or 350 and 360) may also include network listening modules (NLMs) for performing various measurements.

[0069] UE 302 and base station 304 also include, at least in some cases, satellite positioning system (SPS) receivers 330 and 370. SPS receivers 330 and 370 may be connected to one or more antennas 336 and 376, respectively, and may each provide components for receiving and / or measuring SPS signals 338 and 378, such as Global Positioning System (GPS) signals, Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS) signals, Galileo signals, BeiDou signals, Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (NAVIC), Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS), etc. SPS receivers 330 and 370 may include any suitable hardware and / or software for receiving and processing SPS signals 338 and 378, respectively. SPS receivers 330 and 370 appropriately request information and operations from other systems and perform calculations required to determine the location of UE 302 and base station 304 using measurements obtained through any suitable SPS algorithm.

[0070] Base station 304 and network entity 306 each include at least one network interface 380 and 390, providing components for communicating with other network entities (e.g., components for transmitting, components for receiving, etc.). For example, network interfaces 380 and 390 (e.g., one or more network access ports) may be configured to communicate with one or more network entities via a wired or wireless backhaul connection. In some aspects, network interfaces 380 and 390 may be implemented as transceivers configured to support wired or wireless signal communication. Such communication may involve, for example, sending and receiving messages, parameters, and / or other types of information.

[0071] UE 302, base station 304, and network entity 306 also include other components that can be used in conjunction with the operations disclosed herein. UE 302 includes processor circuitry implementing processing system 332 for providing functionality related to, for example, wireless positioning and for providing other processing functionality. Base station 304 includes processing system 384 for providing functionality related to, for example, wireless positioning and for providing other processing functionality. Network entity 306 includes processing system 394 for providing functionality related to, for example, wireless positioning and for providing other processing functionality. Processing systems 332, 384, and 394 can therefore provide processing components, such as determining components, calculating components, receiving components, transmitting components, indicating components, etc. In one aspect, processing systems 332, 384, and 394 may include, for example, one or more processors, such as one or more general-purpose processors, multi-core processors, ASICs, digital signal processors (DSPs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), other programmable logic devices or processing circuitry, or various combinations thereof.

[0072] UE 302, base station 304, and network entity 306 include memory circuitry implementing memory components 340, 386, and 396 (e.g., each including a memory device) for maintaining information (e.g., information indicating reserved resources, thresholds, parameters, etc.). Memory components 340, 386, and 396 can thus provide storage components, retrieval components, maintenance components, etc. In some cases, UE 302, base station 304, and network entity 306 may each include PRS components 342, 388, and 398. PRS components 342, 388, and 398 may be hardware circuitry, respectively, part of or coupled to processing systems 332, 384, and 394, which, when executed, enables UE 302, base station 304, and network entity 306 to perform the functionality described herein. In other aspects, PRS components 342, 388, and 398 may be external to processing systems 332, 384, and 394 (e.g., part of a modem processing system, integrated with another processing system, etc.). Alternatively, PRS components 342, 388, and 398 may be memory modules stored in memory components 340, 386, and 396, respectively, which enable UE 302, base station 304, and network entity 306 to perform the functionality described herein when executed by processing systems 332, 384, and 394 (or modem processing system, another processing system, etc.). Figure 3A The possible locations of the PRS component 342 are shown. It may be part of the WWAN transceiver 310, memory component 340, processing system 332, or any combination thereof, or it may be a standalone component. Figure 3B The possible locations of the PRS component 388 are shown. It may be part of the WWAN transceiver 350, memory component 386, processing system 384, or any combination thereof, or it may be a standalone component. Figure 3C The possible locations of the PRS component 398 are shown. It may be part of one or more network interface transceivers 390, memory components 396, processing systems 394, or any combination thereof, or it may be a standalone component.

[0073] UE 302 may include one or more sensors 344 coupled to processing system 332 to provide components for sensing or detecting motion and / or orientation information independent of motion data derived from signals received by WWAN transceiver 310, short-range wireless transceiver 320, and / or SPS receiver 330. As an example, sensor 344 may include accelerometers (e.g., microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices), gyroscopes, geomagnetic sensors (e.g., compasses), altimeters (e.g., barometric altimeters), and / or any other type of motion detection sensor. Furthermore, sensor(s) 344 may include various different types of devices, and their outputs may be combined to provide motion information. For example, sensor(s) 344 may use a combination of multi-axis accelerometers and orientation sensors to provide the ability to calculate position in 2D and / or 3D coordinate systems.

[0074] Additionally, UE 302 includes a user interface 346, which provides components for providing indications (e.g., auditory and / or visual indications) to a user and / or for receiving user input (e.g., when a sensing device such as a keypad, touchscreen, microphone, etc. is activated by the user). Although not shown, base station 304 and network entity 306 may also include user interfaces.

[0075] Referring more specifically to processing system 384, in the downlink, IP packets from network entity 306 can be provided to processing system 384. Processing system 384 can implement functionality for the RRC layer, Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer, Radio Link Control (RLC) layer, and Media Access Control (MAC) layer. The processing system 384 can provide RRC layer functionality associated with broadcasting system information (e.g., Master Information Block (MIB), System Information Block (SIB)), RRC connection control (e.g., RRC connection paging, RRC connection establishment, RRC connection modification, and RRC connection release), inter-RAT mobility, and measurement configuration of UE measurement reports; PDCP layer functionality associated with header compression / decompression, security (encryption, decryption, integrity protection, integrity verification), and handover support functions; RLC layer functionality associated with upper-layer PDU transmission, error correction via Automatic Repeat Request (ARQ), concatenation, segmentation, and reassembly of RLC Service Data Units (SDUs), resegmentation of RLC data PDUs, and reordering of RLC data PDUs; and MAC layer functionality associated with mapping between logical channels and transport channels, scheduling information reporting, error correction, priority processing, and logical channel priority allocation.

[0076] Transmitter 354 and receiver 352 can implement Layer 1 (L1) functionality associated with various signal processing functions. Layer 1, including the physical (PHY) layer, can include error detection on the transport channel, forward error correction (FEC) decoding / decoding of the transport channel, interleaving, rate matching, mapping to the physical channel, modulation / demodulation of the physical channel, and MIMO antenna processing. Transmitter 354 processes the mapping to the signal constellation based on various modulation schemes (e.g., binary phase shift keying (BPSK), quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK), M-phase shift keying (M-PSK), M-quadrature amplitude modulation (M-QAM)). The encoded and modulated symbols can then be divided into parallel streams. Each stream can then be mapped to orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) subcarriers, multiplexed with a reference signal (e.g., pilot) in the time and / or frequency domains, and then combined using inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) to produce a physical channel carrying a time-domain OFDM symbol stream. The OFDM symbol stream is spatially pre-decoded to generate multiple spatial streams. Channel estimates from the channel estimator can be used to determine the decoding and modulation scheme, as well as for spatial processing. The channel estimates can be derived from reference signals and / or channel condition feedback transmitted by UE 302. Each spatial stream can then be provided to one or more different antennas 356. Transmitter 354 can use the corresponding spatial stream to modulate an RF carrier for transmission.

[0077] At UE 302, receiver 312 receives signals via its corresponding antenna 316. Receiver 312 recovers the information modulated onto the RF carrier and provides this information to processing system 332. Transmitter 314 and receiver 312 implement Layer 1 functionality associated with various signal processing functions. Receiver 312 can perform spatial processing on the information to recover any spatial streams sent to UE 302. If multiple spatial streams are sent to UE 302, they can be combined by receiver 312 into a single OFDM symbol stream. Receiver 312 then uses a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) to convert the OFDM symbol stream from the time domain to the frequency domain. The frequency domain signal comprises a separate OFDM symbol stream for each subcarrier of the OFDM signal. Symbols on each subcarrier, along with a reference signal, are recovered and demodulated by determining the most probable signal constellation point transmitted by base station 304. These soft decisions can be based on channel estimates calculated by a channel estimator. The soft decision is then decoded and deinterleaved to recover the data and control signals originally transmitted by base station 304 on the physical channel. The data and control signals are then provided to processing system 332, which implements Layer 3 (L3) and Layer 2 (L2) functionality.

[0078] In the uplink, processing system 332 provides demultiplexing, packet reassembly, decryption, header decompression, and control signal processing between the transport and logical channels to recover IP packets from the core network. Processing system 332 is also responsible for error detection.

[0079] Similar to the functionality described in conjunction with downlink transmission of base station 304, processing system 332 provides RRC layer functionality associated with system information (e.g., MIB, SIB) acquisition, RRC connectivity, and measurement reporting; PDCP layer functionality associated with header compression / decompression and security (encryption, decryption, integrity protection, integrity verification); RLC layer functionality associated with transmission of upper-layer PDUs, error correction via ARQ, concatenation, segmentation, and reassembly of RLC SDUs, resegmentation of RLC data PDUs, and reordering of RLC data PDUs; and MAC layer functionality associated with mapping between logical channels and transport channels, multiplexing MAC SDUs to transport blocks (TBs), demultiplexing MAC SDUs from TBs, scheduling information reporting, error correction via Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ), priority processing, and logical channel priority allocation.

[0080] The channel estimate derived by the channel estimator from the reference signal or feedback transmitted by the base station 304 can be used by the transmitter 314 to select an appropriate decoding and modulation scheme and facilitate spatial processing. The spatial stream generated by the transmitter 314 can be provided to different(one or more) antennas 316. The transmitter 314 can use the corresponding spatial stream to modulate the RF carrier for transmission.

[0081] Uplink transmission is processed in base station 304 in a manner similar to that described in conjunction with the receiver function at UE 302. Receiver 352 receives signals through its corresponding antenna 356. Receiver 352 recovers the information modulated onto the RF carrier and provides this information to processing system 384.

[0082] In the uplink, processing system 384 provides demultiplexing, packet reassembly, decryption, header decompression, and control signal processing between the transport and logical channels to reassemble IP packets from UE 302. IP packets from processing system 384 can be provided to the core network. Processing system 384 is also responsible for error detection.

[0083] For convenience, UE 302, base station 304 and / or network entity 306 are in Figures 3A to 3C The boxes shown are illustrated as including various components that can be configured according to the various examples described herein. However, it should be understood that the boxes shown may have different functionalities in different designs.

[0084] The various components of UE 302, base station 304 and network entity 306 can communicate with each other via data buses 334, 382 and 392 respectively. Figures 3A to 3C The components can be implemented in various ways. In some implementations, Figures 3A to 3C The components may be implemented in one or more circuits, such as in one or more processors and / or one or more ASICs (which may include one or more processors). Each circuit may use and / or incorporate at least one memory component for storing information or executable code used by the circuit to provide that functionality. For example, some or all of the functionality represented by blocks 310 to 346 may be implemented by the processor and memory components of UE 302 (e.g., by the execution of appropriate code and / or by the appropriate configuration of the processor components). Similarly, some or all of the functionality represented by blocks 350 to 388 may be implemented by the processor and memory components of base station 304 (e.g., by the execution of appropriate code and / or by the appropriate configuration of the processor components). Likewise, some or all of the functionality represented by blocks 390 to 398 may be implemented by the processor and memory components of network entity 306 (e.g., by the execution of appropriate code and / or by the appropriate configuration of the processor components). For simplicity, various operations, actions, and / or functions are described herein as being performed "by the UE," "by the base station," "by the network entity," etc. However, as will be understood, such operations, actions and / or functions can actually be performed by specific components or combinations of components of the UE 302, base station 304, network entity 306, etc. (such as processing systems 332, 384, 394, transceivers 310, 320, 350 and 360, memory components 340, 386 and 396, PRS components 342, 388 and 398, etc.).

[0085] Figure 4 This is a diagram of an exemplary PRS configuration 400 for PRS transmission for a given base station, based on various aspects of this disclosure. Figure 4 In the diagram, time is represented horizontally, increasing from left to right. Each long rectangle identifies a time slot, while each short (shaded) rectangle identifies an OFDM symbol. Figure 4 In the example, PRS resource set 410 includes two PRS resources: a first PRS resource 412 (labeled "PRS resource 1" in Figure 5) and a second PRS resource 514 (labeled "PRS resource 2" in Figure 5). The base station transmits PRS on PRS resources 412 and 414 of PRS resource set 410.

[0086] The timing length (N_PRS) of PRS resource set 410 is two time slots, and the periodicity (T_PRS) is, for example, 160 time slots or 160 milliseconds (ms) (for a 15 kHz subcarrier spacing). Therefore, both PRS resources 412 and 414 are two consecutive time slots in length and repeat every T_PRS time slots starting from the time slot in which the first symbol of the corresponding PRS resource appears. Figure 4 In the example, PRS resource 412 has a symbol length (N_symb) of two symbols, and PRS resource 414 has a symbol length (N_symb) of four symbols. PRS resource 412 and PRS resource 414 can be transmitted on different beams of the same base station.

[0087] Each instance of PRS resource set 410 (shown as instances 420a, 420b, and 420c) includes an opportunity of length '2' (i.e., N_PRS = 2) for each PRS resource 412, 414 of the PRS resource set. PRS resources 412 and 414 repeat once every T_PRS slots until the silence sequence is periodically T_REP. Therefore, a bitmap of length T_REP is needed to indicate which opportunities in instances 420a, 420b, and 420c are silenced (i.e., not sent).

[0088] In one aspect, there may be additional constraints on PRS configuration 400. For example, for all PRS resources (e.g., PRS resources 412, 414) in a PRS resource set (e.g., PRS resource set 410), the base station may configure the following parameters to be the same: (a) timing length (T_PRS), (b) number of symbols (N_symb), (c) comb type, and / or (d) bandwidth. Additionally, for all PRS resources in all PRS resource sets, the subcarrier spacing and cyclic prefix may be configured to be the same for a single base station or for all base stations. Whether this is for a single base station or for all base stations may depend on the UE's ability to support the first and / or second options.

[0089] Figures 5A to 5D This is a diagram illustrating exemplary frame structures and channels within frame structures according to various aspects of this disclosure. Figure 5A Figure 500 illustrates an example of a downlink frame structure according to various aspects of this disclosure. Figure 5B Figure 530 illustrates an example of a channel within a downlink frame structure according to various aspects of this disclosure. Figure 5C Figure 550 shows an example of an uplink frame structure according to various aspects of this disclosure. Figure 5D Figure 570 illustrates an example of a channel within an uplink frame structure according to various aspects of this disclosure. Other wireless communication technologies may have different frame structures and / or different channels.

[0090] LTE (and in some cases NR) uses OFDM on the downlink and single-carrier frequency division multiplexing (SC-FDM) on the uplink. However, unlike LTE, NR can also choose to use OFDM on the uplink. OFDM and SC-FDM divide the system bandwidth into multiple (K) orthogonal subcarriers, which are often referred to as tones, bins, etc. Each subcarrier can be modulated with data. Typically, modulation symbols are transmitted using OFDM in the frequency domain and SC-FDM in the time domain. The spacing between adjacent subcarriers can be fixed, and the total number of subcarriers (K) can depend on the system bandwidth. For example, the subcarrier spacing can be 15 kHz and the minimum resource allocation (resource block) can be 12 subcarriers (or 180 kHz). Therefore, for system bandwidths of 1.25, 2.5, 5, 10, or 20 MHz, the nominal FFT size can be equal to 128, 256, 512, 1024, or 2048, respectively. System bandwidth can also be divided into subbands. For example, a subband can cover 1.08 MHz (i.e., 6 resource blocks), and there may be 1, 2, 4, 8, or 16 subbands for system bandwidths of 1.25, 2.5, 5, 10, or 20 MHz, respectively.

[0091] LTE supports a single digital parameter (subcarrier spacing (SCS), symbol length, etc.). In contrast, NR can support multiple digital parameters (μ), such as 15kHz subcarrier spacing (μ=0), 30kHz subcarrier spacing (μ=1), 60kHz subcarrier spacing (μ=2), 120kHz subcarrier spacing (μ=3), and 240kHz subcarrier spacing (μ=4) or larger. Within each subcarrier spacing, each time slot has 14 symbols. For a 15kHz SCS (μ=0), there is one time slot per subframe, 10 time slots per frame, a time slot duration of 1 millisecond (ms), a symbol duration of 66.7 microseconds (μs), and a maximum nominal system bandwidth (in MHz) of 4K FFT size. For a 30kHz SCS (μ=1), each subframe has two time slots, with 20 time slots per frame. Each time slot duration is 0.5ms, the symbol duration is 33.3μs, and the maximum nominal system bandwidth (in MHz) of 4K FFT size is 100. For a 60kHz SCS (μ=2), each subframe has four time slots, with 40 time slots per frame. Each time slot duration is 0.25ms, the symbol duration is 16.7μs, and the maximum nominal system bandwidth (in MHz) of 4K FFT size is 200. For a 120kHz SCS (μ=3), each subframe has eight time slots, with 80 time slots per frame. Each time slot duration is 0.125ms, the symbol duration is 8.33μs, and the maximum nominal system bandwidth (in MHz) of 4K FFT size is 400. For a 240kHz SCS (μ=4), there are 16 time slots per subframe, 160 time slots per frame, a time slot duration of 0.0625ms, a symbol duration of 4.17μs, and a maximum nominal system bandwidth (in MHz) of 4K FFT size.

[0092] exist Figures 5A to 5D In the example, a digital parameter of 15kHz is used. Therefore, in the time domain, a 10ms frame is divided into 10 equal-sized subframes, each 1ms in size, and each subframe includes a time slot. Figures 5A to 5D In this diagram, time is represented horizontally (on the X-axis) as time increases from left to right, while frequency is represented vertically (on the Y-axis) as frequency increases (or decreases) from bottom to top.

[0093] A resource grid can be used to represent time slots, each of which includes one or more time-concurrent resource blocks (RBs) (also known as physical RBs (PRBs)) in the frequency domain. The resource grid is further divided into multiple resource elements (REs). An RE can correspond to one symbol length in the time domain and one subcarrier in the frequency domain. Figures 5A to 5D In the digital parameters, for a normal cyclic prefix, the RB can contain 12 consecutive subcarriers in the frequency domain and seven consecutive symbols in the time domain, for a total of 84 REs. For an extended cyclic prefix, the RB can contain 12 consecutive subcarriers in the frequency domain and six consecutive symbols in the time domain, for a total of 72 REs. The number of bits carried by each RE depends on the modulation scheme.

[0094] Some REs carry downlink reference (pilot) signals (DL-RS). DL-RS may include PRS, TRS, PTRS, CRS, CSI-RS, DMRS, PSS, SSS, SSB, etc. Figure 5A An exemplary location of the RE carrying the PRS is shown (labeled "R").

[0095] The set of resource elements (REs) used to transmit PRS is called a "PRS resource". The set of resource elements can span multiple PRBs in the frequency domain and 'N' (such as one or more) consecutive symbols in a time slot in the time domain. In a given OFDM symbol in the time domain, the PRS resource occupies a consecutive PRB in the frequency domain.

[0096] The transmission of PRS resources within a given PRB has a specific comb size (also known as "comb density"). The comb size 'N' represents the subcarrier spacing (or frequency / tone spacing) within each symbol of the PRS resource configuration. Specifically, for a comb size 'N', the PRS is transmitted in every Nth subcarrier of a symbol in the PRB. For example, for comb-4, for each symbol of the PRS resource configuration, the RE corresponding to every fourth subcarrier (such as subcarriers 0, 4, 8) is used to transmit the PRS of the PRS resource. Currently, DL-PRS supports comb sizes of comb-2, comb-4, comb-6, and comb-12. Figure 5A An exemplary PRS resource configuration for comb-6 (spanning six symbols) is shown. Specifically, the location of the shaded RE (labeled "R") indicates the Comb-6 PRS resource configuration.

[0097] Currently, DL-PRS resources can span 2, 4, 6, or 12 consecutive symbols within a time slot using a full-frequency-domain interleaved pattern. DL-PRS resources can be configured in any higher-layer configured downlink or variable (FL) symbol within a time slot. For all REs of a given DL-PRS resource, a constant energy per resource element (EPRE) can exist. The following are the inter-symbol frequency offsets for comb sizes 2, 4, 6, and 12 symbols. 2-symbol comb-2: {0, 1}; 4-symbol comb-2: {0, 1, 0, 1}; 6-symbol comb-2: {0, 1, 0, 1, 0, 1}; 12-symbol comb-2: {0, 1, 0, 1, 0, 1, 0, 1, 0, 1, 0, 1}; 4-symbol comb-4: {0, 2, 1, 3}; 12-symbol comb-4: {0, 2, 1, 3, 0, 2, 1, 3, 0, 2, 1, 3}; 6-symbol comb-6: {0, 3, 1, 4, 2, 5}; 12-symbol comb-6: {0, 3, 1, 4, 2, 5, 0, 3, 1, 4, 2, 5}; and 12-symbol comb-12: {0, 6, 3, 9, 1, 7, 4, 10, 2, 8, 5, 11}.

[0098] A “PRS resource set” is a collection of PRS resources used for transmitting PRS signals, where each PRS resource has a PRS resource ID. Furthermore, PRS resources within a PRS resource set are associated with the same TRP. A PRS resource set is identified by a PRS resource set ID and associated with a specific TRP (identified by a TRP ID). Additionally, PRS resources within a PRS resource set share the same periodicity, a common silence mode configuration, and the same repetition factor (such as “PRS-ResourceRepetitionFactor”) across time slots. The periodicity is the time from the first repetition of the first PRS resource in the first PRS instance to the same first repetition of the same first PRS resource in the next PRS instance. The periodicity can have a length selected from 2^μ*{4, 5, 8, 10, 16, 20, 32, 40, 64, 80, 160, 320, 640, 1280, 2560, 5120, 10240} time slots, where μ = 0, 1, 2, 3. The repetition factor can have a length selected from {1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 16, 32} time slots.

[0099] In a PRS resource set, a PRS resource ID is associated with a single beam (or beam ID) transmitted from a single TRP (where a TRP can transmit one or more beams). That is, each PRS resource in a PRS resource set can be transmitted on a different beam; therefore, a "PRS resource," or simply a "resource," can also be referred to as a "beam." Note that this has no effect on whether the UE knows the TRP and beam on which it transmits the PRS.

[0100] A “PRS instance” or “PRS timing” is an instance of a periodic recurring time window (such as a group of one or more consecutive time slots) in which a PRS is expected to be sent. A PRS timing may also be referred to as a “PRS positioning timing,” “PRS positioning instance,” “positioning timing,” “positioning instance,” “positioning repetition,” or simply “timing,” “instance,” or “repetition.”

[0101] A “frequency layer” (also simply “frequency layer”) is a collection of one or more PRS resource sets on one or more TRPs that have the same values ​​for certain parameters. Specifically, a collection of PRS resource sets has the same subcarrier spacing and cyclic prefix (CP) type (meaning the PRS also supports all digital parameters supported by PDSCH), the same point A, the same downlink PRS bandwidth value, the same starting PRB (and center frequency), and the same comb size. The point A parameter uses the value of the parameter “ARFCN-ValueNR” (where “ARFCN” stands for “Absolute Radio Frequency Channel Number”) and is an identifier / code specifying a pair of physical radio channels used for transmission and reception. The granularity of the downlink PRS bandwidth can be four PRBs, with a minimum of 24 PRBs and a maximum of 272 PRBs. Currently, a maximum of four frequency layers are defined, and each TRP can configure a maximum of two PRS resource sets per frequency layer.

[0102] The concept of a frequency layer is somewhat similar to that of component carriers and bandwidth portions (BWPs), but the difference is that component carriers and BWPs are used by a single base station (or a macro cell base station and a small cell base station) to transmit data channels, while a frequency layer is used by several (usually three or more) base stations to transmit PRS (Positioning Response Streams). A UE can indicate the number of frequency layers it can support when transmitting its positioning capabilities to the network (such as during an LTE Positioning Protocol (LPP) session). For example, a UE can indicate whether it can support one or four positioning frequency layers.

[0103] Figure 5BExamples of various channels within a downlink time slot of a radio frame are shown. In NR, the channel bandwidth, or system bandwidth, is divided into multiple BWPs. A BWP is a set of consecutive PRBs selected from a continuous subset of common RBs with given digital parameters on a given carrier. Typically, a maximum of four BWPs can be specified in both the downlink and uplink. That is, a UE can be configured with a maximum of four BWPs on the downlink and a maximum of four BWPs on the uplink. At any given time, only one BWP (uplink or downlink) may be active, meaning that the UE can only receive or transmit through one BWP at a time. On the downlink, the bandwidth of each BWP should be equal to or greater than the bandwidth of the SSB, but may or may not include the SSB.

[0104] refer to Figure 5B The UE uses the Primary Synchronization Signal (PSS) to determine subframe / symbol timing and physical layer identifiers. The UE uses the Secondary Synchronization Signal (SSS) to determine the physical layer cell identifier group number and radio frame timing. Based on the physical layer identifier and physical layer cell identifier group number, the UE can determine the PCI. Based on the PCI, the UE can determine the location of the aforementioned DL-RS. The Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH) carrying the MIB can be logically grouped with the PSS and SSS to form an SSB (also known as SS / PBCH). The MIB provides many RBs in the downlink system bandwidth and system frame number (SFN). The Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) carries user data, broadcast system information not transmitted via the PBCH (such as System Information Blocks (SIBs)), and paging messages.

[0105] The Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) carries Downlink Control Information (DCI) within one or more Control Channel Elements (CCEs). Each CCE includes one or more RE Group (REG) bundles (potentially spanning multiple symbols in the time domain). Each REG bundle includes one or more REGs, and each REG corresponds to 12 resource elements (one resource block) in the frequency domain and one OFDM symbol in the time domain. The physical resource set used to carry the PDCCH / DCI is called the Control Resource Set (CORESET) in NR. In NR, the PDCCH is confined to a single CORESET and transmitted along with its own DMRS. This enables UE-specific beamforming for the PDCCH.

[0106] exist Figure 5B In the example, each BWP has a CORESET, and the CORESET spans three symbols in the time domain (although it may only have one or two symbols). Unlike the LTE control channel, which occupies the entire system bandwidth, in NR, the PDCCH channel is located in a specific region (i.e., the CORESET) in the frequency domain. Therefore, Figure 5B The frequency components of the PDCCH shown are depicted as being smaller than a single BWP in the frequency domain. It should be noted that while the CORESET shown is continuous in the frequency domain, this is not mandatory. Furthermore, the CORESET can span fewer than three symbols in the time domain.

[0107] The DCI within the PDCCH carries information about uplink resource allocation (persistent and non-persistent) and a description of the downlink data being transmitted to the UE, referred to as uplink grant and downlink grant, respectively. More specifically, the DCI indicates the resources scheduled for downlink data channels (e.g., PDSCH) and uplink data channels (e.g., PUSCH). Multiple (e.g., up to eight) DCIs can be configured in the PDCCH, and these DCIs can have one of several formats. For example, uplink scheduling, downlink scheduling, uplink transmit power control (TPC), etc., have different DCI formats. The PDCCH can be transmitted by 1, 2, 4, 8, or 16 CCEs to accommodate different DCI payload sizes or decoding rates.

[0108] like Figure 5C As shown, some REs (labeled "R") carry DMRS for channel estimation at the receiver (e.g., base station, another UE, etc.). The UE may additionally transmit SRS in, for example, the last symbol of a timeslot. The SRS may have a comb structure, and the UE may transmit the SRS on one of the combs. Figure 5C In the example shown, the SRS is a symbolic combo-2. The base station can use the SRS to obtain Channel State Information (CSI) for each UE. The CSI describes how the RF signal propagates from the UE to the base station and represents the combined effects of scattering, fading, and power attenuation with distance. The system uses the SRS for resource scheduling, link adaptation, massive MIMO, beam management, etc.

[0109] Currently, SRS resources can span 1, 2, 4, 8, or 12 consecutive symbols with comb sizes of comb-2, comb-4, or comb-8 within a time slot. The following are the frequency offsets between symbols for currently supported SRS comb patterns. 1-symbol comb-2: {0}; 2-symbol comb-2: {0, 1}; 4-symbol comb-2: {0, 1, 0, 1}; 4-symbol comb-4: {0, 2, 1, 3}; 8-symbol comb-4: {0, 2, 1, 3, 0, 2, 1, 3}; 12-symbol comb-4: {0, 2, 1, 3, 0, 2, 1, 3, 0, 2, 1, 3}; 4-symbol comb-8: {0, 4, 2, 6}; 8-symbol comb-8: {0, 4, 2, 6, 1, 5, 3, 7}; and 12-symbol comb-8: {0, 4, 2, 6, 1, 5, 3, 7, 0, 4, 2, 6}.

[0110] A cluster of resource elements used to transmit SRS is called an "SRS resource" and can be identified by the parameter "SRS-ResourceId". A cluster of resource elements can span multiple PRBs in the frequency domain and N (e.g., one or more) consecutive symbols within a time slot in the time domain. Within a given OFDM symbol, SRS resources occupy consecutive PRBs. An "SRS resource set" is a collection of SRS resources used to transmit SRS signals and is identified by the SRS resource set ID ("SRS-ResourceSetId").

[0111] Typically, the UE transmits SRS so that the receiving base station (serving base station or neighboring base station) can measure the channel quality between the UE and the base station. However, SRS can also be used as an uplink positioning reference signal for uplink positioning procedures such as UL-TDOA, multiple RTT, DL-AoA, etc.

[0112] Several enhancements to the previously defined SRS have been proposed for SRS-for-positioning (also known as "UL-PRS"), such as new interleaving patterns within SRS resources (except for single-symbol / comb-2), new comb types for SRS, new sequences of SRS, a greater number of SRS resource sets per component carrier, and a greater number of SRS resources per component carrier. Additionally, the parameters "SpatialRelationInfo" and "PathLossReference" will be configured based on the downlink reference signal or SSB from the adjacent TRP. Furthermore, an SRS resource can be transmitted outside the active BWP, and an SRS resource can span multiple component carriers. Moreover, SRS can be configured in RRC connected state and transmitted only within the active BWP. Furthermore, there may be no frequency hopping, no repetition factor, a single antenna port, and new SRS lengths (e.g., 8 and 12 symbols). Open-loop power control may also be present instead of closed-loop power control, and comb-8 (i.e., one SRS transmitted every 8 subcarriers in the same symbol) can be used. Finally, for UL-AoA, the UE can transmit via the same transmit beam from multiple SRS resources. All of these are additional features of the current SRS framework, which is configured via RRC higher-layer signaling (and may be triggered or activated via MAC control elements (CE) or DCI).

[0113] Figure 5D Examples of various channels within uplink time slots of a frame according to various aspects of this disclosure are shown. A random access channel (RACH) (also referred to as a physical random access channel (PRACH)) can be configured within one or more time slots of a frame based on the PRACH. A PRACH can comprise six consecutive RB pairs within a single time slot. The PRACH allows the UE to perform initial system access and achieve uplink synchronization. The physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) can be located at the edge of the uplink system bandwidth. The PUCCH carries uplink control information (UCI), such as scheduling requests, CSI reports, channel quality indicators (CQI), precoding matrix indicators (PMI), rank indicators (RI), and HARQ ACK / NACK feedback. The physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) carries data and can also be used to carry buffer status reports (BSR), power headroom reports (PHR), and / or UCI.

[0114] Note that the terms “positioning reference signal” and “PRS” generally refer to specific reference signals used for positioning in NR and LTE systems. However, as used herein, the terms “positioning reference signal” and “PRS” can also refer to any type of reference signal that can be used for positioning, such as, but not limited to, PRS, TRS, PTRS, CRS, CSI-RS, DMRS, PSS, SSS, SSB, SRS, UL-PRS, etc., as defined in LTE and NR. Additionally, unless the context otherwise indicates, the terms “positioning reference signal” and “PRS” can refer to downlink or uplink positioning reference signals. If further differentiation of the type of PRS is required, downlink positioning reference signals can be referred to as “DL-PRS”, and uplink positioning reference signals (e.g., SRS-for-positioning, PTRS) can be referred to as “UL-PRS”. Furthermore, for signals that can be transmitted in both the uplink and downlink (e.g., DMRS, PTRS), “UL” or “DL” can be added before the signal to distinguish the direction. For example, “UL-DMRS” can be distinguished from “DL-DMRS”.

[0115] Figure 6 The conventional Radio Resource Control (RRC) configuration for DL-PRS is shown. Frequency layer 600 is defined with respect to subcarrier spacing (SCS), "point A" (which is the common reference point for all resource grids in the frequency domain, the center of subcarrier 0 of the common resource block 0 of the lowest resource grid, and can be outside the carrier BW), cyclic prefix (CP), and starting physical resource block (PRB). An exemplary information element (IE) defining frequency layer 600 is shown below:

[0116]

[0117] PRS resource set 602 roughly allocates the time and frequency of PRS blocks and is defined in terms of time slots rather than symbols, including period, repetition factor, resource gap, silence, offset, and other parameters. An exemplary IE defining PRS resource set 602 is shown below:

[0118]

[0119] PRS resource 604 is defined with respect to time slots and symbols using parameters such as symbol offset, resource element offset, and quasi-coordinated interval (QCL). An example IE defining PRS resource 604 is shown below:

[0120]

[0121] Figure 7A and Figure 7BTwo forms of PRS band splicing are shown. PRS band splicing is a concept that uses PRS signals from different frequency bands to improve the quality of PRS-based positioning measurements. Figure 7A The time-domain combination is shown, which can improve the SINR of the PRS signal. Figure 7B Frequency domain stitching is shown, which can improve the temporal resolution of PRS measurements. Figure 7A In this configuration, 400MHz is used by default on two OFDM symbols, but the time-domain comb instead uses 100MHz*4 on two OFDM symbols, which provides a gain of approximately 6dB. Figure 7B In this context, using 100MHz*4 on two OFDM symbols is equivalent to 400MHz on two symbols, which provides four times the finer time resolution for Time of Arrival (ToA) estimation.

[0122] However, current Radio Resource Control (RRC) configuration standards do not fully support configurations with splicing. Therefore, to address this technical deficiency, this disclosure provides an RRC configuration for PRS splicing.

[0123] In one solution, a new IE is used to define the PRS stitching configuration, where different PRS resources are stitched together to improve SINR, temporal resolution, or both. This method is also referred to herein as using a “PRS stitching list,” and PRS resources stitched together using such a PRS stitching list can be collectively referred to herein as “composite PRS” or “composite PRS chunks.”

[0124] In another solution, a PRS block-based stitching method is used, where PRS resources can be configured as a pattern of PRS blocks repeating across frequency and / or time. This solution achieves the same result in improved SINR, temporal resolution, or both by repeating the same PRS resources at different frequencies, times, or both. This method is also referred to herein as defining “aggregated PRS” or “aggregated PRS blocks” because it defines a PRS configuration where PRS resources can occupy multiple symbols across different bandwidths or bandwidth portions. PRS resources are considered clusters (e.g., they are implicitly stitched together) because they are all part of the same aggregated PRS resource definition. Aggregated PRS blocks can also be a list of different PRS blocks rather than a repetition of a single PRS block. Aggregations can have multiple levels; for example, aggregated PRS blocks can be aggregated together. This disclosure also envisions aggregate lists, aggregates of lists, aggregates of aggregates, and lists of lists.

[0125] Each of these two solutions will now be described in turn. Note that the terms "synthetic" and "aggregated" are merely convenient terms (i.e., used to distinguish the two methods described herein) and not restrictive. Both methods create entities that extend the general concepts of PRS blocks beyond their current definition, and entities thus created can be described as synthetic, aggregated, etc.

[0126] PRS splicing list / composite PRS

[0127] In the PRS concatenation list approach, a new structure, referred to in this paper as the Association Field (AF), is used to indicate which PRS resources will be concatenated together. In some aspects, the PRS concatenation list is configured by a location server, such as a Location Management Function (LMF). In other aspects, the AF can be a new IE.

[0128] Identification of PRS resources. Ultimately, PRS resources are concatenated together, but there are several ways to explicitly identify these resources. For example, each PRS resource is part of a PRS resource set, and each PRS resource set is part of a Frequency Layer (FL). Therefore, individual PRS resources can be identified by specifying the FL identifier (FL_ID), the PRS resource set ID (RSET_ID), and the PRS resource ID (PR_ID). Thus, PRS resources can be identified by a tuple containing FL_ID, RSET_ID, and PR_ID. For illustrative purposes, the notation "FL_ID::RSET_ID::PR_ID" will be used to indicate this hierarchical relationship.

[0129] In some respects, naming conventions can be imposed that allow for explicit identification of PRS resources without requiring the full descriptions of FL_ID, RSET_ID, and PR_ID. For example, if a PRS resource set is uniquely named across all FLs (i.e., a PRS resource set in one FL has an ID different from any other PRS resource set in any other FL), then the PRS resource can be identified using only RSET_ID and PR_ID; FL_ID is not required. Therefore, in some respects, a PRS resource set is uniquely named across all FLs. Similarly, if a PRS resource is uniquely named across all PRS resource sets (i.e., a PRS resource in one PRS resource set has an ID different from any other PRS resource set in any other FL), then the PRS resource can be identified using only PR_ID; FL_ID and RSET_ID are not required. Therefore, in some respects, a PRS resource is uniquely named across all PRS resource sets in all FLs.

[0130] It should be noted that since PRS concatenation applies to PRS resources sent by a single TRP (or from the same cell), other options for the PRS resource set include PRS, port, and cell ID. For example, a PRS resource can be identified by the following combination: FL, PRS resource set, TRP, port, and cell ID. Therefore, in some aspects, other tuples can be used, including but not limited to {FL+PRS resource}, {FL+TRP}, {FL+cell ID}, {cell ID+PRS resource}, etc.

[0131] Association of PRS resources. An AF can specify an association with a tier. For example, an AF can associate two or more frequency tiers (FLs) with each other, associate two or more resource sets with each other, associate two or more resources with each other, or a combination thereof. The following examples are illustrative and not limiting.

[0132] • {FL1, FL2}. This example associates frequency layer 1 and frequency layer 2. As explained in more detail below, this association may assume that all PRS resources in all PRS resource sets within both frequency layers can be associated together in a large group, or it may assume that PRS resources and / or PRS resource sets in FL1 are associated only with PRS resources and / or PRS resource sets in FL2 that have the same ID, depending on the implementation.

[0133] • {FL1::RSET1, FL2::RSET2}. This example associates PRS resource set 1 in frequency layer 1 with PRS resource set 2 in frequency layer 2. Here, the association can also assume that all PRS resources in FL1::RSET1 and FL2::RSET2 are associated together in a large group, or it can assume that PRS resources in FL1::RSET1 are associated only with PRS resources in FL2::RSET2 that have the same PRS resource ID, depending on the implementation.

[0134] • {FL1::RSET1, FL2::RSET1}. This example associates PRS resource set 1 in frequency layer 1 with PRS resource set 1 in frequency layer 2. This example illustrates that PRS resource sets can have the same name but reside in different frequency layers.

[0135] • {FL1::RSET1::PR1, FL2::RSET2::PR2}. This example associates PRS resource 1 in PRS resource set 1 in frequency layer 1 with PRS resource 2 in PRS resource set 2 in frequency layer 2.

[0136] • {FL1::RSET1::PR1, FL2::RSET1::PR1}. This example associates PRS resource 1 in PRS resource set 1 in frequency layer 1 with the same PRS resource in the same PRS resource set but in frequency layer 2.

[0137] • {FL1::RSET1::PR1, FL2::RSET3}. This example associates a single PRS resource in frequency layer 1 with a set of PRS resources in frequency layer 2. This demonstrates that associations do not have to be symmetric. For example, this association creates an association group that includes all PRS resources in FL2::RSET3 and members of a single PRS resource in FL1::RSET1::PR1.

[0138] • {FL1::RSET1, FL1::RSET2}. This example associates PRS resource set 1 in frequency layer 1 with PRS resource set 2 in the same frequency layer. The association can assume that all PRS resources in FL1::RSET1 and FL1::RSET2 are associated together in a large group, or it can assume that PRS resources in FL1::RSET1 are associated only with PRS resources in FL1::RSET2 that have the same PRS resource ID, depending on the implementation. This example illustrates that the association can occur within a single frequency layer.

[0139] It should be noted that an association can contain a list of associations, such as those shown above. In a specific example, an AF can contain a list of tuples, as shown below:

[0140]

[0141] ...and so on. Now, a specific example of PRS stitching will be described in more detail.

[0142] Figure 8 PRS splicing according to some aspects of this disclosure is shown, in which multiple FLs are spliced ​​together. Figure 8 In the diagram, the PRS concatenation list indicates that FL1, FL2, and FL3 are concatenated together. Therefore, the AF can represent this relationship as {FL1, FL2, FL3}. Each FL has a corresponding PRS resource set—FL1 includes PRS set 1, FL2 includes PRS set 2, and FL3 includes PRS set 3—and each PRS set includes specific PRS resources, which are shown as solid boxes in the time-frequency matrix. This is an example of frequency domain concatenation because the concatenated PRS resources span multiple frequency layers.

[0143] In some respects, it can be assumed that all PRS resources in all PRS resource sets in FL1 are associated with all PRS resources in all PRS resource sets in FL2. Figure 8 In the example shown, all PRS resources in all PRS resource sets within all FLs are related to each other.

[0144] This can also simplify the identification of PRS resources in other aspects of the naming convention that allow multiple FLs to reuse RSET_ID and / or allow the reuse of PR_ID across multiple PRS resource sets. For example, in cases where FL1 and FL2 contain PRS resource sets with the same RSET_ID, in some aspects, it can be assumed that PRS resource sets with the same RSET_ID in the two FLs are associated with each other (allowing the association to specify only the FL), while PRS resource sets in the two FLs that do not have the same RSET_ID are not associated with each other. In some aspects, when PRS resource sets with the same RSET_ID contain PRS resources with the same PR_ID, it can be assumed that PRS resources with the same PR_ID in the two PRS resource sets are associated with each other (allowing the association to specify only the RSET_ID), while PRS resources in the two PRS resource sets that do not have the same PR_ID are not associated with each other.

[0145] Figure 9 PRS concatenation according to some aspects of this disclosure is illustrated, wherein PRS resources are concatenated at FL level 900, PRS resource set level 902, and PRS resource level 904. For example, association 900 can be specified as {FL1, FL2}; association 902 can be specified as {FL1::Set1, FL2::set2}; and association 904 can be specified as {FL1::Set1::PRS10, FL2::Set2::PRS12}. Association 904 can also be specified as {FL1::PRS10, FL2::PRS12} if the PRS resource set in FL2 has the same RSET_ID as the PRS resource set in FL1, since it is assumed that the RSET_ID is the same for both FLs.

[0146] An AF can also specify associations across multiple levels. For example, for each pair of entities that are associated with each other, each member of that pair can be specified at different levels of granularity. For example, in some aspects, an FL can be associated with another FL (e.g., with all PRS resources in all PRS resource sets within another FL), with a specific PRS resource set in another FL, or with a specific PRS resource within a specific resource set in another FL. Similarly, in some aspects, a PRS resource set in one FL can be associated with all PRS resource sets in another FL, with a specific PRS resource set in another FL (e.g., explicitly associated by specifying one or more RSET_IDs in the AF, or implicitly associated by associating only PRS resource sets with the same RSET_ID), or with a specific PRS resource within a specific resource set in another FL. Likewise, in some aspects, a specific PRS resource in a specific PRS resource set in a specific FL can be associated with another FL, with a specific PRS resource set in another FL, or with a specific PRS resource in a specific PRS resource set in another FL. In some respects, PRS resources can be stitched together using a combination of two or more of the techniques mentioned above.

[0147] AF Implementation. AF can be implemented in several ways. For example, AF can be part of a Frequency Layer (FL) definition, for example, to associate multiple FLs with each other; it can be part of a PRS Resource Set definition, for example, to associate multiple PRS Resource Sets with each other; it can be part of a PRS Resource definition, for example, to associate multiple PRS Resources with each other; or a combination thereof. On the other hand, data structures separate from the definitions of FLs, PRS Resource Sets, and PRS Resources are used to define splicing.

[0148] The above concepts apply to DL-PRS

[0149] Based on block / aggregate PRS

[0150] Figure 10A and Figure 10B This illustrates some limitations of conventional networks. Figure 10A This shows that the maximum number of FLs currently supported is four. This constraint limits the advantages of splicing. Figure 10B The paper illustrates one method to overcome this limitation, namely, to define the PRS resource set in a way that allows the PRS resource set to change dynamically over time.

[0151] In PRS block-based approaches, PRS resources can be configured as patterns of PRS blocks, which can be combined to create aggregated PRS. The concept of a "PRS block" can be thought of as multiple sets of PRS resources spanning a fixed bandwidth. PRS aggregation may occur when PRS blocks are transmitted using the same Transmit-Receive Point (TRP) or port. In this case, defining multiple PRS blocks across multiple File Systems (FLs) may be inefficient, and defining the parameters of PRS blocks by FL, PRS resource set, or PRS resource hierarchy offers some benefits, especially for in-band splicing.

[0152] Figures 11A to 1 1F illustrates an aggregated PRS block according to some aspects of this disclosure. In some aspects, an aggregated PRS block can be defined using new parameters that characterize the locations of multiple PRS resource sets (or multiple instances of the same PRS resource set) in the time and frequency domains. An aggregated PRS block can be configured using RRC. The exemplary aggregated PRS block definitions described below are illustrative and not limiting.

[0153] like Figure 11A As shown, an aggregated PRS block can include multiple instances of a single PRS block, which are interleaved in time, frequency, or both. In some aspects, an aggregated PRS block is defined using parameters such as: the number of PRS blocks; the PRS block frequency bandwidth (F); the block duration (T); the frequency offset between consecutive PRSs in a resource element or physical resource block (this offset can be zero); a flag indicating whether PRS wrapping is allowed; and the time offset for each PRS block, in terms of slots or symbols (this offset can be zero). In other aspects, parameters include: a generic PRS block comb pattern with a predetermined interleaving pattern or custom sequence (e.g., similar to a PRS comb); and a list of sublists, where each sublist defines the frequency and time pattern (block BW, time offset, starting PRB, etc.) of a PRS block. In some aspects, a PRS block ID can be specified.

[0154] like Figure 11B As shown, the parameters can include the frequency gap between PRS blocks. Figure 11B In the example on the left, the frequency gap is positive, causing consecutive PRS blocks in the time domain to not overlap in the frequency domain. Figure 11B In the example on the right, the frequency gap is negative, causing consecutive PRS blocks in the time domain to overlap in the frequency domain.

[0155] like Figure 11CAs shown, an aggregated PRS block can be defined as: a PRS block pattern, which defines a PRS block instance (F) with a start time (T0), duration (T), start frequency (F0), and frequency bandwidth; and additional parameters that define the time offset (Toffset) and frequency offset (Foffset) between one instantiation of the PRS block and subsequent instantiations of the PRS block. Figure 11C In the example shown, the start time (T0′) of the next PRS block instance can be calculated as T0 + Toffset, and the start frequency (F0′) of the next PRS block instance can be calculated as F0 + Foffset. If wrapping within the synthesized bandwidth (SBW) is allowed, this calculation will be the lowest frequency of ((F0 + Foffset) mod SBW) + SBW. Similarly, the start time T0″ = T0′ + Toffset, and the start frequency F0″ = F0′ + Toffset (adjusted to wrap within the SBW if allowed). An exemplary aggregated PRS block definition is shown below:

[0156]

[0157]

[0158] like Figure 11D As shown, an aggregated PRS block can be defined as a group of PRS blocks located at different positions in the time and frequency domains. Figure 11D In the example shown, each of the different PRS blocks has a different duration and frequency bandwidth (i.e., in Figure 11D In the PRS block, T ≠ T′ ≠ T″ and F ≠ F′ ≠ F″, but in other respects, different PRS blocks may have the same T and F values ​​(i.e., T = T′ = T″ and F = F′ = F″). Figure 11D In the example shown, an aggregated PRS block definition can have an aggregated PRS block definition, such as the definition shown below:

[0159]

[0160] If supported, the wrapping option can be specified in general, for example, by using a flag that applies to all PRS blocks in the aggregation, or each PRS block definition can have its own flag.

[0161] like Figure 11E As shown, an aggregated PRS block can be defined as a set of PRS block patterns. An exemplary aggregated PRS block definition is shown below:

[0162]

[0163] If supported, the wrapping option can be specified in general, for example, by using a flag that applies to all PRS blocks in the aggregation, or each PRS block definition can have its own flag. Figure 11E The PRS block pattern can also be defined as a repetition of a single PRS pattern. An example of such an aggregated PRS block definition is shown below:

[0164]

[0165]

[0166] exist Figure 11E In the example shown, SetFoffset is a non-zero value, SetToffset is zero, SetCount = 3, and wrapping is enabled. Using this form of aggregate PRS block definition, set 2 is simply the second instantiation of set 1, but starting from frequency F0 + SetFoffset, while set 3 is the third instantiation of set 1, but starting from frequency F0 + 2 * SetFoffset.

[0167] In some aspects, additional parameters can be used to define the starting frequency and time values ​​for different layers. In some aspects, these additional parameters can be part of the frequency layer itself. In other aspects, these additional frequency and time parameters can be part of the PRS resource set definition. In some aspects, these additional frequency parameters can be part of the PRS resource definition.

[0168] Regarding additional parameters in the FL definition: In some respects, when there is a uniform PRS pattern across all PRS blocks, the start frequency and time values ​​are sufficient to fully describe the PRS resource. When there is no uniform PRS pattern across all PRS blocks, the PRS resource set and PRS resource definition should include additional information to identify a specific PRS resource. For added flexibility, the PRS resource set and PRS resource definition can include these definitions regardless. For example, if the FL definition only includes additional frequency parameters, then the PRS configuration can create time-varying interleaved PRS blocks by adjusting the silent mode and repetition in the PRS resource set, the time offset of resource elements in the PRS resource definition, or both.

[0169] Regarding additional parameters in the PRS resource set definition: In some aspects, time and frequency splicing parameters are defined for a TRP. In other aspects, the parameters are applied to all PRS blocks. Alternatively, the PRS blocks to which the additional parameters should be applied must be specified.

[0170] Alternatively, each FL can specify a PRS resource set with the same TRP, and a PRB block pattern or a PRS block list. In some aspects, the PRS block pattern specifies frequency offset, time offset, block bandwidth, frequency gap, surround flag, etc. In other aspects, the PRS block specifies the PRS block ID, PRS bandwidth, and starting PRB or time offset for regular and irregular patterns.

[0171] Regarding additional parameters in PRS resource definitions: In some aspects, the current specification supports time-domain definitions and does not require modification of the FL or PRS resource set definitions; conversely, concatenation requires associated fields. For example, for comb2 PRS: without concatenation, it might only require defining two PRS resources, but with concatenation, a maximum of eight PRS resources need to be defined, with four PRS resources concatenated together.

[0172] Alternatively, for example, each FL can specify a specific set of PRS resources with the same TRP and a set of PRS resources by specifying the PRS block bandwidth and the starting PRB, together with the AF containing other PRS resources for splicing.

[0173] Figure 12 This is a flowchart of an exemplary process 1200 associated with an RRC configuration for defining synthetic positioning resources, according to some aspects of this disclosure. In some embodiments, Figure 12 One or more process frames can be executed by a user equipment (UE) (e.g., user equipment (UE) 104). In some implementations, Figure 12 One or more process frames may be executed by another device or a group of devices that are separate from or include the user equipment (UE). Alternatively or additionally, Figure 12 One or more process frames may be executed by one or more components of device 302, such as processing system 332, memory 340, WWAN transceiver 310, short-range wireless transceiver 320, SPS receiver 330, or user interface 346.

[0174] like Figure 12 As shown, process 1200 may include receiving an RRC configuration defining a composite positioning resource comprising multiple positioning resources, the multiple positioning resources including at least one positioning resource from each of multiple frequency layers (FLs) or bandwidth portions (BWPs), from each of multiple positioning resource sets, or a combination thereof (block 1210). For example, as described above, the UE may receive a radio resource control (RRC) configuration defining a composite positioning resource comprising multiple positioning resources, the multiple positioning resources including at least one positioning resource from each of multiple FLs or BWPs, from each of multiple positioning resource sets, or a combination thereof.

[0175] like Figure 12 As further shown in the diagram, process 1200 may include performing positioning measurements using synthetic positioning resources (block 1220). For example, the UE may receive one or more reference signals within the synthetic positioning resources according to its RRC configuration, and perform measurements on one or more reference signals.

[0176] like Figure 12 As further shown, in some aspects, process 1200 may include reporting the results of positioning measurements (optional box 1230). For example, as described above, the UE may report the results of positioning measurements. For UE-assisted positioning, the results of positioning measurements may include measured values, while for UE-based positioning, the results of positioning measurements may include positioning estimates based on the measured values.

[0177] Process 1200 may include additional aspects, such as any single aspect or any combination of aspects described below and / or in conjunction with one or more other process descriptions elsewhere in this document.

[0178] In some aspects, the RRC configuration includes an Information Element (IE) that associates multiple location resources together to form a composite location resource. In some aspects, the RRC configuration includes multiple parameters that associate multiple location resources together to form a composite location resource, these parameters occupying one or more Information Elements (IEs). In some aspects, the one or more IEs include an IE defining an FL or BWP, an IE defining a set of location resources, an IE defining location resources, or a combination thereof.

[0179] In some aspects, each location resource is identified by the identifier of the FL or BWP it occupies, the identifier of the location resource set to which it is a member, the identifier of the location resource, the identifier of the Transmit / Receive Point (TRP) or cell that transmitted the location resource, or a combination thereof. In some aspects, a composite location resource is associated with its own location resource identifier. In some aspects, each location resource includes a downlink (DL) Location Reference Signal (PRS) or an uplink (UL) Detection Reference Signal (SRS).

[0180] In some aspects, RRCs are received from a location server. In some aspects, the location server includes a Location Management Function (LMF) or a Secure User Plane Location (SUPL) Location Platform (SLP). In some aspects, RRCs are received from a serving base station.

[0181] In some aspects, within the location resource set of the FL or BWP group, each location resource set has a unique location resource set ID, each location resource has a unique location resource ID, or a combination thereof.

[0182] In some aspects, RRC configuration associates a set of FLs or BWPs with each other. In some aspects, all location resource sets within the set of FLs or BWPs are associated with each other, or combinations thereof. In some aspects, within the set of location resource sets within the set of FLs or BWPs, only location resource sets with the same location resource set ID are associated with each other, or combinations thereof. In some aspects, location resource sets in which no other location resource set has the same location resource set ID are associated with each other, or combinations thereof.

[0183] In some aspects, RRC configuration associates a set of location resources with each other. In some aspects, all location resources within that set of location resources are associated with each other. In some aspects, only location resources with the same location resource ID are associated with each other within that set of location resources. In some aspects, no other location resource with the same location resource ID is associated with each other.

[0184] In some aspects, an RRC configuration associates a set of location resources with each other. In some aspects, an RRC configuration associates a FL or BWP with another FL or BWP, associates a FL or BWP with a set of location resources in another FL or BWP, associates a FL or BWP with location resources in another set of location resources in the same FL or BWP or different FLs or BWPs, or combinations thereof.

[0185] although Figure 12 An exemplary block of process 1200 is shown, but in some aspects, it differs from... Figure 12 Compared to the boxes depicted, process 1200 may include additional boxes, fewer boxes, different boxes, or boxes arranged differently. Alternatively, two or more boxes of process 1200 may be executed in parallel.

[0186] Figure 13 This is a flowchart of an exemplary process 1300 associated with a location resource configuration for defining aggregated location resources, according to some aspects of this disclosure. In some embodiments, Figure 13 One or more process frames can be executed by a user equipment (UE) (e.g., user equipment (UE) 104). In some implementations, Figure 12 One or more process frames may be executed by another device or a group of devices that are separate from or include the user equipment (UE). Alternatively or additionally, Figure 13One or more process frames may be executed by one or more components of device 302, such as processing system 332, memory 340, WWAN transceiver 310, short-range wireless transceiver 320, SPS receiver 330, or user interface 346.

[0187] like Figure 13 As shown, process 1300 may include receiving a location resource configuration that defines aggregated location resources, which include multiple location resource blocks that differ from each other in the time domain, frequency domain, or both (block 1310). For example, as described above, the UE may receive a location resource configuration that defines aggregated location resources, which include multiple location resource blocks that differ from each other in the time domain, frequency domain, or both.

[0188] like Figure 13 As further shown in the diagram, process 1300 may include performing positioning measurements using aggregated positioning resources (block 1320). For example, the UE may receive one or more reference signals within the aggregated positioning resources, and perform measurements on one or more reference signals, based on the positioning resource configuration.

[0189] like Figure 13 As further shown, in some aspects, process 1300 may include reporting the results of positioning measurements (optional box 1330). For example, as described above, the UE may report the results of positioning measurements. For UE-assisted positioning, the results of positioning measurements may include measured values, while for UE-based positioning, the results of positioning measurements may include positioning estimates based on the measured values.

[0190] Process 1300 may include additional aspects, such as any single aspect or any combination of aspects described below and / or in conjunction with one or more other process descriptions elsewhere in this document.

[0191] In some aspects, location resource configuration includes information elements (IEs) that associate multiple location resources together to form aggregated location resources.

[0192] In some aspects, the location resource configuration includes a list of location resource blocks, each with a specified location in the time and frequency domains.

[0193] In some aspects, the location resource configuration includes parameters defining the following: location resource blocks; the number of repetitions of the location resource blocks; and for each repetition of the location resource blocks, an offset in the time domain, an offset in the frequency domain, or both. In some aspects, the location resource configuration further includes parameters defining the following: the bandwidth of each location resource block; the frequency gap between repetitions of location resource blocks; the time gap between repetitions of location resource blocks; or the location resource block comb pattern. In some aspects, the location resource configuration further includes parameters defining the bandwidth of the aggregated location resource. In some aspects, the location resource configuration further includes a wraparound flag to indicate whether a location resource block extending beyond the end of the bandwidth of the aggregated location resource will wrap around the beginning of the bandwidth of the aggregated location resource. In some aspects, the aggregated location resource is associated with its own location resource identifier.

[0194] In some aspects, each positioning resource block includes a downlink (DL) positioning reference signal (PRS) block or an uplink (UL) sounding reference signal (SRS) block. In some aspects, positioning resource configuration is received from a positioning server. In some aspects, the positioning server includes a location management function (LMF) or a secure user plane location (SUPL) location platform (SLP). In some aspects, positioning resource configuration is received from a serving base station.

[0195] although Figure 13 An exemplary block of process 1300 is shown, but in some aspects, it differs from... Figure 13 Compared to the boxes depicted, process 1300 may include additional boxes, fewer boxes, different boxes, or boxes arranged differently. Alternatively, two or more boxes of process 1300 may be executed in parallel.

[0196] Figure 14 This is a flowchart of an exemplary process 1400 associated with an RRC configuration for defining synthetic positioning resources, according to some aspects of this disclosure. In some embodiments, Figure 14 One or more process frames can be executed by a base station (e.g., base station 102). In some implementations, Figure 14 One or more process frames can be executed by another device or a group of devices that are separate from or include the base station. Alternatively or separately, Figure 14 One or more process frames may be executed by one or more components of device 304 (such as processing system 384, memory 386, WWAN transceiver 350, short-range wireless transceiver 360, SPS receiver 370 or (one or more) network interfaces 380).

[0197] like Figure 14As shown, process 1400 may include receiving from a location server a Radio Resource Control (RRC) configuration defining a composite location resource comprising multiple location resources, including at least one location resource from each of multiple Frequency Layers (FLs) or Bandwidth Parts (BWPs), from each of multiple location resource sets, or a combination thereof (block 1410). For example, as described above, the location server may issue a Radio Resource Control (RRC) configuration defining a composite location resource comprising multiple location resources, including at least one location resource from each of multiple Frequency Layers (FLs) or Bandwidth Parts (BWPs), from each of multiple location resource sets, or a combination thereof.

[0198] like Figure 14 As further shown, process 1400 may include issuing an RRC configuration to the UE (block 1420). In some aspects, the RRC configuration may include a UL-SRS configuration. In some aspects, the RRC configuration may include a DL-PRS configuration, in which case process 1400 may further include receiving from the UE the results of a positioning measurement performed using synthetic resources (optional block 1430). For example, as described above, the base station may receive from the UE the results of a positioning measurement performed using synthetic resources. For UE-assisted positioning, the results of the positioning measurement may include measured values, while for UE-based positioning, the results of the positioning measurement may include a positioning estimate based on the measured values.

[0199] Process 1400 may include additional aspects, such as any single aspect or any combination of aspects described below and / or in conjunction with one or more other process descriptions elsewhere in this document.

[0200] although Figure 14 An exemplary block of process 1400 is shown, but in some aspects, it differs from... Figure 14 Compared to the boxes depicted, process 1400 may include additional boxes, fewer boxes, different boxes, or boxes arranged differently. Alternatively, two or more boxes of process 1400 may be executed in parallel.

[0201] Figure 15 This is a flowchart of an exemplary process 1500 associated with a location resource configuration for defining aggregated location resources, according to some aspects of this disclosure. In some aspects, Figure 15 One or more process frames can be executed by a base station (e.g., base station 102). In some aspects, Figure 15 One or more process frames can be executed by another device or a group of devices that are separate from or include the base station. Alternatively or separately, Figure 15One or more process frames may be executed by one or more components of device 304 (such as processing system 384, memory 386, WWAN transceiver 350, short-range wireless transceiver 360, SPS receiver 370 or (one or more) network interfaces 380).

[0202] like Figure 15 As shown, process 1500 may include receiving from a location server a location resource configuration that defines an aggregated location resource, which includes multiple location resource blocks that differ from each other in the time domain, the frequency domain, or both (box 1510). For example, as described above, the location server may issue a location resource configuration that defines an aggregated location resource, which includes multiple location resource blocks that differ from each other in the time domain, the frequency domain, or both.

[0203] like Figure 15 As further shown, process 1500 may include issuing a location resource configuration to the UE (block 1520). In some aspects, the location resource configuration may include a UL-SRS configuration. In some aspects, the location resource configuration may include a DL-PRS configuration, in which case process 1500 may further include receiving from the UE the results of a location measurement performed using aggregated location resources (optional block 1530). For example, as described above, the base station may receive from the UE the results of a location measurement performed using aggregated location resources. For UE-assisted positioning, the results of the location measurement may include measured values, while for UE-based positioning, the results of the location measurement may include a location estimate based on the measured values.

[0204] Process 1500 may include additional aspects, such as any single aspect or any combination of aspects described below and / or in conjunction with one or more other process descriptions elsewhere in this document.

[0205] although Figure 15 An exemplary block of process 1500 is shown, but in some aspects, it differs from... Figure 15 Compared to the boxes depicted, process 1500 may include additional boxes, fewer boxes, different boxes, or boxes arranged differently. Alternatively, two or more boxes of process 1500 may be executed in parallel.

[0206] Figure 16 This is a flowchart of an exemplary process 1600 associated with an RRC configuration for defining synthetic positioning resources, according to some aspects of this disclosure. In some embodiments, Figure 16 One or more process frames can be executed by a location server (e.g., location server 172). In some implementations, Figure 16 One or more process frames can be executed by another device or a group of devices that are separate from or include the location server. Alternatively or separately, Figure 16 One or more process frames can be executed by one or more components of device 306 (such as processing system 394, memory 396, network interface 390 and / or PRS component 398).

[0207] like Figure 16 As shown, process 1600 may include determining a Radio Resource Control (RRC) configuration that defines a composite positioning resource comprising multiple positioning resources, including at least one positioning resource from each of multiple Frequency Layers (FLs) or Bandwidth Parts (BWPs), from each of multiple sets of positioning resources, or a combination thereof (block 1610). For example, as described above, a location server may determine a Radio Resource Control (RRC) configuration that defines a composite positioning resource comprising multiple positioning resources, including at least one positioning resource from each of multiple Frequency Layers (FLs) or Bandwidth Parts (BWPs), from each of multiple sets of positioning resources, or a combination thereof.

[0208] like Figure 16 As further shown, process 1600 may include issuing an RRC configuration to the base station (block 1620). In some aspects, the RRC configuration may include a UL-SRS configuration. In some aspects, the RRC configuration may include a DL-PRS configuration, in which case process 1600 may further include receiving from the base station the results of positioning measurements performed by the UE using synthetic resources (optional block 1630). For example, as described above, the location server may receive the results of positioning measurements performed using synthetic resources from the base station.

[0209] Process 1600 may include additional aspects, such as any single aspect or any combination of aspects described below and / or in conjunction with one or more other process descriptions elsewhere in this document.

[0210] although Figure 16 An exemplary block of process 1600 is shown, but in some aspects, it differs from... Figure 16 Compared to the boxes depicted, process 1600 may include additional boxes, fewer boxes, different boxes, or boxes arranged differently. Alternatively, two or more boxes of process 1600 may be executed in parallel.

[0211] Figure 17 This is a flowchart of an exemplary process 1700 associated with a location resource configuration for defining aggregated location resources, according to some aspects of this disclosure. In some embodiments, Figure 17 One or more process frames can be executed by a location server (e.g., location server 172). In some implementations, Figure 17One or more process frames can be executed by another device or a group of devices that are separate from or include the location server. Alternatively or separately, Figure 17 One or more process frames can be executed by one or more components of device 306 (such as processing system 394, memory 396, network interface 390 and / or PRS component 398).

[0212] like Figure 17 As shown, process 1700 can determine a location resource configuration that defines an aggregated location resource, which includes multiple location resource blocks that differ from each other in the time domain, frequency domain, or both (box 1710). For example, as described above, a location server can determine a location resource configuration that defines an aggregated location resource, which includes multiple location resource blocks that differ from each other in the time domain, frequency domain, or both.

[0213] like Figure 17 As further shown, process 1700 may include issuing a location resource configuration to the base station (block 1720). In some aspects, the location resource configuration may include UL-SRS configuration. In some aspects, the location resource configuration may include DL-PRS configuration, in which case process 1700 may further include receiving from the base station the results of location measurements performed by the UE using aggregated location resources (optional block 1730). For example, as described above, the location server may receive from the base station the results of location measurements performed using aggregated location resources.

[0214] Process 1700 may include additional aspects, such as any single aspect or any combination of aspects described below and / or in conjunction with one or more other process descriptions elsewhere in this document.

[0215] although Figure 17 An exemplary block of process 1700 is shown, but in some aspects, it differs from... Figure 17 Compared to the boxes depicted, process 1700 may include additional boxes, fewer boxes, different boxes, or boxes arranged differently. Alternatively, two or more boxes of process 1700 may be executed in parallel.

[0216] As can be seen in the detailed description above, different features are combined together in the examples. This manner of disclosure should not be construed as an intention for the exemplary clauses to have more features than those expressly mentioned in each clause. Rather, aspects of this disclosure may include fewer features than those of the individual exemplary clauses disclosed. Therefore, the following clauses should be considered as being incorporated into the specification, where each clause may serve as a separate example. Although each dependent clause may refer in the clause to a specific combination with one of the other clauses, the aspect(s) of that dependent clause is not limited to that specific combination. It should be understood that other exemplary clauses may also include combinations of aspects(s) of a dependent clause with the subject matter of any other dependent or independent clause, or any feature with other dependent and independent clauses. Unless expressly stated or readily inferred that a particular combination is not intended (e.g., contradictory aspects, such as defining an element as both an insulator and a conductor), aspects of this disclosure expressly include such combinations. Furthermore, it is intended that aspects of a clause may be included in any other independent clause, even if that clause is not directly dependent on an independent clause.

[0217] Examples of implementation schemes are described in the following numbered clauses:

[0218] Clause 1. A wireless communication method performed by a user equipment (UE), the method comprising: receiving a radio resource control (RRC) configuration defining a composite positioning resource comprising a plurality of positioning resources, the plurality of positioning resources including at least one positioning resource from each of a plurality of frequency layers (FLs) or bandwidth portions (BWPs), from each of a plurality of positioning resource sets, or a combination thereof; and performing positioning measurements using the composite positioning resource.

[0219] Clause 2. The method according to Clause 1, wherein performing positioning measurements using the synthetic positioning resources includes receiving one or more reference signals within the synthetic positioning resources according to the RRC configuration, and performing measurements on the one or more reference signals.

[0220] Clause 3. The method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 2 further includes: reporting the results of the positioning measurement.

[0221] Clause 4. The method described in Clause 3, wherein reporting the results of the positioning measurements includes reporting the measured values, reporting positioning estimates based on the measured values, or a combination thereof.

[0222] Clause 5. The method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 4, wherein the RRC configuration includes an information element (IE) that associates the plurality of location resources together to form the composite location resource.

[0223] Clause 6. The method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 5, wherein the RRC configuration includes a plurality of parameters that associate the plurality of location resources together to form the composite location resource, the plurality of parameters occupying one or more information elements (IEs).

[0224] Clause 7. The method described in Clause 6, wherein the one or more IEs include an IE that defines an FL or BWP, an IE that defines a set of location resources, an IE that defines location resources, or a combination thereof.

[0225] Clause 8. The method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 7, wherein each location resource is identified by an identifier of the FL or BWP it occupies, an identifier of the set of location resources to which it is a member, an identifier of the location resource, an identifier of the Transmit / Receive Point (TRP) or cell that transmits the location resource, or a combination thereof.

[0226] Clause 9. The method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 8, wherein the synthetic location resource is associated with its own location resource identifier.

[0227] Clause 10. The method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 9, wherein each positioning resource includes a downlink (DL) positioning reference signal (PRS) or an uplink (UL) sounding reference signal (SRS).

[0228] Clause 11. The method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 10, wherein the RRC is received from the location server.

[0229] Clause 12. The method according to Clause 11, wherein the location server includes a Location Management Function (LMF) or a Secure User Plane Location (SUPL) Location Platform (SLP).

[0230] Clause 13. The method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 12, wherein the RRC is received from the serving base station.

[0231] Clause 14. The method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 13, wherein in the location resource sets within the plurality of FLs or BWPs, each location resource set has a unique location resource set ID, each location resource has a unique location resource ID, or a combination thereof.

[0232] Clause 15. The method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 14, wherein the RRC configuration associates a set of FLs or BWPs with each other.

[0233] Clause 16. The method according to Clause 15, wherein all sets of location resources within the group FL or BWP are associated with each other, and all location resources within the FL or BWP are associated with each other, or a combination thereof.

[0234] Clause 17. The method according to any one of Clauses 15 to 16, wherein within the set of location resources in the FL or BWP, only location resource sets having the same location resource set ID are associated with each other, only location resources having the same location resource ID are associated with each other, or combinations thereof.

[0235] Clause 18. The method according to Clause 17, wherein location resource sets in which no other location resource set has the same location resource set ID are associated with each other, location resources in which no other location resource has the same location resource ID are associated with each other, or combinations thereof.

[0236] Clause 19. The method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 18, wherein the RRC configuration associates a set of location resources with each other.

[0237] Clause 20. The method described in Clause 19, wherein all location resources within the set of location resources are associated with each other.

[0238] Clause 21. The method according to any one of Clauses 19 to 20, wherein in the set of location resources, only location resources having the same location resource ID are associated with each other.

[0239] Clause 22. The method described in Clause 21, wherein no other location resource has the same location resource ID as each other.

[0240] Clause 23. The method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 22, wherein the RRC configuration associates a set of location resources with each other.

[0241] Clause 24. The method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 23, wherein the RRC configuration is: associating an FL or BWP with another FL or BWP; associating an FL or BWP with a location resource set in another FL or BWP; associating an FL or BWP with a location resource in another location resource set in the same FL or BWP or different FL or BWP; or a combination thereof.

[0242] Clause 25. A wireless communication method performed by a user equipment (UE), the method comprising: receiving a location resource configuration defining aggregated location resources, the aggregated location resources including a plurality of location resource blocks that are different from each other in the time domain, in the frequency domain, or both; and performing a location measurement using the aggregated location resources.

[0243] Clause 26. The method according to Clause 25, wherein performing positioning measurements using the aggregated positioning resource includes receiving one or more reference signals within the aggregated positioning resource according to the positioning resource configuration, and performing measurements on the one or more reference signals.

[0244] Clause 27. The method according to any one of Clauses 25 to 26 further includes: reporting the results of the positioning measurement.

[0245] Clause 28. The method described in Clause 27, wherein reporting the results of the positioning measurements includes reporting the measured values, reporting positioning estimates based on the measured values, or a combination thereof.

[0246] Clause 29. The method according to any one of Clauses 25 to 28, wherein the location resource configuration includes an information element (IE) that associates the plurality of location resources together to form the aggregated location resource.

[0247] Clause 30. The method according to any one of Clauses 25 to 29, wherein the positioning resource configuration includes a list of positioning resource blocks, each positioning resource block having a specified location in the time domain and frequency domain.

[0248] Clause 31. The method according to any one of Clauses 25 to 30, wherein the location resource configuration includes parameters defining the following: a location resource block; the number of times the location resource block is repeated; and for each repetition of the location resource block, an offset in the time domain, an offset in the frequency domain, or both.

[0249] Clause 32. The method according to Clause 31, wherein the location resource configuration further includes defining parameters for: the bandwidth of each location resource block; the frequency gap between repetitions of the location resource blocks; the time gap between repetitions of the location resource blocks; or the location resource block comb pattern.

[0250] Clause 33. The method according to any one of Clauses 31 to 32, wherein the location resource configuration further includes parameters defining the bandwidth of the aggregated location resources.

[0251] Clause 34. The method according to Clause 33, wherein the location resource configuration further includes a surround sign to indicate whether a location resource block extending beyond one end of the bandwidth of the aggregated location resource will surround the other end of the bandwidth of the aggregated location resource.

[0252] Clause 35. The method according to any one of Clauses 25 to 34, wherein the aggregated location resource is associated with its own location resource identifier.

[0253] Clause 36. The method according to any one of Clauses 25 to 35, wherein each positioning resource block includes a downlink (DL) positioning reference signal (PRS) block or an uplink (UL) sounding reference signal (SRS) block.

[0254] Clause 37. The method according to any one of Clauses 25 to 36, wherein the location resource configuration is received from the location server.

[0255] Clause 38. The method according to Clause 37, wherein the location server includes a Location Management Function (LMF) or a Secure User Plane Location (SUPL) Location Platform (SLP).

[0256] Clause 39. The method according to any one of Clauses 25 to 38, wherein the positioning resource configuration is received from the serving base station.

[0257] Clause 40. The method according to any one of Clauses 25 to 39, wherein the location resource configuration associates a set of FLs or BWPs with each other.

[0258] Clause 41. The method according to Clause 40, wherein all sets of location resources within the group FL or BWP are associated with each other, and all location resources within the FL or BWP are associated with each other, or a combination thereof.

[0259] Clause 42. The method according to any one of Clauses 40 to 41, wherein within the set of location resources in the FL or BWP, only location resource sets having the same location resource set ID are associated with each other, only location resources having the same location resource ID are associated with each other, or combinations thereof.

[0260] Clause 43. The method according to Clause 42, wherein location resource sets in which no other location resource set has the same location resource set ID are associated with each other, location resources in which no other location resource has the same location resource ID are associated with each other, or combinations thereof.

[0261] Clause 44. The method according to any one of Clauses 25 to 43, wherein the location resource configuration associates a set of location resources with each other.

[0262] Clause 45. The method described in Clause 44, wherein all location resources within the set of location resources are associated with each other.

[0263] Clause 46. The method according to any one of Clauses 44 to 45, wherein in the set of location resources, only location resources having the same location resource ID are associated with each other.

[0264] Clause 47. The method described in Clause 46, wherein no other location resource has the same location resource ID as each other.

[0265] Clause 48. The method according to any one of Clauses 25 to 47, wherein the location resource configuration associates a set of location resources with each other.

[0266] Clause 49. The method according to any one of Clauses 25 to 48, wherein the location resource configuration includes: associating an FL or BWP with another FL or BWP; associating an FL or BWP with a location resource set in another FL or BWP; associating an FL or BWP with location resources in another location resource set in the same FL or BWP or different FLs or BWPs; or a combination thereof.

[0267] Clause 50. A wireless communication method performed by a base station, the method comprising: receiving from a location server a radio resource control (RRC) configuration defining a composite location resource comprising a plurality of location resources, the plurality of location resources including at least one location resource from each of a plurality of frequency layers (FLs) or bandwidth portions (BWPs), from each of a plurality of location resource sets, or a combination thereof; and issuing the RRC configuration to a UE.

[0268] Clause 51. The method according to Clause 50, wherein the RRC configuration includes a downlink positioning reference signal (DL-PRS) configuration.

[0269] Clause 52. The method according to Clause 51 further includes: receiving from the UE the result of a positioning measurement performed using the synthetic resources.

[0270] Clause 53. The method according to Clause 52, wherein receiving the result of the positioning measurement includes receiving the measurement value, reporting a positioning estimate based on the measurement value, or a combination thereof.

[0271] Clause 54. The method according to any one of Clauses 50 to 53, wherein the RRC configuration includes an uplink sounding reference signal (UL-SRS) configuration.

[0272] Clause 55. The method according to any one of Clauses 50 to 54, wherein the location server includes a Location Management Function (LMF) or a Secure User Plane Location (SUPL) Location Platform (SLP).

[0273] Clause 56. A wireless communication method performed by a base station, the method comprising: receiving from a location server a location resource configuration defining aggregated location resources, the aggregated location resources including a plurality of location resource blocks that are different from each other in the time domain, the frequency domain, or both; and issuing the location resource configuration to a user equipment (UE).

[0274] Clause 57. The method according to Clause 56, wherein the positioning resource configuration includes downlink positioning reference signal (DL-PRS) configuration.

[0275] Clause 58. The method according to Clause 57 further includes: receiving from the UE the result of a positioning measurement performed using the aggregated positioning resources.

[0276] Clause 59. The method according to Clause 58, wherein receiving the result of the positioning measurement includes receiving the measurement value, reporting a positioning estimate based on the measurement value, or a combination thereof.

[0277] Clause 60. The method according to any one of Clauses 56 to 59, wherein the positioning resource configuration includes an uplink sounding reference signal (UL-SRS) configuration.

[0278] Clause 61. The method according to any one of Clauses 56 to 60, wherein the location server includes a Location Management Function (LMF) or a Secure User Plane Location (SUPL) Location Platform (SLP).

[0279] Clause 62. A wireless communication method performed by a location server, the method comprising: determining a radio resource control (RRC) configuration defining a composite location resource including a plurality of location resources, the plurality of location resources including at least one location resource from each of a plurality of frequency layers (FLs) or bandwidth portions (BWPs), from each of a plurality of location resource sets, or a combination thereof; and transmitting the RRC configuration to a base station.

[0280] Clause 63. The method according to Clause 62, wherein the RRC configuration includes a downlink positioning reference signal (DL-PRS) configuration.

[0281] Clause 64. The method according to Clause 63 further includes: receiving from the base station the result of a positioning measurement performed by a user equipment (UE) using the synthetic resources.

[0282] Clause 65. The method according to any one of Clauses 62 to 64, wherein the RRC configuration includes an uplink sounding reference signal (UL-SRS) configuration.

[0283] Clause 66. The method according to any one of Clauses 62 to 65, wherein the location server includes a Location Management Function (LMF) or a Secure User Plane Location (SUPL) Location Platform (SLP).

[0284] Clause 67. A wireless communication method performed by a location server, the method comprising: determining a location resource configuration defining aggregated location resources, the aggregated location resources including a plurality of location resource blocks that are different from each other in the time domain, in the frequency domain, or both; and transmitting the location resource configuration to a base station.

[0285] Clause 68. The method according to Clause 67, wherein the positioning resource configuration includes downlink positioning reference signal (DL-PRS) configuration.

[0286] Clause 69. The method according to Clause 68 further comprises: receiving from the base station the result of a positioning measurement performed by a user equipment (UE) using the aggregated positioning resources.

[0287] Clause 70. The method according to any one of Clauses 67 to 69, wherein the positioning resource configuration includes an uplink sounding reference signal (UL-SRS) configuration.

[0288] Clause 71. The method according to any one of Clauses 67 to 70, wherein the location server includes a Location Management Function (LMF) or a Secure User Plane Location (SUPL) Location Platform (SLP).

[0289] Clause 72. An apparatus comprising a memory and at least one processor communicatively coupled to the memory, the memory and the at least one processor being configured to perform a method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 71.

[0290] Clause 73. An apparatus comprising components for performing the method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 71.

[0291] Clause 74. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer-executable instructions, said computer-executable instructions including at least one instruction for causing a computer or processor to perform a method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 71.

[0292] Those skilled in the art will understand that information and signals can be represented using any of a variety of different technologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be mentioned throughout the foregoing description can be represented by voltage, current, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, light fields or light particles, or any combination thereof.

[0293] Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that the various illustrative logic blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithm steps described in connection with the aspects disclosed herein can be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability between hardware and software, the various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been generally described above in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends on the specific application and the design constraints imposed on the system as a whole. Those skilled in the art may implement the described functionality in different ways for each specific application, but such decisions should not be construed as departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0294] The various illustrative boxes, modules, and circuits described in connection with the aspects disclosed herein can be implemented or performed using a general-purpose processor, DSP, ASIC, FPGA, or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware component, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but alternatively, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors combined with a DSP core, or any other such configuration.

[0295] The steps of the methods, sequences, and / or algorithms described in conjunction with the aspects disclosed herein can be directly embodied in hardware, in a software module executed by a processor, or a combination of both. The software module can reside in random access memory (RAM), flash memory, read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), registers, hard disks, removable disks, CD-ROMs, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to a processor such that the processor can read information from and write information to the storage medium. Alternatively, the storage medium can be integrated into the processor. The processor and storage medium can reside in an ASIC. The ASIC can reside in a user terminal (e.g., a UE). Alternatively, the processor and storage medium can reside as discrete components in the user terminal.

[0296] In one or more exemplary aspects, the described functionality may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, the functionality may be stored as one or more instructions or code on or transmitted via a computer-readable medium. A computer-readable medium includes both computer storage media and communication media, including any medium that facilitates the transfer of a computer program from one place to another. A storage medium may be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer. By way of example and not limitation, such a computer-readable medium may include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disc storage, disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer. Furthermore, any connection is appropriately referred to as a computer-readable medium. For example, if software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave, the definition of medium includes coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave. As used herein, disks and optical discs include compact optical discs (CDs), laser discs, optical discs, digital multifunction discs (DVDs), floppy disks, and Blu-ray discs, where disks typically reproduce data magnetically, while optical discs reproduce data optically using lasers. The combination of these should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0297] While the foregoing disclosure illustrates illustrative aspects of this disclosure, it should be noted that various changes and modifications may be made herein without departing from the scope of this disclosure as defined by the appended claims. The functions, steps, and / or actions of the method claims according to aspects of this disclosure described herein need not be performed in any particular order. Furthermore, although elements of this disclosure may be described or claimed in the singular, plural forms are conceivable unless explicitly stated otherwise.

Claims

1. A wireless communication method performed by a user equipment (UE), the method comprising: The receiver defines a Radio Resource Control (RRC) configuration for a composite location resource comprising multiple location resources, the multiple location resources including at least one location resource from each of multiple Frequency Layers (FLs) or Bandwidth Parts (BWPs), from each of multiple location resource sets, or combinations thereof, wherein the RRC configuration includes one or more Information Elements (IEs) that concatenate the multiple location resources together to form the composite location resource, and wherein the composite location resource is associated with its own location resource identifier; and The synthetic positioning resources are used to perform positioning measurements.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, Performing positioning measurements using the synthetic positioning resources includes: receiving one or more reference signals within the synthetic positioning resources according to the RRC configuration, and performing measurements on the one or more reference signals.

3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: The report describes the results of the positioning measurements.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein, The results of the location measurements reported include: reported measurements, reported location estimates based on the measurements, or a combination thereof.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein, The RRC configuration includes multiple parameters that associate the multiple location resources together to form the composite location resource, the multiple parameters occupying one or more information elements (IEs).

6. The method of claim 5, wherein, The one or more IEs include IEs that define FL or BWP, IEs that define location resource sets, IEs that define location resources, or combinations thereof.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein, Each location resource is identified by the identifier of the FL or BWP it occupies, the identifier of the location resource set to which it is a member, the identifier of the location resource, the identifier of the Transmit / Receive Point (TRP) or cell that sent the location resource, or a combination thereof.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein, Each positioning resource includes a downlink DL positioning reference signal (PRS) or an uplink UL detection reference signal (SRS).

9. The method of claim 1, wherein, Receive the RRC from the location server.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein, The location server includes location management functionality (LMF) or secure user plane location (SUPL) and location platform (SLP).

11. The method of claim 1, wherein, Receive the RRC from the serving base station.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein, Within the multiple FLs or BWPs, each location resource set has a unique location resource set ID, each location resource has a unique location resource ID, or a combination thereof.

13. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The one or more IEs configured in the RRC will associate a set of FLs or BWPs with each other.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein all location resource sets within the group of FLs or BWPs are associated with each other, and all location resources within the FLs or BWPs are associated with each other, or a combination thereof.

15. The method according to claim 13, wherein, Within the location resource set of this FL or BWP group, only location resource sets with the same location resource set ID are associated with each other, or combinations thereof.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein, Associating location resource sets that do not have another location resource set with the same location resource set ID with each other, associating location resources that do not have another location resource set with the same location resource ID with each other, or combinations thereof.

17. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The one or more IEs configured by the RRC associate a set of location resources with each other.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein, All location resources within this set of location resources are interconnected.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein, Within this set of location resources, only location resources with the same location resource ID are associated with each other.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein, Location resources that do not have another location resource with the same location resource ID will be associated with each other.

21. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The one or more IEs configured by the RRC associate a set of location resources with each other.

22. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more IEs configured by the RRC: Associate an FL or BWP with another FL or BWP; Associate an FL or BWP with a set of location resources in another FL or BWP; Associate a FL or BWP with a location resource in another location resource set of the same FL or BWP, or a different FL or BWP. Or a combination thereof.

23. A wireless communication method performed by a user equipment (UE), the method comprising: Receive a location resource configuration defining an aggregated location resource, the aggregated location resource comprising multiple location resource blocks that differ from each other in the time domain, frequency domain, or both, wherein the location resource configuration includes an Information Element (IE) that aggregates the multiple location resources together to form the aggregated location resource, and wherein the aggregated location resource is associated with its own location resource identifier; and Use the aggregated location resources to perform location measurements.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein, Performing positioning measurements using the aggregated positioning resource includes: receiving one or more reference signals within the aggregated positioning resource according to the positioning resource configuration, and performing measurements on the one or more reference signals.

25. The method of claim 23, further comprising: The report describes the results of the positioning measurements.

26. The method according to claim 25, wherein, The results of the location measurements reported include: reported measurements, reported location estimates based on the measurements, or a combination thereof.

27. The method according to claim 23, wherein, The positioning resource configuration includes a list of positioning resource blocks, each of which has a specified location in the time domain and frequency domain.

28. The method according to claim 23, wherein, The location resource configuration includes defining parameters for the following items: Locate the resource block; The number of times the location resource block is repeated; and For each repetition of the location resource block, the offset in the time domain, the offset in the frequency domain, or both.

29. The method according to claim 28, wherein, The location resource configuration also includes defining parameters for the following items: Bandwidth for each location resource block; The frequency gap between repetitions of the location resource block; The time interval between repetitions of the location resource block; or Locate resource block comb pattern.

30. The method according to claim 28, wherein, The location resource configuration also includes parameters that define the bandwidth of the aggregated location resources.

31. The method according to claim 30, wherein, The location resource configuration also includes a surround flag to indicate whether a location resource block extending beyond one end of the bandwidth of the aggregated location resource will surround the other end of the bandwidth of the aggregated location resource.

32. The method according to claim 23, wherein, Each positioning resource block includes a downlink DL positioning reference signal (PRS) block or an uplink UL detection reference signal (SRS) block.

33. The method according to claim 23, wherein, Receive the location resource configuration from the location server.

34. The method according to claim 33, wherein, The location server includes location management functionality (LMF) or secure user plane location (SUPL) and location platform (SLP).

35. The method according to claim 23, wherein, Receive the location resource configuration from the serving base station.

36. The method according to claim 23, wherein, The location resource configuration associates a group of FLs or BWPs with each other.

37. The method of claim 36, wherein, All location resource sets within the FL or BWP are associated with each other, or combinations thereof.

38. The method according to claim 36, wherein, Within the location resource set of this FL or BWP group, only location resource sets with the same location resource set ID are associated with each other, or combinations thereof.

39. The method according to claim 38, wherein, Associating location resource sets that do not have another location resource set with the same location resource set ID with each other, associating location resources that do not have another location resource set with the same location resource ID with each other, or combinations thereof.

40. The method according to claim 23, wherein, The location resource configuration associates a set of location resources with each other.

41. The method according to claim 40, wherein, All location resources within this set of location resources are interconnected.

42. The method according to claim 40, wherein, Within this set of location resources, only location resources with the same location resource ID are associated with each other.

43. The method according to claim 42, wherein, Location resources that do not have another location resource with the same location resource ID will be associated with each other.

44. The method according to claim 23, wherein, The location resource configuration associates a set of location resources with each other.

45. The method according to claim 23, wherein, The location resource configuration is as follows: Associate an FL or BWP with another FL or BWP; Associate an FL or BWP with a set of location resources in another FL or BWP; Associate a FL or BWP with a location resource in another location resource set of the same FL or BWP, or a different FL or BWP. Or a combination thereof.

46. ​​A wireless communication method performed by a base station, the method comprising: Receive from a location server a Radio Resource Control (RRC) configuration defining a composite location resource comprising multiple location resources, the multiple location resources including at least one location resource from each of multiple Frequency Layers (FLs) or Bandwidth Parts (BWPs), from each of multiple location resource sets, or combinations thereof, wherein the RRC configuration includes one or more Information Elements (IEs) that concatenate the multiple location resources together to form the composite location resource, and wherein the composite location resource is associated with its own location resource identifier; and Send the RRC configuration to the UE.

47. The method according to claim 46, wherein, The RRC configuration includes the downlink positioning reference signal DL-PRS configuration.

48. The method of claim 47, further comprising: The UE receives the results of positioning measurements performed using the synthetic resources.

49. The method according to claim 48, wherein, Receiving the results of the positioning measurements includes: receiving the measurement values, reporting a positioning estimate based on the measurement values, or a combination thereof.

50. The method of claim 46, wherein, The RRC configuration includes an uplink sounding reference signal (UL-SRS) configuration.

51. The method according to claim 46, wherein, The location server includes location management functionality (LMF) or secure user plane location (SUPL) and location platform (SLP).

52. A wireless communication method performed by a base station, the method comprising: Receive from a location server a location resource configuration defining an aggregated location resource, the aggregated location resource comprising multiple location resource blocks distinct in the time domain, frequency domain, or both, wherein the location resource configuration includes an Information Element (IE) that aggregates the multiple location resources together to form the aggregated location resource, and wherein the aggregated location resource is associated with its own location resource identifier; and The location resource configuration is sent to the user equipment (UE).

53. The method according to claim 52, wherein, The positioning resource configuration includes the downlink positioning reference signal (DL-PRS) configuration.

54. The method of claim 53, further comprising: The UE receives the results of positioning measurements performed using the aggregated positioning resources.

55. The method according to claim 54, wherein, Receiving the results of the positioning measurements includes: receiving the measurement values, reporting a positioning estimate based on the measurement values, or a combination thereof.

56. The method according to claim 52, wherein, The positioning resource configuration includes the uplink detection reference signal UL-SRS configuration.

57. The method according to claim 52, wherein, The location server includes location management functionality (LMF) or secure user plane location (SUPL) and location platform (SLP).

58. A wireless communication method performed by a location server, the method comprising: A Radio Resource Control (RRC) configuration is defined to define a composite location resource comprising multiple location resources, wherein the multiple location resources include at least one location resource from each of multiple Frequency Layers (FLs) or Bandwidth Parts (BWPs), from each of multiple location resource sets, or combinations thereof, wherein the RRC configuration includes one or more Information Elements (IEs) that concatenate the multiple location resources together to form the composite location resource, and wherein the composite location resource is associated with its own location resource identifier; and Send the RRC configuration to the base station.

59. The method according to claim 58, wherein, The RRC configuration includes the downlink positioning reference signal DL-PRS configuration.

60. The method of claim 59, further comprising: Receive from the base station the results of positioning measurements performed by the user equipment (UE) using the synthetic resources.

61. The method according to claim 58, wherein, The RRC configuration includes an uplink sounding reference signal (UL-SRS) configuration.

62. The method according to claim 58, wherein, The location server includes location management functionality (LMF) or secure user plane location (SUPL) and location platform (SLP).

63. A wireless communication method performed by a location server, the method comprising: Determine a location resource configuration that defines an aggregated location resource, the aggregated location resource comprising multiple location resource blocks that differ from each other in the time domain, frequency domain, or both, wherein the location resource configuration includes an Information Element (IE) that aggregates the multiple location resources together to form the aggregated location resource, and wherein the aggregated location resource is associated with its own location resource identifier; and The location resource configuration is sent to the base station.

64. The method according to claim 63, wherein, The positioning resource configuration includes the downlink positioning reference signal (DL-PRS) configuration.

65. The method of claim 64, further comprising: Receive from the base station the results of positioning measurements performed by the user equipment (UE) using the aggregated positioning resources.

66. The method according to claim 63, wherein, The positioning resource configuration includes the uplink detection reference signal UL-SRS configuration.

67. The method according to claim 63, wherein, The location server includes location management functionality (LMF) or secure user plane location (SUPL) and location platform (SLP).

68. A user equipment (UE), comprising: Memory; At least one transceiver; as well as At least one processor, communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, the at least one processor being configured to: The receiver defines a Radio Resource Control (RRC) configuration for a composite location resource comprising multiple location resources, the multiple location resources including at least one location resource from each of multiple Frequency Layers (FLs) or Bandwidth Parts (BWPs), from each of multiple location resource sets, or combinations thereof, wherein the RRC configuration includes one or more Information Elements (IEs) that concatenate the multiple location resources together to form the composite location resource, and wherein the composite location resource is associated with its own location resource identifier; and The synthetic positioning resources are used to perform positioning measurements.

69. The UE according to claim 68, wherein, In order to perform the positioning measurement using the synthetic resource, the at least one processor is configured to receive one or more reference signals within the synthetic positioning resource according to the RRC configuration, and to perform a measurement on the one or more reference signals.

70. The UE according to claim 68, wherein, The at least one processor is further configured to: The report describes the results of the positioning measurements.

71. The UE according to claim 70, wherein, The results of the positioning measurement include the measured values, positioning estimates based on the measured values, or a combination thereof.

72. The UE according to claim 68, wherein, The RRC configuration includes multiple parameters that associate the multiple location resources together to form the composite location resource, the multiple parameters occupying one or more information elements (IEs).

73. The UE according to claim 72, wherein, The one or more IEs include IEs that define FL or BWP, IEs that define location resource sets, IEs that define location resources, or combinations thereof.

74. The UE according to claim 68, wherein, Each location resource is identified by the identifier of the FL or BWP it occupies, the identifier of the location resource set to which it is a member, the identifier of the location resource, the identifier of the Transmit / Receive Point (TRP) or cell that sent the location resource, or a combination thereof.

75. The UE according to claim 68, wherein, Each positioning resource includes a downlink DL positioning reference signal (PRS) or an uplink UL detection reference signal (SRS).

76. The UE according to claim 68, wherein, Receive the RRC from the location server.

77. The UE of claim 76, wherein the positioning server includes a location management function (LMF) or a secure user plane location platform (SUPL) (SLP).

78. The UE according to claim 68, wherein, Receive the RRC from the serving base station.

79. The UE according to claim 68, wherein, Within the multiple FLs or BWPs, each location resource set has a unique location resource set ID, each location resource has a unique location resource ID, or a combination thereof.

80. The UE according to claim 68, wherein, The one or more IEs configured in the RRC will associate a set of FLs or BWPs with each other.

81. The UE according to claim 80, wherein, All location resource sets within the FL or BWP are associated with each other, or combinations thereof.

82. The UE according to claim 80, wherein, Within the location resource set of this FL or BWP group, only location resource sets with the same location resource set ID are associated with each other, or combinations thereof.

83. The UE according to claim 82, wherein, Associating location resource sets that do not have another location resource set with the same location resource set ID with each other, associating location resources that do not have another location resource set with the same location resource ID with each other, or combinations thereof.

84. The UE according to claim 68, wherein, The one or more IEs configured by the RRC associate a set of location resources with each other.

85. The UE according to claim 84, wherein, All location resources within this set of location resources are interconnected.

86. The UE according to claim 84, wherein, Within this set of location resources, only location resources with the same location resource ID are associated with each other.

87. The UE according to claim 86, wherein, Location resources that do not have another location resource with the same location resource ID will be associated with each other.

88. The UE according to claim 68, wherein, The one or more IEs configured by the RRC associate a set of location resources with each other.

89. The UE according to claim 68, wherein, The one or more IEs configured in the RRC: Associate an FL or BWP with another FL or BWP; Associate an FL or BWP with a set of location resources in another FL or BWP; Associate a FL or BWP with a location resource in another location resource set of the same FL or BWP, or a different FL or BWP. Or a combination thereof.

90. A user equipment (UE), comprising: Memory; At least one transceiver; as well as At least one processor, communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, the at least one processor being configured to: Receive a location resource configuration defining an aggregated location resource, the aggregated location resource comprising multiple location resource blocks that differ from each other in the time domain, frequency domain, or both, wherein the location resource configuration includes an Information Element (IE) that aggregates the multiple location resources together to form the aggregated location resource, and wherein the aggregated location resource is associated with its own location resource identifier; and Use the aggregated location resources to perform location measurements.

91. The UE according to claim 90, wherein, In order to perform the positioning measurement using the aggregated positioning resource, the at least one processor is configured to receive one or more reference signals within the aggregated positioning resource according to the positioning resource configuration, and to perform a measurement on the one or more reference signals.

92. The UE according to claim 90, wherein, The at least one processor is further configured to: The report describes the results of the positioning measurements.

93. The UE according to claim 92, wherein, The results of the positioning measurement include the measured values, positioning estimates based on the measured values, or a combination thereof.

94. The UE according to claim 90, wherein, The positioning resource configuration includes a list of positioning resource blocks, each of which has a specified location in the time domain and frequency domain.

95. The UE according to claim 90, wherein, The location resource configuration includes defining parameters for the following items: Locate the resource block; The number of times the location resource block is repeated; and For each repetition of the location resource block, the offset in the time domain, the offset in the frequency domain, or both.

96. The UE of claim 95, wherein the positioning resource configuration further includes parameters defining the following: Bandwidth for each location resource block; The frequency gap between repetitions of the location resource block; The time interval between repetitions of the location resource block; or Locate resource block comb pattern.

97. The UE according to claim 95, wherein, The location resource configuration also includes parameters that define the bandwidth of the aggregated location resources.

98. The UE according to claim 97, wherein, The location resource configuration also includes a surround flag to indicate whether a location resource block extending beyond one end of the bandwidth of the aggregated location resource will surround the other end of the bandwidth of the aggregated location resource.

99. The UE according to claim 90, wherein, Each positioning resource block includes a downlink DL positioning reference signal (PRS) block or an uplink UL detection reference signal (SRS) block.

100. The UE according to claim 90, wherein, Receive the location resource configuration from the location server.

101. The UE according to claim 100, wherein, The location server includes location management functionality (LMF) or secure user plane location (SUPL) and location platform (SLP).

102. The UE according to claim 90, wherein, Receive the location resource configuration from the serving base station.

103. The UE according to claim 90, wherein, The location resource configuration associates a group of FLs or BWPs with each other.

104. The UE according to claim 103, wherein, All location resource sets within the FL or BWP are associated with each other, or combinations thereof.

105. The UE according to claim 103, wherein, Within the location resource set of this FL or BWP group, only location resource sets with the same location resource set ID are associated with each other, or combinations thereof.

106. The UE according to claim 105, wherein, Associating location resource sets that do not have another location resource set with the same location resource set ID with each other, associating location resources that do not have another location resource set with the same location resource ID with each other, or combinations thereof.

107. The UE according to claim 90, wherein, The location resource configuration associates a set of location resources with each other.

108. The UE according to claim 107, wherein, All location resources within this set of location resources are interconnected.

109. The UE according to claim 107, wherein, Within this set of location resources, only location resources with the same location resource ID are associated with each other.

110. The UE according to claim 109, wherein, Location resources that do not have another location resource with the same location resource ID will be associated with each other.

111. The UE according to claim 90, wherein, The location resource configuration associates a set of location resources with each other.

112. The UE according to claim 90, wherein, The location resource configuration is as follows: Associate an FL or BWP with another FL or BWP; Associate an FL or BWP with a set of location resources in another FL or BWP; Associate a FL or BWP with a location resource in another location resource set of the same FL or BWP, or a different FL or BWP. Or a combination thereof.

113. A base station, comprising: Memory; At least one transceiver; as well as At least one processor, communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, the at least one processor being configured to: Receive from a location server a Radio Resource Control (RRC) configuration defining a composite location resource comprising multiple location resources, the multiple location resources including at least one location resource from each of multiple Frequency Layers (FLs) or Bandwidth Parts (BWPs), from each of multiple location resource sets, or combinations thereof, wherein the RRC configuration includes one or more Information Elements (IEs) that concatenate the multiple location resources together to form the composite location resource, and wherein the composite location resource is associated with its own location resource identifier; and Send the RRC configuration to the UE.

114. The base station according to claim 113, wherein, The RRC configuration includes the downlink positioning reference signal DL-PRS configuration.

115. The base station according to claim 114, wherein, The at least one processor is further configured to: The UE receives the results of positioning measurements performed using the synthetic resources.

116. The base station according to claim 113, wherein, The RRC configuration includes an uplink sounding reference signal (UL-SRS) configuration.

117. The base station according to claim 113, wherein, The location server includes location management functionality (LMF) or secure user plane location (SUPL) and location platform (SLP).

118. A base station, comprising: Memory; At least one transceiver; as well as At least one processor, communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, the at least one processor being configured to: Receive from a location server a location resource configuration defining an aggregated location resource, the aggregated location resource comprising multiple location resource blocks distinct in the time domain, frequency domain, or both, wherein the location resource configuration includes an Information Element (IE) that aggregates the multiple location resources together to form the aggregated location resource, and wherein the aggregated location resource is associated with its own location resource identifier; and The location resource configuration is sent to the user equipment (UE).

119. The base station according to claim 118, wherein, The positioning resource configuration includes the downlink positioning reference signal (DL-PRS) configuration.

120. The base station according to claim 119, wherein, The at least one processor is further configured to: The UE receives the results of positioning measurements performed using the aggregated positioning resources.

121. The base station according to claim 118, wherein, The positioning resource configuration includes the uplink detection reference signal UL-SRS configuration.

122. The base station according to claim 118, wherein, The location server includes location management functionality (LMF) or secure user plane location (SUPL) and location platform (SLP).

123. A location server, comprising: Memory; At least one transceiver; as well as At least one processor, communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, the at least one processor being configured to: A Radio Resource Control (RRC) configuration is defined to define a composite location resource comprising multiple location resources, wherein the multiple location resources include at least one location resource from each of multiple Frequency Layers (FLs) or Bandwidth Parts (BWPs), from each of multiple location resource sets, or combinations thereof, wherein the RRC configuration includes one or more Information Elements (IEs) that concatenate the multiple location resources together to form the composite location resource, and wherein the composite location resource is associated with its own location resource identifier; and Send the RRC configuration to the base station.

124. The location server according to claim 123, wherein, The RRC configuration includes the downlink positioning reference signal DL-PRS configuration.

125. The location server according to claim 124, wherein, The at least one processor is further configured to: Receive from the base station the results of positioning measurements performed by the user equipment (UE) using the synthetic resources.

126. The location server according to claim 123, wherein, The RRC configuration includes an uplink sounding reference signal (UL-SRS) configuration.

127. The location server according to claim 123, wherein, The location server includes location management functionality (LMF) or secure user plane location (SUPL) and location platform (SLP).

128. A location server, comprising: Memory; At least one transceiver; as well as At least one processor, communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, the at least one processor being configured to: Determine a location resource configuration that defines an aggregated location resource, the aggregated location resource comprising multiple location resource blocks that differ from each other in the time domain, frequency domain, or both, wherein the location resource configuration includes an Information Element (IE) that aggregates the multiple location resources together to form the aggregated location resource, and wherein the aggregated location resource is associated with its own location resource identifier; and The location resource configuration is sent to the base station.

129. The location server according to claim 128, wherein, The positioning resource configuration includes the downlink positioning reference signal (DL-PRS) configuration.

130. The location server according to claim 129, wherein, The at least one processor is further configured to: Receive from the base station the results of positioning measurements performed by the user equipment (UE) using the aggregated positioning resources.

131. The location server according to claim 128, wherein, The positioning resource configuration includes the uplink detection reference signal UL-SRS configuration.

132. The location server according to claim 128, wherein, The location server includes location management functionality (LMF) or secure user plane location (SUPL) and location platform (SLP).

133. An apparatus comprising components for performing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 67.

134. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer-executable instructions, the computer-executable instructions including at least one instruction for causing a computer or processor to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 67.

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