Dynamic uplink optimization procedure for positioning of inactive devices

Abstract

Systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products are provided for a dynamic uplink optimization process for locating inactive devices, such as reduced capability devices and other user equipment. For example, a method may include transmitting a location-specific association between a sounding reference signal index and a downlink resource index to a user equipment. Further, the method may include configuring the user equipment to have reporting behavior for uplink positioning in a radio resource control inactive mode. The method may also include receiving a parameter from the user equipment according to the configured reporting behavior.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Some example embodiments generally relate to communications including mobile or wireless telecommunication systems, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) or fifth generation (5G) radio access technology or new radio (NR) access technology, or other communication systems. For example, certain example embodiments generally relate to systems and / or methods for providing a dynamic uplink optimization process for positioning of non-active devices, such as reduced capability devices and other user equipment. Background Art

[0002] Examples of mobile or wireless telecommunication systems may include Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN), Long Term Evolution (LTE), Evolved UTRAN (E-UTRAN), Advanced LTE (LTE-A), MulteFire, LTE-A Professional Edition and / or fifth generation (5G) radio access technology or new radio (NR) access technology. 5G wireless systems refer to next generation (NG) radio systems and network architectures. 5G systems are primarily built on 5G New Radio (NR), but 5G (or NG) networks may also be built on E-UTRA radio. It is estimated that NR provides a bit rate of about 10-20G bits / second or higher, and can support at least service categories such as enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) and ultra-reliable low latency communications (URLLC) and massive machine type communications (mMTC). NR is expected to provide extremely high bandwidth and ultra-strong low latency connections and large-scale networks to support the Internet of Things (IoT). As IoT and machine-to-machine (M2M) communications become more popular, the demand for networks that meet the requirements of low power consumption, low data rates and long battery life will increase. Next Generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN) refers to the RAN for 5G, which can provide NR and LTE (and Advanced LTE) radio access. It is worth noting that in 5G, a node that can provide radio access functions for user equipment (i.e., similar to Node B (NB) in UTRAN or evolved NB (eNB) in LTE) can be called a next-generation NB (gNB) when built on NR radio and a next-generation eNB (NG-eNB) when built on E-UTRA radio. Summary of the invention

[0003] One embodiment may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured, together with the at least one processor, so that the apparatus at least performs a positioning-specific association between a sounding reference signal index and a downlink resource index to a user equipment. In addition, the at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured, together with the at least one processor, so that the apparatus at least performs a reporting behavior for configuring the user equipment to have uplink positioning in a radio resource control inactive mode. The at least one memory and the computer program code may also be configured, together with the at least one processor, so that the apparatus at least performs receiving parameters from the user equipment according to the configured reporting behavior.

[0004] One embodiment may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured, together with the at least one processor, so that the apparatus at least performs receiving a positioning-specific association between a sounding reference signal index and a downlink resource index. In addition, the at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured, together with the at least one processor, so that the apparatus at least performs receiving a configuration of a reporting behavior for uplink positioning in a radio resource control inactive mode. The at least one memory and the computer program code may also be configured, together with the at least one processor, so that the apparatus at least performs sending parameters according to the configured reporting behavior.

[0005] Embodiments may be directed to a method. The method may include sending a positioning-specific association between a sounding reference signal index and a downlink resource index to a user equipment. In addition, the method may include configuring the user equipment with a reporting behavior for uplink positioning in a radio resource control inactive mode. The method may also include receiving a parameter from the user equipment according to the configured reporting behavior.

[0006] One embodiment may be directed to a method. The method may include receiving, by a user equipment, a positioning-specific association between a sounding reference signal index and a downlink resource index. In addition, the method may include receiving, by the user equipment, a configuration of a reporting behavior for uplink positioning in a radio resource control inactive mode. The method may include sending, by the user equipment, parameters according to the configured reporting behavior.

[0007] One embodiment may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include means for sending a positioning-specific association between a sounding reference signal index and a downlink resource index to a user equipment. In addition, the apparatus may include means for configuring the user equipment with a reporting behavior for uplink positioning in a radio resource control inactive mode. The apparatus may also include means for receiving parameters from the user equipment according to the configured reporting behavior.

[0008] One embodiment may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include means for receiving a positioning-specific association between a sounding reference signal index and a downlink resource index. In addition, the apparatus may also include means for receiving a configuration of a reporting behavior for uplink positioning in a radio resource control inactive mode. The apparatus may also include means for sending parameters according to the configured reporting behavior. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] For the purpose of a proper understanding of the exemplary embodiments, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0010] Figure 1 A flow chart showing a method according to some embodiments;

[0011] Figure 2 shows a further flow chart of a method according to some embodiments;

[0012] Figure 3 Shown with Figure 1 The example implementation of the signaling flow of the corresponding embodiment; and

[0013] Figure 4 An example block diagram of a system according to an embodiment is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] It will be readily appreciated that the components of certain example embodiments as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Accordingly, the following detailed description of some example embodiments of systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for providing a dynamic uplink optimization process for positioning of inactive devices, such as reduced-capability devices and other user equipment, is not intended to limit the scope of certain embodiments, but rather represents selected example embodiments.

[0015] The features, structures, or characteristics of the example embodiments described throughout this specification may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more example embodiments. For example, the use of the phrases "certain embodiments," "some embodiments," or other similar language throughout this specification refers to the fact that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in association with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the phrases "certain embodiments," "in some embodiments," "in other embodiments," or other similar language appearing throughout this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same set of embodiments, and the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more example embodiments.

[0016] Certain embodiments may have various aspects and features. These aspects and features may be applied alone or in any desired combination with each other. Other features, processes and elements may also be applied in combination with some or all of the aspects and features disclosed herein.

[0017] Additionally, if desired, the different functions or processes discussed below may be performed in different orders and / or simultaneously with each other. Furthermore, if desired, one or more of the described functions or processes may be optional or combinable. Therefore, the following description should be considered as an illustration of the principles and teachings of certain example embodiments, rather than a limitation thereof.

[0018] Certain embodiments relate to New Radio (NR) positioning. More specifically, certain embodiments relate to uplink (UL) positioning procedures for low-power user equipment (UE), such as Release 18 (Release-18) NR reduced capability (RedCap) devices. These devices can extend the radio resource control (RRC) inactive state as much as possible, thereby saving energy. NR-based radio access technology (RAT)-dependent positioning solutions can achieve positioning in both frequency range 1 (FR1) and frequency range 2 (FR2). RAT-dependent positioning solutions can be divided into downlink (DL), UL and DL / UL positioning technologies.

[0019] In the example implementation described in the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Technical Report (TR) 38.804, NR has three RRC states, including RRC connected, RRC idle, and RRC inactive. In such an implementation, when the UE is in the RRC connected state, the UE can communicate with the next generation NodeB (gNB) using typical NR physical channels and procedures. If there is no data transmission between the gNB and the UE, the UE can switch to the RRC idle or RRC inactive state to reduce power consumption. In such an implementation, a UE in the RRC inactive state can move to the RRC connected or RRC idle state, but a UE in the RRC idle state cannot move to the RRC inactive state. Generally, a UE in the RRC idle or RRC inactive state can return to the RRC connected state to use typical NR physical channels and procedures for data transmission between the gNB and the UE. According to the example implementation described in 3GPP TR38.804, a UE in the RRC inactive state is allowed to send small UL data (SDT) without having to perform a full state transition to the RRC connected state using a 4-step or 2-step RACH process.

[0020] Taking into account the permission of SDT services in RRC inactive state, UL positioning can be used for inactive NR UE. Specifically, SDT messages can be used to request and report positioning information, and can also be used to (re)configure inactive positioning sessions. In addition, the location management function (LMF) can respond when receiving a UE SDT message containing positioning information.

[0021] For example, an uplink location service (LCS) or long term evolution (LTE) positioning protocol (LPP) message may be transmitted in the RRC inactive state. If the UE initiated data transmission uses UL SDT, the network may send a DL LCS, LPP message, and an RRC message to the UE, for example, to configure a sounding reference signal (SRS) (if UL positioning is supported). Otherwise, if the UE does not initiate UL SDT, the network may use, for example, a radio access network (RAN) paging to transition the UE to an RRC connection.

[0022] SRS configuration for UEs in RRC inactive state may be supported, either within the initial bandwidth part (BWP) or outside the initial BWP.

[0023] UE mobility may affect UL SDT transmission. For example, a suspension of the RRC connection may be initiated by a serving / anchor base station of the network (such as a gNB). Based on the suspension, the network may store the current configuration parameters of the UE in the UE context. The UE may initiate the resumption of the RRC connection on a target / non-anchor base station that is different from the serving base station. The UE may send a request for resumption to the target / non-anchor base station. Upon receiving the request, the target / non-anchor base station may send a request for the UE context to the serving / anchor base station. Based on non-anchor relocation, small data may be sent to the serving / anchor base station via the target / non-anchor base station. The serving / anchor base station may send small data to a core network entity, such as a user plane function (UPF).

[0024] To trigger an UL LPP positioning session, the fifth generation (5G) NR LMF may configure the transmission of uplink reference signals for positioning, such as SRS signals for positioning. These uplink reference signals for positioning may be configured relative to the serving cell of the target UE. Therefore, at the request of the LMF, the SRS signals for positioning may need to be configured by the serving gNB. It may also be necessary to configure enough transmit receive points (TRPs) for the uplink reference signals for positioning to hear them. To this end, the LMF may benefit from knowing the rough UE position for each TRP, and selecting and notifying those TRPs that may be within the range of the UE, i.e., the TRPs that may hear the UE.

[0025] For devices in RRC connected mode, the LMF can have full knowledge of the serving gNB and continuously estimate the UE coarse location. Therefore, the LMF can efficiently configure the UL positioning session with minimal signaling overhead.

[0026] However, in RRC inactive mode, the UE may move between cells in a manner that is transparent to the LMF. Therefore, the LMF may not have an updated coarse UE position. Without such updated information, the choice of implementing a TRP may not be optimal. One solution to this problem is to wake up the UE so that the LMF is subsequently updated if / when the UE transfers to a new cell. However, transitioning the UE to an RRC connection solely for positioning purposes may be considered power consuming. The periodic nature of positioning applications may exacerbate power consumption, which may pose a challenge for low power UEs, both in terms of signaling overhead and computational complexity. Therefore, certain embodiments may provide a method for successfully maintaining or updating an UL positioning session when the UE is in RRC inactive.

[0027] One option is to reserve SRS resources across cells for inactive UEs. In this way, this approach enables UEs to keep the same SRS configuration when moving from one cell to another. Resource reservation methods for positioning can solve this problem, but at the expense of spectrum inefficiency.

[0028] Such positioning resource utilization depends on the number of devices configured for UL positioning. This means that in some cases, SRS resources may be underutilized, while in some other cases, inactive UEs may need to wait before accessing SRS resources, exceeding their allowed delay number. In addition, resource reservation for positioning may be detrimental to other data service types, such as Ultra-Reliable Low Delay Communication (URLLC), which may have more stringent Quality of Service (QoS) requirements.

[0029] Certain embodiments provide for UL positioning session reconfiguration for a UE that is RRC inactive and may be a reduced capability device. Certain embodiments provide methods and corresponding apparatus that overcome the shortcomings of other methods, while keeping signaling overhead to a minimum and without requiring the UE to switch to an RRC connection. Such a feature may be achieved by enabling an inactive UE and a LMF to exchange short messages, where messages with tens of bits of payload may be considered short messages, with which a complete reconfiguration of an RRC inactive UL positioning session is possible. More generally, the type of short message that may be used may be a message suitable for sending via an SDT other than a Short Message Service (SMS) message. See, for example, Annex G of 3GPP TR 38.804 V14.0.0 (2017-03).

[0030] Figure 1 A flow chart of a method according to some embodiments is shown. Figure 1 As shown, when the target UE is in RRC connection, the LMF at 110 may periodically generate, send, and / or distribute positioning-specific mappings or associations between UL positioning signals (such as SRS) and DL cell-specific reference signals (CRS), and / or UE-specific signals (such as SSB). The mapping or association may be sent as a Long Term Evolution (LTE) Positioning Protocol (LPP) and / or New Radio Positioning Protocol A (NRPPa) message. This may only be performed when the UE is in RRC connection, unlike RRC inactivity.

[0031] Such a mapping may describe an association between an SSB index and an SRS index, the latter describing a complete time-frequency code SRS configuration. Specifically, after an inactive UE has identified the index of the best SSB, the mapping may indicate which SRS configuration the UE selects / uses in UL positioning. The best SSB may be identified based on, for example, an SSB with a relatively large reference signal received power (RSRP), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), etc. The SSB is provided as an example of a resource, but the mapping may be an association between an index of any suitable resource (such as a symbol or symbol group) and an SRS index.

[0032] For example, in a particular case, the mapping may identify that for the best SSB index X, the SRS index may be Set(X)=[x1, x2, ...], and for the best SSB index Y, the SRS index may be Set(Y)=[y1, y2, ...].

[0033] For RRC inactive UEs, SSB monitoring may be performed for other reasons, and thus, such SSB monitoring may be used for these additional purposes without requiring the inactive UE to perform any additional positioning related measurements. The UE may receive a positioning-specific mapping at 115 .

[0034] At 120, the LMF may configure the target UE behavior for UL positioning in the RRC inactive state using an LPP message. Specifically, the UE may be requested to record the best SSB index for each LPP session. The best SSB index may be explicitly defined by the LMF. For example, after performing SSB sorting using one or more of the following key performance indicators (KPIs), the LMF may indicate the use of mapping: SSB-RSRP, SSB-SINR, SSB line of sight (SSB-LOS) indication, and SSB timing advance (SSB-TA).

[0035] Thus, for example, a reporting behavior configuration may identify that when a predetermined trigger occurs, the user equipment reports or sends a report of a predetermined ranked resource index value and a predetermined timestamp of the trigger. The predetermined trigger may be based on a criterion provided to the user equipment or otherwise used by the user equipment to determine that the resource index is prior to or superior to the previous best resource index. More specifically, the ranked resource index values ​​may include a first predetermined number of values ​​ranked by a criterion provided to the user equipment or otherwise used by the user equipment. For example, the criterion may be based on at least one of SSB-RSRP, SSB-SINR, SSB-LOS indication, or SSB-TA. Similarly, or alternatively, the ranked resource index values ​​may include a second predetermined number of sounding reference signal indexes, wherein the sounding reference signal index is derived from a positioning-specific mapping. For example, whenever the strongest SSB index changes relative to the latest LPP session, the inactive UE may use UL SDT transmission to report to the LMF at least the best K>1 SSB indexes {X, Y, ...} and the timestamp when the change occurs. Alternatively or additionally, the target UE may report to the LMF an ordered list of L>K preferred SRS indices, e.g., {x1, x2, y1}, obtained using mapping and its own SSB quality measurement, which may be provided in the LPP report.

[0036] At 125, a configuration may be received by the UE. Then, when the UE enters the RRC inactive state, the UE may begin operating based on the configuration. At 135, when a predetermined trigger occurs relative to the latest LPP session (such as a change in the strongest SSB index), the UE, now in inactive mode, may report to the LMF using SDT. Thus, at 135, the UE may report the index described above. At 130, the LMF may receive a report from an inactive UE.

[0037] At 140, the LMF may select an SRS index based on parameters provided from the report of the UE. Thus, for example, the LMF may select an SRS index using K SSB indices and / or L SRS indices, for example, the LMF may select a specific SSB index x2.

[0038] Then, at 150, the LMF may provide the SRS index to the new RAN node, and the UE may be configured. For example, the new radio access network node may be a different radio access network node than the past radio access network node that the user equipment was once associated with. At 152, the new RAN node (which may be a gNB) may reserve resources and confirm the configuration. At 155, the UE may receive the configuration of the new SRS index that has been selected by the LMF and confirmed by the new RAN node.

[0039] At 160, the LMF may inform the past radio access network node that the resources corresponding to the sounding reference signal are reusable by the past radio access network node.

[0040] Thus, for example, in one embodiment, which may be described as involving an implicit SRS reconfiguration request and protocol, the LMF may use an NRPPa message to provide the SRS index x2 to the new corresponding gNB (identified as gNB X for convenience). The LMF may also notify the past gNB (identified as gNB P for convenience) that the past SRS resources (identified as SRS p for convenience) may be reused. This notification may also be performed in the NRPPa message. gNBX may reserve resources associated with SRS x2. gNB X may also confirm the new SRS x2 configuration to the LMF. In response to the UL SDT transmission received above, the LMF may configure the new SRS x2 to the UE accordingly. The LMF may then indicate the new SRS x2 configuration to the neighboring gNBs in the NRPPa message, and at the same time the UE may switch to SRS x2.

[0041] Figure 2 A further flow chart of a method according to some embodiments is shown. Figure 2 The method from 110 to 140 can be referred to above Figure 1 As described. However, at 250, the LMF may send an SRS index to a UE that may be in an inactive state. The inactive UE may receive the SRS index at 255 and request the SRS from the network at 265. At 267, the past RAN node may pass the request to the new RAN node. At 268, the new RAN node may confirm the request. The network may then confirm the SRS to the UE at 269. Finally, at 275, the UE may receive confirmation from the network. Thus, the user equipment may be configured to request allocation of resources corresponding to the sounding reference signal index from the radio access network node. The allocation process may include coordination between the current and past radio access network nodes of the user equipment.

[0042] For example, in an embodiment that can be considered as an explicit SRS reconfiguration request, the LMF may send an SRS index x2 to the inactive UE in an LPP message.

[0043] The UE may request SRS x2 from the network via UL SDT. Since the inactive UE may still reside on the past gNB, the request may be forwarded from the past gNB to the new gNB, i.e. gNB X, via the X2 interface. The new gNB, gNB X may confirm the new SRS configuration to the past gNB. The network may then confirm SRS x2 to the UE.

[0044] Figure 3 Shown with Figure 1 The example implementation corresponds to the signal flow of the embodiment. Figure 3 The embodiment shown in can be viewed as having an implicit SRS reconfiguration request and protocol.

[0045] At 1, the UE may be in an RRC connected state. At 2, the LMF may update the SSB to SRS mapping. This may be done periodically and the mapping may be generated by the LMF as described above. In other options, the update may be performed in response to a predetermined event or on demand. The message at 2 may be transmitted via RRC Inactive UL / DL SDT.

[0046] At 3, possibly at some later time, the UE may enter an RRC Inactive state. At 4, a nearby RAN node gNB_X may send an SSB to the UE. At 5, the UE may perform SSB measurements on the SSB provided by gNB_X. If triggered by a new best SSB, at 6, the UE may perform SRS index selection. At 7, the UE may report the SSB and / or SSB index. The message at 7 may be transmitted via RRC Inactive UL / DL SDT.

[0047] Then, if Figure 3 As shown, at 8, the LMF can select an SRS index, such as SRS x2. The signal flow for 8 may correspond to Figure 1 and 2 The process to 140 shown in . At 9, the LMF can make a TRP selection, for example, selecting gNB_X instead of gNB_P which may have been a past RAN node of the UE.

[0048] At 10, the LMF may indicate the SRS x2 selection to gNB_X, which may be a new RAN node for the UE. Similarly, at 11, the LMF may indicate to the past gNB, gNB_P, to release the past SRS resources, e.g., SRS with index p.

[0049] At 12, gNB_X may perform resource reservation for SRS x2. At 13, gNB_X may confirm SRSx2 to the LMF. The process at 13 may ensure that the LMF obtains confirmation that the SRS configuration has changed. The LMF may benefit from the updated transmitted SRS because the LMF may then update all neighboring TRPs regarding the latest SRS update. All neighboring TRPs may be notified accordingly at 15, otherwise the neighboring TRPs may not be aware of where to expect the SRS from the UE and report to the LMF. At 14, the LMF may configure SRS x2 to the UE so that the SRS x2 configuration may be provided to the UE via the LMF. At 16, SRS transmission and reception may be performed on the SRS with index x2.

[0050] In an embodiment with an explicit SRS reconfiguration request, for example Figure 2 The embodiment shown in FIG. 1 can provide similar Figure 3 8 in the signal flow of process 8. After this process, the UE can process the SRS reconfiguration request through interaction with the gNB. Specifically, Figure 3 After process 8, the following signaling may be applied. The LMF may send SRS index x2 to the inactive UE in the LPP message. The UE may request SRS x2 from the network via UL SDT.

[0051] In the first option, since the inactive UE is still camped on the past gNB, the request can go from the UE in an UL message to the past gNB P. Next, the message from the past gNB P can be forwarded to gNB X via the X2 interface using X2 backhaul signaling. After this, gNB X can confirm the new SRS configuration to the past gNB P. Finally, the network (e.g., past gNB Pm) can confirm the SRS x2 to the UE in the DL SDT.

[0052] In the second option, since the SDT standard may allow for the UE to send UL SDT directly to gNB X, an alternative option may be for the request to go from the UE to gNB X in a non-serving UL SDT message. The request from gNB X may then be forwarded to the past gNB P using X2 backhaul signaling over the X2 interface. After this, gNB P may confirm the new SRS configuration to gNB X. Finally, the network (either the past gNB P or gNB X) may confirm SRS x2 to the UE, and gNBX may reserve SRS x2, while gNB P may release the past SRS configuration.

[0053] Figure 4An example of a system including an apparatus 10 according to an embodiment is shown. In an embodiment, the apparatus 10 may be a node, a host, or a server in a communication network or serving such a network. For example, the apparatus 10 may be a network node, a satellite, a base station, a NodeB, an evolved NodeB (eNB), a 5G NodeB or access point, a next generation NodeB (NG-NB or gNB), a TRP, a HAPS, an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node, and / or a WLAN access point associated with a radio access network (such as an LTE network, 5G or NR). In some example embodiments, the apparatus 10 may be, for example, a gNB or other similar radio node.

[0054] It should be understood that in some example embodiments, the device 10 may include an edge cloud server as a distributed computing system, where the server and the radio nodes may be independent devices that communicate with each other via a radio path or via a wired connection, or they may be located in the same entity that communicates via a wired connection. For example, in certain example embodiments where the device 10 represents a gNB, it may be configured in a central unit (CU) and distributed unit (DU) architecture that divides the gNB functionality. In such an architecture, the CU may be a logical node that includes gNB functionality (such as user data transfer, mobility control, radio access network sharing, positioning, and / or session management, etc.). The CU may control the operation of (multiple) DUs via a mid-range interface (referred to as the F1 interface), and the (multiple) DUs may have one or more radio units (RUs) connected to the (multiple) DUs via a front-range interface. The DU may be a logical node that includes a subset of the gNB functionality, depending on the functional splitting option. It should be noted that a person of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the device 10 may include Figure 4 Components or features not shown.

[0055] like Figure 4 As shown in the example of , the device 10 may include a processor 12 for processing information and executing instructions or operations. The processor 12 may be any type of general-purpose or special-purpose processor. In fact, as an example, the processor 12 may include one or more of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and a processor based on a multi-core processor architecture, or any other processing component. Although Figure 4A single processor 12 is shown in FIG. 1 , but multiple processors may be used according to other embodiments. For example, it should be understood that in some embodiments, the device 10 may include two or more processors that may form a multiprocessor system that may support multiple processes (e.g., in which case, the processor 12 may represent a multiprocessor). In some embodiments, the multiprocessor system may be tightly coupled or loosely coupled (e.g., to form a computer cluster).

[0056] Processor 12 may perform functions associated with the operation of device 10, which may include, for example, precoding of antenna gain / phase parameters, encoding and decoding of individual bits forming communication messages, formatting of information, and overall control of device 10, including processes involving communications or communication resource management.

[0057] The device 10 may also include or be coupled to a memory 14 (internal or external), which may be coupled to the processor 12 for storing information and instructions that may be executed by the processor 12. The memory 14 may be one or more memories and may be of any type suitable for the local application environment and may be implemented using any suitable volatile or non-volatile data storage technology (such as semiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory, and / or removable memory). For example, the memory 14 may be composed of any combination of random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), static memory (such as a magnetic disk or optical disk), hard disk drive (HDD), or any other type of non-transient machine or computer readable medium, or other suitable storage components. The instructions stored in the memory 14 may include program instructions or computer program code that, when executed by the processor 12, enables the device 10 to perform tasks as described herein.

[0058] In an embodiment, the device 10 may also include or be coupled to (internal or external) a drive or port configured to accept and read an external computer-readable storage medium (such as an optical disk, a USB drive, a flash drive, or any other storage medium). For example, the external computer-readable storage medium may store a computer program or software for execution by the processor 12 and / or the device 10.

[0059] In some embodiments, the device 10 may further include or be coupled to one or more antennas 15 for sending signals and / or data to the device 10 and receiving signals and / or data from the device 10. The device 10 may further include or be coupled to a transceiver 18 configured to send and receive information. The transceiver 18 may include, for example, a plurality of radio interfaces that may be coupled to (a plurality of) antennas 15, or may include any other suitable transceiver components. The radio interface may correspond to a variety of radio access technologies, including one or more of a global system for mobile communications (GSM), narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), LTE, 5G, WLAN, Bluetooth (BT), Bluetooth Low Energy (BT-LE), near field communication (NFC), radio frequency identifier (RFID), ultra-wideband (UWB), MulteFire, etc. The radio interface may include components such as filters, converters (e.g., digital-to-analog converters, etc.), mappers, fast Fourier transform (FFT) modules, etc., to generate symbols for transmission via one or more downlinks and receive symbols (e.g., via an uplink).

[0060] Thus, the transceiver 18 may be configured to modulate information onto a carrier waveform for transmission by the antenna(s) 15, and to demodulate information received via the antenna(s) 15 for further processing by other elements of the apparatus 10. In other embodiments, the transceiver 18 may be capable of directly sending and receiving signals or data. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the apparatus 10 may include input and / or output devices (I / O devices), or input / output components.

[0061] In an embodiment, the memory 14 may store software modules that provide functionality when executed by the processor 12. The modules may include, for example, an operating system that provides operating system functionality for the device 10. The memory may also store one or more functional modules, such as applications or programs, to provide additional functionality for the device 10. The components of the device 10 may be implemented in hardware, or in any suitable combination of hardware and software.

[0062] According to some embodiments, processor 12 and memory 14 may be included in a processing circuit system / component or a control circuit system / component, or may form part of a processing circuit system / component or a control circuit system / component. In addition, in some embodiments, transceiver 18 may be included in a transceiver circuit system / component, or may form part of a transceiver circuit system / component.

[0063] As used herein, the term "circuitry" may refer to a hardware circuitry implementation only (e.g., analog and / or digital circuitry), a combination of hardware circuitry and software, a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuitry and software / firmware, any portion of a hardware processor(s) working together with software (including a digital signal processor) to enable a device (e.g., device 10) to perform various functions, and / or hardware circuit(s) and / or processor(s) or portions thereof that operate using software, but where the software may not be present when the operation is not required. As a further example, as used herein, the term "circuitry" may also encompass an implementation of a hardware circuit or processor only (or multiple processors), or a portion of a hardware circuit or processor, and its accompanying software and / or firmware. The term circuitry may also encompass, for example, a baseband integrated circuit in a server, a cellular network node or device, or other computing or network device.

[0064] As introduced above, in some embodiments, the device 10 may be a network element or a RAN node, such as a base station, an access point, a Node B, an eNB, a gNB, a TRP, a HAPS, an IAB node, a relay node, a WLAN access point, a satellite, etc., or may be part of a network element or a RAN node. In an example embodiment, the device 10 may be a gNB or other radio node, or may be a CU and / or DU of a gNB. According to some embodiments, the device 10 may be controlled by the memory 14 and the processor 12 to perform functions associated with any of the embodiments described herein. For example, in some embodiments, the device 10 may be configured to perform one or more of the processes depicted in any flowchart or signaling diagram described herein, such as Figures 1 to 3 In some embodiments, the apparatus 10 may be configured to perform a process involving providing a dynamic uplink optimization process for locating inactive devices (e.g., such as reduced-capability devices and other user equipment), as discussed herein.

[0065] Figure 4An example of an apparatus 20 according to an embodiment is further shown. In an embodiment, the apparatus 20 may be a node or element in a communication network or a network associated with such a network, such as a UE, a communication node, a mobile device (ME), a mobile station, a mobile device, a fixed device, an IoT device, or other device. As described herein, a UE may be alternatively referred to as, for example, a mobile station, a mobile equipment, a mobile unit, a mobile device, a user device, a user station, a wireless terminal, a tablet computer, a smart phone, an IoT device, a sensor or an NB-IoT device, a watch or other wearable device, a head mounted display (HMD), a vehicle, a drone, a medical device and its applications (e.g., remote surgery), an industrial device and its applications (e.g., a robot and / or other wireless device operating in the context of an industrial and / or automated processing chain), a consumer electronic device, a device operating on a commercial and / or industrial wireless network, etc. As an example, the apparatus 20 may be implemented in, for example, a wireless handheld device, a wireless plug-in accessory, etc.

[0066] In some example embodiments, the apparatus 20 may include one or more processors, one or more computer-readable storage media (e.g., memory, storage space, etc.), one or more radio access components (e.g., modems, transceivers, etc.), and / or a user interface. In some embodiments, the apparatus 20 may be configured to operate using one or more radio access technologies, such as GSM, LTE, LTE-A, NR, 5G, WLAN, WiFi, NB-IoT, Bluetooth, NFC, MulteFire, and / or any other radio access technology. It should be noted that a person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the apparatus 20 may include Figure 4 Components or features not shown.

[0067] like Figure 4 As shown in the example of , the device 20 may include or be coupled to a processor 22 for processing information and executing instructions or operations. The processor 22 may be any type of general or special purpose processor. In fact, the processor 22 may include one or more of a general purpose computer, a special purpose computer, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and a processor based on a multi-core processor architecture. Although Figure 4 A single processor 22 is shown in FIG. 1 , but according to other embodiments, multiple processors may be used. For example, it should be understood that in some embodiments, the apparatus 20 may include two or more processors that may form a multiprocessor system capable of supporting multiple processes (e.g., in which case, the processor 22 may represent a multiprocessor). In some embodiments, the multiprocessor system may be tightly coupled or loosely coupled (e.g., forming a computer cluster).

[0068] Processor 22 may perform functions associated with the operation of device 20, including, as some examples, precoding of antenna gain / phase parameters, encoding and decoding of individual bits forming communication messages, formatting of information, and overall control of device 20, including processes involving communication resource management.

[0069] The device 20 may also include or be coupled to a memory 24 (internal or external) that may be coupled to the processor 22 for storing information and instructions that may be executed by the processor 22. The memory 24 may be one or more memories, and any type suitable for the local application environment, and may be implemented using any suitable volatile or non-volatile data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory, and / or removable memory. For example, the memory 24 may be composed of any combination of random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), static memory (such as a magnetic disk or optical disk), hard disk drive (HDD), or any other type of non-transient machine or computer readable medium. The instructions stored in the memory 24 may include program instructions or computer program code that, when executed by the processor 22, enables the device 20 to perform the tasks described herein.

[0070] In an embodiment, the device 20 may also include or be coupled to a (internal or external) drive or port configured to accept and read an external computer-readable storage medium (such as an optical disk, a USB drive, a flash drive, or any other storage medium). For example, the external computer-readable storage medium may store a computer program or software for execution by the processor 22 and / or the device 20.

[0071] In some embodiments, the device 20 may also include or be coupled to one or more antennas 25 for receiving downlink signals and for transmitting from the device 20 via an uplink. The device 20 may also include a transceiver 28 configured to send and receive information. The transceiver 28 may also include a radio interface (e.g., a modem) coupled to the antenna 25. The radio interface may correspond to a variety of radio access technologies, including one or more of GSM, LTE, LTE-A, 5G, NR, WLAN, NB-IoT, Bluetooth, BT-LE, NFC, RFID, UWB, etc. The radio interface may include other components, such as filters, converters (e.g., digital-to-analog converters, etc.), symbol demappers, signal shaping components, inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) modules, etc., to process symbols carried by the downlink or uplink, such as OFDM symbols.

[0072] For example, the transceiver 28 may be configured to modulate information onto a carrier waveform for transmission by the antenna(s) 25, and to demodulate information received via the antenna(s) 25 for further processing by other elements of the apparatus 20. In other embodiments, the transceiver 28 may be capable of directly sending and receiving signals or data. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the apparatus 20 may include input and / or output devices (I / O devices). In some embodiments, the apparatus 20 may also include a user interface, such as a graphical user interface or a touch screen.

[0073] In an embodiment, the memory 24 stores software modules that provide functionality when executed by the processor 22. The modules may include, for example, an operating system that provides operating system functionality for the device 20. The memory may also store one or more functional modules, such as applications or programs, to provide additional functionality for the device 20. The components of the device 20 may be implemented in hardware, or in any suitable combination of hardware and software. According to an example embodiment, the device 20 may be optionally configured to communicate with the device 10 via a wireless or wired communication link 70 according to any radio access technology (such as NR).

[0074] According to some embodiments, processor 22 and memory 24 may be included in processing circuitry or control circuitry, or may form part of processing circuitry or control circuitry. In addition, in some embodiments, transceiver 28 may be included in transceiver circuitry, or may form part of transceiver circuitry.

[0075] As described above, according to some embodiments, the apparatus 20 may be, for example, a UE, a SL UE, a relay UE, a mobile device, a mobile station, a ME, an IoT device, and / or a NB-IoT device, etc. According to some embodiments, the apparatus 20 may be controlled by the memory 24 and the processor 22 to perform functions associated with any of the embodiments described herein, such as Figure 1-3 as shown in, or with respect to Figure 1-3 One or more of the operations described, or any other method described herein. For example, in an embodiment, as described in detail elsewhere herein, the apparatus 20 may be controlled to perform a process involving providing a dynamic uplink optimization process for locating inactive devices (such as reduced capability devices and other user equipment).

[0076] In some embodiments, an apparatus (e.g., apparatus 10 and / or apparatus 20) may include a component for performing a method, process, or any variant discussed herein. Examples of the component may include one or more processors, memories, controllers, transmitters, receivers, and / or computer program codes for causing any operation discussed herein to be performed.

[0077] In view of the foregoing, certain example embodiments provide several technical improvements, enhancements, and / or advantages over prior art processes, and constitute improvements at least in the field of wireless network control and / or management technology. Certain embodiments may have various benefits and / or advantages. For example, in certain embodiments, it may not be necessary to convert an inactive UE to a connected state to update its SRS configuration. Certain embodiments may minimize user equipment-network bidirectional signaling, particularly in scenarios with multiple inactive UEs and mobility. Certain embodiments may be attractive for positioning low-power UEs (such as reduced-capacity UEs). Therefore, certain embodiments may be highly relevant to Release 18 positioning.

[0078] In some example embodiments, the functionality of any method, process, signaling diagram, algorithm, or flow chart described herein may be implemented by software, and / or computer program code or code portions stored in a memory, or other computer-readable or tangible medium, and may be executed by a processor.

[0079] In some example embodiments, the device may include or be associated with at least one software application, module, unit or entity configured for (multiple) arithmetic operations or as a program or program part (including added or updated software routines), which can be executed by at least one operating processor or controller. Programs including software routines, applets and macros, also known as program products or computer programs, can be stored in any device-readable data storage medium and can include program instructions for performing specific tasks. A computer program product may include one or more computer executable components configured to perform some example embodiments when the program is run. The one or more computer executable components may be at least one software code or part of a code. The modifications and configurations required to implement the functions of the example embodiments may be performed as (multiple) routines, which may be implemented as (multiple) software routines added or updated. In one example, the software routines may be downloaded to the device.

[0080] As an example, the software or computer program code or a portion of the code may be in source code form, object code form, or some intermediate form, and may be stored in some carrier, distribution medium, or computer readable medium, which may be any entity or device capable of carrying the program. Such carriers may include, for example, recording media, computer memory, read-only memory, optoelectronic and / or electrical carrier signals, telecommunication signals, and / or software distribution packages. Depending on the processing power required, the computer program may be executed in a single electronic digital computer, or it may be distributed in multiple computers. The computer readable medium or computer readable storage medium may be a non-transient medium.

[0081] In other example embodiments, the functions of the example embodiments may be performed by hardware or circuitry included in the device, such as by using an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable gate array (PGA), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or any other hardware and software combination. In yet another example embodiment, the functions of the example embodiments may be implemented as a signal, such as an intangible component, which may be carried by an electromagnetic signal downloaded from the Internet or other network.

[0082] According to example embodiments, an apparatus (such as a node, a device or a corresponding component) may be configured as a circuit system, a computer or a microprocessor (such as a single-chip computer element), or a chipset, which may include at least one memory for providing storage capacity for (multiple) arithmetic operations, and / or an operation processor for performing (multiple) arithmetic operations.

[0083] The example embodiments described herein may apply to both singular and plural implementations, regardless of whether singular or plural language is used when describing certain embodiments. For example, an embodiment describing the operation of a single network node may also apply to example embodiments including multiple instances of the network node, and vice versa.

[0084] Those with ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that the example embodiments described above may be practiced using processes in a different order, and / or using hardware elements in a configuration different from that disclosed. Therefore, although some embodiments have been described based on these example embodiments, certain modifications, changes, and alternative configurations are apparent to those skilled in the art while still being within the spirit and scope of the example embodiments.

[0085] Partial Glossary

[0086] LMF Location Management Function

[0087] UE User Equipment

[0088] TRP Transmit Receive Point

[0089] LPP LTE Positioning Protocol

[0090] IE Information Elements

[0091] SDT Small Data Transfer

[0092] SRS Sounding Reference Signal

[0093] DMRS Demodulation Reference Signal

[0094] SSB Synchronous Signal Block

Claims

1. A device comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory, the at least one memory comprising computer program code, The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least perform: sending a positioning-specific association between a sounding reference signal index and a downlink resource index to a user equipment; configuring the user equipment to have a reporting behavior for uplink positioning in a radio resource control inactive mode; as well as Parameters are received from the user equipment according to the configured reporting behavior. 2 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the sending is performed periodically based on periodic generation of the positioning-specific association, performed in response to a predetermined event, or performed on demand.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sending to the user equipment is dependent on the user equipment being in a radio resource control connected mode.

4. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the association is between the sounding reference signal index and the synchronization signal block index, or the beam index.

5. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the reporting behavior configuration identifies the following items: when a predetermined trigger occurs, the user equipment sends at least one of the following items: a predetermined hierarchically ordered resource index value, and a timestamp of the predetermined trigger, wherein the parameters include the predetermined hierarchically ordered resource index value.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the predetermined trigger comprises: A resource index is determined to be superior to a previous best resource index based on criteria provided to the user equipment.

7. The apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the hierarchically ordered resource index values ​​comprise: A first predetermined number of values ​​ordered by the criteria provided to the user equipment.

8. An apparatus according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the criteria include at least one of the following items: a synchronization signal block reference signal received power, a synchronization signal block signal to interference plus noise ratio, a synchronization signal block line of sight indication, or a synchronization signal block timing advance.

9. The apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the hierarchically ordered resource index values ​​comprise: A second predetermined number of sounding reference signal indices, wherein the sounding reference signal indices are derived from the positioning-specific associations.

10. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein receiving the parameter comprises: The parameter sent by the user equipment using a small data transmission is received.

11. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least perform: A sounding reference signal index is selected based on the parameter received from the user equipment.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least perform: The sounding reference signal index is provided to a radio access network node, wherein the radio access network node is different from a past radio access network node with which the user equipment was associated.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least perform: receiving an acknowledgement of the sounding reference signal index from the radio access network node; and The user equipment is configured to have the sounding reference signal index.

14. The apparatus according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least perform: The past radio access network node is informed that resources corresponding to the sounding reference signal are reusable by the past radio access network node.

15. The apparatus according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least perform: The sounding reference signal index is sent to the user equipment, wherein the user equipment is configured to request allocation of resources corresponding to the sounding reference signal index from a radio access network node.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the allocating comprises: Coordination between a current radio access network node and a past radio access network node of the user equipment.

17. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the configuring is performed when the user equipment is in a radio resource control inactive mode without requiring the user equipment to switch to a radio resource control connected mode.

18. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein a single message comprises a first information element comprising the location-specific association and a second information element comprising the configuration of the reporting behavior.

19. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory, the at least one memory comprising computer program code, The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least perform: receiving a positioning-specific association between a sounding reference signal index and a downlink resource index; receiving, in a radio resource control inactive mode, a configuration of a reporting behavior for uplink positioning; as well as Parameters are sent according to the configured reporting behavior.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein receiving the positioning-specific association is performed in a radio resource control connected mode.

21. The apparatus according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the association is between the sounding reference signal index and the synchronization signal block index, or the beam index.

22. An apparatus according to any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein the reporting behavior configuration identifies the following items: when a predetermined trigger occurs, the apparatus is caused to send at least one of the following items: a predetermined hierarchically ordered resource index value, or a timestamp of the predetermined trigger.

23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the predetermined trigger comprises: The resource index is determined to be superior to a previous best resource index based on criteria used by the device.

24. The apparatus according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the hierarchically ordered resource index values ​​comprise: A first predetermined number of values ​​are ordered by the criterion used by the device.

25. An apparatus according to claim 23 or 24, wherein the criterion is based on at least one of the following items: a synchronization signal block reference signal received power, a synchronization signal block signal to interference plus noise ratio, a synchronization signal block line of sight indication, or a synchronization signal block timing advance.

26. The apparatus according to any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein the hierarchically ordered resource index values ​​comprise: A second predetermined number of sounding reference signal indices, wherein the sounding reference signal indices are derived from the positioning-specific associations.

27. The apparatus of any one of claims 19 to 26, wherein sending the parameter comprises: The parameters are sent using a small data transfer.

28. A method comprising: sending a positioning-specific association between a sounding reference signal index and a downlink resource index to a user equipment; configuring the user equipment to have a reporting behavior for uplink positioning in a radio resource control inactive mode; as well as Parameters are received from the user equipment according to the configured reporting behavior.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein the sending is performed periodically based on periodic generation of the positioning-specific associations, performed in response to a predetermined event, or performed on demand.

30. The method of claim 28 or 29, wherein the sending to the user equipment is dependent on the user equipment being in a radio resource control connected mode.

31. The method according to any one of claims 28 to 30, wherein the association is between the sounding reference signal index and the synchronization signal block index, or the beam index.

32. A method according to any one of claims 28 to 31, wherein the reporting behavior configuration identifies the following items: when a predetermined trigger occurs, the user device sends at least one of the following items: a predetermined hierarchical resource index value, and a timestamp of the predetermined trigger, wherein the parameters include a predetermined hierarchical resource index value.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein the predetermined trigger comprises: A resource index is determined to be superior to a previous best resource index based on criteria provided to the user equipment.

34. The method of claim 32 or 33, wherein the hierarchically ordered resource index values ​​comprise: A first predetermined number of values ​​ordered by the criteria provided to the user equipment.

35. A method according to claim 33 or claim 34, wherein the criterion includes at least one of the following items: a synchronization signal block reference signal received power, a synchronization signal block signal to interference plus noise ratio, a synchronization signal block line of sight indication, or a synchronization signal block timing advance.

36. A method according to any one of claims 33 to 35, wherein the hierarchically ordered resource index values ​​comprise: A second predetermined number of sounding reference signal indices, wherein the sounding reference signal indices are derived from the positioning-specific associations.

37. The method of any one of claims 28 to 36, wherein receiving the parameter comprises: The parameter sent by the user equipment using a small data transmission is received.

38. The method according to any one of claims 28 to 37, further comprising: A sounding reference signal index is selected based on the parameter received from the user equipment.

39. The method of claim 38, further comprising: The sounding reference signal index is provided to a radio access network node, wherein the radio access network node is different from a past radio access network node with which the user equipment was associated.

40. The method of claim 39, further comprising: receiving an acknowledgement of the sounding reference signal index from the radio access network node; as well as The user equipment is configured to have the sounding reference signal index.

41. The method of claim 39 or claim 40, further comprising: The past radio access network node is informed that resources corresponding to the sounding reference signal are reusable by the past radio access network node.

42. The method according to any one of claims 38 to 41, further comprising: The sounding reference signal index is sent to the user equipment, wherein the user equipment is configured to request allocation of resources corresponding to the sounding reference signal index from a radio access network node.

43. The method of claim 42, wherein the allocating comprises: Coordination between a current radio access network node and a past radio access network node of the user equipment.

44. The method according to any one of claims 28 to 43, wherein the configuring is performed when the user equipment is in a radio resource control inactive mode without requiring the user equipment to switch to a radio resource control connected mode.

45. A method according to any one of claims 28 to 44, wherein a single message comprises a first information element comprising the location-specific association and a second information element comprising the configuration of the reporting behavior.

46. ​​A method comprising: receiving, by a user equipment, a positioning-specific association between a sounding reference signal index and a downlink resource index; receiving, by the user equipment in a radio resource control inactive mode, a configuration of a reporting behavior for uplink positioning; as well as The user equipment sends parameters according to the configured reporting behavior.

47. The method of claim 46, wherein receiving the positioning-specific association is performed in a radio resource control connected mode.

48. The method of claim 46 or 47, wherein the association is between the sounding reference signal index and a synchronization signal block index, or a beam index.

49. A method according to any one of claims 46 to 48, wherein the reporting behavior configuration identifies the following items: when a predetermined trigger occurs, the user equipment is caused to send at least one of the following items: a predetermined hierarchically ordered resource index value, or a timestamp of the predetermined trigger.

50. The method of claim 49, wherein the predetermined trigger comprises: A resource index is determined to be superior to a previous best resource index based on criteria used by the user equipment.

51. The method of claim 49 or 50, wherein the hierarchically ordered resource index values ​​comprise: A first predetermined number of values ​​is ordered by the criterion used by the user equipment.

52. A method according to claim 49 or claim 51, wherein the criterion is based on at least one of the following items: a synchronization signal block reference signal received power, an interference plus noise ratio of a synchronization signal block signal, a synchronization signal block line of sight indication, or a synchronization signal block timing advance.

53. A method according to any one of claims 49 to 52, wherein the hierarchically ordered resource index values ​​comprise: A second predetermined number of sounding reference signal indices, wherein the sounding reference signal indices are derived from the positioning-specific associations.

54. The method of any one of claims 46 to 53, wherein sending the parameter comprises: The parameters are sent using a small data transfer.

55. An apparatus comprising: means for sending a positioning-specific association between a sounding reference signal index and a downlink resource index to a user equipment; means for configuring the user equipment with a reporting behavior for uplink positioning in a radio resource control inactive mode; as well as Means for receiving parameters from the user equipment according to the configured reporting behavior.

56. The apparatus of claim 55, wherein the transmitting is performed periodically based on periodic generation of the positioning-specific associations, performed in response to a predetermined event, or performed on demand.

57. An apparatus according to claim 55 or 56, wherein the sending to the user equipment is dependent on the user equipment being in a radio resource control connected mode.

58. The apparatus according to any one of claims 55 to 57, wherein the association is between the sounding reference signal index and a synchronization signal block index, or a beam index.

59. An apparatus according to any one of claims 55 to 58, wherein the reporting behavior configuration identifies the following items: when a predetermined trigger occurs, the user device sends at least one of the following items: a predetermined hierarchically ordered resource index value, and a timestamp of the predetermined trigger, wherein the parameters include a predetermined hierarchically ordered resource index value.

60. The apparatus of claim 59, wherein the predetermined trigger comprises: A resource index is determined to be superior to a previous best resource index based on criteria provided to the user equipment.

61. The apparatus of claim 59 or 60, wherein the hierarchically ordered resource index values ​​comprise: A first predetermined number of values ​​ordered by the criteria provided to the user equipment.

62. An apparatus according to claim 60 or claim 61, wherein the criterion comprises at least one of the following items: a synchronization signal block reference signal received power, an interference plus noise ratio of a synchronization signal block signal, a synchronization signal block line of sight indication, or a synchronization signal block timing advance.

63. The apparatus of any one of claims 60 to 62, wherein the hierarchically ordered resource index values ​​comprise: A second predetermined number of sounding reference signal indices, wherein the sounding reference signal indices are derived from the positioning-specific associations.

64. The apparatus of any one of claims 55 to 63, wherein receiving the parameter comprises: The parameter sent by the user equipment using a small data transmission is received.

65. The apparatus of any one of claims 55 to 64, further comprising: Means for selecting a sounding reference signal index based on the parameter received from the user equipment.

66. The apparatus of claim 65, further comprising: Means for providing the sounding reference signal index to a radio access network node different from a past radio access network node with which the user equipment was associated.

67. The apparatus of claim 66, further comprising: means for receiving an acknowledgement of the sounding reference signal index from the radio access network node; as well as A component for configuring the user equipment to have the sounding reference signal index.

68. The apparatus of claim 66 or claim 67, further comprising: Means for notifying the past radio access network node that resources corresponding to the sounding reference signal are reusable by the past radio access network node.

69. The apparatus of any one of claims 65 to 68, further comprising: Means for sending the sounding reference signal index to the user equipment, wherein the user equipment is configured to request allocation of resources corresponding to the sounding reference signal index from a radio access network node.

70. The apparatus of claim 69, wherein the allocating comprises: Coordination between a current radio access network node and a past radio access network node of the user equipment.

71. The apparatus according to any one of claims 55 to 70, wherein the configuring is performed when the user equipment is in a radio resource control inactive mode without requiring the user equipment to switch to a radio resource control connected mode.

72. An apparatus according to any one of claims 55 to 71, wherein a single message comprises a first information element and a second information element, wherein the first information element comprises the location-specific association and the second information element comprises the configuration of the reporting behavior.

73. An apparatus comprising: means for receiving a positioning-specific association between a sounding reference signal index and a downlink resource index; means for receiving configuration of reporting behavior for uplink positioning in a radio resource control inactive mode; as well as Means for sending parameters according to said reporting behavior configured.

74. The apparatus of claim 73, wherein receiving the positioning-specific association is performed in a radio resource control connected mode.

75. An apparatus according to claim 73 or 74, wherein the association is between the sounding reference signal index and the synchronization signal block index, or beam index.

76. An apparatus according to any one of claims 73 to 75, wherein the reporting behavior configuration identifies the following items: when a predetermined trigger occurs, the apparatus is caused to send at least one of the following items: a predetermined hierarchically ordered resource index value, or a timestamp of the predetermined trigger.

77. The apparatus of claim 76, wherein the predetermined trigger comprises: The resource index is determined to be superior to a previous best resource index based on criteria used by the device.

78. The apparatus of claim 76 or 77, wherein the hierarchically ordered resource index values ​​comprise: A first predetermined number of values ​​are ordered by the criterion used by the device.

79. An apparatus according to claim 77 or claim 78, wherein the criterion is based on at least one of the following items: a synchronization signal block reference signal received power, a synchronization signal block signal to interference plus noise ratio, a synchronization signal block line of sight indication, or a synchronization signal block timing advance.

80. The apparatus of any one of claims 77 to 79, wherein the hierarchically ordered resource index values ​​comprise: A second predetermined number of sounding reference signal indices, wherein the sounding reference signal indices are derived from the positioning-specific associations.

81. The apparatus of any one of claims 73 to 80, wherein sending the parameter comprises: The parameters are sent using a small data transfer.

82. A computer program product encoding instructions for performing the method according to any one of claims 28-54.

83. A non-transitory computer readable medium encoded with instructions that when executed in hardware perform the method of any one of claims 28-54.

Images