System and method for non-terrestrial network user equipment positioning based on new radio positioning

Abstract

Systems and methods for radio access network (RAN)-based user equipment (UE) position determination in a non-terrestrial network (NTN) are discussed herein. Base station data for determining a location of a UE may be provided between the UE and one or more NTN payloads operating a serving cell of the base station using a round trip time (RTT) mechanism, an uplink angle of arrival (UL-AoA) mechanism, and / or an uplink time difference of arrival (UL-TDOA) mechanism. In some examples, a single uplink (UL) reference signal is used in conjunction with multiple payloads, while in other examples, multiple UL reference signals transmitted during different measurement instances are used with a single payload. The base station may make the determination independent of certain core network (CN) related functionality (e.g., LTE Positioning Protocol (LPP) and / or NR Positioning Protocol A (NRPPa)). In some embodiments, the determined location is used to verify the location reported by the UE.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application generally relates to wireless communication systems, including wireless communication systems implementing non-terrestrial network (NTN) communication mechanisms. Background Art

[0002] Wireless mobile communication technologies use various standards and protocols to send data between base stations and wireless communication devices. Wireless communication system standards and protocols may include, for example, the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Long Term Evolution (LTE) (e.g., 4G), 3GPP New Radio (NR) (e.g., 5G), and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 502.11 standard for wireless local area networks (WLANs) (commonly referred to within industry organizations as WLANs). ).

[0003] As envisioned by 3GPP, different wireless communication system standards and protocols may use various radio access networks (RANs) to communicate between base stations of the RAN (which may also sometimes be referred to as RAN nodes, network nodes, or simply nodes) and wireless communication devices referred to as user equipment (UE). 3GPP RANs may include, for example, Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE) RAN (GERAN), Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN), Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN), and / or Next Generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN).

[0004] Each RAN may use one or more radio access technologies (RATs) to perform communications between base stations and UEs. For example, GERAN implements GSM and / or EDGE RAT, UTRAN implements Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) RAT or other 3GPP RAT, E-UTRAN implements LTE RAT (sometimes referred to as LTE), and NG-RAN implements NR RAT (sometimes referred to herein as 5G RAT, 5G NR RAT, or NR). In some deployments, E-UTRAN may also implement NR RAT. In some deployments, NG-RAN may also implement LTE RAT.

[0005] The base stations used by the RAN may correspond to the RAN. An example of an E-UTRAN base station is an Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN) Node B (also commonly denoted as an evolved Node B, enhanced Node B, eNodeB, or eNB). An example of an NG-RAN base station is a Next Generation Node B (sometimes also referred to as a gNodeB or gNB).

[0006] The RAN provides communication services together with external entities through its connection with the Core Network (CN). For example, E-UTRAN may utilize the Evolved Packet Core (EPC) and NG-RAN may utilize the 5G Core Network (5GC).

[0007] The frequency bands of 5G NR can be divided into two or more different frequency ranges. For example, frequency range 1 (FR1) may include frequency bands operating at frequencies below 6 gigahertz (GHz), some of which are available for use by previous standards and can potentially be expanded to cover new spectrum products from 410 megahertz (MHz) to 7125MHz. Frequency range 2 (FR2) may include frequency bands from 24.25GHz to 52.6GHz. It should be noted that in some systems, FR2 may also include frequency bands from 52.6GHz to 71GHz (or higher). The frequency bands in the millimeter wave (mmWave) range of FR2 may have smaller coverage than the frequency bands in FR1 but potentially higher available bandwidth. The technician will recognize that these frequency ranges provided by way of example may vary over time or region. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] To easily identify the discussion of any particular element or action, the most significant digit(s) in a reference number refers to the drawing number that first introduces the element.

[0009] Figure 1 An NTN architecture of a wireless communication system according to an embodiment is illustrated.

[0010] Figure 2 A diagram illustrating an NTN architecture according to an embodiment is illustrated.

[0011] Figure 3 A diagram illustrating an NTN architecture according to an embodiment is illustrated.

[0012] Figure 4 A diagram illustrating an NTN architecture according to an embodiment is illustrated.

[0013] Figure 5 A flow chart illustrating location service support for NG-RAN using LMF.

[0014] Figure 6 A table illustrating supported UE positioning methods in NR is shown.

[0015] Figure 7 The signaling between the UE and the base station / TRP accompanying the multi-RTT process according to the implementation scheme is illustrated.

[0016] Figure 8 A diagram illustrating a method for deriving an estimated location of a UE using distances from various base stations / TRPs according to an implementation scheme is illustrated.

[0017] Fig. 9 A diagram corresponding to positioning a UE using UL-AoA and / or UL-TDOA according to embodiments disclosed herein is illustrated.

[0018] Fig.10 A flow chart illustrating a base station triggered / controlled RTT positioning mechanism framework according to an embodiment.

[0019] Fig.11A A flow chart showing an example use of a base station triggered / controlled RTT positioning mechanism according to an embodiment is illustrated.

[0020] Fig. 11B A diagram illustrating an example use of an RTT positioning mechanism corresponding to base station triggering / control.

[0021] Fig.12 A method of a base station according to an embodiment is illustrated.

[0022] Fig.13A A flow chart showing an example use of a base station triggered / controlled RTT positioning mechanism according to an embodiment is illustrated.

[0023] Fig. 13B A diagram illustrating an example use of an RTT positioning mechanism corresponding to base station triggering / control.

[0024] Fig.14 A method of a base station according to an embodiment is illustrated.

[0025] Fig.15 Diagrams illustrating example usage of UL-AoA and / or UL-TDOA positioning mechanisms corresponding to base station triggering / control.

[0026] Fig.16 A method of a base station according to an embodiment is illustrated.

[0027] Fig.17 A method of a base station according to an embodiment is illustrated.

[0028] Fig.18 Diagrams illustrating example usage of UL-AoA and / or UL-TDOA positioning mechanisms corresponding to base station triggering / control.

[0029] Fig.19 A method of a base station according to an embodiment is illustrated.

[0030] Fig. 20 A method of a base station according to an embodiment is illustrated.

[0031] Fig.21An example architecture of a wireless communication system according to embodiments disclosed herein is illustrated.

[0032] Fig. 22 A system for performing signaling between a wireless device and a RAN device connected to a core network of a CN device according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Various embodiments are described with respect to UE. However, reference to UE is provided for illustrative purposes only. The example embodiments may be used with any electronic component that can establish a connection to a network and is configured with hardware, software, and / or firmware for exchanging information and data with the network. Therefore, UE as described herein is used to represent any suitable electronic component.

[0034] A non-terrestrial network (NTN) refers to a network (or segment of a network) that uses airborne and / or spaceborne vehicles to perform communications.

[0035] Figure 1 The NTN architecture 100 of a wireless communication system according to an embodiment is illustrated. The NTN architecture 100 includes a core network (CN) 102, a base station 104, a vehicle 106 with a payload 118, and a UE 108. The base station 104 and the payload 118 of the vehicle 106 may be included in a RAN 110.

[0036] In some embodiments, RAN 110 includes NG-RAN, CN 102 includes 5GC, and base station 104 includes gNB or next generation eNB (ng-eNB). In such a case, the CN link 112 connecting CN 102 and base station 104 may include an NG interface.

[0037] In the NTN architecture 100, the payload 118 of the vehicle 106 is a network node of the RAN 110. The payload 118 may be equipped with one or more antennas capable of operating a cell 120 of the RAN 110 as instructed / configured by the base station 104 (e.g., broadcasting to the cell 120 of the RAN 110, facilitating communications of the cell 120 of the RAN 110, etc.). The base station 104 communicates with the payload 118 of the vehicle 106 via a feeder link 114 (e.g., via a non-terrestrial gateway (not shown)). The UE 108 may be equipped with one or more antennas (e.g., mobile parabolic antennas, omnidirectional phased array antennas, etc.) capable of communicating with the payload 118 via a Uu interface on the cell 120 of the RAN via a service link 116. In this document, a cell (such as the cell 120) provided by the payload of the NTN vehicle may be referred to as an "NTN cell". It is also noted that the payload of the NTN may sometimes be referred to as an "NTN payload" in this document.

[0038] The NTN architecture 100 illustrates a "bent pipe" or "transparent" satellite-based architecture. In such a system, a payload 118 transparently forwards data between a base station 104 and a UE 108 using a feeder link 114 between the base station 104 and the payload 118 and a service link 116 between the payload 118 and the UE 108. The payload 118 may perform radio frequency (RF) conversion and / or amplification in both the uplink (UL) and downlink (DL) to enable this communication.

[0039] exist Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, base station 104 is illustrated as having no (explicit) capability for direct terrestrial wireless communication with a UE. However, it is envisioned that in an embodiment, such a base station that uses a non-terrestrial gateway to communicate with a payload 118 may (also) have this functionality (with UE 108 or with another (not illustrated) UE).

[0040] The NTN architecture 100 illustrates the vehicle 106 as a satellite onboard. In such cases, the vehicle 106 is a low earth orbit (LEO) satellite, a medium earth orbit (MEO) satellite, a geosynchronous orbit (GEO) satellite, or a high earth orbit (HEO) satellite. It is also noted that vehicles other than satellites may be used in the NTN network. For example, the vehicle 106 may alternatively be a high altitude platform station (HAPS) such as, for example, an airship or an airplane.

[0041] In some cases, NTN networks can be used to address mobile broadband needs and / or public safety needs in areas not served / underserved by ground-based network elements. Some such example cases include maritime applications, aircraft connectivity applications, railway applications, etc.

[0042] It is possible that in some cases, the NTN network supports / uses, for example, LEO and GEO, and has further implicit compatibility for supporting HAPS and air-to-ground (ATG) scenarios. In addition, the NTN network may focus on frequency division duplex (FDD) mechanisms, and time division duplex (TDD) mechanisms are applied to related scenarios, such as for HAPS, ATG, etc.

[0043] Some NTN networks may use earth fixed tracking areas for defined areas that do not change corresponding to any movement of the NTN's payload.

[0044] It is also possible that the UE has the capability to determine its own location (e.g., via a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), such as Global Positioning System (GPS), Galileo GNSS, etc.) and the further capability to communicate this location information to the base station (e.g., via a payload).

[0045] UEs that may be used in the NTN network may include, but are not limited to, handheld devices (eg, power class 3 devices) operating in FR1 and / or very small aperture terminal (VSAT) devices with external antennas in at least FR2.

[0046] Figure 2 A diagram 200 of an NTN architecture according to an embodiment is illustrated. NTN cells 202 (and / or beams used within cells) may cover a larger area (e.g., due to the height of payload 204 on vehicle 206) relative to the cell area / beams of cells broadcast by ground-based equipment. For example, as shown, NTN cells 202 cover multiple different geographic regions (including at least Country #1 212, Country #2 214, and Country #3 216).

[0047] The NTN may be able to broadcast multiple public land mobile networks (PLMNs) in a single cell, with one or more PLMNs corresponding individually to various geographic areas within the cell. These PLMNs may be operated by various CNs corresponding to each of the geographic areas. Note that the examples herein may use different countries as geographic areas corresponding to specific PLMN / CNs. While this may reflect some real-world applications, it will be understood that other geographic areas (including, for example, geographic areas not necessarily delineated along political boundaries) may exist within the NTN cell and be processed as described herein.

[0048] exist Figure 2 In the diagram 200 of FIG. 2 , the PLMN correspondence is illustrated by shading. Therefore, with reference to the diagram 200, it can be understood that the first PLMN is operated by the first CN 218 for country #1 212 via the base station 208 using the feeder link 210, the second PLMN is operated by the second CN 220 for country #2 214 using the feeder link 210 via the base station 208, and the third PLMN is operated by the third CN 222 for country #3 216 using the feeder link 210 via the base station 208.

[0049] Multiple tracking area codes (TACs) per PLMN (up to, e.g., 12) may be used in a single NTN cell, such as NTN cell 202. It may not be desirable (e.g., according to the NTN architecture of diagram 200) for a UE communicating within a wireless communication system to perform a registration procedure if one of the currently broadcasted TACs belongs to the UE's current registration area.

[0050] Figure 3Diagram 300 illustrates an NTN architecture according to an embodiment. Diagram 300 may include elements of diagram 200 as indicated, such as those elements described herein, with elements of flowchart 300 remaining similar to similar elements of diagram 200 being numbered again as in diagram 200.

[0051] Furthermore, diagram 300 illustrates UE 302 located in country #1 212 and communicating with base station 208 via signaling with payload 204 of vehicle 206 via serving link 304, as shown.

[0052] UE 302 may provide a location report to base station 208 via payload 204. For example, the UE may determine its own location from GNSS coordinates within an accuracy of, for example, about two kilometers (km), and report that value to base station 208. This may be an example of a "coarse location report" as used herein.

[0053] Based on the location report, the base station 208 may perform access and mobility management function (AMF) selection (e.g., an AMF of one of the first CN 218, the second CN 220, and the third CN 222 may be selected to control access and / or mobility of the UE 302). In the case where the base station has been configured to ensure that the selected AMF serves the country in which the UE is located, the base station will select an AMF of a CN operating a PLMN of the country in which the UE is located. In the case of diagram 300, this means that the base station 208 will select the AMF of the first CN 218 because the UE's location report identifies the UE as being located in country #1 212, and the access and / or mobility of the UE 302 will therefore be managed by the AMF of the first CN 218.

[0054] It is possible that the base station uses the reported location of the UE to select the AMF in such a manner as to comply with regulatory requirements (e.g., such regulatory requirements ensure that the UE's access is accurate, private, reliable, and has acceptable latency). Examples of regulated features that may be important to ensure that the UE is connected to the CN (e.g., the CN's AMF) to which the current location corresponds (in order to comply with the regulation) include, but are not limited to: situations where the UE makes an emergency call, situations where lawful interception of communications will occur in accordance with applicable laws of the geographic area in which the UE is located, situations where public warnings will be issued to UEs in the geographic area in which the UE is located, data retention policies based on cross-border situations, and / or enforcement for accurate charging and billing based on the geographic area in which the UE is located. Therefore, it is beneficial to develop systems and methods that enable wireless communication systems to locate UEs in a reliable manner so that corresponding policies that apply to the operations of these UEs depending on their location and / or context can be accurately determined.

[0055] To meet such regulatory requirements, the NTN network may enforce a correspondence between operation under a particular PLMN and the current location of the UE in the geographic area corresponding to that PLMN. This may be achieved in at least some cases by having the network verify the location reported by the UE during mobility management and session management procedures.

[0056] This verification is useful because it is possible that the position reported by the UE (as nominally determined at the UE using, e.g., GNSS and then reported to the base station, as described) may be erroneous. For example, the user of the UE or a third party may maliciously configure the UE to report an incorrect position (for the purpose of, e.g., being incorrectly assigned within the wireless communication system to a geographic area that is, e.g., licensed for particular content that is not licensed in the actual geographic area of ​​the UE, that has cheaper charges and billing than charges and billing associated with the actual geographic area of ​​the UE, etc.). For another example, interference may cause the position reported by the UE to be incorrect (e.g., when GNSS signals have high interference, the UE may incorrectly determine its position).

[0057] Figure 4 Diagram 400 of an NTN architecture according to an embodiment is illustrated. Diagram 400 may include elements of diagram 200 as indicated, as described herein, wherein elements of flowchart 400 that remain similar to similar elements of diagram 200 are again numbered as in diagram 200. Diagram 400 illustrates an example of a scenario involving UE 402 that may occur when a location reported by UE 402 is not verified using a RAN-based UE location verification mechanism.

[0058] As can be seen, the UE 402 is currently located in Country #1 212. The UE 402 may transmit a location report to the base station 208 via the payload 204 that inaccurately indicates that the reported location of the UE is in Country #2 214. In response, the base station 208 selects the second CN 220 / the AMF in the second CN 220 corresponding to Country #2 214 to provide service to the UE 402. This allows the UE 402 to obtain information specific to Country #2 214 (e.g., Public Warning System (PWS) information for Country #2 214, media content licensed for Country #2 214, etc.) via the NTN connection, among other issues, in order to operate in accordance with the charging policies of Country #2 214, etc., without being restricted by any national regulations and / or other operating constraints that would otherwise apply to the use of the UE 402 in Country #1 212.

[0059] Thus, the systems and methods disclosed herein may involve a manner that may enable a RAN to independently perform verification of a location report provided by a UE to a network in order to ensure that the UE is associated with the correct CN-related features / functionality (e.g., corresponding to the correct PLMN corresponding to the actual location of the UE) (such as the CN's AMF that controls the UE's access function). The systems and methods disclosed herein may be operable to perform this function in a manner that overcomes inherent difficulties arising from the large relative size of a single NTN cell and the corresponding potential for multiple differently processed geographical locations to be located in the single NTN cell.

[0060] In some NR wireless communication systems, the NR positioning mechanism may be triggered by a location management function (LMF) and / or an evolved serving mobile location center (E-SMLC) that may be located in the CN. Positioning specific protocols in the NR positioning framework may include an LTE positioning protocol (LPP) terminated between the UE and the positioning service (e.g., LMF) and / or an NR positioning protocol A (NRPPa) that carries information between the NG-RAN and the LMF.

[0061] Figure 5 A flow chart 500 illustrating location service support for NG-RAN using LMF 502 is shown.

[0062] Figure 6 Table 600 illustrating supported UE positioning methods 602 in NR.

[0063] An RTT mechanism using multiple round trip times (RTTs) (multi-RTT) (e.g., such as a multi-cell based RTT mechanism) may be used in some NR networks to determine the location of a UE within the RAN. An advantage of such an RTT mechanism is that there is no requirement for strict synchronization between the participating base stations.

[0064] Figure 7 Signaling between a UE 702 and a base station / transmit receive point (TRP) 704 accompanying a multi-RTT procedure according to an embodiment is illustrated. The multi-RTT procedure may be initiated by a UE or a base station. An initiating device (e.g., in this case, UE 702) sends, for example, a sounding reference signal (SRS) (e.g., which is understood to be a type of (UL) reference signal, namely a UL positioning reference signal (UL-PRS) 706), which may be received at one or more base stations / TRPs including the base station / TRP 704. The UE records the time t0 708 at which the UL-PRS 706 was transmitted. The SRS may be understood to be a type of UL reference signal that may be sent by the UE 702, and in some embodiments may be a positioning specific SRS.

[0065] Base station / TRP 704 receives UL-PRS 706 at time t1 710 (and it records this time). The other base stations / TRPs perform similar operations (each receives UL-PRS 706 and records its own independent time t1).

[0066] Each base station / TRP transmits a downlink positioning reference signal (DL-PRS) to the UE 702 in response to receiving the UL-PRS 706, and records the independent time t2 at which the DL-PRS is transmitted. For example, the base station / TRP 704 transmits the DL-PRS 716 as shown and records the time t2 712 at which it transmits the DL-PRS 716.

[0067] Each base station / TRP then proceeds to calculate the value t2-t1 using their independent values ​​of t2 and t1.

[0068] The UE receives each DL-PRS at time t3 714 (this time may be different for each DL-PRS given that they arrive from different base stations / TRPs). The time at which each DL-PRS is received is stored as the t3 value. For example, as shown, UE 702 receives DL-PRS 716 from base station / TRP 704 and stores the time of receipt as time t3 714.

[0069] For each t3 value corresponding to the received DL-PRS, the UE calculates the value t3-t0 of the corresponding base station / TRP and reports this information to the network. In addition, based on the information from each base station / TRP, the network knows / calculates the time t2-t1 of each base station / TRP.

[0070] Then, for each base station / TRP, the RTT for signaling of the UL-PRS 706 and the corresponding DL-PRS of the base station / TRP between the UE 702 and the particular base station / TRP can be expressed as RTT=(t3-t0)-(t2-t1) using the value corresponding to / derived from the base station / TRP. For example, the RTT corresponding to the UL-PRS 706 and the DL-PRS 716 is calculated using the values ​​of t0, t1, t2, and t3 illustrated in the flowchart 700.

[0071] Each RTT represents the sum of the propagation delays corresponding to the UL-PRS and the DL-PRS of the base station / TRP. For example, the RTT value corresponding to UE 702 and base station / TRP 704 represents the sum of the first propagation delay 718 and the first propagation delay 720 illustrated in flowchart 700.

[0072] The distance from a particular base station / TRP to the UE can then be estimated using distance = (RTT*c) / 2, where c is the speed of light.

[0073] Figure 8 A diagram 800 is illustrated for deriving an estimated position 802 of a UE 816 using distances 804, 806, 808 from various base stations / TRPs 810, 812, and 814, according to an embodiment. The distances from each of the first base station / TRP 810, the second base station / TRP 812, and the third base station / TRP 814 to the UE 816 may be as described above with respect to Figure 7 The method described is used to determine the Figure 8 In the example, it has been determined that UE 816 is at a first distance 804 from the first base station / TRP 810, a second distance 806 from the second base station / TRP 812, and a third distance 808 from the third base station / TRP 814.

[0074] Once this determination is made, the estimated location 802 can be determined as the point where a circle extending outward from each base station / TRP with the applicable distance as the diameter intersects. This aspect has been illustrated in diagram 800.

[0075] UL-AoA and / or UL-TDOA mechanisms may be used in some NR networks to determine the location of the UE within the RAN.

[0076] The UL-AoA positioning method utilizes the measured azimuth angle of arrival (A-AoA) and zenith angle of arrival (Z-AoA) data at multiple reception points (RPs) of UL signals (e.g., SRS) sent from the UE. The RP uses the assistance data received from the positioning server to measure the A-AoA and Z-A0A of the received signal, and the resulting measurements are used together with other configuration information to estimate the position of the UE.

[0077] The UL-TDOA positioning method utilizes uplink relative time of arrival (UL-RTOA) (and optionally uplink sounding reference signal received power (UL-SRS-RSRP)) data at multiple RPs of UL signals (e.g., SRS) sent from the UE. The RP measures the UL TROA (and optionally UL-SRS-RSRP) of the received signal using assistance information received from the positioning server, and the resulting measurements are used together with other configuration information to estimate the position of the UE.

[0078] Fig. 9 A diagram 900 corresponding to positioning a UE 902 using UL-AoA and / or UL-TDOA according to embodiments disclosed herein is illustrated.

[0079] For UL-AoA, the UE may send UL signals received at each of the first base station / TRP 904, the second base station / TRP 906, and the third base station / TRP 908. Then, based on the A-AoA and Z-AoA of the signals at each of the first base station / TRP 904, the second base station / TRP 906, and the third base station / TRP 908, the location of the UE may be determined.

[0080] For UL-TDOA, the UE may send UL signals received at each of the first base station / TRP 904, the second base station / TRP 906, and the third base station / TRP 908. Then, based on the UL-RTOA of the UL signal at each of the first base station / TRP 904, the second base station / TRP 906, and the third base station / TRP 908 (and optionally, if the UL signal is an SRS, the UL-SRS-RSRP of the UL signal), the position of the UE may be determined.

[0081] The embodiments discussed herein may apply the positioning principles as understood from the discussion herein particularly to the NTN context. In some embodiments, the positioning principles are applied in such a way that the base station may independently select, trigger, control and / or use the selected positioning mechanism without relying on / depending on the CN (e.g., the location service (LCS) entity and / or LMF of the CN). In addition, the embodiments herein may achieve this by using existing reference signals (RS) (e.g., synchronization signal blocks (SSBs), channel state information reference signals (CSI-RSs), tracking reference signals (TRSs), etc.) without using any newly allocated positioning reference signals (PRSs).

[0082] This base station triggered / controlled positioning mechanism may allow the network to identify the UE location. It is further contemplated that use of the base station triggered / controlled positioning mechanism may be used by the network to verify the UE location within the NTN cell (eg, verify that the UE is within the UE reported location).

[0083] Accompanying the positioning mechanism triggered / controlled by the base station, the base station 1004 can be configured / pre-configured with the movement tracks of the NTN vehicles carrying the corresponding payload and the geographical areas to which these movement tracks correspond. In some cases, auxiliary data (e.g., from the CN) can be used in conjunction with the determination of these tracks, while in other cases, the positioning server at the base station 1004 can be used as part of the determination of these tracks instead. The base station 1004 can be further equipped with the positioning calculation / estimation functionality described herein (and / or the LMF with this functionality can be located at the base station).

[0084] Examples of positioning mechanisms that may be used in the NTN context include an RTT mechanism, an uplink time difference of arrival (UL-TDOA) mechanism, and / or an uplink angle of arrival (UL-AoA) mechanism.

[0085] In such embodiments, the base station may provide the UE with a configuration to operate with the selected positioning mechanism (and the UE may then transmit response signaling to the base station accordingly). The base station may use this signaling (and its own information) to determine the estimated location of the UE. As discussed, the positioning mechanism itself may be triggered by the base station. In embodiments, these operations may all be accomplished independently of any LPP capabilities and / or NRPPa capabilities at the UE and / or base station (e.g., without requiring any LPP capabilities and / or NRPPa capabilities at the UE and / or base station).

[0086] Fig.10 Flowchart 1000 illustrating a base station triggered / controlled RTT positioning mechanism framework according to an embodiment. Flowchart 1000 illustrates signaling between UE 702 and base station / TRP 704 and / or operations of the UE and the base station / TRP accompanying such a framework. The RTT positioning mechanism framework may be understood as a multi-RTT framework, as described herein.

[0087] Fig.10 The example discusses the use of satellites, it will be understood that Fig.10 The discussion similarly applies to situations involving other types of NTN vehicles.

[0088] The base station 1004 first determines 1006 the orbits of the satellites carrying the payloads to be used as part of the selected positioning mechanism. In some embodiments, this determination can be made using assistance data from the CN. The base station 1004 uses this information to determine the relative position of each of the payloads at the corresponding relative time. As described herein, some RTT mechanisms use multiple payloads, while other RTT mechanisms can use a single payload.

[0089] The UE 1002 then transmits 1008 to the base station 1004 a position report (eg, a coarse position report, as shown) that reports to the base station 1004 the position of the UE (eg, as nominally determined at the UE using GNSS).

[0090] The base station 1004 then decides 1010 to verify the reliability of the UE's location report.

[0091] The base station 1004 then transmits 1012 a configuration message that configures the UE to report a receive (Rx) minus transmit (Tx) (Rx-Tx) value (e.g., a calculated value of t3-t0) to the base station 1004. For example, as shown, the configuration message can be a radio resource control (RRC) reconfiguration message having an Rx-Tx MeasConfig indication that indicates to the UE that it is to store and use the values ​​of t3 and t0 and report the corresponding Rx-Tx values.

[0092] In addition, the configuration message may also indicate the type of SRS for the UE to use as part of the RTT positioning mechanism.As shown, the configuration message, which is an RRC reconfiguration message, may indicate that a positioning specific SRS (hereinafter more simply referred to as SRS) is to be used.

[0093] In response to the configuration message, the UE 1002 determines 1014 to perform RTT measurement based on the DL reference signal (e.g., CSI-RS and / or SSB) received from the payload. The type of DL reference signal to be used (e.g., CSI-RS, SSB, etc.) may have been indicated in the configuration message. Fig.10 In the present disclosure, these DL reference signals are typically illustrated as SSB / CSI-RS, but it should be understood that in such cases, one or the other of these DL reference signals (or even some other type of DL reference signal) may be used.

[0094] The UE 1002 then transmits 1016 the SRS as configured by the base station 1004. The UE 1002 records the time t0 at which the SRS was transmitted. The base station 1004 knows (eg, via communication with the payload) the time t1 at which the SRS was received at the payload.

[0095] The base station 1004 then transmits 1018 (via the payload) to the UE 1002 a DL reference signal (e.g., SSB, CSI-RS) received in response to the SRS / each SRS at each payload. The base station learns (e.g., via communication with the payload) the time t2 at which these DL reference signals were transmitted by the payload. The UE 1002 records the time t3 at which each DL reference signal was received at the UE 1002.

[0096] The UE 1002 then calculates t3-t0 values ​​corresponding to each SRS and DL reference signal pair for inclusion as part of one or more measurement reports (e.g., a radio resource management (RRM) measurement report, as shown), where each such value represents an Rx-Tx value corresponding to the payload. The UE 1002 then transmits 1020 these measurement reports to the base station 1004.

[0097] The base station 1004 may calculate a t2-t1 value corresponding to each SRS and DL reference signal pair, where each such value represents an Rx-Tx value corresponding to the payload. In some of these cases, the base station 1004 may know a timing drift factor (expressed as Δt) due to movement of the satellite at the corresponding payload during the time period corresponding to t2-t1. Therefore, the Rx-Tx value corresponding to the t2-t1 value is further modified by Δt (e.g., the Rx-Tx value of t2-t1 ± Δt may be calculated) to improve accuracy.

[0098] Using the Rx-Tx values ​​given in the measurement report and their corresponding Rx-Tx values ​​calculated at the base station 1004 for each SRS and DL reference signal pair, the base station 1004 calculates the RTT time for the signaling of each of the SRS and DL reference signal pairs. Using these RTT times, the base station 1004 determines the distance of the UE from the known location of the payload. This allows the base station 1004 to estimate 1022 the UE position by identifying points in space whose distance to each of these locations is an appropriate corresponding value (e.g., in a manner similar to that previously discussed herein).

[0099] The estimated location of the UE 1002 may then be compared to the location reported by the UE 1002. If the locations do not agree, the base station 1004 may then proceed to restrict the UE 1002 from operating with network services for the geographic area corresponding to the reported location of the UE based on a determination that the UE 1002 is not actually at the reported location and therefore may not be in the correct geographic area for network services. For example, it may be possible that the UE 1002 is not permitted to perform certain types of communications / any user plane communications on the network that would require the UE to be in the geographic area and / or otherwise be based on the understanding that the UE is in the geographic area unless and until the UE 1002 later reports a verifiable location in the geographic area. The restriction may include rejecting an attempted connection by the UE 1002 to a CN / AMF corresponding to operation in the geographic area.

[0100] Please note that Fig.10 The methods discussed may be used outside the context of UE location verification. In other words, it is contemplated that these methods may be used to determine the location of a UE for reasons other than verifying a UE reported location (and in such cases, transmission and / or reception of UE location reports may not be performed and / or may not be relevant).

[0101] Fig.11A Illustrated is a flow chart 1100 showing an example use of a base station triggered / controlled RTT positioning mechanism according to an embodiment. Fig. 11B Diagram 1120 is illustrated corresponding to an example use of a base station triggered / controlled RTT positioning mechanism. Fig. 11B The diagram 1120 corresponds to Fig.11A 1100 , and thus flowchart 1100 and diagram 1120 will be discussed together. Fig.11A and Fig. 11B The RTT positioning mechanism illustrated in can be understood as a multi-RTT framework, as described herein.

[0102] Fig.11A and Fig. 11B The example application illustrated is composed of Fig.10 Flowchart 1000 of FIG. 1000 gives a generalized example of using RTT between multiple payloads on multiple satellites and a UE in a serving cell of a base station during a single measurement instance.

[0103] Flowchart 1100 illustrates signaling between UE 1102 and base station 1104 and the operation of the UE and the base station. As illustrated in reference diagram 1120, base station 1104 operates with the UE via multiple payloads on multiple satellites (e.g., payload #1 1108 on satellite #1 1106, payload #2 1112 on satellite #2 1110, and payload #3 1116 on satellite #3 1114). Payload #1 1108, payload #2 1112, and payload #3 1116 (cooperatively) operate a serving cell 1118 of base station 1104 that is currently used by UE 1102 to communicate with base station 1104.

[0104] Note that although Fig.11A and Fig. 11B The example of discusses the use of satellites, but it will be understood that the discussion applies similarly to situations involving other types of NTN vehicles.

[0105] The base station 1104 first determines 1122 an orbit for each of payload #1 1108, payload #2 1112, and payload #3 1116. In some cases, assistance data (e.g., from the CN) may be used in conjunction with the determination of these orbits, while in other cases a positioning server at the base station 1104 may instead be used as part of the determination of these orbits. The base station 1104 uses this information to determine the orbits of each of payload #1 1108, payload #2 1112, and payload #3 1116. Fig. 11B The relative positions at the measurement instances illustrated in .

[0106] The UE 1102 then transmits 1124 to the base station 1104 a location report (eg, a coarse location report, as shown) reporting the location of the UE.

[0107] The base station 1104 then decides 1126 to verify the reliability of the UE's location report.

[0108] The base station 1104 then transmits 1128 an RRC reconfiguration message that configures the UE to report Rx-Tx values ​​(e.g., calculated values ​​of t3-t0 corresponding to each of payload #1 1108, payload #2 1112, and payload #3 1116) to the base station 1104. The RRC reconfiguration message also indicates a positioning specific SRS (which will be more simply referred to as SRS hereinafter) to be sent by the UE.

[0109] In response to receipt of the RRC reconfiguration message, the UE 1102 determines 1130 to perform RTT measurement based on DL reference signals (e.g., CSI-RS and / or SSB) received from each of payload #1 1108, payload #2 1112, and payload #3 1116. Fig.11A In the present disclosure, these DL reference signals are typically illustrated as SSB / CSI-RS reference signals, but it should be understood that in such cases, one or the other of these DL reference signals (or even some other type of DL reference signal) may be used.

[0110] The UE 1102 then transmits 1132 the SRS as configured in the RRC reconfiguration message by the base station 1004. The UE 1102 records the time t0 at which the SRS was transmitted.

[0111] The SRS is received at each of payload #1 1108, payload #2 1112, and payload #3 1116. The base station 1004 knows the time t1 at which the SRS is received at each payload (e.g., via communication with each of payload #1 1108, payload #2 1112, and payload #3 1116). As shown, the SRS may be received at each payload at a different time t1 for the payload.

[0112] The base station 1104 then transmits 1134 a first DL reference signal (e.g., SSB / CSI-RS, as shown) to the UE 1102. The first DL reference signal is transmitted by payload #1 1108 and in response to the reception of the SRS at payload #1 1108. In addition, the base station 1104 transmits 1136 a second DL reference signal (e.g., SSB / CSI-RS, as shown) to the UE 1102. The second DL reference signal is transmitted by payload #2 1112 and in response to the reception of the SRS at payload #2 1112. In addition, the base station 1104 transmits 1138 a third DL reference signal (e.g., SSB / CSI-RS, as shown) to the UE 1102. The third DL reference signal is transmitted by payload #3 1116 and in response to the reception of the SRS at payload #3 1116.

[0113] The base station 1104 knows the time t2 at which these respective DL reference signals were transmitted by each payload (eg, via communication with each of payload #1 1108, payload #2 1112, and payload #3 1116). The UE 1102 records the time t3 at which each respective DL reference signal is received at the UE 1102.

[0114] Note that while the transmit operations 1134, 1136, and 1138 have been illustrated in the order of the payloads and with discernible timing gaps, this is by way of example only. There is no inherent limitation on the relative order or relative timing of these operations among the payloads.

[0115] The UE 1102 then calculates t3-t0 values ​​corresponding to the pairing of the SRS with each received DL reference signal for inclusion as part of a measurement report (e.g., an RRM measurement report, as shown), where each such value represents an Rx-Tx value corresponding to one of payload #1 1108, payload #2 1112, and payload #3 1116. The UE 1102 then transmits 1140 to the base station 1104 a measurement report having these Rx-Tx values.

[0116] The measurement report may indicate the RS index corresponding to each DL reference signal for which the Rx-Tx value is being reported and / or the system frame number (SFN) / time slot / subframe in which the RS was received. This information may be used by the base station 1104 to identify the specific DL reference signal corresponding to each Rx-Tx value in the measurement report.

[0117] The base station 1104 calculates a t2-t1 value corresponding to each SRS / DL reference signal pair, where each such value represents an Rx-Tx value corresponding to one of payload #1 1108, payload #2 1112, and payload #3 1116. In some of these cases, the base station 1104 may know a timing drift factor (expressed as Δt) due to movement of any / each of payload #1 1108, payload #2 1112, and satellite #3 1114 at a corresponding one of payload #1 1108, payload #2 1112, and payload #3 1116 during a time period corresponding to t2-t1. Therefore, the Rx-Tx values ​​corresponding to these t2-t1 values ​​may be further modified by the corresponding Δt (e.g., the Rx-Tx value of t2-t1 ± Δt may be calculated) to improve accuracy.

[0118] Using the Rx-Tx values ​​given in the measurement report and their corresponding Rx-Tx values ​​calculated at the base station 1104 for each SRS / DL reference signal pair, the base station 1104 estimates 1142 the RTT times for the signaling of each of the SRS / DL reference signal pairs. Using these RTT times, the base station 1104 determines the distance of the UE 1102 from the known locations of each of payload #1 1108, payload #2 1112, and payload #3 1116. This allows the base station 1104 to estimate the location of the UE 1102 by identifying points in space whose distances from each of these locations are the appropriate corresponding values ​​(e.g., in a manner similar to that discussed previously herein).

[0119] The estimated location of the UE 1102 may then be compared to the location reported by the UE 1102. If the locations do not agree, the base station 1104 may then proceed to restrict the UE 1102 from operating with network services for the geographic area corresponding to the reported location of the UE based on a determination that the UE 1102 is not actually at the reported location and therefore may not be in the correct geographic area for network services. For example, it may be possible that the UE 1102 is not permitted to perform certain types of communications / any user plane communications on the network that would require the UE to be in the geographic area and / or otherwise be based on the understanding that the UE is in the geographic area unless and until the UE 1102 later reports a verifiable location in the geographic area. The restriction may include rejecting an attempted connection by the UE 1102 to a CN / AMF corresponding to operation in the geographic area.

[0120] Please note that Fig.11A and Fig. 11BThe methods discussed may be used outside the context of UE location verification. In other words, it is contemplated that these methods may be used to determine the location of a UE for reasons other than verifying a UE reported location (and in such cases, transmission and / or reception of UE location reports may not be performed and / or may not be relevant).

[0121] Fig.12 A method 1200 of a base station according to an embodiment is illustrated. The method 1200 comprises determining 1202 locations of a plurality of NTN payloads of a serving cell of an operating base station.

[0122] The method 1200 also includes transmitting 1204 a configuration message to the UE, the configuration message configuring the UE to report a first Rx-Tx value corresponding to a plurality of NTN payloads, the first Rx-Tx value being used to indicate the length of a first time period between a time when a UL reference signal is transmitted from the UE and a time when a DL reference signal is received at the UE.

[0123] The method 1200 also includes determining 1206 a second Rx-Tx value corresponding to the plurality of NTN payloads, wherein the second Rx-Tx value indicates a length of a second time period between a time of reception of an UL reference signal from the UE at the plurality of NTN payloads and a time of transmission of a DL reference signal from a corresponding payload of the plurality of NTN payloads.

[0124] The method 1200 also includes receiving 1208 from the UE a measurement report including first Rx-Tx values ​​corresponding to the plurality of NTN payloads.

[0125] The method 1200 also includes calculating 1210 a distance of the UE from locations of the plurality of NTN payloads using the first Rx-Tx value and the second Rx-Tx value.

[0126] The method 1200 further includes determining 1212 a location of the UE within the serving cell based on the locations of the plurality of NTN payloads and a distance of the UE from the locations of the plurality of NTN payloads.

[0127] In some embodiments of method 1200, the second Rx-Tx value is further determined using a drift factor based on movement of the plurality of NTN payloads from the locations during the second time period.

[0128] In some embodiments, method 1200 also includes: receiving, from the UE, a reported location of the UE within a serving cell; determining that the reported location of the UE is inconsistent with the location of the UE; and limiting the UE's operation of utilizing network services for a geographic area corresponding to the reported location of the UE based on the determination that the reported location of the UE is inconsistent with the location of the UE.

[0129] In some embodiments of the method 1200, the configuration message further configures the UE to use a positioning specific SRS, and wherein the UL reference signal includes the positioning specific SRS.

[0130] In some embodiments of method 1200, the DL reference signal includes an SSB.

[0131] In some implementations of method 1200, the DL reference signal includes a CSI-RS.

[0132] In some embodiments of method 1200, the configuration message comprises an RRC configuration message.

[0133] In some embodiments of method 1200, the measurement report further includes a reference signal index that corresponds to the DL reference signal of the first Rx-Tx value.

[0134] Fig.13A Illustrated is a flow chart 1300 showing an example use of a base station triggered / controlled RTT positioning mechanism according to an embodiment. Fig. 13B Diagram 1344 is illustrated corresponding to an example use of a base station triggered / controlled RTT positioning mechanism. Fig. 13B The diagram 1344 corresponds to Fig.13A 1300 , and therefore flowchart 1300 and diagram 1344 will be discussed together. Fig.13A and Fig. 13B The RTT positioning mechanism illustrated in can be understood as a multi-RTT framework, as described herein.

[0135] Fig.13A and Fig. 13B The example application illustrated is composed of Fig.10 Flowchart 1000 gives a generalized example of using RTT in the case of a single payload on a single satellite and a UE in a serving cell of a base station during multiple measurement instances.

[0136] Flowchart 1300 illustrates signaling between UE 1302 and base station 1304 and the operation of the UE and the base station. As illustrated in reference diagram 1344, base station 1304 operates with the UE via payload 1350 on satellite 1348. Specifically, payload 1350 operates a serving cell 1354 of base station 1304 that is currently used by UE 1302 to communicate with base station 1304. Fig. 13B In diagram 1344 , satellite 1348 is illustrated as moving through its orbit 1352 , wherein the position of satellite 1348 (and therefore payload 1350 located on satellite 1348 ) is explicitly illustrated during each measurement instance in a set of measurement instances including measurement instance T1 1316 , measurement instance T2 1318 , and measurement instance T3 1320 .

[0137] Note that although Fig.13A and Fig. 13B The example discusses the use of satellites, but it will be understood that Fig.13A and Fig. 13B The discussion similarly applies to situations involving other types of NTN vehicles.

[0138] The base station 1304 first determines 1306 the orbits 1352 of the payloads 1350. In some cases, assistance data (e.g., from the CN) may be used in conjunction with the determination of these orbits, while in other cases a positioning server at the base station 1304 may instead be used as part of the determination of these orbits. The base station 1304 uses this information to determine the relative position of each of the payloads 1350 at each of the measurement instance T1 1316, the measurement instance T2 1318, and the measurement instance T3 1320.

[0139] The UE 1302 then transmits 1308 a location report (eg, a coarse location report, as shown) to the base station 1304 reporting the location of the UE.

[0140] The base station 1304 then decides 1310 to verify the reliability of the UE's location report.

[0141] The base station 1304 then transmits 1312 an RRC reconfiguration message that configures the UE to report Rx-Tx values ​​(e.g., calculated values ​​of t3-t0 corresponding to the payload 1350) to the base station 1304. In the example illustrated in the flowchart 1300, the illustrated RRC message identifies the measurement instance T1 1316, the measurement instance T2 1318, and the measurement instance T3 1320 to the UE so that the UE is informed when the signaling for generating these values ​​of t3-t0 will occur. The RRC reconfiguration message also indicates the positioning specific SRS (which will be referred to more simply as SRS hereinafter) to be sent by the UE during each of the measurement instance T1 1316, the measurement instance T2 1318, and the measurement instance T3 1320.

[0142] In response to receipt of the RRC reconfiguration message, the UE 1302 determines 1314 to perform RTT measurement based on DL reference signals (e.g., CSI-RS and / or SSB) received from the payload 1350 during each of measurement instance T1 1316, measurement instance T2 1318, and measurement instance T3 1320. Fig.13A In the present disclosure, these DL reference signals are typically illustrated as SSB / CSI-RS reference signals, but it should be understood that in such cases, one or the other of these DL reference signals (or even some other type of DL reference signal) may be used.

[0143] During measurement instance T1 1316, UE 1302 transmits 1322 a first SRS as configured in an RRC reconfiguration message by base station 1304. UE 1302 records time t0 at which the first SRS is transmitted.

[0144] The SRS is received at the payload 1350, and the base station 1304 (eg, via communication with the payload 1350) is aware of the time t1 at which the SRS is received at the payload.

[0145] The base station 1304 then transmits 1324 a first DL reference signal (e.g., SSB / CSI-RS, as shown) to the UE 1302. The first DL reference signal is transmitted by the payload 1350 and in response to reception of the first SRS at the payload 1350. The base station 1304 knows (e.g., via communication with the payload 1350) the time t2 at which the first DL reference signal is transmitted.

[0146] UE 1302 receives the first DL reference signal and records the time t3 at which the first DL reference signal is received.

[0147] The UE 1302 then calculates a first t3-t0 value corresponding to the first SRS and the first DL reference signal to be included as part of a first measurement report (e.g., a first RRM measurement report, as shown), wherein the first t3-t0 value represents the Rx-Tx value corresponding to the payload 1350 and its position during the measurement instance T1 1316 (e.g., as illustrated in diagram 1344). The UE 1302 then transmits 1326 the first measurement report with these Rx-Tx values ​​to the base station 1304.

[0148] The base station 1304 calculates a first t2-t1 value corresponding to the first SRS and the first DL reference signal, wherein the first t2-t1 value represents an Rx-Tx value corresponding to the payload 1350 and its position during the measurement instance T1 1316 (e.g., as illustrated in diagram 1344). In some cases, the base station 1304 may know a timing drift factor (expressed as Δt) due to movement of the satellite 1348 at the corresponding payload 1350 during the time period corresponding to t2-t1. Therefore, the Rx-Tx value corresponding to the first t2-t1 value is further modified by Δt (e.g., the Rx-Tx value of t2-t1 ± Δt may be calculated) to improve accuracy.

[0149] Using the Rx-Tx values ​​given in the measurement report and their corresponding Rx-Tx values ​​calculated at the base station 1304, the base station 1304 estimates 1340 the RTT time for signaling of the first SRS and the first DL reference signal.

[0150] As can be seen with reference to flow diagram 1300 , additional RTT values ​​may be estimated using additional Rx-Tx values ​​in the form of additional t3 − t0 values ​​and t2 − t1 values ​​corresponding to measurement instance T2 1318 and measurement instance T3 1320 .

[0151] For example, for measurement instance T2 1318, UE 1302 transmits 1328 a second SRS to base station 1304, and base station 1304 transmits 1330 a second DL reference signal in reply. Rx-Tx values ​​corresponding to the second illustrated values ​​of t0, t1, t2, and t3 are calculated at UE 1302 (which calculates the second t3-t0 value) and base station 1304 (which calculates the second t2-t1 value), and UE 1302 transmits 1332 a second measurement report with the Rx-Tx value in the form of the second t3-t0 value to base station 1304. Using the Rx-Tx value given in the second measurement report and its corresponding Rx-Tx value calculated at base station 1304, base station 1304 estimates 1342 a second RTT for signaling of the second SRS and the second DL reference signal.

[0152] Furthermore, for measurement instance T3 1320, UE 1302 transmits 1334 a third SRS to base station 1304, and base station 1304 transmits 1336 a third DL reference signal in reply. Rx-Tx values ​​corresponding to third illustrated values ​​of t0, t1, t2, and t3 are calculated at UE 1302 (which calculates the third t3-t0 value) and base station 1304 (which calculates the third t2-t1 value), and UE 1302 transmits 1338 a third measurement report with its corresponding Rx-Tx value in the form of the third t3-t0 value to base station 1304. Using the Rx-Tx value given in the third measurement report and its corresponding Rx-Tx value calculated at base station 1304, base station 1304 estimates 1346 a third RTT for signaling of the third SRS and the third DL reference signal.

[0153] Note that the first RTT, the second RTT, and the third RTT are different due to the fact that the satellite 1348 (and therefore the payload 1350) is located at a different position at each of the measurement instance T1 1316, the measurement instance T2 1318, and the measurement instance T3 1320 due to the movement of the satellite 1348 along the orbit 1352. As previously discussed, these positions are known to the base station 1304.

[0154] Using these RTT times, base station 1304 determines the distance of the UE from the known location of each of payloads 1350 at the corresponding measurement instances for those RTT times. This allows base station 1304 to estimate the UE location by identifying points in space whose distance from each of these locations is an appropriate corresponding value (e.g., in a manner similar to that previously discussed herein).

[0155] The estimated location of the UE 1302 may then be compared to the location reported by the UE 1302. If the locations do not agree, the base station 1304 may then proceed to restrict the UE 1302 from operating with network services for the geographic area corresponding to the reported location of the UE based on a determination that the UE 1302 is not actually at the reported location and therefore may not be in the correct geographic area for network services. For example, it may be possible that the UE 1302 is not permitted to perform certain types of communications / any user plane communications on the network that would require the UE to be in the geographic area and / or otherwise be based on the understanding that the UE is in the geographic area unless and until the UE 1302 later reports a verifiable location in the geographic area. The restriction may include rejecting an attempted connection by the UE 1302 to a CN / AMF corresponding to operation in the geographic area.

[0156] Please note that Fig.13A and Fig. 13B The methods discussed may be used outside the context of UE location verification. In other words, it is contemplated that these methods may be used to determine the location of a UE for reasons other than verifying a UE reported location (and in such cases, transmission and / or reception of UE location reports may not be performed and / or may not be relevant).

[0157] It is further noted that in an alternative embodiment from the embodiment illustrated in flowchart 1300, individual configuration messages (e.g., individual RRC reconfiguration messages) that each configure the reporting of a single Rx-Tx value for a separate measurement instance by the UE may be used to inform the UE when signaling for the value of t3-t0 will occur. In such instances, these RRC messages may occur based on a trigger (e.g., a single trigger and / or an event-based trigger) performed by the base station. In the case of a single trigger, the UE may measure and report the Rx-Tx value in response to the corresponding base station indication. In the case of an event-based trigger, the base station may configure the UE to measure and report the Rx-Tx value at a specific time in the future.

[0158] In other alternatives from the implementation illustrated in flowchart 1300, a configuration message (e.g., an RRC reconfiguration message) may configure the UE with multiple measurement instances using a periodicity value that the UE uses to determine relevant measurement instances (e.g., rather than the configuration message providing an explicit indication of each measurement instance).

[0159] It is further noted that while flowchart 1300 illustrates the use of a first measurement report, a second measurement report, and a third measurement report, each having a corresponding Rx-Tx value calculated by UE 1302, other implementations are contemplated in which multiple Rx-Tx values ​​calculated by the UE over time may be aggregated into a single measurement report, which is then transmitted to the base station.

[0160] Fig.14 A method 1400 of a base station according to an embodiment is shown. The method 1400 comprises determining 1402 a position of an NTN payload moving relative to a ground location of a base station corresponding to a plurality of measurement instances, wherein the NTN vehicle is operating a serving cell of the base station.

[0161] Method 1400 also includes: transmitting 1404 one or more configuration messages to the UE, the one or more configuration messages configuring the UE to report a first Rx-Tx value corresponding to a plurality of measurement instances, the first Rx-Tx value being used to indicate the length of a first time period between a time when a UL reference signal is sent from the UE during a corresponding measurement instance in the plurality of measurement instances and a time when a corresponding DL reference signal is received at the UE.

[0162] The method 1400 also includes determining 1406 a second Rx-Tx value during the measurement instance, wherein the second Rx-Tx value indicates a length of a second time period between a time of reception of a UL reference signal from the UE at the NTN payload and a time of transmission of a corresponding DL reference signal from the NTN payload.

[0163] The method 1400 also includes receiving 1408 a first Rx-Tx value from the UE.

[0164] The method 1400 also includes calculating 1410 a distance of the UE from a location of the NTN payload during the measurement instance using the first Rx-Tx value and the second Rx-Tx value.

[0165] The method 1400 further includes determining 1412 a location of the UE within the serving cell based on the location of the NTN payload during the measurement instance and a distance of the UE from the location of the NTN payload during the measurement instance.

[0166] In some embodiments of method 1400, the second Rx-Tx value is further determined using a drift factor based on movement of the NTN payload from the locations during the second time period.

[0167] In some embodiments, method 1400 also includes: receiving, from the UE, a reported location of the UE within a serving cell; determining that the reported location of the UE is inconsistent with the location of the UE; and limiting the UE's operation of utilizing network services for a geographic area corresponding to the reported location of the UE based on the determination that the reported location of the UE is inconsistent with the location of the UE.

[0168] In some embodiments of method 1400, the one or more configuration messages further configure the UE to use a positioning SRS, and wherein the UL reference signal includes a positioning specific SRS.

[0169] In some embodiments of method 1400, the DL reference signal includes an SSB.

[0170] In some implementations of method 1400, the DL reference signal comprises a CSI-RS.

[0171] In some embodiments of method 1400, the one or more configuration messages include an RRC configuration message.

[0172] In some embodiments of method 1400, a configuration message of the one or more configuration messages explicitly indicates a plurality of measurement instances.

[0173] In some implementations of method 1400, a configuration message of the one or more configuration messages indicates a periodicity for the UE to use in determining the plurality of measurement instances.

[0174] Fig.15 Diagram 1500 is illustrated corresponding to an example use of UL-AoA and / or UL-TDOA positioning mechanisms triggered / controlled by a base station. Fig.15 The illustrated examples use UL-AoA and / or UL-TDOA with multiple payloads on multiple satellites and UEs in a serving cell of a base station during a single measurement instance.

[0175] As illustrated in reference diagram 1500, base station 1504 operates with UE 1502 via multiple payloads on multiple satellites (e.g., payload #1 1508 on satellite #1 1506, payload #2 1512 on satellite #2 1510, and payload #3 1516 on satellite #3 1514). Payload #1 1508, payload #2 1512, and payload #3 1516 (cooperatively) operate a serving cell 1518 of base station 1504 that is currently used by UE 1502 to communicate with base station 1504.

[0176] Note that although Fig.15 The example discusses the use of satellites, but it will be understood that Fig.15 The discussion similarly applies to situations involving other types of NTN vehicles.

[0177] Base station 1504 first determines the orbit of each of payload #1 1508, payload #2 1512, and payload #3 1516. In some cases, assistance data (e.g., from the CN) may be used in conjunction with the determination of these orbits, while in other cases, a positioning server at base station 1504 may instead be used as part of the determination of these orbits. Base station 1504 uses this information to determine the orbit of each of payload #1 1508, payload #2 1512, and payload #3 1516. Fig.15 The relative positions at the measurement instances illustrated in .

[0178] For UL-AoA, the UE may be configured by the base station 1802 to send a UL signal (e.g., SRS). The UL signal is received at each of payload #1 1508, payload #2 1512, and payload #3 1516. The location of the UE may then be determined at the base station 1504 based on the A-AoA and Z-AoA of the signal at each of payload #1 1508, payload #2 1512, and payload #3 1516 (as delivered from each of payload #1 1508, payload #2 1512, and payload #3 1516 to the base station 1504) and the corresponding known location of each of payload #1 1508, payload #2 1512, and payload #3 1516.

[0179] For UL-TDOA, the UE may be configured by the base station 1802 to send UL signals (e.g., SRS). These UL signals are received at each of payload #1 1508, payload #2 1512, and payload #3 1516. The location of the UE may then be determined at the base station 1504 based on the UL-RTOA of the UL signal at each of payload #1 1508, payload #2 1512, and payload #3 1516 (as delivered to the base station 1504 from each of payload #1 1508, payload #2 1512, and payload #3 1516) (and optionally, if the UL signal is an SRS, the UL-SRS-RSRP of the UL signal) and the corresponding known location of each of payload #1 1508, payload #2 1512, and payload #3 1516.

[0180] In some embodiments, the determined location may be used to perform verification of the UE's reported location, for example, in the manner already discussed herein, and to derive the potential results already discussed herein.

[0181] Please note that, relative to Fig.15 The discussed UL-AoA and / or UL-TDOA mechanisms do not depend on the LPP capability and / or NRPPa capability of, for example, the UE 1502 and / or the base station 1504.

[0182] Fig.16 A method 1600 of a base station according to an embodiment is illustrated. The method 1600 comprises determining 1602 locations of a plurality of NTN payloads of a serving cell of an operating base station.

[0183] The method 1600 also includes transmitting 1604 a configuration message to the UE, the configuration message configuring the UE to send a UL reference signal.

[0184] The method 1600 also includes receiving 1606 A-AoA data and Z-AoA data corresponding to the UL reference signal from the plurality of NTN payloads.

[0185] The method 1600 also includes determining 1608 , at the base station, a location of the UE in the serving cell based on the A-AoA data and the Z-AoA data.

[0186] In some implementations of method 1600, the UL reference signal includes an SRS.

[0187] Fig.17 A method 1700 of a base station according to an embodiment is illustrated. The method 1700 comprises determining 1702 locations of a plurality of NTN payloads of a serving cell of an operating base station.

[0188] The method 1700 also includes transmitting 1704 a configuration message to the UE, the configuration message configuring the UE to send a UL reference signal.

[0189] The method 1700 also includes receiving 1706 UL-RTOA data corresponding to the UL reference signal from the plurality of NTN payloads.

[0190] The method 1700 also includes determining 1708, at the base station, a location of the UE in the serving cell based on the UL-RTOA data.

[0191] In some implementations of method 1700, the UL reference signal includes an SRS.

[0192] In some embodiments, method 1700 further includes receiving UL-SRS-RSRP data corresponding to the UL reference signal from the plurality of NTN payloads, and the position of the UE in the serving cell is further determined based on the UL-SRS-RSRP data.

[0193] Fig.18 Diagram 1800 is illustrated corresponding to an example use of a base station triggered / controlled UL-AoA and / or UL-TDOA positioning mechanism. Fig.18 The illustrated examples use UL-AoA and / or UL-TDOA with a single payload on a single satellite and a UE in a serving cell of a base station during multiple measurement instances.

[0194] As illustrated in reference diagram 1800, base station 1802 operates with UEs via payload 1816 on satellite 1804. Specifically, payload 1816 operates a serving cell 1808 of base station 1802 that is currently used by UE 1806 to communicate with base station 1802. Fig.18 In diagram 1800 , satellite 1804 is illustrated as moving through its orbit 1818 , wherein the position of satellite 1804 (and therefore payload 1816 located on satellite 1804 ) is explicitly illustrated during each measurement instance in a set of measurement instances including measurement instance T1 1810 , measurement instance T2 1812 , and measurement instance T3 1814 .

[0195] Note that although Fig.18 The example discusses the use of satellites, but it will be understood that Fig.18 The discussion similarly applies to situations involving other types of NTN vehicles.

[0196] The base station 1802 first determines the orbit of each payload 1816. In some cases, assistance data (e.g., from the CN) may be used in conjunction with the determination of the orbit, while in other cases a positioning server at the base station 1802 may be used as part of the determination of the orbit instead. The base station 1802 uses this information to determine the relative position of the payload 1816 at each of the measurement instance T1 1810, the measurement instance T2 1812, and the measurement instance T3 1814.

[0197] For UL-AoA, the UE may be configured by the base station 1802 to send UL signals (e.g., SRS) at each of the measurement instance T1 1810, the measurement instance T2 1812, and the measurement instance T3 1814. These UL signals are received at the payload 1816 during each respective measurement instance of the measurement instance T1 1810, the measurement instance T2 1812, and the measurement instance T3 1814. Then, based on the A-AoA and Z-AoA of the signals at each of the measurement instance T1 1810, the measurement instance T2 1812, and the measurement instance T3 1814 (as delivered from the payload 1816 to the base station 1802) and the corresponding known position of the payload 1816 during the measurement instance T1 1810, the measurement instance T2 1812, and the measurement instance T3 1814, the position of the UE may be determined at the base station 1802.

[0198] For UL-TDOA, the UE may be configured by the base station 1802 to send UL signals (e.g., SRS) at each of the measurement instance T1 1810, the measurement instance T2 1812, and the measurement instance T3 1814. These UL signals are received at the payload 1816 during each respective measurement instance of the measurement instance T1 1810, the measurement instance T2 1812, and the measurement instance T3 1814. The position of the UE can then be determined at the base station 1802 based on the UL-RTOA of the UL signal at each of measurement instance T1 1810, measurement instance T2 1812, and measurement instance T3 1814 (as delivered from payload 1816 to the base station 1802) (and optionally, in the case where the UL signal is an SRS, the UL-SRS-RSRP of the UL signal) and the corresponding known position of payload 1816 during measurement instance T1 1810, measurement instance T2 1812, and measurement instance T3 1814.

[0199] In some embodiments, the determined location may be used to perform verification of the UE's reported location, for example, in the manner already discussed herein, and to derive the potential results already discussed herein.

[0200] Please note that, relative to Fig.18The discussed UL-AoA and / or UL-TDOA mechanisms do not depend on the LPP capability and / or NRPPa capability of, for example, the UE 1806 and / or the base station 1802.

[0201] Fig.19 A method 1900 of a base station according to an embodiment is shown. The method 1900 comprises determining 1902 a position of an NTN payload moving relative to a terrestrial location of a base station corresponding to a plurality of measurement instances, wherein the NTN payload is operating a serving cell of the base station.

[0202] The method 1900 also includes transmitting 1904 one or more configuration messages to the UE, the one or more configuration messages configuring the UE to send a plurality of UL reference signals during corresponding measurement instances of the plurality of measurement instances.

[0203] The method 1900 also includes receiving 1906 A-AoA data and Z-AoA data corresponding to a UL reference signal from the NTN payload.

[0204] The method 1900 also includes determining 1908 , at the base station, a location of the UE in the serving cell based on the A-AoA data and the Z-AoA data.

[0205] In some implementations of method 1900, the UL reference signal includes an SRS.

[0206] Fig. 20 A method 2000 of a base station according to an embodiment is shown. The method 2000 comprises determining 2002 a position of an NTN payload moving relative to a terrestrial location of a base station corresponding to a plurality of measurement instances, wherein the NTN payload is operating a serving cell of the base station.

[0207] The method 2000 also includes transmitting 2004 one or more configuration messages to the UE, the one or more configuration messages configuring the UE to send a plurality of UL reference signals during corresponding measurement instances of the plurality of measurement instances.

[0208] The method 2000 also includes receiving 2006 UL-RTOA data corresponding to a UL reference signal from the NTN payload.

[0209] The method 2000 also includes determining 2008, at the base station, a location of the UE in the serving cell based on the UL-RTOA data.

[0210] In some implementations of method 2000, the UL reference signal includes an SRS.

[0211] In some embodiments, method 2000 further includes receiving UL-SRS-RSRP data corresponding to a UL reference signal from the NTN payload, and the position of the UE in the serving cell is further determined based on the UL-SRS-RSRP data.

[0212] Fig.21 An example architecture of a wireless communication system 2100 according to an embodiment disclosed herein is illustrated. The description provided below is for an example wireless communication system 2100 operating in conjunction with LTE system standards and / or 5G or NR system standards provided in 3GPP technical specifications and other 3GPP documents.

[0213] like Fig.21 As shown, wireless communication system 2100 includes UE 2102 and UE 2104 (although any number of UEs may be used). In this example, UE 2102 and UE 2104 are illustrated as smartphones (e.g., handheld touch screen mobile computing devices capable of connecting to one or more cellular networks), but may also include any mobile or non-mobile computing device configured for wireless communication.

[0214] UE 2102 and UE 2104 may be configured to be communicatively coupled to RAN 2106. In an embodiment, RAN 2106 may be NG-RAN, E-UTRAN, etc. UE 2102 and UE 2104 utilize connections (or channels) (shown as connection 2108 and connection 2110, respectively) with RAN 2106, where each connection (or channel) includes a physical communication interface. RAN 2106 may include one or more base stations (such as base station 2112 and base station 2114) and / or other entities (e.g., a payload on a satellite 2136 that may operate a cell as directed by one of base stations 2112 and / or base station 2114) that enable connection 2108 and connection 2110. One or more non-terrestrial gateways 2134 may be associated with the RAN 2106. Figure 1 The NTN architecture 100 depicts the integration of the payload 2138 on the satellite 2136 into the RAN 2106 .

[0215] In this example, connection 2108 and connection 2110 are air interfaces that implement such communication coupling and may conform to the RAT used by RAN 2106, such as, for example, LTE and / or NR. In some embodiments, it is contemplated that connection 2108 and connection 2110 may include service links between their respective UE 2102, UE 2104, and payload 2138 of satellite 2136.

[0216] In some embodiments, UE 2102 and UE 2104 can also directly exchange communication data via side link interface 2116.

[0217] UE 2104 is shown as being configured to access an access point (shown as AP 2118) via connection 2120. By way of example, connection 2120 may include a local wireless connection, such as a connection conforming to any IEEE 802.11 protocol, wherein AP 2118 may include In this example, AP 2118 can connect to another network (eg, the Internet) without going through CN 2124.

[0218] In an embodiment, UE 2102 and UE 2104 may be configured to communicate with each other or with payload 2138 of base station 2112, base station 2114 and / or satellite 2136 using orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) communication signals over a multi-carrier communication channel in accordance with various communication techniques, such as, but not limited to, orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) communication techniques (e.g., for downlink communications) or single carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) communication techniques (e.g., for uplink and ProSe or sidelink communications), although the scope of the embodiments is not limited in this respect. OFDM signals may include multiple orthogonal subcarriers.

[0219] In some embodiments, all or part of base station 2112 and / or base station 2114 may be implemented as one or more software entities running on a server computer as part of a virtual network.

[0220] In addition, or in other embodiments, base station 2112 or base station 2114 may be configured to communicate with each other via interface 2122. In embodiments where wireless communication system 2100 is an LTE system (e.g., when CN 2124 is an EPC), interface 2122 may be an X2 interface. The X2 interface may be defined between two or more base stations (e.g., two or more eNBs, etc.) connected to the EPC and / or between two eNBs connected to the EPC. It is contemplated that an inter-satellite link (ISL) may carry the X2 interface between two satellite base stations.

[0221] In an embodiment where the wireless communication system 2100 is an NR system (e.g., when the CN 2124 is a 5GC), the interface 2122 may be an Xn interface. The Xn interface is defined between two or more base stations connected to the 5GC (e.g., the CN 2124). For example, the Xn interface may be between two or more gNBs connected to the 5GC, between a gNB and an eNB connected to the 5GC, or between two eNBs connected to the 5GC.

[0222] In an embodiment where the wireless communication system 2100 is an LTE system (e.g., when the CN 2124 is an EPC), the interface 2122 may be an X2 interface. The X2 interface may be defined between two or more base stations (e.g., two or more eNBs, etc.) connected to the EPC and / or between two eNBs connected to the EPC.

[0223] RAN 2106 is shown as being communicatively coupled to CN 2124. CN 2124 may include one or more network elements 2126 configured to provide various data and telecommunication services to customers / subscribers (e.g., UE 2102 and users of UE 2104) connected to CN 2124 via RAN 2106. The components of CN 2124 may be implemented in one physical device or separate physical devices including components for reading and executing instructions from a machine-readable or computer-readable medium (e.g., a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium). For example, the components of CN 2124 may be implemented in one or more processors and / or one or more associated memories.

[0224] In an embodiment, CN 2124 may be an EPC, and RAN 2106 may be connected to CN 2124 via an S1 interface 2128. In an embodiment, S1 interface 2128 may be divided into two parts: an S1 user plane (S1-U) interface, which carries service data between base station 2112, base station 2114, and a serving gateway (S-GW); and an S1-MME interface, which is a signaling interface between base station 2112 and / or base station 2114 and a mobility management entity (MME).

[0225] In an embodiment, CN 2124 may be a 5GC, and RAN 2106 may be connected to CN 2124 via an NG interface 2128. In an embodiment, NG interface 2128 may be divided into two parts: an NG user plane (NG-U) interface, which carries service data between base station 2112 and / or base station 2114 and a user plane function (UPF); and an S1 control plane (NG-C) interface, which is a signaling interface between base station 2112 and / or base station 2114 and an access and mobility management function (AMF).

[0226] Generally speaking, the application server 2130 may be an element that provides applications that use Internet Protocol (IP) bearer resources with the CN 2124 (e.g., packet-switched data services). The application server 2130 may also be configured to support one or more communication services (e.g., VoIP sessions, group communication sessions, etc.) for the UE 2102 and UE 2104 via the CN 2124. The application server 2130 may communicate with the CN 2124 via the IP communication interface 2132.

[0227] Fig. 22 A system 2200 for performing signaling 2234 between a wireless device 2202 and a RAN device 2218 of a core network connected to a CN device 2236 according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The system 2200 can be part of a wireless communication system as described herein. The wireless device 2202 can be, for example, a UE of a wireless communication system. The RAN device 2218 can be, for example, a base station (e.g., an eNB or gNB) of a wireless communication system that is a ground base station. In the case where the RAN device 2218 is a ground base station, the RAN device 2218 can communicate with a payload of a satellite that directly provides radio access connectivity to the UE in the manner described herein. The CN device 2236 can be one or more devices that make up the CN, as described herein.

[0228] The wireless device 2202 may include one or more processors 2204. The processor 2204 may execute instructions to cause various operations of the wireless device 2202 to be performed, as described herein. The processor 2204 may include one or more baseband processors implemented using, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a controller, a field programmable gate array (FPGA) device, another hardware device, a firmware device, or any combination thereof configured to perform the operations described herein.

[0229] The wireless device 2202 may include a memory 2206. The memory 2206 may be a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions 2208 (which may include, for example, instructions executed by the processor 2204). The instructions 2208 may also be referred to as program code or a computer program. The memory 2206 may also store data used by the processor 2204 and results calculated by the processor.

[0230] The wireless device 2202 may include one or more transceivers 2210, which may include RF transmitter and / or receiver circuits that use an antenna 2212 of the wireless device 2202 to facilitate signaling (e.g., signaling 2234) to and / or from the wireless device 2202 with other devices (e.g., RAN devices 2218) according to a corresponding RAT. In some embodiments, the antenna 2212 may include a mobile parabolic antenna, an omnidirectional phased array antenna, or some other antenna suitable for communicating with a payload on a satellite (e.g., as described above in conjunction with Figure 1 UE 108 described above).

[0231] In the case of NTN, network equipment signaling 2234 may occur on the service link between the wireless device 2202 and the payload on the satellite and the feeder link between the payload on the satellite and the RAN equipment 2218 (e.g., as described with respect to Figure 1 described).

[0232] The wireless device 2202 may include one or more antennas 2212 (e.g., one, two, four, or more). For implementations with multiple antennas 2212, the wireless device 2202 may take full advantage of the spatial diversity of such multiple antennas 2212 to transmit and / or receive multiple different data streams on the same time-frequency resources. This behavior may be referred to as, for example, multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) behavior (referring to multiple antennas used at each of the transmitting device and the receiving device to implement this aspect). MIMO transmission by the wireless device 2202 may be implemented based on pre-coding (or digital beamforming) applied at the wireless device 2202, which multiplexes data streams across the antennas 2212 based on known or assumed channel characteristics, so that each data stream is received with appropriate signal strength relative to other streams and at a desired location in the spatial domain (e.g., the location of the receiver associated with the data stream). Certain embodiments may use a single-user MIMO (SU-MIMO) approach (where data streams are all directed to a single receiver) and / or a multi-user MIMO (MU-MIMO) approach (where separate data streams may be directed to separate (different) receivers in different locations in the spatial domain).

[0233] In certain embodiments with multiple antennas, the wireless device 2202 may implement analog beamforming techniques whereby the phases of signals transmitted by the antennas 2212 are relatively adjusted such that the (joint) transmissions of the antennas 2212 can be directional (this is sometimes referred to as beam steering).

[0234] The wireless device 2202 may include one or more interfaces 2214. The interface 2214 may be used to provide input to the wireless device 2202 or provide output from the wireless device. For example, a wireless device 2202 as a UE may include an interface 2214, such as a microphone, a speaker, a touch screen, buttons, etc., to allow a user of the UE to input and / or output to the UE. Other interfaces of such a UE may be composed of transmitters, receivers, and other circuits that allow communication between the UE and other devices (for example, in addition to the transceiver 2210 / antenna 2212 already described), and may be based on known protocols (for example, etc.) to perform the operation.

[0235] The wireless device 2202 may include a UE positioning module 2216. The UE positioning module 2216 may be implemented via hardware, software, or a combination thereof. For example, the UE positioning module 2216 may be implemented as a processor, circuit, and / or instructions 2208 stored in the memory 2206 and executed by the processor 2204. In some examples, the UE positioning module 2216 may be integrated within the processor 2204 and / or the transceiver 2210. For example, the UE positioning module 2216 may be implemented by a combination of software components (e.g., executed by a DSP or a general purpose processor) and hardware components (e.g., logic gates and circuits) within the processor 2204 or the transceiver 2210.

[0236] The UE positioning module 2216 may be used in various aspects of the present disclosure, for example, Figures 1 to 20 The UE positioning module 2216 is configured to provide the reported location of the UE to the RAN device 2218, for example, when so instructed (eg, by the RAN device 2218 as a base station), etc.

[0237] The RAN device 2218 may include one or more processors 2220. The processor 2220 may execute instructions to perform various operations of the RAN device 2218 as described herein. The processor 2204 may include one or more baseband processors implemented using, for example, a CPU, a DSP, an ASIC, a controller, an FPGA device, another hardware device, a firmware device, or any combination thereof configured to perform the operations described herein.

[0238] The RAN device 2218 may include a memory 2222. The memory 2222 may be a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions 2224 (which may include, for example, instructions executed by the processor 2220). The instructions 2224 may also be referred to as program code or a computer program. The memory 2222 may also store data used by the processor 2220 and results calculated by the processor.

[0239] The RAN device 2218 may include one or more transceivers 2226, which may include RF transmitter and / or receiver circuits that use antennas 2228 of the RAN device 2218 to facilitate signaling (e.g., signaling 2234) to and / or from the RAN device 2218 with other devices (e.g., wireless device 2202) in accordance with a corresponding RAT.

[0240] The RAN device 2218 may include one or more antennas 2228 (e.g., one, two, four, or more). In an embodiment with multiple antennas 2228, the RAN device 2218 may perform MIMO, digital beamforming, analog beamforming, beam steering, etc. as already described.

[0241] In the NTN case, the transceiver 2226 and antenna 2228 may alternatively reside on the payload of a satellite associated with the base station.

[0242] The RAN device 2218 may include one or more interfaces 2230. The interface 2230 may be used to provide input to or output from the RAN device 2218. For example, the RAN device 2218 as a base station may include an interface 2230 composed of a transmitter, a receiver and other circuits (for example, in addition to the transceiver 2226 / antenna 2228 already described), which enables the base station to communicate with other equipment in the CN and / or enables the base station to communicate with an external network, computer, database, etc., to achieve the purpose of operating, managing and maintaining the base station or other equipment operably connected to the base station.

[0243] The RAN device 2218 may include a UE positioning module 2232. The UE positioning module 2232 may be implemented via hardware, software, or a combination thereof. For example, the UE positioning module 2232 may be implemented as a processor, a circuit, and / or instructions 2224 stored in the memory 2222 and executed by the processor 2220. In some examples, the UE positioning module 2232 may be integrated within the processor 2220 and / or the transceiver 2226. For example, the UE positioning module 2232 may be implemented by a combination of software components (e.g., executed by a DSP or a general purpose processor) and hardware components (e.g., logic gates and circuits) within the processor 2220 or the transceiver 2226.

[0244] The UE positioning module 2232 may be used in various aspects of the present disclosure, for example, Figures 1 to 20 The UE positioning module 2232 is configured to, for example, perform a UE positioning mechanism, as has been described herein in conjunction with / for the wireless device 2202 as a UE.

[0245] RAN device 2218 can communicate with CN device 2236 via interface 2248, which can communicate with Fig.21 The interface 2128 is similar (for example, it can be an S1 and / or NG interface, either of which can be divided into a user plane part and a control plane part).

[0246] The CN device 2236 may include one or more processors 2238. The processor 2238 may execute instructions to perform various operations of the CN device 2236, as described herein. The processor 2238 may include one or more baseband processors implemented using, for example, a CPU, a DSP, an ASIC, a controller, an FPGA device, another hardware device, a firmware device, or any combination thereof configured to perform the operations described herein.

[0247] The CN device 2236 may include a memory 2240. The memory 2240 may be a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions 2242 (which may include, for example, instructions executed by the processor 2238). The instructions 2242 may also be referred to as program code or a computer program. The memory 2240 may also store data used by the processor 2238 and results calculated by the processor.

[0248] The CN device 2236 may include one or more interfaces 2244. The interface 2244 may be used to provide input to or output from the CN device 2236. For example, the CN device 2236 may include an interface 2230 composed of a transmitter, a receiver, and other circuits, which enables the CN device 2236 to communicate with other equipment in the CN, and / or enables the CN device 2236 to communicate with an external network, computer, database, etc., for the purpose of operating, managing, and maintaining the CN device 2236 or other equipment operably connected to the CN device.

[0249] The CN device 2236 may include a UE positioning module 2246. The UE positioning module 2246 may be implemented via hardware, software, or a combination thereof. For example, the UE positioning module 2246 may be implemented as a processor, circuit, and / or instructions 2242 stored in the memory 2240 and executed by the processor 2238. In some examples, the UE positioning module 2246 may be integrated within the processor 2238. For example, the UE positioning module 2246 may be implemented by a combination of software components (e.g., executed by a DSP or a general purpose processor) and hardware components (e.g., logic gates and circuits) within the processor 2238.

[0250] The UE positioning module 2246 may be used in various aspects of the present disclosure, for example, Figures 1 to 20 The UE positioning module 2246 is configured to, for example, provide assistance data to the RAN device 2218 as a base station, etc.

[0251] Embodiments contemplated herein include an apparatus comprising means for performing one or more elements of any of the methods 1200, 1400, 1600, 1700, 1900, and / or 2000. The apparatus may be, for example, an apparatus of a base station (such as the RAN device 2218 as a base station, as described herein).

[0252] Embodiments contemplated herein include one or more non-transitory computer-readable media including instructions for causing the electronic device to perform one or more elements of any of methods 1200, 1400, 1600, 1700, 1900, and / or 2000 when the instructions are executed by one or more processors of the electronic device. The non-transitory computer-readable medium may be, for example, a memory of a base station (such as the memory 2222 of the RAN device 2218 as a base station, as described herein).

[0253] Embodiments contemplated herein include an apparatus comprising logical components, modules, or circuits for performing one or more elements of any of the methods 1200, 1400, 1600, 1700, 1900, and / or 2000. The apparatus may be, for example, an apparatus of a base station (such as the RAN device 2218 as a base station, as described herein).

[0254] Embodiments contemplated herein include an apparatus comprising: one or more processors and one or more computer-readable media comprising instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform one or more elements of any of methods 1200, 1400, 1600, 1700, 1900, and / or 2000. The apparatus may be, for example, an apparatus of a base station (such as RAN device 2218 as a base station, as described herein).

[0255] Embodiments contemplated herein include a signal as described in or associated with one or more elements of any of method 1200 , method 1400 , method 1600 , method 1700 , method 1900 , and / or method 2000 .

[0256] Embodiments contemplated herein include a computer program or computer program product including instructions, wherein execution of the program by a processing element causes the processing element to perform one or more elements of any of the methods 1200, 1400, 1600, 1700, 1900, and / or 2000. The processor may be a processor of a base station (such as the processor 2220 of the RAN device 2218 as a base station, as described herein). These instructions may be located, for example, in a processor and / or on a memory of a base station (such as the memory 2222 of the RAN device 2218 as a base station, as described herein).

[0257] For one or more embodiments, at least one of the components set forth in one or more of the foregoing figures may be configured to perform one or more operations, techniques, processes, and / or methods as set forth herein. For example, a baseband processor as described herein in conjunction with one or more of the foregoing figures may be configured to operate according to one or more of the examples set forth herein. For another example, circuits associated with a UE, a base station, a network element, etc., as described above in conjunction with one or more of the foregoing figures may be configured to operate according to one or more of the examples set forth herein.

[0258] Unless otherwise expressly stated, any of the above embodiments may be combined with any other embodiment (or combination of embodiments). The foregoing description of one or more specific implementations provides illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the scope of the embodiments to the precise form disclosed. In view of the above teachings, modifications and variations are possible or can be obtained from the practice of various embodiments.

[0259] Embodiments and implementations of the systems and methods described herein may include various operations that may be embodied in machine executable instructions to be executed by a computer system. A computer system may include one or more general or special purpose computers (or other electronic devices). A computer system may include hardware components that include specific logic components for performing operations or may include a combination of hardware, software, and / or firmware.

[0260] It should be appreciated that the systems described herein include descriptions of specific embodiments. These embodiments may be combined into a single system, partially combined into other systems, separated into multiple systems, or otherwise divided or combined. In addition, it is contemplated that parameters, attributes, aspects, etc. of another embodiment may be used in one embodiment. For clarity, these parameters, attributes, aspects, etc. are described only in one or more embodiments, and it should be appreciated that these parameters, attributes, aspects, etc. may be combined with or substituted for parameters, attributes, aspects, etc. of another embodiment unless expressly stated herein.

[0261] It is understood that the use of personally identifiable information should be subject to privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized to meet or exceed industry or government requirements for maintaining user privacy. Specifically, personally identifiable information data should be managed and processed to minimize the risk of unintentional or unauthorized access or use, and the nature of the authorized use should be clearly stated to users.

[0262] Although the foregoing has been described in considerable detail for the sake of clarity, it will be apparent that certain changes and modifications may be made without departing from the principles of the invention. It should be noted that there are many alternative ways to implement both the processes and the apparatus described herein. Therefore, the embodiments of the present invention should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive, and the specification is not limited to the details given herein, but may be modified within the scope and equivalents of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method of a base station, the method comprising: determining locations of a plurality of non-terrestrial network (NTN) payloads operating a serving cell of the base station; transmitting a configuration message to a user equipment (UE), the configuration message configuring the UE to report a first receive (Rx) minus transmit (Tx) (Rx-Tx) value corresponding to the plurality of NTN payloads, the first Rx-Tx value being used to indicate a length of a first time period between a time of transmission of an uplink (UL) reference signal from the UE and a time of reception of a downlink (DL) reference signal at the UE; determining a second Rx-Tx value corresponding to the plurality of NTN payloads, wherein the second Rx-Tx value indicates a length of a second time period between a time of reception of the UL reference signal from the UE at the plurality of NTN payloads and a time of transmission of the DL reference signal from a corresponding payload of the plurality of NTN payloads; receiving, from the UE, a measurement report including the first Rx-Tx values ​​corresponding to the plurality of NTN payloads; calculating a distance of the UE from the locations of the plurality of NTN payloads using the first Rx-Tx value and the second Rx-Tx value; as well as A location of the UE within the serving cell is determined based on the locations of the plurality of NTN payloads and the distance of the UE from the locations of the plurality of NTN payloads. 2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the second Rx-Tx value is further determined using a drift factor based on movement of the plurality of NTN payloads from the location during the second time period.

3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: receiving, from the UE, a reported location of the UE within the serving cell; determining that the reported location of the UE is inconsistent with the location of the UE; as well as Operation of the UE utilizing network services for a geographic area corresponding to the reported location of the UE is restricted based on a determination that the reported location of the UE is inconsistent with the location of the UE.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the configuration message further configures the UE to use a positioning specific sounding reference signal (SRS), and wherein the UL reference signal includes the positioning specific SRS.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the DL reference signal comprises a synchronization signal block (SSB).

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the DL reference signal comprises a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS).

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the configuration message comprises a radio resource control (RRC) configuration message.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the measurement report further comprises a reference signal index that corresponds the DL reference signal to the first Rx-Tx value.

9. A method of a base station, the method comprising: determining a location of a non-terrestrial network (NTN) payload that is moving relative to a terrestrial location of the base station corresponding to a plurality of measurement instances, wherein the NTN vehicle is operating a serving cell of the base station; transmitting one or more configuration messages to a user equipment (UE), the one or more configuration messages configuring the UE to report first receive (Rx) minus transmit (Tx) (Rx-Tx) values ​​corresponding to the plurality of measurement instances, the first Rx-Tx values ​​being used to indicate a length of a first time period between a time of transmission of an uplink (UL) reference signal from the UE and a time of reception of a corresponding downlink (DL) reference signal at the UE during a corresponding measurement instance of the plurality of measurement instances; determining a second Rx-Tx value during the measurement instance, wherein the second Rx-Tx value indicates a length of a second time period between a time of receipt of the UL reference signal from the UE at the NTN payload and a time of transmission of the corresponding DL reference signal from the NTN payload; receiving the first Rx-Tx value from the UE; calculating a distance of the UE from the location of the NTN payload during the measurement instance using the first Rx-Tx value and the second Rx-Tx value; as well as The location of the UE within the serving cell is determined based on the location of the NTN payload during the measurement instance and the distance of the UE from the location of the NTN payload during the measurement instance.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the second Rx-Tx value is further determined using a drift factor based on movement of the NTN payload from the location during the second time period.

11. The method according to claim 9, further comprising: receiving, from the UE, a reported location of the UE within the serving cell; determining that the reported location of the UE is inconsistent with the location of the UE; as well as Operation of the UE utilizing network services for a geographic area corresponding to the reported location of the UE is restricted based on a determination that the reported location of the UE is inconsistent with the location of the UE.

12. The method of claim 9, wherein the one or more configuration messages further configure the UE to use a positioning specific sounding reference signal (SRS), and wherein the UL reference signal comprises the positioning specific SRS.

13. The method of claim 9, wherein the DL reference signal comprises a synchronization signal block (SSB).

14. The method of claim 9, wherein the DL reference signal comprises a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS).

15. The method of claim 9, wherein the one or more configuration messages comprise a radio resource control (RRC) configuration message.

16. The method of claim 9, wherein a configuration message of the one or more configuration messages explicitly indicates the plurality of measurement instances.

17. The method of claim 9, wherein a configuration message of the one or more configuration messages indicates a periodicity for the UE to use in determining the plurality of measurement instances.

18. A method of a base station, the method comprising: determining locations of a plurality of non-terrestrial network (NTN) payloads operating a serving cell of the base station; transmitting a configuration message to a user equipment (UE), the configuration message configuring the UE to send an uplink (UL) reference signal; receiving azimuth angle of arrival (A-AoA) data and zenith angle of arrival (Z-AoA) data corresponding to the UL reference signal from the plurality of NTN payloads; as well as A location of the UE in the serving cell is determined at the base station based on the A-AoA data and the Z-AoA data.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the UL reference signal comprises a sounding reference signal (SRS).

20. A method of a base station, the method comprising: determining a location of a non-terrestrial network (NTN) payload that is moving relative to a terrestrial location of the base station corresponding to a plurality of measurement instances, wherein the NTN payload is operating a serving cell of the base station; transmitting one or more configuration messages to a user equipment (UE), the one or more configuration messages configuring the UE to send a plurality of uplink (UL) reference signals during corresponding measurement instances of the plurality of measurement instances; receiving azimuth angle of arrival (A-AoA) data and zenith angle of arrival (Z-AoA) data corresponding to the UL reference signal from the NTN payload; as well as A location of the UE in the serving cell is determined at the base station based on the A-AoA data and the Z-AoA data.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the UL reference signal comprises a sounding reference signal (SRS).

22. A method of a base station, the method comprising: determining locations of a plurality of non-terrestrial network (NTN) payloads operating a serving cell of the base station; transmitting a configuration message to a user equipment (UE), the configuration message configuring the UE to send an uplink (UL) reference signal; receiving uplink relative time of arrival (UL-RTOA) data corresponding to the UL reference signal from the plurality of NTN payloads; as well as A location of the UE in the serving cell is determined at the base station based on the UL-RTOA data.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the UL reference signal comprises a sounding reference signal (SRS).

24. The method according to claim 22, further comprising: receiving uplink sounding reference signal received power (UL-SRS-RSRP) data corresponding to the UL reference signal from the plurality of NTN payloads; The position of the UE in the serving cell is further determined based on the UL-SRS-RSRP data.

25. A method of a base station, the method comprising: determining a location of a non-terrestrial network (NTN) payload that is moving relative to a terrestrial location of the base station corresponding to a plurality of measurement instances, wherein the NTN payload is operating a serving cell of the base station; transmitting one or more configuration messages to a user equipment (UE), the one or more configuration messages configuring the UE to send a plurality of uplink (UL) reference signals during corresponding measurement instances of the plurality of measurement instances; receiving uplink relative time of arrival (UL-RTOA) data corresponding to the UL reference signal from the NTN payload; as well as A location of the UE in the serving cell is determined at the base station based on the UL-RTOA data.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the UL reference signal comprises a sounding reference signal (SRS).

27. The method according to claim 25, further comprising: receiving uplink sounding reference signal received power (UL-SRS-RSRP) data corresponding to the UL reference signal from the NTN payload; The position of the UE in the serving cell is further determined based on the UL-SRS-RSRP data.

28. An apparatus comprising means for performing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 27.

29. A computer-readable medium comprising instructions for causing an electronic device to perform a method according to any one of claims 1 to 27 when the instructions are executed by one or more processors of the electronic device.

30. An apparatus comprising logic components, modules or circuits for performing the method of any one of claims 1 to 27.

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