Cross-frequency hopping positioning measurements

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to positioning measurements across frequency hopping. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a first device receives a configuration for PRS measurements for frequency hopping across PRS. The first device obtains PRS measurements across a first number of consecutive PRS frequency hops based on the configuration, and reports the PRS measurements. In this way, PRS frequency hopping and stitching processes may be enabled.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various example embodiments relate to the field of telecommunications, and in particular to methods, devices, apparatuses, and computer-readable storage media for cross-frequency hopping positioning measurements. Background Art

[0002] Currently, positioning enhancements include positioning support for reduced capability (RedCap) user equipment (UE) with reduced bandwidth support. Frequency bandwidth resources are a key factor in positioning accuracy. In order to overcome the performance degradation from narrow bandwidth resources, a typical approach is positioning reference signal (PRS) frequency hopping and splicing, so that a narrow PRS bandwidth is measured each time and coherent processing across multiple PRS hops is enabled. However, due to the potential low priority of PRS measurements within a PRS processing window (PPW), PRS measurements on one or more PRS hops may not be obtained within the PPW. Measurements on all PRS hops may have to be repeated. Summary of the invention

[0003] Generally speaking, example embodiments of the present disclosure provide a solution for positioning measurements across PRS frequency hopping.

[0004] In a first aspect, a first device is provided. The first device includes: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, enable the first device to at least: receive a configuration for positioning reference signal measurement across positioning reference signal frequency hopping; based on the configuration, obtain positioning reference signal measurement across a first number of consecutive positioning reference signal frequency hopping; and report the positioning reference signal measurement.

[0005] In a second aspect, a second device is provided. The second device includes: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the second device to at least: generate a configuration for positioning reference signal measurement across positioning reference signal frequency hopping; and send the configuration to a first device for determining positioning reference signal measurement across a first number of consecutive positioning reference signal frequency hopping.

[0006] In a third aspect, a third device is provided. The third device includes: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, enable the third device to at least: receive positioning reference signal measurements across a first number of consecutive positioning reference signal hops from a first device; and locate the first device based on the positioning reference signal measurements.

[0007] In a fourth aspect, a method for communication is provided. The method includes: receiving, at a first device, a configuration for positioning reference signal measurements across positioning reference signal frequency hopping; based on the configuration, obtaining positioning reference signal measurements across a first number of consecutive positioning reference signal frequency hopping; and reporting the positioning reference signal measurements.

[0008] In a fifth aspect, a method for communication is provided. The method includes: generating, at a second device, a configuration for positioning reference signal measurements across positioning reference signal frequency hopping; and sending the configuration to a first device for determining positioning reference signal measurements across a first number of consecutive positioning reference signal frequency hopping.

[0009] In a sixth aspect, a method for communication is provided. The method includes: receiving, at a third device, positioning reference signal measurements across a first number of consecutive positioning reference signal hops from a first device; and locating the first device based on the positioning reference signal measurements.

[0010] In a seventh aspect, an apparatus for communication is provided. The apparatus includes: a component for receiving, at a first device, a configuration for positioning reference signal measurements across positioning reference signal hopping; a component for acquiring positioning reference signal measurements across a first number of consecutive positioning reference signal hoppings based on the configuration; and a component for reporting positioning reference signal measurements.

[0011] In an eighth aspect, an apparatus for communication is provided. The apparatus includes: a component for generating a configuration for positioning reference signal measurements across positioning reference signal hopping at a second device; and a component for sending the configuration to a first device for determining positioning reference signal measurements across a first number of consecutive positioning reference signal hopping.

[0012] In a ninth aspect, an apparatus for communication is provided. The apparatus includes: means for receiving, at a third device, positioning reference signal measurements across a first number of consecutive positioning reference signal hops from a first device; and means for positioning the first device based on the positioning reference signal measurements.

[0013] In a tenth aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided, comprising program instructions, which, when executed by a device, cause the device to at least perform the method according to any one of the fourth to sixth aspects.

[0014] In an eleventh aspect, a computer program is provided, comprising instructions, which, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to at least perform the method according to any one of the fourth to sixth aspects.

[0015] It should be understood that the invention summary is not intended to identify the key or essential features of the embodiments of the present disclosure, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Other features of the present disclosure will become readily understood through the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Some example embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0017] Figure 1 illustrates an example communication network in which embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented;

[0018] Figure 2 A diagram illustrating an example PRS frequency hopping and splicing process in which embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented;

[0019] Figure 3 A flow chart illustrating a process for communication of positioning measurements across frequency hopping according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 4A illustrates a diagram illustrating an example PRS measurement configuration according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 4B illustrates another example diagram illustrating a PRS measurement configuration according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 5 illustrates a flow chart of an example method implemented at a first device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 6 illustrates a flow chart of an example method implemented at a second device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 7 illustrates a flow chart of an example method implemented at a third device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 8 illustrates a simplified block diagram of a device suitable for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0026] Fig. 9 A block diagram of an example computer-readable medium is illustrated in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0027] Throughout the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The principles of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to some example embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are described for illustrative purposes only and to help those skilled in the art understand and implement the present disclosure without implying any limitation on the scope of the present disclosure. The disclosure described herein can be implemented in various other ways except for the way described below.

[0029] In the following description and claims, unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0030] In this disclosure, references to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," and "an example embodiment" indicate that the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, these phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in conjunction with an embodiment, those skilled in the art recognize that it is within the knowledge of those skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in conjunction with other embodiments, whether or not explicitly described.

[0031] It should be understood that although the terms "first" and "second" etc. can be used to describe various elements in this article, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. For example, without departing from the scope of the exemplary embodiment, the first element can be referred to as the second element, and similarly, the second element can be referred to as the first element. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed terms.

[0032] The term used herein is only used to describe the purpose of specific embodiments, and is not intended to limit exemplary embodiments. The singular form "one", "an" and "the" used herein also include plural forms, unless the context clearly states otherwise. It will also be understood that the terms "include", "comprise", "contain", "have", "have", "contain", and / or "contain" specify the existence of the features, elements, and / or components when used in this article, but do not exclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components and / or their combinations. As used in this article, "at least one of the following items: <list of two or more elements>" and "at least one of the lists of <two or more elements>" and similar wording (wherein the list of two or more elements is connected by "and" or "or") refer to at least any one element in these elements, or at least any two or more elements in these elements, or at least all elements in these elements.

[0033] As used in this application, the term "circuitry" may refer to one or more or all of the following:

[0034] (a) a hardware circuit implementation only (such as an implementation using only analog and / or digital circuitry), and

[0035] (b) a combination of hardware circuitry and software, such as (where applicable):

[0036] (i) a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuits and software / firmware, and

[0037] (ii) any portion of hardware processor(s) (including digital signal processor(s)) with software, software and memory(s) that work together to enable a device (such as a mobile phone or server) to perform various functions), and

[0038] (c) Hardware circuit(s) and / or processor(s), such as microprocessor(s) or portions of microprocessors, that require software (e.g., firmware) to operate, but which may not be present when the software is not required for operation.

[0039] This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of the term in this application, including in any claims. As another example, as used in this application, the term circuitry also covers merely a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or a portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware implementation. For example, if applicable to a particular claim element, the term circuitry also covers a baseband integrated circuit or processor integrated circuit for a mobile device or a similar integrated circuit in a server, cellular network device, or other computing or network device.

[0040] As used herein, the term "communication network" refers to a network that follows any suitable communication standard, such as long term evolution (LTE), advanced LTE (LTE-A), wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA), high speed packet access (HSPA), narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), etc. In addition, the communication between the terminal equipment and the network equipment in the communication network can be performed according to any suitable generation of communication protocol, including but not limited to the first generation (1G), second generation (2G), 2.5G, 2.75G, third generation (3G), fourth generation (4G), 4.5G, fifth generation (5G), future sixth generation (6G) communication protocol, and / or any other protocol currently known or to be developed in the future. The embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to various communication systems. In view of the rapid development of communication, there will certainly be communication technologies and systems that can be used to embody future types of the present disclosure. It should not be regarded as limiting the scope of the present disclosure to the above-mentioned system.

[0041] As used herein, the term "network device" refers to a node in a communication network via which a terminal device accesses the network and receives services from it. Depending on the terminology and technology applied, a network device may refer to a base station (BS) or an access point (AP), such as a Node B (Node B or NB), an evolved Node B (eNodeB or eNB), a New Radio (NR) Next Generation Node B (also known as gNB), a Remote Radio Unit (RRU), a Radio Head (RH), a Remote Radio Head (RRH), a relay, a low power node (such as a femto, pico, etc.). The RAN split architecture includes: a gNB-CU (centralized unit, hosting RRC, SDAP, and PDCP) that controls multiple gNB-DUs (distributed units, hosting RLC, MAC, and PHY).

[0042] The term "terminal device" refers to any terminal device capable of wireless communication. As an example and not limitation, a terminal device may also be referred to as a communication device, a user equipment (UE), a subscriber station (SS), a portable subscriber station, a mobile station (MS), or an access terminal (AT). The terminal device may include, but is not limited to, a mobile phone, a cellular phone, a smart phone, a voice over IP (VoiP) phone, a wireless local loop phone, a tablet computer, a wearable terminal device, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable computer, a desktop computer, an image capture terminal device such as a digital camera, a game terminal device, a music storage and playback device, a vehicle-mounted wireless terminal device, a line terminal, a mobile station, a laptop embedded device (LEE), a laptop mounted device (LME), a USB dongle, a smart device, a wireless client device (CPE), an Internet of Things (IoT) device, a watch or other wearable device, a head mounted display (HMD), a vehicle, a drone, medical equipment and applications (e.g., remote surgery), industrial equipment and applications (e.g., robots and / or other wireless devices operating in industrial and / or automated processing chain environments), consumer electronic devices, equipment operating on commercial and / or industrial wireless networks, etc. In the following description, the terms "terminal device", "communication device", "terminal", "user equipment", and "UE" may be used interchangeably.

[0043] Although in various example embodiments, the functions described herein may be performed in fixed and / or wireless network nodes, in other example embodiments, the functions may be implemented in a user equipment device (such as a cellular phone or a tablet computer or a laptop computer or a desktop computer or a mobile device or a fixed device). The user equipment device may, for example, be appropriately equipped with the corresponding capabilities described in conjunction with (multiple) fixed and / or wireless network nodes. The user equipment device may be a user device and / or a control device, such as a chipset or a processor, which is configured to control the user device when installed therein. Examples of such functions include a bootstrap server function and / or a home user server, which may be implemented in a user equipment device by providing the user equipment device with software configured to cause the user equipment device to execute from the perspective of these functions / nodes.

[0044] Currently, it has been proposed to study the positioning support of RedCap UE considering the following aspects: · Evaluating the positioning performance of existing positioning procedures and measurements with RedCap UE; and

[0045] Based on this assessment, the need for enhancements is determined and, if necessary, enhancements are identified to help address limitations associated with RedCap UE.

[0046] In Release 17 NR work items, for frequency range 1 (FR1), the maximum bandwidth of RedCap UE is considered to be 20MHz, and in Release 18, the maximum bandwidth of RedCap UE is considered to be 5MHz. In Release 16, NR positioning introduced a positioning accuracy of target <3 meters, and in Release 17 it was improved to target accuracy <30cm. Due to the low sampling rate, the evaluation performance for 100MHz bandwidth of FR1 in narrowband systems may be worse. In addition, consider that RedCap UE is only equipped with a single antenna as a baseline.

[0047] It has been agreed that for evaluating RedCap UE positioning performance, all RAT based positioning methods may be considered and a bandwidth of 20 MHz (5 MHz optional) for FR1 and 100 MHz for frequency range 2 (FR2) may be evaluated.

[0048] RedCap UEs can support NR positioning functionality, but no core and performance requirements are specified for positioning related measurements performed by RedCap UEs, and no evaluation has been performed to see how the reduced capabilities of RedCap UEs may affect the resulting position accuracy.

[0049] As is known, one of the main features for reducing delay is to support UE to measure PRS outside the measurement gap (MG) by introducing PPW. Through this feature, the UE can receive downlink (DL) data or reference signals while receiving PRS within the PPW. Regarding this feature, two different UE capabilities are defined, and the detailed protocol is given below.

[0050] Assuming that this is subject to UE capabilities, PRS measurements outside the MG, within the PRS processing window, and UE measurements within the active DL BWP of PRS with the same number as the active DLBWP are supported. Within the PRS processing window, in the case where the UE determines that the DL PRS has a higher priority, the following UE capabilities are agreed to be supported:

[0051] • Capability 1: PRS takes precedence over all other DL signals / channels in all symbols within the window.

[0052] • Capability 1A: DL signals / channels from all DL CCs (per UE) are affected.

[0053] Capability 1B: Only DL signals / channels from a specific band / CC are affected. Capability 2: PRS takes precedence over other DL signals / channels only in PRS symbols within a PPW.

[0054] Channel.

[0055] · The UE can declare the PRS processing capability external to the MG.

[0056] For the purpose of this feature, PRS related conditions are expected to be specified, and the following conditions will be selected down:

[0057] Alternative 1: Applicable only to serving cell PRS;

[0058] • Alternative 2: All PRSs under the PRS conditions applicable to non-serving cells.

[0059] Therefore, when the UE determines higher priority for other DL signals / channels over PRS measurement / processing, the UE is not expected to measure / process DL PRS applicable to all the above-mentioned capability options.

[0060] The details of which other DL signals / channels are prioritized and how the UE determines the priority of DL PRS based on one or more of the following items will be further studied:

[0061] Option 1: Based on instructions / configuration from the serving network device;

[0062] Option 2: Other options (e.g., implicit, signaling from the Location Management Function (LMF), etc.).

[0063] It is also studied whether the UE can measure inside the MG (if configured) and outside the MG in the measurement period, and how to perform PRS measurements when the conditions cannot be met, such as when a BWP handover occurs. In addition, the conditions for handling the prioritization of PRS relative to other DL channels / signals and vice versa are studied.

[0064] Furthermore, a priority indication feature has been introduced that considers the priority between PRS, other DL reference signals, and DL channels. It has been agreed that the following options are supported depending on the UE capabilities for priority handling of PRS when PRS measurement is outside the MG.

[0065] Option 1: The UE may indicate support for two priority states.

[0066] State 1: PRS has higher priority than all PDCCH / PDSCH / CSI-RS.

[0067] • State 2: PRS has lower priority than all PDCCH / PDSCH / CSI-RS.

[0068] Option 2: The UE may indicate support for three priority states.

[0069] State 1: PRS has higher priority than all PDCCH / PDSCH / CSI-RS.

[0070] State 2: PRS has a lower priority than PDCCH and URLLC PDSCH, but a higher priority than other PDSCH / CSI-RS.

[0071] • State 3: PRS has lower priority than all PDCCH / PDSCH / CSI-RS.

[0072] • Option 3: The UE may indicate support for a single priority state.

[0073] State 1: PRS has higher priority than all PDCCH / PDSCH / CSI-RS.

[0074] As described above, due to the potential low priority of PRS measurements within a PPW, PRS measurements on one or more PRS hop frequencies within a PPW may not be acquired. One PRS hop frequency may be part of the bandwidth of the PRS that the UE can measure. If the bandwidth of the DL BWP is smaller than the bandwidth of the PRS, one PRS hop frequency may be defined in the DL BWP. In the case where a PPW is configured for each DL BWP, the potential low priority of PRS measurements within a PPW may prevent the UE from successfully measuring a certain (certain) PRS hop frequency among consecutive PRS hop frequencies. It may be necessary to repeat the measurement of all PRS hop frequencies.

[0075] In view of this, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a solution for PRS measurement across PRS hopping. In this solution, a first device receives a configuration for PRS measurement across PRS hopping from a second device. Based on the configuration, the first device performs PRS measurement on a first number of consecutive PRS hopping frequencies and reports the PRS measurement to a third device. In this way, sufficient measurements for PRS hopping and splicing can be ensured and RedCap UE positioning performance can be enhanced.

[0076] The principles and implementations of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0077] Figure 1 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of an example communication network 100 in which embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented. Figure 1 As shown, the communication network 100 may involve: a first device 110 , and a second device 120 serving the first device 110 .

[0078] It should be understood that Figure 1 The number of the first device and the second device shown is for illustrative purposes only and does not imply any limitation. The network 100 may include any suitable number of first devices and second devices suitable for implementing the embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the first device 110 may be a terminal device, and the second device 120 may be a network device.

[0079] For illustrative purposes only and without suggesting any limitation on the scope of the present disclosure, some embodiments will be described in the context that the first device 110 is a terminal device and the second device 120 is a network device. It should be understood that in other embodiments, the first device 110 may be a network device and the second device 120 may be a terminal device. In other words, the principles and spirit of the present disclosure may be applied to both uplink transmission and downlink transmission.

[0080] like Figure 1As shown in, the first device 110 and the second device 120 can communicate with each other via a wireless communication channel. The communication within the network 100 can meet any suitable standard, including but not limited to LTE, LTE evolution, advanced LTE (LTE-A), wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA), code division multiple access (CDMA) and global mobile communication system (GSM) etc. In addition, communication can be performed according to any generation of communication protocol currently known or to be developed in the future. Examples of communication protocols include but are not limited to first generation (1G), second generation (2G), 2.5G, 2.75G, third generation (3G), fourth generation (4G), 4.5G, fifth generation (5G) or sixth generation (6G) communication protocols.

[0081] refer to Figure 1 , the network 100 may further include a third device 130. The third device 130 may be a device having a positioning function. In some embodiments, the third device 130 may be a location server. For example, the third device 130 may be a location management function (LMF).

[0082] As we all know, frequency bandwidth resources are a key factor in positioning accuracy. In order to overcome the performance degradation from narrow bandwidth resources, the typical approach is PRS frequency hopping and splicing process. Figure 2 Diagram 200 is illustrated of an example PRS frequency hopping and splicing process in which embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented.

[0083] like Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , PRS may be periodically transmitted over broadband H. PPW 211, PPW 212, and PPW 213 are configured for PRS measurement in different PRS hopping frequencies. A time gap is configured between two PPWs for BWP switching. PPW 211 is configured for PRS measurement 221 in DL BWP#1. PPW 212 is configured for PRS measurement 222 in DL BWP#2. PPW 213 is configured for PRS measurement 223 in DL BWP#3. DL BWP#1, DL BWP#2, and DL BWP#3 are different parts of broadband H. Measurements 221, 222, and 223 acquired at multiple measurement occasions are spliced ​​for positioning.

[0084] However, the configured priority rules for PRS measurements within a PPW should be followed. Therefore, PRS hopping and splicing may not always be guaranteed. In general, it is difficult to expect that PRS has a higher priority than other DL signals and channels within all PPWs. Even if the opportunity to measure PRS resources is missed at a certain measurement opportunity, this may not be critical because there are multiple measurement opportunities and PRS resources to be measured. For example, in the case of missing PRS measurement 222 according to the priority rules, PRS splicing is not possible. In general, if a measurement of one of the PRS hops is not obtained, the measurement operation for all PRS hops may be repeated. This leads to unnecessary delays in positioning.

[0085] Therefore, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a solution for PRS measurement across PRS frequency hopping to enable PRS frequency hopping and splicing. Figure 3 Describe in more detail.

[0086] Figure 3 A flow chart of a communication process 300 for positioning measurements across frequency hopping according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated. For the purpose of discussion, reference will be made to Figure 1 Describe process 300. Process 300 may involve Figure 1 A first device 110 , a second device 120 , and a third device 130 are shown.

[0087] like Figure 3 As shown in , the first device 110 may report 310 its PRS processing capability. In some embodiments, the first device 110 may report 311 its PRS processing capability to the second device 120. In some embodiments, the first device 110 may report 312 its PRS processing capability to the third device 130. It should be understood that the first device 110 may report its PRS processing capability to both the second device 120 and the third device 130. In some embodiments, the first device 110 may report information about whether the first device 110 is a normal UE or a RedCap UE. It should be understood that the first device 110 may report any other suitable information of the PRS processing capability.

[0088] like Figure 3 As shown in , the first device 110 may receive 320 a configuration for PRS measurement across PRS hopping. Based on the PRS processing capability of the first device 110, the second device 120 or the third device 130 may decide to configure the first device 110 to perform PRS measurement across PRS hopping.

[0089] In some embodiments, the second device 120 may send 321 a configuration for PRS measurement across PRS hopping to the first device 110. In some embodiments, the second device 120 may send the configuration via a radio resource control (RRC) message. In some embodiments, the second device 120 may send the configuration via downlink control information (DCI). In some embodiments, the second device 120 may send the configuration via a medium access control element (MAC CE).

[0090] In some embodiments, the third device 130 may send 322 a configuration for PRS measurement across PRS hopping to the first device 110. In some embodiments, the third device 130 may send the configuration via an LTE positioning protocol message. It should be understood that any other suitable manner for transmitting the configuration is also feasible.

[0091] In some embodiments, a first PRS frequency hop in the PRS frequency hopping is in a first BWP, and a second PRS frequency hop in the PRS frequency hopping is in a second BWP different from the first BWP. In other words, different PRS frequency hops in the PRS frequency hopping may be in different BWPs. In some alternative embodiments, two or more of the PRS frequency hopping may be in the same BWP. The present disclosure is not limited in this regard.

[0092] In some embodiments, the second device 120 can configure one or more PPWs for the first device 110. In some embodiments, the second device 120 can configure a single PPW for each configured BWP (eg, DL BWP) of the first device 110. Figure 4A FIG400A illustrates an example PRS measurement configuration according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 4A As shown in FIG. 4 , PPW 411, PPW 412, and PPW 413 are configured for BWP 421, BWP 422, and BWP 423, respectively. A time gap is configured between two PPWs for BWP switching. In PPW 411, PRS measurement is performed on frequency hopping 431 in BWP 421. In PPW 412, PRS measurement is performed on frequency hopping 432 in BWP 422. In PPW 413, PRS measurement is performed on frequency hopping 433 in BWP 423.

[0093] In some embodiments, the second device 120 may configure a single PPW for multiple BWPs of the first device 110. In other words, the first device 110 may be configured with N PPWs for M BWPs, where N≥1 and M≥1. Figure 4B FIG. 400B illustrates another example PRS measurement configuration according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 4BAs shown in FIG. 4 , a single PPW 440 is configured for BWP 451, BWP 452, and BWP 453. A time gap is configured between two PPWs for BWP switching. PRS measurements are performed on frequency hopping 461 in BWP 451. PRS measurements are performed on frequency hopping 462 in BWP 452. PRS measurements are performed on frequency hopping 463 in BWP 453.

[0094] In some embodiments, the second device 120 may configure a priority rule for the PPW (also referred to herein as a first priority rule for convenience). For example, the second device 120 may configure a PRS priority indicator for the PPW. It should be understood that any other suitable manner is also feasible for the configuration of the first priority rule. In some embodiments, the priority rule of the PPW may indicate that the reception of the PRS has a higher priority than the reception of a DL signal other than the PRS in the PPW. In some embodiments, the DL signal may be a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH), a channel state information-reference signal (CSI-RS), or any suitable DL signal. In some alternative embodiments, the priority rule of the PPW may indicate that the reception of the PRS has a lower priority than the reception of a DL signal other than the PRS in the PPW. In other words, based on the priority rule configured for the PPW, the priority of the reception of the PRS in one PPW may be different from the priority of the reception of the PRS in another PPW.

[0095] In some embodiments, in addition to the priority rule for PPW (i.e., the first priority rule), the second device 120 may configure another priority rule (also referred to herein as the second priority rule for convenience) to override the first priority rule. In some embodiments, the second priority rule may assume or indicate that the reception of the PRS has a higher priority than the reception of the DL signal other than the PRS. In some embodiments, the second priority rule may assume or indicate that the reception of the PRS has a lower priority than the reception of the DL signal other than the PRS.

[0096] In some embodiments, the configuration may include an expected number of consecutive PRS hops for PRS measurement (also referred to herein as a first number and denoted as K for convenience). The expected number may be a requested number of consecutive PRS hops that the first device 110 should measure and report combined positioning measurements. In some embodiments, 1≤K≤M, where M represents the number of BWPs of the first device 110.

[0097] In some embodiments, the configuration may include a minimum number of PRS frequency hops for PRS measurement (also referred to herein as the second number for convenience and denoted as K'). In some embodiments, 0 < K' ≤ K. For the K' PRS frequency hops, the first device 110 may apply a first priority rule configured per PPW.

[0098] It should be understood that the configuration may include any combination of the above information and any other appropriate information.

[0099] Continuing to refer to Figure 3 , the first device 110 may request 330 the support of the second device 120 such that the first device 110 performs PRS frequency hopping behavior. Alternatively, the third device 130 may request 330' the support of the second device 120. In some embodiments, the first device 110 may be instructed by the second device 120 to perform BWP switching. In some embodiments, a timer for BWP switching may be configured to be associated with the PPW occasion.

[0100] Referring to Figure 3 , the third device 130 may send 340 a request to the first device 110 for obtaining PRS measurements across PRS frequency hops. In some embodiments, the request may instruct the first device 110 to obtain PRS measurements across K consecutive PRS frequency hops. In some embodiments, the first number may be associated with positioning accuracy. In other words, the first number may be determined based on the required accuracy requirements.

[0101] As Figure 3 shown, the first device 110 may obtain 350 PRS measurements across K consecutive PRS frequency hops based on the configuration. In some embodiments, the first device 110 may determine whether a set of PRS measurements (also referred to herein as the first PRS measurement set for convenience) on K' consecutive PRS frequency hops has been successfully performed based on the first priority rule. In some embodiments, if the quality of the PRS measurements on a PRS frequency hop is higher than a threshold quality, the first device 110 may determine that the PRS measurements on the PRS frequency hop have been successfully performed. In some embodiments, if no PRS is discarded for a PRS frequency hop based on the first priority rule, the first device 110 may determine that the PRS measurements on the PRS frequency hop have been successfully performed. In some embodiments, the first device 110 is expected to have received the PRS. In some embodiments, if the PRS measurements are processed without error, the first device 110 may determine that the PRS measurements on the PRS frequency hop have been successfully performed. It should be understood that any other suitable manner is also feasible.

[0102] In some embodiments, if a first PRS measurement set over K' consecutive PRS hopping frequencies is successfully performed based on the first priority rule, the first device 110 may perform another PRS measurement set (also referred to herein as a second PRS measurement set for convenience) over K-K' (also referred to herein as a third number for convenience) consecutive PRS hopping frequencies based on a second priority rule. In these embodiments, the second priority rule assumes that reception of a PRS has a higher priority than reception of a DL signal other than the PRS.

[0103] In other words, if the first device 110 successfully performs PRS measurement for K' consecutive PRS hops while the first device 110 follows the priority rule configured per PPW (i.e., the first priority rule), the first device 110 may be allowed to ignore the first priority rule for the next KK' PRS hops or the remaining PRS hops so as to complete the PRS hopping.

[0104] In some alternative embodiments, after successful PRS measurements for K' consecutive PRS hops, if the number of remaining PRS hops is less than K, the first device 110 may be allowed to ignore the first priority rule for the next K-K' PRS hops or the remaining PRS hops to complete the PRS hopping.

[0105] That is, the first device 110 may overwrite the first priority rule with the second priority rule for the next K-K' PRS frequency hopping or the remaining PRS frequency hopping. The first device 110 may assume that the reception of the PRS has a higher priority than other DL signal receptions (for the next K-K' PRS frequency hopping or the remaining PRS frequency hopping). In this way, the first PRS measurement set and the second PRS measurement set on K consecutive PRS frequency hopping may be acquired.

[0106] By splicing the first PRS measurement set and the second PRS measurement set, the first device 110 can obtain a single PRS measurement across K consecutive PRS frequency hops. Thus far, the PRS frequency hopping and splicing process is enabled.

[0107] In some embodiments, the second device 120 may dynamically indicate or control K' to the first device 110 through at least one of DCI or MAC-CE. In some embodiments, in the case where the second device 120 wants to send a high priority PDSCH / PDCCH, the second device 120 may purposefully configure the PRS to be low priority. For example, if the first device 110 has measured 3 PRS hops, but needs to discard the fourth PRS hop by following the first priority rule configured for each PPW, if the first device 110 needs to measure four consecutive PRS hops, the entire measurement may need to be repeated, and may result in a waste of wireless network resources. The second device 120 may dynamically control or indicate the K' value, and the first device 110 may understand that there is urgent data that should not be missed for the first K' PPWs. For example, if the first device 110 is configured as K'=5, the first device 110 may follow the first priority rule until the first device 110 obtains a PRS measurement of 5 hops.

[0108] In some embodiments, the first device 120 may apply a second priority rule to a PRS hopping set (i.e., one or more PRS hopping frequencies) that is configured to have a low priority with respect to the reception of the PRS based on the first priority rule and is located between two PRS hopping frequencies that are configured to have a high priority with respect to the reception of the PRS based on the first priority rule. In these embodiments, the second priority rule assumes that the reception of the PRS has a higher priority than the reception of a DL signal other than the PRS.

[0109] In other words, the first device 120 may place a high priority on a specific PRS hopping frequency configured with a low priority PRS, which is located between two PRS hopping frequencies configured with a high priority PRS. In the absence of a PPW with a high priority of a PRS, the first device 110 may need to determine whether to apply the second priority rule while it measures PRSs across multiple PPWs. In this way, the first device 110 may obtain K consecutive PRS hopping measurements.

[0110] In some embodiments, the first device 120 may apply a second priority rule to the first K consecutive PRS frequency hopping. In these embodiments, the second priority rule assumes that the reception of the PRS has a higher priority than the reception of DL signals other than the PRS. In other words, the first device 120 may assume that the PRS has a higher priority than the reception of other DL signals for the first K PRS frequency hopping. That is, the PRS has a high priority for the first K consecutive PRS frequency hopping. In this way, the first device 110 can also obtain K consecutive PRS frequency hopping measurements.

[0111] In some embodiments, if PRS measurements are successfully acquired across K consecutive PRS hops, the first device 110 can apply a second priority rule to the remaining PRS hops. In these embodiments, the second priority rule assumes that reception of the PRS has a lower priority than reception of DL signals other than the PRS. In other words, if the first device 110 has successfully acquired measurements for K consecutive PRS hops, the first device 110 can assume that the PRS has a lower priority than other DL signals in the remaining PRS hops.

[0112] In some embodiments, if no PRS measurements are obtained across K consecutive PRS hops, the first device 110 may discard the PRS in the remaining PRS hops. In some embodiments, if no PRS measurements are obtained across K consecutive PRS hops, the first device 110 may apply a second priority rule to the remaining PRS hops. In these embodiments, the second priority rule assumes that the reception of the PRS has a lower priority than the reception of DL signals other than the PRS. In other words, if the first device 110 finds that it cannot obtain K consecutive PRS hops, the first device 110 may discard the PRS in the remaining PRS hops, or assume that the reception of the PRS has a low priority in the remaining PRS hops.

[0113] For example, if 4 PPWs are configured for 4 BWPs, there may be 4 PRS hopping frequencies. Assume that the minimum number of PRS hopping frequencies is 3 (i.e., K'=3). If the first device 110 fails to receive the PRS in the first two PRS hopping frequencies, the first device 110 may discard the PRS in the remaining PRS hopping frequencies. In addition, the first device 110 may report the splicing failure to the third device 130 or the second device 120.

[0114] It should be understood that the above embodiments may be used alone or in any suitable combination to complete the PRS frequency hopping and splicing process.

[0115] Continue to refer Figure 3 , the first device 110 may report 360 the PRS measurement across K consecutive PRS hops to the third device 130. In some embodiments, the first device 110 may also report 370 information on whether the PRS hopping and splicing process is performed for K consecutive PRS hops to the third device 130. In some embodiments, the first device 110 may report 371 information on the number of PRS hops for which the PRS measurement has been successfully performed to the third device 130.

[0116] In some embodiments, if the first device 110 does not successfully obtain the PRS measurement for a certain PRS hopping frequency, the first device 110 may report 372 at least one of an identification (ID) of the PRS hopping frequency or an ID of a PPW associated with the PRS hopping frequency to the second device 120. In some embodiments, the first device 110 may report 373 at least one of the ID of the PRS hopping frequency or the ID of the PPW to the third device 130. In some embodiments where a single PPW is configured per BWP, the first device 110 may report the ID of the PPW for which the PRS measurement was not successfully performed to at least one of the second device 120 or the third device 130. In some embodiments where a single PPW is configured for multiple BWPs, the first device 110 may report the ID of the PRS hopping frequency for which the PRS measurement was not successfully performed to at least one of the second device 120 or the third device 130. It should be understood that the first device 110 may report any combination of the above information and any other suitable information.

[0117] Continue to refer Figure 3 Based on the PRS measurements across K consecutive PRS frequency hops, the third device 130 may estimate 380 the location of the first device 110. The location estimation may be performed in any suitable manner, and the present disclosure is not limited in this respect.

[0118] Through process 300, PRS frequency hopping and splicing can be enabled, and RedCap UE positioning measurements can be supported. Figure 3 The process 300 shown in FIG. 3 is merely an example and may have additional or fewer operations.

[0119] Corresponding to the above process, the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure also provide a communication method. Figure 5 A flowchart of an example method 500 implemented at a first device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated. For the purpose of discussion, reference will be made to Figure 1 Method 500 is described.

[0120] At block 510, the first device 110 receives a configuration for PRS measurement across PRS hopping. In some embodiments, the first device 110 may receive the configuration from at least one of the second device 120 or the third device 130. In some embodiments, a first PRS hop in the PRS hops is in a first BWP, and a second PRS hop in the PRS hops is in a second BWP different from the first BWP.

[0121] In some embodiments, the configuration may include at least one of the following items: a first number of consecutive PRS hopping; a second number of consecutive PRS hopping, the second number being less than or equal to the first number; a first priority rule for PPW between PRS and DL signals other than PRS; or a second priority rule for covering the first priority rule.

[0122] In some embodiments, the first device 110 may receive the configuration through at least one of: an RRC message; a DCI; or an LTE positioning protocol message; or a MAC CE.

[0123] In some embodiments, the first device 110 may receive a request from the third device 130 to obtain PRS measurements across PRS hopping.

[0124] At block 520, the first device 110 acquires PRS measurements across a first number of consecutive PRS frequency hops based on the configuration.

[0125] In some embodiments, if the first PRS measurement set on the second number of consecutive PRS hopping frequencies is successfully performed based on the first priority rule, the first device 110 may perform a second PRS measurement set on a third number of consecutive PRS hopping frequencies based on the second priority rule, the first number being the sum of the second number and the third number. In some embodiments, if the number of remaining PRS hopping frequencies after the first PRS measurement set is less than the first number, the first device 110 may perform the second PRS measurement set. In these embodiments, the second priority rule considers that the reception of the PRS has a higher priority than the reception of the downlink signal other than the PRS. Then, the first device 110 may obtain the PRS measurement based on the first PRS measurement set and the second PRS measurement set.

[0126] In some embodiments, the first device 110 may determine that a first set of PRS measurements over a second number of consecutive PRS hops is successfully performed based on at least one of: a quality of the PRS measurements is above a threshold quality; based on a first priority rule, no PRS is discarded; the first device is expected to have received the PRS; or PRS measurements are processed without error.

[0127] In some embodiments, the first device 110 may apply a second priority rule to a PRS hopping set that is configured based on the first priority rule to have a low priority with respect to PRS reception and is located between two PRS hopping frequencies that are configured based on the first priority rule to have a high priority with respect to PRS reception. In some embodiments, the first device 110 may apply the second priority rule to a first number of consecutive PRS hopping frequencies. In these embodiments, the second priority rule assumes that reception of the PRS has a higher priority than reception of downlink signals other than the PRS.

[0128] In some embodiments, if PRS measurements are successfully acquired across the first number of consecutive PRS hops, the first device 110 may apply a second priority rule to the remaining PRS hops. In some embodiments, if PRS measurements are not acquired across the first number of consecutive PRS hops, the first device 110 may drop PRSs in the remaining PRS hops or apply a second priority rule to the remaining PRS hops. In these embodiments, the second priority rule assumes that reception of PRSs has a lower priority than reception of downlink signals other than PRSs.

[0129] At block 530, the first device 110 reports the PRS measurement. In some embodiments, the first device 110 may report the PRS measurement to at least one of the second device 120 or the third device 130. In some embodiments, the first device 110 may also report at least one of the following: information about whether the PRS frequency hopping and splicing process is performed for a first number of consecutive PRS frequency hoppings; information about the number of PRS frequency hoppings for which the PRS measurement has been successfully performed; or at least one of the following: an ID of the PRS frequency hopping, or an ID of the PPW for which the PRS measurement was not successfully performed.

[0130] Through the method 500, PRS frequency hopping and splicing may be enabled, and positioning related measurements may be reported.

[0131] Figure 6 A flowchart of an example method 600 implemented at a second device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated. For the purpose of discussion, reference will be made to Figure 1 Method 600 is described.

[0132] At block 610, the second device 120 generates a configuration for PRS measurement across PRS frequency hopping. In some embodiments, a first one of the PRS frequency hopping is in a first BWP and a second one of the PRS frequency hopping is in a second BWP different from the first BWP.

[0133] At block 620 , the second device 120 sends a configuration to the first device 110 to determine PRS measurements across a first number of consecutive PRS frequency hops.

[0134] In some embodiments, the configuration may include at least one of the following items: a first number of consecutive PRS hopping; a second number of consecutive PRS hopping, the second number being less than or equal to the first number; a first priority rule for PPW between PRS and DL signals other than PRS; or a second priority rule for covering the first priority rule.

[0135] In some embodiments, the second device 120 may send the configuration through at least one of the following: an RRC message; a DCI; an LTE positioning protocol message; or a MAC CE.

[0136] In some embodiments, the second device 120 may receive at least one of the following items from the first device 110: an ID of the PRS frequency hopping, or an ID of the PPW for which the PRS measurement was not successfully performed.

[0137] Through the method 600, PRS measurements across PRS frequency hopping may be configured to support continuous PRS frequency hopping.

[0138] Figure 7 A flowchart of an example method 700 implemented at a third device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated. For the purpose of discussion, reference will be made to Figure 1 Method 700 is described.

[0139] At block 710 , the third device 130 receives PRS measurements from the first device 110 across a first number of consecutive PRS frequency hops.

[0140] At block 720 , the third device 130 locates the first device 110 based on the PRS measurements.

[0141] In some embodiments, the third device 130 may send a request to the first device 110 to obtain PRS measurements across PRS hopping.

[0142] In some embodiments, the third device 130 may also receive at least one of: information on whether to perform the PRS hopping and splicing process for a first number of consecutive PRS hopping; or information on the number of PRS hopping for which measurement for the PRS has been successfully performed.

[0143] Through the method 700, PRS measurements across a desired number of consecutive PRS frequency hops may be used for positioning, and positioning accuracy may be improved.

[0144] It should be noted that the operations of methods 500 through 700 correspond to the operations of process 300 as described above, and therefore further details are not repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0145] The exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure also provide corresponding devices. In some embodiments, the device capable of executing method 500 (e.g., first device 110) may include a component for executing each step of method 500. The component may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the component may be implemented in a circuit system or a software module.

[0146] In some embodiments, the apparatus includes: a component for receiving a configuration for positioning reference signal measurements across positioning reference signal hopping at a first device; a component for obtaining positioning reference signal measurements across a first number of consecutive positioning reference signal hopping based on the configuration; and a component for reporting the positioning reference signal measurements.

[0147] In some embodiments, the configuration includes at least one of the following items: a first number of consecutive positioning reference signal frequency hopping, a second number of consecutive positioning reference signal frequency hopping, the second number is less than or equal to the first number, a first priority rule between the positioning reference signal and the downlink signal other than the positioning reference signal within the positioning reference signal processing window, or a second priority rule for covering the first priority rule.

[0148] In some embodiments, means for acquiring positioning reference signal measurements includes means for performing a second positioning reference signal measurement set over a third number of consecutive positioning reference signal hop frequencies based on a second priority rule based on determining that a first positioning reference signal measurement set over a second number of consecutive positioning reference signal hop frequencies was successfully performed based on a first priority rule, the first number being the sum of the second number and the third number; and means for acquiring positioning reference signal measurements based on the first positioning reference signal set and the second positioning reference signal measurement set. In some embodiments, the second priority rule assumes that reception of a positioning reference signal has a higher priority than reception of downlink signals other than the positioning reference signal.

[0149] In some embodiments, means for performing the second positioning reference signal measurement set includes means for performing the second positioning reference signal measurement set based on determining that the number of remaining positioning reference signal frequency hops is less than the first number.

[0150] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a component for determining that a first set of positioning reference signal measurements over a second number of consecutive positioning reference signal hops is successfully performed based on at least one of: a quality of the positioning reference signal measurements being above a threshold quality; no positioning reference signals being discarded based on a first priority rule; the first device being expected to have received the positioning reference signal; or positioning reference signal measurements being processed without error.

[0151] In some embodiments, means for receiving the configuration comprises means for receiving the configuration via at least one of: a radio resource control message; a downlink control information; a long term evolution positioning protocol message; or a medium access control control element.

[0152] In some embodiments, means for acquiring positioning reference signal measurements includes means for applying a second priority rule to a positioning reference signal hopping set, the positioning reference signal hopping set being configured based on the first priority rule to have a low priority with respect to reception of the positioning reference signal, and the positioning reference signal hopping set being located between two positioning reference signal hopping frequencies, the two positioning reference signal hopping frequencies being configured based on the first priority rule to have a high priority with respect to reception of the positioning reference signal. In some embodiments, the second priority rule assumes that reception of the positioning reference signal has a higher priority than reception of downlink signals other than the positioning reference signal.

[0153] In some embodiments, the means for acquiring positioning reference signal measurements includes means for applying a second priority rule to the first number of consecutive positioning reference signal frequency hops. In these embodiments, the second priority rule assumes that reception of positioning reference signals has a higher priority than reception of downlink signals other than positioning reference signals.

[0154] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises: means for applying a second priority rule to the remaining positioning reference signal hops based on determining that positioning reference signal measurements are successfully acquired across the first number of consecutive positioning reference signal hops. In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises: means for discarding positioning reference signals in the remaining positioning reference signal hops or applying the second priority rule to the remaining positioning reference signal hops based on determining that positioning reference signal measurements are not acquired across the first number of consecutive positioning reference signal hops. In these embodiments, the second priority rule assumes that reception of positioning reference signals has a lower priority than reception of downlink signals other than positioning reference signals.

[0155] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises means for receiving a request to acquire positioning reference signal measurements across positioning reference signal frequency hopping.

[0156] In some embodiments, the device also includes at least one of the following items: a component for reporting information about whether a positioning reference signal hopping and splicing process is performed for a first number of consecutive positioning reference signal hoppings; a component for reporting information about the number of positioning reference signal hoppings in which positioning reference signal measurements have been successfully performed; or a component for reporting at least one of the following items: an identification of a positioning reference signal hopping, or an identification of a positioning reference signal processing window in which a positioning reference signal measurement was not successfully performed.

[0157] In some embodiments, an apparatus capable of executing method 600 (eg, second device 120) may include components for executing the various steps of method 600. The components may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the components may be implemented in a circuit or a software module.

[0158] In some embodiments, the apparatus includes: means for generating, at a second device, a configuration for positioning reference signal measurements across positioning reference signal frequency hopping; and means for sending the configuration to a first device for determining positioning reference signal measurements across a first number of consecutive positioning reference signal frequency hopping.

[0159] In some embodiments, the configuration includes at least one of the following items: a first number of consecutive positioning reference signal hopping, a second number of consecutive positioning reference signal hopping, the second number is less than or equal to the first number, a first priority rule for the positioning reference signal processing window between the positioning reference signal and the downlink signal other than the positioning reference signal, or a second priority rule for covering the first priority rule.

[0160] In some embodiments, means for sending the configuration comprises means for sending the configuration via at least one of: a radio resource control message; a downlink control message; a long term evolution positioning protocol message; or a medium access control control element.

[0161] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises: means for receiving from the first device at least one of: an identification of a positioning reference signal frequency hopping, or an identification of a positioning reference signal processing window in which a positioning reference signal measurement was not successfully performed.

[0162] In some embodiments, a first one of the positioning reference signal hopping frequencies is in a first bandwidth portion, and a second one of the positioning reference signal hopping frequencies is in a second bandwidth portion different from the first bandwidth portion.

[0163] In some embodiments, an apparatus capable of executing method 700 (eg, third device 130) may include a component for executing each step of method 700. The component may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the component may be implemented in a circuit or a software module.

[0164] In some embodiments, the apparatus includes: means for receiving, at a third device, positioning reference signal measurements from a first device across a first number of consecutive positioning reference signal frequency hops; and means for locating the first device based on the positioning reference signal measurements.

[0165] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises means for sending a request to the first device for acquiring positioning reference signal measurements across positioning reference signal frequency hopping.

[0166] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises at least one of: a component for receiving information about whether to perform positioning reference signal hopping and splicing processes for a first number of consecutive positioning reference signal hops; or a component for receiving information about the number of positioning reference signal hops for which positioning reference signal measurements have been successfully performed.

[0167] Figure 8 800 is a simplified block diagram of a device 800 suitable for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure. The device 800 may be provided to implement a communication device, such as Figure 1 The first device 110, the second device 120 or the third device 130 is shown. As shown in the figure, the device 800 includes: one or more processors 810, one or more memories 820 coupled to the processor 810, and one or more communication modules 840 coupled to the processor 810.

[0168] The communication module 840 is used for two-way communication. The communication module 840 has at least one antenna to facilitate communication. The communication interface may represent any interface required to communicate with other network elements.

[0169] Processor 810 may be of any type suitable for the local technology network and may include, as non-limiting examples, one or more of the following: a general purpose computer, a special purpose computer, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), and a processor based on a multi-core processor architecture. Device 800 may have multiple processors, such as application specific integrated circuit chips that are time slaved to a clock synchronized with a main processor.

[0170] The memory 820 may include one or more non-volatile memories and one or more volatile memories. Examples of non-volatile memories include, but are not limited to, read-only memory (ROM) 824, electrically programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, hard disk, compact disk (CD), digital video disk (DVD), and other magnetic and / or optical memories. Examples of volatile memories include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM) 822 and other volatile memories that do not persist during power outages.

[0171] Computer program 830 includes computer executable instructions executed by associated processor 810. Program 830 may be stored in ROM 820. Processor 810 may perform any suitable actions and processes by loading program 830 into RAM 820.

[0172] The embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented by means of program 830, so that the device 800 can execute the following steps: Figures 1 to 7 Any process of the present disclosure discussed. The embodiments of the present disclosure may also be implemented by hardware or a combination of software and hardware.

[0173] In some embodiments, the program 830 may be tangibly embodied in a computer-readable medium that may be included in the device 800 (e.g., in the memory 820) or in other storage devices accessible by the device 800. The device 800 may load the program 830 from the computer-readable medium to the RAM 822 for execution. The computer-readable medium may include any type of tangible non-volatile memory, such as ROM, EPROM, flash memory, hard disk, CD, DVD, etc. Fig. 9 An example of a computer readable medium 900 in the form of a CD or DVD is shown. The computer readable medium has a program 830 stored thereon.

[0174] Generally, various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in hardware or dedicated circuits, software, logic, or any combination thereof. Some aspects may be implemented in hardware, while other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software, which may be executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device. Although various aspects of the embodiments of the present disclosure are shown and described as block diagrams, flow charts, or using some other graphical representations, it should be understood that the blocks, devices, systems, techniques, or methods described herein may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, dedicated circuits or logic, general hardware or controllers, or other computing devices, or some combination thereof, as non-limiting examples.

[0175] The present disclosure also provides at least one computer program product tangibly stored on a non-transitory computer readable storage medium. The computer program product includes computer executable instructions, such as instructions included in a program module, which are executed in a device on a target real or virtual processor to perform the above referenced Figures 5 to 7 The described methods 500 or 600 or 700. In general, program modules include routines, programs, libraries, objects, classes, components, data structures, etc. that perform specific tasks or implement specific abstract data types. The functions of program modules can be combined or separated between program modules as needed in various embodiments. The machine executable instructions of program modules can be executed in local or distributed devices. In distributed devices, program modules can be located in local and remote storage media.

[0176] The program code for executing the disclosed method may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. These program codes may be provided to a processor or controller of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer or other programmable data processing device so that the program code enables the functions / operations specified in the flow chart and / or block diagram to be implemented when the program code is executed by the processor or controller. The program code may be executed entirely on the machine, partially on the machine, partially on the machine as an independent software package, or entirely on a remote machine or server.

[0177] In the context of the present disclosure, computer program codes or related data may be carried by any suitable carrier to enable a device, apparatus or processor to perform various processes and operations as described above. Examples of carriers include signals, computer readable media, etc.

[0178] The computer-readable medium may be a computer-readable signal medium or a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable medium may include, but is not limited to, an electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared or semiconductor system, device or apparatus, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples of computer-readable storage media include an electrical connection with one or more wires, a portable computer disk, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. The term "non-transient" as used herein is a limitation on the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not a signal), not a limitation on the persistence of data storage (e.g., RAM versus ROM).

[0179] In addition, although operations are described in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring the specific order shown or to perform these operations in order, or requiring the execution of all operations shown to achieve the desired result. In some cases, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Similarly, although several specific implementation details are included in the above discussion, these details should not be interpreted as limitations on the scope of the present disclosure, but should be interpreted as descriptions of features peculiar to a particular embodiment. Certain features described in the context of a separate embodiment may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. On the contrary, the various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented in multiple embodiments individually or in any suitable sub-combination.

[0180] Although the disclosure has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological acts, it should be understood that the disclosure defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

Claims

1. A first device, comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first device to at least: receiving a configuration for positioning reference signal measurements across positioning reference signal frequency hopping; Based on the configuration, obtaining the positioning reference signal measurements across a first number of consecutive positioning reference signal frequency hops; and The positioning reference signal measurements are reported.

2. The first device according to claim 1, wherein the configuration comprises at least one of the following: The first number of consecutive positioning reference signals hops in frequency, a second number of consecutive positioning reference signal frequency hops, the second number being less than or equal to the first number, a first priority rule for a positioning reference signal processing window between a positioning reference signal and a downlink signal other than the positioning reference signal, or A second priority rule is used to override the first priority rule.

3. The first device of claim 2, wherein the first device is caused to obtain the positioning reference signal measurements by: performing, based on determining that the first positioning reference signal measurement set over the second number of consecutive positioning reference signal hopping frequencies is successfully performed based on the first priority rule, a second positioning reference signal measurement set over a third number of consecutive positioning reference signal hopping frequencies based on the second priority rule, the first number being the sum of the second number and the third number; and The positioning reference signal measurement is obtained based on the first positioning reference signal measurement set and the second positioning reference signal measurement set.

4. The first device of claim 3, wherein the first device is caused to perform the second positioning reference signal measurement set by: According to determining that the number of remaining positioning reference signal frequency hopping is less than the first number, performing the second positioning reference signal measurement set.

5. The first device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the first device is further configured to: Determining that the first positioning reference signal measurement set over the second number of consecutive positioning reference signal frequency hops is successfully performed based on at least one of: The quality of the positioning reference signal measurement is higher than the threshold quality; Based on the first priority rule, no positioning reference signal is discarded; The first device is expected to have received the positioning reference signal; or Positioning reference signal measurements processed without errors.

6. The first device of claim 2, wherein the first device is caused to obtain the positioning reference signal measurements by: The second priority rule is applied to a positioning reference signal hopping set, the positioning reference signal hopping set being configured to have a low priority with respect to reception of a positioning reference signal based on the first priority rule, and the positioning reference signal hopping set being located between two positioning reference signal hopping frequencies, the two positioning reference signal hopping frequencies being configured to have a high priority with respect to reception of the positioning reference signal based on the first priority rule.

7. The first device of claim 2, wherein the first device is caused to obtain the positioning reference signal measurements by: The second priority rule is applied to the first number of consecutive positioning reference signal frequency hopping.

8. The first device according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the second priority rule assumes that reception of the positioning reference signal has a higher priority than reception of the downlink signal other than the positioning reference signal.

9. The first device according to claim 2, wherein the first device is further caused to: Based on determining that the positioning reference signal measurement is successfully acquired across the first number of consecutive positioning reference signal frequency hops, the second priority rule is applied to the remaining positioning reference signal frequency hops.

10. The first device according to claim 2 or 9, wherein the first device is further configured to: Based on determining that the positioning reference signal measurement is not acquired across the first number of consecutive positioning reference signal frequency hopping, discarding the positioning reference signal in the remaining positioning reference signal hopping; or The second priority rule is applied to the remaining positioning reference signal frequency hopping.

11. The first device according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the second priority rule assumes that reception of the positioning reference signal has a lower priority than reception of the downlink signal other than the positioning reference signal.

12. The first device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the first device is further configured to: A request is received to obtain the positioning reference signal measurement across positioning reference signal frequency hopping.

13. The first device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the first device is further configured to do at least one of the following: reporting information about whether positioning reference signal frequency hopping and splicing procedures are performed for the first number of consecutive positioning reference signal frequency hoppings; reporting information on the number of positioning reference signal frequency hops for which positioning reference signal measurements have been successfully performed; or At least one of the following items is reported: an identification of positioning reference signal frequency hopping, or an identification of a positioning reference signal processing window in which a positioning reference signal measurement was not successfully performed.

14. The first device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein a first positioning reference signal frequency hop in the positioning reference signal frequency hopping is in a first bandwidth part, and a second positioning reference signal frequency hop in the positioning reference signal frequency hopping is in a second bandwidth part different from the first bandwidth part.

15. The first device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the first device is caused to receive the configuration by at least one of: Radio resource control messages; downlink control information; Long Term Evolution Positioning Protocol message; or Media Access Control Control Element.

16. A second device, comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the second device to at least: generating a configuration for positioning reference signal measurements across positioning reference signal frequency hopping; as well as The configuration is sent to a first device for determining the positioning reference signal measurements across a first number of consecutive positioning reference signal frequency hops.

17. The second device according to claim 16, wherein the configuration comprises at least one of the following: The first number of consecutive positioning reference signals hops in frequency, a second number of consecutive positioning reference signal frequency hops, the second number being less than or equal to the first number, a first priority rule for a positioning reference signal processing window between a positioning reference signal and a downlink signal other than the positioning reference signal, or A second priority rule is used to override the first priority rule.

18. The second device according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the second device is caused to send the configuration by at least one of: Radio resource control messages; downlink control information; Long Term Evolution Positioning Protocol message; or Media Access Control Control Element.

19. The second device according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the second device is further configured to: At least one of the following items is received from the first device: an identification of positioning reference signal frequency hopping, or an identification of a positioning reference signal processing window in which positioning reference signal measurement is not successfully performed.

20. The first device according to any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein a first one of the positioning reference signal hopping frequencies is in a first bandwidth part, and a second one of the positioning reference signal hopping frequencies is in a second bandwidth part different from the first bandwidth part.

21. A third device, comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the third device to at least: receiving, from a first device, positioning reference signal measurements across a first number of consecutive positioning reference signal frequency hops; as well as Based on the positioning reference signal measurements, the first device is positioned.

22. The third device according to claim 21, wherein the third device is further caused to: A request for obtaining the positioning reference signal measurement across positioning reference signal frequency hopping is sent to the first device.

23. The third device according to claim 21 or 22, wherein the third device is further configured to do at least one of the following: receiving information about whether to perform positioning reference signal frequency hopping and splicing procedures for the first number of consecutive positioning reference signal frequency hopping; or Information about the number of positioning reference signal frequency hops for which positioning reference signal measurements have been successfully performed is received.

24. A method of communication, comprising: At a first device, receiving a configuration for positioning reference signal measurements across positioning reference signal frequency hopping; Based on the configuration, obtaining the positioning reference signal measurements across a first number of consecutive positioning reference signal frequency hops; and The positioning reference signal measurements are reported.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein the configuration comprises at least one of the following: The first number of consecutive positioning reference signals hops in frequency, a second number of consecutive positioning reference signal frequency hops, the second number being less than or equal to the first number, a first priority rule for a positioning reference signal processing window between a positioning reference signal and a downlink signal other than the positioning reference signal, or A second priority rule is used to override the first priority rule.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein obtaining the positioning reference signal measurements comprises: performing, based on determining that the first positioning reference signal measurement set over the second number of consecutive positioning reference signal hopping frequencies is successfully performed based on the first priority rule, a second positioning reference signal measurement set over a third number of consecutive positioning reference signal hopping frequencies based on the second priority rule, the first number being the sum of the second number and the third number; as well as The positioning reference signal measurement is obtained based on the first positioning reference signal measurement set and the second positioning reference signal measurement set.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein performing the second positioning reference signal measurement set comprises: According to determining that the number of remaining positioning reference signal frequency hopping is less than the first number, performing the second positioning reference signal measurement set.

28. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 27, further comprising: Determining that the first positioning reference signal measurement set over the second number of consecutive positioning reference signal frequency hops is successfully performed based on at least one of: The quality of the positioning reference signal measurement is higher than the threshold quality; Based on the first priority rule, no positioning reference signal is discarded; The first device is expected to have received the positioning reference signal; or Positioning reference signal measurements processed without errors.

29. The method of claim 25, wherein obtaining the positioning reference signal measurement comprises: The second priority rule is applied to a positioning reference signal hopping set, the positioning reference signal hopping set being configured to have a low priority with respect to reception of a positioning reference signal based on the first priority rule, and the positioning reference signal hopping set being located between two positioning reference signal hopping frequencies, the two positioning reference signal hopping frequencies being configured to have a high priority with respect to reception of the positioning reference signal based on the first priority rule.

30. The method of claim 25, wherein obtaining the positioning reference signal measurements comprises: The second priority rule is applied to the first number of consecutive positioning reference signal frequency hopping.

31. The method according to any one of claims 26 to 30, wherein the second priority rule assumes that the reception of the positioning reference signal has a higher priority than the reception of the downlink signal other than the positioning reference signal.

32. The method of claim 25, further comprising: Based on determining that the positioning reference signal measurement is successfully acquired across the first number of consecutive positioning reference signal frequency hops, the second priority rule is applied to the remaining positioning reference signal frequency hops.

33. The method according to claim 25 or 32, further comprising: Based on determining that the positioning reference signal measurement is not acquired across the first number of consecutive positioning reference signal frequency hopping, discarding the positioning reference signal in the remaining positioning reference signal hopping; or The second priority rule is applied to the remaining positioning reference signal frequency hopping.

34. The method of claim 32 or 33, wherein the second priority rule assumes that reception of the positioning reference signal has a lower priority than reception of the downlink signal other than the positioning reference signal.

35. The method according to any one of claims 24 to 34, further comprising A request is received to obtain the positioning reference signal measurement across positioning reference signal frequency hopping.

36. The method according to any one of claims 24 to 35, further comprising at least one of the following: reporting information about whether positioning reference signal frequency hopping and splicing procedures are performed for the first number of consecutive positioning reference signal frequency hoppings; reporting information on the number of positioning reference signal frequency hops for which positioning reference signal measurements have been successfully performed; or At least one of the following items is reported: an identification of positioning reference signal frequency hopping, or an identification of a positioning reference signal processing window in which a positioning reference signal measurement was not successfully performed.

37. The method according to any one of claims 24 to 36, wherein a first one of the positioning reference signal hoppings is in a first bandwidth part, and a second one of the positioning reference signal hoppings is in a second bandwidth part different from the first bandwidth part.

38. The method of any one of claims 24 to 37, wherein receiving the configuration comprises receiving the configuration by at least one of: Radio resource control messages; downlink control information; Long Term Evolution Positioning Protocol message; or Media Access Control Control Element.

39. A method of communication, comprising: generating, at a second device, a configuration for positioning reference signal measurements across positioning reference signal frequency hopping; as well as The configuration is sent to a first device for determining the positioning reference signal measurements across a first number of consecutive positioning reference signal frequency hops.

40. The method of claim 39, wherein the configuration comprises at least one of: The first number of consecutive positioning reference signals hops in frequency, a second number of consecutive positioning reference signal frequency hops, the second number being less than or equal to the first number, a first priority rule for a positioning reference signal processing window between a positioning reference signal and a downlink signal other than the positioning reference signal, or A second priority rule is used to override the first priority rule.

41. The method of claim 39 or 40, wherein sending the configuration comprises sending the configuration by at least one of: Radio resource control messages; downlink control information; Long Term Evolution Positioning Protocol message; or Media Access Control Control Element.

42. The method according to any one of claims 39 to 41, further comprising: At least one of the following items is received from the first device: an identification of positioning reference signal frequency hopping, or an identification of a positioning reference signal processing window in which positioning reference signal measurement is not successfully performed.

43. The method according to any one of claims 39 to 42, wherein a first one of the positioning reference signal hopping frequencies is in a first bandwidth portion, and a second one of the positioning reference signal hopping frequencies is in a second bandwidth portion different from the first bandwidth portion.

44. A method of communication, comprising: receiving, at a third device, positioning reference signal measurements across a first number of consecutive positioning reference signal frequency hops from the first device; as well as Based on the positioning reference signal measurements, the first device is positioned.

45. The method of claim 44, further comprising: A request for obtaining the positioning reference signal measurement across positioning reference signal frequency hopping is sent to the first device.

46. ​​The method according to claim 44 or 45, further comprising at least one of the following: receiving information about whether to perform positioning reference signal frequency hopping and splicing procedures for the first number of consecutive positioning reference signal frequency hoppings; or Information about the number of positioning reference signal frequency hops for which positioning reference signal measurements have been successfully performed is received.

47. A communication device, comprising: means for receiving a configuration for positioning reference signal measurements across positioning reference signal frequency hopping; means for acquiring said positioning reference signal measurements across a first number of consecutive positioning reference signal frequency hops based on said configuration; as well as Means for reporting said positioning reference signal measurements.

48. A communication device, comprising: means for generating, at a second device, a configuration for positioning reference signal measurements across positioning reference signal frequency hopping; as well as Means for sending the configuration to a first device for determining positioning reference signal measurements across a first number of consecutive positioning reference signal hops.

49. A communication device, comprising: means for receiving, at a third device, positioning reference signal measurements from the first device across a first number of consecutive positioning reference signal frequency hops; as well as Means for positioning the first device based on the positioning reference signal measurements.

50. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising program instructions, which, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to at least perform the method according to any one of claims 24 to 38, any one of claims 39 to 43, or any one of claims 44 to 46.

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