Method of configuring resources for sidelink positioning reference signal transmission, related resource allocation node and related wireless device

Abstract

A method performed by a resource allocation node for configuring resources for sidelink positioning reference signal transmission is disclosed. The method includes transmitting a dedicated sidelink positioning resource configuration to a wireless device (WD). The dedicated sidelink positioning resource configuration includes an indication representing a dedicated sidelink positioning resource to be used by the WD during a sidelink positioning process.

Description

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of wireless communications, and to a method for configuring resources for sending a sidelink positioning reference signal, a related resource allocation node, and a related wireless device. Background Art

[0002] Sidelink communication has been used as part of the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) New Radio (NR) Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X). In the NR V2X context, a radio network node such as a gNB can communicate directly with a wireless device (WD) using a Uu interface, and the WDs can also communicate directly with each other using a PC5 interface. The WD in V2X can be a roadside unit (RSU), a vehicle (e.g., a car) including a communication module, a WD associated with a pedestrian and / or a cyclist, etc. The WDs can communicate with each other via a side link (e.g., using a PC5 interface) without communicating via a radio network node. In the case where the WD is within the cell coverage of the radio network node, the radio resources required for communication between the WDs are allocated by the radio network node. For example, a network node can define radio resources to be used for sidelink communication. The radio network node can grant sidelink resources to a sidelink transmission (Tx) WD using a downlink control channel. Before the transmission of the sidelink communication, the Tx WD can send sidelink control information so that the sidelink reception (Rx) WD knows the upcoming sidelink transmission and is able to receive and decode the transmission.

[0003] The radio resources used for sidelink communications (such as for communications between WDs) are located within a resource pool (such as a resource set) to be used for sidelink communications. The transmission of reference signals, control channels, and data channels from one or more WDs is within a given resource pool. For positioning purposes, a large amount of frequency resources is required, particularly for accurate positioning measurements. The amount of frequency resources required for positioning may be greater than the traditional resources available for communication purposes within a given sidelink resource pool. However, due to potential unused resources, increasing the bandwidth of the resource pool used for sidelink communications to accommodate positioning may not be efficient. In addition, increasing the bandwidth will increase the power consumption of the WD because the UE will operate with a larger bandwidth for communication and / or positioning. Summary of the invention

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for an apparatus and method for configuring resources for sidelink positioning reference signal transmission that can mitigate, alleviate or address existing shortcomings and can provide accurate positioning of WDs via a sidelink while improving the efficiency of resource allocation.

[0005] A method for configuring resources for sidelink positioning reference signal transmission performed by a resource allocation node is disclosed. The method includes: sending a dedicated sidelink positioning resource configuration to a wireless device WD. The dedicated sidelink positioning resource configuration includes an indication of a dedicated sidelink positioning resource to be used by the WD during a sidelink positioning procedure.

[0006] Furthermore, a resource allocation node is provided, comprising a memory circuit, a processor circuit and a wireless interface. The resource allocation node is configured to perform any of the methods disclosed herein.

[0007] The advantage of the present disclosure is that available resources can be used more effectively than conventional systems. By configuring a dedicated side link positioning resource separated from the traditional side link resource for communication by a resource allocation node, the bandwidth portion that can be used for positioning can be adjusted (e.g., increased) to improve the positioning accuracy when using the side link. In addition, by configuring a dedicated side link positioning resource by a resource allocation node, the bandwidth portion of the side link positioning resource can be increased without having to increase the bandwidth portion of the traditional side link resource for communication. Therefore, it is not necessary to increase the size of the bandwidth portion of the traditional side link resource for communication to provide the required positioning accuracy on the side link, otherwise it will cause an increase in unused resources in the side link bandwidth portion, because the side link communication usually requires less bandwidth than the side link positioning process. In addition, when the WD monitors or sends on a wider bandwidth, more power is used. By configuring a dedicated resource for side link positioning, the bandwidth can be increased within a limited time period (e.g., during the transmission of the side link positioning reference signal), so the time when the WD must monitor or send on a wider bandwidth can be reduced and / or limited. Accordingly, compared with using a wider bandwidth for non-dedicated resources, the power consumption of the WD can be reduced.

[0008] A method for configuring resources for sidelink positioning reference signal transmission performed by a wireless device WD is disclosed. The method includes receiving a dedicated sidelink positioning resource configuration from a resource allocation node. The dedicated sidelink positioning resource configuration includes an indication of a dedicated sidelink positioning resource to be used by the WD during a sidelink positioning procedure. The method includes: performing a sidelink positioning procedure based on a sidelink positioning reference signal transmitted in the dedicated sidelink positioning resource.

[0009] Furthermore, a wireless device comprising a memory circuit, a processor circuit and a wireless interface is provided. The wireless device is configured to perform any of the methods disclosed herein.

[0010] The advantage of the present disclosure is that available resources can be used more efficiently. By configuring a dedicated sidelink positioning resource for the WD that is separate from the traditional sidelink resource for communication, the bandwidth portion that can be used for positioning purposes can adapt to the required positioning accuracy. In order to improve the positioning accuracy on the sidelink, the frequency allocation can be increased without having to increase the bandwidth portion of the traditional sidelink resource for communication, such as the bandwidth portion of the dedicated sidelink positioning resource. Therefore, it is not necessary to increase the size of the bandwidth portion of the traditional sidelink resource for communication to provide the required positioning accuracy on the sidelink. Otherwise, this will lead to an increase in unused resources in the sidelink bandwidth portion, because the sidelink communication usually requires less bandwidth than the sidelink positioning process. In addition, when the WD monitors or transmits on a wider bandwidth, more power is used. By configuring a dedicated resource for sidelink positioning, the bandwidth can be increased within a limited time period (e.g., during the transmission of the sidelink positioning reference signal), thereby reducing the time that the WD must monitor or transmit on a wider bandwidth. Accordingly, the power consumption of the WD can be reduced.

[0011] A method for processing side link positioning performed by a positioning network node is disclosed. The method includes receiving a dedicated side link positioning resource configuration from a resource allocation node. The dedicated side link positioning resource configuration includes: an indication of a dedicated side link positioning resource to be used by a wireless device WD during a side link positioning procedure. The method includes sending a message to the resource allocation node to trigger a side link positioning procedure in the dedicated side link positioning resource.

[0012] Furthermore, a positioning network node comprising a memory circuit, a processor circuit and a wireless interface is provided. The positioning network node is configured to perform any of the methods disclosed herein.

[0013] The advantage of the present disclosure is that when the positioning process is initiated by the positioning network node, available resources can be used more effectively. By notifying the dedicated side link positioning resources configured for the WD to the positioning network node, the positioning network node can use the dedicated side link positioning resources to initiate the side link positioning process. In order to improve the positioning accuracy on the side link, the frequency allocation can be increased without increasing the bandwidth portion of the traditional side link resources used for communication, such as the bandwidth portion of the dedicated side link positioning resources. Therefore, it is not necessary to increase the size of the bandwidth portion of the traditional side link resources used for communication to provide the required positioning accuracy on the side link. Otherwise, this will lead to an increase in unused resources in the side link bandwidth portion, because the side link communication usually requires less bandwidth than the side link positioning process. In addition, when the WD monitors or sends on a wider bandwidth, more power is used. By configuring dedicated resources for side link positioning, the bandwidth can be increased within a limited time period (e.g., during the transmission of the side link positioning reference signal), so that the time that the WD must monitor or send on a wider bandwidth can be reduced. Accordingly, the power consumption of the WD can be reduced. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The above and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art through the following detailed description of examples thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0015] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating an example wireless communication system including an example radio network node, an example core network node, and a plurality of example wireless devices according to the present disclosure,

[0016] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating standards such as legacy sidelink bandwidth portions and resource pools,

[0017] Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating a standard for sidelink resource allocation such as in conventional uplink resources,

[0018] FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C is a block diagram illustrating an example dedicated side link positioning resource configuration according to the present disclosure;

[0019] FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C is a block diagram illustrating example control information allocation for signaling dedicated sidelink positioning resource configuration according to the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 6 is a signaling diagram illustrating an example message exchange for configuring side link positioning resources according to the present disclosure,

[0021] Figure 7 is a signaling diagram illustrating an example message exchange for configuring side link positioning resources according to the present disclosure,

[0022] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example method performed by a resource allocation node to configure resources for sidelink positioning reference signal transmission according to the present disclosure,

[0023] Fig. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example method performed by a wireless device to configure resources for sidelink positioning reference signal transmission according to the present disclosure,

[0024] Fig.10 is a flowchart illustrating an example method performed by a positioning network node for processing side link positioning according to the present disclosure,

[0025] Fig.11 is a block diagram illustrating an example resource allocation node according to the present disclosure,

[0026] Fig.12 is a block diagram illustrating an example wireless device according to the present disclosure, and

[0027] Fig.13 is a block diagram illustrating an example positioning network node according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] In the following, various examples and details are described with reference to the accompanying drawings when relevant. It should be noted that the drawings may be drawn to scale or may not be drawn to scale, and in all drawings, elements of similar structure or function are represented by the same reference numerals. It should also be noted that the drawings are intended only to facilitate the description of the examples. They are not intended to be an exhaustive description of the present disclosure or to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, the examples shown do not need to have all the aspects or advantages shown. The aspects or advantages described in conjunction with a specific example are not necessarily limited to that example, and may be practiced in any other example, even if not shown or not so explicitly described.

[0029] For the sake of clarity, the drawings are schematic and simplified, and they only show details that aid understanding of the present disclosure, while other details are omitted. Throughout, the same reference numerals are used for the same or corresponding parts.

[0030] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating an example wireless communication system 1 according to the present disclosure, the example wireless communication system comprising an example core network (CN) node 600, an example radio network node 400, and one or more example wireless devices 300A, 300B.

[0031] As discussed in detail herein, the present disclosure relates to a wireless communication system 1 including a cellular system (eg, a 3GPP wireless communication system). The wireless communication system 1 includes one or more wireless devices 300A, 300B and / or a network node 400 and / or a CN node 600.

[0032] The radio network node disclosed herein refers to a radio access network (RAN) node operating in a radio access network, such as a base station in 3GPP New Radio (NR), an evolved Node B, an eNB, a gNB. A gNB may have one or more transmit and receive points (TRPs). In one or more examples, a RAN node is a functional unit that may be distributed in multiple physical units.

[0033] The CN node 600 disclosed herein refers to a network node operating in a core network, such as an Evolved Packet Core Network EPC and / or a 5G Core Network 5GC. Examples of CN nodes in EPC include a Mobility Management Entity (MME) and a Location Management Function (LMF).

[0034] A wireless device may be referred to as a mobile device and / or user equipment UE.

[0035] The wireless communication system 1 described herein may include one or more wireless devices 300A, 300B and / or one or more radio network nodes 400, such as one or more of the following: a base station, an eNB, a gNB and / or an access point.

[0036] The wireless devices 300A, 300B may be configured to communicate with the radio network node 400 via a wireless link (or radio access link) 10, such as an air interface (Uu interface). The wireless devices 300A, 300B may be configured to communicate directly with each other via a side link 20, such as via a PC5 interface. The side link 20 is a wireless link.

[0037] The core network node 600 may be configured to communicate with the radio network node 400 via a link 12 (eg, a wired and / or wireless link), and / or communicate with one or more wireless devices 300A, 300B via the radio network node 400 .

[0038] Sidelink communication can be used as part of NR-V2X. WD 300a, 300B in V2X can be a fixed WD 300a, such as a roadside unit (RSU), or a non-fixed WD 300b, such as a vehicle with a communication module, or a vulnerable road user (VRU), such as a WD carried by a pedestrian and / or a cyclist. WD 300A, 300B can communicate with each other through the side link 20, for example, via a PC5 interface. Communication between WD 300A, 300B uses radio resources. In the case where WD 300A, 300B is within the cell coverage of the radio network node 400, the radio resources can be allocated by the radio network node 400. For example, the radio network node 400 can define the radio resources to be used for sidelink communication between WD 300A, 300B. The radio network node 400 can grant the sidelink resources to the sidelink transmission (Tx) WD via a downlink control channel. The Tx WD may be the WD that initiates sidelink communication with the receiving (Rx) WD (such as sending a sidelink positioning reference signal to the receiving (Rx) WD). Prior to the transmission of the sidelink communication, the Tx WD may send a sidelink control channel so that the sidelink Rx WD is aware of the upcoming sidelink transmission and is able to receive and decode it.

[0039] There are two modes of operation for sidelink resource allocation. In a first resource allocation mode, which may be referred to as mode 1 resource allocation, the radio network node 400 performs scheduling of sidelink communications. This typically operates when the sidelink WD 300A, 300B is located within the coverage of the radio network node 400. In a second resource allocation mode, which may be referred to as mode 2 resource allocation, the WD 300A, 300B (such as a Tx WD) autonomously selects resources after performing a carrier sensing operation.

[0040] The BWP for sidelink communications can be defined similarly to the bandwidth part (BWP) in the uplink (UL) and / or downlink (DL). This provides a convenient way to specify aspects related to the WD radio frequency (RF) hardware chain implementation. When in connected mode to the radio network node 400, the WD 300A, 300B can be configured with an active sidelink BWP. The same set of parameters including subcarrier spacing and other parameters (e.g., cyclic prefix) should be applied to transmission and reception in a given sidelink BWP.

[0041] Figure 2Sidelink bandwidth parts and resource pools (RP) for legacy sidelink communications are disclosed. A resource pool concept has been defined for legacy sidelink communications, such as for Long Term Evolution (LTE) V2X and / or NR V2X. A resource pool can be viewed as a set of resources to be used for sidelink communications (e.g., between WDs 300A, 300B). A resource set consists of (time) slots and resource blocks (RBs) to be used by multiple WDs for their sidelink transmissions. The legacy resource pool will be allocated within a WD SL bandwidth part (BWP), such as within a single WD SL BWP. A single SL BWP in this article means that the resource pool is allocated only in the BWP, because a legacy WD operating a SL is only configured with a single SL BWP. As Figure 2 As shown, the BWP may include one or more resource pools. Sidelink communications are mainly carried by the physical sidelink control channel (PSCCH) and the physical sidelink shared channel (PSSCH). PSCCH and / or resources can be defined in the resource pool for the corresponding channel. The resource pool can be divided into subchannels in the frequency domain, which are continuous non-overlapping physical resource blocks (PRB) sets (e.g., ≥10 PRBs) in a time slot. The size of the resource pool may depend on (pre) configuration settings. Resource allocation, carrier sensing, and resource selection may be performed in units of subchannels.

[0042] For PSSCH and PSCCH transmission in mode 1, the radio network node 400 can use three different methods to allocate resources for the side link WD, and these three different methods are dynamic grant, configuration grant (CG) type 1 and CG type 2. For dynamic grant, the radio network node 400 schedules the side link transmission of a single packet via downlink control information (DCI). For CG type 1, the radio network node 400 provides side link resource allocation to WD 300A, 300B, for example, through radio resource control (RRC) signaling. WD 300A, 300B can use any resource that has been assigned for side link communication. For CG type 2, the radio network node 400 provides side link resource allocation to WD 300A, 300B through RRC. However, unlike CG type 1, DCI is used to activate and / or deactivate RRC grant. Typically, CG type 1 and CG type 2 are dedicated to semi-persistent transmission with huge configuration information, while dynamic grant is used for single packet transmission.

[0043] For sidelink communication between Tx WD and Rx WD, each transmission block (such as each data packet) passed between Tx WD and Rx WD has an associated sidelink control information (SCI) message. SCI can be divided into two different stages, the first stage SCI carried by PSCCH and the second stage SCI carried by PSSCH. The two SCI stages can support different functions. The first stage SCI mainly includes resource allocation information, while the second stage SCI includes link-specific information, such as information related to the sidelink between Tx WD and Rx WD.

[0044] In mode 1, the radio network node can configure resource allocations to the Tx WD via DCI or RRC. Afterwards, the Tx WD can forward the resource allocations to the Rx WD via the first SCI. The purpose of using the first SCI can be twofold. On the one hand, the first SCI is used to configure resource allocations for reception. On the other hand, the first SCI also signals other WDs which frequency and time resources are occupied in the same resource pool. This is particularly useful for WDs to perform sensing (such as carrier sensing) to find unoccupied resources in mode 2.

[0045] Unlike the first SCI, the second SCI mainly carries link association information, which enables decoding of the received signal and determining the feedback configuration, such as the configuration for hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ). The second SCI may include parameters such as a source identifier (ID) and a destination ID and an indicator indicating whether HARQ feedback is enabled and / or disabled.

[0046] The present disclosure provides a method for supporting positioning via a side link, which may also be referred to as side link positioning. The Tx WD may be a WD configured to send a side link positioning reference signal (SL-PRS) in a side link, for example, via a PC5 interface. The SL-PRS may be similar to a downlink positioning reference signal (DL-PRS) and / or an uplink positioning reference signal (UL-SRS) in a conventional Uu link. The Rx WD may be configured to receive the SL-PRS sent by the Tx WD, and may perform positioning measurements on the received SL-PRS. The WD to be positioned may be referred to as a target WD in this document. Depending on the positioning measurements performed, the target WD may be a Tx WD or an Rx WD. In order to perform SL-PRS transmission, WD 300A, 300B must be configured so that WD 300A, 300B (e.g., Tx WD and Rx WD) know the time and / or frequency position and parameters of the SL-PRS.

[0047] The positioning of the target WD can be performed in a variety of ways. According to the first example method of the present disclosure, the target WD can perform measurements of the SL-PRS sent by the Tx WD (e.g., RSU, car, etc.). This is similar to DL positioning via the Uu interface, where the WD measures the PRS sent from the radio network node in the DL. According to the second example method, the target WD (e.g., VRU) can send SL-PRS for measurement by the supporting WD (e.g., car and / or pedestrian). The supporting WD can send a positioning measurement report back to the target WD, or can send the positioning measurement report to a positioning network node, such as an LMF or positioning entity and / or radio network node in the network. This is similar to UL positioning via the Uu interface, where the WD sends PRS for measurement by the radio network node. In the side link case, the second WD can participate in the positioning of the target WD.

[0048] The framework or process for sidelink communication is already well established in 3GPP (such as in LTE and NR). However, positioning using the sidelink is not yet available. Sidelink positioning requires SL-PRS transmission and reception. It may also require transmission with large bandwidth, for example, with a bandwidth larger than the resources currently defined for sidelink communication purposes.

[0049] The present disclosure thus provides methods for allocating resources for SL-PRS transmission in radio network node controlled operation (eg, in sidelink mode 1) and WD autonomous operation (eg, in sidelink mode 2).

[0050] Figure 3 The standard resource allocation for sidelink communication is illustrated. The radio network node may define a set of allocated resources for UL transmissions on the Uu interface. A sidelink resource pool is typically defined as a portion of the Uu UL spectrum. A WD may be configured with a bandwidth portion (SL-BWP) for sidelink communication within the Uu UL spectrum. Within the SL-BWP, a WD may be configured with at least one resource pool. Figure 3 , an example periodic resource pool allocation for a WD is illustrated, where the resource pool repeats over time, for example, with a certain period.

[0051] FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C Example resource allocations for sidelink positioning (e.g., for transmission and / or reception of SL-PRS) according to the present disclosure are disclosed. For example, dedicated resources for SL-PRS transmission are introduced. This is different from traditional resource allocations for sidelink communication, where common resources are used for multiple purposes and / or transmissions. In one or more example methods, for example Figure 4AAs shown, the dedicated resource for SL-PRS transmission can be a dedicated resource pool for SL-PRS transmission, referred to herein as RP(SL-PRS). This may be the case when SL-PRS transmission requires a wider bandwidth than the bandwidth used for conventional sidelink communications. In one or more example methods, for example Figure 4B and Figure 4C As shown, dedicated resources for SL-PRS transmission can be allocated to a portion of a traditional resource pool for sidelink, wherein the dedicated resources for SL-PRS are separated from traditional resources for sidelink communication, for example, by a guard period (GP). The GP duration can be in one or more OFDM symbols. In one or more example methods according to the present disclosure, dedicated resources for SL-PRS can be separated in time from traditional resources for sidelink communication, for example, by a GP, such as Figure 4B In one or more example methods according to the present disclosure, dedicated resources for SL-PRS may be separated in frequency from conventional resources for sidelink communications, such as Figure 4C In one or more example methods, a guard band (GB) may separate dedicated resources for SL-PRS from traditional resources for sidelink in frequency. The GB may be on the order of one or more subcarriers. FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C As can be seen in the example resource allocation in , dedicated resources for sidelink positioning can be allocated within a bandwidth portion (such as SL-BWP) that has previously been allocated for traditional sidelink communications. In one or more example methods, the dedicated BWP may include resources that may have been previously used for a traditional resource pool. However, in one or more example methods, dedicated resources for sidelink positioning can be allocated within a dedicated bandwidth portion for sidelink positioning, such as a bandwidth portion separate from the SL-BWP.

[0052] FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C An example allocation of control signaling for configuring dedicated resources for sidelink positioning for a WD according to the present disclosure is illustrated. Figure 5A As can be seen in FIG. 1 , a WD may be configured with multiple BWPs for sidelink use, such as a first BWP for conventional sidelink communication (in Figure 5A SL-BWP) and a second dedicated BWP for sidelink positioning (referred to as SL-BWP in Figure 5ASL-POS-BWP). The SL-POS-BWP may be dedicated to the transmission and / or reception of the SL-PRS. In a conventional sidelink, the WD is configured with only one sidelink BWP. The solution according to the present disclosure is therefore different from a conventional sidelink in that the WD may be configured with multiple BWPs, for example, at least one SL-POS-BWP in addition to the SL-BWP, wherein at least one BWP may be dedicated to sidelink positioning. Only one BWP may be activated at a given time. Different BWPs may be associated with corresponding BWP indexes. In one or more example methods, the WD may be configured with multiple SL-POS-BWPs with corresponding BWP indexes, wherein each BWP index may be associated with positioning accuracy. For example, a first BWP index such as BWP index 1 may represent a narrow SL-POS-BWP, such as a SL-POS-BWP with lower positioning accuracy. A second BWP index (such as a higher index, such as BWP index 2) may represent a wider SL-POS-BWP, such as a SL-POS-BWP with higher positioning accuracy. In order for the Rx WD to know where to monitor the SL-PRS, control information such as SCI may be sent from the Tx WD to the Rx WD. The control information may include a dedicated side link positioning resource configuration that configures the Rx WD to monitor the dedicated side link positioning resource and / or dedicated side link positioning bandwidth portion for the SL-PRS. The control information may be sent before the dedicated side link positioning resource and / or dedicated side link positioning bandwidth portion. Figure 5A In the example shown, the control information is allocated in a pool of legacy sidelink resources in a legacy SL-BWP and includes an indication of dedicated sidelink location resources located in a dedicated sidelink location bandwidth portion (e.g., SL-POS-BWP). Figure 5B In the example shown, the control information is allocated in a legacy sidelink resource pool in a legacy SL-BWP and includes an indication of a dedicated sidelink location resource located within the legacy SL-BWP but separated in frequency from the legacy sidelink resource pool. Figure 5C In the example shown, both the control information and the dedicated sidelink positioning resources are allocated within the legacy SL-BWP. However, the control information may be allocated separately from the legacy sidelink resource pool, for example, outside the legacy sidelink resource pool.

[0053] like FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C For example, control information such as SCI can be allocated in two different ways. Figure 5AIn the embodiment, the control information is located (e.g., sent) in a sidelink communication BWP (e.g., in a SL-BWP), but includes an indication of the SL-PRS resource configuration in a dedicated sidelink positioning BWP (e.g., SL-POS-BWP). The control information may be sent in resources used for sidelink communications (e.g., in a resource pool). Figure 5B In the example shown, control information such as SCI and the configured SL-PRS resources are in the same BWP. The control information may be sent in resources used for sidelink communications, such as in a resource pool. Figure 5C In the example shown, control information such as SCI is sent in the same SL-BWP as the dedicated resources used for sidelink positioning, but outside of the dedicated sidelink positioning resources and / or any resources used for sidelink communications.

[0054] about FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C One or more of the example methods discussed may be used in sidelink Mode 2 resource allocation.

[0055] Configuration of dedicated resources (eg, dedicated resource pools) for the SL-PRS may be provided in multiple levels or steps.

[0056] In one or more example methods, a first configuration, such as a dedicated side link positioning resource configuration, may be provided to the WD. The dedicated side link positioning resource configuration may include characteristics and / or parameters of dedicated resources for SL-PRS (e.g., resource pool configuration for SL-PRS monitoring). The dedicated side link positioning resource configuration may be transmitted (e.g., provided) to the WD using high-level signaling (e.g., in an RRC message). The configuration may include one or more of the following:

[0057] - Temporal characteristics, such as the index of occupied symbols, and / or the repetition pattern for semi-persistent SL-PRS transmission.

[0058] - Frequency characteristics, such as the location and / or size of dedicated resources for SL-PRS. The frequency characteristics may, for example, include an offset of the SL-PRS frequency band from the legacy sidelink resources or from the reference frequency point, and / or a physical resource block number. The offset may indicate the location of the BWP in the resource pool. The offset may be indicated as an index (ID) of the first resource of the BWP.

[0059] -PRS allocation structure, eg comb structure. The PRS allocation structure may be indicated as a comb type and a number of consecutive comb symbols, eg in a form such as: {Comb-k, l symbols}.

[0060] In one or more example methods, the first configuration may be sent by a resource allocation node (e.g., a positioning network node or a radio network node, such as a serving radio network node) to all WDs (e.g., to Tx WDs configured to send SL-PRS and Rx WDs configured to measure received SL-PRS). This may be the case, for example, for multicast and unicast scenarios.

[0061] In one or more example methods, the first configuration may be sent by the resource allocation node gNB only to the Tx WD. For example, this may be the case in a broadcast scenario.

[0062] In one or more example methods, the WD may be provided with a second configuration, such as a selection configuration of dedicated resources for side link positioning (e.g., resources permitted and / or allocated for side link positioning, such as for SL-PRS transmission). The selection configuration of the licensed dedicated resources for side link positioning may be a selection configuration from the first configuration, such as a subset. The selection configuration of the licensed dedicated resources for side link positioning may also be referred to as a side link positioning resource activation configuration in this article. The side link positioning resource activation configuration may be provided to the WD by a resource allocation node (e.g., a radio network node or a positioning network node, such as an LMF). The side link positioning resource activation configuration may be provided to the WD in a side link positioning resource activation message. The side link positioning resource activation configuration (e.g., a side link positioning resource activation message) may be transmitted using low layer signaling (e.g., using a DL medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) or a DL DCI). The side link positioning resource activation configuration may include one or more of the following:

[0063] - An index of a selected configuration, such as an index of a second configuration. An index of a selected configuration, such as an index of a SL-POS-BWP to be used for SL-PRS transmission.

[0064] - an indication of activation and / or deactivation of granted dedicated resources for sidelink positioning.

[0065] - Duration of the granted dedicated resources for sidelink positioning (eg number of instances).

[0066] -Deactivation of positioning resources.

[0067] In one or more example methods, the second configuration (e.g., sidelink positioning resource activation configuration) may be transmitted (e.g., sent) from the serving radio network node to the Tx WD. The serving radio network node may be a resource allocation node that allocates resources for sidelink transmission of the Tx WD. The Tx WD may be a WD configured to transmit and / or transmitting SL-PRS during the sidelink positioning procedure. The serving radio network node may send the second configuration to the Tx WD via low layer signaling (e.g., via DCI).

[0068] In one or more example methods, the second configuration (e.g., sidelink positioning resource activation configuration) may be transmitted (e.g., sent) from the Tx WD to the Rx WD, for example, to a WD configured to receive or receiving SL-PRS during the sidelink positioning process. The Tx WD may, for example, forward the second configuration to the Rx WD upon receiving the second configuration from the serving radio network node. The Tx WD may send the second configuration to the Rx WD via the SCI. In one or more example methods, the second configuration (e.g., sidelink positioning resource activation configuration) may be transmitted separately from the dedicated resources used for positioning.

[0069] Figure 6 and Figure 7 An example message exchange for configuring resources for sidelink positioning reference signal transmission between a first WD 300A, a second WD 300B, a resource allocation node 500, and a positioning network node 600 is illustrated. The first WD 300A may be an Rx WD configured to receive PRS during the sidelink positioning process. The second WD 300B may be a Tx WD configured to transmit PRS during the sidelink positioning process.

[0070] exist Figure 6 In the example message exchange illustrated in , the second WD 300B (e.g., the target WD, e.g., the WD to be located) performs both positioning measurements 1015 (e.g., one or more of timing measurements, power measurements, and angle measurements) and positioning estimates 1017 (e.g., relative and / or absolute positioning). Figure 6 In the example shown, the first WD 300A (eg Figure 1 The RSU) sends a SL-PRS 1014 (eg, aperiodic SL-PRS, periodic SL-PRS, or semi-persistent SL-PRS) so that the second WD 300B (eg, target WD) can use the SL-PRS for positioning measurement 1015.

[0071] In one or more example methods, the first WD 300A and the second WD 300B (e.g., a WD and a target WD configured to send SLPRS) send their respective capabilities 1002A, 1002B to the resource allocation node 500. The capabilities 1002A, 1002B may include: one or more of an indication of a WD type (e.g., whether the WD is an RSU, a VRU, and / or a vehicle), an indication of a WD capability (e.g., a processing capability of the WD and / or an antenna configuration of the WD). Based on the capabilities, the resource allocation node 500 may identify the WD type (e.g., whether the corresponding WD is a vehicle, a VRU, or an RSU) and its corresponding capabilities (e.g., processing, antenna configuration, etc.).

[0072] The resource allocation node 500 sends dedicated side link positioning resource configurations 1006A, 1006B to the first WD 300A and the second WD 300B, respectively. The dedicated side link positioning resource configurations may represent dedicated side link positioning resources for SL PRS transmission. The dedicated side link positioning resource configurations 1006A, 1006B may be sent using high-layer signaling (eg, RRC signaling).

[0073] In one or more example methods, the resource allocation node 500 may provide a dedicated sidelink positioning resource configuration 1004 to the positioning network node 600 (e.g., to the LMF). The positioning network node 600 may use this information in the event that the positioning network node 600 receives a request 1005 to activate and / or configure the sidelink resources for positioning. The request 1005 may be received from an application residing in one or more of the wireless devices 300A, 300B. When the positioning network node 600 receives the request to activate and / or configure the sidelink resources for positioning, the positioning network node 600 may send a trigger 1008 to the resource allocation node 500, triggering the resource allocation node 500 to allocate the sidelink PRS resources for the WD 300A, 300B. Alternatively, the resource allocation node 500 may be directly configured by an operation node, such as an operation administration and maintenance (OAM) node, to activate the sidelink resources for positioning.

[0074] The resource allocation node 500 may arrange the SL-POS resources 1009 to be used for the positioning process on the side link between the first WD 300A and the second WD 300B within the dedicated side link positioning resource configuration.

[0075] The resource allocation node 500 sends a side link positioning resource activation message 1010 to the first WD 300A (e.g., a WD configured to send SL-PRS). The side link positioning resource activation message 1010 indicates a subset of dedicated side link positioning resources that are permitted and / or allocated for side link positioning reference signal transmission. The side link positioning resource activation message 1010 may indicate a selection of dedicated side link positioning resources to be used for SL-PRS transmission. The side link positioning resource activation message 1010 may trigger the first WD 300A to send SL-PRS in the indicated subset of dedicated side link positioning resources. The resource allocation node 500 may send the side link positioning resource activation message 1010 using low layer signaling (e.g., using DCI).

[0076] The first WD 300A may apply 1011 a side link positioning resource configuration for SL-PRS transmission. The first WD 300A may send a side link positioning resource activation message 1012 to the second WD 300B, the side link positioning resource activation message 1012 indicating a subset of dedicated side link positioning resources that are permitted and / or allocated for side link positioning reference signal transmission. The side link positioning resource activation message 1012 may trigger the second WD to monitor the resources indicated in the side link positioning resource activation message 1012 for SL-PRS.

[0077] The first WD 300A may then transmit the SL-PRS 1014 on the sidelink in the resources indicated in the sidelink positioning resource activation message 1010 (eg, in a subset of dedicated sidelink positioning resources that are granted and / or allocated for sidelink positioning reference signal transmission).

[0078] The second WD 300B performs side link positioning measurement 1015 on the SL-PRS 1014 transmitted by the first WD 300A.

[0079] Based on the sidelink positioning measurements 1015, the second WD 300B may perform a sidelink positioning estimation 1017 to estimate the position of the target WD (eg, the second WD 300B).

[0080] exist Figure 7 In the example message exchange shown, the sidelink positioning measurement is initiated by the positioning network node 600 (eg, LMF). Figure 7 The example message exchange mainly corresponds to Figure 6 The example message exchange in , but with Figure 6The example message exchange of 1008A is different in that the second WD 300B does not perform a positioning estimate. Instead, the second WD 300B receives a side link positioning request 1008A from the positioning network node 600 requesting the second WD 300B to perform a side link positioning process. The second WD 300B also provides the results of the positioning measurement to the positioning network node 600 in a positioning measurement report 1016. The positioning network node 600 can then perform a positioning estimate 1017A (such as relative and / or absolute positioning) based on the positioning measurement report 1016. For example, this can be the case when the first WD 300A sends a non-periodic SL-PRS, where the SL-PRS is temporarily sent. The first WD 300A (e.g., the WD that sends the SL-PRS) can be one or more of an RSU, a vehicle, and a VRU.

[0081] Figure 8 1 is a flow chart showing an example method 100 for configuring resources for sidelink positioning reference signal transmission performed by a resource allocation node according to the present disclosure. The resource allocation node is a resource allocation node disclosed herein, such as Figure 1 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 A radio network node 400 or a core network node 600 (eg, LMF).

[0082] Method 100 includes sending S103 a dedicated side link positioning resource configuration to a WD. The WD may be a Tx WD (e.g., a WD configured to send SL-PRS) and / or an Rx WD (e.g., a WD configured to receive SL-PRS sent by a Tx WD). The dedicated side link positioning resource configuration includes: an indication of dedicated side link positioning resources (e.g., a set of dedicated side link positioning resources, such as a dedicated side link positioning resource pool) to be used by the WD during the side link positioning process. In one or more example methods, the dedicated side link positioning resource configuration is sent using high-layer signaling (e.g., RRC signaling). The dedicated side link positioning resource configuration may be sent when the WD is connected to the network (e.g., connected to a resource allocation node). Dedicated side link positioning resources may be regarded in this article as a set of resources, such as a resource pool, dedicated to SL-PRS transmission. About Figure 8 Step S103 described corresponds to Fig. 9 Step S203 described and Figure 6 and Figure 7 1006A and 1006B.

[0083] In one or more example methods, the dedicated side link positioning resource is separated from the resource for side link communication. Separation can be regarded as a dedicated side link positioning resource in this article that does not overlap with any other side link resource (e.g., with the side link resource for communication). The resource for side link communication can be regarded as a traditional resource for side link communication, such as a traditional resource pool for side link communication, such as a resource pool that is not dedicated to SL-PRS transmission. In other words, the dedicated side link positioning resource may be different from the resource for side link communication. In one or more example methods, the dedicated side link positioning resource may be separated from the resource for side link communication in time. The dedicated side link positioning resource may be separated from the resource for side link communication, for example, by a protection period (e.g., a period of time). The purpose of the protection period is to avoid interference between the dedicated resource for side link positioning and the resource for side link communication. In one or more example methods, the dedicated side link positioning resource may be separated from the resource for side link communication in frequency. In other words, the dedicated side link positioning resource and the resource for side link communication may not overlap.

[0084] In one or more example methods, the indication representing the dedicated side link positioning resources represents an index to one or more subsets of the dedicated side link positioning resources. In one or more example methods, the dedicated side link positioning resources may include one or more subsets of dedicated side link positioning resources, which may be assigned corresponding indexes. The indication may represent an index to one or more subsets that the WD may use for SL-PRS transmission and / or reception.

[0085] In one or more example methods, the indication representing the dedicated side link positioning resource represents a temporal characteristic of the dedicated side link positioning resource. The temporal characteristic may include one or more of an index of a symbol occupied by the dedicated side link positioning resource, a repetition pattern for SL-PRS transmission (e.g., semi-persistent SL-PRS transmission), and a time gap between the dedicated side link positioning resource and the resource used for side link communication.

[0086] In one or more example methods, the indication of the dedicated side link positioning resource indicates a frequency characteristic of the dedicated side link positioning resource. The frequency characteristic may indicate a frequency size and position of the dedicated side link positioning resource, such as an offset of the dedicated side link positioning resource from a resource used for side link communication, or a physical resource block number.

[0087] In one or more example methods, the indication representing the dedicated side link positioning resource represents a PRS resource allocation structure. The PRS resource allocation structure may be a comb structure, which may be defined as a comb type and the number of consecutive comb symbols. The indication representing the dedicated side link positioning resource may indicate the PRS allocation structure in a form such as: {Comb-k, l symbols}, where "Comb-k" represents the comb type and "l symbols" represents the number of consecutive comb symbols. The comb structure may be viewed as a distribution of occupied subcarriers given a specific occupancy density, such as a distribution pattern. In one or more example methods, the comb structure may be described by a comb offset and a comb size. The comb offset may determine the frequency shift of the occupied subcarriers in each symbol. The comb size may refer to the density of occupied subcarriers in a given reference signal symbol. For example, a comb-2 structure means that the PRS occupies every other subcarrier in a given symbol within the allocated bandwidth.

[0088] In one or more example methods, the indication representing the dedicated side link positioning resource represents a bandwidth portion or frequency layer used for the side link positioning process, such as one or more bandwidth portions or frequency layers. In one or more example methods, the bandwidth portion used for the side link positioning process is different from the bandwidth portion used for side link communication. The resource allocation node can therefore configure multiple bandwidth portions and / or frequency layers dedicated to SL-PRS transmission for the WD. Only one of the configured bandwidth portions and / or frequency layers can be active at a time. The size of the bandwidth portion and / or frequency layer can change with the required positioning accuracy. For example, when high positioning accuracy is required, the bandwidth portion and / or frequency layer can be larger, and when lower positioning accuracy is required, the bandwidth portion and / or frequency layer can be smaller.

[0089] In one or more example methods, a bandwidth part or frequency layer may be configured with one or more resource pools for PRS transmission. In other words, a resource pool may be applied to one or more of the configured bandwidth parts or frequency layers as long as the resource pool size is within the size of the bandwidth part or frequency layer.

[0090] In other words, the dedicated sidelink positioning resource configuration may indicate to the WD that certain resources, which typically occur with a specific periodicity, have been designated for SL-PRS transmission.

[0091] In one or more example methods, sending S103 includes sending S103A a dedicated side link positioning resource configuration to a positioning network node (e.g., to an LMF). In the event that the positioning network node receives a request to activate and / or configure a side link resource for positioning, the positioning network node, such as the LMF, may use the information. Alternatively, the positioning network node is directly configured by the resource allocation node to activate the side link resource for positioning. Figure 8 Step S103A described corresponds to Fig.10 Step S701 described and Figure 6 and Figure 7 of 1004.

[0092] In one or more example methods, method 100 includes receiving S105 a message from a positioning network node to trigger a side link positioning procedure in available dedicated side link positioning resources. In one or more examples, a positioning network node (e.g., an LMF) may receive a request to configure side link positioning. The positioning network node may initiate side link positioning by sending a message to a resource allocation node to trigger a side link positioning procedure in available dedicated side link positioning resources. Figure 8 Step S105 described corresponds to Fig.10 Step S703 described and Figure 6 and Figure 7 of 1008.

[0093] In one or more example methods, method 100 includes: sending S107 a sidelink positioning resource activation message to a WD (e.g., to a Tx WD or an Rx WD), the sidelink positioning resource activation message indicating a subset of dedicated sidelink positioning resources that are licensed and / or allocated for sidelink positioning reference signal transmission. The subset of dedicated sidelink positioning resources may be allocated to one or more WDs. Figure 8 Step S107 described corresponds to Fig. 9 Step S205 described and Figure 6 and Figure 7 of 1010.

[0094] In one or more example methods, the sidelink positioning resource activation message indicates an index of a subset of dedicated sidelink positioning resources allocated for sidelink positioning reference signal transmission. In the case where the dedicated sidelink positioning resources include one or more resource subsets allocated with corresponding indexes, the sidelink positioning resource activation message may include an indication of an index of a subset of dedicated sidelink positioning resources that is licensed and / or allocated for sidelink positioning reference signal transmission of a WD.

[0095] In one or more example methods, the side link positioning resource activation message indicates activation and / or deactivation of a dedicated side link positioning resource configuration (such as to a subset of resources in the dedicated side link positioning resource configuration). In one or more example methods, the side link positioning resource activation message includes a bandwidth portion switching command, which instructs the WD to switch from the bandwidth portion or frequency layer of the side link positioning process to the bandwidth portion or frequency layer of the side link communication. In other words, in one or more example methods, activation and / or deactivation of the dedicated side link positioning resource configuration can be indicated by a bandwidth portion switching command.

[0096] In one or more example methods, the sidelink positioning resource activation message indicates a duration, such as a number of instances, of a dedicated sidelink positioning resource configuration allocated for sidelink positioning reference signal transmission. The duration may, for example, indicate the number of instances that the resources used for SL-PRS transmission are repeated.

[0097] In one or more example methods, a sidelink positioning resource activation message is sent using low layer signaling (e.g., via DCI and / or SCI). For example, this may be the case for CG type 2 for dynamic grants and / or for dedicated sidelink positioning resources.

[0098] In one or more example methods, a sidelink positioning resource activation message is sent using high-layer signaling such as RRC signaling. For example, this may be the case for CG type 1 for a dedicated sidelink positioning resource.

[0099] Fig. 9 2 is a flowchart showing an example method 200 for configuring resources for sidelink positioning reference signal transmission performed by a WD according to the present disclosure. The WD is a WD disclosed herein, such as Figure 1 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Fig.12 WD 300A, 300B.

[0100] Method 200 includes receiving S203 a dedicated side link positioning resource configuration from a resource allocation node. The dedicated side link positioning resource configuration includes: an indication of dedicated side link positioning resources (e.g., a dedicated side link positioning resource set, such as a dedicated side link positioning resource pool) to be used by the WD during the side link positioning process. In one or more example methods, high-layer signaling such as RRC signaling is used to receive the dedicated side link positioning resource configuration. The dedicated side link positioning resource configuration can be received when the WD is connected to the network (e.g., connected to a resource allocation node). Dedicated side link positioning resources can be regarded in this article as a set of resources dedicated to SL-PRS transmission, such as a resource pool. About Fig. 9 Step S203 described corresponds to Figure 8 Step S103 described and Figure 6 and Figure 7 1006A and 1006B.

[0101] In one or more example methods, dedicated sidelink positioning resources are separated from resources used for sidelink communication. Resources used for sidelink communication can be considered as traditional resources for sidelink communication, such as a traditional resource pool for sidelink communication, such as a resource pool that is not dedicated to SL-PRS transmission. In other words, dedicated sidelink positioning resources can be different from resources used for sidelink communication.

[0102] The dedicated sidelink positioning resources may be separated in time from the resources used for sidelink communication in one or more example methods. The dedicated sidelink positioning resources may be separated from the resources used for sidelink communication, for example, by a protection period (e.g., a period of time). The purpose of the protection period is to avoid interference between the dedicated resources used for sidelink positioning and the resources used for sidelink communication.

[0103] The dedicated side link positioning resources may be separated in frequency from the resources used for side link communications in one or more example methods. In other words, the dedicated side link positioning resources and the resources used for side link communications may not overlap.

[0104] In one or more example methods, the indication representing the dedicated side link positioning resources represents an index to one or more subsets of the dedicated side link positioning resources. In one or more example methods, the dedicated side link positioning resources may include one or more subsets of dedicated side link positioning resources, which may be assigned corresponding indexes. The indication may represent an index to one or more subsets that the WD may use for SL-PRS transmission and / or reception.

[0105] In one or more example methods, the indication representing the dedicated side link positioning resource represents a temporal characteristic of the dedicated side link positioning resource. The temporal characteristic may include one or more of an index of a symbol occupied by the dedicated side link positioning resource, a repetition pattern for SL-PRS transmission (e.g., semi-persistent SL-PRS transmission), and a time gap between the dedicated side link positioning resource and the resource used for side link communication.

[0106] In one or more example methods, the indication of the dedicated side link positioning resource indicates a frequency characteristic of the dedicated side link positioning resource. The frequency characteristic may indicate a frequency size and position of the dedicated side link positioning resource, such as an offset of the dedicated side link positioning resource from a resource used for side link communication, or a physical resource block number.

[0107] In one or more example methods, the indication representing the dedicated side link positioning resource represents a PRS resource allocation structure. The PRS resource allocation structure can be a comb structure, which can be defined as a comb type and a number of consecutive comb symbols. The density of occupied subcarriers in a given PRS symbol is referred to as the comb size. The indication representing the dedicated side link positioning resource can indicate the PRS allocation structure in a form such as: {Comb-k, l symbols}, where "Comb-k" represents the comb type and "l symbols" represents the number of consecutive comb symbols.

[0108] In one or more example methods, the indication representing the dedicated side link positioning resource represents a bandwidth portion or frequency layer used for the side link positioning process, such as one or more bandwidth portions or frequency layers. In one or more example methods, the bandwidth portion used for the side link positioning process is different from the bandwidth portion used for side link communication. Therefore, the resource allocation node can configure multiple bandwidth portions and / or frequency layers dedicated to SL-PRS transmission for the WD. Only one of the configured bandwidth portions and / or frequency layers can be active at a time. The size of the bandwidth portion and / or frequency layer can change with the required positioning accuracy. For example, when high positioning accuracy is required, the bandwidth portion and / or frequency layer can be larger, and when lower positioning accuracy is required, the bandwidth portion and / or frequency layer can be smaller.

[0109] In one or more example methods, the method 200 includes receiving S205 a sidelink positioning resource activation message from a resource allocation node. In one or more example methods, the sidelink positioning resource activation message indicates a subset of dedicated sidelink positioning resources that are granted and / or allocated for sidelink positioning reference signal transmission. Fig. 9 Step S205 described corresponds to Figure 8 Step S107 described and Figure 6 and Figure 7 of 1010.

[0110] In one or more example methods, the sidelink positioning resource activation message indicates an index of a subset of dedicated sidelink positioning resources allocated for sidelink positioning reference signal transmission. In the case where the dedicated sidelink positioning resources include one or more resource subsets allocated with corresponding indexes, the sidelink positioning resource activation message may include an indication of an index of a subset of dedicated sidelink positioning resources that is licensed and / or allocated for sidelink positioning reference signal transmission of a WD.

[0111] In one or more example methods, the side link positioning resource activation message indicates activation and / or deactivation of a dedicated side link positioning resource configuration (such as a subset of resources in the dedicated side link positioning resource configuration). In one or more example methods, the side link positioning resource activation message includes a bandwidth portion switching command, indicating that the WD switches from the bandwidth portion or frequency layer of the side link positioning process to the bandwidth portion or frequency layer of the side link communication. In other words, in one or more example methods, activation and / or deactivation of the dedicated side link positioning resource configuration can be indicated by a bandwidth portion switching command.

[0112] In one or more example methods, the sidelink positioning resource activation message indicates a duration, such as a number of instances, of a dedicated sidelink positioning resource configuration allocated for sidelink positioning reference signal transmission. The duration may, for example, indicate a number of instances of resources that are repeated for SL-PRS transmission.

[0113] In one or more example methods, a side link positioning resource activation message is received using low layer signaling, such as via DCI and / or SCI. For example, this can be the case for CG type 2 for dynamic grants and / or for dedicated side link positioning resources.

[0114] In one or more example methods, a sidelink positioning resource activation message is received using high layer signaling such as RRC signaling. For example, this may be the case for CG type 1 for a dedicated sidelink positioning resource.

[0115] The method 200 includes: performing S209 a sidelink positioning procedure based on a sidelink positioning reference signal transmitted in a dedicated sidelink positioning resource (e.g., in a subset of the dedicated sidelink positioning resource that is licensed and / or allocated for sidelink positioning reference signal transmission). Fig. 9 Step S209 described is similar to Figure 6 and Figure 7 1014, 1015, 1016 and / or 1017.

[0116] In one or more example methods, for example, when the WD is a sidelink reference signal transmitting WD, performing S209 includes: transmitting S209A a sidelink positioning reference signal to the sidelink reference signal receiving WD on the indicated dedicated sidelink positioning resource. Fig. 9 Step S209A described corresponds to Figure 6 and Figure 7 of 1014.

[0117] In one or more example methods, sending S209A includes sending S209AA sidelink positioning reference signals on the represented subset of dedicated sidelink positioning resources.

[0118] In one or more example methods, for example, when the WD is a sidelink reference signal receiving WD. In one or more example methods, executing S209 includes: receiving S209B a sidelink positioning reference signal from a sidelink reference signal transmitting WD on a represented dedicated sidelink positioning resource. In one or more example methods, receiving S209B includes receiving S209BA a sidelink positioning reference signal on a represented subset of the dedicated sidelink positioning resources. Fig. 9 Step S209B described corresponds to Figure 6 and Figure 7 of 1014.

[0119] In one or more example methods, performing S209 includes performing S209C positioning measurements based on the received sidelink positioning reference signal. Fig. 9 Step S209C described corresponds to Figure 6 and Figure 7 of 1015.

[0120] In one or more example methods, performing S209 includes estimating S209D a location of the sending WD based on the performed positioning measurements. Estimating S209D the location may include one or more of ranging, relative positioning, and absolute positioning of the WD as defined in 3GPP Release 18. Fig. 9 Step S209D described corresponds to Figure 6 of 1017.

[0121] In one or more example methods, the method 200 includes sending S211 a positioning measurement report to a positioning network node. The positioning measurement report may include measurement results of the performed positioning measurements. Fig. 9 Step S211 described corresponds to Figure 7 of 1016.

[0122] Fig.10 1 is a flowchart of an example method 700 for processing side link positioning performed by a positioning network node according to the present disclosure. The positioning network node is a positioning network node disclosed herein, such as Figure 1 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Fig.13 A positioning network node 600, such as LMF.

[0123] Method 700 includes receiving S701 a dedicated side link positioning resource configuration from a resource allocation node. The dedicated side link positioning resource configuration includes: an indication of a dedicated side link positioning resource to be used by the wireless device WD during the side link positioning process. The dedicated side link positioning resource configuration includes: an indication of a dedicated side link positioning resource (e.g., a dedicated side link positioning resource set, such as a dedicated side link positioning resource pool) to be used by the WD during the side link positioning process. In one or more example methods, the dedicated side link positioning resource configuration is sent using high-layer signaling (e.g., RRC signaling). Dedicated side link positioning resources may be viewed herein as a set of resources, such as a resource pool, dedicated to SL-PRS transmission. In the event that the positioning network node receives a request to activate and / or configure side link resources for positioning, the positioning network node may use this information. Alternatively, the positioning network node may be directly configured by the resource allocation node to activate the side link resources for positioning. About Fig.10 Step S701 described corresponds to Figure 8 step S103A described above, and corresponds to Figure 6 and Figure 7 of 1004.

[0124] The method 700 includes sending S703 a message to a resource allocation node to trigger a side link positioning procedure in a dedicated side link positioning resource. In one or more examples, a positioning network node (e.g., an LMF) may receive a request to configure side link positioning. The positioning network node may initiate side link positioning by sending a message to a resource allocation node to trigger a side link positioning procedure in available dedicated side link positioning resources. Fig.10 Step S703 described corresponds to Figure 8 Step S105 described above corresponds to Figure 6 and Figure 7 of 1008.

[0125] In one or more example methods, sending S703 comprises sending S703A to the radio network node a message triggering the radio network node to allocate a subset of dedicated sidelink positioning resources for sidelink positioning reference signal transmission.The radio network node may be a resource allocation node for the sidelink.

[0126] In one or more example methods, sending S703 includes sending S703B to the WD a message that triggers the WD to perform sidelink positioning measurements. The message may be, for example, a positioning measurement request. Fig.10 Step S703B described corresponds to Figure 7 1008A.

[0127] In one or more example methods, method 700 includes receiving S705 a positioning measurement report from a WD. The positioning measurement report may include measurement results of positioning measurements performed by the WD. Fig.10 Step S705 described corresponds to Figure 7 of 1016.

[0128] In one or more example methods, method 700 includes estimating S707 a position of the WD based on the positioning measurement report. Estimating S707 the position may include one or more of ranging, relative positioning, and absolute positioning of the WD as defined in 3GPP Release 18. Fig.10 Step S707 described corresponds to Figure 7 1017A.

[0129] In one or more example methods, the indication representing the dedicated sidelink positioning resource represents one or more of: a time characteristic for sidelink positioning reference signal transmission, a frequency characteristic for sidelink positioning reference signal transmission, and a positioning reference signal resource allocation structure.

[0130] Fig.11 5 shows a block diagram of an example resource allocation node 500 according to the present disclosure. The resource allocation node 500 includes a memory circuit 501, a processor circuit 502, and an interface 503 (eg, a wired and / or wireless interface). The resource allocation node 500 may be configured to execute Figure 8 In other words, the resource allocation node 500 may be configured to configure resources for sidelink positioning reference signal transmission. The resource allocation node may be Figure 6 and Figure 7 A resource allocation node such as a radio network node (such as Figure 1 A radio network node 400) or a core network node (such as Figure 1 core network node 600).

[0131] The resource allocation node 500 is configured to communicate with a wireless device WD (eg, a WD disclosed herein) and / or a positioning network node using a wireless communication system.

[0132] The wireless interface 503 is configured for wireless communication via a wireless communication system such as a 3GPP system, such as a 3GPP system supporting one or more of the following: New Radio, Long Term Evolution LTE, NR, Narrowband IoT NB-IoT and Long Term Evolution Enhanced Machine Type Communication LTE-M. The 3GPP system operates in a licensed band or an unlicensed band.

[0133] The resource allocation node 500 is configured to send (eg, via interface 503) a dedicated sidelink positioning resource configuration to a WD. The dedicated sidelink positioning resource configuration comprises an indication of dedicated sidelink positioning resources to be used by said WD during a sidelink positioning procedure.

[0134] Processor circuit 502 is optionally configured to perform Figure 8 The operations disclosed in the resource allocation node 500 may be implemented in the form of an executable logic routine (e.g., a line of code, a software program, etc.) stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium (e.g., a memory circuit 501) and executed by the processor circuit 502.

[0135] Furthermore, the operations of resource allocation node 500 may be considered as methods that resource allocation node 500 is configured to perform. Furthermore, although the functions and operations described may be implemented in software, such functions may also be performed via dedicated hardware or firmware or some combination of hardware, firmware and / or software.

[0136] The memory circuit 501 may be one or more of a buffer, a flash memory, a hard drive, a removable medium, a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, a random access memory (RAM), or other suitable devices. In a typical arrangement, the memory circuit 501 may include a non-volatile memory for long-term data storage and a volatile memory used as a system memory for the processor circuit 502. The memory circuit 501 may exchange data with the processor circuit 502 via a data bus. There may also be control lines and an address bus ( Fig.11 Memory circuit 501 is considered a non-transitory computer-readable medium.

[0137] The memory circuit 501 may be configured to store a dedicated side link positioning resource configuration and / or a subset of a dedicated side link positioning resource configuration in a portion of the memory.

[0138] Fig.12 1 shows a block diagram of an example wireless device 300A, 300B according to the present disclosure. The wireless device 300A, 300B includes a memory circuit 301, a processor circuit 302, and a wireless interface 303. The wireless device 300A, 300B may be configured to perform Fig. 9 In other words, the wireless devices 300A and 300B may be configured to configure resources for sidelink positioning reference signal transmission.

[0139] WD 300A, 300B is configured to communicate with a resource allocation node (such as a resource allocation node disclosed herein) using a wireless communication system.

[0140] The WD 300A, 300B is configured to receive a dedicated sidelink positioning resource configuration from a resource allocation node (eg, via the wireless interface 303). The dedicated sidelink positioning resource configuration comprises an indication of dedicated sidelink positioning resources to be used by the WD during a sidelink positioning procedure.

[0141] The WD 300A, 300B is configured to perform (eg, via the wireless interface 303 and / or using the processor circuit 302) a sidelink positioning procedure based on the sidelink positioning reference signal sent in the dedicated sidelink positioning resource.

[0142] The wireless interface 303 is configured for wireless communication via a wireless communication system such as a 3GPP system, such as a 3GPP system supporting one or more of: New Radio NR, Long Term Evolution LTE, Narrowband IoT NB-IoT and Long Term Evolution Enhanced Machine Type Communication LTE-M. The 3GPP system operates in a licensed band or an unlicensed band.

[0143] WD 300A, 300B may optionally be configured to perform Fig. 9 The operations of WD300 may be implemented in the form of an executable logic routine (e.g., a line of code, a software program, etc.) stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium (e.g., memory circuit 301) and executed by processor circuit 302.

[0144] Furthermore, the operations of WD 300A, 300B may be considered methods that WD 300A, 300B is configured to perform. Furthermore, although the functions and operations described may be implemented in software, such functions may also be performed via dedicated hardware or firmware or some combination of hardware, firmware and / or software.

[0145] The memory circuit 301 may be one or more of a buffer, a flash memory, a hard drive, a removable medium, a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, a random access memory (RAM), or other suitable devices. In a typical arrangement, the memory circuit 301 may include a non-volatile memory for long-term data storage and a volatile memory used as a system memory for the processor circuit 302. The memory circuit 301 may exchange data with the processor circuit 302 via a data bus. There may also be control lines and an address bus ( Fig.12 Memory circuit 301 is considered a non-transitory computer-readable medium.

[0146] The memory circuit 301 may be configured to store a dedicated side link positioning resource configuration and / or a subset of a dedicated side link positioning resource configuration in a portion of the memory.

[0147] Fig.13 6 shows a block diagram of an example positioning network node 600 according to the present disclosure. The positioning network node 600 includes a memory circuit 601, a processor circuit 602, and an interface 603 (eg, a wired and / or wireless interface). The positioning network node 600 may be configured to execute Fig.10 In other words, the positioning network node 600 may be configured to process side link positioning.

[0148] The positioning network node 600 is configured to communicate with a resource allocation node (eg, a resource allocation node disclosed herein) using a wireless communication system.

[0149] Interface 603 is configured for wireless communication via a wireless communication system such as a 3GPP system, such as a 3GPP system supporting one or more of: New Radio NR, Long Term Evolution LTE, Narrowband IoT NB-IoT and Long Term Evolution Enhanced Machine Type Communication LTE-M. The 3GPP system operates in a licensed band or an unlicensed band.

[0150] The positioning network node 600 is configured to receive a dedicated sidelink positioning resource configuration from a resource allocation node, eg via interface 603. The dedicated sidelink positioning resource configuration comprises an indication of dedicated sidelink positioning resources to be used by the wireless device WD during the sidelink positioning procedure.

[0151] The positioning network node 600 is configured to send a message to the resource allocation node (eg via the interface 603) triggering a sidelink positioning procedure in a dedicated sidelink positioning resource.

[0152] Processor circuit 602 is optionally configured to perform Fig.10 Any operation of the operations disclosed in (such as any one or more of S701, S703, S703A, S703B, S705, S707). The operations of the positioning network node 600 may be implemented in the form of an executable logic routine (e.g., a line of code, a software program, etc.) that is stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium (e.g., a memory circuit 601) and executed by the processor circuit 602.

[0153] Furthermore, the operations of the positioning network node 600 may be considered as methods that the positioning network node 600 is configured to perform. Furthermore, although the functions and operations described may be implemented in software, such functions may also be performed via dedicated hardware or firmware or some combination of hardware, firmware and / or software.

[0154] The memory circuit 601 may be one or more of a buffer, a flash memory, a hard drive, a removable medium, a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, a random access memory (RAM), or other suitable devices. In a typical arrangement, the memory circuit 601 may include a non-volatile memory for long-term data storage and a volatile memory used as a system memory for the processor circuit 602. The memory circuit 601 may exchange data with the processor circuit 602 via a data bus. There may also be control lines and an address bus ( Fig.13 Memory circuit 601 is considered a non-transitory computer-readable medium.

[0155] The memory circuit 601 may be configured to store a dedicated side link positioning resource configuration and / or a subset of a dedicated side link positioning resource configuration in a portion of the memory.

[0156] Examples of methods and products (network nodes and wireless devices) according to the present disclosure are set forth in the following items:

[0157] Item 1. A method for configuring resources for sidelink positioning reference signal transmission performed by a resource allocation node, the method comprising:

[0158] - Sending S103 a dedicated sidelink positioning resource configuration to the wireless device WD, wherein said dedicated sidelink positioning resource configuration comprises an indication of dedicated sidelink positioning resources to be used by said WD during a sidelink positioning procedure.

[0159] Item 2. A method according to Item 1, wherein the dedicated sidelink positioning resources are separate from resources used for sidelink communications.

[0160] Item 3. A method according to Item 2, wherein the dedicated sidelink positioning resources are separated in time from the resources used for sidelink communication.

[0161] Item 4. A method according to Item 2 or 3, wherein the dedicated side link positioning resources are separated in frequency from the resources used for side link communication.

[0162] Item 5. A method according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the indication representing the dedicated sidelink positioning resource represents one or more of the following:

[0163] - indices of one or more subsets of said dedicated sidelink positioning resources,

[0164] - the temporal characteristics of the dedicated sidelink positioning resources,

[0165] - the frequency characteristics of the dedicated sidelink positioning resource, and

[0166] -Positioning reference signal resource allocation structure.

[0167] Item 6. A method according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the indication representing the dedicated side link positioning resource represents a bandwidth portion used for the side link positioning process, wherein the bandwidth portion used for the side link positioning process is different from the bandwidth portion used for side link communication.

[0168] Item 7. A method according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the method comprises:

[0169] - Sending S107 a sidelink positioning resource activation message to the WD, wherein the sidelink positioning resource activation message indicates a subset of the dedicated sidelink positioning resources allocated for sidelink positioning reference signal transmission.

[0170] Item 8. The method according to item 7, wherein the side link positioning resource activation message represents one or more of the following:

[0171] - an index of a subset of the dedicated sidelink positioning resources allocated for sidelink positioning reference signal transmission,

[0172] - activation and / or deactivation of the dedicated sidelink positioning resource configuration, and

[0173] - The dedicated sidelink positioning resource configuration is allocated for a duration of sidelink positioning reference signal transmission.

[0174] Item 9. A method according to any of the preceding items, wherein the resource allocation node is a radio network node.

[0175] Item 10. The method according to Item 9, wherein sending S103 comprises: sending S103A the dedicated side link positioning resource configuration to the positioning network node.

[0176] Item 11. A method according to Item 10, wherein the method comprises: receiving S105 a message from the positioning network node to trigger a side link positioning process in the available dedicated side link positioning resources.

[0177] Item 12. A method for configuring resources for sidelink positioning reference signal transmission performed by a wireless device WD, the method comprising:

[0178] - receiving S203 a dedicated sidelink positioning resource configuration from a resource allocation node, wherein the dedicated sidelink positioning resource configuration comprises an indication of a dedicated sidelink positioning resource to be used by the WD during a sidelink positioning procedure;

[0179] - performing S209 a sidelink positioning procedure based on the sidelink positioning reference signal sent in said dedicated sidelink positioning resource.

[0180] Item 13. A method according to Item 12, wherein the dedicated side link positioning resources are separate from the resources used for side link communications.

[0181] Item 14. A method according to Item 13, wherein the dedicated sidelink positioning resources are separated in time from the resources used for sidelink communication.

[0182] Item 15. A method according to Item 13 or 14, wherein the dedicated side link positioning resources are separated in frequency from the resources used for side link communication.

[0183] Item 16. A method according to any one of items 12 to 15, wherein the indication representing the dedicated sidelink positioning resource represents one or more of the following:

[0184] - indices of one or more subsets of said dedicated sidelink positioning resources,

[0185] - the temporal characteristics of the dedicated sidelink positioning resources,

[0186] - the frequency characteristics of the dedicated sidelink positioning resource, and

[0187] -Positioning reference signal resource allocation structure.

[0188] Item 17. A method according to any one of items 12 to 16, wherein the indication representing the dedicated side link positioning resource represents a bandwidth portion used for the side link positioning process, wherein the bandwidth portion used for the side link positioning process is different from the bandwidth portion used for side link communication.

[0189] Item 18. The method according to any one of Items 12 to 17, wherein the method comprises:

[0190] - receiving S205 a sidelink positioning resource activation message from the resource allocation node, wherein the sidelink positioning resource activation message indicates a subset of the dedicated sidelink positioning resources allocated for sidelink positioning reference signal transmission.

[0191] Item 19. The method of Item 18, wherein the side link positioning resource activation message indicates one or more of the following:

[0192] - an index of a subset of the dedicated sidelink positioning resources allocated for sidelink positioning reference signal transmission,

[0193] - activation and / or deactivation of the dedicated sidelink positioning resource configuration, and

[0194] - The dedicated sidelink positioning resource configuration is allocated for a duration of sidelink positioning reference signal transmission.

[0195] Item 20. The method according to any one of items 12 to 19, wherein the WD is a sidelink reference signal transmission WD, and wherein executing S209 includes:

[0196] - Sending S209A a sidelink positioning reference signal to the sidelink reference signal receiving WD on the indicated dedicated sidelink positioning resource.

[0197] Item 21. A method according to any one of items 18 and 19 and item 20, wherein sending S209A includes: sending S209AA the sidelink positioning reference signal on the represented subset of dedicated sidelink positioning resources.

[0198] Item 22. The method according to any one of items 12 to 19, wherein the WD is a sidelink reference signal receiving WD, and wherein executing S209 includes:

[0199] - receiving S209B a sidelink positioning reference signal from said sidelink reference signal transmitting WD on the indicated dedicated sidelink positioning resource, and

[0200] -Perform S209C positioning measurements based on the received sidelink positioning reference signal.

[0201] Item 23. A method according to any one of items 18 and 19 and item 22, wherein receiving S209B includes: receiving S209BA the sidelink positioning reference signal on the represented subset of dedicated sidelink positioning resources.

[0202] Item 24. The method according to any one of items 22 to 23, wherein performing S209 includes: estimating S209D the position of the sending WD based on the performed positioning measurements.

[0203] Item 25. The method according to any one of items 12 to 24, comprising:

[0204] -Send S211 positioning measurement report to the positioning network node.

[0205] Clause 26. A method for processing sidelink positioning performed by a positioning network node, wherein the method comprises:

[0206] - receiving S701 a dedicated sidelink positioning resource configuration from a resource allocation node, wherein the dedicated sidelink positioning resource configuration comprises: an indication of a dedicated sidelink positioning resource to be used by the wireless device WD during a sidelink positioning procedure;

[0207] - Sending S703 a message to the resource allocation node to trigger the side link positioning process in the dedicated side link positioning resource.

[0208] Item 27. A method according to Item 26, wherein sending S703 comprises: sending S703A to a radio network node to trigger the radio network node to allocate a subset of the dedicated side link positioning resources for sending a side link positioning reference signal.

[0209] Item 28. The method according to Item 26 or 27, wherein sending S703 includes: sending S703B to the WD to trigger the WD to perform side link positioning measurement.

[0210] Item 29. The method according to Item 28, wherein the method comprises:

[0211] - Receive S705 a positioning measurement report from the WD.

[0212] Item 30. The method according to any one of Item 29, wherein the method comprises:

[0213] - Estimate S707 the position of the WD based on the positioning measurement report.

[0214] Item 31. A method according to items 26 to 30, wherein the indication representing the dedicated side link positioning resource represents one or more of the following:

[0215] - the timing characteristics of the sidelink positioning reference signal transmission,

[0216] - the frequency characteristics used for sidelink positioning reference signal transmission, and

[0217] -Positioning reference signal resource allocation structure.

[0218] Item 32. A resource allocation node, comprising a memory circuit, a processor circuit and a wireless interface, wherein the resource allocation node is configured to perform any of the methods described in any of items 1 to 11.

[0219] Item 33. A wireless device comprising a memory circuit, a processor circuit, and a wireless interface, wherein the wireless device is configured to perform any of the methods described in any of items 12 to 25.

[0220] Item 34. A positioning network node, comprising a memory circuit, a processor circuit and a wireless interface, wherein the positioning network node is configured to perform any of the methods described in any of items 26 to 31.

[0221] The use of the terms "first", "second", "third", and "fourth", "primary", "secondary", "tertiary", etc. does not imply any particular order, but is included to identify individual elements. Furthermore, the use of the terms "first", "second", "third", and "fourth", "primary", "secondary", "tertiary", etc. does not indicate any order or importance, but rather the terms "first", "second", "third", and "fourth", "primary", "secondary", "tertiary", etc. are used to distinguish one element from another. Note that the words "first", "second", "third", and "fourth", "primary", "secondary", "tertiary", etc. are used here and elsewhere for labeling purposes only and are not intended to indicate any particular spatial or temporal order. Furthermore, the labeling of a first element does not imply the presence of a second element, and vice versa.

[0222] Understandably, Figures 1 to 13 Including some circuits or operations shown with solid lines and some circuits, components, features or operations shown with dotted lines. The circuits or operations included in the solid lines are the circuits, components, features or operations included in the most extensive examples. The circuits, components, features or operations included in the dotted lines are examples that can be included in or as part of other circuits, components, features or operations that can be taken in addition to the circuits, components, features or operations of the solid line examples, or other circuits, components, features or operations that can be taken in addition to the circuits, components, features or operations of the solid line examples. It should be understood that these operations do not need to be performed in the order presented. In addition, it should be understood that not all operations need to be performed. The example operations can be performed in any order and in any combination. It should be understood that these operations do not need to be performed in the order presented. The circuits, components, features or operations included in the dotted lines can be considered optional.

[0223] Other operations not described herein may be incorporated into the example operations. For example, one or more additional operations may be performed before, after, simultaneously with, or between any of the described operations.

[0224] Certain features discussed above as separate implementations may also be implemented in combination as a single implementation. Conversely, features described as a single implementation may also be implemented in multiple implementations, either individually or in any suitable subcombination. Furthermore, although features may be described above as functioning in certain combinations, in some cases one or more features from a claimed combination may be excised from the combination, and the combination may be claimed as any subcombination or variation of any subcombination.

[0225] It should be noted that the word "comprising" does not necessarily exclude the presence of other elements or steps than those listed.

[0226] It should be noted that the word "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements.

[0227] It should also be noted that any reference signs do not limit the scope of the claims, that examples may be implemented at least partially by means of both hardware and software, and that multiple "means", "units" or "devices" may be represented by the same item of hardware.

[0228] Various example methods, devices, nodes, and systems described herein are described in the general context of method steps or processes, which may be implemented in one aspect by a computer program product implemented in a computer-readable medium, including computer executable instructions, such as program code, executed by a computer in a networked environment. Computer-readable media may include removable and non-removable storage devices, including but not limited to read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), compact disk (CD), digital versatile disk (DVD), etc. In general, program circuits may include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform specified tasks or implement specific abstract data types. Computer executable instructions, associated data structures, and program circuits represent examples of program codes for performing the steps of the methods disclosed herein. A specific sequence of such executable instructions or associated data structures represents an example of corresponding actions for implementing the functions described in such steps or processes.

[0229] Although features have been shown and described, it should be understood that they are not intended to limit the claimed disclosure, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed disclosure. Therefore, the description and drawings should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. The claimed disclosure is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents.

Claims

1. A method for configuring resources for sidelink positioning reference signal transmission performed by a resource allocation node, the method comprising: - sending (S103) a dedicated sidelink positioning resource configuration to the wireless device WD, wherein the dedicated sidelink positioning resource configuration comprises an indication of dedicated sidelink positioning resources to be used by the WD during a sidelink positioning procedure.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The dedicated sidelink positioning resources are separate from resources used for sidelink communications.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein: The dedicated sidelink positioning resources are separated in time from the resources used for sidelink communications.

4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: The dedicated sidelink positioning resources are separated in frequency from the resources used for sidelink communications.

5. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The indication representing the dedicated sidelink positioning resource represents one or more of the following: - indices of one or more subsets of said dedicated sidelink positioning resources, - the temporal characteristics of the dedicated sidelink positioning resources, - the frequency characteristics of the dedicated sidelink positioning resource, and -Positioning reference signal resource allocation structure.

6. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The indication of the dedicated sidelink positioning resources indicates a portion of bandwidth used for the sidelink positioning procedure, wherein the portion of bandwidth used for the sidelink positioning procedure is different from a portion of bandwidth used for sidelink communications.

7. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The method comprises: - sending (S107) a sidelink positioning resource activation message to the WD, wherein the sidelink positioning resource activation message indicates a subset of the dedicated sidelink positioning resources allocated for sidelink positioning reference signal transmission.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein: The sidelink positioning resource activation message indicates one or more of the following: - an index of a subset of the dedicated sidelink positioning resources allocated for sidelink positioning reference signal transmission, - activation and / or deactivation of the dedicated sidelink positioning resource configuration, and - The dedicated sidelink positioning resource configuration is allocated for a duration of sidelink positioning reference signal transmission.

9. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The resource allocation node is a radio network node.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein: The sending (S103) includes: sending (S103A) the dedicated side link positioning resource configuration to a positioning network node.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein: The method comprises receiving (S105) from the positioning network node a message triggering a side link positioning procedure in the available dedicated side link positioning resources.

12. A method for configuring resources for sidelink positioning reference signal transmission performed by a wireless device WD, the method comprising: - receiving (S203) a dedicated sidelink positioning resource configuration from a resource allocation node, wherein the dedicated sidelink positioning resource configuration comprises an indication of a dedicated sidelink positioning resource to be used by the WD during a sidelink positioning procedure; and - performing (S209) a sidelink positioning procedure based on the sidelink positioning reference signal sent in said dedicated sidelink positioning resource.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein: The dedicated sidelink positioning resources are separate from resources used for sidelink communications.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein: The dedicated sidelink positioning resources are separated in time from the resources used for sidelink communications.

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein: The dedicated sidelink positioning resources are separated in frequency from the resources used for sidelink communications.

16. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein: The indication indicating the dedicated side link positioning resource indicates one or more of the following: - indices of one or more subsets of said dedicated sidelink positioning resources, - the temporal characteristics of the dedicated sidelink positioning resources, - the frequency characteristics of the dedicated sidelink positioning resource, and -Positioning reference signal resource allocation structure.

17. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein: The indication of the dedicated sidelink positioning resources indicates a portion of bandwidth used for the sidelink positioning procedure, wherein the portion of bandwidth used for the sidelink positioning procedure is different from a portion of bandwidth used for sidelink communications.

18. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 17, wherein: The method comprises: - receiving (S205) a sidelink positioning resource activation message from the resource allocation node, wherein the sidelink positioning resource activation message indicates a subset of the dedicated sidelink positioning resources allocated for sidelink positioning reference signal transmission.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein: The sidelink positioning resource activation message indicates one or more of the following: - an index of a subset of the dedicated sidelink positioning resources allocated for sidelink positioning reference signal transmission, - activation and / or deactivation of the dedicated sidelink positioning resource configuration, and - The dedicated sidelink positioning resource configuration is allocated for a duration of sidelink positioning reference signal transmission.

20. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 19, wherein: The WD is a sidelink reference signal transmission WD, and wherein the execution (S209) includes: - Sending (S209A) a sidelink positioning reference signal to the sidelink reference signal receiving WD on the indicated dedicated sidelink positioning resource.

21. The method according to any one of claims 18 and 19 and claim 20, wherein: The sending (S209A) comprises sending (S209AA) the sidelink positioning reference signal on the represented subset of dedicated sidelink positioning resources.

22. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 19, wherein: The WD is a sidelink reference signal receiving WD, and wherein executing (S209) includes: - receiving (S209B) a sidelink positioning reference signal from said sidelink reference signal transmitting WD on the indicated dedicated sidelink positioning resource, and -Performing (S209C) positioning measurements based on the received sidelink positioning reference signal.

23. The method according to any one of claims 18 and 19 and claim 22, wherein: Receiving (S209B) comprises receiving (S209BA) said sidelink positioning reference signal on the represented subset of dedicated sidelink positioning resources.

24. The method according to any one of claims 22 to 23, wherein: The performing (S209) includes estimating (S209D) the position of the transmitting WD based on the performed positioning measurements.

25. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 24, comprising: - Sending (S211) a positioning measurement report to a positioning network node.

26. A method for processing sidelink positioning performed by a positioning network node, wherein: The method comprises: - receiving (S701) a dedicated sidelink positioning resource configuration from a resource allocation node, wherein the dedicated sidelink positioning resource configuration comprises: an indication of a dedicated sidelink positioning resource to be used by the wireless device during a sidelink positioning procedure; - sending (S703) a message to the resource allocation node triggering a side link positioning procedure in the dedicated side link positioning resource.

27. The method according to claim 26, wherein: The sending (S703) comprises sending (S703A) to a radio network node a message triggering the radio network node to allocate a subset of the dedicated sidelink positioning resources for sidelink positioning reference signal transmission.

28. The method according to claim 26 or 27, wherein: The sending (S703) includes: sending (S703B) to the WD a message for triggering the WD to perform sidelink positioning measurement.

29. The method according to claim 28, wherein: The method comprises: - Receive (S705) a positioning measurement report from the WD.

30. The method according to any one of claims 29, wherein: The method comprises: - Estimate (S707) the position of the WD based on the positioning measurement report.

31. The method according to claims 26 to 30, wherein: The indication representing the dedicated sidelink positioning resource represents one or more of the following: - the timing characteristics of the sidelink positioning reference signal transmission, - the frequency characteristics used for sidelink positioning reference signal transmission, and -Positioning reference signal resource allocation structure.

32. A resource allocation node, the resource allocation node comprising a memory circuit, a processor circuit and a wireless interface, wherein: The resource allocation node is configured to perform any of the methods according to any of claims 1 to 11.

33. A wireless device comprising a memory circuit, a processor circuit and a wireless interface, wherein: The wireless device is configured to perform any of the methods according to any of claims 12 to 25.

34. A positioning network node, the positioning network node comprising a memory circuit, a processor circuit and a wireless interface, wherein: The positioning network node is configured to perform any of the methods according to any of claims 26 to 31 .

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