Positioning

Abstract

An apparatus, method, and computer program are described, comprising: transmitting a first positioning signal in response to an instruction from a control node; receiving a reflected positioning signal, where the reflected positioning signal is a backscatter signal provided by a passive device in response to the first positioning signal, where the backscatter signal represents the passive device; and determining one or more parameters associated with the backscattered signal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present description relates to positioning, such as positioning of passive devices. Background Art

[0002] The use of backscattered signals for communicating with passive devices, such as passive Internet of Things (IoT) devices, is known. Such signals can be used, for example, to obtain an identifier of the passive device. Further developments are still needed in this area. Summary of the invention

[0003] In a first aspect, this specification describes an apparatus (e.g., a mobile communication device) comprising components for performing the following: sending (or otherwise providing) a first positioning signal in response to an instruction from a control node (e.g., a positioning management function); receiving a reflected positioning signal, wherein the reflected positioning signal is a backscattered signal provided by a passive device in response to the first positioning signal, and wherein the backscattered signal represents the passive device; and determining one or more parameters related to the backscattered signal. The passive device can be a passive Internet of Things (IoT) device. The backscattered signal can be modified at the passive device to include an identifier of the device, wherein the identifier represents the passive device. Other payloads (e.g., logs of temperature, pressure, etc.) can be included in the backscattered signal instead of the identifier.

[0004] Some example embodiments further include means for performing the following: receiving a sum of one or more reflected positioning signals in response to the transmission of the first positioning signal; and isolating the backscatter signal from the sum of the one or more reflected positioning signals. The sum of reflected positioning signals may include one or more reflections (e.g., reflections from surfaces such as buildings or cards) in addition to reflections from passive devices.

[0005] Some of the example embodiments further comprise means for reporting the determined one or more parameters to a control node.

[0006] One or more parameters related to the reflected positioning signal / backscatter signal may include: the time difference between the time of departure / transmission of the first positioning signal and the time of arrival / reception of the corresponding reflected positioning signal / backscatter signal. Alternatively, or in addition, one or more parameters related to the reflected positioning signal / backscatter signal may include: the power of the reflected positioning signal / backscatter signal received at the device.

[0007] Some example embodiments further comprise means for: receiving a request from a control node to participate in the positioning session as a master device; and confirming the request.

[0008] The reflected positioning signal / backscattered signal may be delayed by the charging time of the passive device.

[0009] The backscatter signal may be modified at the passive device to include an identifier of the device, wherein the identifier represents the passive device. Alternatively, or in addition, the backscatter signal may be encoded to include a payload specific to the passive device - example payloads include an identifier and an information log (e.g., a log of temperature, pressure, etc.).

[0010] In a second aspect, this specification describes an apparatus (e.g., a mobile communication device) comprising components for performing the following items: receiving a reflected positioning signal (e.g., a sum of one or more reflected positioning signals), wherein the reflected positioning signal (e.g., the sum of at least one reflected positioning signal) is a backscattered signal provided by a passive device in response to a first positioning signal provided by a master device (e.g., another mobile communication device), wherein the backscattered signal represents the passive device; determining one or more parameters related to the reflected positioning signal / backscattered signal; and reporting one or more of the determined parameters to a control node (e.g., a positioning management function). The passive device may be a passive Internet of Things (IoT) device. The backscattered signal may be modified at the passive device to include an identifier of the device, wherein the identifier represents the passive device. The backscattered signal may be delayed due to a period equal to the charging time of the passive device (whose charging time may be known). The apparatus may include components for performing isolation of the reflected positioning signal from the sum of the reflected positioning signals.

[0011] One or more parameters related to the reflected positioning signal / backscatter signal may include: the time difference between the time of departure / transmission of the first positioning signal and the time of arrival / reception of the corresponding reflected positioning signal / backscatter signal. Alternatively, or in addition, one or more parameters related to the reflected positioning signal / backscatter signal may include: the power of the reflected positioning signal / backscatter signal received at the device.

[0012] Some example embodiments further comprise means for: receiving a first positioning signal from a master device; and pairing the device with the master device by aligning the clock signals.

[0013] Some example embodiments further comprise means for: receiving a request from a control node to participate in a positioning session as an anchor device; and confirming the request.

[0014] The reflected positioning signal / backscattered signal may be delayed by the charging time of the passive device.

[0015] The backscatter signal may be modified at the passive device to include an identifier of the device, wherein the identifier represents the passive device. Alternatively, or in addition, the backscatter signal may be encoded to include a payload specific to the passive device - example payloads include an identifier and an information log (e.g., a log of temperature, pressure, etc.).

[0016] In a third aspect, this specification describes a control node of a mobile communication system, the control node comprising components for performing the following items: requesting a first device to participate in a positioning session as a master device; requesting one of the second devices to participate in the positioning session as one or more anchor devices; receiving one or more parameters related to a first reflected backscatter signal from the master device, wherein the first reflected backscatter signal is provided by a passive device (e.g., a passive IoT device) in response to a first positioning signal sent by the master device; receiving one or more parameters related to a second reflected backscatter signal from one or more of the anchor devices, wherein the second reflected backscatter signal is provided by the passive device in response to the first positioning signal sent by the master device; and determining positioning data of the passive device. The control node can be a positioning management function (LMF).

[0017] In the first aspect, the second aspect, and the third aspect, the component may include: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured together with the at least one processor to enable execution of the device.

[0018] In a fourth aspect, this specification describes a method comprising: sending a first positioning signal in response to an instruction from a control node (e.g., a LMF); receiving a reflected positioning signal, wherein the reflected positioning signal is a backscattered signal provided by a passive device (e.g., a passive IoT device) in response to the first positioning signal, wherein the backscattered signal represents the passive device; and determining one or more parameters related to the backscattered signal. The backscattered signal can be modified at the passive device to include an identifier of the device and / or some other payload.

[0019] Some example embodiments further comprise isolating the backscattered signal from a sum of one or more reflected positioning signals.

[0020] Some example embodiments further comprise reporting the determined one or more parameters to a control node.

[0021] One or more parameters related to the reflected positioning signal / backscatter signal may include: the time difference between the time of departure / transmission of the first positioning signal and the time of arrival / reception of the corresponding reflected positioning signal / backscatter signal. Alternatively, or in addition, one or more parameters related to the reflected positioning signal / backscatter signal may include: the power of the reflected positioning signal / backscatter signal received at the device.

[0022] Some example embodiments further comprise: receiving a request from the control node to participate in the positioning session as a master device; and confirming the request.

[0023] In a fifth aspect, this specification describes a method comprising: receiving a reflected positioning signal, wherein the reflected positioning signal is a backscattered signal provided by a passive device (e.g., a passive IoT device) in response to a first positioning signal provided by a master device, wherein the backscattered signal represents the passive device; determining one or more parameters related to the reflected positioning signal / backscattered signal; and reporting one or more of the determined parameters to a control node (e.g., an LMF). The method may include: isolating the backscattered signal from a sum of the one or more reflected positioning signals.

[0024] One or more parameters related to the reflected positioning signal / backscatter signal may include the time difference between the time of departure / transmission of the first positioning signal and the time of arrival / receipt of the corresponding reflected positioning signal / backscatter signal. Alternatively, or in addition, one or more parameters related to the reflected positioning signal / backscatter signal may include: the power of the reflected positioning signal / backscatter signal received at the device.

[0025] Some example embodiments further include: receiving a first positioning signal from the master device; and pairing the device with the master device by aligning the clock signals.

[0026] Some example embodiments further comprise: receiving a request from a control node to participate in the positioning session as an anchor device; and confirming the request.

[0027] In a sixth aspect, this specification describes a method comprising: requesting a first device to participate in a positioning session as a master device; requesting one of the second devices to participate in the positioning session as one or more anchor devices; receiving one or more parameters related to a first reflected positioning signal / backscatter signal from the master device, wherein the first reflected positioning signal / backscatter signal is provided by a passive device (e.g., a passive IoT device) in response to a first positioning signal sent by the master device; receiving one or more parameters related to a second reflected positioning signal / backscatter signal from one or more of the anchor devices, wherein the second reflected positioning signal / backscatter signal is provided by the passive device in response to the first positioning signal sent by the master device; and determining positioning data of the passive device. The control node may be a positioning management function (LMF).

[0028] In a seventh aspect, this specification describes computer readable instructions which, when executed by a computer device, cause the computer device to (at least) perform any method described in any one of the fourth to sixth aspects.

[0029] In an eighth aspect, this specification describes a computer-readable medium (such as a non-transitory computer-readable medium) comprising: computer program instructions stored therein for (at least) performing any method described in any of the fourth to sixth aspects.

[0030] In a ninth aspect, this specification describes a device comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory comprising computer program code, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured together with the at least one processor so that the device (at least) performs any method described in any one of aspects 4 to 6.

[0031] In a tenth aspect, this specification describes a computer program comprising instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the following: sending a first positioning signal in response to an instruction from a control node; receiving a reflected positioning signal, wherein the reflected positioning signal is a backscattered signal provided by a passive device in response to the first positioning signal, wherein the backscattered signal represents the passive device; and determining one or more parameters related to the backscattered signal.

[0032] In an eleventh aspect, this specification describes a computer program comprising instructions for causing a device to perform at least the following items: receiving a reflected positioning signal, wherein the reflected positioning signal is a backscattered signal provided by a passive device in response to a first positioning signal provided by a main device, wherein the backscattered signal represents the passive device; determining one or more parameters related to the reflected positioning signal / backscattered signal; and reporting the determined one or more parameters to a control node.

[0033] In a twelfth aspect, this specification describes a computer program comprising instructions for causing a device to perform at least the following items: requesting a first device to participate in a positioning session as a master device; requesting one of the second devices to participate in a positioning session as one or more anchor devices; receiving one or more parameters related to a first reflected positioning signal / backscatter signal from the master device, wherein the first reflected positioning signal / backscatter signal is provided by a passive device in response to a first positioning signal sent by the master device; receiving one or more parameters related to a second reflected positioning signal / backscatter signal from one or more of the anchor devices, wherein the second reflected positioning signal / backscatter signal is provided by the passive device in response to the first positioning signal sent by the master device; and determining positioning data of the passive device.

[0034] In a thirteenth aspect, this specification describes a user device (or some other component) for providing a first positioning signal in response to an instruction from a control node (e.g., LMF); an input of a user device (or some other component) for receiving a reflected positioning signal, wherein the reflected positioning signal is a backscattered signal provided by a passive device (e.g., a passive IoT device) in response to the first positioning signal, wherein the backscattered signal represents the passive device; and a processor (or some other component) for determining one or more parameters related to the backscattered signal. The user device can also be configured to isolate the backscattered signal from one or more reflected positioning signals.

[0035] In a fourteenth aspect, this specification describes an input to a user device (or some other component) for receiving a reflected positioning signal (or the sum of one or more reflected positioning signals), wherein the reflected positioning signal is a backscattered signal provided by a passive device (e.g., a passive IoT device) in response to a first positioning signal provided by a master device, wherein the backscattered signal represents the passive device; a processor (or some other component) for determining one or more parameters associated with the reflected positioning signal / backscattered signal; and an input to the user device (or some other component) for reporting one or more of the determined parameters to a control node (e.g., LMF).

[0036] In a fifteenth aspect, this specification describes a first output of a control module (or some other component) for requesting a first device to participate in a positioning session as a master device; a second output of a control module (or some other component) for requesting one of the second devices to participate in a positioning session as one or more anchor devices; a first input (or some other component) for receiving one or more parameters related to a first reflected positioning signal / backscatter signal from a master device, wherein the first reflected positioning signal / backscatter signal is provided by a passive device (e.g., a passive IoT device) in response to a first positioning signal sent by the master device; a second input (or some other component) for receiving one or more parameters related to a second reflected positioning signal / backscatter signal from one or more of the anchor devices, wherein the second reflected positioning signal / backscatter signal is provided by the passive device in response to the first positioning signal sent by the master device; and a processor (or some other component) for determining positioning data for the passive device. The control module can be a positioning management function (LMF). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] Example embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following schematic diagrams, in which:

[0038] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a system in which example embodiments may be used;

[0039] Figure 2 is a flow chart illustrating an algorithm according to an example embodiment;

[0040] Figure 3 is a block diagram of a system according to an example embodiment;

[0041] Figures 4 to 6 is a flow chart illustrating an algorithm according to an example embodiment;

[0042] Figures 7 to 9 is a message flow sequence according to an example embodiment;

[0043] Fig.10 is a block diagram of components of a system according to an example embodiment; and

[0044] Fig.11 An example of a tangible medium for storing a computer-readable code is shown, which, when executed by a computer, can perform a method according to the above-described exemplary embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] The independent claims define the scope of protection sought by various embodiments of the present disclosure. Embodiments and features described in the specification that do not fall within the scope of the independent claims should be interpreted as examples useful for understanding various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0046] In the specification and drawings, like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

[0047] The number of Internet of Things (IoT) connections is growing, and according to some forecasts, could reach tens of billions by 2030. As more and more "things" are expected to be connected to improve productivity and increase living comfort, it is expected that the size, cost, and power consumption of IoT devices will be further reduced. In particular, regular replacement of batteries for many IoT devices is impractical due to the consumption of materials and manpower. One option is to use energy harvested from the environment to charge IoT devices for self-sufficient communication, especially in applications with a very large number of devices (such as ID tags and sensors).

[0048] Existing IoT devices often consume power on the order of tens or hundreds of milliwatts during transceiver operation. However, to realize the so-called "Internet of Everything", IoT devices with significantly lower power consumption may be required, especially for applications including battery-free devices.

[0049] IoT devices may communicate using 3GPP technologies or non-3GPP technologies, as discussed further below.

[0050] Given the limited device size, an issue with existing 3GPP technologies for some use cases is the ability to work with energy harvesting devices. Cellular devices can consume tens or even hundreds of milliwatts of power for transceiver processing. Taking a narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) module as an example, an exemplary current draw for the receive process can be on the order of 60mA and the supply voltage is above 3.1V, while the transmit process can require 70mA at 0dBm transmit power. Based on a device size of a few square centimeters, the output power provided by an exemplary energy harvester can be less than 1 milliwatt. Since the available power can be less than the consumed power, in many cases, it may be impractical to power cellular devices through energy harvesting.

[0051] One possible solution is to integrate energy harvesting with rechargeable batteries or supercapacitors. However, this creates additional problems, some of which are outlined below.

[0052] ● First, both rechargeable batteries and supercapacitors can suffer from shortened lifespans in practical situations. Providing a continuous charging current or voltage from energy harvesting is difficult, and long continuous charging times are required due to the very small output power from typical energy harvesting. Both variable charging current levels and extended continuous charging cycles tend to be detrimental to battery lifespans. For supercapacitors, lifespans can also be reduced in high temperature environments (e.g., less than 3 years at 50 degrees Celsius).

[0053] • Second, if batteries or supercapacitors are required, the size of the device can be increased significantly.

[0054] Because a small-sized button cell can provide tens of milliamps of current, powering a cellular device may require a battery of larger size (e.g., AA battery) - such as the battery may be even larger than the module itself. To store energy for a useful period of operation (such as one second), a supercapacitor may be required of the order of 100 mF. Such a supercapacitor may be larger in size than the NB-IoT module.

[0055] ● Third, rechargeable batteries and supercapacitors can be more expensive than the module itself. Even when purchased in large quantities, the cost of a suitable battery or supercapacitor can be a dollar or several dollars.

[0056] This could double the total cost of the device.

[0057] Regarding non-3GPP technologies, RFID is known for supporting battery-free tags / devices. The power consumption of commercial passive RFID tags can be as low as 1 microwatt. The technologies that help enable such low power consumption are envelope detection for downlink data reception, and backscatter communication for uplink data transmission. RFID is designed for short-range communication, with a typical range of less than 10 meters.

[0058] In backscatter communications, a backscatter transmitter reflects a carrier wave sent by a reader and modifies one or more characteristics of the reflected signal (e.g., amplitude, phase, or center frequency) according to the information bit. In this way, data transmission can be achieved without the equipment itself required to generate the carrier wave. Communication via reflection rather than by active radiation can reduce the RF front end of the tag to a single transistor switch, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and energy requirements.

[0059] Figure 1 1 is a block diagram of a system, generally indicated by reference numeral 10, in which an example embodiment may be used. System 10 includes: a reader (on the left) and a tag (on the right). The reader includes, among other elements: a transmit antenna 11 and a receive antenna 12. The tag includes, among other elements: an antenna 14, an RF collector 15, and a demodulator 16.

[0060] Figure 2 It shows that Figure 1 A flow chart of an algorithm implemented by the system 10 is generally indicated by the reference numeral 10 .

[0061] The algorithm 20 begins at operation 22, where the transmit antenna 11 is used to transmit a carrier wave received at the tag's antenna 14. The tag includes an RF harvester 15 that extracts power from the transmit signal.

[0062] At operation 24, the carrier signal is modified at the tag (using power extracted by the RF harvester) and the reflected modified signal is transmitted by the antenna 14 (and received by the reader's receive antenna 12).

[0063] The system 10 can be used to encode the reflected signal generated at operation 24 with a unique ID. In this way, for example, a reader device can determine which of the multiple signals is the original signal and which is the reflected signal. In addition, the ID can be used to enable the reader to identify the tag.

[0064] One problem with using backscatter to obtain positioning data is that the link budget for passive IoT devices is often limited (e.g., less than 50 meters in many cases.) This may be acceptable for some Wi-Fi implementations, but can cause difficulties when using cellular technologies such as 5G New Radio (NR).

[0065] Figure 3 is a block diagram of a system according to an example embodiment, the algorithm being generally indicated by reference numeral 30. The system 30 includes a control node 32, a base station (or some other communication node) 34, a first user equipment 36, a second user equipment 37, and a passive device 38. As discussed in detail below, the control node 32 may be a positioning management function (LMF), the first and second user equipments 36 and 37 may be a master user equipment and an anchor user equipment (e.g., 5G UEs), respectively, and the passive device 38 may be a passive IoT device.

[0066] The control node 32 (eg LMF) is used to identify active devices such as new radio user equipment (UR UE) in the vicinity of the target passive device 38. It may include: the above-mentioned first user equipment 36 and second user equipment 37 (possibly among other user equipment).

[0067] The control node 32 assigns one device as a primary user equipment (eg, the first user equipment 36) and one or more second devices (eg, the second user equipment 37) as anchor user equipment(s).

[0068] The anchor UE has a dual role: as a measurement unit for passive IoT signals; and as a calibration unit for aligning its time raster with that of the master UE.

[0069] The control node 32 configures the master user equipment for triggering a positioning event. Note that the master user equipment may be the user equipment closest to the passive device 38 so that energy harvesting at the passive device is effective.

[0070] As a result of this configuration, the primary user device transmits a positioning signal (eg, an originating PRS (OPP) as described below) which triggers the passive device to transmit a reflected positioning signal (eg, a reflected PRS (RPP) signal, again as described below).

[0071] The control node 32 configures the anchor user equipment(s) to measure:

[0072] • RPP generated by the passive device 38 (in response to the OPP signal sent by the primary user equipment); and

[0073] ●OPP signal sent by the primary user equipment.

[0074] The primary user equipment detects the RPP signal and obtains the parameters of the RPP signal. These may include: a tx-rx time difference (TD) calculated as the difference between the timestamps of the OPP transmission and the RPP reception. The primary user equipment then reports the time difference (TD) to the control node 32.

[0075] Similarly, the anchor user equipment(s) measure parameters of the RPP and OPP signals. These may include: the time of arrival (TOA) of the RPP and OPP. The anchor user equipment(s) report the measurements to the control node 32.

[0076] The control node 32 aligns each of the one or more anchor devices with the time raster of the master device by using the positioning of the two devices in the pair and the TOA of the OPP reported by the (multiple) anchor devices. The control node 32 can also locate passive devices using the aligned raster and the TOA and TD of the RPP reported by the anchor device and the master device.

[0077] It is noteworthy that the master user equipment and anchor user equipment (such as the first user equipment 36 and the second user equipment 37) do not need to be pre-synchronized to locate the passive device (although this is not excluded from some example embodiments), nor do the passive devices need to undergo a power-consuming multi-RTT process to be located.

[0078] Figure 4is a flow chart illustrating an algorithm, generally indicated by reference numeral 40, according to an example embodiment. Algorithm 40 may be implemented by a primary user device, such as the first user device 36 described above. The primary user device may be an active NR device (e.g., a device having a power source).

[0079] The algorithm 40 begins at operation 42 , where a first positioning signal, such as an origination positioning signal (OPP), is provided (by a primary user equipment) in response to an instruction from the control node 32 .

[0080] At operation 44, the reflected positioning signal provided by the passive device 38 is received at the primary user device. The reflected positioning signal (RPP) is provided in response to the originating positioning signal (OPP). As described above, the reflected positioning signal can be a backscattered signal modified at the passive device to include an identifier of the device. The backscattered signal can form part of a sum of reflected positioning signals, for example in the event that the system has multiple reflectors, some reflectors can modify the signal like passive devices while other reflectors (e.g., buildings, cars) do not modify the signal. Operation 44 (or operation 46 described below) can include locating the backscattered signal from the sum of reflected positioning signals.

[0081] At operation 46, one or more parameters (at the primary user device) associated with the reflected backscatter signal are determined. The determined parameters may be reported to the control node 32. The control node 32 (e.g., LMF) may then use triangulation (or similar techniques) to determine the location of the passive device. Note that before determining the parameters in operation 46, the backscatter signal may be isolated from the sum of the reflected signals received in operation 44, if desired.

[0082] As discussed in detail elsewhere, one or more parameters associated with the reflected positioning signal may include: a time difference between the transmission of the first positioning signal and the reception of the corresponding reflected positioning signal. Alternatively, or in addition, one or more parameters associated with the reflected positioning signal may include the power of the reflected positioning signal received at the device.

[0083] Figure 5 is a flow chart illustrating an algorithm, generally indicated by reference numeral 50, according to an example embodiment. Algorithm 50 may be implemented by an anchor user device, such as the second user device 37 described above. The anchor user device may be an active NR device (e.g., a device having a power source).

[0084] The algorithm 50 begins at operation 52, where a reflected positioning signal (RPP) provided by a passive device is received. The reflected positioning signal may be provided by the passive device 38 in response to a first positioning signal provided by a master device (such as user device 36). The reflected positioning signal may be a backscattered signal modified to include an identifier of the device. The backscattered signal may form part of the sum of the reflected positioning signals, for example in the event that the system has multiple receivers, some receivers may modify the signal like a passive device while other receivers (e.g., buildings, cars) do not modify the signal.

[0085] At operation 54, one or more parameters related to the reflected positioning signal are determined (at the anchor user device) and may then be reported to the control node 32. As described above, the control node 32 (eg, LMF) may then use triangulation (or similar techniques) to determine the location of the passive device.

[0086] In some implementations of Algorithms 50 and 60, the reflected backscatter signal may be delayed by the charging time of the passive device. The charging time (if known) may be compensated for when determining the parameters of the signal (e.g., as part of operations 46 and 54). Alternatively, this charging time may be compensated as part of the process of isolating the backscatter signal from the sum of the reflected signals.

[0087] Figure 6 is a flow chart illustrating an algorithm, generally indicated by reference numeral 60, according to an example embodiment. Algorithm 60 may be implemented by control node 32 of system 30 (eg, located for management functions).

[0088] Algorithm 60 begins with operation 62, where a master user device and anchor user devices (e.g., based on expected or estimated locations of available devices relative to passive devices) are defined. As discussed further below, operation 62 may include sending a request for a first user device (such as user device 36) to participate in a positioning session as a master device, and may include sending a request for one or more second user devices (such as user device 37) to participate in a positioning session as one or more anchor devices.

[0089] At operation 64, one or more parameters related to the first reflected positioning signal are received from the master device (the first reflected positioning signal is provided by the passive device in response to the first positioning signal sent by the master device), and one or more parameters related to the second reflected positioning signal are received from one or more anchor point devices (the second reflected positioning signal is provided by the passive device in response to the originating positioning signal sent by the master device).

[0090] At operation 66 , positioning data associated with the passive device is determined based at least in part on the parameters received in operation 64 .

[0091] Figure 7 7 is an information flow sequence according to an example embodiment, which is generally indicated by reference numeral 70. The information flow sequence 70 shows messages transmitted between a positioning management function (LMF) 72, a master UE 74, a neighbor UE 76, and a passive IoT device 78. The LMF 72, the master UE 74, the neighbor UE 76, and the IoT device 78 are example implementations of the control node 32, the first user device 36, the second user device 37, and the passive device 38, respectively.

[0092] The LMF uses one master UE and one or more anchor UEs that are not synchronized with each other in the message sequence 70. To enable this, the anchor UE measures not only the signal from the passive IoT terminal (which is the positioning target) but also the signal from the master UE.

[0093] The sequence 70 starts at step 1, where the LMF sends a request to the UE 74 to participate as a master UE in a positioning session for the passive IoT device 79. The request is acknowledged in step 2 (by the master UE 74).

[0094] The LMF also sends a request to the neighboring UE 76 (in step 3) to participate in the positioning session as an anchor UE. Similar requests may be sent to other neighboring UE(s) so that multiple UEs act as anchor UEs. The request sent in step 3 is acknowledged (by the neighboring UE 76) in step 4.

[0095] In steps 5 and 6 a configuration message is sent to the master UE 74 (step 5) and the neighbor UE 76 (step 6). The configuration message configures the parameters of the origin positioning signal (OPP) and the reflected positioning signal (RPP) used later in the algorithm.

[0096] The master UE 74 sends an origination positioning signal (OPP) which is detected at the neighboring UE(s) 76 (see step 7) and the passive IoT device 78 (see step 8).

[0097] At step 9, the neighboring UE(s) measure the OPP to enable the master UE and the corresponding anchor UE to be synchronized. For example, the LMF may use the data captured in step 9 to align the time raster of the master UE and the corresponding anchor UE.

[0098] In step 10, the passive IoT device collects energy from the OPP and generates a backscatter signal (RPP) (possibly including a delay period, which may be known). The RPP signal is sent and detected by the master UE (see step 11) and (multiple) anchor UEs (see step 12).

[0099] The master UE calculates positioning parameters, such as the time difference between the RPP and OPP signals (see step 13). Similarly, the anchor UE(s) calculate positioning parameters, such as the time difference between the RPP and OPP signals (see step 14). As described above, the reflected signal may need to be isolated from the sum of the reflected positioning signals. Additionally, in the event that the backscatter is delayed by the charging time of the passive device, this may need to be compensated for when calculating the positioning parameters.

[0100] In steps 15 and 16, the positioning parameters generated by the anchor UE(s) and the master UE(s) are provided to the LMF 72. The LMF can use these data to calculate the positioning of the passive IoT device (see step 17).

[0101] Note that in message sequence 70, the OPP signal is sent by the LMF via the displayed configuration (configuration sent on LPP). However, the OPP signal can be a relayed DL PRS sent by the serving gNB. In this case, the OPP signal can be a power-boosted DL PRS and act as a backup signal in case the DL PRS is not strong enough to trigger the passive IoT terminal to send an RPP reply.

[0102] Figure 8 8 is an information flow sequence according to an example embodiment, which is generally indicated by reference numeral 80. Information flow sequence 80 shows messages transmitted between a location management function (LMF) 82, a master UE 84, a neighbor UE 86, and a passive IoT device 88 (similar to LMF 72, master UE 74, neighbor UE 76, and passive IoT device 78 of message sequence 70).

[0103] As with message sequence 70, sequence 80 begins at step 1, where the LMF sends a request to UE 84 to participate in the positioning session of the passive IoT device 88 as a master UE (confirmed in step 2 (by the master UE 84)). The LMF also sends a request to the neighboring UE 86 (in step 3) to participate in the positioning session as an anchor UE (confirmed in step 4 (by the neighboring UE 86)).

[0104] In step 5, the LMF detects whether the corresponding anchor device has been recently paired with the master device. If so, message sequence 80 continues. (If not, message sequence 70 will be used instead.)

[0105] In steps 6 and 7, configuration messages are sent to the master UE 84 (step 6) and the neighbor UE(s) 86 (step 7). The configuration message configures the parameters of the origin positioning signal (OPP) and the reflected positioning signal (RPP) used later in the algorithm.

[0106] The master UE 84 sends an origination positioning signal (OPP) which is detected by the passive IoT device 88 (see step 8). (Note that if the master and anchor devices are paired, there is no need to detect the OPP at neighboring UEs, as in message sequence 70).

[0107] The passive IoT device 88 collects energy from the OPP in step 9 and generates a backscatter signal RPP (possibly including a delay period, which may be known). The RPP signal is sent and detected by the master UE (see step 10) and the anchor UE(s) (see step 11).

[0108] The master UE 84 calculates positioning parameters, such as the time difference between the RPP and OPP signals (step 12). Similarly, the anchor UE(s) calculate positioning parameters, such as the time difference between the RPP and OPP signals (step 13). As described above, the reflected signal may need to be isolated from the sum of the reflected positioning signals. Additionally, in the event that the backscattered signal is delayed by the charging time of the passive device, this may need to be compensated for when calculating the positioning parameters.

[0109] The positioning parameters generated by the anchor UE(s) and the master UE are provided to the LMF 82 in steps 14 and 15. Those data may then be used by the LMF to calculate the positioning of the passive IoT device (see step 16).

[0110] Thus, in message sequence 80, the anchor UE may omit the OPP measurement if it has been paired with the master UE before. For example, the anchor UE may be considered "paired" with the master UE if it has measured an OPP sent by the master UE in the last X seconds (which may be a definable parameter). The decision to skip the OPP measurement by the anchor may be made on the LMF side if the LMF has concluded that the pairing of the devices still holds: for example, if their clocks have not drifted too much wrt the last time they were paired.

[0111] Fig. 9 9 is an information flow sequence according to an example embodiment, which is generally indicated by reference numeral 90. The information flow sequence 90 shows messages transmitted between a positioning management function (LMF) 92, a master UE 94, a first neighbor UE 96, a second neighbor UE 97, and a passive IoT device 98.

[0112] As with message sequences 70 and 80, sequence 90 begins at step 1, with the LMF sending a request to UE 94 to participate in the positioning session of passive IoT device 98 as a master UE (confirmed in step 2 (by master UE 94)). The LMF also sends a request to a first neighbor UE 96 and a second neighbor UE 97 (in step 3) to participate in the positioning session as anchor UEs (confirmed in steps 4 and 5 (by the respective neighbor UEs)).

[0113] In steps 6 and 7, configuration messages are sent to the primary UE 94 (step 6) and the neighboring UEs 96 and 97 (step 7). The configuration message configures the parameters of the origin positioning signal (OPP) and the reflected positioning signal (RPP) used later in the algorithm.

[0114] The master UE 94 sends an origination positioning signal (OPP) which is detected by the passive IoT device 98 (see step 8).

[0115] The passive IoT device 88 collects energy from the OPP and generates a backscatter signal RPP (possibly including a delay period) in step 9. The RPP signal is sent and detected by the master UE and multiple anchor UEs (see steps 10 and 11).

[0116] As with message sequences 70 and 80, in message sequence 90, the master UE and anchor UE measure received signal power (e.g., RSSI, RSRP) instead of positioning metrics (see steps 12, 13, and 14 of message sequence 90). The power measurements are provided to the LMF (steps 15, 16, and 17).

[0117] At step 18, the LMF 92 uses the power measurements with the known positions of the master and anchor UEs to calculate a rough location of the passive device, for example at the centroid of some or all UEs that hear the passive terminal loud enough.

[0118] Message sequence 90 may be preferred over message sequences 70 and 80 in the event that at least some anchor UEs do not have sufficient budget to perform OPP positioning measurements (eg, low battery power).

[0119] For completeness purposes, Fig.10 is a schematic diagram of components of one or more of the aforementioned example embodiments, which are collectively referred to below as a processing system 300. The processing system 300 may, for example, be (or may include) an apparatus as described in the following claims.

[0120] The processing system 300 may have a processor 302, a memory 304 coupled to the processor and including a random access memory (RAM) 314 and a read-only memory (ROM) 312, and, optionally, a user input 310 and a display 318. The processing system 300 may include one or more network / device interfaces 308 for connecting to a network / device, such as a wired or wireless modem. The network / device interface 308 may also operate as a connection with other devices (such as devices / devices that are not network-side devices). Therefore, direct connections between devices / devices without network involvement are possible.

[0121] A processor 302 is connected to each of the other components to control the operation.

[0122] The memory 304 may include non-volatile memory, such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD). The ROM 312 of the memory 304 stores an operating system 315, among other things, and may store software applications 316. The RAM 314 of the memory 304 is used by the processor 302 for temporary storage of data. The operating system 315 may contain code that, when executed by the processor, performs aspects of the above-described methods, algorithms, and message flow sequences 20, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, and 90. Note that in the case of a small device / apparatus, the memory may be best suited for small size use, i.e., a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD) is not always used.

[0123] Processor 302 may take any suitable form, for example, it may be a microcontroller, multiple microcontrollers, a processor, or multiple processors.

[0124] The processing system 300 may be a standalone computer, server, console, or network therein. The processing system 300 and the required structural parts may all be within a device / apparatus, such as an IoT device / apparatus, i.e., embedded in a very small size.

[0125] In some example embodiments, processing system 300 may also be associated with external software applications. These may be applications stored on a remote service device / apparatus and may run partially or exclusively on the remote service device / apparatus. These applications may communicate with the remote service device / apparatus in order to utilize the software applications stored there.

[0126] Fig.11Tangible media are shown, in particular a removable memory unit 365 storing computer readable code, which, when run by a computer, can perform the execution method according to the above-described exemplary embodiments. The removable memory unit 365 can be a memory stick, such as a USB memory stick, with an internal memory 366 for storing computer readable code. The internal memory 366 can be accessed by the computer system via a connector 367. Other forms of tangible storage media can be used. The tangible medium can be any device / device that stores data / information that can be exchanged between devices / devices / networks.

[0127] Embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in software, hardware, application logic, or a combination of software, hardware, and application logic. The software, application logic, and / or hardware may reside in a memory, or on any computer medium. In an example embodiment, the application logic, software, or instruction set is maintained on any of a variety of conventional computer-readable media. In the context of this document, a "memory" or "computer-readable medium" may be any non-transitory medium or component capable of containing, storing, transmitting, propagating, or transmitting instructions for use by, or in connection with, an execution system, device, or equipment (such as a computer).

[0128] Where relevant, references to "computer-readable medium", "computer program product", "tangibly embodied computer program", etc., or "processor" or "processing circuit system", etc. should be understood to include not only computers with different architectures, such as single processor architecture / multi-processor architecture and sequencer / parallel architecture, but also special circuits, such as field programmable gate arrays FPGA, application specific circuits ASIC, signal processing devices / apparatus and other devices / apparatus. References to computer programs, instructions, codes, etc. should be understood to mean software for programmable processor firmware, programmable content of hardware devices / apparatus as instructions for a processor, or configuration or configuration settings for fixed function devices / apparatus, gate arrays, programmable logic devices / apparatus, etc.

[0129] If desired, the different functions discussed herein may be performed in a different order and / or simultaneously with each other. In addition, if desired, one or more of the above functions may be optional or may be combined. Similarly, it should also be understood that Figure 2 and Figures 4 to 9 The flowcharts and sequences are merely examples, and various operations described therein may be omitted, re-ordered, and / or combined.

[0130] It should be understood that the above exemplary embodiments are only illustrative and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. After reading this specification, those skilled in the art will understand other changes and modifications.

[0131] Furthermore, the disclosure of the present application should be understood to include any novel feature or any novel combination of features disclosed herein explicitly or implicitly, or any generalization thereof, and new claims may be formulated during the prosecution of the present application or any application derived therefrom to cover any such feature and / or combination of such features.

[0132] Although various aspects of the disclosure are listed in the independent claims, further aspects of the disclosure comprise other combinations of features from the described example embodiments and / or the dependent claims with features of the independent claims, not just the combinations explicitly listed in the claims.

[0133] It is also noted that, although various examples are described above, these descriptions should not be viewed in a limiting sense. Rather, various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined in the appended claims.

[0134] For ease of reference, some abbreviations used in this article include:

[0135] PRS: Positioning Reference Signal

[0136] OPP: Origin Positioning Reference Signal

[0137] RPP: Reflected Positioning Reference Signal

[0138] IoT: Internet of Things

[0139] NB-IoT: Narrowband IoT

[0140] LMF: Location Management Function

[0141] NR UE: New Radio User Equipment

[0142] TOA: Time of Arrival

[0143] UE: User Equipment

[0144] UL: Uplink

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising means for performing the following: In response to an instruction from the control node, sending a first positioning signal; receiving a reflected positioning signal, wherein the reflected positioning signal is a backscattered signal provided by a passive device in response to the first positioning signal, and wherein the backscattered signal is indicative of the passive device; and One or more parameters related to the backscattered signal are determined.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising means for performing the following: receiving a sum of one or more reflected positioning signals in response to said transmission of said first positioning signal; and The backscattered signal is isolated from a sum of the one or more reflected positioning signals.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising means for performing the following: The determined one or more parameters are reported to the control node.

4. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the one or more parameters related to the reflected positioning signal include: The time difference between the departure time or transmission time of the first positioning signal and the arrival time or reception time of the corresponding reflected positioning signal.

5. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more parameters related to the reflected positioning signal include: The power of the reflected positioning signal received at the device.

6. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising means for performing the following: receiving a request from the control node to participate in a positioning session as a master device; and Confirm the request.

7. An apparatus comprising means for performing: receiving a reflected positioning signal, wherein the reflected positioning signal is a backscattered signal provided by a passive device in response to a first positioning signal provided by a primary device, wherein the backscattered signal is representative of the passive device; determining one or more parameters associated with the reflected positioning signal; and The determined one or more parameters are reported to a control node.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising means for performing the following: The backscattered signal is isolated from a sum of one or more reflected positioning signals.

9. The apparatus according to claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the one or more parameters related to the reflected positioning signal include: The time difference between the departure time or transmission time of the first positioning signal and the arrival time or reception time of the corresponding reflected positioning signal.

10. The apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the one or more parameters related to the reflected positioning signal include: The power of the reflected positioning signal received at the device.

11. The apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 10, further comprising means for performing the following: receiving the first positioning signal from the master device; and The device is paired with the master device by aligning clock signals.

12. The apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 11, further comprising means for performing the following: receiving a request from the control node, the request being to participate in a positioning session as an anchor device; and Confirm the request.

13. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the reflected positioning signal is delayed by a charging time of the passive device.

14. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the backscatter signal is modified at the passive device to contain an identifier of the device, wherein the identifier represents the passive device.

15. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the control node is a Positioning Management Function.

16. A control node of a mobile communication system, the control node comprising means for performing the following: requesting the first device to participate in the positioning session as a master device; requesting one of the second devices to participate in the positioning session as one or more anchor devices; receiving, from the master device, one or more parameters associated with a first reflected backscatter signal provided by a passive device in response to a first positioning signal transmitted by the master device; receiving, from one or more of the anchor devices, one or more parameters associated with a second reflected backscatter signal provided by the passive device in response to the first positioning signal sent by the master device; and Positioning data for the passive device is determined.

17. A method comprising: In response to an instruction from the control node, sending a first positioning signal; receiving a reflected positioning signal, wherein the reflected positioning signal is a backscattered signal provided by a passive device in response to the first positioning signal, and wherein the backscattered signal is indicative of the passive device; and One or more parameters related to the backscattered signal are determined.

18. A method comprising: receiving a reflected positioning signal, wherein the reflected positioning signal is a backscattered signal provided by a passive device in response to a first positioning signal provided by a primary device, wherein the backscattered signal is representative of the passive device; determining one or more parameters associated with the reflected positioning signal; and The determined one or more parameters are reported to a control node.

19. A computer program comprising instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the following: In response to an instruction from the control node, sending a first positioning signal; receiving a reflected positioning signal, wherein the reflected positioning signal is a backscattered signal provided by a passive device in response to the first positioning signal, wherein the backscattered signal is representative of the passive device; and One or more parameters related to the backscattered signal are determined.

20. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: In response to an instruction from the control node, sending a first positioning signal; receiving a reflected positioning signal, wherein the reflected positioning signal is a backscattered signal provided by a passive device in response to the first positioning signal, wherein the backscattered signal is representative of the passive device; and One or more parameters related to the backscattered signal are determined.

21. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: receiving a reflected positioning signal, wherein the reflected positioning signal is a backscattered signal provided by a passive device in response to a first positioning signal provided by a primary device, wherein the backscattered signal is representative of the passive device; determining one or more parameters associated with the reflected positioning signal; and The determined one or more parameters are reported to a control node.

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