Pre-compensation of phase center offset on uplink carrier phase positioning

Abstract

Systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for pre-compensation of phase center offset (PCO) on uplink (UL) carrier phase (CP) positioning. A method may include receiving pre-compensated assistance data from a first network element. The method may also include determining a pre-compensated phase center offset applied for transmission of the reference signal per second network element based at least on the pre-compensated assistance data. The method may also include sending an indication to the first network element indicating a mapping indicative of the signal transmissions that have been pre-compensated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Some example embodiments may generally relate to mobile or wireless telecommunication systems, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) or fifth generation (5G) New Radio (NR) access technologies, or communication systems beyond 5G or other communication systems. For example, certain example embodiments may relate to apparatus, systems and / or methods for pre-compensation of phase center offset (PCO) on uplink (UL) carrier phase (CP) positioning. Background Art

[0002] Examples of mobile or wireless telecommunication systems may include Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN), Long Term Evolution (LTE) Evolved UTRAN (E-UTRAN), Advanced LTE (LTE-A), MulteFire, LTE-A Pro, and / or fifth generation (5G) radio access technology or new radio (NR) access technology. The fifth generation (5G) wireless system refers to the next generation (NG) of radio systems and network architectures. 5G network technology is mostly based on new radio (NR) technology. However, 5G (or NG) networks can also be built on E-UTRAN radios. It is estimated that NR can provide a bit rate of about 10-20Gbit / s or higher, and can support at least enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) and ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC) and massive machine type communication (mMTC). NR is expected to deliver extreme broadband and ultra-robust, low-latency connectivity and large-scale networking to support the Internet of Things (IoT). Summary of the invention

[0003] Some example embodiments may be directed to a method. The method may include receiving pre-compensation assistance data from a first network element. The method may also include determining, based at least on the pre-compensation assistance data, a pre-compensation phase center offset to be applied for transmission of a reference signal per a second network element. The method may also include sending an indication to the first network element indicating a mapping of signal transmissions that have been pre-compensated.

[0004] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code may also be configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to at least receive pre-compensation assistance data from a first network element. The apparatus may also be caused to determine, based at least on the pre-compensation assistance data, a pre-compensation phase center offset to be applied for transmission of a reference signal per a second network element. The apparatus may also be caused to send an indication to the first network element indicating a mapping of signal transmissions that have been pre-compensated.

[0005] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include means for receiving pre-compensation assistance data from a first network element. The apparatus may also include means for determining, based at least on the pre-compensation assistance data, a pre-compensation phase center offset to be applied for transmission of a reference signal per a second network element. The apparatus may also include means for sending an indication to the first network element indicating a mapping of signal transmissions that have been pre-compensated.

[0006] According to other example embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable medium may be encoded with instructions that, when executed in hardware, may perform a method. The method may include receiving pre-compensation assistance data from a first network element. The method may also include determining a pre-compensation phase center offset to be applied for transmission of a reference signal per a second network element based at least on the pre-compensation assistance data. The method may also include sending an indication to the first network element indicating a mapping of signal transmissions that have been pre-compensated.

[0007] Other example embodiments may be directed to a computer program product that performs a method. The method may include receiving precompensation assistance data from a first network element. The method may also include determining a precompensation phase center offset to be applied for transmission of a reference signal per a second network element based at least on the precompensation assistance data. The method may also include sending an indication to the first network element indicating a mapping of signal transmissions that have been precompensated.

[0008] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that may include circuitry configured to receive precompensation assistance data from a first network element. The apparatus may also include circuitry configured to determine, based at least on the precompensation assistance data, a precompensation phase center offset to apply for transmission of a reference signal per a second network element. The apparatus may also include circuitry configured to send an indication to the first network element indicating a mapping of signal transmissions that have been precompensated.

[0009] Certain example embodiments may be directed to a method. The method may include receiving a precompensated map from a network element, the precompensated map including an indication of a signal transmission resource that has been precompensated. The method may also include receiving a signal transmission from a reference user equipment and a signal transmission from a target user equipment. The method may also include measuring a carrier phase based on the precompensated map, the signal transmission from the reference user equipment, and the signal transmission from the target user equipment. Furthermore, the method may include reporting the carrier phase to the network element.

[0010] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code may also be configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to at least receive a pre-compensated mapping from a network element, the pre-compensated mapping including an indication of signal transmission resources that have been pre-compensated. The apparatus may also be caused to receive a signal transmission from a reference user equipment and a signal transmission from a target user equipment. The apparatus may also be caused to measure a carrier phase based on the pre-compensated mapping, the signal transmission from the reference user equipment, and the signal transmission from the target user equipment. Furthermore, the apparatus may be caused to report the carrier phase to the network element.

[0011] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include means for receiving a pre-compensated mapping from a network element, the pre-compensated mapping including an indication of a signal transmission resource that has been pre-compensated. The apparatus may also include means for receiving a signal transmission from a reference user equipment and a signal transmission from a target user equipment. The apparatus may also include means for measuring a carrier phase based on the pre-compensated mapping, the signal transmission from the reference user equipment, and the signal transmission from the target user equipment. Additionally, the apparatus may include means for reporting the carrier phase to the network element.

[0012] According to other example embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable medium may be encoded with instructions that, when executed in hardware, may perform a method. The method may include receiving a pre-compensated map from a network element, the pre-compensated map including an indication of a signal transmission resource that has been pre-compensated. The method may also include receiving a signal transmission from a reference user equipment and a signal transmission from a target user equipment. The method may also include measuring a carrier phase based on the pre-compensated map, the signal transmission from the reference user equipment, and the signal transmission from the target user equipment. In addition, the method may include reporting the carrier phase to the network element.

[0013] Other example embodiments may be directed to a computer program product that performs a method. The method may include receiving a pre-compensated map from a network element, the pre-compensated map including an indication of a signal transmission resource that has been pre-compensated. The method may also include receiving a signal transmission from a reference user equipment and a signal transmission from a target user equipment. The method may also include measuring a carrier phase based on the pre-compensated map, the signal transmission from the reference user equipment, and the signal transmission from the target user equipment. Furthermore, the method may include reporting the carrier phase to the network element.

[0014] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that may include circuitry configured to receive a pre-compensated map from a network element, the pre-compensated map including an indication of a signal transmission resource that has been pre-compensated. The apparatus may also include circuitry configured to receive a signal transmission from a reference user equipment and a signal transmission from a target user equipment. The apparatus may also include circuitry configured to measure a carrier phase based on the pre-compensated map, the signal transmission from the reference user equipment, and the signal transmission from the target user equipment. Furthermore, the apparatus may include circuitry configured to report the carrier phase to the network element.

[0015] Certain example embodiments may be directed to a method. The method may include sending pre-compensation assistance data to a reference user equipment. The method may also include receiving an indication from the reference user equipment indicating a mapping of signal transmissions to a network element that has been pre-compensated based on the pre-compensation assistance data. The method may also include sending an indication to the network element of signal transmission resources that have been pre-compensated. Furthermore, the method may include receiving a carrier phase report from the network element based on the indication.

[0016] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code may also be configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to at least send pre-compensation assistance data to a reference user equipment. The apparatus may also be caused to receive an indication from the reference user equipment indicating a mapping of signal transmissions to a network element that has been pre-compensated based on the pre-compensation assistance data. The apparatus may also be caused to send an indication of signal transmission resources that have been pre-compensated to the network element. In addition, the apparatus may be caused to receive a carrier phase report from the network element based on the indication.

[0017] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include means for sending pre-compensation assistance data to a reference user equipment. The apparatus may also include means for receiving an indication from the reference user equipment indicating a mapping of signal transmissions to a network element that has been pre-compensated based on the pre-compensation assistance data. The apparatus may also include means for sending an indication of signal transmission resources that have been pre-compensated to the network element. Furthermore, the apparatus may include means for receiving a carrier phase report from the network element based on the indication.

[0018] According to other example embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable medium may be encoded with instructions that, when executed in hardware, may perform a method. The method may include sending pre-compensation assistance data to a reference user equipment. The method may also include receiving an indication from the reference user equipment indicating a mapping of signal transmissions to a network element that has been pre-compensated based on the pre-compensation assistance data. The method may also include sending an indication of signal transmission resources that have been pre-compensated to the network element. In addition, the method may include receiving a carrier phase report from the network element based on the indication.

[0019] Other example embodiments may be directed to a computer program product that performs a method. The method may include sending pre-compensation assistance data to a reference user equipment. The method may also include receiving an indication from the reference user equipment indicating a mapping of signal transmissions to a network element that has been pre-compensated based on the pre-compensation assistance data. The method may also include sending an indication of signal transmission resources that have been pre-compensated to the network element. Furthermore, the method may include receiving a carrier phase report from the network element based on the indication.

[0020] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that may include circuitry configured to send pre-compensation assistance data to a reference user equipment. The apparatus may also include circuitry configured to receive an indication from the reference user equipment indicating a mapping of signal transmissions to a network element that has been pre-compensated based on the pre-compensation assistance data. The apparatus may also include circuitry configured to send an indication of signal transmission resources that have been pre-compensated to the network element. Furthermore, the apparatus may include circuitry configured to receive a carrier phase report from the network element based on the indication. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] For a proper understanding of the example embodiments, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0022] Figure 1 An example UE mmWave 1:8 antenna array is shown.

[0023] FIG. 2( a ) shows an example of a user equipment (UE) antenna array radiation phase variation.

[0024] FIG2( b ) shows another example of the UE antenna array radiation phase variation.

[0025] Figure 3 An example uplink carrier phase is shown.

[0026] Figure 4 An example signal flow diagram is shown in accordance with certain example embodiments.

[0027] Figure 5An example flow chart of a method according to certain example embodiments is shown.

[0028] Figure 6 An example flow chart of another method according to certain example embodiments is shown.

[0029] Figure 7 An example flow chart of yet another method according to certain example embodiments is shown.

[0030] Figure 8 A set of apparatuses according to certain example embodiments is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] It will be readily appreciated that the components of certain example embodiments, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, may be arranged and designed in a variety of different configurations. The following is a detailed description of some example embodiments of systems, methods, apparatus, and computer program products for pre-compensation of phase center offset (PCO) on uplink (UL) carrier phase (CP) positioning.

[0032] The features, structures, or characteristics of the example embodiments described throughout this specification may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more example embodiments. For example, the use of the phrases "certain embodiments," "example embodiments," "some embodiments," or other similar language throughout this specification refers to the fact that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment. Therefore, the appearance of the phrases "certain embodiments," "example embodiments," "in some embodiments," "in other embodiments," or other similar language throughout this specification does not necessarily refer to the same set of embodiments, and the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more example embodiments. In addition, the terms "cell," "node," "gNB," "network," or other similar language may be used interchangeably throughout this specification.

[0033] As used herein, “at least one of: ” and “at least one of ” and similar expressions, where a list of two or more elements is combined by “and” or “or”, mean at least any one of the elements, or at least any two or more of the elements, or at least all of the elements.

[0034] The technical specifications of the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) have provided various positioning solutions related to downlink time difference of arrival (DL-TDOA), uplink time difference of arrival (UL-TDOA), downlink angle of departure (DL-AoD), uplink angle of arrival (UL-AoA), and multi-cell round trip time (Multi-RTT). In particular, 3GPP specifies solutions that enable RAT-dependent (e.g., for both frequency range 1 (FR1) and frequency range 2 (FR2)) NR positioning techniques and RAT-independent NR positioning techniques. In DL, a new positioning reference signal (PRS) may be introduced, and in UL, a new sounding reference signal (SRS) may be introduced. Therefore, attention has been paid to providing positioning enhancement for improving positioning accuracy by alleviating UE Rx / Tx and / or gNB Rx / Tx timing delays. Solutions for accuracy improvement based on NR CP measurements are also provided, and attention is paid to reusing PRS and SRS at the same time.

[0035] Assuming UL, in CP positioning technology, the target UE can send a UL reference signal, such as SRS for positioning, and multiple transmit receive points (TRPs) can measure phase measurements, which can be used to estimate the position of the target UE. For the SRS resource sent from the kth UE, the phase measurement at the i-th TRP can be expressed as: In equation (1), represents the phase measurement in units of distance / cycle, omitting the repeated use of 2π, and d ik , c, δ k 、N ik denote respectively: the actual geographical distance between the kth UE and the ith TRP, the speed of light, the internal clock bias at the kth UE, the internal clock bias at the ith TRP, and the integer ambiguity of the propagation wavelength. Similar to equation (1), the same equation can be derived for the jth TRP, so that And the single difference measurement between two TRPs is described by the following equation: In equation (2), Δd k =d ik -d jk , Δδ ij =δ i -δ j ,as well as

[0036] From the single difference operation shown in equation (2), the UE clock bias can be eliminated, which is similar to the relative time of arrival (RTOA) measurement of UL-TDOA. The clock error between TRPs still exists, but it can be eliminated by double difference operation using the measurement from the reference device.

[0037] Assuming that the kth UE is a positioning reference unit (PRU), then for the SRS sent from the PRU, the single difference measurement between the i-th TRP and the j-th TRP can be In equation (3), ΔΔd kK =Δd k -Δd K ,and Finally, the clock error between TRPs can be eliminated. Here, the clock deviation can be considered at the UE and TRP, which explains the error of the single differential method and the double differential method of the carrier phase method.

[0038] For UE antenna phase center offset (PCO), accurate evaluation of DL PRS time of arrival (TOA) and / or UL SRS time of departure (TOD) may be critical to obtaining accurate positioning measurements and high precision TOA / TOD at the UE. Accurate evaluation of DL PRS TOA and / or UL SRS TOD may also be critical for CP measurements in order to accurately measure the phase reference position for signals received or transmitted via the UE antennas.

[0039] Figure 1 An example UE millimeter wave 1:8 antenna array is shown. Specifically, Figure 1 As shown, a UE mmWave 1:8 antenna array is mounted on a UE form factor design. Figure 1 The reference position shown in is the antenna phase center, which may be fixed and aligned with the physical antenna reference point (ARP). However, the antenna phase center may not always be aligned with the physical ARP, but may be located at an offset, such as Figure 1 shown.

[0040] The UE antenna array phase center position may be dynamic and sensitive to the actual UE form factor design (where currents are affected by physical size, adjacent components mounted, materials, etc.). The UE antenna array phase center position may also be sensitive to the following factors: antenna array coverage (e.g., PC-ABS, glass), AOA and polarization for wide beam configurations, antenna array beam steering angle, AOA over a "banana" shaped beam pattern for a 1-dimensional antenna array, and polarization at the beam steering angle used.

[0041] Figure 2(a) shows an example of a UE antenna array radiation phase variation, and Figure 2(b) shows another example of a UE antenna array radiation phase variation. Specifically, the variation may be a variation in beam steering angle and signal direction, plus an associated offset (in mm) from an assumed ARP. As shown in Figure 2(a), a phase diagram over beam steering angle and polarization is shown for a UE form factor design for a top-mounted 1:8 array. In Figure 2(b), a phase center offset (in mm) relative to the ARP over beam steering angle, AOA, and polarization is shown for a UE form factor design for a top-mounted 1:8 array. As Figure 2(a) and 2(b) As shown, the antenna array phase center can vary dynamically by several centimeters. If this variation remains uncompensated, PCO can cause significant impairments, resulting in reduced accuracy of position estimates, which is critical for centimeter-precision applications such as the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT).

[0042] Figure 3 An example UL CP is shown. In the UL CP, both the target UE and the PRU may send SRS for positioning. The TRP may then measure the CP of both the target UE and the PRU and report the measurements to the LMF, which may then create a double differential measurement. If not compensated, the PCO of both the target UE and the PRU may affect the accuracy of the UL CP positioning. Although attempts have previously been made to address this situation with post-compensation of the PCO effect by the target UE, they may be inefficient because this would require the PRU to continuously receive signaling from the LMF and then report the PCO for a specific SRS transmission. Therefore, assuming that the PRU knows its position and its own orientation, and the position of the TRP is known at the LMF, it is inefficient to perform post-PCO compensation.

[0043] Certain example embodiments provide a method for performing PCO pre-compensation as part of UL CP positioning via a PRU. For example, Figure 4 An example signal flow diagram according to certain example embodiments is shown. At 400, the UL CP may be directed to the target UE (at Figure 4At 405, the LMF may signal the TRP position and / or the ID of the TRP to the PRU, which may be used for (e.g., at 430) the UL CP session of the target UE. At 410, the PRU may pre-compensate the PCO on a per-TRP basis using the position and orientation of the PRU during SRS transmission. That is, in certain example embodiments, the PRU may determine a PCO pre-compensation mapping for each TRP PCO. In some example embodiments, the PCO pre-compensation mapping may be a mapping between each SRS resource / repetition and the TRP to which the SRS is targeted, such that the mapping may inform the LMF which SRS transmissions are pre-compensated by the PCO for which TRPs.

[0044] According to certain example embodiments, the PRU may pre-compensate the PCO for one TRP per SRS resource. The SRS resource may be defined by at least time and frequency resources, such as transmission periodicity and occupied RBs within the uplink bandwidth portion, and these may be configured by the gNB. In addition, the gNB may configure spatial relationship information in each SRS resource configuration so that the UE determines the transmission beam for the SRS resource. For example, the PRU may be configured with spatial relationship information for each SRS resource, and the configuration may include the TRP ID. In an example embodiment, the PRU may pre-compensate the PCO for a specific time domain using a fixed offset (e.g., the PRU may use the PCO value to compensate for the phase center offset during a specific time window) (if channel coherence (e.g., the wireless channel does not fluctuate during a specific time period, and the channel between the PRU and the TRP does not differ or varies less than a specific threshold) is preserved), and the PRU may report and / or update pre-compensation information to the LMF (e.g., pre-compensated PCO values ​​to compensate for the PCO when the PRU transmits each SRS resource, and information about which SRS transmissions are pre-compensated for which TRPs). According to certain example embodiments, pre-compensation may involve adjusting the transmission timing so that the ARP is aligned with the antenna phase center.

[0045] For example, the LMF may configure criteria (e.g., thresholds) such that the PRU reports and / or updates precompensation information (e.g., PCO offsets per SRS resource). In certain example embodiments, if the PRU moves to a different location, the PCO precompensation may be different. However, if the changed PCO precompensation value is small so that it does not affect the positioning requirements, the PRU may not need to be updated. In addition, the threshold may be configured from the LMF in consideration of the target positioning accuracy requirements. In other example embodiments, if the PRU position changes by more than a threshold, the PRU may update the precompensation information. According to certain example embodiments, the threshold may be related to a change / change in the location of the PRU because the PRU may move. If the PRU moves, the PCO precompensation value may be different. For example, if the absolute distance change of the PRU between t=t1 and t=t2 exceeds a threshold, the PRU may report an updated PCO precompensation. In addition, in some example embodiments, the gNB may provide the PRU with channel coherence information for each TRP to assist in precompensation at the PRU. Furthermore, in other example embodiments, the PRU may request the gNB to provide channel coherence information for the TRP.

[0046] In certain example embodiments, in the pre-compensation of the PCO by the PRU, the PRU may pre-compensate the PCO for one TRP per SRS opportunity / instance. For example, when the SRS has a period of 10 ms and spans 4 periodic instances (within a 40 ms time period), the PRU may pre-compensate the PCO for 4 different TRPs; one TRP in each instance. For example, in certain example embodiments, the PRU may pre-compensate the PCO by considering the TRP location and using different transmission beam directions. The PRU may also determine the pre-compensation value for each transmission beam direction based on the PRU orientation.

[0047] According to certain example embodiments, in the pre-compensation of PRU for PCO, the PRU may pre-compensate PCT for one TRP per SRS repetition. For example, SRS may have a repetition factor of 4 with a time interval of 2 slots. In the first repetition, SRS may be pre-compensated for one TRP and in the next repetition for another TRP.

[0048] return Figure 4, at 415, the PRU may indicate to the LMF the above-described mapping from SRS transmissions to TRPs, the mapping from operation 410 (i.e., per SRS resource, per SRS opportunity / instance, or per SRS repetition). In certain example embodiments, the mapping may indicate to the LMF which SRS resources / opportunities / repetitions have been pre-compensated for which TRPs. The mapping may not indicate a PCO pre-compensation value. In other example embodiments, at 420, the LMF may optionally coordinate / indicate the mapping to the target UE and / or serving TRPs such that the target UE also transmits to those target TRPs using the same time instance as the PRU, and such that the target UE's SRS transmissions may be aligned or coordinated with the PRU's SRS transmissions. Through this coordination / indication, the Rx timing error attributed to the Rx timing error group (TEG) may be common between the target UE's CP measurement and the PRU's CP measurement, and this may be beneficial for distinguishing operations.

[0049] At 425, the LMF may indicate to the TRP which resources / opportunities / repetitions have been pre-compensated so that the TRP can measure only on the relevant resources / opportunities / repetitions. The TRP may then receive the PRU SRS at 430 and the target UE SRS at 435. In addition, at 440, the TRP may measure (multiple) carrier phases based on the information received from 425, 430, and 435. At 445, the TRP may report the phase measurements to the LMF. At 450, the LMF may estimate the UE position based on the report of the received phase measurements. In certain example embodiments, the TRP may measure the SRS on all resources / opportunities / repetitions, and then the timestamps on the measurement opportunities for the LMF may be used to filter the measurements. According to certain example embodiments, during filtering, the LMF may view the timestamps of the reported measurements and select the timestamps (multiple) corresponding to the appropriate PCO pre-compensation. For example, if the PRU pre-compensates the SRS for TRP X during timestamp Y, the LMF may use timestamp Y to select the carrier phase measurement for TRP X. Further, the measurements in this example may correspond to positioning measurements measured from SRS resources sent from the PRU and the target UE.

[0050] Figure 5 An example flow chart of a method according to certain example embodiments is shown. In an example embodiment, Figure 5 The method may be performed by a network entity or a group of multiple network elements in a 3GPP system (such as LTE or 5G-NR). For example, in an example embodiment, Figure 5 The method may be executed by a UE or a PRU, and Figure 8 The device 10 or 20 shown in FIG.

[0051] According to certain example embodiments, Figure 5 The method may include receiving precompensation assistance data from a first network element at 500. The method may also include determining a precompensation phase center offset to be applied for transmission of a reference signal per a second network element based at least on the precompensation assistance data at 505. The method may also include sending an indication to the first network element at 510 indicating a mapping of signal transmissions that have been precompensated.

[0052] According to certain example embodiments, pre-compensation of the phase center offset may be performed using at least one or more of: referring to location information of the user equipment, referring to orientation information of the user equipment, referring to a beam direction of the user equipment, or referring to a beam width of a beam of the user equipment. According to other example embodiments, the pre-compensation assistance data comprises at least one of a location of the second network element or an identification of the second network element. According to some example embodiments, pre-compensating the phase center offset for the second network element comprises: pre-compensating the phase center offset for one second network element per reference signal resource, pre-compensating the phase center offset for one second network element per reference signal transmission opportunity, or pre-compensating the phase center offset for one second network element per reference signal transmission repetition. According to other example embodiments, when the phase center offset is pre-compensated for one second network element per reference signal resource, the method may further comprise: receiving a configuration having spatial relationship information for each signal transmission resource and an identification of the second network element.

[0053] In certain example embodiments, when the phase center offset is precompensated for one second network element per reference signal resource, the method may further include: receiving channel coherence information for the second network element to assist precompensation. Precompensating the phase center offset for one second network element per reference signal transmission opportunity may include: precompensating one second network element in each of the plurality of instances for a plurality of second network elements. In some example embodiments, when the phase center offset is precompensated for one second network element per reference signal transmission repetition, the signal transmission may include a repetition factor with a time interval of a predefined number of time slots. In another example embodiment, the method may further include updating the precompensation information when a position change of the reference user equipment exceeds a threshold. According to some example embodiments, the method may further include precompensating the phase center offset for a predetermined duration based on a fixed offset.

[0054] Figure 6 An example of a flow chart of another method according to certain example embodiments is shown. In an example embodiment, Figure 6 The method may be performed by a network entity or a group of multiple network elements in a 3GPP system (such as LTE or 5G-NR). For example, in an example embodiment, Figure 6The method can be performed by gNB, TRP, LMF or Figure 8 Any other device similar to one of the devices 10 or 20 shown in the drawings may be implemented.

[0055] According to certain example embodiments, Figure 6 The method may include, at 600, receiving a precompensated map from a network element, the precompensated map including an indication of a signal transmission resource that has been precompensated. The method may also include, at 605, receiving a signal transmission from a reference user equipment and a signal transmission from a target user equipment. The method may also include, at 610, measuring a carrier phase based on the precompensated map, the signal transmission from the reference user equipment, and the signal transmission from the target user equipment. Additionally, the method may include, at 615, reporting the carrier phase to the network element.

[0056] According to certain example embodiments, the carrier phase may be at least one of: an undifferentiated carrier phase, a single-differentiated carrier phase, or a double-differentiated carrier phase. According to other example embodiments, the method may further include obtaining a measurement of a signal transmission from a reference user equipment and a measurement of a signal transmission from a target user equipment. According to other example embodiments, the method may further include filtering the measurement based on a timestamp at a measurement occasion for the network element.

[0057] Figure 7 An example of a flow chart of another method according to certain example embodiments is shown. In an example embodiment, Figure 7 The method may be performed by a network entity or a group of multiple network elements in a 3GPP system (such as LTE or 5G-NR). For example, in an example embodiment, Figure 7 The method can be performed by gNB, TRP, LMF or Figure 8 One of the illustrated apparatuses 10 or 20 may be implemented similarly to any other apparatus.

[0058] According to certain example embodiments, Figure 7 The method may include, at 700, sending precompensation assistance data to a reference user equipment. The method may also include, at 705, receiving an indication from the reference user equipment of a mapping of signal transmissions to a network element that has been precompensated based on the precompensation assistance data. The method may also include, at 710, sending an indication of signal transmission resources that have been precompensated to the network element. Additionally, the method may include, at 715, receiving a carrier phase report from the network element based on the indication.

[0059] According to certain example embodiments, the pre-compensation assistance data may include a location or identification of a network element to be used for an uplink carrier phase session of the target user equipment. According to some example embodiments, the method may further include coordinating a mapping to a reference user equipment so that the target user equipment can use the same time instance to perform transmissions to the target user equipment. According to other example embodiments, the method may further include configuring a criterion such that the reference user equipment reports or updates the pre-compensation information.

[0060] Figure 8 A set of apparatuses 10 and 20 according to some example embodiments are shown. In some example embodiments, the apparatus 10 may be an element in a communication network or associated with such a network, such as a UE, a mobile equipment (ME), a mobile station, a mobile device, a fixed device, an IoT device, or other device. It should be noted that a person skilled in the art will understand that the apparatus 10 may include Figure 8 Components or features not shown.

[0061] In some example embodiments, the apparatus 10 may include one or more processors, one or more computer-readable storage media (e.g., memory, storage, etc.), one or more radio access components (e.g., modems, transceivers, etc.), and / or a user interface. In some example embodiments, the apparatus 10 may be configured to operate using one or more radio access technologies, such as GSM, LTE, LTE-A, NR, 5G, WLAN, WiFi, NB-IoT, Bluetooth, NFC, MulteFire, and / or any other radio access technology. It should be noted that one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the apparatus 10 may include Figure 8 Components or features not shown.

[0062] like Figure 8 As shown in the example of , the device 10 may include or be coupled to a processor 12 for processing information and executing instructions or operations. The processor 12 may be any type of general or special purpose processor. In fact, as an example, the processor 12 may include one or more of a general purpose computer, a special purpose computer, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and a processor based on a multi-core processor architecture. Although Figure 8 A single processor 12 is shown in FIG. 1 , but multiple processors may be utilized according to other example embodiments. For example, it should be understood that in certain example embodiments, the apparatus 10 may include two or more processors that may form a multiprocessor system capable of supporting multiprocessing (e.g., in which case the processor 12 may represent a multiprocessor). According to certain example embodiments, the multiprocessor system may be tightly coupled or loosely coupled (e.g., to form a computer cluster).

[0063] As some examples, processor 12 may perform functions associated with the operation of device 10, including precoding of antenna gain / phase parameters, encoding and decoding of bits forming communication messages, formatting of information, and overall control of device 10, including Figures 1 to 5 The process described in .

[0064] The device 10 may also include or be coupled to a memory 14 (internal or external), which may be coupled to the processor 12 for storing information and instructions that may be executed by the processor 12. The memory 14 may be one or more memories and of any type suitable for the local application environment, and may be implemented using any suitable volatile or non-volatile data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory, and / or removable memory. For example, the memory 14 may include any combination of random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), static memory (such as a magnetic disk or optical disk), hard disk drive (HDD), or any other type of non-transitory machine or computer readable medium. The instructions stored in the memory 14 may include program instructions or computer program code that, when executed by the processor 12, enables the device 10 to perform tasks as described herein.

[0065] In certain example embodiments, the apparatus 10 may also include or be coupled to a (internal or external) drive or port configured to accept and read an external computer-readable storage medium, such as an optical disk, a USB drive, a flash drive, or any other storage medium. For example, the external computer-readable storage medium may store a computer program or software executed by the processor 12 and / or the apparatus 10 to perform Figures 1 to 5 Any of the methods shown in .

[0066] In some example embodiments, the apparatus 10 may also include or be coupled to one or more antennas 15 for receiving downlink signals and transmitting from the apparatus 10 via the UL. The apparatus 10 may also include a transceiver 18 configured to send and receive information. The transceiver 18 may also include a radio interface (e.g., a modem) coupled to the antenna 15. The radio interface may correspond to a variety of radio access technologies, including one or more of GSM, LTE, LTE-A, 5G, NR, WLAN, NB-IoT, Bluetooth, BT-LE, NFC, RFID, UWB, etc. The radio interface may include other components, such as filters, converters (e.g., digital-to-analog converters, etc.), symbol demappers, signal shaping components, inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) modules, etc., to process symbols carried by the downlink or UL, such as OFDMA symbols.

[0067] For example, the transceiver 18 may be configured to modulate information onto a carrier waveform for transmission via the antenna 15, and to demodulate information received via the antenna(s) 15 for further processing by other elements of the apparatus 10. In other example embodiments, the transceiver 18 is capable of directly sending and receiving signals or data. Additionally or alternatively, in some example embodiments, the apparatus 10 may include input and / or output devices (I / O devices). In certain example embodiments, the apparatus 10 may also include a user interface, such as a graphical user interface or a touch screen.

[0068] In certain example embodiments, memory 14 stores software modules that provide functionality when executed by processor 12. These modules may include, for example, an operating system that provides operating system functionality for device 10. The memory may also store one or more functional modules, such as applications or programs, to provide additional functionality for device 10. The components of device 10 may be implemented in hardware, or in any suitable combination of hardware and software. According to certain example embodiments, device 10 may optionally be configured to communicate with device 20 via a wireless or wired communication link 70 according to any radio access technology, such as NR.

[0069] According to some example embodiments, processor 12 and memory 14 may be included in or may form part of a processing circuit system or a control circuit system. In addition, in some example embodiments, transceiver 18 may be included in or may form part of a transceiver circuit system.

[0070] For example, in certain example embodiments, apparatus 10 may be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to receive pre-compensation assistance data from a first network element. Apparatus 10 may also be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to determine, based at least on the pre-compensation assistance data, a pre-compensation phase center offset to be applied for transmission of a reference signal per second network element. Apparatus 10 may also be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to send an indication to the first network element indicating a mapping of signal transmissions that have been pre-compensated.

[0071] like Figure 8 As shown in the example of , the apparatus 20 may be an element in a network, a core network element, or a communication network or an element associated with such a network, such as a gNB, a LMF, or a TRP. It should be noted that a person skilled in the art will understand that the apparatus 20 may include Figure 8 Components or features not shown.

[0072] like Figure 8 As illustrated in the example of , the device 20 may include a processor 22 for processing information and executing instructions or operations. The processor 22 may be any type of general or special purpose processor. For example, the processor 22 may include one or more of a general purpose computer, a special purpose computer, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and a processor based on a multi-core processor architecture. Although Figure 8 A single processor 22 is shown in FIG. 1 , but multiple processors may be utilized according to other example embodiments. For example, it should be understood that in some example embodiments, the apparatus 20 may include two or more processors that may form a multiprocessor system capable of supporting multiprocessing (e.g., in this case, the processor 22 may represent a multiprocessor). In some example embodiments, the multiprocessor system may be tightly coupled or loosely coupled (e.g., to form a computer cluster).

[0073] According to certain example embodiments, processor 22 may perform functions associated with the operation of device 20, which may include, for example, precoding of antenna gain / phase parameters, encoding and decoding of individual bits forming communication messages, formatting of information, and overall control of device 20, including Figures 1 to 4 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 The process shown in .

[0074] The device 20 may also include or be coupled to a memory 24 (internal or external), which may be coupled to the processor 22 for storing information and instructions that may be executed by the processor 22. The memory 24 may be one or more memories and of any type suitable for the local application environment, and may be implemented using any suitable volatile or non-volatile data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory, and / or removable memory. For example, the memory 24 may include any combination of random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), static memory (such as a magnetic disk or optical disk), hard disk drive (HDD), or any other type of non-transitory machine or computer readable medium. The instructions stored in the memory 24 may include program instructions or computer program code that, when executed by the processor 22, enables the device 20 to perform tasks as described herein.

[0075] In certain example embodiments, the apparatus 20 may also include or be coupled to a (internal or external) drive or port configured to accept and read an external computer-readable storage medium, such as an optical disk, a USB drive, a flash drive, or any other storage medium. For example, the external computer-readable storage medium may store a computer program or software executed by the processor 22 and / or the apparatus 20 to perform Figures 1 to 4 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 The method shown in .

[0076] In certain example embodiments, the apparatus 20 may also include or be coupled to one or more antennas 25 for sending signals and / or data to and receiving signals and / or data from the apparatus 20. The apparatus 20 may further include or be coupled to a transceiver 28 configured to transmit and receive information. The transceiver 28 may include, for example, a plurality of radio interfaces that may be coupled to (a plurality of) antennas 25. The radio interfaces may correspond to a variety of radio access technologies, including one or more of the following: GSM, NB-IoT, LTE, 5G, WLAN, Bluetooth, BT-LE, NFC, Radio Frequency Identifier (RFID), Ultra-Wideband (UWB), MulteFire, etc. The radio interfaces may include components such as filters, converters (e.g., digital-to-analog converters, etc.), mappers, Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) modules, etc., to generate symbols for transmission via one or more downlinks and receive symbols (e.g., via UL).

[0077] Thus, the transceiver 28 may be configured to modulate information onto a carrier waveform for transmission via the antenna(s) 25, and to demodulate information received via the antenna(s) 25 for further processing by other elements of the apparatus 20. In other example embodiments, the transceiver 28 may be capable of directly sending and receiving signals or data. Additionally or alternatively, in some example embodiments, the apparatus 20 may include input and / or output devices (I / O devices).

[0078] In certain example embodiments, memory 24 may store software modules that provide functionality when executed by processor 22. These modules may include, for example, an operating system that provides operating system functionality for apparatus 20. The memory may also store one or more functional modules, such as applications or programs, to provide additional functionality for apparatus 20. The components of apparatus 20 may be implemented in hardware or any suitable combination of hardware and software.

[0079] According to some example embodiments, processor 22 and memory 24 may be included in a processing circuit system or a control circuit system or may form a part of a processing circuit system or a control circuit system. In addition, in some example embodiments, transceiver 28 may be included in a transceiver circuit system or may form a part of a transceiver circuit system.

[0080] As used herein, the term "circuitry" may refer to a hardware-only circuitry implementation (e.g., analog and / or digital circuitry), a combination of hardware circuitry and software, a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuitry and software / firmware, any portion of hardware processor(s) and software (including digital signal processors) that work together to enable a device (e.g., devices 10 and 20) to perform various functions, and / or hardware circuit(s) and / or processor(s), or portions thereof, that operate using software but where the software may not be present when the software is not required to run. As another example, as used herein, the term "circuitry" may also cover an implementation of a hardware-only circuit or processor (or multiple processors), or a portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its accompanying software and / or firmware. The term circuitry may also cover, for example, a baseband integrated circuit in a server, cellular network node or device, or other computing or network device.

[0081] For example, in certain example embodiments, apparatus 20 may be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to receive a pre-compensated map from a network element, the pre-compensated map including an indication of a signal transmission resource that has been pre-compensated. Apparatus 20 may also be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to receive a signal transmission from a reference user equipment and a signal transmission from a target user equipment. Apparatus 20 may also be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to measure a carrier phase based on the pre-compensated map, the signal transmission from the reference user equipment, and the signal transmission from the target user equipment. In addition, apparatus 20 may be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to report the carrier phase to the network element.

[0082] In certain example embodiments, the apparatus 20 may be controlled by the memory 24 and the processor 22 to send pre-compensation assistance data to a reference user equipment. The apparatus 20 may also be controlled by the memory 24 and the processor 22 to receive an indication from the reference user equipment indicating a mapping of signal transmissions to the network element that has been pre-compensated based on the pre-compensation assistance data. The apparatus 20 may also be controlled by the memory 24 and the processor 22 to send an indication of signal transmission resources that have been pre-compensated to the network element. Additionally, the apparatus 20 may be controlled by the memory 24 and the processor 22 to receive a carrier phase report from the network element based on the indication.

[0083] In some example embodiments, an apparatus (e.g., apparatus 10 and / or apparatus 20) may include components for performing the methods, processes, or any variants discussed herein. Examples of components may include one or more processors, memories, controllers, transmitters, receivers, and / or computer program codes for causing the execution of operations.

[0084] Certain example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus comprising means for performing any of the methods described herein, including, for example, means for receiving pre-compensation assistance data from a first network element. The apparatus may also include means for determining, based at least on the pre-compensation assistance data, a pre-compensation phase center offset to be applied for transmission of a reference signal per a second network element. The apparatus may also include means for sending an indication to the first network element indicating a mapping of signal transmissions that have been pre-compensated.

[0085] Certain example embodiments may also be directed to an apparatus including means for receiving a precompensated map from a network element, the precompensated map including an indication of a signal transmission resource that has been precompensated. The apparatus may also include means for receiving a signal transmission from a reference user equipment and a signal transmission from a target user equipment. The apparatus may also include means for measuring a carrier phase based on the precompensated map, the signal transmission from the reference user equipment, and the signal transmission from the target user equipment. Additionally, the apparatus may include means for reporting the carrier phase to the network element.

[0086] Certain example embodiments may also be directed to an apparatus including means for sending pre-compensation assistance data to a reference user equipment. The apparatus may also include means for receiving an indication from the reference user equipment of a mapping of signal transmissions to a network element that has been pre-compensated based on the pre-compensation assistance data. The apparatus may also include means for sending an indication of signal transmission resources that have been pre-compensated to the network element. Additionally, the apparatus may include means for receiving a carrier phase report from the network element based on the indication.

[0087] Certain example embodiments described herein provide several technical improvements, enhancements and / or advantages. For example, in some example embodiments, as part of UL CP positioning, a method for pre-compensation by PRU can be provided. Therefore, certain example embodiments can reduce signaling overhead and reduce PRU power consumption. In other example embodiments, the accuracy of position estimation can be improved.

[0088] The computer program product may include one or more computer executable components that are configured to perform some example embodiments when the program is run. The one or more computer executable components may be at least one software code or part thereof. Modifications and configurations required to implement the functionality of some example embodiments may be performed as (multiple) routines, which may be implemented as added or updated (multiple) software routines. (Multiple) software routines may be downloaded to a device.

[0089] As an example, the software or computer program code or part thereof may be in source code form, object code form or some intermediate form, and it may be stored in some carrier, distribution medium or computer readable medium, which may be any entity or device capable of carrying the program. Such carriers may include, for example, recording media, computer memory, read-only memory, optoelectronic and / or electrical carrier signals, telecommunication signals and software distribution packages. Depending on the processing power required, the computer program may be executed in a single electronic digital computer, or may be distributed among multiple computers. The computer readable medium or computer readable storage medium may be a non-transitory medium.

[0090] In other example embodiments, the functionality may be performed by hardware or circuitry included in a device (e.g., device 10 or device 20), such as by using an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable gate array (PGA), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or any other combination of hardware and software. In yet another example embodiment, the functionality may be implemented as a signal, a non-tangible component carried by an electromagnetic signal downloaded from the Internet or other network.

[0091] According to certain example embodiments, an apparatus such as a node, a device or a corresponding component may be configured as a circuit system, a computer or a microprocessor (such as a single-chip computer element) or a chipset, including at least a memory for providing storage capacity for arithmetic operations and an operation processor for performing arithmetic operations.

[0092] Those of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that the disclosure described above may be practiced using processes in a different order and / or using hardware elements in a configuration different from that disclosed. Therefore, although the present disclosure has been described based on these example embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that certain modifications, variations, and alternative configurations will be apparent while remaining within the spirit and scope of the example embodiments. Although the above embodiments relate to 5G NR and LTE technologies, the above embodiments may also be applied to any other current or future 3GPP technologies, such as LTE-Advanced and / or fourth generation (4G) technologies.

[0093] Some vocabulary:

[0094] 3GPP Third Generation Partnership Project

[0095] 5G Fifth Generation

[0096] 5GCN 5G Core Network

[0097] 5GS 5G System

[0098] BS Base Station

[0099] CP Carrier Phase

[0100] DL Downlink

[0101] eNB Enhanced Node B

[0102] E-UTRAN Evolved UTRAN

[0103] FR Frequency Range

[0104] gNB 5G or Next Generation Node B

[0105] LMF Location Management Function

[0106] LTE Long Term Evolution

[0107] NR New Radio

[0108] NW Network

[0109] PCO Phase Center Offset

[0110] PRU Positioning Reference Unit

[0111] RRC Radio Resource Control

[0112] RSRP Reference Signal Received Power

[0113] Rx

[0114] SRS Sounding Reference Signal

[0115] TEG Timing Error Group

[0116] ToA Arrival Time

[0117] ToD Sending time

[0118] TRP Transmit Receiving Point

[0119] Tx

[0120] UE User Equipment

[0121] UL Uplink

Claims

1. A method comprising: receiving pre-compensated assistance data from a first network element; determining, based at least on the precompensation assistance data, a precompensation phase centre offset to be applied for transmission of a reference signal per second network element; as well as An indication is sent to the first network element, the indication indicating a mapping of the signal transmission that has been pre-compensated.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the precompensation of the phase center offset is performed using at least one or more of: Referring to the location information of the user's device, The reference user equipment's orientation information, The reference user equipment's beam direction, or The reference user equipment beam width.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pre-compensation assistance data comprises at least one of a location of the second network element or an identification of the second network element.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein pre-compensating the phase center offset for the second network element comprises: pre-compensating the phase center offset for one second network element per reference signal resource; pre-compensating the phase center offset for one second network element per reference signal transmission opportunity; or The phase center offset is pre-compensated for one second network element per reference signal transmission repetition.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein when the phase center offset is pre-compensated for the one second network element per reference signal resource, the method further comprises: A configuration having spatial relationship information for each signal transmission resource and the identification of the second network element is received.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein when the phase center offset is pre-compensated for the one second network element per reference signal resource, the method further comprises: Channel coherence information for the second network element is received to assist in the pre-compensation.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein pre-compensating the phase center offset for one second network element per reference signal transmission opportunity comprises: For the plurality of second network elements, one second network element in each of the plurality of instances is pre-compensated.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein when the phase center offset is pre-compensated for the one second network element per reference signal transmission repetition, the signal transmission comprises a repetition factor with a time interval of a predefined number of time slots.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising: When the location change of the reference user equipment exceeds a threshold, the pre-compensation information is updated.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising: The phase center offset is pre-compensated for a predetermined duration based on a fixed offset.

11. A method comprising: receiving a precompensated map from a network element, the precompensated map comprising an indication of signal transmission resources that have been precompensated; receiving a signal transmission from a reference user equipment and a signal transmission from a target user equipment; measuring a carrier phase based on the pre-compensated mapping, the signal transmission from the reference user equipment, and the signal transmission from the target user equipment; as well as The carrier phase is reported to the network element.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the carrier phase is at least one of: an undifferentiated carrier phase, a single-differentiated carrier phase, or a double-differentiated carrier phase.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, further comprising: A measurement of the signal transmission from the reference user equipment and a measurement of the signal transmission from the target user equipment are obtained.

14. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, further comprising: The measurements are filtered based on timestamps on measurement occasions for the network elements.

15. A method comprising: sending pre-compensated assistance data to a reference user equipment; receiving an indication from the reference user equipment of a mapping to a signal transmission of a network element that has been precompensated based on the precompensated assistance data; sending an indication of signal transmission resources that have been pre-compensated to the network element; as well as A carrier phase report is received from the network element based on the indication.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the pre-compensation assistance data comprises a location or identification of a network element to be used for an uplink carrier phase session of the target user equipment.

17. The method according to claim 15 or 16, further comprising: The mapping to the reference user equipment is coordinated to enable a target user equipment to use the same time instance to perform transmissions to the target user equipment.

18. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, further comprising: A configuration criterion is provided so that the reference user equipment reports or updates the pre-compensation information.

19. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory including computer program code, The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, by storing instructions, which when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: receiving pre-compensated assistance data from a first network element; determining, based at least on the precompensation assistance data, a precompensation phase centre offset to be applied for transmission of a reference signal per second network element; as well as An indication is sent to the first network element, the indication indicating a mapping of the signal transmission that has been pre-compensated.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the pre-compensation of the phase center offset is performed using at least one or more of: location information of the device, orientation information of the device, the beam direction of the device, or The beam width of the beam of the device.

21. The apparatus of claim 19 or 20, wherein the pre-compensating assistance data comprises at least one of a location of the second network element or an identification of the second network element.

22. The apparatus of any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein when pre-compensating the phase center offset for the second network element, the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to: utilize stored instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: pre-compensating the phase center offset for one second network element per reference signal resource; pre-compensating the phase center offset for one second network element per reference signal transmission opportunity; or The phase center offset is pre-compensated for one second network element per reference signal transmission repetition.

23. The apparatus according to any one of claims 19 to 22, wherein when the phase center offset is pre-compensated for the one second network element per reference signal resource, the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to: utilize stored instructions, which when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: A configuration having spatial relationship information for each signal transmission resource and the identification of the second network element is received.

24. The apparatus according to any one of claims 19 to 22, wherein when the phase center offset is pre-compensated for the one second network element per reference signal resource, the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to: utilize stored instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: Channel coherence information for the second network element is received to assist in the pre-compensation.

25. The apparatus according to any one of claims 19 to 22, wherein when pre-compensating the phase center offset for one second network element per reference signal transmission opportunity, the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to: utilize stored instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: For the plurality of second network elements, one second network element in each of the plurality of instances is pre-compensated.

26. The apparatus according to any one of claims 19 to 22, wherein when the phase center offset is pre-compensated for the one second network element per reference signal transmission repetition, the signal transmission comprises a repetition factor with a time interval of a predefined number of time slots.

27. The apparatus of any one of claims 19 to 26, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to: utilize stored instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: When the position of the device changes by more than a threshold, the pre-compensation information is updated.

28. The apparatus of any one of claims 19 to 27, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to: utilize stored instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: The phase center offset is pre-compensated for a predetermined duration based on a fixed offset.

29. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory including computer program code, The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, by storing instructions, which when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: receiving a precompensated map from a network element, the precompensated map comprising an indication of signal transmission resources that have been precompensated; receiving a signal transmission from a reference user equipment and a signal transmission from a target user equipment; measuring a carrier phase based on the pre-compensated mapping, the signal transmission from the reference user equipment, and the signal transmission from the target user equipment; as well as The carrier phase is reported to the network element.

30. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the carrier phase is at least one of: an undifferentiated carrier phase, a single-differentiated carrier phase, or a double-differentiated carrier phase.

31. The apparatus of claim 29 or 30, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to: utilize stored instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: A measurement of the signal transmission from the reference user equipment and a measurement of the signal transmission from the target user equipment are obtained.

32. The apparatus of any one of claims 29 to 31, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to: utilize stored instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: The measurements are filtered based on timestamps on measurement occasions for the network elements.

33. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory including computer program code, The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, by storing instructions, which when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: sending pre-compensated assistance data to a reference user equipment; receiving an indication from the reference user equipment of a mapping to a signal transmission of a network element that has been precompensated based on the precompensated assistance data; sending an indication of signal transmission resources that have been pre-compensated to the network element; as well as A carrier phase report is received from the network element based on the indication.

34. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein the pre-compensation assistance data comprises a location or identification of a network element to be used for an uplink carrier phase session of a target user equipment.

35. The apparatus of claim 33 or 34, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to: utilize stored instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: The mapping to the reference user equipment is coordinated to enable a target user equipment to use the same time instance to perform transmissions to the target user equipment.

36. The apparatus of any one of claims 33 to 35, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to: utilize stored instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: A configuration criterion is provided so that the reference user equipment reports or updates the pre-compensation information.

37. An apparatus comprising: means for receiving pre-compensated assistance data from a first network element; means for determining a precompensation phase centre offset to be applied for transmission of a reference signal per second network element based at least on said precompensation assistance data; as well as Means for sending an indication to the first network element, the indication indicating a mapping of signal transmissions that have been pre-compensated.

38. The apparatus of claim 37, wherein the pre-compensation of the phase center offset is performed using at least one or more of: location information of the device, orientation information of the device, the beam direction of the device, or The beam width of the beam of the device.

39. An apparatus according to claim 37 or 38, wherein the pre-compensating assistance data comprises at least one of a location of the second network element or an identification of the second network element.

40. The apparatus of any one of claims 37 to 39, wherein pre-compensating the phase center offset for the second network element comprises: pre-compensating the phase center offset for one second network element per reference signal resource; pre-compensating the phase center offset for one second network element per reference signal transmission opportunity; or The phase center offset is pre-compensated for one second network element per reference signal transmission repetition.

41. The apparatus according to any one of claims 37 to 40, wherein when the phase center offset is pre-compensated for the one second network element per reference signal resource, the apparatus further comprises: Means for receiving a configuration having spatial relationship information for each signal transmission resource and the identification of the second network element.

42. The apparatus according to any one of claims 37 to 40, wherein when the phase center offset is pre-compensated for the one second network element per reference signal resource, the apparatus further comprises: Means for receiving channel coherence information for the second network element to assist in the pre-compensation.

43. The apparatus of any one of claims 37 to 40, wherein pre-compensating the phase center offset for one second network element per reference signal transmission opportunity comprises: For the plurality of second network elements, one second network element in each of the plurality of instances is pre-compensated.

44. The apparatus according to any one of claims 37 to 40, wherein when the phase center offset is pre-compensated for the one second network element per reference signal transmission repetition, the signal transmission comprises a repetition factor with a time interval of a predefined number of time slots.

45. The apparatus according to any one of claims 37 to 44, further comprising: means for updating the pre-compensation information when the location change of the reference user equipment exceeds a threshold.

46. ​​The apparatus according to any one of claims 37 to 45, further comprising: Means for pre-compensating the phase center offset for a predetermined duration based on a fixed offset.

47. An apparatus comprising: means for receiving a precompensated map from a network element, the precompensated map comprising an indication of signal transmission resources that have been precompensated; means for receiving a signal transmission from a reference user equipment and a signal transmission from a target user equipment; means for measuring carrier phase based on the pre-compensated mapping, the signal transmission from the reference user equipment and the signal transmission from the target user equipment; as well as Means for reporting the carrier phase to the network element.

48. The apparatus of claim 47, wherein the carrier phase is at least one of: an undifferentiated carrier phase, a single-differentiated carrier phase, or a double-differentiated carrier phase.

49. The apparatus according to claim 47 or 48, further comprising: Means for obtaining a measurement of the signal transmission from the reference user equipment and a measurement of the signal transmission from the target user equipment.

50. The apparatus of any one of claims 47 to 49, further comprising: Means for filtering the measurements based on a timestamp on a measurement opportunity for the network element.

51. An apparatus comprising: means for sending pre-compensated assistance data to a reference user equipment; means for receiving an indication from the reference user equipment of a mapping to a signal transmission of a network element that has been precompensated based on the precompensated assistance data; means for sending an indication of signal transmission resources that have been pre-compensated to the network element; as well as Means for receiving a carrier phase report from the network element based on the indication.

52. The apparatus of claim 51, wherein the pre-compensation assistance data comprises a location or identification of a network element to be used for an uplink carrier phase session of a target user equipment.

53. The apparatus according to claim 51 or 52, further comprising: Means for coordinating said mapping to said reference user equipment so that a target user equipment can use the same time instance to perform transmissions to the target user equipment.

54. The apparatus according to any one of claims 51 to 53, further comprising: A means for configuring a criterion so that the reference user equipment reports or updates pre-compensation information.

55. A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon, the program instructions being used to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

56. An apparatus comprising circuitry configured to cause the apparatus to perform a process according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

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