Method and equipment for determining position of UE (user equipment)

Abstract

The invention provides a method and equipment for determining the position of UE (User Equipment). The method may be performed by a UE. The method includes receiving a first signal indicating at least one of a first DL RS at a plurality of time instances, a second set of UL RSs at the plurality of time instances, or a third set of UL transmissions at the plurality of time instances when a fourth set of DL transmissions is received at the plurality of time instances; receiving a second signal indicating to report at least one of: a first value associated with a receive time instance of the first set of DL RSs, a second value associated with a transmit time instance of the second set of UL RSs, or a third value associated with a transmit time instance of the third set of UL transmissions; and reporting at least one of the first value, the second value, or the third value, or determining an uplink transmission time instance for the second set of UL RSs or for the third set of UL transmissions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to wireless communication techniques, and more particularly to methods and apparatus for determining a location of a UE in a non-terrestrial network (NTN). Background Art

[0002] Non-terrestrial networks (e.g., networks using satellites) can play an important role in enabling communications in places where terrestrial mobile phones are not feasible. NTN services include broadcast applications (e.g., television) and emergency applications in offshore workplaces (e.g., offshore oil platforms, offshore wind power platforms, and shipping). NTN services work in places where terrestrial networks and land-based communication systems are inaccessible. In addition, NTN services enhance legacy terrestrial network services.

[0003] In NTN, a high altitude platform station (HAPS) may refer to an airborne vehicle carrying NTN payloads at an altitude between 8 and 50 km. Satellites in NTN may be geosynchronous orbit (GEO) satellites with a fixed position relative to the earth, or low earth orbit (LEO) satellites orbiting the earth. Summary of the invention

[0004] In traditional networks or terrestrial networks, 3 or 4 transmit and receive points (TRPs) may transmit or receive signals simultaneously to locate a UE or device. However, in NTN, positioning based on a single satellite at different time instances may have a higher priority. In traditional networks, the TRP and gNB (next generation Node B) are located at the same location. However, in NTN transparent payload, satellites are designed to forward DL / UL signals. In traditional networks, the timing advance (TA) may be small and may be configured or determined by the gNB. However, in NTN networks, the TA adopted by the UE may be determined based on the common TA indicated by the gNB, and the UE-specific TA may be self-calculated based on the location of the satellite and the location of the UE.

[0005] The present disclosure provides novel methods and apparatus for determining and verifying the location of a UE in an NTN.

[0006] Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method performed by a user equipment (UE). The method includes: receiving a first signal indicating at least one of: a first set of downlink (DL) reference signals (RS) at multiple time instances, a second set of uplink (UL) RS at multiple time instances, or a third set of UL transmissions when a fourth set of DL transmissions are received at multiple time instances; receiving a second signal indicating reporting at least one of: a first value associated with a reception time instance of the first set of DL RSs, a second value associated with a transmission time instance of the second set of UL RSs, or a third value associated with a transmission time instance of the third set of UL transmissions; and reporting at least one of the first value, the second value, or the third value, or determining the UL transmission time instance for the second set of UL RSs or for the third set of UL transmissions.

[0007] Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method performed by a first base station (BS). The method includes: transmitting a first signal indicating at least one of the following: a first set of downlink (DL) reference signals (RS) at multiple time instances, a second set of uplink (UL) RS at multiple time instances, or a third set of UL transmissions at multiple time instances when a fourth set of DL transmissions are received at multiple time instances; transmitting a second signal indicating reporting at least one of the following: a first value associated with a reception time instance of the first set of DL RSs, a second value associated with a transmission time instance of the second set of UL RSs, or a third value associated with a transmission time instance of the third set of UL transmissions; and receiving at least one of the first value, the second value, or the third value from another device, or determining the uplink reception time instance for the second set of UL RSs or for the third set of UL transmissions.

[0008] Some embodiments of the present disclosure also provide a user equipment (UE), comprising: at least one processor; and at least one transceiver coupled to the at least one processor. The at least one processor is configured to: receive a first signal indicating at least one of: a first set of downlink (DL) reference signals (RS) at multiple time instances, a second set of uplink (UL) RS at multiple time instances, or a third set of UL transmissions at multiple time instances when a fourth set of DL transmissions are received at multiple time instances; receive a second signal indicating reporting at least one of: a first value associated with a reception time instance of the first set of DL RSs, a second value associated with a transmission time instance of the second set of UL RSs, or a third value associated with a transmission time instance of the third set of UL transmissions; and report at least one of the first value, the second value, or the third value, or determine the UL transmission time instance for the second set of UL RSs or for the third set of UL transmissions.

[0009] Some embodiments of the present disclosure also provide a first base station (BS), comprising: at least one processor; and at least one transceiver coupled to the at least one processor. The at least one processor is configured to: transmit a first signal indicating at least one of: a first set of downlink (DL) reference signals (RS) at multiple time instances, a second set of uplink (UL) RS at multiple time instances, or a third set of UL transmissions at multiple time instances when a fourth set of DL transmissions are received at multiple time instances; transmit a second signal indicating reporting at least one of: a first value associated with a reception time instance of the first set of DL RSs, a second value associated with a transmission time instance of the second set of UL RSs, or a third value associated with a transmission time instance of the third set of UL transmissions; and receive at least one of the first value, the second value, or the third value from another device, or determine the uplink reception time instance for the second set of UL RSs or for the third set of UL transmissions.

[0010] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a technical solution for determining and verifying the location of a UE in an NTN. Therefore, the embodiments of the present disclosure can provide a more accurate location or location information of a UE in an NTN. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] In order to describe the manner in which the advantages and features of the present application can be obtained, the description of the present application is presented by reference to specific embodiments of the application illustrated in the accompanying drawings. These drawings depict only example embodiments of the present application and therefore should not be considered limiting of its scope.

[0012] Figure 1is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary wireless communication system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating transmission of a downlink (DL) time difference of arrival (TDOA) scheme according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 3A is a schematic diagram illustrating a set of DL reference signals (RS) according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 3B and 3C is a schematic diagram illustrating determination of a reference source according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating transmission of an uplink (UL) TDOA scheme according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 5A is a schematic diagram illustrating a set of UL RSs according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 5B and 5C is a diagram illustrating determination of UL difference for transmit (Tx) time examples according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating transmission of a multiple round trip time (multi-RTT) scheme according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a multiple round trip time (multi-RTT) scheme according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 8 is a flow chart of a method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0022] Fig. 9 is a flow chart of another method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0023] Fig.10 is a simplified block diagram of a device for communications according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The detailed description of the accompanying drawings is intended as a description of the currently preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, and is not intended to represent the only form in which the present disclosure can be practiced. It should be understood that the same or equivalent functions can be implemented by different embodiments intended to be included in the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0025] Furthermore, use of the expression "A and / or B" means any of the following: only "A" or only "B"; or both "A" and "B" together.

[0026] Reference will now be made in detail to some embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. For ease of understanding, embodiments are provided in a specific network architecture and new service scenario, such as 3GPP 5G New Radio (NR), 3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE) Release 8, etc. It is well known to those skilled in the art that, with the development of network architecture and new service scenarios, the embodiments in the present disclosure are also applicable to other similar technical problems.

[0027] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary wireless communication system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 1 Communication between a user equipment (UE) 30 and a base station (BS) 10 (or gNB) is shown. For illustrative purposes, Figure 1 BS 10, satellite 20 and UE 30 are shown. UE 30 may be under the coverage of satellite 20. Figure 1 As shown in , BS10 can communicate with UE30.

[0029] For example, Figure 1 The wireless communication system in the embodiment may be compatible with a wireless communication network, a cellular telephone network, a network based on time division multiple access (TDMA), a network based on code division multiple access (CDMA), a network based on orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA), an LTE network, a network based on 3GPP, a 3GPP 5G NR network, a satellite communication network, a non-terrestrial network, a high altitude platform network, and / or other communication networks. In some embodiments, Figure 1 The wireless communication system in the network is compatible with NB-IoT / eMTC used in NTN.

[0030] In some embodiments, BS10 may be referred to as a Node B, a base unit, a base, an access point, an access terminal, a macro cell, an enhanced Node B (eNB), a gNB, a home Node B, a relay node, a device, a remote unit, or other terms used in the art. BSs may be distributed over a geographic area. Typically, a BS is part of a radio access network, which may include one or more controllers communicatively coupled to one or more corresponding core networks. In some embodiments, satellite 20 may be a geosynchronous orbit (GEO) satellite having a fixed position relative to the earth, or a low earth orbit (LEO) satellite orbiting the earth.

[0031] UE 30 may include a computing device, such as a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a tablet computer, a smart TV (e.g., a TV connected to the Internet), a set-top box, a game console, a security system (including a security camera), a vehicle-mounted computer, a network device (e.g., a router, a switch, and a modem), etc. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, UE 30 may include a portable wireless communication device, a smart phone, a cellular phone, a flip phone, a device with a subscriber identity module, a personal computer, a selective call receiver, or any other device capable of transmitting and receiving communication signals on a wireless network. In some embodiments, UE 30 may include a wearable device, such as a smart watch, a fitness band, an optical head-mounted display, etc. In addition, UE 30 may be referred to as a subscriber unit, a mobile device, a mobile station, a user, a terminal, a mobile terminal, a wireless terminal, a fixed terminal, a subscriber station, a user terminal or a device, or described using other terms used in the art.

[0032] The present disclosure defines a network-based solution to verify the position information (or location information) reported by the UE. The verification can be performed independently of the location information reported by the UE.

[0033] If the difference between the UE location reported by the UE and the network-based assessment is within 5 to 10 km (similar to terrestrial network macro cell size), the UE location information can be considered verified. UE location information can enable and facilitate country differentiation and selection of core networks in order to support all regulatory services (such as emergency calls, lawful interception, public warnings, charging and billing).

[0034] The solution provided in the present disclosure neither affects the latency of the target service nor infringes the privacy requirements of the UE location.

[0035] The study to study and evaluate solutions for verifying location information reported by UE in radio access networks (e.g., RAN1, RAN2, and RAN3) considers the following aspects. The scenario of a single satellite (or HAPS) in the perspective of the UE at a certain time will be considered with higher priority. If time permits, multiple satellites (or HAPS) in the perspective of the UE will be considered. It is assumed that the UE is attached to the network (so that its context has been established in the network) for positioning purposes. Different solutions or positioning methods for non-geosynchronous orbit (NGSO), geosynchronous orbit (GSO), or HAPS are not excluded. When considering solutions based on positioning methods, the current 3GPP-defined radio access technology (RAT) dependent positioning methods defined by 3GPP should be considered as the baseline, and other methods cannot be excluded. Solutions using the current NG-RAN (Next Generation Radio Access Network) architecture and procedures will be considered.

[0036] In the case of NGSO-based NTN deployment, some 3GPP-defined RAT-dependent positioning methods can be considered as a starting point for studying network-verified UE location. 3GPP-defined RAT-dependent positioning methods include: multi-RTT scheme, DL-TDOA scheme and UL-TDOA scheme. Other positioning methods (e.g., angle of arrival-based methods) are not excluded.

[0037] Some RAT-dependent positioning schemes are disclosed as follows. In the DL TDOA scheme, the position of the UE will be obtained based on the difference of the received (Rx) time instances of the signals from 3 pairs of TRPs (e.g., [TRP#0, TRP#1], [TRP#0, TRP#2], and [TRP#0, TRP#3]). In the UL TDOA scheme, the UE transmits a sounding reference signal (SRS) to 4 TRPs, and the gNB measures the difference of the Rx time instances of the signals from 3 pairs of TRPs (e.g., [TRP#0, TRP#1], [TRP#0, TRP#2], and [TRP#0, TRP#3]) to obtain or determine the position of the UE. In the multi-RTT scheme, the UE transmits a UL signal when receiving a DL signal; the gNB may determine the RTT based on the DL Tx time instance and the UL Rx time instance at the gNB side; and the UE may report the difference between the DL Rx time instance and the UL Tx time instance to the gNB at the UE side.

[0038] In the DL Angle of Departure (DL AoD) scheme, the UE measures and / or reports the DL Tx angle / beam; the gNB determines the UE's position based on the measurement and / or reporting of the DL Tx angle / beam; and it may be necessary to report the reference signal received power for each beam. In the UL Angle of Arrival (UL AOA) scheme, the UE transmits a Sounding Reference Signal (SRS); and the gNB measures the reception angle of the SRS and determines the UE's position. In the Enhanced Cell ID (E-CID) scheme, the UE reports the Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) of multiple cells; the serving cell will be identified accordingly; and the UE position is determined to be within the cell coverage. In the carrier phase-based scheme, the UE reports the Rx time instances (in the time domain) based on carrier phase detection; the UE's position is determined based on the reported Rx time instances; and the accuracy of the E-CID scheme is improved relative to the TDOA scheme. In NR Release 17, measurement and reporting of different paths / different branches can be introduced to further improve positioning accuracy.

[0039] Some positioning methods in Beidou or GPS are disclosed as follows. The first generation Beidou adopts a multi-RTT-based solution of GEO satellites. The second generation Beidou or GPS adopts a DL TDOA solution and a UL TDOA solution. The latest generation Beidou / GPS adopts a carrier phase-based solution to further improve positioning accuracy.

[0040] Example 1: DL TDOA

[0041] Figure 2 2 is a schematic diagram 200 illustrating the transmission of a DL TDOA scheme according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In the schematic diagram of the DL TDOA scheme, a BS 10, a satellite 20, and a UE 30 may be involved. The DL TDOA scheme provided in the present disclosure may be used in a scenario with a single satellite. In some embodiments, the DL TDOA scheme provided in the present disclosure may be used in a scenario with multiple satellites.

[0042] Schematic diagram 200 includes multiple operations. In operation 201, BS 10 may transmit a first signal to UE 30 via satellite 20. In operation 201, the first signal indicates a set of DL RSs at multiple time instances. BS 10 may use the first signal to notify UE 30 that a set of DL RSs may be transmitted. In some embodiments, BS 10 may use the first signal to notify UE 30 that BS 10 may determine or verify the location of UE 30 based on the DL RSs. When UE 30 receives the first signal, UE 30 will be ready to receive a set of DL RSs.

[0043] In operation 203, the BS 10 may transmit a set of DL RSs to the UE 30 through the satellite 20. The UE 30 receives the set of DL RSs. The UE 30 may record an Rx time instance of each of the set of DL RSs.

[0044] In operation 205, the BS 10 may transmit a second signal to the UE 30 via the satellite 20. In operation 205, the second signal indicates reporting a first value from the UE 30. The BS 10 may use the second signal to notify the UE 30 to report the first value. In some embodiments, the BS 10 may use the second signal to notify the UE 30 to report the first value at a given symbol or time slot. When the UE 30 receives the second signal, the UE 30 will be ready to report the first value. The first value may be associated with an Rx time instance of a set of DL RSs at the UE 30.

[0045] In operation 207, the UE 30 may determine a DL RS subset. The UE 30 may determine the DL RS subset in response to reception of the first signal. The UE may determine the DL RS subset in response to reception of the second signal. In operation 207, the UE 30 may determine or calculate a first value based on the DL RS subset. The first value may be determined or calculated based on a difference between Rx time instances of the DL RSs of the DL RS subset.

[0046] In operation 209, the UE 30 may transmit or report the first value to the BS 10 through the satellite 20. In operation 211, the BS 10 may determine or verify the location of the UE 30 based on the first value. In some embodiments, operation 211 may be omitted.

[0047] According to an embodiment of the DL TDOA scheme of the present disclosure, a set of DL RSs will be configured or transmitted from a gNB (e.g., BS 10) to a UE (e.g., UE 30). The UE will report the difference of the Rx time instances of multiple pairs of DL RSs. For example, the UE may report the difference of the Rx time instance of DL RS#0 and DL RS#1, the difference of the Rx time instance of DL RS#0 and DL RS#2, and the difference of the Rx time instance of DL RS#0 and DL RS#3.

[0048] The DL RS of the present disclosure may be a positioning reference signal (PRS) or a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS). Each DL RS may be associated with a separate identification (ID). For example, each DL RS in a set of DL RSs may include an index. The DL RS may be configured with the same periodicity or offset. A set of DL RSs may be configured with the same periodicity or offset. The DL RSs may be distinguished by different time instances or transmitted at different Tx times. A set of DL RSs may be distinguished by different time instances or transmitted at different Tx times. The DL RSs may be configured with different periodicities or offsets. A set of DL RSs may be configured with different periodicities or offsets. The DL RSs may be distinguished by different indexes. A set of DL RSs may be distinguished by a set index. Each RS (e.g., DL RS) may be configured by a specific time instance; for example, each RS may be configured to be transmitted in a given time slot index or in a given symbol index. A set of DL RSs may appear periodically.

[0049] Figure 3A is a schematic diagram illustrating a set of DL RSs according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 3A In the example, DL RS is PRS. Figure 3ADL RS set #0 (i.e., DL RS set 314) and DL RS set #1 (i.e., DL RS set 324) are shown being transmitted. In some embodiments, more than two sets of DL RSs may be transmitted. DL RS set 314 includes PRS 310, PRS 311, PRS 312, and PRS 313. PRS 310 has an index that includes PRS #0 and set #0. The index of PRS 310 shows that this PRS is the first PRS of the first set. PRS 311 has an index that includes PRS #1 and set #0. PRS 312 has an index that includes PRS #2 and set #0. PRS 313 has an index that includes PRS #3 and set #0. DL RS set 324 includes PRS 320, PRS 321, PRS 322, and PRS 323. PRSs 320 , 321 , 322 , and 323 may have indexes similar to those of PRSs 310 , 311 , 312 , and 313 .

[0050] When there is a reporting configuration, whether periodic or aperiodic, a set of reference resources will be determined for calculating the value to be reported. For example, when the UE is notified to report some calculations or measurements (e.g., a first value), the UE may determine a set of reference resources (e.g., a DL RS subset) for the calculation or measurement. The calculation or measurement may be required to be reported in a periodic manner or in an aperiodic manner. Four DL RSs may be determined as a set of reference resources. That is, a set of reference resources may include four DL RSs. In some embodiments, a set of reference resources may include at least one DL RS.

[0051] In some embodiments, if the reporting associated with the DL RS is aperiodic, a set of DL RSs may be triggered along with the request for reporting.

[0052] Example 1-1

[0053] In some embodiments, a set of reference resources may be explicitly configured or assigned for each report (e.g., each report of the first value). A set of reference resources may be explicitly configured or assigned by the BS. For example, the BS may explicitly configure or assign reference resources through a first signal and / or a second signal that may be transmitted in operations 201 and 205.

[0054] A set of reference resources may be explicitly configured or assigned for the UE. For example, the BS may explicitly configure or assign the reference resources, and the UE reports a first value (eg, transmitted in step 209).

[0055] Example 1-2

[0056] Figure 3B336. In some embodiments, a set of reference resources may be implicitly determined by a time domain offset n_CSI 336. When the UE has an indication 335 indicating a request to transmit a report at time slot #n, the last DL RS in a set of reference sources 334 should be no later than a threshold 337. The threshold 337 may be defined by the time of time slot #n and the time offset n_CSI 336. n_CSI 336 may be predefined or preconfigured to 4ms or 5ms. n_CSI 336 may be configured or set by signaling between the BS 10 and the UE 30.

[0057] like Figure 3B As shown in , since DL RS 320 is the DL RS closest to threshold 337 and is not later than threshold 337, DL RS 320 is assigned as the last DL RS in a set of reference sources 334.

[0058] After determining the Rx time instance or Rx time of the last DL RS in the set of reference sources 334, the other three DL RSs in the set of reference sources 334 may be three neighboring DL RSs before the last DL RS.

[0059] like Figure 3B , since DL RS 320 is assigned as the last DL RS in a set of reference sources 334, the three closest DL RSs before DL RS 320 are DL RSs 311, 312, and 313, and DL RSs 311, 312, and 313 are assigned as the other three DL RSs in a set of reference sources 334. Since DL RS 310 is the fourth DL RS counted from DL RS 320, DL RS 310 may not be assigned as an element of a set of reference sources 334.

[0060] The first DL RS among the four DL RSs in a set of reference sources 334 may be designated as an anchor resource or reference resource. The anchor resource may be used to determine the difference in Rx time instances of the DL RSs in a set of reference sources 334. Figure 3B In the embodiment of , DL RS 311 may be an anchor resource, and the difference between the Rx time instances of DL RSs 311 and 312 , the difference between the Rx time instances of DL RSs 311 and 313 , and the difference between the Rx time instances of DL RSs 311 and 320 are calculated.

[0061] Examples 1-3

[0062] Figure 3C336 and the set index of the DL RS. When the UE has an indication 335 indicating a request to transmit a report at time slot #n, a set of reference sources should be the entire set of DL RSs and should be no later than a threshold 337. That is, the DL RSs in the same DL RS set before the threshold 337 can be determined as a set of reference resources. The threshold 337 can be defined by the time of time slot #n and the time offset n_CSI 336. The n_CSI 336 can be predefined or preconfigured to 4ms or 5ms. The n_CSI 336 can be configured or set by signaling between the BS 10 and the UE 30.

[0063] exist Figure 3C In the embodiment of FIG. 3 , since DL RSs 310 to 313 are in the same DL RS set (i.e., with set #0) and before the threshold 337, DL RSs 310 to 313 are selected as a set of reference resources 344. Since DL RS 320 is not in the same DL RS set (i.e., with set #0), DL RS 320 may not be assigned as an element of a set of reference sources 344. The first DL RS of the four DL RSs in a set of reference sources 344 may be assigned as an anchor resource or a reference resource. The anchor resource may be used to determine the difference of the Rx time instances of the DL RSs in a set of reference sources 344.

[0064] exist Figure 3C In the embodiment of , the DL RS 310 may be an anchor resource, and the difference between the Rx time instances of the DL RSs 310 and 311, the difference between the Rx time instances of the DL RSs 310 and 312, and the difference between the Rx time instances of the DL RSs 310 and 313 are calculated.

[0065] Examples 1-4

[0066] In some embodiments, a set of reference resources may be determined by the UE itself. If the UE determines a set of reference resources by itself, the UE may report the resource ID of the selected DL RS (e.g., Figures 3A to 3C A set of reference resources is reported to the BS using the PRS number (shown in FIG. 1 ) and set ID.

[0067] In some embodiments, only the resource ID of the first DL RS in a set of reference resources is reported to the BS. In some embodiments, only the resource ID of the last DL RS in a set of reference resources is reported to the BS. In some embodiments, the resource IDs of all DL RSs in a set of reference resources are reported to the BS.

[0068] The UE may determine a set of reference resources based on a time domain offset between the time instance to be reported and the time instance of the first or last DL RS in a set of reference resources. The time domain offset may be a number of milliseconds or a number of time slots / symbols.

[0069] Examples 1-5

[0070] In the DL TDOA scheme, the UE may report a first value to the BS (eg, operation 209). The report content transmitted by the UE may be associated with the difference in the time domain. The report content transmitted by the UE may be associated with the difference between the Rx time instances of the DL RS at the UE side. Figure 3C In the embodiment of the present invention, the report content from the UE may include the difference between the Rx time instances of the DL RSs 310 and 311 , the difference between the Rx time instances of the DL RSs 310 and 312 , and the difference between the Rx time instances of the DL RSs 310 and 313 .

[0071] Examples 1-6

[0072] The UE's report may be based on the UTC time instance (ie, Coordinated Universal Time) at the UE side. To save signaling overhead, the reported difference of the Rx time instance may exclude the configured or known time difference between the two DL RSs.

[0073] For example, if the difference of the Tx time instances of two DL RSs is configured or known to be 4ms, then the difference of the Rx time instances of the two DL RSs is calculated or measured to be 5ms, and the reported difference of the Rx time instances of the two DL RSs may be 1ms (i.e., 4ms subtracted from 5ms).

[0074] In some embodiments, PRS#0, PRS#1, PRS#2, and PRS#3 (e.g., DL RS) may be configured to be transmitted at slot#0, slot#3, slot#6, and slot#9, respectively. If the difference of the measured Rx time instances of PRS#0 and PRS#1 is 4ms, a time length of 3 slots (e.g., 15KHz subcarrier space, 3ms) may be excluded, and the reported difference is 1ms. If the difference of the measured Rx time instances of PRS#0 and PRS#2 is 7.5ms, a time length of 6 slots (e.g., 6ms) may be excluded, and the reported difference is 1.5ms.

[0075] One of the advantages of eliminating the configured or known time difference is that changes in synchronization signal block (SSB) Tx time instances at the BS side can be taken into account.

[0076] Examples 1-7

[0077] The report content may be based on the slot / symbol index relative to the reference subcarrier space (SCS) at the UE side. The reference SCS may be explicitly configured or implicitly determined based on the frequency band, active DL bandwidth part (BWP), or UL BWP, etc. The reported difference in Rx time instances may also exclude the configured or known time difference between the two DL RSs. The impact of the difference in SSB Tx time instances at the BS side may be addressed by the BS itself.

[0078] After receiving the report from the UE, the BS may determine or verify the location of the UE. According to the criteria for determining a set of reference resource definitions, the BS may know the accurate Tx time instances of PRS#0, PRS#1, PRS#2, and PRS#3. With the satellite orbit information, the BS may calculate the Rx time instances of each of PRS#0, PRS#1, PRS#2, and PRS#3 at the satellite side. Based on the known SSB changes at the BS side and the reported time difference between PRS#0 and PRS#1, the reported time difference between PRS#0 and PRS#2, and the reported time difference between PRS#0 and PRS#3, the BS may know the actual time difference between PRS#0 and PRS#1, the actual time difference between PRS#0 and PRS#2, and the actual time difference between PRS#0 and PRS#3 due to the transmission between the satellite and the UE. Based on the actual time difference, the BS may determine the location of the UE and then verify whether the location reported by the UE is accurate.

[0079] Example 2: UL TDOA

[0080] Figure 4 4 is a schematic diagram 400 illustrating the transmission of the UL TDOA scheme according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In the schematic diagram of the UL TDOA scheme, a BS 10, a satellite 20, and a UE 30 may be involved. The UL TDOA scheme provided in the present disclosure may be used in a scenario with a single satellite. In some embodiments, the UL TDOA scheme provided in the present disclosure may be used in a scenario with multiple satellites.

[0081] Schematic diagram 400 includes multiple operations. In operation 401, BS 10 may transmit a first signal to UE 30 via satellite 20. In operation 401, the first signal indicates a set of UL RSs at multiple time instances. BS 10 may use the first signal to notify UE 30 to transmit a set of UL RSs. In some embodiments, BS 10 may use the first signal to notify UE 30 that BS 10 may determine or verify the location of UE 30 based on the UL RSs. When UE 30 receives the first signal, UE 30 will be ready to transmit a set of UL RSs.

[0082] In operation 403, UE 30 may transmit a set of UL RSs to BS 10 through satellite 20. BS 10 receives the set of UL RSs. UE 30 may record a Tx time instance of each of the set of UL RSs.

[0083] In operation 405, the BS 10 may transmit a second signal to the UE 30 via the satellite 20. In operation 405, the second signal indicates that the second value is reported from the UE 30. The BS 10 may use the second signal to notify the UE 30 to report the second value. In some embodiments, the BS 10 may use the second signal to notify the UE 30 to report the second value at a given symbol or time slot. When the UE 30 receives the second signal, the UE 30 will be ready to report the second value. The second value may be associated with a Tx time instance of a set of UL RS at the UE 30.

[0084] In operation 407, UE 30 may determine a UL RS subset. UE 30 may determine the UL RS subset in response to reception of the first signal. UE may determine the UL RS subset in response to reception of the second signal. In operation 407, UE 30 may determine or calculate a second value based on the UL RS subset. The second value may be determined or calculated based on a difference between Tx time instances of the UL RS of the UL RS subset.

[0085] In operation 409, UE 30 may transmit or report the second value to BS 10 through satellite 20. In operation 411, BS 10 may determine or verify the location of UE 30 based on the second value. In some embodiments, operation 409 may be omitted, and in some other embodiments, operation 411 may be omitted. In some embodiments, BS 10 may determine an uplink transmission time instance for the second set of UL RSs.

[0086] In the UL TDOA scheme, the UE may transmit multiple UL RSs at different time instances (e.g., with different Tx times). In some embodiments, the UE may transmit 4 SRSs. The BS may then measure the Rx time instances of the UL RSs and calculate the difference in the received time instances. The calculated difference in the Rx time instances at the BS side may be used to determine the difference in propagation delay between the UE and the satellite for multiple pairs of UL RSs. For example, the BS may determine the difference in propagation delay between the UE and the satellite for a pair of first and second UL RSs, a pair of first and third UL RSs, and a first and fourth UL RS. The BS then calculates the position of the UE based on the difference in propagation delay between the UE and the satellite.

[0087] Figure 5Ais a schematic diagram illustrating a set of UL RSs according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In the UL TDOA scheme, a set of UL RSs (eg, including four UL RSs) may be configured from a BS to a UE in a periodic manner or in an aperiodic manner. Figure 5A In the example, UL RS is SRS. Figure 5A UL RS set #0 (i.e., UL RS set 514) and UL RS set #1 (i.e., UL RS set 524) are shown being transmitted. In some embodiments, one set of UL RS may be transmitted. In some embodiments, more than two sets of UL RS may be transmitted. UL RS set 514 includes SRS 510, SRS 511, SRS 512, and SRS 513. SRS 510 has an index that includes SRS #0 and set #0. The index of SRS 510 shows that this SRS is the first SRS in the first set. SRS 511 has an index that includes SRS #1 and set #0. SRS 512 has an index that includes SRS #2 and set #0. SRS 513 has an index that includes SRS #3 and set #0. UL RS set 524 includes SRS 520, SRS 521, SRS 522, and SRS 523. The SRSs 520 , 521 , 522 , and 523 may have indexes similar to those of the SRSs 510 , 511 , 512 , and 513 .

[0088] For multiple UL RS transmissions, the timing advance (TA) may change. The determination of TA in NTN may be based on a common TA or a UE-specific TA. The UE-specific TA may be calculated based on the location of the satellite and the UE. Therefore, the difference in TA for different UL RSs may be reported to the BS, and the BS may determine the propagation delay between the satellite and the UE based on the different UL RSs and the corresponding TA. The second value reported by the UE may be associated with the TA.

[0089] In the UL TDOA scheme, one or more values ​​may be reported. One or more values ​​may be associated with a difference in TA for a set of UL RSs. One or more values ​​may be associated with a difference in UL Tx time instances for a set of UL RSs. Reports from the UE may be periodic or aperiodic.

[0090] Example 2-1

[0091] When the report from the UE is periodic, the difference of UL Tx time instances of different pairs of UL RS may be determined. For example, the UE may determine the difference of Tx time instances of a pair of UL RS#0 and UL RS#1, the difference of Tx time instances of a pair of UL RS#0 and UL RS#2, and the difference of Tx time instances of a pair of UL RS#0 and UL RS#3. The difference of Tx time instances may be determined based on UTC time instances. The difference of Tx time instances may be determined based on slot / symbol index. The slot index or symbol index may be determined based on SSB reception (which may be applied in DL synchronization process).

[0092] The entire set of UL RSs may be assigned as a set of reference resources, which are used to determine the difference in Tx time instances or the difference in TA. The entire set of UL RSs may include several UL RSs (typically 4 UL RSs), and the UL RSs may be numbered as UL RS#0, UL RS#1, UL RS#2, UL RS#3 according to a sequence in the time domain. Since the entire set of UL RSs is assigned as a set of reference resources, a set of reference resources is composed of UL RS#0, UL RS#1, UL RS#2, and UL RS#3.

[0093] Example 2-2

[0094] Reports from the UE may be periodic. Figure 5B 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the determination of a reference source according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. A set of reference resources may be implicitly determined by a time domain offset n_CSI_2 536 and a set index of a UL RS. When the UE has an indication 535 indicating a request to transmit a report at time slot #n, a set of reference sources should be the entire set of UL RSs and should be no later than a threshold 537. That is, the UL RSs within the same UL RS set before the threshold 537 may be determined as a set of reference resources. In other words, the latest set of UL RSs in which the latest UL RS is before the threshold 537 may be assigned as a set of reference resources. The threshold 537 may be defined by the time of time slot #n and the time offset n_CSI_2 536. n_CSI_2 536 may be predefined or preconfigured to 4ms or 5ms. n_CSI_2 536 may be configured or set by signaling between the BS 10 and the UE 30.

[0095] exist Figure 5BIn the embodiment of FIG. 5 , since UL RSs 510 to 513 are in the same UL RS set (i.e., with set #0) and before the threshold 337, UL RSs 510 to 513 are selected as a set of reference resources 544. Since UL RS 520 is not in the same UL RS set (i.e., with set #0), UL RS 520 may not be assigned as an element of a set of reference sources 544. The first UL RS of the four UL RSs in a set of reference sources 544 may be assigned as an anchor resource or reference resource. The anchor resource may be used to determine the difference of the Rx time instances of the UL RSs in the set of reference sources 544.

[0096] exist Figure 5B In an embodiment of the present invention, UL RS 510 may be an anchor resource, and the difference between the Tx time instances (or TA) of UL RS 510 and 511, the difference between the Tx time instances (or TA) of UL RS 510 and 512, and the difference between the Tx time instances (or TA) of UL RS 510 and 513 are calculated.

[0097] Example 2-3

[0098] Reporting from the UE may be aperiodic. Figure 5C 536. In some embodiments, a set of reference sources may be implicitly determined by a time domain offset n_CSI_2 536. When the UE has an indication 535 indicating a request to transmit a report at time slot #n, the last UL RS in a set of reference sources 534 should be no later than a threshold 537. The threshold 537 may be defined by the time of time slot #n and the time offset n_CSI_2 536. n_CSI_2 536 may be predefined or preconfigured to 4ms or 5ms. n_CSI_2 536 may be configured or set by signaling between the BS 10 and the UE 30.

[0099] like Figure 5C As shown in , since UL RS 520 is the UL RS closest to threshold 537 and is not later than threshold 537, UL RS 520 is assigned as the last UL RS in a set of reference sources 534.

[0100] After determining the Tx time instance or Tx time of the last UL RS in the set of reference sources 534 , the other three UL RSs in the set of reference sources 334 may be the three neighboring UL RSs before the last UL RS.

[0101] like Figure 5C, since UL RS 520 is assigned as the last UL RS in a set of reference sources 534, the three closest UL RSs before UL RS 320 are UL RSs 511, 512, and 513, and UL RSs 511, 512, and 513 are assigned as the other three UL RSs in a set of reference sources 534. Since UL RS 510 is the fourth UL RS counted from UL RS 520, UL RS 510 may not be assigned as an element of a set of reference sources 534.

[0102] The first UL RS in a set of reference sources 534 may be designated as an anchor resource or reference resource. The anchor resource may be used to determine the difference in Tx time instances (or TAs) of the UL RSs in a set of reference sources 534. Figure 5C In an embodiment, UL RS 511 may be an anchor resource, and the difference between the Tx time instances (or TA) of UL RS 511 and 512, the difference between the Tx time instances (or TA) of UL RS 511 and 513, and the difference between the Tx time instances (or TA) of UL RS 511 and 520 will be calculated.

[0103] The report contents from the UE in Embodiments 2, 2-1, 2-2 and 2-3 may be similar to the report contents disclosed in Embodiments 1-5, 1-6 and 1-7.

[0104] Example 3: Multiple RTT

[0105] Figure 6 600 is a schematic diagram illustrating the transmission of a multi-RTT scheme according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In the schematic diagram of the multi-RTT scheme, a BS 10, a satellite 20, and a UE 30 may be involved. The multi-RTT scheme provided in the present disclosure may be used in a scenario with a single satellite. In some embodiments, the multi-RTT scheme provided in the present disclosure may be used in a scenario with multiple satellites.

[0106] Schematic diagram 600 includes a plurality of operations. In operation 601, BS 10 may transmit a first signal to UE 30 via satellite 20. In operation 401, the first signal indicates a set of transmissions. In operation 401, the first signal indicates a set of DL transmissions. In operation 401, the first signal indicates a set of UL transmissions. BS 10 may use the first signal to notify UE 30 that a set of DL transmissions will be transmitted. BS 10 may use the first signal to notify UE 30 to transmit a set of UL transmissions upon receiving a set of DL transmissions. In some embodiments, BS 10 may use the first signal to notify UE 30 that BS 10 will determine or verify the location of UE 30 based on the transmissions. When UE 30 receives the first signal, UE 30 will be ready to receive a set of DL transmissions and / or transmit a set of UL transmissions.

[0107] In operation 603, the BS 10 may transmit a set of DL transmissions to the UE 30 via the satellite 20. The set of DL transmissions may be transmitted via one or more satellites 20. The UE 30 receives the set of DL transmissions. The BS 10 may record a Tx time instance of each of the set of DL transmissions. The UE 30 may record a Rx time instance of each of the set of DL transmissions.

[0108] In operation 605, in response to receiving a set of DL transmissions, UE 30 may transmit a set of UL transmissions to BS 10 via satellite 20. The set of UL transmissions may be transmitted via one or more satellites 20. BS 10 receives the set of UL transmissions. UE 30 may record a Tx time instance of each of the set of UL transmissions. BS 10 may record a Rx time instance of each of the set of UL transmissions.

[0109] In operation 607, BS10 may transmit a second signal to UE30 via satellite 20. In operation 405, the second signal indicates reporting a third value from UE30. BS10 may use the second signal to notify UE30 to report the third value. In some embodiments, BS10 may use the second signal to notify UE30 to report the third value at a given symbol or time slot. When UE30 receives the second signal, UE30 will be ready to report the third value. The third value may be associated with a set of Tx time instances of UL transmissions at UE30.

[0110] In operation 609, UE 30 may transmit or report the third value to BS 10 via satellite 20. In operation 611, BS 10 may determine or verify the location of UE 30 based on the third value. In some embodiments, operation 609 may be omitted, and in some other embodiments, operation 611 may be omitted. In some embodiments, BS 10 may determine uplink transmission time instances for the third set of UL transmissions.

[0111] In a multi-RTT scheme, the UE may be configured to transmit a UL transmission when a DL transmission is received. Based on the Tx time instances of the DL transmissions and the receive (Rx) time instances of the UL transmissions at the BS side, the corresponding Tx time instances and Rx time instances of the DL and UL transmissions at the satellite may be determined. If the BS knows the difference between the Rx time instances of the DL transmissions at the UE side and the Tx time instances of the UL transmissions, the BS may determine the RTT (round trip time) between the satellite and the UE. With at least 3 satellites, the location of the UE may be determined at the BS side.

[0112] The UE may report the difference between the Rx time instance of the DL transmission at the UE side and the Tx time instance of the UL transmission. The present disclosure further includes some features according to the characteristics of the NTN network, such as large propagation delay and a single satellite. The present disclosure provides several embodiments for reporting or limiting the difference between the DL Rx time instance and the Tx time instance.

[0113] Figure 7 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a multi-RTT scheme according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. BS 10 transmits DL transmission 711. Upon receiving DL transmission 711, satellite 20 transmits DL transmission 712. There is a propagation delay 722 between the transmission of DL transmissions 711 and 712.

[0114] Satellite 20 transmits DL transmission 712, and UE 30 receives DL transmission 712. There is a propagation delay 723 between the transmission of DL transmission 712 at satellite 20 and the reception of DL transmission 712 at UE 30.

[0115] Upon receiving the DL transmission 712, the UE 30 transmits a UL transmission 714 at an actual UL Tx time instance 731 after applying the TA 725. There is a time difference 724 between the Rx time instance of the DL transmission 712 and the actual UL Tx time instance 731. After applying the TA 725, from the perspective of the satellite 20 and the BS 10, the UL transmission 714 may be considered to be transmitted at a logical UL Tx time instance 732. The TA 725 may be the difference between the actual UL Tx time instance 731 and the logical UL Tx time instance 732.

[0116] UE 30 transmits UL transmission 714. Upon receiving UL transmission 714, satellite 20 transmits UL transmission 715. There is a propagation delay 726 between the transmission of UL transmissions 714 and 715.

[0117] The satellite 20 transmits a UL transmission 715, and the BS 10 receives the UL transmission 715. There is a propagation delay 723 between the transmission of the UL transmission 715 at the satellite 20 and the reception of the UL transmission 715 at the BS 10.

[0118] Upon receiving the UL transmission 715, the BS may determine the time difference between the Tx time instance of the DL transmission 711 and the Rx time instance of the UL transmission 715. Based on the Tx time instance of the DL transmission 711 and the receive (Rx) time instance of the UL transmission 715 at the BS 10, the corresponding Tx time instance and Rx time instance of the DL and UL transmissions at the satellite 20 may be determined. When the BS knows the time difference 724 and TA 725, the BS may determine the RTT (round trip time) between the satellite 20 and the UE 10. The time difference 724 and TA 725 may be predetermined in the system or reported by the UE 30.

[0119] Example 3-1

[0120] The logical offset between the reception of DL transmissions and the transmission of UL transmissions may be configured, predetermined or predefined.The TA of each UL transmission may be reported.

[0121] In some embodiments, the TA for each transmission of the UL transmission may be predetermined as an absolute value.

[0122] In some embodiments, TA may be a differential value of TA relative to a reference transmission time instance or reference transmission time. TA may be a differential value relative to a reference TA value.

[0123] TA may be reported in or together with a UL transmission.TA may be reported after the transmission of the last UL transmission.

[0124] TA may be reported based on a trigger from the BS. The BS may transmit an additional signal to trigger the reporting of TA from the UE. For example, the reported TA may be the most recent 4 pairs of DL Rx and UL Tx in the time domain before the reporting time instance of the TA.

[0125] Example 3-2

[0126] In some embodiments, limiting TA is a predetermined, predefined, or configured value.

[0127] In some embodiments, the value of TA may be predetermined based on a K offset parameter. The K offset parameter may be a cell-specific K offset parameter or a currently applicable K offset parameter. In some embodiments, based on the K offset parameter, when a DL transmission is received at the nth time slot / symbol, and a UL transmission may be transmitted at the (n+k+K offset)th time slot / symbol.

[0128] In some embodiments, the value of TA may be predetermined to be zero.

[0129] Figure 8 800 is a flow chart of a method 800 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The method 800 may be performed by a UE. In some embodiments, the UE performing the method 800 may be a UE 30.

[0130] In operation 801, the UE may receive a first signal. The first signal may indicate at least one of: a first set of downlink (DL) reference signals (RS) at multiple time instances, a second set of uplink (UL) RS at multiple time instances, or a third set of UL transmissions at multiple time instances when a fourth set of DL transmissions are received at multiple time instances.

[0131] In operation 803, the UE may receive a second signal. The second signal may indicate reporting at least one of: a first value associated with a reception time instance of a first set of DL RSs, a second value associated with a transmission time instance of a second set of UL RSs, or a third value associated with a transmission time instance of a third set of UL transmissions.

[0132] In operation 805, the UE may report at least one of the first value, the second value, or the third value. In some embodiments of operation 805, the UE may determine an uplink transmission time instance for the second set of UL RSs or for the third set of UL transmissions.

[0133] In some embodiments, method 800 may further include: determining a DL RS subset based on the first signal; and calculating a first value based on the DL RS subset. The DL RS subset is selected from the first set of DL RSs, and the first value is calculated based on the difference between reception time instances of the DL RSs of the DL RS subset.

[0134] In some embodiments of method 800, the DL RS subset may be configured (eg, by a BS).

[0135] In some embodiments of method 800, the DL RS subset may be based on the reception time of multiple DL RSs.

[0136] In some embodiments, the method 800 further includes dividing the first group of DL RSs into a plurality of sub-groups based on transmission time instances of the plurality of DL RSs.

[0137] In some embodiments, the method 800 further includes: assigning a first DL RS of one of the subsets as a reference DL RS of the DL RS subset.

[0138] In some embodiments, the method 800 further comprises determining a last DL RS of the DL RS subset based on a reporting time instance of the first value and a first predetermined or configured threshold.

[0139] In some embodiments, the method 800 further comprises: reporting an index of at least one DL RS of the DL RS subset.

[0140] In some embodiments of the method 800, the first value may be calculated based on a UTC time instance of the first set of DL RSs or based on a slot / symbol index of the first set of DL RSs.

[0141] In some embodiments of the method 800, the first value may be calculated by excluding a preconfigured transmission time difference of the DL RSs in the DL RS subset.

[0142] In some embodiments, the method 800 further comprises: determining a UL RS subset based on the first signal; and calculating a second value based on the UL RS subset. The UL RS subset is selected from a second set of UL RSs, and the second value is calculated based on the difference between transmission time instances of the UL RSs of the UL RS subset.

[0143] In some embodiments of the method 800, the second value may be calculated based on a UTC transmission time instance of the UL RS of the UL RS subset or based on a slot / symbol index of the UL RS of the UL RS subset.

[0144] In some embodiments of the method 800, the second value is determined by excluding a preconfigured transmission time difference of the UL RSs in the UL RS subset.

[0145] In some embodiments of the method 800 , each UL RS of the UL RS subset may be configured or determined based on a reporting time instance of the second value.

[0146] In some embodiments, the method 800 further comprises dividing the second set of UL RSs into a plurality of sub-groups based on transmission time instances of the second set of UL RSs.

[0147] In some embodiments, the method 800 further includes determining a first UL RS of one of the subsets as a reference UL RS of the UL RS subset.

[0148] In some embodiments, the method 800 further comprises determining a third value based on at least one timing advance (TA) of the third group of UL transmissions.

[0149] In some embodiments of the method 800, the at least one TA is based on a predetermined time domain offset between reception of the fourth set of DL transmissions and transmission of the third set of UL transmissions.

[0150] In some embodiments of method 800 , at least one TA may be zero.

[0151] In some embodiments, method 800 further comprises: reporting a TA for each of a third set of UL transmissions.

[0152] In some embodiments of method 800 , at least one TA may be a differential TA value or an absolute value relative to a reference TA.

[0153] In some embodiments of method 800, one TA may be reported in a corresponding one UL transmission.

[0154] In some embodiments of the method 800, at least one TA may be reported after a last UL transmission in the third set of UL transmissions.

[0155] In some embodiments of method 800 , at least one TA may be reported based on a third indication from another device.

[0156] In some embodiments of the method 800, at least one TA for pairs of DL transmissions and UL transmissions is reported, and the time instances of the DL transmissions and the UL transmissions are the latest time instances prior to receipt of the third indication.

[0157] Fig. 9 900 is a flowchart of a method 900 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The method 900 may be performed by a base station (BS). In some embodiments, the BS performing the method 900 may be BS10.

[0158] exist Fig. 9 In operation 901 of the exemplary method 900 shown in , a BS may transmit a first signal. The first signal may indicate at least one of: a first set of downlink (DL) reference signals (RS) at multiple time instances, a second set of uplink (UL) RS at multiple time instances, or a third set of UL transmissions at multiple time instances when a fourth set of DL transmissions are received at multiple time instances.

[0159] In operation 903, the BS may transmit a second signal. The second signal may indicate reporting at least one of: a first value associated with a reception time instance of a first set of DL RSs, a second value associated with a transmission time instance of a second set of UL RSs, or a third value associated with a transmission time instance of a third set of UL transmissions.

[0160] In operation 905, the BS may receive at least one of the first value, the second value, or the third value from the device. In some embodiments of operation 905, the BS may determine an uplink reception time instance for the second set of UL RSs or for the third set of UL transmissions.

[0161] In some embodiments, method 900 may further include transmitting a first set of DL RSs, and wherein the first value is calculated based on a subset of DL RSs within the first set of DL RSs.

[0162] In some embodiments of method 900, the DL RS subset is configured (eg, by a BS).

[0163] In some embodiments, method 900 may further include receiving an index of at least one DL RS of the DL RS subset.

[0164] In some embodiments of the method 900, the first value may be based on a UTC reception time instance of the first set of DL RSs or based on a slot / symbol index of the first set of DL RSs.

[0165] In some embodiments of the method 900, the first value is calculated by excluding a preconfigured transmission time difference of the DL RSs in the DL RS subset.

[0166] In some embodiments, the method 900 may further include receiving a UL RS subset, wherein the second value is calculated based on a difference between transmission time instances of the UL RSs of the UL RS subset, and wherein the UL RS subset is within a second set of UL RSs.

[0167] In some embodiments of the method 900, the second value may be based on a UTC transmission time instance of the UL RS of the UL RS subset or based on a slot / symbol index of the UL RS of the UL RS subset.

[0168] In some embodiments of the method 900, the second value is determined by excluding a preconfigured transmission time difference of the UL RSs in the UL RS subset.

[0169] In some embodiments of the method 900, the third value may be configured or determined based on at least one timing advance (TA) of the third set of UL transmissions.

[0170] In some embodiments of the method 900, the at least one TA may be based on a predetermined time domain offset between reception of the fourth set of DL transmissions and transmission of the third set of UL transmissions.

[0171] In some embodiments of method 900 , at least one TA may be zero.

[0172] In some embodiments, method 900 may further include receiving a TA for each UL transmission in a third set of UL transmissions.

[0173] In some embodiments of method 900 , at least one TA may be a differential TA value or an absolute value relative to a reference TA.

[0174] In some embodiments of method 900, one TA may be received in a corresponding one UL transmission.

[0175] In some embodiments of the method 900, at least one TA may be received after receiving the last UL transmission of the third set of UL transmissions.

[0176] In some embodiments, method 900 may further include transmitting a third indication indicating a report of at least one TA.

[0177] In some embodiments of method 900, at least one TA for pairs of DL transmissions and UL transmissions is received, and the time instances of the DL transmissions and the UL transmissions are the most recent time instances before the third indicated transmission.

[0178] Fig.10 1 is a simplified block diagram of a device 1000 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The device 1000 may be a UE 30.

[0179] refer to Fig.10 , the device 1000 may include at least one processor 1002 and at least one transceiver 1004. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the at least one transceiver 1004 may be implemented as at least one receiver and at least one transmitter. At least one processor 1002 may be coupled to the transceiver 1004. At least one processor 1002 may be configured to implement a method with at least one transceiver 1004. The method implemented by the device 1000 may include: receiving a first signal; receiving a second signal indicating reporting at least one of the following: a first value associated with a reception time instance of a first group of DL RSs, a second value associated with a transmission time instance of a second group of UL RSs, or a third value associated with a transmission time instance of a third group of UL transmissions; and reporting at least one of the first value, the second value, or the third value, or determining a UL transmission time instance for the second group of UL RSs or for the third group of UL transmissions. The method implemented by the device 1000 may be a method according to any embodiment of the present disclosure, for example, Figures 2 to 9 One of the methods shown in .

[0180] Reference again Fig.10 , the device 1000 may be a BS10. The at least one processor 1002 may be configured to implement a method with at least one transceiver 1004. The method implemented by the device 1000 may include: transmitting a first signal; transmitting a second signal indicating reporting at least one of the following: a first value associated with a reception time instance of a first set of DL RSs, a second value associated with a transmission time instance of a second set of UL RSs, or a third value associated with a transmission time instance of a third set of UL transmissions; and receiving at least one of the first value, the second value, or the third value, or determining an uplink transmission time instance for the second set of UL RSs or for the third set of UL transmissions. The method implemented by the device 1000 may be a method according to any embodiment of the present disclosure, for example, Figures 2 to 9 One of the methods shown in .

[0181] Some embodiments of the present disclosure may be disclosed below:

[0182] Embodiment 1: A device comprising:

[0183] Wireless transceivers; and

[0184] a processor coupled to the wireless transceiver and configured to:

[0185] receiving a first signal indicating at least one of: a first set of downlink (DL) reference signals (RS) at a plurality of time instances, a second set of uplink (UL) RS at a plurality of time instances, or a third set of UL transmissions at a plurality of time instances when a fourth set of DL transmissions are received at a plurality of time instances;

[0186] receiving a second signal indicating reporting of at least one of: a first value associated with a reception time instance of the first set of DL RSs, a second value associated with a transmission time instance of the second set of UL RSs, or a third value associated with a transmission time instance of the third set of UL transmissions; and

[0187] At least one of the first value, the second value, or the third value is reported, or the UL transmission time instance for the second set of UL RSs or for the third set of UL transmissions is determined.

[0188] Embodiment 2: The apparatus of embodiment 1, wherein the processor is further configured to:

[0189] determining a DL RS subset based on the first signal; and

[0190] calculating the first value based on the DL RS subset,

[0191] The DL RS subset is selected from the first set of DL RSs, and the first value is calculated based on the difference between reception time instances of the DL RSs of the DL RS subset.

[0192] Embodiment 3: The apparatus according to embodiment 2, wherein the DL RS subset is configured.

[0193] Embodiment 4: The apparatus according to embodiment 2, wherein the DL RS subset is based on a reception time of the first set of DL RSs.

[0194] Embodiment 5: The apparatus of Embodiment 4, wherein the processor is further configured to divide the first set of DL RSs into a plurality of sub-groups based on transmission time instances of the first set of DL RSs.

[0195] Embodiment 6: The apparatus of Embodiment 5, wherein the processor is further configured to assign a first DL RS of one of the subsets as a reference DL RS for the DL RS subset.

[0196] Embodiment 7: The apparatus of Embodiment 4, wherein the processor is further configured to determine a last DL RS of the DL RS subset based on a reporting time instance of the first value and a first predetermined or configured threshold.

[0197] Embodiment 8: The apparatus of Embodiment 4, wherein the processor is further configured to report an index of at least one DL RS in the DL RS subset.

[0198] Embodiment 9: The apparatus according to embodiment 1, wherein the first value is calculated based on a UTC reception time instance of the first set of DL RSs or based on a slot / symbol index of the first set of DL RSs.

[0199] Embodiment 10: The apparatus according to embodiment 2, wherein the first value is calculated by excluding a preconfigured transmission time difference of the DL RSs in the DL RS subset.

[0200] Embodiment 11: The apparatus of Embodiment 1, wherein the processor is further configured to:

[0201] determining a UL RS subset based on the first signal; and

[0202] calculating the second value based on the UL RS subset,

[0203] The UL RS subset is selected from the second set of UL RSs, and the second value is calculated based on the difference between transmission time instances of the UL RSs of the UL RS subset.

[0204] Embodiment 12: The apparatus of embodiment 11, wherein the second value is calculated based on a UTC transmission time instance of a UL RS of the UL RS subset or based on a slot / symbol index of the UL RS of the UL RS subset.

[0205] Embodiment 13: The apparatus of embodiment 11, wherein the second value is determined by excluding a preconfigured transmission time difference of the UL RS in the UL RS subset.

[0206] Embodiment 14: The apparatus of embodiment 11, wherein each UL RS in the UL RS subset is configured or determined based on a reporting time instance of the second value.

[0207] Embodiment 15: The apparatus of Embodiment 11, wherein the processor is further configured to divide the second set of UL RSs into a plurality of sub-groups based on transmission time instances of the second set of UL RSs.

[0208] Embodiment 16: The apparatus of Embodiment 15, wherein the processor is further configured to determine a first UL RS of one of the subsets as a reference UL RS for the UL RS subset.

[0209] Embodiment 17: The apparatus of Embodiment 1, wherein the processor is further configured to determine the third value based on at least one timing advance (TA) of the third set of UL transmissions.

[0210] Embodiment 18: The apparatus of Embodiment 17, wherein the at least one TA is a predetermined time domain offset between reception of the fourth set of DL transmissions based on the third set of UL transmissions.

[0211] Embodiment 19: The apparatus of Embodiment 17, wherein the at least one TA is 0.

[0212] Embodiment 20: The apparatus of Embodiment 17, wherein the processor is further configured to report one TA for each of the third set of UL transmissions.

[0213] Embodiment 21: The apparatus according to Embodiment 20, wherein the at least one TA is a differential TA value or an absolute value relative to a reference TA.

[0214] Embodiment 22: The apparatus of embodiment 17, wherein one TA is reported in a corresponding one UL transmission.

[0215] Embodiment 23: The apparatus of Embodiment 17, wherein the at least one TA is reported after a last UL transmission in the third set of UL transmissions.

[0216] Embodiment 24: The apparatus of Embodiment 17, wherein the at least one TA is reported based on a third indication from another apparatus.

[0217] Embodiment 25: The apparatus of Embodiment 24, wherein the at least one TA is reported for pairs of DL transmissions and UL transmissions, and the time instances of the DL transmissions and the UL transmissions are the latest time instances prior to receipt of the third indication.

[0218] Embodiment 26: A device comprising:

[0219] Wireless transceivers; and

[0220] a processor coupled to the wireless transceiver and configured to:

[0221] transmitting a first signal indicating at least one of: a first set of downlink (DL) reference signals (RS) at a plurality of time instances, a second set of uplink (UL) RS at a plurality of time instances, or a third set of UL transmissions at a plurality of time instances when a fourth set of DL transmissions is received at a plurality of time instances;

[0222] transmitting a second signal indicating reporting of at least one of: a first value associated with a reception time instance of the first set of DL RSs, a second value associated with a transmission time instance of the second set of UL RSs, or a third value associated with a transmission time instance of the third set of UL transmissions; and

[0223] At least one of the first value, the second value, or the third value is received from another apparatus, or the uplink reception time instance for the second set of UL RSs or for the third set of UL transmissions is determined.

[0224] Embodiment 27: The apparatus of Embodiment 26, wherein the processor is further configured to transmit the first set of DL RSs, and wherein the first value is calculated based on a subset of DL RSs within the first set of DL RSs.

[0225] Embodiment 28: The apparatus according to embodiment 27, wherein the DL RS subset is configured.

[0226] Embodiment 29: The apparatus of Embodiment 27, wherein the processor is further configured to receive an index of at least one DL RS in the DL RS subset.

[0227] Embodiment 30: The apparatus of Embodiment 26, wherein the first value is based on a UTC reception time instance of the first set of DL RSs or based on a slot / symbol index of the first set of DL RSs.

[0228] Embodiment 31: The apparatus of Embodiment 27, wherein the first value is calculated by excluding a preconfigured transmission time difference of the DL RSs in the DL RS subset.

[0229] Embodiment 32: The apparatus of embodiment 26, wherein the processor is further configured to receive a UL RS subset, and wherein the second value is calculated based on a difference between transmission time instances of UL RSs of the UL RS subset, and wherein the UL RS subset is within the second set of UL RSs.

[0230] Embodiment 33: The apparatus of Embodiment 32, wherein the second value is based on a UTC transmission time instance of the UL RS of the UL RS subset or based on a slot / symbol index of the UL RS of the UL RS subset.

[0231] Embodiment 34: The apparatus of Embodiment 32, wherein the second value is determined by excluding a preconfigured transmission time difference of the UL RS in the UL RS subset.

[0232] Embodiment 35: The apparatus of Embodiment 26, wherein the third value is configured or determined based on at least one timing advance (TA) of the third set of UL transmissions.

[0233] Embodiment 36: The apparatus of Embodiment 35, wherein the at least one TA is based on a predetermined time domain offset between reception of the fourth set of DL transmissions and transmission of the third set of UL transmissions.

[0234] Embodiment 37: The apparatus of Embodiment 35, wherein the at least one TA is 0.

[0235] Embodiment 38: The apparatus of Embodiment 35, wherein the processor is further configured to receive one TA for each of the third set of UL transmissions.

[0236] Embodiment 39: The apparatus of Embodiment 38, wherein the at least one TA is a differential TA value or an absolute value relative to a reference TA.

[0237] Embodiment 40: The apparatus of embodiment 35, wherein a TA is received in a corresponding UL transmission.

[0238] Embodiment 41: The apparatus of Embodiment 35, wherein the at least one TA is received after receiving the last UL transmission of the third group of UL transmissions.

[0239] Embodiment 42: The apparatus of Embodiment 35, wherein the processor is further configured to transmit a third indication indicating a report of the at least one TA.

[0240] Embodiment 43: The apparatus of Embodiment 42, wherein the at least one TA is received for pairs of DL transmissions and UL transmissions, and the time instances of the DL transmissions and the UL transmissions are the latest time instances before the third indicated transmission.

[0241] Embodiment 44: A method performed by a device, comprising:

[0242] receiving a first signal indicating at least one of: a first set of downlink (DL) reference signals (RS) at a plurality of time instances, a second set of uplink (UL) RS at a plurality of time instances, or a third set of UL transmissions at a plurality of time instances when a fourth set of DL transmissions are received at a plurality of time instances;

[0243] receiving a second signal indicating reporting of at least one of: a first value associated with a reception time instance of the first set of DL RSs, a second value associated with a transmission time instance of the second set of UL RSs, or a third value associated with a transmission time instance of the third set of UL transmissions; and

[0244] At least one of the first value, the second value, or the third value is reported, or the uplink transmission time instance for the second set of UL RS or for the third set of UL transmissions is determined.

[0245] Embodiment 45: The method according to embodiment 44, further comprising:

[0246] determining a DL RS subset based on the first signal; and

[0247] calculating the first value based on the DL RS subset,

[0248] The DL RS subset is selected from the first set of DL RSs, and the first value is calculated based on the difference between reception time instances of the DL RSs of the DL RS subset.

[0249] Embodiment 46: The method according to embodiment 45, wherein the DL RS subset is configured.

[0250] Embodiment 47: The method according to Embodiment 45, wherein the DL RS subset is based on the reception time of the first group of DL RS.

[0251] Embodiment 48: The method of Embodiment 47, further comprising dividing the first set of DL RSs into a plurality of sub-groups based on transmission time instances of the first set of DL RSs.

[0252] Embodiment 49: The method of Embodiment 48, further comprising assigning a first DL RS of one of the subsets as a reference DL RS for the DL RS subset.

[0253] Embodiment 50: The method of Embodiment 47, further comprising determining a last DL RS of the DL RS subset based on a reporting time instance of the first value and a first predetermined or configured threshold.

[0254] Embodiment 51: The method according to Embodiment 47 further comprises reporting an index of at least one DL RS in the DL RS subset.

[0255] Embodiment 52: The method according to Embodiment 44, wherein the first value is calculated based on a UTC reception time instance of the first set of DL RSs or based on a slot / symbol index of the first set of DL RSs.

[0256] Embodiment 53: The method according to Embodiment 45, wherein the first value is calculated by excluding a preconfigured transmission time difference of the DL RSs in the DL RS subset.

[0257] Embodiment 54: The method according to embodiment 44, further comprising:

[0258] determining a UL RS subset based on the first signal; and

[0259] calculating the second value based on the UL RS subset,

[0260] The UL RS subset is selected from the second set of UL RSs, and the second value is calculated based on the difference between transmission time instances of the UL RSs of the UL RS subset.

[0261] Embodiment 55: The method according to embodiment 54, wherein the second value is calculated based on a UTC transmission time instance of a UL RS of the UL RS subset or based on a slot / symbol index of the UL RS of the UL RS subset.

[0262] Embodiment 56: The method according to Embodiment 54, wherein the second value is determined by excluding a preconfigured transmission time difference of the UL RS in the UL RS subset.

[0263] Embodiment 57: The method according to Embodiment 54, wherein each UL RS in the UL RS subset is configured or determined based on a reporting time instance of the second value.

[0264] Embodiment 58: The method of Embodiment 54, further comprising dividing the second set of UL RS into a plurality of sub-groups based on transmission time instances of the second set of UL RS.

[0265] Embodiment 59: The method of Embodiment 58, further comprising determining a first UL RS of one of the subsets as a reference UL RS for the UL RS subset.

[0266] Embodiment 60: The method of Embodiment 44, further comprising determining the third value based on at least one timing advance (TA) of the third set of UL transmissions.

[0267] Embodiment 61: The method of Embodiment 60, wherein the at least one TA is based on a predetermined time domain offset between reception of the fourth set of DL transmissions and transmission in the third set of UL transmissions.

[0268] Embodiment 62: A method according to Embodiment 60, wherein at least one of the TAs is 0.

[0269] Embodiment 63: The method of Embodiment 60, further comprising reporting a TA for each of the third set of UL transmissions.

[0270] Embodiment 64: A method according to Embodiment 63, wherein the at least one TA is a differential TA value or an absolute value relative to a reference TA.

[0271] Embodiment 65: A method according to embodiment 60, wherein one TA is reported in a corresponding one UL transmission.

[0272] Embodiment 66: The method of embodiment 60, wherein the at least one TA is reported after a last UL transmission in the third group of UL transmissions.

[0273] Embodiment 67: The method according to Embodiment 60, wherein the at least one TA is reported based on a third indication from another device.

[0274] Embodiment 68: The method of Embodiment 67, wherein the at least one TA is reported for pairs of DL transmissions and UL transmissions, and the time instances of the DL transmissions and the UL transmissions are the latest time instances prior to receipt of the third indication.

[0275] Embodiment 69: A method performed by a device, comprising:

[0276] transmitting a first signal indicating at least one of: a first set of downlink (DL) reference signals (RS) at a plurality of time instances, a second set of uplink (UL) RS at a plurality of time instances, or a third set of UL transmissions at a plurality of time instances when a fourth set of DL transmissions is received at a plurality of time instances;

[0277] transmitting a second signal indicating reporting of at least one of: a first value associated with a reception time instance of the first set of DL RSs, a second value associated with a transmission time instance of the second set of UL RSs, or a third value associated with a transmission time instance of the third set of UL transmissions; and

[0278] At least one of the first value, the second value, or the third value is received from another apparatus, or the uplink reception time instance for the second set of UL RSs or for the third set of UL transmissions is determined.

[0279] Embodiment 70: The method of Embodiment 69, further comprising transmitting the first set of DL RSs, and wherein the first value is calculated based on a subset of DL RSs within the first set of DL RSs.

[0280] Embodiment 71: The method according to embodiment 70, wherein the DL RS subset is configured.

[0281] Embodiment 72: The method according to embodiment 70 further comprises receiving an index of at least one DL RS in the DL RS subset.

[0282] Embodiment 73: The method of Embodiment 69, wherein the first value is based on a UTC reception time instance of the first set of DL RSs or based on a slot / symbol index of the first set of DL RSs.

[0283] Embodiment 74: The method according to Embodiment 70, wherein the first value is calculated by excluding a preconfigured transmission time difference of the DL RSs in the DL RS subset.

[0284] Embodiment 75: The method according to Embodiment 69 further comprises receiving a UL RS subset, wherein the second value is calculated based on a difference between transmission time instances of the UL RSs of the UL RS subset, and wherein the UL RS subset is within the second group of UL RSs.

[0285] Embodiment 76: The method according to Embodiment 75, wherein the second value is based on a UTC transmission time instance of the UL RS of the UL RS subset or based on a slot / symbol index of the UL RS of the UL RS subset.

[0286] Embodiment 77: The method according to Embodiment 74, wherein the second value is determined by excluding a preconfigured transmission time difference of the UL RS in the UL RS subset.

[0287] Embodiment 78: A method according to Embodiment 69, wherein the third value is configured or determined based on at least one timing advance (TA) of the third group of UL transmissions.

[0288] Embodiment 79: The method of Embodiment 78, wherein the at least one TA is based on a predetermined time domain offset between reception of the fourth set of DL transmissions and transmission in the third set of UL transmissions.

[0289] Embodiment 80: A method according to Embodiment 78, wherein at least one of the TAs is 0.

[0290] Embodiment 81: The method of Embodiment 78, further comprising receiving a TA for each UL transmission in the third set of UL transmissions.

[0291] Embodiment 82: A method according to Embodiment 81, wherein the at least one TA is a differential TA value or an absolute value relative to a reference TA.

[0292] Embodiment 83: The method according to embodiment 78, wherein a TA is received in a corresponding UL transmission.

[0293] Embodiment 84: The method of Embodiment 78, wherein the at least one TA is received after the last UL transmission of the third group of UL transmissions is received.

[0294] Embodiment 85: The method according to Embodiment 78 further comprises transmitting a third indication indicating a report of the at least one TA.

[0295] Embodiment 86: The method of Embodiment 85, wherein the at least one TA is received for pairs of DL transmissions and UL transmissions, and the time instances of the DL transmissions and the UL transmissions are the latest time instances before the third indicated transmission.

[0296] The method according to the embodiments of the present disclosure may also be implemented on a programmed processor. However, the controller, flow chart and module may also be implemented on a general or special-purpose computer, a programmed microprocessor or microcontroller and peripheral integrated circuit elements, an integrated circuit, a hardware electronic or logic circuit (such as a discrete element circuit), a programmable logic device, etc. In general, any device on which a finite state machine capable of implementing the flow chart shown in the figure resides can be used to implement the processor functions of the present application. For example, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a device for connection recovery in a non-terrestrial network, which includes a processor and a memory. Computer programmable instructions for implementing the method for connection recovery in a non-terrestrial network are stored in a memory, and the processor is configured to execute the computer programmable instructions to implement a method for emotion recognition from speech. The method may be the method as stated above, or other methods according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0297] Alternative embodiments preferably implement methods according to embodiments of the present disclosure in a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing computer programmable instructions. The instructions are preferably executed by a computer executable component that is preferably integrated with a network security system. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may be stored on any suitable computer-readable medium (e.g., RAM, ROM, flash memory, EEPROM, optical storage device (CD or DVD), hard drive, floppy disk drive, or any suitable device). The computer executable component is preferably a processor, but the instructions may alternatively or additionally be executed by any suitable dedicated hardware device. For example, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having computer programmable instructions stored therein. The computer programmable instructions are configured to implement the method of emotion recognition from speech as stated above or other methods according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0298] Although the present application has been described with its specific embodiments, it is apparent that many alternatives, modifications and variations may be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, the various components of the embodiments may be interchanged, added or replaced in other embodiments. In addition, all elements of each figure are not necessarily required for the operation of the disclosed embodiments. For example, a person skilled in the art of the disclosed embodiments will be able to make and use the teachings of the present application by simply adopting the elements of the independent claims. Therefore, the embodiments of the present application as described herein are intended to be illustrative, not restrictive. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A device comprising: Wireless transceiver; and a processor coupled to the wireless transceiver and configured to: receiving a first signal indicating at least one of: a first set of downlink DL reference signals, RS, at a plurality of time instances, a second set of uplink UL RS, at a plurality of time instances, or a third set of UL transmissions at a plurality of time instances when a fourth set of DL transmissions are received at a plurality of time instances; receiving a second signal indicating reporting of at least one of: a first value associated with a reception time instance of the first set of DL RSs, a second value associated with a transmission time instance of the second set of UL RSs, or a third value associated with a transmission time instance of the third set of UL transmissions; and At least one of the first value, the second value, or the third value is reported, or the UL transmission time instance for the second set of UL RS or for the third set of UL transmissions is determined.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to: determining a DL RS subset based on the first signal; and calculating the first value based on the DL RS subset, The DL RS subset is selected from the first set of DL RSs, and the first value is calculated based on the difference between reception time instances of the DL RSs of the DL RS subset. The apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the DL RS subset is configured. 4 . The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the processor is further configured to divide the first set of DL RSs into a plurality of sub-groups based on transmission time instances of the first set of DL RSs. 5 . The apparatus of claim 4 , wherein the processor is further configured to assign a first DL RS of one of the subsets as a reference DL RS for the DL RS subset.

6. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the processor is further configured to determine a last DL RS of the DL RS subset based on a reporting time instance of the first value and a first predetermined or configured threshold. 7 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first value is calculated based on a UTC reception time instance of the first set of DL RSs or based on a slot / symbol index of the first set of DL RSs.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to: determining a UL RS subset based on the first signal; and calculating the second value based on the UL RS subset, The UL RS subset is selected from the second set of UL RSs, and the second value is calculated based on the difference between transmission time instances of the UL RSs of the UL RS subset.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to determine the third value based on at least one timing advance (TA) of the third set of UL transmissions.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the at least one TA is based on a predetermined time domain offset between reception of the fourth set of DL and transmission in the third set of UL transmissions.

11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the at least one TA is a differential TA value relative to a reference TA, or an absolute value.

12. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein one TA is reported in a corresponding one UL transmission.

13. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein at least one TA for pairs of DL transmissions and UL transmissions is reported, and the time instances of the DL transmissions and the UL transmissions are the latest time instances before a third indication is received from another apparatus.

14. An apparatus comprising: Wireless transceiver; and a processor coupled to the wireless transceiver and configured to: transmitting a first signal indicating at least one of: a first set of downlink DL reference signals, RS, at a plurality of time instances, a second set of uplink UL RS, at a plurality of time instances, or a third set of UL transmissions at a plurality of time instances when a fourth set of DL transmissions are received at a plurality of time instances; transmitting a second signal indicating reporting of at least one of: a first value associated with a reception time instance of the first set of DL RSs, a second value associated with a transmission time instance of the second set of UL RSs, or a third value associated with a transmission time instance of the third set of UL transmissions; and At least one of the first value, the second value, or the third value is received from another apparatus, or the uplink reception time instance for the second set of UL RSs or for the third set of UL transmissions is determined.

15. A method performed by a device, comprising: receiving a first signal indicating at least one of: a first set of downlink DL reference signals, RS, at a plurality of time instances, a second set of uplink UL RS, at a plurality of time instances, or a third set of UL transmissions at a plurality of time instances when a fourth set of DL transmissions are received at a plurality of time instances; receiving a second signal indicating reporting of at least one of: a first value associated with a reception time instance of the first set of DL RSs, a second value associated with a transmission time instance of the second set of UL RSs, or a third value associated with a transmission time instance of the third set of UL transmissions; and At least one of the first value, the second value, or the third value is reported, or the uplink transmission time instance for the second set of ULRS or for the third set of UL transmissions is determined.

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