Multiple nodes for user equipment positioning

Abstract

Various aspects of the present disclosure relate to methods, devices, and systems for supporting multiple nodes for user equipment positioning. For example, anchor nodes are configured to cooperate (e.g., via backhaul and / or OTA transmissions) to exchange location-related parameters and confidence information related to the location-related parameters. In addition, sub-band non-overlapping full duplex (SBFD) may be used for OTA transmissions to occur in the DL sub-band configured to overlap with the UL sub-band.

Description

[0001] Related Applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 385,584, filed on November 30, 2022, entitled “Multiple Nodes for User Equipment Positioning,” the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to wireless communications and, more particularly, to position determination in wireless communications. Background Art

[0004] A wireless communication system may include one or more network communication devices, such as a base station, which may be further referred to as an eNodeB (eNB), a next generation NodeB (gNB), or other suitable terms. Each network communication device, such as a base station, may support wireless communication for one or more user communication devices, which may be further referred to as a user equipment (UE) or other suitable terms. A wireless communication system may support wireless communication with one or more user communication devices by utilizing resources of the wireless communication system, such as time resources (e.g., symbols, time slots, subframes, frames, or the like) or frequency resources (e.g., subcarriers, carriers). In addition, a wireless communication system may support wireless communication across various radio access technologies, including third generation (3G) radio access technologies, fourth generation (4G) radio access technologies, fifth generation (5G) radio access technologies, and other suitable radio access technologies beyond 5G (e.g., sixth generation (6G)).

[0005] Some wireless communication systems provide means for attempting to determine the location of a UE. However, such communication systems are currently limited in their ability to exploit data that can be shared across the system. Summary of the invention

[0006] The present disclosure relates to methods, devices, and systems that support multiple nodes for user equipment positioning. For example, anchor nodes are configured to cooperate (e.g., via backhaul and / or over-the-air (OTA) transmissions) to exchange location-related parameters and confidence information related to the location-related parameters. In addition, sub-band non-overlapping full-duplex (SBFD) can be used for OTA transmissions that are to occur in downlink (DL) subbands that are configured to overlap with uplink (UL) subbands.

[0007] By utilizing the described techniques, the accuracy of position determination in a wireless communication system may be increased while reducing signaling and processing overhead.

[0008] Some implementations of the methods and apparatus described herein may further include: receiving a reference signal from a target UE at a first anchor node; processing the reference signal to generate a first estimated location-related parameter between the first anchor node and the target UE and a first confidence value for the first estimated location-related parameter; and transmitting a first notification of the first estimated location-related parameter and the first confidence value to a second anchor node.

[0009] Some implementations of the methods and apparatus described herein may further include: receiving one or more reference signal time-frequency configurations; and receiving the reference signal from the target UE based at least in part on the one or more reference signal time-frequency configurations; further including: generating the first estimated location-related parameter based at least in part on one or more of an estimated arrival time of a first path between the first anchor node and the target UE, an estimated arrival azimuth of the reference signal of the first path, or an estimated arrival zenith angle of the reference signal of the first path; receiving a second estimated location-related parameter between the second anchor node and the target UE and a second confidence value for the second estimated location-related parameter from the second anchor node; modifying the first estimated location-related parameter to generate a third estimated location-related parameter between the first anchor node and the target UE based at least in part on the second estimated location-related parameter and the second confidence value; and transmitting the third estimated location-related parameter and a third confidence value for the third estimated location-related parameter to a network entity.

[0010] Some implementations of the methods and apparatus described herein may further include: determining at least one of the first confidence value, the second confidence value, or the third confidence value based on whether a link quality or a line-of-sight path with the target UE is available for at least one of the target UEs; comparing the first confidence value to a threshold confidence value; and transmitting the first notification to the second anchor node based at least in part on the first confidence value satisfying the threshold confidence value; receiving a request for location-related parameter information of the target UE from the second anchor node; and transmitting the first notification to the second anchor node based at least in part on the request. a notification; selecting the first confidence value from a set of predetermined different confidence values; selecting the first estimated location-related parameter from a set of predetermined location-related parameter values ​​representing different location-related parameter ranges; determining one or more of the estimated arrival azimuth or estimated arrival zenith angles of the reference signal on a first path between the first anchor node and the target UE based at least in part on one or more of a set of predetermined arrival azimuth values ​​or a set of predetermined arrival zenith angle values ​​representing different slices of an angular domain; and transmitting the one or more of the estimated arrival azimuth or the estimated arrival zenith angles to the second anchor node in combination with the first notification.

[0011] Some implementations of the methods and apparatus described herein may further include: transmitting one or more of the first estimated position-related parameter, the first confidence value, or the estimated arrival azimuth or the estimated arrival zenith angle via a backhaul connection; transmitting one or more of the first position-related parameter, the first confidence value, or the estimated arrival azimuth or the estimated arrival zenith angle via air transmission; receiving time and frequency resources for the air transmission, and wherein the time and frequency resources are configured in a downlink subband overlapping with an uplink subband for the reference signal; configuring the time domain resources for the air transmission within an offset relative to a first time domain symbol configured for the uplink for the reference signal; the first anchor node includes a first UE, the second anchor node includes a second UE, and the target UE includes a UE for which an estimated position is to be determined; the first anchor node includes a first network device, the second anchor node includes a second network device, and the target UE includes a UE for which an estimated position is to be determined; one or more of the first network device or the second network device includes at least one of a base station, a gNB, or a roadside unit.

[0012] Some implementations of the methods and apparatus described herein may further include: generating a notification including one or more time-frequency configurations and confidence configurations related to distance determination; transmitting the notification to a first anchor node; and receiving from the first anchor node an estimated position-related parameter between the first anchor node and a target UE and a first confidence value for the first estimated position-related parameter.

[0013] Some implementations of the methods and apparatus described herein may further include: wherein the one or more time-frequency configurations are configured for one or more of a positioning reference signal or a sounding reference signal; the confidence configuration includes a set of predetermined different confidence values; the notification further includes a set of predetermined location-related parameter values ​​representing different location-related parameter ranges; the notification includes a set of predetermined arrival angle values ​​representing different slices of an angle domain used for location-related parameter determination; the one or more time-frequency configurations identify time and frequency resources within a downlink subband overlapping an uplink subband used for a reference signal; the first anchor node includes a first UE, and the target UE includes a UE for which an estimated position is to be determined; the first anchor node includes a first network device, and the target UE includes a UE for which an estimated position is to be determined; the first network device includes at least one of a base station, a gNB, or a roadside unit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 An example of a wireless communication system supporting multiple nodes for UE positioning according to aspects of the present disclosure is described.

[0015] Figure 2 The description includes a process for message transmission for performing an uplink time difference of arrival (UL-TDOA) procedure.

[0016] Figure 3 The description includes a process for transmitting messages for performing an uplink angle of arrival (UL-AoA) procedure.

[0017] Figure 4 The time / frequency domain pattern of the carrier used for SBFD operation is described from a system perspective.

[0018] Figure 5 The time / frequency domain pattern within the 'D' slot is illustrated from the UE's perspective.

[0019] Figure 6 AoA and range quantization of multiple nodes in support of UE positioning according to aspects of the present disclosure are described.

[0020] Figure 7 A UL / SL communication system supporting multiple nodes for UE positioning according to aspects of the present disclosure is described.

[0021] Figure 8 An example of a received CIR at an anchor node is illustrated.

[0022] Fig. 9 A scenario of supporting multiple nodes for UE positioning according to aspects of the present disclosure is described.

[0023] Fig.10 An example of supporting multiple nodes for UE positioning according to aspects of the present disclosure is described.

[0024] Fig.11 A process involving signaling flows for multiple nodes supporting UE positioning according to aspects of the present disclosure is described.

[0025] Fig.12 OTA communication between anchor nodes of multiple nodes supporting UE positioning according to aspects of the present disclosure is described.

[0026] Fig.13 It illustrates where OTA transmissions may be configured to occur in a DL subband that is configured to overlap with a UL subband.

[0027] Fig.14 An example of a block diagram illustrating an apparatus (eg, device) supporting multiple nodes for UE positioning according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0028] Fig.15 A flow chart illustrating a method of supporting multiple nodes for UE positioning according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0029] Fig.16 A flow chart illustrating a method of supporting multiple nodes for UE positioning according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0030] Fig.17 A flow chart illustrating a method of supporting multiple nodes for UE positioning according to aspects of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] In some wireless communication systems, a method for estimating the location of a device, such as a UE, is provided. For example, in UL and / or sidelink (SL) based wireless positioning techniques, a target UE may transmit reference signals to multiple anchor nodes (e.g., serving and / or neighboring anchor nodes). The anchor nodes may estimate location-related parameters (e.g., relative time of arrival (RTOA), UL-AoA, etc.) from received channel impulse response (CIR) measurements. The location-related parameters may be used to determine (e.g., estimate) the target UE location.

[0032] In various scenarios, the target UE may have different link qualities with different anchor nodes. Therefore, the estimation accuracy of the location-related parameters related to the target UE may vary depending on the anchor. For example, an anchor node with a high link signal quality with the target UE may estimate the location-related parameters with higher accuracy compared to another anchor node with a lower link signal quality with the target UE. However, according to an embodiment, the anchor nodes may be configured to cooperate with each other by exchanging location-related parameters, thereby enabling improvement of the estimation accuracy of the location-related parameters, which may improve the target UE position estimation accuracy. This may be beneficial for SL positioning scenarios, such as where anchor nodes (e.g., UEs) may be distributed relative to the target UE.

[0033] Therefore, the present disclosure introduces a collaborative method to enable anchor nodes to collaborate to exchange location-related parameters and increase the location estimation accuracy of the target UE. For example, an anchor node with high link quality with the target UE can provide auxiliary information to other anchor nodes with lower link quality to improve the estimation accuracy of their location-related parameters.

[0034] Thus, by utilizing the described techniques, the accuracy of position determination in a wireless communication system may be increased while reducing signaling and processing overhead.

[0035] Aspects of the present disclosure are described in the context of a wireless communication system. Aspects of the present disclosure are further illustrated and described with reference to apparatus diagrams and flow charts.

[0036] Figure 1An example of a wireless communication system 100 supporting multiple nodes for UE positioning according to aspects of the present disclosure is described. The wireless communication system 100 may include one or more network entities 102, one or more UEs 104, a core network 106, and a packet data network 108. The wireless communication system 100 may support various radio access technologies. In some implementations, the wireless communication system 100 may be a 4G network, such as an LTE network or an LTE Advanced (LTE-A) network. In some other implementations, the wireless communication system 100 may be a 5G network, such as an NR network. In other implementations, the wireless communication system 100 may be a combination of a 4G network and a 5G network, or other suitable radio access technologies including Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802.20. The wireless communication system 100 may support radio access technologies beyond 5G. Additionally, the wireless communication system 100 may support technologies such as time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), or code division multiple access (CDMA).

[0037] One or more network entities 102 may be dispersed throughout a geographic area to form a wireless communication system 100. One or more of the network entities 102 described herein may be or include or may be referred to as a network node, a base station, a network element, a radio access network (RAN), a base transceiver station, an access point, a NodeB, an eNodeB (eNB), a next generation NodeB (gNB), or other suitable terms. The network entity 102 and the UE 104 may communicate via a communication link 110, which may be a wireless or wired connection. For example, the network entity 102 and the UE 104 may perform wireless communication (e.g., receive signaling, transmit signaling) over a Uu interface.

[0038] The network entity 102 may provide a geographic coverage area 112, and the network entity 102 may support services (e.g., voice, video, packet data, messaging, broadcast, etc.) for one or more UEs 104 within the geographic coverage area 112. For example, the network entity 102 and the UE 104 may support wireless communication of signals related to the services (e.g., voice, video, packet data, messaging, broadcast, etc.) according to one or more radio access technologies. In some embodiments, the network entity 102 may be mobile, for example, a satellite associated with a non-terrestrial network. In some embodiments, different geographic coverage areas 112 associated with the same or different radio access technologies may overlap, but different geographic coverage areas 112 may be associated with different network entities 102. The information and signals described herein may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be referenced throughout the description may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof.

[0039] One or more UEs 104 may be dispersed throughout a geographical area of ​​the wireless communication system 100. UE 104 may include or may be referred to as a mobile device, a wireless device, a remote device, a remote unit, a handheld device, or a subscriber device or some other suitable terminology. In some implementations, UE 104 may be referred to as a unit, a station, a terminal, or a client and other examples. Additionally or alternatively, UE 104 may be referred to as an Internet of Things (IoT) device, an Internet of Everything (IoE) device, or a Machine Type Communication (MTC) device and other examples. In some implementations, UE 104 may be stationary in the wireless communication system 100. In some other implementations, UE 104 may be mobile in the wireless communication system 100.

[0040] One or more UEs 104 may be devices of different forms or with different capabilities. Figure 1 1. Some examples of UE 104 are illustrated in FIG. UE 104 may be capable of communicating with various types of devices, such as network entity 102, other UE 104, or network equipment (e.g., core network 106, packet data network 108, relay device, integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node, or another network equipment), such as Figure 1 Additionally or alternatively, UE 104 can support communications with other network entities 102 or UE 104, which can act as relays in wireless communication system 100.

[0041] The UE 104 may also be capable of supporting wireless communications directly with other UEs 104 via a communication link 114. For example, the UE 104 may support wireless communications directly with another UE 104 via a device-to-device (D2D) communication link. In some embodiments, such as vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) deployments, V2X deployments, or cellular V2X deployments, the communication link 114 may be referred to as a side link. For example, the UE 104 may support wireless communications directly with another UE 104 via a PC5 interface.

[0042] The network entity 102 may support communication with the core network 106 or with another network entity 102 or both. For example, the network entity 102 may interface with the core network 106 via one or more backhaul links 116 (e.g., via S1, N2, N2 or another network interface). The network entities 102 may communicate with each other via the backhaul links 116 (e.g., via X2, Xn or another network interface). In some implementations, the network entities 102 may communicate directly with each other (e.g., between the network entities 102). In some other implementations, the network entities 102 may communicate with each other or indirectly (e.g., via the core network 106). In some implementations, one or more network entities 102 may include subcomponents, such as access network entities, which may be instances of access node controllers (ANCs). The ANC may communicate with one or more UEs 104 via one or more other access network transmission entities, which may be referred to as radio heads, smart radio heads, or transmit-receive points (TRPs).

[0043] In some implementations, the network entity 102 may be configured as a disaggregated architecture that may be configured to utilize a protocol stack that is physically or logically distributed across two or more network entities 102, such as an integrated access backhaul (IAB) network, an open RAN (O-RAN) (e.g., a network configuration sponsored by the O-RAN Alliance), or a virtualized RAN (vRAN) (e.g., a cloud RAN (C-RAN)). For example, the network entity 102 may include one or more of a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a radio unit (RU), a RAN intelligent controller (RIC) (e.g., a near real-time RIC (near RT RIC), a non-real-time RIC (non-RT RIC)), a service management and orchestration (SMO) system, or any combination thereof.

[0044] A RU may also be referred to as a radio head, a smart radio head, a remote radio head (RRH), a remote radio unit (RRU), or a transmit receive point (TRP). One or more components of the network entity 102 in the decomposed RAN architecture may be co-located, or one or more components of the network entity 102 may be located at distributed locations (e.g., separate physical locations). In some implementations, one or more network entities 102 of the decomposed RAN architecture may be implemented as virtual units (e.g., virtual CU (VCU), virtual DU (VDU), virtual RU (VRU)).

[0045] The functional division between CU, DU and RU can be flexible, and different functionalities can be supported depending on which functions (e.g., network layer functions, protocol layer functions, baseband functions, radio frequency functions, and any combination thereof) are performed at the CU, DU or RU. For example, a functional division of the protocol stack can be adopted between the CU and the DU, so that the CU can support one or more layers of the protocol stack, and the DU can support one or more different layers of the protocol stack. In some implementations, the CU can host the functionality and signaling of the upper protocol layers (e.g., layer 3 (L3), layer 2 (L2)) (e.g., radio resource control (RRC), service data adaptation protocol (SDAP), packet data convergence protocol (PDCP)). The CU can be connected to one or more DUs or RUs, and one or more DUs or RUs can host lower protocol layers, such as layer 1 (L1) (e.g., PHY layer) or L2 (e.g., radio link control (RLC) layer, MAC layer) functionality and signaling, and each can be at least partially controlled by the CU.

[0046] Additionally or alternatively, a functional division of the protocol stack may be employed between the DU and the RU, such that the DU may support one or more layers of the protocol stack and the RU may support one or more different layers of the protocol stack. The DU may support one or more different cells (e.g., via one or more RUs). In some embodiments, the functional division between the CU and the DU or between the DU and the RU may be within the protocol layer (e.g., some functions of the protocol layer may be performed by one of the CU, DU, or RU, while other functions of the protocol layer are performed by a different one of the CU, DU, or RU).

[0047] The CU may be further functionally divided into CU control plane (CU-CP) and CU user plane (CU-UP) functions. The CU may be connected to one or more DUs via midhaul communication links (e.g., F1, F1-c, F1-u), and the DU may be connected to one or more RUs via fronthaul communication links (e.g., open fronthaul (FH) interfaces). In some implementations, the midhaul communication links or fronthaul communication links may be implemented according to interfaces (e.g., channels) between layers of a protocol stack supported by the respective network entities 102 communicating via such communication links.

[0048] The core network 106 may support user authentication, access authorization, tracking, connectivity, and other access, routing, or mobility functions. The core network 106 may be an evolved packet core (EPC) or a 5G core (5GC), which may include control plane entities that manage access and mobility (e.g., mobility management entity (MME), access and mobility management function (AMF)) and user plane entities that route packets or interconnections to external networks (e.g., serving gateway (S-GW), packet data network (PDN) gateway (P-GW), or user plane function (UPF)). In some implementations, the control plane entity may manage non-access stratum (NAS) functions of one or more UEs 104 served by one or more network entities 102 associated with the core network 106, such as mobility, authentication, and bearer management (e.g., data bearer, signal bearer, etc.).

[0049] The core network 106 may communicate with the packet data network 108 via one or more backhaul links 116 (e.g., via S1, N2, N2, or another network interface). The packet data network 108 may include an application server 118. In some implementations, one or more UEs 104 may communicate with the application server 118. The UE 104 may establish a session (e.g., a protocol data unit (PDU) session or the like) with the core network 106 via the network entity 102. The core network 106 may route traffic (e.g., control information, data, and the like) between the UE 104 and the application server 118 using the established session (e.g., the established PDU session). A PDU session may be an example of a logical connection between the UE 104 and the core network 106 (e.g., one or more network functions of the core network 106).

[0050] In the wireless communication system 100, the network entity 102 and the UE 104 may use the resources of the wireless communication system 100 (e.g., time resources (e.g., symbols, time slots, subframes, frames, or the like) or frequency resources (e.g., subcarriers, carriers)) to perform various operations (e.g., wireless communications). In some implementations, the network entity 102 and the UE 104 may support different resource structures. For example, the network entity 102 and the UE 104 may support different frame structures. In some implementations, such as in 4G, the network entity 102 and the UE 104 may support a single frame structure. In some other implementations, such as in 5G and among other suitable radio access technologies, the network entity 102 and the UE 104 may support various frame structures (i.e., multiple frame structures). The network entity 102 and the UE 104 may support various frame structures based on one or more parameter sets.

[0051] One or more parameter sets may be supported in the wireless communication system 100, and the parameter sets may include subcarrier spacing and cyclic prefixes. A first parameter set (e.g., μ=0) may be associated with a first subcarrier spacing (e.g., 15 kHz) and a normal cyclic prefix. A first parameter set (e.g., μ=0) associated with a first subcarrier spacing (e.g., 15 kHz) may utilize one slot per subframe. A second parameter set (e.g., μ=1) may be associated with a second subcarrier spacing (e.g., 30 kHz) and a normal cyclic prefix. A third parameter set (e.g., μ=2) may be associated with a third subcarrier spacing (e.g., 60 kHz) and a normal cyclic prefix or an extended cyclic prefix. A fourth parameter set (e.g., μ=3) may be associated with a fourth subcarrier spacing (e.g., 120 kHz) and a normal cyclic prefix. A fifth parameter set (e.g., μ=4) may be associated with a fifth carrier spacing (e.g., 240 kHz) and a normal cyclic prefix.

[0052] The time intervals of resources (e.g., communication resources) may be organized according to frames (also referred to as radio frames). Each frame may have a duration, such as a 10 millisecond (ms) duration. In some embodiments, each frame may include a plurality of subframes. For example, each frame may include 10 subframes, and each subframe may have a duration, such as a 1 ms duration. In some embodiments, each frame may have the same duration. In some embodiments, each subframe of a frame may have the same duration.

[0053] Additionally or alternatively, the time intervals of resources (e.g., communication resources) may be organized according to time slots. For example, a subframe may include a certain number (e.g., quantity) of time slots. Each time slot may include a certain number (e.g., quantity) of symbols (e.g., orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols). In some embodiments, the number (e.g., quantity) of time slots of a subframe may depend on a parameter set. For a conventional cyclic prefix, a time slot may include 14 symbols. For an extended cyclic prefix (e.g., applicable to a 60kHz subcarrier spacing), a time slot may include 12 symbols. For a conventional cyclic prefix and an extended cyclic prefix, the relationship between the number of symbols per time slot, the number of time slots per subframe, and the number of time slots per frame may depend on a parameter set. It should be understood that references to a first parameter set (e.g., μ=0) associated with a first subcarrier spacing (e.g., 15kHz) may be used interchangeably between subframes and time slots.

[0054] In the wireless communication system 100, the electromagnetic (EM) spectrum may be divided into various categories, frequency bands, frequency channels, etc. based on frequency or wavelength. As an example, the wireless communication system 100 may support one or more operating frequency bands, such as the frequency range names FR1 (410 MHz to 7.125 GHz), FR2 (24.25 GHz to 52.6 GHz), FR3 (7.125 GHz to 24.25 GHz), FR4 (52.6 GHz to 114.25 GHz), FR4a or FR4-1 (52.6 GHz to 71 GHz), and FR5 (114.25 GHz to 300 GHz). In some embodiments, the network entity 102 and the UE 104 may perform wireless communications on one or more of the operating frequency bands. In some embodiments, FR1 may be used by the network entity 102 and the UE 104 as well as other equipment or devices for cellular communication services (e.g., control information, data). In some implementations, FR2 may be used by the network entity 102 and the UE 104 and other equipment or devices for short range, high data rate capabilities.

[0055] FR1 may be associated with one or more parameter sets (e.g., at least three parameter sets). For example, FR1 may be associated with a first parameter set (e.g., μ=0) including a 15kHz subcarrier spacing; a second parameter set (e.g., μ=1) including a 30kHz subcarrier spacing; and a third parameter set (e.g., μ=2) including a 60kHz subcarrier spacing. FR2 may be associated with one or more parameter sets (e.g., at least 2 parameter sets). For example, FR2 may be associated with a third parameter set (e.g., μ=2) including a 60kHz subcarrier spacing; and a fourth parameter set (e.g., μ=3) including a 120kHz subcarrier spacing.

[0056] According to an implementation of multiple nodes for UE positioning, multiple anchor nodes 120 cooperate to determine the location of the target UE 104. The anchor node 120 can be implemented in various ways, such as anchor UE, network device (e.g., base station, gNB, road side unit (RSU)), etc. Therefore, the implementation may include exchanging location data via sidelink transmission, Uu transmission, and a combination thereof.

[0057] Further for the wireless communication system 100, the anchor node receives a reference signal 122 from the target UE 104. The reference signal 122 may be implemented in various ways, such as a positioning reference signal (PRS), a sounding reference signal (SRS), and / or other suitable signals that may be used for position determination. Therefore, the anchor node 120 processes the reference signal 122 and exchanges position-related information 124 based at least in part on the processing of the reference signal 122. As further described below, the position-related information may include position-related parameters and estimation confidence parameters related to the position-related parameters. Based at least in part on the position-related information 124, the anchor node 120 may estimate the position (e.g., positioning) of the target UE 104. In addition, the anchor node 120 may transmit the estimated position of the target UE 104 to another entity (e.g., the network entity 102).

[0058] In some wireless communication systems, NR positioning based on NR Uu signals and standalone (SA) architecture (e.g., beam-based transmission) was first specified in Rel-16. Target use cases also include commercial and regulatory (emergency services) scenarios as in Rel-15. Performance requirements include the following in Table 1 [Technical Report (TR) 38.855]:

[0059] Table 1

[0060] Positioning Error indoor outdoor Horizontal positioning For 80% of UEs, <3m For 80% of UEs, <10m Vertical positioning For 80% of UEs, <3m For 80% of UEs, <3m

[0061] Some positioning systems define positioning performance parameters for commercial and IIoT use cases as shown in Table 2 [TR 38.857]:

[0062] Table 2

[0063]

[0064] Examples of positioning techniques include the following in Table 3:

[0065] Table 3

[0066]

[0067]

[0068] Figure 2 The description includes a process 200 for message transmission for performing an uplink time difference of arrival (UL-TDOA) procedure. For example, the process 200 includes message transmission between an LMF, a gNB, and a UE to perform the UL-TDOA procedure.

[0069] Figure 3The description includes a process 300 for message transmission for performing an uplink angle of arrival (UL-AoA) procedure. The process 300 includes, for example, message transmission between an LMF, a gNB, and a UE to perform the UL-AoA procedure.

[0070] In some wireless communication systems, the anchor gNBs in the UL-based positioning method may not cooperate with each other when estimating location-related parameters. Therefore, in an implementation, the present disclosure includes an intermediate step between step 7 and step 8 in the above processes 200 and 300, in which the anchor gNBs communicate with each other via backhaul and / or OTA transmission, which can enhance the estimation accuracy of the UL-based positioning method and reduce its computational complexity.

[0071] In some wireless communication systems, SBFD in NR has been discussed. For example, the maximum number of UL subbands for SBFD operation in a SBFD symbol (excluding a legacy UL symbol) within a time division duplex (TDD) carrier has been considered, where the UL subband can be located on one side of the carrier and the UL subband can be located in the middle of the carrier.

[0072] Figure 4 The time / frequency domain patterns of the carriers for SBFD operation are illustrated from a system perspective at 400. The baseline time domain TDD UL / DL mode (e.g., DDDDU) is indicated in a cell-specific manner with TDD-UL-DL-ConfigCommon, which can be the same for all UEs in the cell. In SBFD operation, the symbols within the 'D' slots can be configured with frequency domain modes DUD, DU, or UD. The U slots / symbols in the time domain mode are reserved for UL operation of both Rel-18 and legacy UEs.

[0073] Figure 5 At 500, the time domain / frequency domain pattern within the 'D' time slot is illustrated from the perspective of the UE. For example, from the perspective of the UE, the 'D' time slot in the above-described time domain pattern at 400 may appear as shown at 500. A legacy UE may view the time slot as being configured only for DL ​​reception, but the gNB may avoid scheduling and / or configuring DL transmissions in the middle RBs of this UE. The legacy UE may not be aware that these RBs may be used for UL by Rel-18 UEs. This may result in constraints on the configuration and scheduling of the DL for the legacy UE, for example, some signals and / or channels are to be scheduled and / or configured in one of the 'D' subbands. For Rel-18 UEs, the UE may be configured such that the 'D' time slot in the above-described pattern may be used, for example, non-simultaneously for DL ​​reception or UL transmission. Although the gNB may avoid scheduling and / or configuring DL in the middle RBs, new behaviors for certain signals and / or channels may be specified to utilize both 'D' subbands.

[0074] In order to improve the challenges presented in some wireless communication systems, the present disclosure details a solution for multiple nodes for UE positioning. For example, different anchor nodes (e.g., UE, network device, and combination thereof) involved in achieving the position determination of the target UE can cooperate to exchange position-related parameters and confidence information related to the position-related parameters to provide a more accurate determination of the position of the target UE.

[0075] In an embodiment, the first anchor node is configured to transmit one or more of its estimated location-related parameters to the second anchor node along with its estimated confidence parameters (e.g., confidence values, confidence levels, etc.), which can be used by the second anchor node to optimize the estimated accuracy of the second anchor node's location-related parameters. For example, an anchor node with lower quality location-related parameters (e.g., an anchor node with poor link quality with a target UE) can utilize other location-related parameters estimated by an anchor node with higher quality location-related parameters (e.g., an anchor node with high link quality with a target UE) when estimating its own location-related parameters.

[0076] According to an implementation, a first anchor node (e.g., an anchor UE, a gNB, a roadside unit (RSU), etc.) receives a reference signal configuration (e.g., for a position reference signal (PRS), SRS, etc.) from a configuration entity (e.g., an LMF). In addition, the first anchor node receives a reference signal from a target UE for which an estimated position is to be determined. The first anchor node estimates position-related parameters, determines an estimation confidence parameter, and transmits one or more of its estimated position-related parameters together with its estimation confidence parameter to a second anchor node. The second anchor node represents, for example, a different anchor UE, a different gNB, a different RSU, etc.

[0077] In an embodiment, an anchor node determines its estimated confidence parameter (denoted by c below) by considering one or more of the following:

[0078] The link quality between the anchor node and the target UE. The link quality may be determined based on various factors, such as signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR), reference signal received power (RSRP), etc. For example, an SINR value above an SINR threshold indicates a high estimation confidence, and an SINR value below an SINR threshold indicates a low estimation confidence.

[0079] • Line of sight (LOS) status. For example, the availability of LOS between the anchor node and the target UE indicates a high estimation confidence, where non-LOS (LOS) may indicate a low estimation confidence.

[0080] In an embodiment, an anchor node may transmit location-related parameters to another anchor node if its estimated confidence is above a predefined threshold, and may decide not to transmit location-related parameters to another anchor node if its estimated confidence is below the predefined threshold.

[0081] In an implementation scheme, the first anchor node may use sidelink (e.g., PC5) signaling, for example, using sidelink control information (SCI), media access control (MAC) control element (CE), new positioning protocols (e.g., ranging sidelink positioning protocol (RSPP), SL positioning protocol (SLPP)), SL ProvideAssistanceData message, SLProvideLocationInformation message, etc. to share its location-related parameters with the second anchor node.

[0082] In an implementation, the location-related parameters at the first anchor node may include measurements that have been performed at the first anchor node, such as AoA (e.g., azimuth and / or zenith angle), UE receive-transmit (Rx-Tx) time difference measurement, reference signal time difference (RSTD) measurement, RTOA measurement, etc. These measurements may be applicable to SL positioning measurements.

[0083] In an embodiment, the information shared by the first anchor node may include an estimated confidence or quality metric associated with one or more of the aforementioned measurements performed at the first anchor node. In addition, the information shared by the first anchor node may include a path indication for each of the location-related parameter measurements, which may include an associated path number received at a specific delay and amplitude.

[0084] In an embodiment, the location information (e.g., location-related parameters, estimated confidence parameters, etc.) shared by the first anchor node may be provided to the second anchor node in response to receiving a request message for one or more types of the aforementioned location information from the second anchor node. For example, the request may include an indication of whether such location information is to be provided in an aperiodic manner (e.g., a one-time trigger), a periodic manner (e.g., a system frame number (SFN) slot offset value, a configured periodicity and number of intervals, etc.), a semi-persistent manner (e.g., with activation and deactivation commands), etc. In addition, the location information shared by the first anchor node may be associated with an anchor ID, e.g., to identify the source of the shared location information.

[0085] Figure 6 AoA and range quantization of multiple nodes supporting UE positioning according to aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated at 600. Additionally, Table 4, Table 5, and Table 6 contain indices that may be used to indicate location-related parameters and estimation confidence parameters.

[0086] Table 4: Estimates - Confidence Levels

[0087] index <![CDATA[Estimated confidence c k > 1 <![CDATA[Very low confidence, e.g., 0 ≤ c k <0.2]]> 2 <![CDATA[Low confidence, such as 0.2 ≤ c k < 0.4]]> 3 <![CDATA[Medium confidence, such as 0.4 ≤ c k <0.6]]> 4 <![CDATA[High confidence, such as 0.6 ≤ c k <0.8]]> 5 <![CDATA[Very high confidence, e.g., 0.8 ≤ c k ≤ 1]]>

[0088] Table 5: Distance (eg, range) estimates (d)

[0089] index About the range of cell radius R 1 Range 1: 0≤d<0.2R 2 Range 2: 0.2R≤d<0.4R 3 Range 3: 0.4R≤d<0.6R 4 Range 4: 0.6R≤d<0.8R 5 Range 5: 0.8R≤d≤R

[0090] Table 6: Azimuth and zenith AoA angle φ,θ

[0091]

[0092]

[0093] In an embodiment, the first anchor node may explicitly indicate its estimated confidence parameters and location-related parameters to the second anchor node using one or more indexes (e.g., via a backhaul connection and / or OTA transmission (e.g., via an SL (PC5) interface) such as shown in Tables 4, 5, and 6 and in Figure 6 For example, the index may be represented by a number of bits. For example, the number of bits may be preconfigured by the network. In addition, the bits may be modulated and / or coded, for example, using a preconfigured modulation and coding scheme (MCS).

[0094] In an implementation, bits may be transmitted on a subset of resource elements (REs). Furthermore, one or more of the level, range, and / or slice may be implicitly indicated, for example, by selecting different signal sequence types (e.g., Zadoff-Chu, Gold, etc.) and / or different sequence parameters (e.g., root, cyclic shift, length, etc.). Furthermore, a combination of explicit and implicit indications may be used, such as an explicit indication of an estimated range (e.g., distance) and an implicit indication of an estimated confidence level.

[0095] It should be noted that in an embodiment, quantized values ​​of confidence level, distance range, and AoA slices may be used to simplify parameter exchange between different anchor nodes. However, in the final measurement response report from the anchor node (e.g., to the LMF), high-resolution values ​​may be reported to achieve, for example, high-resolution position estimation by the LMF.

[0096] Figure 7 A UL / SL communication system 700 supporting multiple nodes for UE positioning according to aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. The communication system 700 includes two anchor nodes (anchor 1 and anchor 2) and a target UE to be positioned. In an implementation in which anchor 1 and anchor 2 have a signal link with the target UE that is indicated as meeting a threshold link quality, each anchor node may estimate position-related parameters (e.g., ToA, AoA, etc.) from its received CIR signal, and use the position-related parameters to calculate an estimated position of the target UE. In at least some scenarios, the target UE may have a higher link quality with anchor 1 than with anchor 2. For example, anchor 1 may estimate position-related parameters related to the target UE with higher accuracy than anchor 2.

[0097] For example, Anchor 1 and Anchor 2 may use their received CIRs to estimate ToAτ, respectively. A1and τ A2 , for example, using a noise thresholding technique. For example, considering that anchor 1 has a higher quality link quality with the target UE than anchor 2, and therefore anchor 1 may be able to calculate ToAτ with high accuracy A1 , e.g. due to a more accurate noise threshold calculation than Anchor 2. Using the estimate ToAτ A1 , anchor 1 can calculate the distance d between anchor 1 and the target UE A1 .

[0098] Figure 8 An example of a received CIR at an anchor node is illustrated at 800. (Lei Yu, M. Laaraiedh, S. Avrillon, B. Uguen, J. Keignart, and J. Stephan, "Performance evaluation of threshold-based TOA estimation techniques using IR-UWB indoor measurements," EuroWireless 2012; 18th European Wireless Conference, 2012, pp. 1-7.) As illustrated at 800, due to lower link quality, the anchor node may use a less accurate (lower or higher) noise threshold, which results in a ToAτ of the true first path. A2 underestimation or overestimation, as shown in 800.

[0099] To alleviate this problem, anchor 1 may be configured to send one or more of its estimated position-related parameters (e.g., τ A1 ,d A1 etc.) to anchor 2 so that anchor 2 can use the estimated position-related parameters to improve the estimation accuracy of the position-related parameters.

[0100] Fig. 9 A scenario 900 is illustrated for supporting multiple nodes for UE positioning according to aspects of the present disclosure. In the scenario 900, the distance d calculated by the anchor 1 A1 Indicates that the target UE is estimated to be located at a radius d centered at the position of anchor 1 A1 In an embodiment, the circle 902 represents the positioning uncertainty. Further consider that if the anchor 2 can access d A1 , then anchor 2 can use d A1 and the known distance between anchor 1 and anchor 2 (denoted as d A2A ) to estimate the minimum and maximum distances to the target UE, for example, and As described in the upper part of scene 900. Using and Anchor 2 can be calculated and It then calculates ToAτ A2 can be used as two vertical thresholds, as illustrated in the lower portion of scene 900. This can not only improve ToAτ A2 The estimation accuracy can be improved and its complexity can be reduced.

[0101] In an embodiment, when there are K anchors, each anchor node may receive Anchor messages (e.g. ToA and / or Therefore, each anchor node k can be configured to transmit its estimated confidence c along with the estimated position-related parameters (such as ToA and AoA). k Thus, for example, anchor node j may use received messages from one or more anchors with the highest estimated confidence (e.g., from anchor node k). ＊ Received messages where k ＊ = argmax{c k}) to calculate its minimum and maximum thresholds, for example, and

[0102] Fig.10 An example of supporting multiple nodes for UE positioning according to aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated at 1000. In example 1000, for example, a second anchor node may use estimated position-related parameters from a first anchor node to improve its estimation accuracy and reduce complexity, for example, to determine and

[0103] Fig.11 A process 1100 including signaling flows supporting multiple nodes for UE positioning according to aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. At step 0, anchor nodes j, k and a target UE node exchange PRS and OTA configurations with a network positioning configuration entity (e.g., LMF). In addition, after receiving a PRS signal from the target UE and estimating location-related parameters and estimated confidence parameters, one or more of the anchor nodes j, k transmits its estimated parameters to one or more other of the anchor nodes j, k at step 2, such as via a backhaul connection and / or via OTA transmission. At step 3, one or more of the anchor nodes j, k may modify its location-related parameters (e.g., ToA and / or AoA) and estimated confidence parameters (i.e., c) based on the location-related parameters and estimated confidence parameters from another of the one or more other anchor nodes of the anchor nodes j, k. k 、c j), for example modifying its initially calculated location-related parameters. In step 4, one or more of the anchor nodes j, k may transmit a measurement response to the location configuration entity, for example based on the modified location-related parameters.

[0104] Fig.12 OTA communication between anchor nodes supporting multiple nodes for UE positioning according to aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated at 1200. For example, at 1200, OTA transmission occurs in a DL time slot immediately following a UL time slot. Alternatively, SBFD may be utilized, where OTA transmission may be configured to occur in a DL subband configured to overlap with a UL subband, such as at Fig.13 1300 in the description. In an embodiment, depending on the scenario, the time domain resources of the OTA resources may be configured by the network configuration entity with, for example, a certain offset relative to the first UL symbol of the PRS time configuration. According to the present disclosure, the offset configuration may take into account the processing capability and / or delay of the anchor node and the priority of the positioning application. For example, a short time offset may be configured for a timely critical positioning application, and vice versa.

[0105] Fig.14 An example of a block diagram 1400 illustrating an apparatus 1402 (e.g., a device) that supports multiple nodes for UE positioning according to aspects of the present disclosure. The apparatus 1402 may be an example of a network entity 102 and / or a UE 104 as described herein. The apparatus 1402 may support wireless communications with one or more network entities 102, UEs 104, or any combination thereof. The apparatus 1402 may include components for bidirectional communication, including components for transmitting and receiving communications, such as a processor 1404, a memory 1406, a transceiver 1408, and an I / O controller 1410. These components may be in electronic communication or otherwise coupled (e.g., operatively, communicatively, functionally, electronically, electrically) via one or more interfaces (e.g., a bus).

[0106] The processor 1404, memory 1406, transceiver 1408, or various combinations thereof, or various components thereof may be examples of means for performing various aspects of the present disclosure as described herein. For example, the processor 1404, memory 1406, transceiver 1408, or various combinations thereof, or components thereof may support a method for performing one or more of the operations described herein.

[0107] In some implementations, the processor 1404, memory 1406, transceiver 1408, or various combinations or components thereof may be implemented in hardware (e.g., in a communication management circuit system). The hardware may be a processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof that is configured to or otherwise supports means for performing the functions described in the present disclosure. In some implementations, the processor 1404 and the memory 1406 coupled to the processor 1404 may be configured to perform one or more of the functions described herein (e.g., the processor 1404 executes instructions stored in the memory 1406). For example, in the context of the UE 104, the transceiver 1408 and the processor 1404 coupled to the transceiver 1408 are configured to cause the UE 104 to perform various described operations and / or combinations thereof.

[0108] For example, the processor 1404 and / or the transceiver 1408 may support wireless communications at the device 1402 according to examples disclosed herein. For example, the processor 1404 and / or the transceiver 1408 may be configured as means or otherwise support means to: receive a reference signal from a target UE at a first anchor node; process the reference signal to generate a first estimated location-related parameter between the first anchor node and the target UE and a first confidence value for the first estimated location-related parameter; and transmit a first notification of the first estimated location-related parameter and the first confidence value to a second anchor node.

[0109] In addition, in some embodiments, the processor is configured to cause the device to: receive one or more reference signal time-frequency configurations; and receive the reference signal from the target UE based at least in part on the one or more reference signal time-frequency configurations; the processor is configured to cause the device to generate the first estimated position-related parameter based at least in part on one or more of an estimated arrival time of a first path between the first anchor node and the target UE, an estimated arrival azimuth of the reference signal of the first path, or an estimated arrival zenith angle of the reference signal of the first path; the processor is configured to cause the device to: receive the second anchor node from the second anchor node point and the target UE and a second confidence value for the second estimated location-related parameter; modifying the first estimated location-related parameter at least partially based on the second estimated location-related parameter and the second confidence value to generate a third estimated location-related parameter between the first anchor node and the target UE; and transmitting the third estimated location-related parameter and a third confidence value for the third estimated location-related parameter to a network entity; at least one of the first confidence value, the second confidence value or the third confidence value is based on a link quality with the target UE or whether a line-of-sight path is available for at least one of the target UEs.

[0110] In addition, in some embodiments, the processor is configured to cause the device to: compare the first confidence value with a threshold confidence value; and transmit the first notification to the second anchor node based at least in part on the first confidence value satisfying the threshold confidence value; the processor is configured to cause the device to: receive a request for location-related parameter information of the target UE from the second anchor node; and transmit the first notification to the second anchor node based at least in part on the request; the processor is configured to cause the device to select the first confidence value from a set of predetermined different confidence values; the processor is configured to cause the device to select the first estimated location-related parameter from a set of predetermined location-related parameter values ​​representing different location-related parameter ranges; the processor is configured to cause the device to: determine one or more of the estimated arrival azimuth or estimated arrival zenith angles of the reference signal on a first path between the first anchor node and the target UE based at least in part on one or more of a set of predetermined arrival azimuth values ​​or a set of predetermined arrival zenith angle values ​​representing different slices of an angular domain; and transmit the estimated arrival azimuth or the estimated arrival zenith angle to the second anchor node in combination with the first notification.

[0111] In addition, in some embodiments, the processor is configured to cause the device to transmit the first estimated position-related parameter, the first confidence value, or one or more of the estimated arrival azimuth or the estimated arrival zenith angle via a backhaul connection; the processor is configured to cause the device to transmit the first position-related parameter, the first confidence value, or one or more of the estimated arrival azimuth or the estimated arrival zenith angle via an air transmission; the processor is configured to cause the device to receive time and frequency resources for the air transmission, and the time and frequency resources are configured in an uplink with the reference signal. The processor is configured to cause the device to configure time domain resources for the air transmission within an offset relative to a first time domain symbol of the uplink configuration for the reference signal; the first anchor node includes a first UE, the second anchor node includes a second UE, and the target UE includes a UE for which an estimated position is to be determined; the first anchor node includes a first network device, the second anchor node includes a second network device, and the target UE includes a UE for which an estimated position is to be determined; one or more of the first network device or the second network device includes at least one of a base station, a gNB, or a roadside unit.

[0112] In addition, in some embodiments, the processor 1404 and / or the transceiver 1408 may be configured as a component or otherwise support a component to: generate a notification including one or more time-frequency configurations and confidence configurations related to distance determination; transmit the notification to a first anchor node; and receive from the first anchor node an estimated position-related parameter between the first anchor node and the target UE and a first confidence value for the first estimated position-related parameter.

[0113] In addition, in some embodiments, the one or more time-frequency configurations are configured for positioning one or more of a reference signal or a sounding reference signal; the confidence configuration includes a set of predetermined different confidence values; the notification further includes a set of predetermined location-related parameter values ​​representing different location-related parameter ranges; the notification includes a set of predetermined arrival angle values ​​representing different slices of an angle domain used for location-related parameter determination; the one or more time-frequency configurations identify time and frequency resources within a downlink subband overlapping with an uplink subband used for a reference signal; the first anchor node includes a first UE, and the target UE includes a UE for which an estimated position is to be determined; the first anchor node includes a first network device, and the target UE includes a UE for which an estimated position is to be determined; the first network device includes at least one of a base station, a gNB, or a roadside unit.

[0114] A processor 1404 of a device 1402 (e.g., UE 104) may support wireless communications according to examples as disclosed herein. The processor 1404 includes at least one controller coupled to at least one memory, and the at least one controller is configured and / or operable to cause the processor to receive a reference signal from a target UE at a first UE including a first anchor node; process the reference signal to generate a first estimated location-related parameter between the first UE and the target UE and a first confidence value for the first estimated location-related parameter; and transmit a first notification of the first estimated location-related parameter and the first confidence value to a second UE including a second anchor node. In addition, the at least one controller may be operable to cause the processor 1404 to perform any of the various operations described herein, such as with reference to the device 1402.

[0115] The processor 1404 may include an intelligent hardware device (e.g., a general purpose processor, a DSP, a CPU, a microcontroller, an ASIC, an FPGA, a programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic components, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof). In some implementations, the processor 1404 may be configured to operate a memory array using a memory controller. In some other implementations, the memory controller may be integrated into the processor 1404. The processor 1404 may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in a memory (e.g., memory 1406) to cause the device 1402 to perform various functions of the present disclosure.

[0116] 1406 may include random access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM). 1406 may store computer-readable, computer-executable code including instructions that, when executed by processor 1404, cause device 1402 to perform various functions described herein. The code may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as system memory or other types of memory. In some embodiments, the code may not be directly executable by processor 1404, but may cause a computer (e.g., when compiled and executed) to perform the functions described herein. In some embodiments, memory 1406 may include, among other things, a basic I / O system (BIOS), which may control basic hardware or software operations, such as interaction with peripheral components or devices.

[0117] I / O controller 1410 can manage input and output signals of device 1402. I / O controller 1410 can also manage peripheral devices that are not integrated into device 2402. In some embodiments, I / O controller 1410 can represent a physical connection or port to an external peripheral device. In some embodiments, I / O controller 1410 can utilize, for example, or another known operating system. In some embodiments, I / O controller 1410 may be implemented as part of a processor (e.g., processor M08). In some embodiments, a user may interact with device 1402 via I / O controller 1410 or via hardware components controlled by I / O controller 1410.

[0118] In some implementations, the device 1402 may include a single antenna 1412. However, in some other implementations, the device 1402 may have more than one antenna 1412 (i.e., multiple antennas), including multiple antenna panels or antenna arrays, which may be capable of transmitting or receiving multiple wireless transmissions simultaneously. The transceiver 1408 may communicate bidirectionally via one or more antennas 1412, wired or wireless links as described herein. For example, the transceiver 1408 may represent a wireless transceiver and may communicate bidirectionally with another wireless transceiver. The transceiver 1408 may also include a modem to modulate packets, provide the modulated packets to one or more antennas 1412 for transmission, and demodulate packets received from one or more antennas 1412.

[0119] Fig.15 1500 for supporting multiple nodes for UE positioning according to aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of the method 1500 may be implemented by an apparatus described herein or a component thereof. For example, the operations of the method 1500 may be implemented by reference to Figures 1 to 14 The network entity 102 / or UE 104 described herein performs. In some embodiments, the device may execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the device to perform the described functions. In addition, or alternatively, the device may use dedicated hardware to perform aspects of the described functions.

[0120] At 1502, the method may include receiving a reference signal from a target UE at a first anchor node. The operations of 1502 may be performed according to examples described herein. In some embodiments, aspects of the operations of 1502 may be performed as described in reference to Figure 1 The described device is used to perform.

[0121] At 1504, the method may include processing the reference signal to generate a first estimated location-related parameter between the first anchor node and the target UE and a first confidence value for the first estimated location-related parameter. The operations of 1504 may be performed according to examples described herein. In some embodiments, aspects of the operations of 1504 may be performed as described in reference to Figure 1 The described device is used to perform.

[0122] At 1506, the method may include transmitting a first notification of the first estimated position-related parameter and the first confidence value to the second anchor node. The operations of 1506 may be performed according to the examples described herein. In some embodiments, aspects of the operations of 1506 may be as described in reference to Figure 1 The described device is used to perform.

[0123] Fig.16 1600 for supporting multiple nodes for UE positioning according to aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of the method 1600 may be implemented by an apparatus described herein or a component thereof. For example, the operations of the method 1600 may be implemented by reference to Figures 1 to 14 The network entity 102 / or UE 104 described herein performs. In some embodiments, the device may execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the device to perform the described functions. In addition, or alternatively, the device may use dedicated hardware to perform aspects of the described functions.

[0124] At 1602, the method may include receiving, from a second anchor node, a second estimated location-related parameter between the second anchor node and the target UE and a second confidence value for the second estimated location-related parameter. The operations of 1602 may be performed according to examples described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operations of 1602 may be as described in reference to Figure 1 The described device is used to perform.

[0125] At 1604, the method may include modifying the first estimated location-related parameter based at least in part on the second estimated location-related parameter and the second confidence value to generate a third estimated location-related parameter between the first anchor node and the target UE. The operations of 1604 may be performed according to the examples described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operations of 1604 may be as described in reference to Figure 1 The described device is used to perform.

[0126] At 1606, the method may include transmitting a third estimated location-related parameter and a third confidence value for the third estimated location-related parameter to a network entity. The operations of 1606 may be performed according to examples described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operations of 1606 may be as described in reference to Figure 1 The described device is used to perform.

[0127] Fig.17 1700 for supporting multiple nodes for UE positioning according to aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of the method 1700 may be implemented by an apparatus described herein or a component thereof. For example, the operations of the method 1700 may be implemented by reference to Figures 1 to 14 The network entity 102 / or UE 104 described herein performs. In some embodiments, the device may execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the device to perform the described functions. In addition, or alternatively, the device may use dedicated hardware to perform aspects of the described functions.

[0128] At 1702, the method may include generating a notification including one or more time-frequency configurations and confidence configurations related to distance determination. The operations of 1702 may be performed according to examples described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operations of 1702 may be as described in reference to Figure 1 The described device is used to perform.

[0129] At 1704, the method may include transmitting a notification to the first anchor node. The operations of 1704 may be performed according to the examples described herein. In some embodiments, aspects of the operations of 1704 may be as described in reference to Figure 1 The described device is used to perform.

[0130] At 1706, the method may include receiving, from the first anchor node, an estimated location-related parameter between the first anchor node and the target UE and a first confidence value for the first estimated location-related parameter. The operation of M1x06 may be performed according to the examples described herein. In some embodiments, aspects of the operation of M1x06 may be as described in reference Figure 1 The described device is used to perform.

[0131] It should be noted that the methods described herein describe possible implementations, and that operations and steps may be rearranged or otherwise modified and other implementations are possible. Furthermore, aspects from two or more of the methods may be combined.

[0132] The various illustrative blocks and components described in connection with the present invention may be implemented or performed with a general purpose processor, a DSP, an ASIC, a CPU, an FPGA or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor may be any processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices (e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration).

[0133] The functions described herein may be implemented in hardware, software executed by a processor, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software executed by a processor, the functions may be stored as one or more instructions or codes on a computer-readable medium or transmitted via a computer-readable medium. Other examples and implementations are within the scope of the present disclosure and the appended claims. For example, due to the nature of software, the functions described herein may be implemented using software executed by a processor, hardware, firmware, hard wiring, or a combination of any of these. Features that implement the functions may also be physically located at various locations, including portions that are distributed so that the functions are implemented at different physical locations.

[0134] Computer-readable media include both non-transitory computer storage media and communication media, including any media that facilitates the transfer of a computer program from one place to another. Non-transitory storage media may be any available media that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer. As an example and not limitation, non-transitory computer-readable media may include RAM, ROM, electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), flash memory, compact disk (CD) ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage, or any other non-transitory media that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer or a general-purpose or special-purpose processor.

[0135] Any connection may be properly referred to as a computer-readable medium. For example, if the software is transmitted from a website, server or other remote source using a coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technology (such as infrared, radio and microwave), then the definition of computer-readable media includes the coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technology (such as infrared, radio and microwave). As used herein, disks and optical discs include CDs, laser discs, optical discs, digital versatile discs (DVDs), floppy disks, and Blu-ray discs, where disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while optical discs reproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0136] As used herein (including in the claims), "or" as used in a list of items (e.g., a list of items beginning with a phrase such as "at least one ..." or "one or more ..." or "one or two ...") indicates an inclusive list, so that, for example, a list of at least one of A, B, or C means A or B or C or AB or AC or BC or ABC (i.e., A and B and C). Moreover, as used herein, the phrase "based on" should not be interpreted as a reference to a closed set of conditions. For example, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, an example step described as "based on condition A" may be based on both condition A and condition B. In other words, as used herein, the phrase "based on" should be interpreted in the same manner as the phrase "based at least in part on". In addition, as used herein, including in the claims, a "group" may include one or more elements.

[0137] The terms "transmit," "receive," or "transmit" when referring to a network entity may refer to any part of a network entity of a RAN (e.g., base station, CU, DU, RU) that communicates with another device (e.g., directly or via one or more other network entities).

[0138] The description set forth herein describes example configurations in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and does not represent all examples that may be implemented or within the scope of the claims. The term "example" as used herein means "serving as an example, instance, or illustration" and not "preferred" or "superior to other examples". The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing an understanding of the described techniques. However, these techniques may be practiced without these specific details. In some examples, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to avoid obscuring the concepts of the described examples.

[0139] The description herein is provided to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make or use the present disclosure. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate various modifications to the present disclosure, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other variations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure is not limited to the examples and designs described herein, but should conform to the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A first user equipment UE for wireless communication, comprising: at least one memory; and at least one processor coupled to the at least one memory and configured to cause the first UE to: receiving, at the first UE including a first anchor node, a reference signal from a target UE; Processing the reference signal to generate a first estimated position-related parameter between the first UE and the target UE and a first confidence value of the first estimated position-related parameter; and A first notification of the first estimated location-related parameter and the first confidence value is transmitted to a second UE including a second anchor node.

2. The first UE of claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is configured to cause the first UE to: receiving one or more reference signal time-frequency configurations; and The reference signal is received from the target UE based at least in part on the one or more reference signal time-frequency configurations.

3. The first UE according to claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is configured to cause the first UE to generate the first estimated position-related parameter based at least in part on one or more of an estimated arrival time of a first path between the first UE and the target UE, an estimated arrival azimuth of the reference signal of the first path, or an estimated arrival zenith angle of the reference signal of the first path.

4. The first UE of claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is configured to cause the first UE to: Receiving, from the second UE, a second estimated position-related parameter between the second UE and the target UE and a second confidence value of the second estimated position-related parameter; modifying the first estimated location-related parameter based at least in part on the second estimated location-related parameter and the second confidence value to produce a third estimated location-related parameter between the first UE and the target UE; and The third estimated location-related parameter and a third confidence value for the third estimated location-related parameter are transmitted to a network entity.

5. The first UE of claim 4, wherein at least one of the first confidence value, the second confidence value, or the third confidence value is based on at least one of a link quality with the target UE or whether a line-of-sight path is available for the target UE.

6. The first UE of claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is configured to cause the first UE to: comparing the first confidence value to a threshold confidence value; and The first notification is transmitted to the second UE based at least in part on the first confidence value satisfying the threshold confidence value.

7. The first UE of claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is configured to cause the first UE to: receiving a request for location-related parameter information of the target UE from the second anchor node; and The first notification is transmitted to the second anchor node based at least in part on the request.

8. The first UE of claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is configured to cause the first UE to select the first confidence value from a set of predetermined different confidence values.

9. The first UE of claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is configured to cause the first UE to select the first estimated location-related parameter from a set of predetermined location-related parameter values ​​representing different location-related parameter ranges.

10. The first UE of claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is configured to cause the first UE to: determining one or more of an estimated azimuth of arrival or an estimated zenith of arrival of the reference signal on a first path between the first anchor node and the target UE based at least in part on one or more of a set of predetermined azimuth of arrival values ​​or a set of predetermined zenith of arrival values ​​representing different slices of an angular domain; and The one or more of the estimated azimuth angle of arrival or the estimated zenith angle of arrival is transmitted to the second anchor node in conjunction with the first notification.

11. According to the first UE of claim 10, the at least one processor is configured to cause the first UE to transmit one or more of the first estimated position-related parameter, the first confidence value, or the estimated arrival azimuth angle or the estimated arrival zenith angle via a backhaul connection.

12. The first UE of claim 10, wherein the at least one processor is configured to enable the first The UE transmits one or more of the first position-related parameter, the first confidence value, or one or more of the estimated azimuth of arrival or the estimated zenith angle of arrival via an over-the-air transmission.

13. The first UE of claim 12, wherein the at least one processor is configured to enable the first The UE receives time and frequency resources for the over-the-air transmission, and wherein the time and frequency resources are configured within a downlink subband that overlaps with an uplink subband used for the reference signal.

14. The first UE of claim 12, wherein the at least one processor is configured to enable the first The UE configures time domain resources for the over-the-air transmission within an offset relative to a first time domain symbol of an uplink configuration for the reference signal.

15. The first UE of claim 1, wherein the target UE comprises a UE for which an estimated position is to be determined.

16. A processor for wireless communication, comprising: at least one controller coupled to at least one memory and configured to cause the processor to: receiving, at a first user equipment UE including a first anchor node, a reference signal from a target UE; Processing the reference signal to generate a first estimated position-related parameter between the first UE and the target UE and a first confidence value of the first estimated position-related parameter; and A first notification of the first estimated location-related parameter and the first confidence value is transmitted to a second UE including a second anchor node.

17. The processor of claim 16, wherein the at least one controller is configured to cause the processor to: receive one or more reference signal time-frequency configurations; and The reference signal is received from the target UE based at least in part on the one or more reference signal time-frequency configurations.

18. A processor according to claim 16, wherein the at least one controller is configured to cause the processor to generate the first estimated position-related parameter based at least in part on one or more of an estimated arrival time of a first path between the first UE and the target UE, an estimated arrival azimuth of the reference signal of the first path, or an estimated arrival zenith angle of the reference signal of the first path.

19. A method performed by a first user equipment UE, the method comprising: receiving, at the first UE including a first anchor node, a reference signal from a target UE; Processing the reference signal to generate a first estimated position-related parameter between the first UE and the target UE and a first confidence value of the first estimated position-related parameter; and A first notification of the first estimated location-related parameter and the first confidence value is transmitted to a second UE including a second anchor node.

20. A base station for wireless communication, comprising: at least one memory; and at least one processor coupled to the at least one memory and configured to cause the base station to: generating a notification including one or more time-frequency configurations and confidence configurations associated with a distance determination; transmitting the notification to a first user equipment UE including a first anchor node; and An estimated position-related parameter between the first UE and a target UE and a first confidence value of the first estimated position-related parameter are received from the first UE.

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