Apparatus, method and computer program

Abstract

There is provided an apparatus comprising means for: providing an indication from a centralized unit of a base station to at least one distributed unit of the base station such that at least one measurement relating to an uplink signal from a user equipment is performed; an indication of a result of the at least one measurement is received from the at least one distributed unit, and the indication of the result of the at least one measurement is provided to the location management function.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with international application number PCT / EP2020 / 051727, international application date January 24, 2020, entering the Chinese national stage on October 22, 2021, Chinese national application number 202080030965.9, and invention name “Device, method and computer program”. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to methods, devices, systems and computer programs, and particularly but not exclusively to an uplink positioning architecture for 5G systems. Background Art

[0003] A communication system can be viewed as a facility that enables communication sessions between two or more entities (such as user terminals, base stations and / or other nodes) by providing a carrier between the various entities involved in the communication path. For example, a communication system can be provided by means of a communication network and one or more compatible communication devices (also referred to as stations or user equipment) and / or application servers. A communication session may include, for example, data for carrying such as voice, video, electronic mail (email), text messages, multimedia, content data, time-sensitive network (TSN) streams and / or data in industrial applications such as critical system messages between brakes and controllers, critical sensor data (such as measurements, video feeds, etc.) towards control systems, etc. Non-limiting examples of services provide access to data network systems such as the Internet, including two-way or multi-way calls, data communications or multimedia services, and the like.

[0004] In a wireless communication system, at least a portion of a communication session, for example between at least two stations or between at least one station and at least one application server (e.g., for video), occurs over a wireless link. Examples of wireless systems include the following: Public Land Mobile Networks (PLMNs) operating based on 3GPP radio standards such as E-UTRA, New Radio, satellite-based communication systems, and different wireless local area networks, such as Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs). Wireless systems can typically be divided into cells and are therefore often referred to as cellular systems.

[0005] A user may access a communication system by means of a suitable communication device or terminal. The user's communication device may be referred to as a user equipment (UE) or user equipment. The communication device is provided with suitable signal receiving and sending means for enabling communication, such as enabling access to a communication network or communicating directly with other users. The communication device may access one or more carriers provided by the network, such as a base station of a cell, and send and / or receive communications on one or more carriers.

[0006] Communication systems and associated equipment typically operate according to a given standard or specification that sets out what the various entities associated with the system are allowed to do and how it should be implemented. The communication protocols and / or parameters that should be used for the connection are also typically defined. An example of a communication system is UTRAN (3G radio). Other examples of communication systems are the Long Term Evolution (LTE) of the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) based on E-UTRAN radio access technology, and the so-called 5G System (5GS) including 5G or Next Generation Core (NGC) and 5G access networks based on New Radio (NR) radio access technology. 5GS including NR is being standardized by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). Summary of the invention

[0007] In a first aspect, an apparatus is provided, comprising components for: providing an indication from a centralized unit of a base station to at least one distributed unit of the base station so that at least one measurement related to an uplink signal from a user equipment is performed; receiving an indication of a result of at least one measurement from at least one distributed unit, and providing an indication of the result of at least one measurement to a location management function.

[0008] The location management functionality may be integrated into a centralized unit or central function of the base station.

[0009] When the location management function is a central function, the interface between the location management function and the centralized unit may use the new radiolocation protocol A.

[0010] The interface between the centralized unit and the distributed unit may use the F1 application protocol.

[0011] The apparatus may include means for providing configuration information from a centralized unit to at least one user equipment.

[0012] The uplink signal may be a reference signal or a physical channel.

[0013] The reference signal may be a sounding reference signal.

[0014] At least one measurement may relate to an uplink relative time of arrival for an uplink signal, an uplink angle of departure for an uplink signal, an uplink angle of arrival for an uplink signal, received uplink signal power, and a carrier phase of the uplink signal.

[0015] In a second aspect, an apparatus is provided, comprising components for: receiving, at a distributed unit of a base station, an indication from a centralized unit of a base station to cause at least one measurement related to an uplink signal received from a user equipment to be performed, causing at least one measurement related to the uplink signal to be performed, and providing an indication of a result of at least one measurement to the centralized unit for providing to a location management function.

[0016] The apparatus may comprise means for receiving a result of at least one measurement from a radio unit, a remote radio head or a separate measurement unit.

[0017] Location Management Function The measurement function may be integrated into a centralized unit or central function of the base station.

[0018] The interface between the centralized unit and the distributed unit may use the F1 application protocol.

[0019] The uplink signal may be a reference signal or a physical channel.

[0020] The reference signal may be a sounding reference signal.

[0021] At least one measurement may relate to an uplink relative time of arrival for an uplink signal, an uplink angle of departure for an uplink signal, an uplink angle of arrival for an uplink signal, received uplink signal power, and a carrier phase of the uplink signal.

[0022] In a third aspect, a method is provided, comprising providing an indication from a centralized unit of a base station to at least one distributed unit of the base station so that measurements related to uplink signals from a user equipment are performed; receiving an indication of a result of at least one measurement from at least one distributed unit, and providing an indication of the result of at least one measurement to a location management function.

[0023] The location management functionality may be integrated into a centralized unit or central function of the base station.

[0024] When the location management function is a central function, the interface between the location management function and the centralized unit may use the new radiolocation protocol A.

[0025] The interface between the centralized unit and the distributed unit may use the F1 application protocol.

[0026] The method may include providing configuration information from a centralized unit to at least one user equipment.

[0027] The uplink signal may be a reference signal or a physical channel.

[0028] The reference signal may be a sounding reference signal.

[0029] At least one measurement may relate to an uplink relative time of arrival for an uplink signal, an uplink angle of departure for an uplink signal, an uplink angle of arrival for an uplink signal, received uplink signal power, and a carrier phase of the uplink signal.

[0030] In a fourth aspect, a method is provided, comprising receiving an indication at a distributed unit of a base station from a centralized unit of a base station to cause at least one measurement related to an uplink signal received from a user equipment to be performed, causing at least one measurement related to the uplink signal to be performed, and providing an indication of a result of at least one measurement to the centralized unit for providing to a location management function.

[0031] The method may comprise receiving a result of at least one measurement from a radio unit, a remote radio head or a separate measurement unit.

[0032] Location Management Function The measurement function may be integrated into a centralized unit or central function of the base station.

[0033] The interface between the centralized unit and the distributed unit may use the F1 application protocol.

[0034] The uplink signal may be a reference signal or a physical channel.

[0035] The reference signal may be a sounding reference signal.

[0036] At least one measurement may relate to an uplink relative time of arrival for an uplink signal, an uplink angle of departure for an uplink signal, an uplink angle of arrival for an uplink signal, received uplink signal power, and a carrier phase of the uplink signal.

[0037] In a fifth aspect, an apparatus is provided, comprising: at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least:

[0038] Providing an indication from a centralized unit of a base station to at least one distributed unit of the base station so that the at least one distributed unit performs at least one measurement related to an uplink signal from a user equipment, receiving an indication of a result of the at least one measurement from the at least one distributed unit, and providing an indication of the result of the at least one measurement to a location management function.

[0039] The location management functionality may be integrated into a centralized unit or central function of the base station.

[0040] When the location management function is a central function, the interface between the location management function and the centralized unit may use the new radiolocation protocol A.

[0041] The interface between the centralized unit and the distributed unit may use the F1 application protocol.

[0042] The apparatus may be configured to provide configuration information from a centralized unit to at least one user equipment.

[0043] The uplink signal may be a reference signal or a physical channel.

[0044] The reference signal may be a sounding reference signal.

[0045] At least one measurement may relate to an uplink relative time of arrival for an uplink signal, an uplink angle of departure for an uplink signal, an uplink angle of arrival for an uplink signal, received uplink signal power, and a carrier phase of the uplink signal.

[0046] In a sixth aspect, an apparatus is provided, comprising: at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least:

[0047] Receiving, at a distributed unit of the base station, an indication from a centralized unit of the base station to cause at least one measurement related to an uplink signal received from a user equipment to be performed, causing at least one measurement related to the uplink signal to be performed, and providing an indication of a result of the at least one measurement to the centralized unit for providing to a location management function.

[0048] The apparatus may be configured to receive a result of at least one measurement from a radio unit, a remote radio head or a separate measurement unit.

[0049] Location Management Function The measurement function may be integrated into a centralized unit or central function of the base station.

[0050] The interface between the centralized unit and the distributed unit may use the F1 application protocol.

[0051] The uplink signal may be a reference signal or a physical channel.

[0052] The reference signal may be a sounding reference signal.

[0053] At least one measurement may relate to an uplink relative time of arrival for an uplink signal, an uplink angle of departure for an uplink signal, an uplink angle of arrival for an uplink signal, received uplink signal power, and a carrier phase of the uplink signal.

[0054] In a seventh aspect, a computer-readable medium is provided, comprising program instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the following operations: providing an indication from a centralized unit of a base station to at least one distributed unit of the base station so that the at least one distributed unit performs at least one measurement related to an uplink signal from a user equipment, receiving an indication of a result of at least one measurement from the at least one distributed unit, and providing an indication of a result of at least one measurement to a location management function.

[0055] The location management functionality may be integrated into a centralized unit or central function of the base station.

[0056] When the location management function is a central function, the interface between the location management function and the centralized unit may use the new radiolocation protocol A.

[0057] The interface between the centralized unit and the distributed unit may use the F1 application protocol.

[0058] The apparatus may be caused to perform providing configuration information from a centralized unit to at least one user equipment.

[0059] The uplink signal may be a reference signal or a physical channel.

[0060] The reference signal may be a sounding reference signal.

[0061] At least one measurement may relate to an uplink relative time of arrival for an uplink signal, an uplink angle of departure for an uplink signal, an uplink angle of arrival for an uplink signal, received uplink signal power, and a carrier phase of the uplink signal.

[0062] In an eighth aspect, a computer-readable medium is provided, comprising program instructions for causing an apparatus to at least perform the following operations: receiving an indication from a centralized unit of a base station at a distributed unit of the base station to cause at least one measurement related to an uplink received from a user equipment to be performed, causing at least one measurement related to an uplink signal to be performed, and providing an indication of a result of at least one measurement to the centralized unit for providing to a location management function.

[0063] The apparatus may be caused to perform receiving a result of at least one measurement from a radio unit, a remote radio head or a standalone measurement unit.

[0064] Location Management Function The measurement function may be integrated into a centralized unit or central function of the base station.

[0065] The interface between the centralized unit and the distributed unit may use the F1 application protocol.

[0066] The uplink signal may be a reference signal or a physical channel.

[0067] The reference signal may be a sounding reference signal.

[0068] At least one measurement may relate to an uplink relative time of arrival for an uplink signal, an uplink angle of departure for an uplink signal, an uplink angle of arrival for an uplink signal, received uplink signal power, and a carrier phase of the uplink signal.

[0069] In a ninth aspect, a non-transitory computer readable medium is provided, comprising program instructions for causing an apparatus to perform a method according to at least the third or fourth aspect.

[0070] In the above, many different embodiments have been described. It should be understood that further embodiments can be provided by combining any two or more of the above embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0071] Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0072] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an example communication system including a base station and a plurality of communication devices is shown;

[0073] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an example mobile communication device is shown;

[0074] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of an example control device is shown;

[0075] Figure 4 Shows a schematic diagram of the traditional LTE / EPC positioning architecture

[0076] Figure 5 shows a signaling diagram for conventional LTE / EPC uplink positioning;

[0077] Figure 6 A flow chart showing a method according to an example embodiment is shown;

[0078] Figure 7 A flow chart showing a method according to an example embodiment is shown;

[0079] Figure 8 shows a schematic diagram of a NR architecture according to an example embodiment, wherein the LMU is an independent entity;

[0080] Fig. 9 shows a schematic diagram of a NR architecture according to an example embodiment, wherein the LMU is co-located with the DU;

[0081] Fig.10 A signaling diagram for uplink positioning according to an example embodiment is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0082] Before explaining the examples in detail, refer to Figures 1 to 3 Certain general principles of wireless communication systems and mobile communication devices are briefly explained to assist in understanding the technology underlying the described examples.

[0083] In such Figure 1 In the wireless communication system 100 shown, mobile communication devices or user equipment (UE) 102, 104, 105 are provided with wireless access via at least one base station (e.g. next generation NB, gNB) or similar wireless transmission and / or reception node or point. The base station can be controlled or assisted by at least one appropriate controller device to enable its operation and management of mobile communication devices communicating with the base station. The controller device can be located in a radio access network (e.g. wireless communication system 100) or a core network (CN) (not shown) and can be implemented as a central device or its functions can be distributed over several devices. The controller device can be part of the base station and / or provided by a separate entity such as a radio network controller. In Figure 1 In the embodiment, control means 108 and 109 are shown as controlling respective macro-level base stations 106 and 107. The control means of the base stations may be interconnected with other control entities. The control means are typically provided with memory capacity and at least one data processor. The control means and functions may be distributed among a plurality of control units. In some systems, the control means may additionally or alternatively be provided in a radio network controller.

[0084] exist Figure 1 In FIG. 1 , base stations 106 and 107 are shown connected to a wider communications network 113 via a gateway 112. A further gateway function may be provided to connect to another network.

[0085] Smaller base stations 116, 118, and 120 may also be connected to the network 113, for example, by separate gateway functions and / or via a controller of a macro-level station. Base stations 116, 118, and 120 may be micro- or femto-level base stations, etc. In this example, stations 116 and 118 are connected via gateway 111, while station 120 is connected via controller device 108. In some embodiments, smaller stations may not be provided. Smaller base stations 116, 118, and 120 may be part of a second network (e.g., a WLAN and may be a WLAN AP).

[0086] The communication devices 102, 104, 105 may access the communication system based on various access technologies, such as code division multiple access (CDMA) or wideband CDMA (WCDMA). Other non-limiting examples include time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA) and various schemes thereof, such as interleaved frequency division multiple access (IFDMA), single carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) and orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA), space division multiple access (SDMA), etc.

[0087] An example of a wireless communication system is an architecture standardized by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). Development based on One3GPP is generally referred to as the Long Term Evolution (LTE) of the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) radio access technology. The various development stages of the 3GPP specification are referred to as releases. The more recent development of LTE is generally referred to as LTE Advanced (LTE-A). LTE (LTE-A) adopts a radio mobile architecture called Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN) and a core network called Evolved Packet Core (EPC). The base station of such a system is referred to as an evolved or enhanced Node B (eNB), and provides E-UTRAN features such as user plane packet data convergence / radio link control / medium access control / physical layer protocol (PDCP / RLC / MAC / PHY) and control plane radio resource control (RRC) protocol termination to the communication device. Other examples of radio access systems include those provided by base stations of systems based on technologies such as wireless local area networks (WLAN) and / or WiMax (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access). The base station can provide coverage for an entire cell or similar radio service area. The core network elements include the Mobility Management Entity (MME), the Serving Gateway (S-GW) and the Packet Gateway (P-GW).

[0088] An example of a suitable communication system is the 5G or NR concept. The network architecture in NR may be similar to that of LTE-advanced. The base station of the NR system may be referred to as the next generation node B (gNB). Changes in the network architecture may depend on requirements to support various radio technologies and finer QoS support, as well as some on-demand requirements for, for example, QoS levels to support QoE from the user's perspective. New functions are defined in the 5G system architecture, including access management function (AMF), session management function (SMF), user plane function (UPF), and other network functions in the next generation core (NGC). The 5G system supports new functions, including network slicing, to better customize the network according to application requirements and provide virtual networks for tenants. It also uses a service-based architecture, which provides greater flexibility for introducing new services and features compared to the EPC that relies on fixed peer reference points. NR can use multiple input multiple output (MIMO) antennas, many more base stations or nodes than LTE (the so-called small cell concept), including macro sites that operate in conjunction with smaller base stations and may also adopt various radio technologies for better coverage and increased data rates. MR can also support lower latency for air interface transmissions due to revisions to the physical layer and MAC layer protocols.

[0089] Future networks may utilize network function virtualization (NFV), which is a network architecture concept that proposes to virtualize network node functions into "building blocks" or entities that can be operationally connected or linked together to provide services. A virtualized network function (VNF) may include one or more virtual machines that use standard or general-purpose servers rather than custom hardware to run computer program code. Cloud computing or data storage may also be utilized. In radio communications, this may mean that node operations are performed by a centralized unit (CU) at least in part in a server, host, or node that is operationally coupled to a distributed unit (DU), which may be connected to a radio unit (RU) or a remote radio head (RRH). It is also possible that node operations will be distributed among multiple servers, nodes, or hosts. It should also be understood that the distribution of labor between core network operations and base station operations may be different from, or even nonexistent, than the operations of LTE.

[0090] Example 5G Core Network (CN) includes functional entities. CN is connected to UE via Radio Access Network (RAN). UPF (User Plane Function) can be PSA (PDU Session Anchor) that provides anchor point for user IP, Ethernet or unstructured user data session. UPF can be responsible for forwarding frames to and from DN (Data Network) and gNB through tunnels established on transport network to UE that wants to exchange traffic with DN.

[0091] The UPF is controlled by the SMF (Session Management Function) which receives policies from the PCF (Policy Control Function). The CN may also include an AMF (Access and Mobility Function) which terminates the control plane interface with the RAN and manages UE registration and mobility.

[0092] Now refer to Figure 2 describing in more detail possible mobile communication devices, Figure 2 A schematic partial cutaway view of a communication device 200 is shown. Such a communication device is generally referred to as a user equipment (UE) or terminal. Suitable mobile communication devices can be provided by any device capable of sending and receiving radio signals. Non-limiting examples include a mobile station (MS) or a mobile device (such as a mobile phone or a so-called "smart phone"), a computer provided with a wireless interface card or other wireless interface facilities (such as a USB dongle), a personal data assistant (PDA) or a tablet computer provided with wireless communication capabilities, or any combination of these, etc. Mobile communication devices can provide, for example, data communications for carrying communications such as voice, e-mail (email), text messages, multimedia, etc. Therefore, users can be provided and provided with a variety of services via their communication devices. Non-limiting examples of these services include two-way or multi-way calls, data communications or multimedia services or simply access to a data communication network system, such as the Internet. Users can also be provided with broadcast or multicast data. Non-limiting examples of content include downloads, television and radio programs, videos, advertisements, various alarms and other information.

[0093] In industrial applications, the communication device may be a modem integrated into an industrial actuator (e.g. a robotic arm) and / or a modem acting as an Ethernet hub, which would act as a connection point for one or several connected Ethernet devices (the connection may be wired or non-wired).

[0094] The mobile device is typically provided with at least one data processing entity 201, at least one memory 202 and other possible components 203 for software and hardware assistance in performing the tasks it is designed to perform, including control of access and communication access systems and other communication devices. Data processing, storage and other related control devices can be provided on a suitable circuit board and / or in a chipset. This feature is represented by reference numeral 204. The user can control the operation of the mobile device with the help of an appropriate user interface such as a keyboard 205, voice commands, a touch-sensitive screen or touchpad, a combination thereof, etc. A display 208, a speaker and a microphone may also be provided. In addition, the mobile communication device may include suitable connectors (wired or wireless) to other devices and / or for connecting external accessories (e.g., a hands-free device).

[0095] The mobile device 200 may receive signals via suitable means for receiving and may transmit signals via suitable means for transmitting radio signals over the air or radio interface 207. Figure 2 In the mobile device, the transceiver device is schematically designated by block 206. The transceiver device 206 may be provided, for example, by means of a radio component and an associated antenna arrangement. The antenna arrangement may be arranged internally or externally to the mobile device.

[0096] Figure 3 An example embodiment of a control device for a communication system is shown, the control device being coupled to and / or used to control a station of an access system, such as a RAN node, such as a base station, eNB or gNB, a relay node or a core network node such as an MME or S-GW or P-GW, or a core network function such as an AMF / SMF, or a server or host. The method can be implanted in a single control device or across more than one control device. The control device can be integrated with a node or module of a core network or RAN or external to it. In some embodiments, the base station includes a separate control device unit or module. In other embodiments, the control device can be another network element such as a radio network controller or a spectrum controller. In some embodiments, each base station can have such a control device, such as a CU control plane (CU-CP) and a control device provided in a radio network controller. The control device 300 can be arranged to provide control of communications in a system service area. The control device 300 includes at least one memory 301, at least one data processing unit 302, 303 and an input / output interface 304. Via the interface, the control device can be coupled to a receiver and a transmitter of the base station. The receiver and / or the transmitter may be implemented as a radio front end or a remote radio head (RRH).

[0097] Positioning is an important component of the Radio Access Network (RAN). Accurate location knowledge is an important requirement for various services, such as emergency services, vehicle-related use cases, and future factories. Location-based services (e.g., advertising push, parking, and augmented reality) are also in use.

[0098] UTDOA (Uplink Time Difference of Arrival) is a positioning method in which the RAN measures the arrival time of a given UE uplink reference signal simultaneously at multiple physically separated locations. Based on the measured time difference of arrival and the known positions of the measurement points, the position of the UE is calculated. The method has been defined in LTE / EPC and has been agreed in 3GPP as a NR-based positioning method in Rel-16. Other timing-based techniques (and timing of (multiple) arrival paths), angle-based techniques (e.g., uplink angle of departure or uplink angle of arrival of the UL signal), carrier phase-based techniques, or RSRP (Received Reference Signal Power)-based techniques may also be considered for UL positioning in Rel-16 5G.

[0099] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the positioning (e.g. UTDOA positioning) architecture in LTE / EPC is shown. The architecture includes an entity separate from the MME and the eNodeB called the Location Measurement Unit (LMU). Each measurement location requires a separate LMU to measure the UL signal independently and simultaneously. The LMU measures the uplink SRS (and does not provide other functions). The LMU can be independent or co-located in the eNB. A dedicated interface (SLm) between the Evolved Service Mobile Location Server (E-SMLC) in the EPC and the LMU is provided, together with a dedicated protocol (SLmAP) for this interface. The SLmAP requires its own procedures (e.g., setup / measurement, etc.).

[0100] Since the LTE architecture is not distributed in nature, a separate physical LMU is required, which in turn requires separate interfaces and protocols. This may lead to additional work and / or complexity in standardization and product deployment to support this positioning method.

[0101] SLmAP may require multiple messages from the E-SMLC to the individual LMUs. Figure 5 An example signaling diagram for UTDOA positioning over LTE is shown.

[0102] In step 1, the E-SMLC sends a UTDOA information request (including the requested SRS configuration) to the serving eNB through the New Radio Positioning Protocol A (NRPPa), and in step 2 receives a UTDOA information response with UL configuration parameters through NRPPa.

[0103] In step 3, the serving eNB sends an RRC connection reconfiguration including SRS configuration to the UE. In step 4, the UE provides an RRC connection reconfiguration complete message to the eNB. Subsequently, the UE sends periodic SRS as configured by the eNB.

[0104] In step 5, the E-SMLC sends a measurement request (including UL RTOA measurement configuration) to the LMU through the SLmAP.

[0105] The UE transmits the SRS received at the LMU in step 6. The LMU measures T-UL-RTOA in step 7, and provides a measurement response including UL-RTOA measurement to the E-SMLC using SLmAP in step 8.

[0106] In step 9, the E-SMLC sends a measurement stop message to the LMU, and in step 10 the LMU stops the UL-RTOA measurement.

[0107] Support for positioning using 5G architecture and NR is under discussion, with multiple work items in SA2, RAN1 and RAN2. One consideration is whether the LMU is required as a separate entity (with its own interface and protocol) in NG-RAN.

[0108] 5G architecture is more distributed compared to LTE / EPC. As mentioned above, NG-RAN is defined in a distributed manner where CU is separated from DU with a common F1 interface between them.

[0109] Figure 6 A flow chart of a method according to an example embodiment is shown. The method may be performed at a gNB-CU.

[0110] In a first step (S1), the method comprises providing an indication from a centralized unit of a base station to at least one distributed unit of the base station to cause at least one measurement related to an uplink signal from a user equipment to be performed.

[0111] In a second step (S2), the method comprises receiving an indication of a result of at least one measurement from at least one distributed unit.

[0112] In a third step (S3) the method comprises providing an indication of a result of the at least one measurement to a location management function.

[0113] Figure 7 A flow chart of a method according to an example embodiment is shown. The method may be performed at a gNB-DU.

[0114] In a first step (T1), the method comprises receiving, at a distributed unit of a base station, an indication from a centralized unit of a base station to cause at least one measurement related to an uplink signal received from a user equipment to be performed.

[0115] In a second step (T2), the method comprises causing at least one measurement related to an uplink signal to be performed.

[0116] In a third step (T3), the method comprises providing an indication of a result of at least one measurement to the centralized unit for providing to a location management function.

[0117] The base station may be a gNB. The centralized unit of the base station may be a gNB-CU, and the distributed unit of the base station may be a gNB-DU. The interface between the centralized unit and the distributed unit shall use the F1 application protocol.

[0118] The Location Management Function (LMF) can be a central LMF (i.e. located outside the gNB) or a local (i.e. co-located at the base station). LMF co-located at the gNB is being defined in Rel-16 5G. When the LMF is a central LMF, the interface between the Location Management Function and the centralized unit can use NRPPa.

[0119] The uplink signal may be a reference signal or a physical channel (e.g., but not limited to, a PRACH). The reference signal may be a periodic or aperiodic SRS. The at least one measurement may include, for example, but not limited to, measurements related to UL relative time of arrival (T-UL-RTOA), uplink departure angle for uplink signals, uplink arrival angle for uplink signals, uplink signal received power (e.g., reference signal received power (RSRP)), and carrier phase of uplink signals.

[0120] At least one measurement related to the uplink signal may be performed at the RU or RRH or an independent entity connected to the DU. The RU, RRH or independent unit provides an indication of the result of the at least one measurement to the distributed unit. The DU and the RU, RRH or LMU communicate using a common public radio interface or an enhanced common public radio interface (CPRI / eCPRI).

[0121] That is, the Location Measurement Unit (LMU) (i.e., the location where measurements related to uplink signals are performed) can be located within the RRH / RU or can be a separate entity connected to the DU. In both cases, this will "hide" the LMU from the location server behind the DU, so the LMU is not visible to any entity due to the common F1 interface between the DU and the CU. Therefore, the LMU is hidden from the CU or the 5GC.

[0122] Since the LMU is hidden from the CU and 5GC, the LMF does not require a standard interface or protocol to talk to the LMU. Instead, the already defined NRPPa and F1AP protocols can be used between the LMF and gNB-CU and from gNB-CU to gNB-DU, respectively.

[0123] The method may include providing configuration information (e.g., SRS configuration) from the gNB-CU to the UE. Compared to a legacy system that requires SRS configuration request / response over NRPPa between the LMF and the NG-RAN, a single light weight message is sent over NRPPa between the LMF and the gNB-CU (if the LMF is a central LMF). The SRS configuration may be sent to the LMF only when needed, for example, if the LMF performs calculations or configurations based on the SRS.

[0124] The gNB-CU handles the uplink signal configuration (e.g., SRS configuration) inside the DU. Any changes in the measurement configuration (e.g., enhancements in measurements related to uplink signals) can be localized to the gNB with no impact in the NR PMap (in contrast to LMU-based UL localization, where any enhancements in measurements may require changes in the configuration in the SLmap). NR SRS configuration may involve more complex configurations (such as beamforming), where restriction to the RAN would be advantageous.

[0125] The following describes an architecture for UL positioning in 5G networks. This architecture can be used for UL positioning methods that require distributed measurements.

[0126] Figure 8 An example architecture is shown where the LMUs include standalone LMUs. LMU-1 and LMU-2 communicate with the gNB-DU using a common public radio interface or an enhanced common public radio interface (CPRI / eCPRI), as do RU-1 and RU-2. The gNB-DU communicates with the gNB-CU-CP via the F1-C interface and with the gNB-CU-UP via the F1-U interface.

[0127] exist Figure 8 In the architecture shown, the LMF is the central LMF and communicates with the gNB-CU-CP using NRPPa.

[0128] Fig. 9 An example architecture is shown, where the RU / RRH includes an LMU. Figure 8 As shown in , RU-1 and RU-2 (and therefore LMU-1 and LMU-2, respectively) communicate with the gNB-DU using CPRI / eCPRI. The gNB-DU communicates with the gNB-CU, as shown in Figure 8 described.

[0129] The same architecture can be used for both central and local (RAN-based) LMF options. Local LMF within 5G-RAN is under active discussion. Figure 8 and Fig. 9Shown as separated from the gNB-CU, but with an NRPPa interface between the gNB-CU and the LMF, a local LMF within the gNB can also be used. This approach is consistent with the local LMF architecture option. In the case of a central LMF deployment, measurement reports (including the results of the measurements) can be sent by the local LMF to the central LMF. This solution can be beneficial for low latency use cases.

[0130] Fig.10 A signaling diagram for UTDOA based UL positioning according to an example embodiment is shown. In step 1, the LMF sends a UTDOA information request to the gNB-CU via NRPPa. UTDOA does not include SRS configuration details and is therefore a single light-weight message on NRPPa that replaces the SRS configuration request / response sent between the LMF and NG-RAN via NRPPa in the legacy system.

[0131] In step 2, the gNB-CU sends an RRC connection reconfiguration message including the SRS configuration to the UE. In step 3, the UE sends an RRC connection reconfiguration complete message. Subsequently, the UE sends SRS according to the periodicity configured by the gNB.

[0132] In step 4, the gNB-CU sends a measurement request (including UL RTOA measurement configuration) to the gNB-DU. The gNB-CU identifies the gNB-DU to measure SRS and the message to the DU is sensed inside the gNB (LMF is not aware of the SRS configuration details).

[0133] The gNB-DU receives SRS from the UE in step 5 and measures T-UL-RTOA from single or multiple RUs in step 6. The gNB-DU sends a measurement response including the UL-RTOA measurement to the gNB-CU in step 7.

[0134] The gNB consolidates the measurements from all gNB-DUs and responds to the LMF. In step 8, the gNB-CU forwards the UL RTOA measurements to the LMF in the UTDOA Information Response via NRPPa. The gNB-CU then sends a Measurement Stop message to the gNB-DU via F1AP in step 8, and the gNB-DU stops the UL-RTOA measurements in step 10. The Measurement Stop can be provided from the gNB-CU or the LMF.

[0135] refer to Fig.10 The signaling procedure described is fully applicable whether the LMF is a central LMF or not. Steps 1 and 8 of the signaling procedure are not applicable when the LMF is local to the gNB.

[0136] This proposal uses the inherent distributed nature of the 5G architecture. Compared to the architecture used for UL positioning in LTE / EPC, the architecture can be simplified because it does not involve LMU / SLm and SLmAP.

[0137] although Fig.10 The examples in are described with reference to UTDOA, which can be applied in the case where other UL positioning methods are used. The UL positioning method may involve distributed uplink signal (e.g., reference signal) measurements. The distributed UL signal measurements may involve, for example, but not limited to, other UL signal timing, UL arrival angle, UL departure angle, carrier phase, or RSRP.

[0138] In certain 5G use cases such as factory / indoor / vertical use cases, UL positioning may become critical. This incremental approach may be a cheaper option.

[0139] This method can be found in the reference Figure 2 The user device or reference described Figure 3 The control device described is implemented in the

[0140] The apparatus may include components for: providing an indication from a centralized unit of a base station to at least one distributed unit of the base station so that at least one measurement related to an uplink signal from a user equipment is performed, receiving an indication of at least one measurement result from the at least one distributed unit; and providing an indication of the result of at least one measurement to a location management function.

[0141] Alternatively or additionally, the apparatus may include components for providing an indication from a centralized unit of a base station to at least one distributed unit of the base station so that the at least one distributed unit performs at least one measurement related to an uplink signal from a user equipment, receiving an indication of a result of at least one measurement from the at least one distributed unit, and providing an indication of the result of at least one measurement to a location management function.

[0142] It should be understood that the device may include or be coupled to other units or modules, such as a radio component or radio head, for use in or for transmission and / or reception. Although the device has been described as one entity, the different modules and memories may be implemented in one or more physical or logical entities.

[0143] It should be noted that although embodiments have been described with respect to LTE and 5G NR, similar principles may be applied to other networks and communication systems with respect to using UL positioning. Thus, although certain embodiments are described above by way of example with reference to certain example architectures for wireless networks, technologies and standards, the embodiments may be applied to any other suitable form of communication system in addition to those illustrated and described herein.

[0144] It is also noted herein that while the above describes exemplifying embodiments, there are numerous variations and modifications which may be made to the disclosed solution without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0145] In general, the various example embodiments may be implemented in hardware or dedicated circuits, software, logic, or any combination thereof. Some aspects of the invention may be implemented in hardware, while other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software that may be executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device, although the invention is not limited thereto. Although various aspects of the invention may be illustrated and described as block diagrams, flow charts, or using some other graphical representation, it is well understood that the blocks, devices, systems, techniques, or methods described herein may be implemented in, as non-limiting examples, hardware, software, firmware, dedicated circuits or logic, general purpose hardware or controllers or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

[0146] Example embodiments of the present invention may be implemented by computer software executable by a data processor of a mobile device, such as in a processor entity, or by hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware. Computer software or programs, also referred to as program products, including software routines, applets and / or macros, may be stored in any device-readable data storage medium, and they include program instructions for performing specific tasks. A computer program product may include one or more computer executable components that are configured to perform an embodiment when the program is run. One or more computer executable components may be at least one software code or a portion thereof.

[0147] It should be further noted in this regard that any box of the logic flow as shown in the figure may represent program steps, or interconnected logic circuits, boxes and functions, or a combination of program steps and logic circuits, boxes and functions. The software may be stored on physical media such as memory chips or memory blocks implemented within a processor, magnetic media such as hard disks or floppy disks, and optical media such as, for example, DVDs and their data variants (CDs). Physical media are non-transient media.

[0148] The memory may be of any type suitable for the local technical environment and may be implemented using any appropriate data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based storage devices, magnetic storage devices and systems, optical storage devices and systems, fixed memory, and removable memory. As non-limiting examples, the data processor may be of any type suitable for the local technical environment and may include one or more of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an FPGA, a gate-level circuit based on a multi-core processor architecture, and a processor.

[0149] Example embodiments of the present invention may be practiced in various components such as integrated circuit modules. The design of integrated circuits is generally a highly automated process. Complex and powerful software tools are available to convert logic level designs into semiconductor circuit designs ready to be etched and formed on semiconductor substrates.

[0150] The foregoing description has provided by way of non-limiting example a complete and informative description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention. However, various modifications and adaptations will become apparent to those skilled in the relevant art in view of the foregoing description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. However, all such and similar modifications of the teachings of the present invention will still fall within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. Indeed, there are further embodiments comprising a combination of one or more embodiments with any other embodiments previously discussed.

Claims

1. An apparatus for communication, comprising means for: providing an indication from a centralized unit of a base station to at least one distributed unit of the base station to cause at least one measurement related to an uplink signal from a user equipment to be performed; receiving an indication of a result of the at least one measurement from the at least one distributed unit; and An indication of the result of the at least one measurement is provided to a location management function, wherein an interface between the centralized unit and the distributed unit uses an F1 application protocol.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the location management functionality is integrated into a centralized unit or central function of the base station.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the location management function is a central function and the interface between the location management function and the centralized unit uses a new radiolocation protocol A.

4. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising means for providing configuration information from the centralized unit to at least one user equipment.

5. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the uplink signal is a reference signal or a physical channel. The apparatus of claim 5 , wherein the reference signal is a sounding reference signal.

7. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one measurement is related to: an uplink relative arrival time for the uplink signal, an uplink departure angle for the uplink signal, an uplink arrival angle for the uplink signal, a received uplink signal power and a carrier phase of the uplink signal.

8. An apparatus for communication, comprising means for: receiving, at a distributed unit of a base station, an indication from a centralized unit of the base station to cause at least one measurement related to an uplink signal received from a user equipment to be performed; causing at least one measurement related to the uplink signal to be performed; as well as An indication of a result of the at least one measurement is provided to the centralized unit for provision to a location management function, wherein an interface between the centralized unit and the distributed units uses the F1 application protocol.

9. The apparatus according to claim 8, comprising means for: The result of the at least one measurement is received from a radio unit, a remote radio head or a separate measurement unit.

10. An apparatus according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the location management functionality is integrated into the centralised unit or central function of the base station.

11. The apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 9, wherein the uplink signal is a reference signal or a physical channel. The apparatus of claim 11 , wherein the reference signal is a sounding reference signal.

13. An apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 9, wherein the at least one measurement is related to: an uplink relative arrival time for the uplink signal, an uplink departure angle for the uplink signal, an uplink arrival angle for the uplink signal, a received uplink signal power and a carrier phase of the uplink signal.

14. A method of communication, comprising: providing an indication from a centralized unit of a base station to at least one distributed unit of the base station to cause the at least one distributed unit to perform at least one measurement related to an uplink signal from a user equipment; receiving an indication of a result of the at least one measurement from the at least one distributed unit; as well as An indication of the result of the at least one measurement is provided to a location management function, wherein an interface between the centralized unit and the distributed unit uses an F1 application protocol.

15. A method of communication, comprising: receiving, at a distributed unit of a base station, an indication from a centralized unit of the base station to cause at least one measurement related to an uplink signal received from a user equipment to be performed; causing at least one measurement related to the uplink signal to be performed; as well as An indication of a result of the at least one measurement is provided to the centralized unit for provision to a location management function, wherein an interface between the centralized unit and the distributed units uses the F1 application protocol.

16. An apparatus for communication, comprising: at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: providing an indication from a centralized unit of a base station to at least one distributed unit of the base station to cause the at least one distributed unit to perform at least one measurement related to an uplink signal from a user equipment; receiving an indication of a result of the at least one measurement from the at least one distributed unit; as well as An indication of the result of the at least one measurement is provided to a location management function, wherein an interface between the centralized unit and the distributed unit uses an F1 application protocol.

17. An apparatus for communication, comprising: at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: receiving, at a distributed unit of a base station, an indication from a centralized unit of the base station to cause at least one measurement related to an uplink signal received from a user equipment to be performed; causing at least one measurement related to the uplink signal to be performed; as well as An indication of a result of the at least one measurement is provided to the centralized unit for provision to a location management function, wherein an interface between the centralized unit and the distributed units uses the F1 application protocol.

18. A computer readable medium comprising program instructions for causing an apparatus to at least: providing an indication from a centralized unit of a base station to at least one distributed unit of the base station to cause the at least one distributed unit to perform at least one measurement related to an uplink signal from a user equipment; receiving an indication of a result of the at least one measurement from the at least one distributed unit; as well as An indication of the result of the at least one measurement is provided to a location management function, wherein an interface between the centralized unit and the distributed unit uses an F1 application protocol.

19. A computer-readable medium comprising program instructions for causing an apparatus to at least: receiving, at a distributed unit of a base station, an indication from a centralized unit of the base station that at least one measurement related to an uplink signal received from a user equipment is to be performed; causing at least one measurement related to the uplink signal to be performed; as well as An indication of a result of the at least one measurement is provided to the centralized unit for provision to a location management function, wherein an interface between the centralized unit and the distributed units uses the F1 application protocol.

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