Backscatter-based localization

Abstract

This disclosure provides systems, methods, and devices for wireless communication supporting backscatter-based positioning. In a first aspect, a method of wireless communication includes receiving a tag device indicator indicating tag capabilities of a tag device. The method further includes transmitting, to a first transmit / receive point (TRP) of a plurality of TRPs, a PRS configuration associated with a positioning reference signal (PRS), the PRS configuration based on the tag capability, the plurality of TRPs including the first TRP designated as a transmit (Tx) TRP and a second TRP designated as a receive (Rx) TRP. The method also includes receiving a measurement report from the second TRP based on a backscatter signal of the positioning reference signal transmitted by the first TRP. Other aspects and features are also claimed and described.

Description

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 058,148, entitled "BACKSCATTER - BASED POSITIONING", filed on November 22, 2022, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] Aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to wireless communication systems, and more particularly, to backscatter - based positioning. Some features may enable and provide improved communication, including reduced control overhead, efficient resource utilization, improved network access, improved ranging measurements, position determination, transmit / receive point (TRP) selection, reduced interference, or combinations thereof. Background Art

[0004] Wireless communication networks are widely deployed to provide various communication services such as voice, video, packet data, messaging, broadcasting, etc. These wireless networks can be multi - access networks that are capable of supporting multiple users by sharing available network resources. Such networks can be multi - access networks for communicating by sharing available network resources to support multiple users.

[0005] A wireless communication network may include several components. These components may include wireless communication devices such as a base station (or Node B) that can support communication for several user equipments (UEs). The UEs can communicate with the base station via a downlink and an uplink. The downlink (or forward link) refers to the communication link from the base station to the UE, and the uplink (or reverse link) refers to the communication link from the UE to the base station.

[0006] The base station may send data and control information to the UE on the downlink or receive data and control information from the UE on the uplink. On the downlink, the transmission from the base station may encounter interference due to transmissions from neighboring base stations or other radio frequency (RF) transmitters. On the uplink, the transmission from the UE may encounter interference from other UEs communicating with neighboring base stations or from uplink transmissions from other radio RF transmitters. Such interference may degrade the performance on both the downlink and the uplink.

[0007] Due to the continuous growth in the demand for mobile broadband access, with more UEs accessing remote wireless communication networks and more short - range wireless systems deployed in the community, the likelihood of interference and congested networks is also increasing. Research and development continue to advance wireless technologies to not only meet the growing demand for mobile broadband access but also enhance and improve the user experience of mobile communication.

[0008] Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) systems and devices typically include a reader device, referred to as a reader, and one or more tag devices, such as RFID tag devices. The tag device typically includes a wireless microchip for tagging an object for automatic identification. However, the use of tag devices has not been applied to current 3GPP technologies and Internet of Things (IoT) implementations, which may include identification, monitoring, positioning, and tracking (as illustrative non-limiting examples). Accordingly, the use of tag devices applied to current 3GPP technologies (such as coexistence with User Equipment (UE)) and the infrastructure for current 3GPP technology bands have not been established. Given the low power and limited processing capabilities of different types of tag devices, the integration of tag devices with 3GPP technologies presents various complex technical challenges, such as limiting network congestion, overhead, and interference associated with the use of tag devices with 3GPP technologies. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Some aspects of the present disclosure are summarized below to provide a basic understanding of the technologies discussed. This Summary is not an exhaustive overview of all contemplated features of the present disclosure, and is neither intended to identify key or critical elements of all aspects of the present disclosure nor to delineate the scope of any or all aspects of the present disclosure. The sole purpose of this Summary is to present some concepts of one or more aspects of the present disclosure in a generalized form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[0010] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a method for wireless communication is performed by a network entity. The method includes receiving a tag device indicator indicating the tag capabilities of a tag device. The method further includes sending a positioning reference signal (PRS) configuration associated with a PRS to a first transmission / reception point (TRP) among a plurality of TRPs. The PRS configuration is based on the tag capabilities, and the plurality of TRPs includes the first TRP designated as a transmission (Tx) TRP and a second TRP designated as a reception (Rx) TRP. The method further includes receiving a measurement report from the second TRP based on a backscattered signal of the positioning reference signal transmitted by the first TRP.

[0011] In an additional aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus includes at least one processor and a memory coupled to the at least one processor. The at least one processor is configured to receive a tag device indicator indicating the tag capabilities of a tag device. The at least one processor is further configured to send a PRS configuration associated with a PRS to a first TRP among a plurality of TRPs, the PRS configuration being based on the tag capabilities, the plurality of TRPs including the first TRP designated as a Tx TRP and a second TRP designated as an Rx TRP. The at least one processor is further configured to receive a measurement report from the second TRP based on a backscattered signal of the positioning reference signal transmitted by the first TRP.

[0012] In an additional aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus includes components for receiving a tag device indicator indicating the tag capabilities of a tag device. The apparatus further includes components for sending a PRS configuration associated with a PRS to a first TRP among a plurality of TRPs, the PRS configuration being based on the tag capabilities, the plurality of TRPs including the first TRP designated as a Tx TRP and a second TRP designated as an Rx TRP. The apparatus further includes components for receiving a measurement report from the second TRP based on a backscattered signal of a positioning reference signal transmitted by the first TRP.

[0013] In an additional aspect of the present disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable medium stores instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform operations. The operations include receiving a tag device indicator indicating the tag capabilities of a tag device. The operations further include sending a PRS configuration associated with a PRS to a first TRP among a plurality of TRPs, the PRS configuration being based on the tag capabilities, the plurality of TRPs including the first TRP designated as a Tx TRP and a second TRP designated as an Rx TRP. The operations further include receiving a measurement report from the second TRP based on a backscattered signal of a positioning reference signal transmitted by the first TRP.

[0014] In an additional aspect of the present disclosure, a method for wireless communication is performed by a tag device. The method includes generating a tag device indicator indicating the tag capabilities. The tag capabilities include tag type, bandwidth, positioning reference signal slot periodicity, sensitivity, group delay, or a combination thereof. The method further includes sending the tag capabilities indicator.

[0015] In an additional aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus includes at least one processor and a memory coupled to the at least one processor. The at least one processor is configured to generate a tag device indicator indicating the tag capabilities, the tag capabilities including tag type, bandwidth, positioning reference signal slot periodicity, sensitivity, group delay, or a combination thereof. The at least one processor is further configured to send the tag capabilities indicator.

[0016] In an additional aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus includes components for generating a tag device indicator indicating the tag capabilities, the tag capabilities including tag type, bandwidth, positioning reference signal slot periodicity, sensitivity, group delay, or a combination thereof. The apparatus further includes components for sending the tag capabilities indicator.

[0017] In an additional aspect of the present disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable medium stores instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform operations. The operations include generating a tag device indicator indicative of tag capabilities, where the tag capabilities include tag type, bandwidth, positioning reference signal slot periodicity, sensitivity, group delay, or a combination thereof. The operations further include transmitting the tag capabilities indicator.

[0018] In an additional aspect of the present disclosure, a method for wireless communication is performed by a TRP. The method includes receiving, from a network entity, a TRP configuration associated with a positioning reference signal of a tag device. The method further includes receiving, from the tag device, a backscatter signal that is generated based on the positioning reference signal. The method further includes transmitting a measurement report based on the backscatter signal.

[0019] In an additional aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus includes at least one processor and a memory coupled to the at least one processor. The at least one processor is configured to receive, from a network entity, a TRP configuration associated with a positioning reference signal of a tag device. The at least one processor is further configured to receive, from the tag device, a backscatter signal that is generated based on the positioning reference signal. The at least one processor is further configured to transmit a measurement report based on the backscatter signal.

[0020] In an additional aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus includes means for... The apparatus further includes means for receiving, from a network entity, a TRP configuration associated with a positioning reference signal of a tag device. The apparatus further includes means for receiving, from the tag device, a backscatter signal that is generated based on the positioning reference signal. The apparatus further includes means for transmitting a measurement report based on the backscatter signal.

[0021] In an additional aspect of the present disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable medium stores instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform operations. The operations include receiving, from a network entity, a TRP configuration associated with a positioning reference signal of a tag device. The operations further include receiving, from the tag device, a backscatter signal that is generated based on the positioning reference signal. The operations further include transmitting a measurement report based on the backscatter signal.

[0022] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a method for wireless communication is performed by a TRP. The method includes receiving, from a network entity, a measurement gap configuration associated with a positioning reference signal of a tag device. The measurement gap configuration indicates a time period during which the TRP monitors the positioning reference signal, a backscatter signal based on the positioning reference signal, or a combination thereof, and the TRP avoids scheduling one or more transmissions that would occur during the time period. The method further includes receiving, from the tag device, a backscatter signal that is generated based on the positioning reference signal.

[0023] In an additional aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus includes at least one processor and a memory coupled to the at least one processor. The at least one processor is configured to receive, from a network entity, a measurement gap configuration associated with a positioning reference signal of a tag device, the measurement gap configuration indicating a time period during which a TRP monitors the positioning reference signal, a backscatter signal based on the positioning reference signal, or a combination thereof, and the TRP avoids scheduling one or more transmissions that would occur during the time period. The at least one processor is further configured to receive, from the tag device, a backscatter signal that is generated based on the positioning reference signal.

[0024] In an additional aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus includes means for receiving, from a network entity, a measurement gap configuration associated with a positioning reference signal of a tag device, the measurement gap configuration indicating a time period during which a TRP monitors the positioning reference signal, a backscatter signal based on the positioning reference signal, or a combination thereof, and the TRP avoids scheduling one or more transmissions that would occur during the time period. The apparatus further includes means for receiving, from the tag device, a backscatter signal that is generated based on the positioning reference signal.

[0025] In an additional aspect of the present disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable medium stores instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform operations. The operations include receiving, from a network entity, a measurement gap configuration associated with a positioning reference signal of a tag device, the measurement gap configuration indicating a time period during which a TRP monitors the positioning reference signal, a backscatter signal based on the positioning reference signal, or a combination thereof, and the TRP avoids scheduling one or more transmissions that would occur during the time period. The operations further include receiving, from the tag device, a backscatter signal that is generated based on the positioning reference signal.

[0026] The features and technical advantages of examples in accordance with the present disclosure have been outlined above rather broadly in order that the detailed description that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages will be described hereinafter. The disclosed concepts and specific examples may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. Such equivalent constructions do not depart from the scope of the appended claims. When considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the characteristics (both the organization and method of operation) of the concepts disclosed herein, as well as the associated advantages, will be better understood. Each of the drawings provided is for purposes of illustration and description and not as a definition of the limits of the claims.

[0027] Although aspects and specific implementations are described herein by way of some examples, those skilled in the art will understand that additional specific implementations and use cases may arise in many different arrangements and scenarios. The innovations described herein can be implemented across many different platform types, devices, systems, shapes, sizes, packaging arrangements. For example, aspects and / or uses can be implemented via integrated chips and other non-module component-based devices (e.g., end-user devices, vehicles, communication devices, computing devices, industrial equipment, retail / purchase devices, medical devices, artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled devices, etc.). Although some examples may or may not specifically point to use cases or applications, a wide variety of applicability of the described innovations can occur. The scope of specific implementations can range from chip-level or modular components to non-modular, non-chip-level implementations, and further to the scope of aggregated, distributed, or original equipment manufacturer (OEM) devices or systems incorporating one or more aspects of the described innovations. In some practical environments, devices incorporating the described aspects and features may also necessarily include additional components and features for implementing and practicing the claimed and described aspects. For example, the transmission and reception of wireless signals necessarily includes multiple components for analog and digital purposes (e.g., hardware components including antennas, radio frequency (RF) chains, power amplifiers, modulators, buffers, processors, interleavers, adders / summers, etc.). The innovations described herein are intended to be practiced in a variety of devices, chip-level components, systems, distributed arrangements, end-user devices, etc. having different sizes, shapes, and configurations. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the present disclosure can be realized by reference to the following drawings. In the drawings, like components or features may have the same reference numeral. Additionally, various components of the same type can be distinguished by adding a dash and a second label used to differentiate between like components after the reference numeral. If only the first reference numeral is used in the specification, the description applies to any one of the like components having the same first reference numeral, regardless of the second reference numeral.

[0029] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating details of an example wireless communication system in accordance with one or more aspects.

[0030] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating examples of a base station and a user equipment (UE) in accordance with one or more aspects.

[0031] Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example wireless communication system supporting backscatter-based positioning in accordance with one or more aspects.

[0032] Figure 4Is a ladder diagram illustrating an example of backscatter-based positioning according to one or more aspects.

[0033] Figure 5 Is a ladder diagram illustrating another example of backscatter-based positioning according to one or more aspects.

[0034] Figure 6 Is a flowchart illustrating an example process supporting backscatter-based positioning according to one or more aspects.

[0035] Figure 7 Is a block diagram of an example tag device supporting backscatter-based positioning according to one or more aspects.

[0036] Figure 8 Is a flowchart illustrating an example process supporting backscatter-based positioning according to one or more aspects.

[0037] Figure 9 Is a flowchart illustrating an example process supporting backscatter-based positioning according to one or more aspects.

[0038] Figure 10 Is a flowchart illustrating an example process supporting backscatter-based positioning according to one or more aspects.

[0039] Figure 11 Is a block diagram of an example network entity supporting backscatter-based positioning according to one or more aspects.

[0040] The same reference numerals and names in different figures indicate the same elements. Detailed Description

[0041] The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of various configurations and is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. On the contrary, the detailed description includes specific details for providing a thorough understanding of the subject matter of the present invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these specific details are not required in every instance and that in some instances, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form for clarity of presentation.

[0042] The present disclosure provides systems, apparatuses, methods, and computer-readable media that support backscatter-based positioning. For example, the present disclosure describes transmitting positioning passive Internet of Things (IoT) devices, such as tag devices, via backscatter. A location management function (LMF) of a core network may be configured to determine the positioning of a tag device, such as two-dimensional positioning or three-dimensional positioning, based on one or more measurement reports received from one or more transmit / receive points (TRPs). For illustration, the LMF may identify a tag device for positioning, such as a passive tag device or a semi-passive tag device, and configure multiple TRPs for a tag device positioning session. For example, the LMF may configure one or more TRPs to be designated as and operate as transmit (Tx) TRPs, configure one or more TRPs to be designated as and operate as receive (Rx) TRPs, or a combination thereof. Additionally, the LMF may generate a positioning reference signal (PRS) configuration associated with one or more PRSs to be transmitted by one or more Tx TRPs. In some specific implementations, as an illustrative, non-limiting example, the LMF may generate a PRS configuration based on tag capabilities of the tag device, such as tag type, bandwidth, positioning reference signal time slot periodicity, sensitivity, group delay, or a combination thereof. Additionally or alternatively, the tag capabilities may include or indicate whether the tag device supports frequency shift of the received PRS signal, or whether the frequency shift can be enabled or disabled at the tag device. In some specific implementations, if the amount of energy available at the tag device does not meet a threshold, the LMF may generate a PRS configuration such that the PRS transmitted by the Tx TRP provides on-demand energy harvesting for the tag device. Additionally or alternatively, the LMF may generate a measurement gap (MG) configuration for one or more of the multiple TRPs. The MG configuration may indicate a time period (e.g., a silent period) associated with the transmission of a backscatter signal from the tag device, during which one or more TRPs avoid scheduling one or more transmissions - for example, avoid scheduling one or more transmissions at the frequency of the PRS or the backscatter signal. In some specific implementations, one or more TRPs may request that adjacent TRPs also avoid transmitting during this time period. Based on the one or more transmitted PRSs and one or more corresponding backscatter signals, the Rx TRP may generate a measurement report and send it to the LMF. Based on the measurement report, the LMF may perform time of arrival (TOA), time difference of arrival (TDOA), or angle of arrival (AoA) positioning to obtain the location of the tag device.

[0043] Specific embodiments that implement the subject matter described in this disclosure can achieve one or more of the following potential advantages or benefits. In some aspects, this disclosure provides techniques for supporting backscatter-based positioning. The described techniques facilitate determining the location of tag devices with limited on-board power and computing resources, such as passive tag devices or semi-passive tag devices, such as two-dimensional or three-dimensional locations. By way of illustration, based on the tagging capabilities of the tag device, the LMF generates a PRS configuration to account for one or more capabilities of the tag device, such as the limited on-board power or computing resources of the tag device. Additionally, the MG configuration enables the Rx TRP to reduce interference and improve the reception of backscatter signals (e.g., low-intensity signals). Thus, given the limited processing capabilities of the tag device, the described techniques support the positioning of tag devices such as passive tags or semi-passive tags.

[0044] This disclosure generally relates to providing or participating in authorized shared access between two or more wireless devices in one or more wireless communication systems (also referred to as wireless communication networks). In various embodiments, the techniques and apparatus can be used in wireless communication networks such as code division multiple access (CDMA) networks, time division multiple access (TDMA) networks, frequency division multiple access (FDMA) networks, orthogonal FDMA (OFDMA) networks, single carrier FDMA (SC-FDMA) networks, LTE networks, GSM networks, fifth generation (5G) or new radio (NR) networks (sometimes referred to as "5G NR" networks, systems, or devices), and other communication networks. As described herein, the terms "network" and "system" can be used interchangeably.

[0045] CDMA networks can implement radio technologies such as Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (UTRA), cdma2000, etc. UTRA includes Wideband CDMA (W-CDMA) and Low Chip Rate (LCR). CDMA2000 covers the IS-2000, IS-95, and IS-856 standards.

[0046] For example, a TDMA network may implement radio technologies such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM). The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) defines the standards for the GSM EDGE (Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution) Radio Access Network (RAN) (also known as GERAN). GERAN is the radio component of GSM / EDGE together with the network connecting base stations (such as the Ater and Abis interfaces) and base station controllers (the A interface, etc.). The radio access network represents the components of the GSM network through which telephone calls and packet data are routed from the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and the Internet to the subscriber's mobile phone (also known as the user terminal or user equipment (UE)) and from the subscriber's mobile phone to the PSTN and the Internet. The network of a mobile phone operator may include one or more GERANs, which may be coupled to the UTRAN in the case of a UMTS / GSM network. Additionally, the operator's network may also include one or more LTE networks, or one or more other networks. Various different network types may use different Radio Access Technologies (RATs) and RANs.

[0047] An OFDMA network may implement radio technologies such as evolved UTRA (E-UTRA), Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11, IEEE 802.16, IEEE 802.20, flash-OFDM, etc. UTRA, E-UTRA, and GSM are part of the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS). Specifically, Long Term Evolution (LTE) is a version of UMTS that uses E-UTRA. UTRA, E-UTRA, GSM, UMTS, and LTE are described in documents provided by an organization named "3rd Generation Partnership Project" (3GPP), and cdma2000 is described in documents from an organization named "3rd Generation Partnership Project 2" (3GPP2). These radio technologies and standards are known or under development. For example, 3GPP is a cooperation among telecommunication society groups aimed at defining globally applicable third-generation (3G) mobile phone specifications. 3GPP LTE is a 3GPP program aimed at improving the UMTS mobile phone standard. 3GPP may define the specifications for next-generation mobile networks, mobile systems, and mobile devices. Certain aspects of the present disclosure may be described with reference to LTE, 4G, or 5G NR technologies; however, the description is not intended to be limited to a specific technology or application, and one or more aspects described with reference to one technology may be understood to be applicable to another technology. Additionally, one or more aspects of the present disclosure may relate to shared access to the radio spectrum between networks using different radio access technologies or radio air interfaces.

[0048] The 5G network is expected to have diverse deployments, diverse spectrums, and diverse services and devices enabled by a unified OFDM-based air interface. To achieve these goals, in addition to developing new radio technologies for the 5G NR network, further enhancements to LTE and LTE-A are also considered. 5G NR will be able to scale to provide coverage (1) for massive Internet of Things (IoT) with ultra-high density (e.g., about 1M nodes / km 2 ), ultra-low complexity (e.g., about 10s bits per second), ultra-low power consumption (e.g., about 10+ year battery life), and deep coverage with the ability to reach challenging locations; (2) including mission-critical control with strong security to protect sensitive personal, financial, or classified information, ultra-high reliability (e.g., about 99.9999% reliability), ultra-low latency (e.g., about 1 millisecond (ms)), and users with a wide range of mobility or lack of mobility; and (3) providing enhanced mobile broadband with enhanced coverage including extremely high capacity (e.g., about 10Tbps / km 2 ), extremely high data rates (e.g., multi-Gbps rates, 100+ Mbps user experience rate), and deep awareness with advanced discovery and optimization.

[0049] Devices, networks, and systems can be configured to communicate via one or more portions of the electromagnetic spectrum. The electromagnetic spectrum is typically subdivided into various categories, frequency bands, channels, etc. based on frequency / wavelength. In 5G NR, two initial operating frequency bands have been identified as frequency range designations FR1 (410 MHz to 7.125 GHz) and FR2 (24.25 GHz to 52.6 GHz). The frequencies between FR1 and FR2 are generally referred to as mid-band frequencies. Although a portion of FR1 is greater than 6 GHz, in various documents and articles, FR1 is typically (interchangeably) referred to as the "sub-6 GHz" band. A similar naming issue sometimes occurs for FR2, where in documents and articles, FR2 is typically (interchangeably) referred to as the "millimeter wave" (mmWave) band, although it is different from the extremely high frequency (EHF) band (30 GHz to 300 GHz) identified by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) as the "mmWave" band.

[0050] Taking the above aspects into account, unless otherwise specifically stated, it should be understood that if used in this document, terms such as "sub-6 GHz" can generally represent frequencies that can be less than 6 GHz, can be within FR1, or can include mid-band frequencies. Additionally, unless otherwise specifically stated, it should be understood that if used in this document, terms such as "mmWave" can broadly represent frequencies that can include mid-band frequencies, can be within FR2, or can be within the EHF band.

[0051] 5G NR devices, networks, and systems can be implemented to use waveform features based on optimized OFDM. These features can include a scalable parameter set and transmission time interval (TTI); a common flexible framework that effectively multiplexes services and features using dynamic, low-latency time division duplex (TDD) design or frequency division duplex (FDD) design; and advanced wireless technologies such as massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO), robust mmWave transmission, advanced channel decoding, and device-centric mobility. The scalability of the parameter set in 5G NR and the scaling of the subcarrier spacing can efficiently address the operation of various services across different spectrums and different deployments. For example, in various outdoor and macro coverage deployments with less than 3 GHz FDD or TDD implementations, the subcarrier spacing may occur at 15 kHz, such as for bandwidths exceeding 1 MHz, 5 MHz, 10 MHz, 20 MHz, etc. For other various outdoor and small cell coverage deployments with TDD greater than 3 GHz, the subcarrier spacing may occur at 30 kHz for an 80 MHz / 100 MHz bandwidth. For other various indoor broadband implementations, using TDD in the unlicensed portion of the 5 GHz band, the subcarrier spacing may occur at 60 kHz for a 160 MHz bandwidth. Finally, for various deployments with transmission via mmWave components under TDD at 28 GHz, the subcarrier spacing can occur at 120 kHz for a 500 MHz bandwidth.

[0052] The scalable parameter set of 5G NR contributes to a scalable TTI for diverse latency and quality of service (QoS) requirements. For example, a shorter TTI can be used for low latency and high reliability, while a longer TTI can be used for higher spectral efficiency. The efficient multiplexing of long and short TTIs allows transmissions to start at symbol boundaries. 5G NR also anticipates a self-contained integrated subframe design, where uplink or downlink scheduling information, data, and acknowledgments are in the same subframe. The self-contained integrated subframe supports communication in unlicensed or contention-based shared spectrums, and the adaptive uplink or downlink can be flexibly configured on a per-cell basis to dynamically switch between the uplink and downlink to meet current traffic demands.

[0053] For clarity, certain aspects of the devices and technologies may be described below with reference to example 5G NR implementations or in a 5G-centric manner, and 5G terminology may be used as an illustrative example in parts of the description below; however, the description is not intended to be limited to 5G applications.

[0054] In addition, it should be understood that in operation, a wireless communication network adapted according to the concepts herein can operate using any combination of licensed or unlicensed spectrum depending on load and availability. Accordingly, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the systems, apparatuses, and methods described herein can be applied to other communication systems and applications in addition to the specific examples provided.

[0055] While aspects and specific implementations are described herein by way of illustration of some examples, those skilled in the art will understand that additional specific implementations and use cases may arise in many different arrangements and scenarios. The innovations described herein can be implemented across many different platform types, devices, systems, shapes, sizes, and packaging arrangements. For example, a specific implementation or use can be implemented via an integrated chip or other non-module-component-based device (e.g., an end-user device, a vehicle, a communication device, a computing device, an industrial device, a retail or point-of-purchase device, a medical device, an AI-enabled device, etc.). Although some examples may or may not specifically point to a use case or application, a wide variety of applicability of the described innovations can occur. The scope of specific implementations can range from chip-level or modular components to non-modular, non-chip-level implementations, and further to aggregated, distributed, or original equipment manufacturer (OEM) devices or systems that incorporate one or more of the described aspects. In some practical environments, devices that incorporate the described aspects and features may also necessarily include additional components and features for implementing and practicing the claimed and described aspects. It is intended that the innovations described herein be implemented in a wide variety of specific implementations of different sizes, shapes, and configurations, including both large and small devices, chip-level components, multi-component systems (e.g., radio frequency (RF) chains, communication interfaces, processors), distributed arrangements, end-user devices, etc.

[0056] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating details of an example wireless communication system according to one or more aspects. The wireless communication system can include a wireless network 100. The wireless network 100 can include, for example, a 5G wireless network. As those skilled in the art will recognize, Figure 1 the components that appear in are likely to have related corresponding components in other network arrangements, including, for example, cellular-style network arrangements and non-cellular-style network arrangements (e.g., device-to-device or peer-to-peer or ad-hoc network arrangements, etc.).

[0057] Figure 1The illustrated wireless network 100 includes a number of base stations 105 and other network entities. A base station can be a station that communicates with a UE and can also be referred to as an evolved Node B (eNB), a next-generation eNB (gNB), an access point, etc. Each base station 105 can provide communication coverage for a specific geographic area. In 3GPP, the term "cell" can refer to the specific geographic coverage area of a base station or the base station subsystem serving that coverage area, depending on the context in which the term is used. In a particular implementation of the wireless network 100 herein, the base stations 105 can be associated with the same operator or different operators (e.g., the wireless network 100 can include multiple operator wireless networks). Additionally, in a particular implementation of the wireless network 100 herein, the base stations 105 can use one or more frequencies in the same frequency as an adjacent cell (e.g., one or more frequency bands in licensed spectrum, unlicensed spectrum, or a combination thereof) to provide wireless communication. In some examples, an individual base station 105 or UE 115 can be operated by more than one network operating entity. In some other examples, each base station 105 and UE 115 can be operated by a single network operating entity.

[0058] A base station can provide communication coverage for a macro cell or a small cell (such as a pico cell or a femto cell) or other types of cells. A macro cell generally covers a relatively large geographic area (e.g., with a radius of several kilometers) and can allow unrestricted access by UEs having a service subscription with the network provider. A small cell (such as a pico cell) generally covers a relatively small geographic area and can allow unrestricted access by UEs having a service subscription with the network provider. A small cell (such as a femto cell) generally also covers a relatively small geographic area (e.g., a home) and can provide restricted access by UEs associated with the femto cell (e.g., UEs in a Closed Subscriber Group (CSG), UEs of users in a home, etc.) in addition to unrestricted access. A base station for a macro cell can be referred to as a macro base station. A base station for a small cell can be referred to as a small cell base station, a pico base station, a femto base station, or a home base station. In Figure 1 the example shown, base stations 105d and 105e are conventional macro base stations, while base stations 105a to 105c are macro base stations implemented using one of 3-dimensional (3D), full-dimensional (FD), or massive MIMO. Base stations 105a to 105c utilize their higher-dimensional MIMO capabilities to employ 3D beamforming in elevation and azimuth beamforming to increase coverage and capacity. Base station 105f is a small cell base station, which can be a home node or a portable access point. A base station can support one or more (e.g., two, three, four, etc.) cells.

[0059] The wireless network 100 can support synchronous or asynchronous operations. For synchronous operations, the base stations can have similar frame timings, and transmissions from different base stations can be approximately aligned in time. For asynchronous operations, the base stations can have different frame timings, and transmissions from different base stations may not be aligned in time. In some cases, the network can be enabled or configured to handle dynamic switching between synchronous and asynchronous operations.

[0060] UEs 115 are scattered throughout the wireless network 100, and each UE can be stationary or mobile. It should be understood that although in the standards and specifications promulgated by 3GPP, mobile devices are generally referred to as UEs, such devices can additionally or otherwise be referred to by those skilled in the art as mobile stations (MSs), subscriber stations, mobile units, subscriber units, radio units, remote units, mobile devices, wireless devices, wireless communication devices, remote devices, mobile subscriber stations, access terminals (ATs), mobile terminals, wireless terminals, remote terminals, cell phones, terminals, user agents, mobile clients, clients, gaming devices, augmented reality devices, vehicle components, vehicle devices, or vehicle modules or some other suitable term. In this document, a "mobile" device or UE does not necessarily have the ability to move and can be stationary. Some non-limiting examples of mobile devices such as specific implementations that can include one or more UEs 115 include mobile phones, cellular phones, smart phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, laptop computers, personal computers (PCs), notebooks, netbooks, smartbooks, tablet computers, and personal digital assistants (PDAs). Mobile devices can additionally be IoT or "Internet of Everything" (IoE) devices, such as cars or other transportation vehicles, satellite radios, global positioning system (GPS) devices, global navigation satellite system (GNSS) devices, logistics controllers, drones, multi-rotor helicopters, quad-rotor helicopters, smart energy or security devices, solar panels or solar cell arrays, city lighting, tap water, or other infrastructure; industrial automation and enterprise equipment; consumer and wearable devices, such as glasses, wearable cameras, smart watches, health or fitness trackers, mammalian implantable devices, gesture tracking devices, medical devices, digital audio players (e.g., MP3 players), cameras, gaming consoles, etc.; and digital home or smart home devices, such as home audio, video, and multimedia devices, appliances, sensors, vending machines, smart lighting, home security systems, smart meters, etc. In one aspect, a UE can be a device that includes a universal integrated circuit card (UICC). In another aspect, a UE can be a device that does not include a UICC. In some aspects, a UE that does not include a UICC can also be referred to as an IoE device. Figure 1The illustrated specific implementation of UEs 115a to 115d are examples of mobile smart phone-type devices accessing the wireless network 100. The UEs can also be machines specifically configured for connection communications, including machine type communications (MTC), enhanced MTC (eMTC), narrowband IoT (NB-IoT), etc. Figure 1 The illustrated UEs 115e to 115k are examples of various machines accessing the wireless network 100 and configured for communications.

[0061] A mobile device (such as UE 115) may be capable of communicating with any type of base station, whether it is a macro base station, a pico base station, a femto base station, a relay station, etc. In Figure 1 it, the communication link (represented as lightning) indicates a wireless transmission between the UE and the serving base station (the base station designated to serve the UE on the downlink or uplink), a desired transmission between base stations, and a backhaul transmission between base stations. The UE can operate as a base station or other network node in some scenarios. The backhaul communication between the base stations of the wireless network 100 can be carried out using wired or wireless communication links.

[0062] In operation, at the wireless network 100, base stations 105a to 105c use 3D beamforming and cooperative spatial techniques, such as coordinated multipoint (CoMP) or multi-connection, to serve UEs 115a and 115b. The macro base station 105d performs backhaul communication with base stations 105a to 105c and the small cell (base station 105f). The macro base station 105d also transmits multicast services subscribed to and received by UEs 115c and 115d. Such multicast services may include mobile TV or streaming video, or may include other services for providing community information, such as weather emergencies or alerts, such as Amber alerts or Gray alerts.

[0063] The specifically implemented wireless network 100 supports mission-critical communications with ultra-reliable and redundant links for mission-critical devices such as this UE 115e acting as a drone. The redundant communication links with the UE 115e include links from macro base stations 105d and 105e and small cell base station 105f. Other machine type devices such as UE 115f (thermometer), UE 115g (smart meter), and UE 115h (wearable device) can communicate directly with base stations such as small cell base station 105f and macro base station 105e via the wireless network 100, or in a multi-hop configuration by communicating with another user equipment that relays its information to the network. For example, UE 115f communicates temperature measurement information to the smart meter UE 115g, which then reports it to the network via small cell base station 105f. The wireless network 100 can also provide additional network efficiency through dynamic, low-latency TDD communication or low-latency FDD communication (such as in a vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) mesh network between UEs 115i to 115k communicating with macro base station 105e).

[0064] The base stations 105 can communicate with the core network 130 and with each other. For example, the base stations 105 can interface with the core network 130 via a backhaul link 132 (e.g., via S1, N2, N3, or other interfaces). The base stations 105 can communicate with each other directly (e.g., directly between base stations 105) or indirectly (e.g., via the core network 130) via a backhaul link (e.g., via X2, Xn, or other interfaces).

[0065] The core network 130 can provide user authentication, access authorization, tracking, Internet Protocol (IP) connectivity, and other access, routing, or mobility functions. The core network 130 can be an evolved packet core (EPC), which can include at least one mobility management entity (MME), at least one serving gateway (S-GW), and at least one packet data network (PDN) gateway (P-GW). The MME can manage non-access stratum (e.g., control plane) functions such as the mobility, authentication, and bearer management of UEs 115 served by base stations 105 associated with the EPC. User IP packets can be relayed through the S-GW, which itself can be connected to the P-GW. The P-GW can provide IP address allocation and other functions. The P-GW can be connected to the network operator's IP services. The operator IP services can include access to the Internet, intranet, IP multimedia subsystem (IMS), or packet-switched (PS) streaming services.

[0066] In some specific implementations, the core network 130 includes or is coupled to a Location Management Function (LMF) 131, which is an entity in the 5G core network (5GC) that supports various functionalities such as managing support for different location services for one or more UEs. For example, the LMF 131 may include one or more servers, such as multiple distributed servers. The base station 105 may forward location messages to the LMF 131 and communicate with the LMF via the NR Positioning Protocol A (NRPPa). The LMF 131 is configured to control the positioning parameters of the UE 115, and the LMF 131 may provide information to the base station 105 and the UE 115 such that actions can be taken at the UE 115. In some specific implementations, the UE 115 and the base station 105 are configured to communicate with the LMF 131 via the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF).

[0067] A tag device system generally includes a tag device 120 and a reader device 121. The tag device 120 includes a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) device or tag, which includes a wireless microchip for tagging an object for automatic object identification. The reader device 121 (such as an RFID reader) may be configured to send electromagnetic signals to other devices (such as the tag device 120). The reader device 121 may include one or more processors and a memory and is generally capable of processing data. Additionally, the reader device 121 generally includes one or more transmitters and receivers. During typical operation, the reader device 121 may be configured to send signals that can be received by the tag device 120 and is configured to receive and process signals from the tag device 120 in response to the sent signals.

[0068] Tag devices such as the tag device 120 are classified based on functionality or capabilities. For example, depending on the functionality or capabilities of the tag device 120, the tag device 120 may be classified as one of a passive tag, a semi-passive tag, and an active tag. Thus, the tag device 120 may correspond to a passive tag, a semi-passive tag, or an active tag.

[0069] Passive tags typically lack a power source, harvest energy from ambient electromagnetic signals, and have limited computing capabilities, often lacking components such as analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) and digital-to-analog converters (DACs) for signal processing. Due to the generally lack of signal processing capabilities in passive tags, passive tags typically include simple circuitry to reflect received electromagnetic signals back into the environment in the form of backscatter transmissions. For example, a reader device 121 may transmit an electromagnetic signal, and a passive tag such as tag device 120 may receive the electromagnetic signal and at least partially reflect the electromagnetic signal in the form of a backscatter signal. Specifically, if tag device 120 is a passive tag, tag device 120 may include circuitry to at least partially reflect, in the form of a backscatter transmission, the unabsorbed portion of an electromagnetic signal received from the surrounding environment, such as an electromagnetic signal transmitted by reader device 121.

[0070] Semi-passive tags typically include an on-board power source to power on-board electronic components. Generally speaking, semi-passive tags typically have greater computing capabilities than passive tags. Additionally, semi-passive tags may have a limited on-board power source; however, semi-passive tags typically transmit signals via backscatter transmission, as explained above in the context of passive tags.

[0071] Active tags typically include an on-board power source and greater computing capabilities than passive or semi-passive tags. In addition, unlike passive and semi-passive tags that generally cannot transmit unless a reader device such as reader device 121 is in close proximity to them, active tags are capable of transmitting regardless of the proximity of the reader device. Active tag devices typically include signal processing functions such as ADCs, DACs, etc. In addition, active tags typically include a power source and are capable of actively transmitting. Specifically, unlike passive and semi-passive tags that generate a backscatter signal by at least partially reflecting a transmission received from a reader device (e.g., reader device 121), active tags are capable of transmitting independently of signals received from another device such as reader device 121.

[0072] Additionally, a tagging device (such as tagging device 120) typically includes a tag identifier to uniquely identify the tagging device. Thus, a tagging device such as tagging device 121 may include its unique tag identifier in response to a transmission received from reader device 121 at the tagging device. If tagging device 120 corresponds to a passive tag or a semi-passive tag, then tagging device 120 may be configured to at least partially reflect the transmission received from reader device 121 in the form of a backscatter signal that can be read by reader device 121. While an active tag is capable of processing the transmission signal received from reader device 121, in some embodiments, the active tagging device may also partially reflect the received signal as a backscatter signal, or may independently transmit a signal to reader device 121 in response to the signal received from reader device 121.

[0073] A tagging device system including tagging device 120 and reader device 121 may be deployed to locate an object associated with tagging device 120. For example, tagging device 120 may be attached to an object, and reader device 121 may be configured to identify the location (e.g., two-dimensional location, three-dimensional location) of the object to which tagging device 120 is attached by using backscatter-based positioning. Thus, the tagging device system may be deployed in a wide range of applications where precise and accurate object location is achieved. As illustrative non-limiting examples, these applications may include self-checkout, medical applications such as monitoring patient compliance with medical instructions, and law enforcement and security applications.

[0074] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of base station 105 and UE 115 according to one or more aspects. Base station 105 and UE 115 can be Figure 1 any one of the base stations and one of the UEs among the base stations and UEs. For a restricted association scenario (as described above), base station 105 can be Figure 1 the small cell base station 105f among them, and UE 115 can be UE 115c or 115d operating in the service area of small cell base station 105f, which will be included in the list of accessible UEs of small cell base station 105f for accessing small cell base station 105f. Base station 105 can also be some other type of base station. As Figure 2 shown, base station 105 may be equipped with antennas 234a to 234t, and UE 115 may be equipped with antennas 252a to 252r for facilitating wireless communication.

[0075] At base station 105, transmit processor 220 may receive data from data source 212 and receive control information from controller 240 (such as a processor). The control information may be for a physical broadcast channel (PBCH), a physical control format indicator channel (PCFICH), a physical hybrid ARQ (automatic repeat request) indicator channel (PHICH), a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), an enhanced physical downlink control channel (EPDCCH), an MTC physical downlink control channel (MPDCCH), etc. The data may be for a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH), etc. Additionally, transmit processor 220 may process (e.g., encode and symbol map) the data and control information respectively to obtain data symbols and control symbols. Transmit processor 220 may also generate, for example, reference symbols for a primary synchronization signal (PSS) and a secondary synchronization signal (SSS), as well as cell-specific reference signals. Transmit (TX) MIMO processor 230 may perform spatial processing (e.g., precoding) on the data symbols, control symbols, or reference symbols (if applicable), and may provide an output symbol stream to modulators (MOD) 232a through 232t. For example, the spatial processing performed on the data symbols, control symbols, or reference symbols may include precoding. Each modulator 232 may process the corresponding output symbol stream (e.g., for OFDM, etc.) to obtain an output sample stream. Additionally or alternatively, each modulator 232 may process the output sample stream (e.g., perform analog-to-digital conversion, amplification, filtering, and upconversion on it) to obtain a downlink signal. The downlink signals from modulators 232a through 232t may be transmitted via antennas 234a through 234t respectively.

[0076] At UE 115, antennas 252a through 252r may receive the downlink signals from base station 105 and may provide the received signals to demodulators (DEMOD) 254a through 254r respectively. Each demodulator 254 may condition (e.g., filter, amplify, downconvert, and digitize) the corresponding received signal to obtain input samples. Each demodulator 254 may further process the input samples (e.g., for OFDM, etc.) to obtain the received symbols. MIMO detector 256 may obtain the received symbols from demodulators 254a through 254r, perform MIMO detection on the received symbols when needed, and provide the detected symbols. Receive processor 258 may process (e.g., demodulate, deinterleave, and decode) the detected symbols, provide the decoded data for UE 115 to data sink 260, and provide the decoded control information to controller 280 (such as a processor).

[0077] On the uplink, at the UE 115, the transmit processor 264 may receive and process data from the data source 262 (e.g., for the physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH)) and control information from the controller 280 (e.g., for the physical uplink control channel (PUCCH)). Additionally, the transmit processor 264 may also generate reference symbols for reference signals. Symbols from the transmit processor 264 may be pre-coded by the TX MIMO processor 266 when needed, further processed by the modulators 254a to 254r (e.g., for SC-FDM, etc.), and transmitted to the base station 105. At the base station 105, the uplink signal from the UE 115 may be received by the antenna 234, processed by the demodulator 232, detected by the MIMO detector 236 when needed, and further processed by the receive processor 238 to obtain the decoded data and control information transmitted by the UE 115. The receive processor 238 may provide the decoded data to the data sink 239 and the decoded control information to the controller 240.

[0078] The controllers 240 and 280 may direct operations at the base station 105 and the UE 115, respectively. The controller 240 or other processors and modules at the base station 105, or the controller 280 or other processors and modules at the UE 115, may execute or direct the execution of various processes for the techniques described herein, such as executing or directing Figures 4 to 6 and Figures 8 to 10 the execution shown or other processes for the techniques described herein. The memories 242 and 282 may store data and program codes for the base station 105 and the UE 115, respectively. The scheduler 244 may schedule the UE for data transmission on the downlink or uplink.

[0079] In some cases, UE 115 and base station 105 may operate in a shared radio spectrum band, which may include licensed or unlicensed (e.g., contention-based) spectrum. In the unlicensed frequency portion of the shared radio spectrum band, UE 115 or base station 105 may traditionally perform a medium sensing process to compete for access to the spectrum. For example, UE 115 or base station 105 may perform a listen-before-talk or listen-before-transmit (LBT) process (such as clear channel assessment (CCA)) before communication to determine whether the shared channel is available. In some implementations, CCA may include an energy detection process to determine whether there is any other active transmission. For example, a device may infer that a change in the received signal strength indicator (RSSI) of a power meter indicates that the channel is occupied. Specifically, signal power concentrated in a certain bandwidth and exceeding a predetermined noise floor may indicate another wireless transmitter. CCA may also include the detection of a specific sequence indicating the use of the channel. For example, another device may transmit a specific preamble before transmitting a data sequence. In some cases, the LBT process may include a wireless node adjusting its own backoff window based on the amount of energy detected on the channel or acknowledgment / negative acknowledgment (ACK / NACK) feedback for its own transmitted packets (as an indication of a collision).

[0080] Figure 3 is a block diagram of an example wireless communication system 300 that supports backscatter-based positioning in accordance with one or more aspects. In some examples, wireless communication system 300 may implement aspects of wireless network 100. Wireless communication system 300 includes a tag device 120, a first TRP 340, a second TRP 342, a third TRP 346, a fourth TRP 348, and a core network 130. Although four TRPs are illustrated, in some other implementations, wireless communication system 300 may generally include fewer or more than four TRPs.

[0081] Tag device 120 may be an RFID tag device. Additionally, tag device 120 may be a passive tag that does not have a power source and has limited computing capabilities, a semi-passive tag that has a limited power source and computing capabilities equal to or greater than those of a passive tag device, or an active tag that has a power source and computing capabilities the same as or greater than those of a semi-passive tag device.

[0082] The tag device 120 may include multiple components (such as structural components, hardware components) for performing one or more functions described herein. For example, these components may include a circuit 351, a transmitter 356, and a receiver 358. As a non-limiting example, the circuit 351 may include or correspond to an energy harvesting circuit, a microcontroller, one or more processors, a memory, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), a digital-to-analog converter (DAC), or any combination thereof. The circuit 351 may depend on whether the tag device 120 is a passive tag, a semi-passive tag, or an active tag.

[0083] The transmitter 356 is configured to send a backscatter signal 376, data, or both to one or more other devices (e.g., one or more TRPs or reader 121), and the receiver 358 is configured to receive a positioning reference signal 374 and data from one or more other devices (e.g., one or more TRPs, reader 121, core network 130). For example, the transmitter 356 may send the backscatter signal 376 to one or more TRPs, and the receiver 358 may receive the positioning reference signal 374 from one or more TRPs. In some embodiments, the transmitter 356 and the receiver 358 may be integrated in one or more transceivers. Additionally or alternatively, the transmitter 356 or the receiver 358 may include or correspond to one or more components of the tag device 120.

[0084] The tag device 120 may include one or more components as described herein with reference to the tag device 120. In some embodiments, the tag device 120 is a tag device with 3GPP capabilities, a tag device with LTE capabilities, a tag device with 5G capabilities, a tag device with 6G capabilities, or a combination thereof.

[0085] The first TRP 340 may include multiple components (such as structural components, hardware components) for performing one or more functions described herein. For example, these components may include one or more processors 302 (collectively referred to hereinafter as "processor 302"), one or more memory devices 304 (collectively referred to hereinafter as "memory 304"), one or more transmitters 316 (collectively referred to hereinafter as "transmitter 316"), and one or more receivers 318 (collectively referred to hereinafter as "receiver 318"). In some embodiments, the first TRP 340 may include an interface (e.g., a communication interface) including the transmitter 316, the receiver 318, or a combination thereof. The processor 302 may be configured to execute instructions 305 stored in the memory 304 to perform the operations described herein. In some embodiments, the processor 302 includes or corresponds to one or more of a receiving processor 238, a transmitting processor 220, and a controller 240, and the memory 304 includes or corresponds to a memory 242.

[0086] The memory 304 includes or is configured to store instructions 305 and information 306. The information 306 may include PRS information 307, measurement gap information 308, tag device information 309, measurement information 310, and scheduling information 311.

[0087] The PRS information 307 includes information for a first TRP 340 to generate a positioning reference signal (PRS) 374. For example, the PRS information 307 may include one or more parameters, such as a repetition rate, a bandwidth configuration, a comb pattern configuration, or any combination thereof. The repetition rate may include or indicate the number of times the PRS is transmitted within a period of time. The comb pattern may include or indicate a configurable resource block allocation. In some specific implementations, the PRS information 307 may be generated or stored based on a PRS configuration (e.g., 381).

[0088] The measurement gap information 308 indicates a period of time during which one or more TRPs are to monitor the PRS 374, the backscattered signal 376, or a combination thereof. In some specific implementations, the measurement gap information 308 may indicate a period of time during which one or more TRPs inhibit the transmission of signals (such as the PRS 374). For example, the measurement gap information 308 may indicate a period of time during which the first TRP 340 inhibits scheduling one or more transmissions from occurring. The measurement gap information 308 may be based on a measurement gap (GP) configuration 382.

[0089] The tag device information 309 includes or corresponds to information about one or more tag devices (such as the tag device 120). For example, the tag device information 309 may include a tag type, a bandwidth, a PRS time slot periodicity, a sensitivity, a group delay (e.g., a tag delay), or any combination thereof. The tag type may correspond to whether the tag device (e.g., the tag device 120) is a passive tag, a semi-passive tag, or an active tag. The bandwidth may correspond to the bandwidth on which the tag device 120 is capable of communicating. The PRS time slot periodicity may correspond to a time frame of the period or frequency during which the tag device 120 expects to receive the PRS 374. The sensitivity may correspond to the sensitivity of the tag device 120 to the PRS 374, such as the transmission power of the PRS, the distance from the TRP at which the tag device 120 can successfully receive the signal, or any combination thereof. The group delay may correspond to the amount of time it takes for the tag device 120 to process the PRS 374 and generate the backscattered signal 376 in response to the reception of the PRS 374 at the tag device 120.

[0090] The measurement information 310 includes or corresponds to the propagation time associated with the backscatter signal 376. For example, when the TRP 340 is configured as a Tx TRP, the measurement information 310 may include the transmission time of the PRS 374, the reception time of the backscatter signal 376, the amount of time elapsed from the transmission of the PRS 374 to the reception of the backscatter signal 376, or a combination thereof. In some specific implementations, when the first TRP is configured as an Rx TRP, the measurement information 310 may include the reception time of the PRS 374, the reception time of the backscatter signal 376, the amount of time elapsed from the reception of the PRS 374 to the reception of the backscatter signal 376, or a combination thereof. The first TRP 340 may be configured to generate a measurement report based on the measurement information 310.

[0091] The scheduling information 311 may include or correspond to information used by the first TRP 340 to schedule one or more transmissions such as the transmission of the PRS 374. Additionally or alternatively, if the tag device 120 is a semi-passive tag or an active tag, the scheduling information may include the schedule during which the tag device 120 is allowed to transmit the backscatter signal 376.

[0092] The transmitter 316 is configured to send reference signals, control information, and data to one or more other devices, and the receiver 318 is configured to receive reference signals, synchronization signals, control information, and data from one or more other devices. For example, the transmitter 316 may send signaling, control information, and data to the core network 130, another TRP, or a network entity, while the receiver 318 may receive signaling, control information, and data from the core network, another TRP, or a network entity. Additionally or alternatively, the transmitter 316 may send a positioning reference signal (e.g., 374), while the receiver 318 may receive a backscatter signal (e.g., 376). In some specific implementations, the transmitter 316 and the receiver 318 may be integrated in one or more transceivers. Additionally or alternatively, the transmitter 316 or the receiver 318 may include or correspond to one or more components described as the UE 115 or the base station 105 in the reference Figure 2 and. In some specific implementations, the transmitter 316 or the receiver 318 may be configured to operate in full-duplex mode.

[0093] In some specific implementations, the first TRP 340 may include one or more antenna arrays. The antenna array may include a plurality of antenna elements configured to perform wireless communication with other devices (such as with the core network 130). In some specific implementations, the antenna array may be configured to perform wireless communication using different beams (also referred to as antenna beams). The beams may include TX beams and RX beams. For illustration, the antenna array may include a plurality of independent sets (or subsets) of antenna elements (or a plurality of independent antenna arrays), and each set of antenna elements of the antenna array may be configured to communicate using a different corresponding beam, and the corresponding beam may have a corresponding direction different from other beams. For example, the first set of antenna elements of the antenna array may be configured to communicate via a first beam having a first direction, and the second set of antenna elements of the antenna array may be configured to communicate via a second beam having a second direction. In other specific implementations, the antenna array may be configured to communicate via more than two beams. Alternatively, one or more sets of antenna elements of the antenna array may be configured to concurrently generate a plurality of beams, such as using a plurality of RF chains. Each individual set (or subset) of antenna elements may include a plurality of antenna elements, such as two antenna elements, four antenna elements, ten antenna elements, twenty antenna elements, or any other number of antenna elements greater than two. Although described as an antenna array, in other specific implementations, the antenna array may include or correspond to a plurality of antenna panels, and each antenna panel may be configured to communicate using a different corresponding beam. In some specific implementations, the first TRP 340 may be configured as or include a reader device, such as an RFID reader device.

[0094] The second TRP 342, the third TRP 346, and the fourth TRP 348 may include or correspond to the first TRP 340. For example, the second TRP 342, the third TRP 346, or the fourth TRP 348 may include one or more components similar to the first TRP 340. In some specific implementations, the first TRP 340, the second TRP 342, the third TRP 346, or the fourth TRP 348 may include or correspond to the reader device 121. In some specific implementations, the first TRP 340, the second TRP 342, the third TRP 346, or the fourth TRP 348 may be synchronized, such as time synchronization. For example, multiple TRPs may be configured to enable TDOA or TOA backscatter positioning of the tag device 120 via the LMF 131.

[0095] The core network 130 may include a 3GPP core network, a 4G core network, a 5G core, or an evolved packet core (EPC). The core network 130 may be coupled (such as communicatively coupled) to one or more network entities, such as TRPs 340, 342, 346, or 348. The core network 130 may include or correspond to the LMF 131.

[0096] Although shown and described as being included in the core network 130, in some specific implementations, the LMF 131 may be different from the core network 130. For example, the LMF 131 may include one or more servers, such as multiple distributed servers. The LMF 131 may be configured to support various functions, such as managing the support for different location services of one or more UEs, one or more tagged devices, or one or more network entities. For example, the LMF 131 is configured to control the positioning parameters of the TRPs 340, 342, 346, or 348 or the tagged device 120, and the LMF 131 may provide information to the TRPs 340, 342, 346, or 348 or the tagged device 120 such that actions or operations can be taken at the TRPs 340, 342, 346, or 348. The TRPs 340, 342, 346, or 348, such as the base station 105 or the reader device, may forward location messages to the LMF 131 and may communicate with the LMF 131 via a protocol such as the NR positioning protocol A (NRPPa). In some specific implementations, the TRPs 340, 342, 346, or 348, the tagged device 120, or a combination thereof is configured to communicate with the LMF 131 via the access and mobility management function (AMF).

[0097] The LMF 131 may include various components (such as structural components, hardware components) for performing one or more functions described herein. For example, these components may include one or more processors 362 (collectively referred to hereinafter as "processors 362"), one or more memory devices 364 (collectively referred to hereinafter as "memory 364"), one or more transmitters, and one or more receivers. In some specific implementations, the LMF 131 may include an interface (e.g., a communication interface) that includes one or more transmitters, one or more receivers, or a combination thereof. The processor 362 may be configured to execute instructions stored in the memory 364 to perform the operations described herein. In some specific implementations, referring to Figure 2 the components of the base station 105 of, the processor 362 includes or corresponds to one or more of the receive processor 238, the transmit processor 220, and the controller 240, and the memory 354 includes or corresponds to the memory 242.

[0098] In some specific implementations, the LMF 131 is configured to support backscatter-based positioning. For example, the LMF 131 may be configured to receive a tag device indicator 370 indicating the tag capabilities of the tag device 120. The tag capabilities may include or correspond to one or more capabilities or characteristics of the tag device. For example, the tag capabilities may include tag type, bandwidth, positioning reference signal slot periodicity, sensitivity, group delay (e.g., tag delay), or a combination thereof. The tag type may include or indicate a passive tag device, a semi-passive tag device, or an active tag device. The group delay may indicate the time delay associated with reflecting the received signal to generate a backscatter signal based on the received signal. Additionally or alternatively, the tag capabilities may include or indicate whether the tag device 120 supports frequency shift of the received PRS signal, or whether the frequency shift can be enabled or disabled at the tag device 120. In some specific implementations, the LMF 131 may be configured to send a PRS configuration 381 associated with the PRS to a first TRP among a plurality of TRPs, the PRS configuration being based on the tag capabilities. For example, the LMF 131 may be configured to send a PRS configuration 381 associated with the PRS 374 to the first TRP 340 among the TRPs 340 to 348. In some specific implementations, the LMF 131 may be configured to receive a measurement report 378 from a second TRP such as the second TRP 342 to the fourth TRP 348 based on the backscatter signal 376 of the PRS 374 sent by the first TRP 340. Additionally or alternatively, the LMF 131 may be configured to send a TRP configuration 372 to a plurality of TRPs such as the first TRP 340 to the fourth TRP 348. The TRP configuration 372 may indicate, for example, that the first TRP 340 is designated as a transmit (Tx) TRP, and one or more of the second TRP 342 to the fourth TRP 346 are designated as receive (Rx) TRPs. This document will discuss additional functions of the LMF 131 with reference to at least Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 8 .

[0099] In some specific implementations, the wireless communication system 300 implements a 5G NR network. For example, the wireless communication system 300 may include a plurality of 5G-capable UEs 115 and a plurality of 5G-capable base stations 105, such as UEs and base stations configured to operate according to a 5G NR network protocol defined, for example, by 3GPP. In some other specific implementations, the wireless communication system 300 implements a 6G network. This disclosure captures use cases of interest that may not be captured elsewhere in 3GPP, such as identification, tracking, monitoring, and coexistence with UEs and infrastructure in the frequency bands of current 3GPP technologies.

[0100] During operation of the wireless communication system 300, the LMF 131 of the core network 130 may be configured to determine the location of the tag device 120 based on one or more measurement reports (collectively referred to as "measurement reports 378"). Determining the location of the tag device 120 may include calculating time of arrival (TOA), time difference of arrival (TDOA), angle of arrival (AoA), or any combination thereof. Additionally, the LMF 131 may be configured to send location data indicating the location of the tag device 120.

[0101] To achieve the foregoing, the LMF 131 may receive a tag device indicator 370 indicating the tag capabilities of the tag device 120. In some embodiments, the LMF 131 may send a request for tag capabilities to the tag device 120, and the tag device may transmit the tag device indicator 370 in response to the request. In some embodiments, the tag device indicator 370 may be received by the core network 130, the LMF 131, one or more TRPs 340 to 348, or a combination thereof.

[0102] The LMF 131 may generate a TRP configuration 372. In some embodiments, the LMF 131 may generate the TRP configuration 372 based on the tag device indicator 370, the tag capabilities of the tag device 120, or a combination thereof. The TRP configuration 372 may indicate designating one or more TRPs as Tx TRPs, designating one or more TRPs as Rx TRPs, or a combination thereof. Additionally or alternatively, the TRP configuration 372 may include a PRS configuration 381 and an MG configuration 382. The PRS configuration 381 may include or indicate information (such as PRS information 307) for one or more TRPs designated as Tx TRPs to transmit a PRS (such as a positioning reference signal 374). The MG configuration 382 may include or indicate information, such as measurement gap information 308, for one or more TRPs designated as Rx TRPs to receive the positioning reference signal 374, the backscatter signal 376, or a combination thereof.

[0103] The LMF 131 may send the TRP configuration 372 to one or more TRPs such as TRPs 340 to 348. The one or more TRPs may receive the TRP configuration 372 and determine that the first TRP 340 is designated as a Tx TRP and the second TRP 342 to the fourth TRP 348 are designated as Rx TRPs. Additionally or alternatively, the one or more TRPs may receive the TRP configuration 372 and update information 306, such as PRS information 307 and measurement gap information 308, based on the TRP configuration 372.

[0104] The first TRP 340 transmits the PRS 374 based on or according to the PRS information 307 (e.g., the PRS configuration 381). The PRS 374 can be received by the tag device 120 and one or more of the TRPs 342 to 348.

[0105] The tag device 120 can receive the PRS 374 and transmit a backscatter signal 376 based on the PRS 374. For example, the tag device 120 can reflect the PRS 374 to generate the backscatter signal 376. The backscatter signal 376 can be received by one or more of the TRPs 340 to 348. In some specific implementations, one or more of the TRPs 340 to 348 can receive the backscatter signal 376 during a time period (e.g., the measurement gap information 308) indicated by the MG configuration 382.

[0106] One or more of the TRPs 340 to 348 that receive the backscatter signal 376 can generate a measurement report 378. For example, the second TRP 342 can generate and transmit the measurement report 378. As another example, the first TRP 340 can receive the backscatter signal 376 and generate a measurement report (e.g., 378) based on the measurement information 310. The LMF 131 receives one or more measurement reports (e.g., 378) and determines the location of the tag device 120.

[0107] In some specific implementations, one or more of the TRPs 340 to 348 can be configured to send an indication to an adjacent TRP to request a silent period during which such an adjacent TRP does not transmit. For example, the silent period (e.g., the time period) can be indicated by the MG configuration 382. By way of illustration, the TRP configuration 372 can specify the adjacent TRPs for each TRP, and each of the TRPs 340 to 348 can be configured to send an indicator to one or more specified adjacent TRPs to request a silent period during which such adjacent TRPs do not transmit to avoid interfering with the PRS 374, the backscatter signal 376, or both.

[0108] In some specific implementations, the location of the identification tag device 120 may be time-critical. In such a case, the tag device 120 may indicate its energy level to the LMF 131. In some specific implementations, the tag device indicator 370 may indicate the energy level of the tag device 120. If the energy level is less than or equal to a threshold, or not high enough to support multiple backscatter repetitions, and the positioning is time-critical, then the LMF 131 may initiate energy harvesting as needed. For example, the LMF 131 may use the PRS configuration 381 to indicate that the PRS 374 will be sent so that the tag device 120 can harvest energy. Alternatively, if the positioning is not time-critical or if the energy level is greater than the threshold, then the LMF 131 may indicate that a regular energy harvesting signal can be provided.

[0109] In some specific implementations, using more than one Tx TRP may help the LMF 131 determine the direction and speed of the mobile tag device 120. For example, two or more TRPs 340 to 348 may be designated as Tx TRPs via the TRP configuration 372.

[0110] In some specific implementations, the LMF 131 may be configured to calculate or configure other devices (such as one or more of the TRPs 340 to 348) to calculate the power level of the PRS 374 and the power level of the backscatter signal 376. Thereafter, the ratio of the power level of the backscatter signal 376 to the power level of the PRS 374 may be determined. If the ratio is less than or equal to a threshold, indicating that the backscatter signal 376 is attenuated, then the LMF 131 may configure the PRS 374 via the PRS configuration 381 to operate at certain frequencies of the available bandwidth. Conversely, if the ratio meets the threshold, then the LMF 131 may configure the TRPs 340 to 348 via the PRS configuration 381 to generate the PRS 374 and transmit the PRS across the entire available PRS bandwidth. Additionally or alternatively, the LMF 131 may be configured to select a positioning method that the LMF 131 identifies as most likely to accurately and precisely identify the location of the tag device 120, such as one of TOA, TDOA, or AOA. As a non-limiting example illustrated, the LMF 131 may select the positioning method based on the tag device indicator 370, tag capabilities, TRP capabilities, network topology, environmental information (e.g., the known structure or location of one or more devices), or a combination thereof.

[0111] In some specific implementations, even for passive tag devices and semi-passive tag devices, the position of the tag device 120, such as a two-dimensional or three-dimensional position, can be determined by using backscatter-based positioning. The backscatter-based positioning may involve at least one Tx TRP (e.g., TRP 340) and multiple Rx TRPs (e.g., TRP 342 - 348), where the at least one Tx TRP performs the functions of a reader and a tag device (e.g., an RFID tag, such as tag device 120), and its position will be determined by applying backscatter-based positioning. The estimation of the position of the tag device 120 is obtained by measuring the first amount of time for the PRS 374 to propagate from the Tx TRP, such as TRP 340, to the tag device 120 and the second amount of time for the backscattered signal 376 to be reflected from the tag device 120 to one or more TRPs (e.g., TRP 340 to 348). The first amount of time for the PRS 374 to propagate from the Tx TRP (e.g., TRP 340) to the tag device 120 can be represented as τ TRP_1→Tag Device . The second amount of time for the backscattered signal 376 to be reflected from the tag device 120 to one or more TRPs (e.g., TRP 340 to 348) can be represented as τ Tag Device→TRP_x , where the value of x represents the first TRP 340 (x = 1), the second TRP 342 (x = 2), the third TRP 346 (x = 3), and the fourth TRP 348 (x = 4). For example, the amount of time for the backscattered signal 376 to be reflected by the tag device 120 to the second TRP 342 can be represented as τ Tag Device→TRP_2. , and the amount of time for the backscattered signal 376 to be reflected by the tag device 120 to the fourth TRP 348 can be represented as τ Tag Device→TRP_4 . Therefore, by using the assumption τ TRP_1→Tag Device = τ Tag Device→TRP_1 and the following equations, the position of the tag device 120 can be determined:

[0112] τ TRP_1 = τ TRP_1→Tag Device + τ Tag Device→TRP_1 ,

[0113] τ TRP_2 = τ TRP_1→Tag Device + τ Tag Device→TRP_2 ,

[0114] τ TRP_3 = τ TRP_1→Tag Device + τ Tag Device→TRP_3 , and

[0115] τ TRP_4 = τ TRP_1→Tag Device + τ Tag Device→TRP_4 .

[0116] Specifically, the value τ TRP_1, τ TRP_2 , τ TRP_3 , τ TRP_4 For use in classical time of arrival (TOA), time difference of arrival (TDOA), and angle of arrival (AOA) positioning techniques to obtain the location of the tag device. For example, to implement TOA positioning, Figure 3 One or more devices depicted in, such as the LMF 131 of the core network 130, may be configured to perform the following TOA positioning calculations:

[0117]

[0118] Similarly, to implement TDOA positioning, Figure 3 One or more devices depicted in, such as the LMF 131 of the core network 130, may be configured to perform the following TDOA positioning calculations:

[0119]

[0120] where TRP ref is the reference TRP, and TRP i is another TRP.

[0121] In some specific implementations, one or more devices such as the LMF 131 may be configured to determine the AoA by using data included in a measurement report such as the measurement report 378. For illustration, the TRPs 340 to 348 may include a directional antenna array and may be configured to determine the angle from which one or more backscattered signals, such as the backscattered signal 376, are received. The TRPs 340 to 348 may include the received angles of one or more backscattered signals in the measurement report 378 sent to the LMF 131. Then, the LMF 131 may determine the AoA based on the received angle data included in one or more measurement reports.

[0122] In some specific implementations, the LMF 131 may configure multiple TRPs (e.g., TRPs 340 to 348), the tag device 120, or a combination thereof. The LMF 131 may request the capabilities and request the characteristics of the tag device from the tag device 120. In response to the request for capabilities, the tag device 120 may transmit its capabilities and characteristics to the LMF 131. For example, these capabilities and characteristics may include an indication of the bandwidth that the tag device 120 is configured to communicate on, the PRS slot periodicity supported by the tag device, the sensitivity of the tag device to PRS, a group delay report indicating the amount of time delay associated with processing PRS at the tag device 120 to generate a backscattered signal, or a combination thereof. Additionally or alternatively, the capabilities and characteristics may include an indication of whether the tag device 120 reports end-to-end group delay, the energy level of the tag device, whether the tag device is a passive, semi-passive, or active tag, or a combination thereof.

[0123] In some specific implementations, the LMF 131 may identify one or more of the plurality of TRPs 340 to 348 as a TxTRP (e.g., TRP 340), and identify one or more of the plurality of TRPs as an Rx TRP (e.g., TRPs 342 to 348). For example, the LMF 131 may identify certain TRPs among the plurality of TRPs 340 to 348 as Rx TRPs based on, for example, network topology data stored in the memory 364. Additionally or alternatively, the LMF 131 may configure certain TRPs among the plurality of TRPs 340 to 348 as Rx TRPs based on signals previously sent by the tag device and observed at neighboring TRPs.

[0124] In some specific implementations, more than one of the plurality of TRPs 340 to 348 may be configured to operate as a Tx TRP. In some such specific implementations, the Tx TRP may be configured to send PRS, and each Tx TRP may send PRS simultaneously in a frequency-division multiplexing (FDM) manner or a time-division multiplexing (TDM) manner. Additional repeated measurements that may be generated by specific implementations in which multiple Tx TRPs are deployed may enhance the accuracy and precision of the position determination of the tag device 120.

[0125] In some specific implementations, the PRS configuration 381 may instruct the Tx TRP to send multiple repetitions of the PRS to cause the generation of additional backscatter signals at the tag device 120 to mitigate backscatter signal attenuation. Additionally or alternatively, the PRS configuration 381 may instruct the Tx TRP to generate a PRS with a specific bandwidth (BW) configuration, a specific comb pattern configuration, or both.

[0126] In some specific implementations, the tag device 120 may provide an indication corresponding to its energy level and the amount of backscatter signal (e.g., backscatter signal 376) that it can generate given its energy level. For example, such a report may be provided to the LMF 131 in response to a request from the LMF 131 for the capabilities and characteristics of the tag device 120. If the tag device 120 indicates that it has sufficient energy to generate a backscatter signal (e.g., backscatter signal 376), then energy harvesting may be skipped or performed in a normal manner. Alternatively, if the tag device 120 reports that it lacks sufficient energy to generate a backscatter signal (e.g., backscatter signal 376) or a specified number of backscatter signals (e.g., collectively backscatter signal 376), then the LMF 131 may generate a PRS configuration 381 such that at least a first plurality of symbols of the PRS are used for energy generation of the tag device 120, while a second plurality of symbols are used for generating the backscatter signal (e.g., backscatter signal 376).

[0127] In some specific implementations, the backscatter signal generated at the tag device 120 may be attenuated. Thus, to address issues associated with the attenuation of the backscatter signal, an Rx TRP such as any one of TRPs 340 to 348 may be configured not to schedule any other backscatter transmissions from the tag device 120 in the symbols used by the tag device 120 to transmit the backscatter signal. Additionally or alternatively, the Rx TRP may convey a request not to schedule transmissions to an adjacent TRP (e.g., a TRP adjacent to the Rx TRP). In this way, the overall interference in the transmission medium can be reduced.

[0128] In some specific implementations, a TRP designated as a Tx TRP may generate a PRS and transmit it to multiple Rx TRPs. Additionally or alternatively, each of the multiple TRPs may perform measurements. For example, referring to TRPs 340 to 348 configured as Rx TRPs, τ TRP_1 、τ TRP_2 、τ TRP_3 、τ TRP_4 may be measured. The Rx TRP may send a measurement report (e.g., 378) to the LMF 131, and the LMF calculates the TOA, TDOA, AoA, or a combination thereof based on the measurement report. For illustration, for each of the multiple TRPs, the measurement report may include or indicate τ TRP_1 、τ TRP_2 、τ TRP_3 、τ TRP_4 、τ

[0129] As referenced Figure 3As described, the present disclosure provides techniques for supporting backscatter-based positioning. The described techniques facilitate determining the positioning of a tag device (such as tag device 120) having limited on-board power and computational resources (e.g., passive or semi-passive tags), such as two-dimensional or three-dimensional positioning. By way of illustration, the LMF 131 can provide a PRS configuration 381 to one or more TRPs such as TRP 340 to 348 by receiving a tag device indicator 370 indicating the tag capabilities of the tag device 120, and this PRS configuration takes into account the specific characteristics of the tag device, such as the limited on-board power or computational resources of the tag device. For example, in response to receiving a tag device indicator 370 having a tag capability indicating that the energy available at the tag device 120 fails to meet a threshold, the LMF 131 can generate a PRS configuration 381 that causes the Tx TRP to generate a PRS with parameters capable of providing energy to the tag device. As another example, the backscatter signal 376 generated and transmitted by the tag device 120 can have a low intensity, especially for passive tags or semi-passive tags. By sending an MG configuration 382 to one or more TRPs, the TRPs can be instructed to monitor the period during which the backscatter signal 376 is present, and the TRPs can avoid scheduling one or more transmissions that would occur during that period. In this way, interference with the low-intensity backscatter signal 376 can be mitigated. Thus, the LMF 131 can be configured to determine the two-dimensional or three-dimensional position of the tag device 120.

[0130] Figure 4 and Figure 5 are ladder diagrams each illustrating an example of backscatter-based positioning according to aspects of the present disclosure. As Figure 4 and Figure 5 shown, Figure 4 the system 400 of the ladder diagram of Figure 5 and Figures 1 to 3 the system 500 of the ladder diagram of Figure 4 include a tag device 120, an LMF 131, a Tx TRP 405, and an Rx TRP 407. The Tx TRP 405 and the Rx TRP 407 can include or correspond to TRP 340, 342, 346, or 348. The tag device 120, the LMF 131, the Tx TRP 405, and the Rx TRP 407 can include one or more components and be configured to perform one or more operations as described with reference to

[0131] Reference Figure 4, during the operation of system 400, at 402, the LMF 131 sends a request for one or more tag capabilities to the tag device 120. At 404, the tag device 120 sends one or more tag capabilities. For example, one or more tag capabilities may include or correspond to the tag device indicator 370. One or more tag capabilities may be received by the LMF 131. In some specific implementations, one or more tag capabilities include tag type, bandwidth, positioning reference signal slot periodicity, sensitivity, group delay (e.g., tag group delay), energy harvesting capability, or a combination thereof. Additionally or alternatively, the tag capabilities may include or indicate whether the tag device 120 supports frequency shift of the received PRS signal, or whether the frequency shift can be enabled or disabled at the tag device 120. The tag type includes passive tags, semi-passive tags, or active tags.

[0132] At 406, the LMF 131 sends a tag configuration to the tag device 120. The tag configuration may be generated based on one or more tag capabilities. In some specific implementations, the tag configuration is associated with the PRS. For example, the tag configuration may indicate parameters of the backscatter signal (e.g., 376) generated based on the PRS. By way of illustration, the parameters may include the frequency of the backscatter signal, the number of repetitions of the backscatter signal, the time period during which the backscatter signal will be transmitted, or any combination thereof. For example, the tag configuration may indicate whether to generate the backscatter signal of the PRS at the same frequency as the PRS or at a different frequency.

[0133] At 408, the LMF 131 sends a PRS configuration to the Tx TRP 405. For example, the PRS configuration may include or correspond to the PRS configuration 381. In a specific implementation, the PRS configuration may be included in the TRP configuration such as the TRP configuration 372. The PRS configuration may indicate the repetition of the PRS, the bandwidth configuration, the comb pattern configuration, or a combination thereof. Note that when the system 400 includes multiple Tx TRPs, each Tx TRP among the multiple Tx TRPs may receive a PRS configuration, such as the same PRS configuration or different PRS configurations.

[0134] At 410, the LMF 131 sends a measurement gap configuration to the Rx TRP 407. The measurement gap configuration indicates the time periods during which each Rx TRP among the multiple TRPs avoids transmitting. For example, the measurement gap configuration may include or correspond to the MG configuration 382. In one specific implementation, the measurement gap configuration may be included in the TRP configuration such as the TRP configuration 372.

[0135] Reference Figure 5 , during the operation of system 500, the LMF 131 sends a request for one or more tag capabilities, receives one or more tag capabilities, and sends a tag configuration, a PRS configuration, and a measurement gap configuration, as referenced Figure 4 as described.

[0136] At 512, the Tx TRP 405 sends a PRS to the tag device 120. For example, the PRS may include or correspond to the positioning reference signal 374. The PRS may be configured according to a PRS configuration such as the PRS configuration 381.

[0137] At 514, the tag device 120 sends a backscatter signal in response to the PRS. For example, the tag device 120 may reflect the PRS to generate a backscatter signal. The backscatter signal may include or correspond to the backscatter signal 376. The backscatter signal may be received by one or more Rx TRPs such as the Rx TRP 407. In some particular implementations, the Rx TRP 407 may receive the backscatter signal during a time period indicated by a measurement gap configuration.

[0138] At 516, the Rx TRP 407 sends a measurement report to the LMF 131. For example, the measurement report may include or correspond to the measurement report 378. The Rx TRP 407 may generate the measurement report based on the received backscatter signal. In some particular implementations, the Rx TRP 407 may send the measurement report after the expiration of the time period indicated by the measurement gap configuration. Additionally or alternatively, the Tx TRP 405 may also receive the backscatter signal and generate a measurement report based on the Tx TRP 405 and then send it to the LMF 131.

[0139] In some particular implementations, the LMF 131 may receive one or more measurement reports from the Tx TRP 405, the Rx TRP 407, or another TRP. Based on the one or more measurement reports, the LMF 131 may determine the location of the tag device 120. For example, to determine the location of the tag device 120, the LMF 131 may calculate the time of arrival (TOA), time difference of arrival (TDOA), angle of arrival (AoA), or any combination thereof based on the one or more measurement reports.

[0140] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example process 600 that supports backscatter-based positioning according to one or more aspects. The operations of process 600 may be performed by a tag device such as the tag device 120 or the tag device described with reference Figure 7 For example, the example operations (also referred to as "boxes") of process 600 may enable the tag device 120 to support backscatter-based positioning.

[0141] In block 602, the tag device generates a tag device indicator indicative of tag capabilities. For example, the tag device indicator may include or correspond to tag device indicator 370, tag device information 309, or a combination thereof. The tag capabilities may include or correspond to one or more capabilities or characteristics of the tag device. For example, the tag capabilities may include tag type, bandwidth, positioning reference signal slot periodicity, sensitivity, group delay (e.g., tag delay), or a combination thereof. The tag type may include or indicate a passive tag device, a semi-passive tag device, or an active tag device. The group delay may indicate the time delay associated with reflecting the received signal to generate a backscattered signal based on the received signal. Additionally or alternatively, the tag capabilities may include or indicate whether the tag device 120 supports frequency shift of the received PRS signal, or whether the frequency shift can be enabled or disabled at the tag device 120.

[0142] In some embodiments, the tag capabilities may include or indicate the energy harvesting capabilities of the tag device. By way of illustration, the tag device may include an energy harvesting circuit configured to generate power at the tag device for one or more components or storage means. In some embodiments, the tag device may generate energy from received signals such as positioning reference signal 374.

[0143] In block 604, the tag device transmits the tag capabilities indicator. For example, the tag device may transmit a tag capabilities response to a request for tag capabilities. In some embodiments, the tag device may receive a request for tag capabilities from a network entity. The tag device may generate and transmit the tag device indicator based on or in response to the request.

[0144] In some embodiments, the tag device may be configured to receive a tag configuration. For example, the tag device may receive a tag configuration from a network entity such as core network 130, LMF 131, or a reader device or TRP. The tag configuration may indicate to the tag device whether to generate the backscattered signal of the PRS at the same frequency or a different frequency. Additionally or alternatively, the tag configuration may indicate the number of repetitions of the backscattered signal, the time period during which the backscattered signal will be transmitted, or a combination thereof.

[0145] In some embodiments, prior to receiving a PRS (e.g., 374) from the TRP, the tag device may generate energy level data corresponding to the energy level of the tag device. The TRP may include or correspond to TRP 340, 342, 246, 348, 405, or 407. The tag device may send the energy level data to the LMF (e.g., 131), the TRP, or both. The energy level data may indicate that the tag device has low energy - for example, energy harvesting operations are required. In some embodiments, the tag device may receive a positioning reference signal and may perform energy harvesting during at least a portion of the positioning reference signal or based on at least a portion of the positioning reference signal.

[0146] Figure 7 is a block diagram of an example tag device 700 that supports backscatter-based positioning according to one or more aspects. The tag device 700 may include or correspond to the tag device 120. For example, the tag device 700 may include an RFID or IoT device. Additionally or alternatively, the tag device may include a passive device, a semi-passive device, or an active device.

[0147] The tag device 700 may be configured to perform operations including the blocks of the process described with reference to Figure 6 In some specific implementations, the tag device 700 includes the structures, hardware, and components shown and described with reference to the tag device 120. For example, the tag device 700 includes a controller 780 that operates to execute logic or computer instructions stored in a memory 782 and to control the components that provide the features and functionality of the tag device 700. The controller 780 and the memory 782 may include or correspond to the circuit 351. The tag device 700 transmits and receives signals under the control of the controller 780 via a wireless radio component 701 and an antenna 752. In some specific implementations, the wireless radio component 701 and the antenna 752 may include or correspond to a transmitter 356, a receiver 358, or a combination thereof. The wireless radio component 701 includes various components and hardware. As an illustrative, non-limiting example, as described with reference to Figure 2 the tag device 700 may include modulators and demodulators 254a to 254r, a MIMO detector 256, a receive processor 258, a transmit processor 264, and a TX MIMO processor 266.

[0148] The tag device 700 further includes an energy harvesting circuit 790. The energy harvesting circuit 790 may include or correspond to the circuit 351. The energy harvesting circuit 790 may include hardware (e.g., circuitry), software, or a combination thereof configured to harvest energy from an energy source of the tag device 700. For example, as an illustrative, non-limiting example, the energy source may include a solar energy source, a vibration energy source, or a thermal energy source. The energy harvesting circuit 790 may be coupled to circuitry such as the controller 780, the memory 782, the wireless radio component 701, a power source of the tag device 700, or a combination thereof. In some specific implementations, the harvested energy may be used to charge a power source (such as a battery or a capacitor). The power source may be coupled to the controller 780, the memory 782, the wireless radio component 701, or a combination thereof. Additionally or alternatively, the harvested energy may be configured to power one or more components of the tag device 700.

[0149] As shown in the figure, the memory 782 may include tag capability information 702, tag configuration information 703, and communication logic 704. The tag capability information 702 may include or correspond to tag device information 309, tag device indicator 370, or a combination thereof. The tag configuration information 703 may correspond to the tag configuration described in reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 . The communication logic 704 may be configured to enable communication between the tag device 700 and one or more other devices. The tag device 700 may receive signals from or send signals to one or more network entities, core network 130, LMF 131, reader device, TRP 340, 342, 346, 348, 405 or 407, UE 115, base station 105, or network entities as shown in Figure 11 .

[0150] It should be noted that the tag device 700 may include fewer or more components than those described in reference to Figure 7 . For example, in some specific implementations, the tag device 700 may include a power storage device. As another example, the tag device 700 may not include the controller 780.

[0151] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example process 800 for supporting backscatter-based positioning according to one or more aspects. The operations of process 800 may be performed by a network entity such as core network 130, LMF 131, reader device, TRP 340, 342, 346, 348, 405 or 407, UE 115, base station 105, or network entities as described in reference Figure 11 . For example, the example operations of process 800 may enable the network entity to support backscatter-based positioning. In some specific implementations, as an illustrative, non-limiting example, the network entity may include or correspond to a network, core network 130, LMF 131, TRP or reader device, base station, or a combination thereof.

[0152] In block 802, the network entity receives a tag device indicator indicating the tag capability of the tag device. For example, the tag device may include or correspond to tag device 120. In some specific implementations, the tag device includes an RFID tag device or an IoT device. The tag indicator may include or correspond to tag device indicator 370. The tag capability may include or correspond to tag device information 309. The tag capability may include or indicate tag type, bandwidth, positioning reference signal slot periodicity, sensitivity, group delay, energy harvesting capability, or a combination thereof. The tag type may include a passive tag, a semi-passive tag, or an active tag.

[0153] In some specific implementations, a network entity may send a request for the tag capabilities of a tag device to the tag device. The network entity may receive a tag device indicator based on or in response to the request.

[0154] In block 804, the network entity sends a PRS configuration associated with the PRS to a first TRP among a plurality of TRPs. The plurality of TRPs may include the first TRP designated as the Tx TRP and the second TRP designated as the Rx TRP. The first TRP and the second TRP may include or correspond to TRP 340, 342, 346, 348, 405 or 407. As an illustrative, non-limiting example, the first TRP includes or corresponds to the first TRP 340 or the Tx TRP 405, and the second TRP includes or corresponds to the second TRP 342 or the Rx TRP 407. The PRS configuration may include or correspond to the TRP configuration 372 or the PRS configuration 381. The PRS may include or correspond to the positioning reference signal 374.

[0155] In some specific implementations, the network entity generates a PRS configuration. The PRS configuration may be based on the tag capabilities. Additionally or alternatively, the PRS configuration may indicate the repetition of the PRS, the bandwidth configuration, the comb pattern configuration, or a combination thereof. In some specific implementations, the network entity sending the PRS configuration includes sending the PRS configuration to each of the plurality of TRPs.

[0156] In block 806, the network entity receives a measurement report from the second TRP based on the backscattered signal of the PRS sent by the first TRP. For example, the measurement report may include or correspond to the measurement report 378.

[0157] In some specific implementations, the network entity may generate a tag configuration. For example, the tag configuration may be generated based on the tag capabilities. Additionally or alternatively, the tag configuration may be associated with the PRS (e.g., 374). The tag configuration may include or indicate the frequency of the backscattered signal, the number of repetitions of the backscattered signal, the time period during which the backscattered signal will be sent, or a combination thereof. The network entity may send the tag configuration to the tag device.

[0158] In some specific implementations, the network entity receives an energy report from the tag device. The energy report may indicate the amount of energy available at the tag device. In some specific implementations, the network entity may generate a PRS configuration based on the amount of energy available at the tag device. For example, the PRS configuration may indicate that one or more symbols of the PRS are allocated by the tag device for energy harvesting operations.

[0159] In some specific implementations, a network entity generates a TRP configuration or sends a TRP configuration to one or more of a plurality of TRPs. For example, the TRP configuration may include or correspond to TRP configuration 372. In some specific implementations, the network entity may generate a TRP configuration based on network topology, measurement reports received from one or more TRPs, backscatter signals sent by a tag device, or a combination thereof.

[0160] The TRP configuration may indicate that a first TRP is designated as a Tx TRP and a second TRP is designated as an Rx TRP. In some specific implementations, the network entity may receive a measurement report from the first TRP (based on PRS, backscatter signals, or both). Additionally or alternatively, the TRP configuration indicates that a third TRP among the plurality of TRPs is designated as a Tx TRP. In some such specific implementations, the PRS configuration indicates that the first TRP and the third TRP are configured to transmit FDM positioning reference signals or time-domain multiplexed positioning reference signals. Additionally or alternatively, the TRP configuration indicates that a plurality of TRPs (including the second TRP) among the plurality of TRPs are designated as Rx TRPs. In some such specific implementations, the network entity may receive a measurement report from each of the plurality of TRPs from that TRP.

[0161] In some specific implementations, the network entity may send a measurement gap configuration to the second TRP. The measurement gap configuration may include or correspond to TRP configuration 372, MG configuration 382, or measurement gap information 308. The measurement gap configuration may indicate a time period during which each of the plurality of TRPs monitors backscatter signals, avoids transmission, or a combination thereof.

[0162] In some specific implementations, the network entity determines the location of the tag device based on one or more measurement reports such as the received measurement reports. To determine the location, the network entity may calculate TOA, TDOA, AoA, or any combination thereof. In some specific implementations, the network entity may send location data indicating the location. Additionally or alternatively, after determining the location of the tag device, the network entity may determine another location of the tag. The network entity may also determine the speed of the tag device based on the location of the tag device and another location of the tag device.

[0163] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example process 900 that supports backscatter-based positioning according to one or more aspects. Operations of process 900 may be performed by a network entity such as core network 130, LMF 131, reader device, TRPs 340, 342, 346, 348, 405, or 407, UE 115, base station 105, or as referenced Figure 11The described network entity performs. For example, the exemplary operations of process 1000 may enable the network entity to support backscatter-based positioning. In some specific implementations, the network entity is a TRP or a reader device. Additionally or alternatively, the network entity (e.g., the TRP) may be configured to operate in full-duplex mode.

[0164] At block 902, the network entity receives a TRP configuration associated with the PRS of the tag device. The TRP configuration may include or correspond to the TRP configuration 372. In some specific implementations, the network entity determines whether to designate the TRP as a Tx TRP or an Rx TRP based on the TRP configuration. The PRS may include or correspond to the positioning reference signal 374 or the PRS information 307. The tag device may include or correspond to the tag device 120. In some specific implementations, the tag device includes an RFID tag device or an IoT device.

[0165] At block 904, the network entity receives a backscatter signal from the tag device. The backscatter signal is generated based on the PRS. For example, the backscatter signal may be a reflection of the PRS. The backscatter signal may include or correspond to the backscatter signal 376.

[0166] At block 906, the network entity sends a measurement report based on the backscatter signal. For example, the measurement report may include or correspond to the measurement report 378, the measurement information 310, or a combination thereof.

[0167] In some specific implementations, the TRP configuration includes a positioning reference signal configuration. The positioning reference signal configuration may include or correspond to the PRS configuration 381 or the PRS information 307. The positioning reference signal configuration may include or indicate the repetition of the PRS, the bandwidth configuration, the comb pattern configuration, the bandwidth of the PRS, the time when the PRS is scheduled to be transmitted, or a combination thereof.

[0168] In some specific implementations, the network entity sends a positioning reference signal based on the positioning reference signal configuration. Additionally or alternatively, the network entity may receive an energy report from the tag device indicating the amount of energy available at the tag device. In some such specific implementations, the network entity may send a positioning reference signal based on the positioning reference signal configuration and based on the amount of energy available at the tag device.

[0169] In some specific implementations, the TRP configuration includes a measurement gap configuration. For example, the measurement gap configuration may include or correspond to the MG configuration 382 or the measurement gap information 308. The measurement gap configuration may indicate the time period during which the TRP monitors the backscattered signal. Additionally or alternatively, a network entity (e.g., the TRP) may avoid scheduling one or more transmissions that will occur during the time period indicated by the measurement gap configuration. In addition to avoiding transmissions, the network entity may also request that an adjacent TRP not schedule transmissions associated with the positioning reference signal, the backscattered signal, or a combination thereof.

[0170] In some specific implementations, the network entity receives a request for a request of the tag capabilities of the tag device. The network entity may send a request to the tag device. In some specific implementations, the network entity may receive a tag capabilities indicator from the tag device. The tag capabilities indicator may include or correspond to the tag device indicator 370. The tag capabilities indicator may be received in response to the request for the tag capabilities. The tag capabilities may include the tag type, bandwidth, positioning reference signal slot periodicity, sensitivity, group delay, or a combination thereof. The network entity may store data based on the tag capabilities indicator or the tag capabilities. For example, the network entity may store the tag device information 309. The network device may send the tag capabilities indicator to another device such as another TRP, the core network 130, or the LMF 131. In some specific implementations, the network entity may receive a tag configuration. The tag configuration may be based on the tag capabilities. Additionally or alternatively, the tag configuration may be associated with the PRS. The tag configuration may include or indicate the frequency of the backscattered signal, the number of repetitions of the backscattered signal, the time frame in which the backscattered signal will be transmitted, or a combination thereof. In some specific implementations, the network entity may send the tag configuration to the tag device.

[0171] Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example process 1000 that supports backscatter-based positioning according to one or more aspects. The operations of process 1000 may be performed by a network entity such as the core network 130, the LMF 131, a reader device, the TRPs 340, 342, 346, 348, 405, or 407, the UE 115, the base station 105, or a network entity as described in reference Figure 11 described. For example, the example operations of process 1000 may enable the network entity to support backscatter-based positioning. In some specific implementations, the network entity is a TRP or a reader device.

[0172] At block 1002, a network entity receives a measurement gap configuration associated with a positioning reference signal of a tag device. The measurement gap configuration may include or correspond to a TRP configuration 372, an MG configuration 382, information 306, or measurement gap information 308. The positioning reference signal may include or correspond to a positioning reference signal 374. The tag device includes or corresponds to a tag device 120. The measurement gap configuration may indicate a period of time during which the network entity is configured to monitor the positioning reference signal, a backscatter signal based on the positioning reference signal, or a combination thereof. The backscatter signal may include or correspond to a backscatter signal 376. The network entity may be configured to avoid scheduling one or more transmissions that would occur during this period of time.

[0173] At block 1004, the network entity receives a backscatter signal. The backscatter signal may be generated based on the positioning reference signal. In some implementations, the network entity receives the backscatter signal from the tag device.

[0174] Figure 11 is a block diagram of an example network entity 1100 that supports backscatter-based positioning according to one or more aspects. The network entity 1100 may include or correspond to a core network 130, an LMF 131, a reader device, TRPs 340, 342, 346, 348, 405, or 407, a UE 115, or a base station 105. The network entity 1100 may be configured to perform operations including the blocks of processes 800 to 1000 described. In some implementations, the network entity 1100 includes the structures, hardware, and components shown and described for the base station 105 or the UE 115 of reference Figures 8 to 10 or Figure 1 or Figure 2 As an illustrative example, the network entity 1100 may include a controller 240 that operates to execute logic or computer instructions stored in a memory 242 and controls components that provide the features and functionality of the network entity 1100. The network entity 1100 transmits and receives signals under the control of the controller 240 via radio components 1101a to 1101t and antennas 234a to 234t. The radio components 1101a to 1101t include various components and hardware as shown for the base station 105 in Figure 2 including modulators and demodulators 232a to 232t, a transmit processor 220, a TX MIMO processor 230, a MIMO detector 236, and a receive processor 238.

[0175] As shown in the figure, the memory 242 may include configuration information 1102, tag device information 1103, positioning logic 1104, and communication logic 1105. The configuration information 1102 may include or correspond to the TRP configuration 372, the PRS configuration 381, the MG configuration 382, or the tag configuration. The tag device information 1103 may include or correspond to the information 306, the tag device information 309, or the tag device indicator 370. The positioning logic 1104 is configured to determine the location of the tag device based on one or more measurement reports such as the measurement report 378. The communication logic 1105 may be configured to enable communication between the network entity 1100 and one or more other devices. The network entity 1100 may receive signals from or send signals to one or more devices such as the tag device 120, the core network 130, the LMF 131, the reader device, the TRP 340, 342, 346, 348, 405 or 407, the UE 115, the base station 105, or another device.

[0176] It should be noted that one or more of the boxes (or operations) described with reference to Figure 6 and Figures 8 to 10 may be combined with one or more of the boxes (or operations) described with reference to another figure. For example, Figure 8 one or more of the boxes (or operations) of Figure 9 may be combined with one or more of the boxes (or operations) of Figure 6 . As another example, one or more of the boxes associated with Figure 8 may be combined with one or more of the boxes associated with and Figure 9 . As another example, one or more of the boxes associated with Figure 10 may be combined with one or more of the boxes associated with and Figure 6 and Figures 8 to 10 may be combined with one or more of the boxes associated with and Figures 1 to 3 , Figure 7 and Figure 11 . Additionally or alternatively, one or more of the operations described above with reference to Figures 1 to 3 , Figure 7 and Figure 11 may be combined with one or more of the operations described with reference to Figure 7 or Figure 11 .

[0177] In one or more aspects, techniques for supporting backscatter-based positioning may include additional aspects, such as any individual aspect or any combination of aspects described below or in combination with one or more other processes or devices described elsewhere herein. In a first aspect, techniques for supporting backscatter-based positioning may include receiving a tag device indicator indicative of the tag capabilities of a tag device. These techniques may also include sending a positioning reference signal (PRS) configuration associated with the PRS to a first transmission and reception point (TRP) among a plurality of TRPs. The PRS configuration is based on the tag capabilities. The plurality of TRPs includes a first TRP designated as a transmit (Tx) TRP and a second TRP designated as a receive (Rx) TRP. These techniques further include receiving a measurement report from the second TRP based on a backscattered signal of a positioning reference signal transmitted by the first TRP. In some examples, the techniques in the first aspect may be implemented in a method or process. In some other examples, the techniques of the first aspect may be implemented in a communication device or a communication system. For example, the communication device may include a wireless communication device, such as a network entity, a core network, a location management function (LMF), a user equipment (UE), a base station, a reader device, or components thereof. In some examples, the wireless communication device may include at least one processing unit or system (which may include an application processor, a modem, or other components) and at least one memory device coupled to the processing unit. The processing unit may be configured to perform the operations described herein with respect to the wireless communication device. In some examples, the memory device includes a non-transitory computer-readable medium having program code stored thereon, which when executed by the processing unit is configured to cause the wireless communication device to perform the operations described herein. Additionally or alternatively, the wireless communication device may include an interface (e.g., a wireless communication interface) including a transmitter, a receiver, or a combination thereof. Additionally or alternatively, the wireless communication device may include one or more components configured to perform the operations described herein.

[0178] In a second aspect, in combination with the first aspect, the tag capabilities include tag type, bandwidth, positioning reference signal slot periodicity, sensitivity, group delay, energy harvesting capability, or a combination thereof.

[0179] In a third aspect, in combination with the first aspect or the second aspect, the tag type includes a passive tag, a semi-passive tag, or an active tag.

[0180] In a fourth aspect, in combination with one or more of the first aspect to the third aspect, these techniques further include sending a request for the tag capabilities of the tag device to the tag device.

[0181] In a fifth aspect, in combination with one or more of the first aspect to the fourth aspect, the tag device includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag device.

[0182] In a sixth aspect, in combination with one or more of the first to fifth aspects, the techniques further include generating a tag configuration based on the tag capabilities, the tag configuration being associated with the PRS.

[0183] In a seventh aspect, in combination with the sixth aspect, the techniques further include sending the tag configuration to the tag device.

[0184] In an eighth aspect, in combination with the sixth or seventh aspect, the tag configuration indicates the frequency of the backscattered signal, the number of repetitions of the backscattered signal, the time frame in which the backscattered signal will be sent, or a combination thereof.

[0185] In a ninth aspect, in combination with one or more of the first to eighth aspects, the techniques further include sending the PRS configuration including sending the PRS configuration to each of a plurality of TRPs.

[0186] In a tenth aspect, in combination with one or more of the first to ninth aspects, the techniques include generating a PRS configuration.

[0187] In an eleventh aspect, in combination with one or more of the first to tenth aspects, the PRS configuration indicates the repetition of the PRS, the bandwidth configuration, the comb pattern configuration, or a combination thereof.

[0188] In a twelfth aspect, in combination with one or more of the first to eleventh aspects, the techniques further include receiving an energy report from the tag device indicating the amount of energy available at the tag device.

[0189] In a thirteenth aspect, in combination with the twelfth aspect, the techniques further include generating a PRS configuration based on the amount of energy available at the tag device.

[0190] In a fourteenth aspect, in combination with one or more of the first to thirteenth aspects, the techniques further include sending a TRP configuration to a plurality of TRPs.

[0191] In a fifteenth aspect, in combination with the fourteenth aspect, the TRP configuration indicates that a first TRP is designated as a Tx TRP and a second TRP is designated as an Rx TRP.

[0192] In a sixteenth aspect, in combination with one or more of the fourteenth or fifteenth aspects, the techniques further include generating a TRP configuration based on the network topology, a measurement report received from the tag device, a previous measurement report associated with the tag device and received from the first TRP or the second TRP, or a combination thereof.

[0193] In a seventeenth aspect, in combination with one or more of the fourteenth to sixteenth aspects, the TRP configuration indicates that a third TRP among the plurality of TRPs is designated as a Tx TRP.

[0194] In an eighteenth aspect, in combination with the seventeenth aspect, the PRS configuration indicates that the first TRP and the third TRP are configured to transmit FDM positioning reference signals or time-domain multiplexed positioning reference signals.

[0195] In a nineteenth aspect, in combination with one or more of the fourteenth aspect to the eighteenth aspect, the TRP configuration indicates that multiple TRPs among the multiple TRPs are designated as Rx TRPs, and the multiple TRPs include the second TRP.

[0196] In a twentieth aspect, in combination with the nineteenth aspect, these techniques further include receiving, from each of the multiple TRPs, a measurement report from that TRP.

[0197] In a twenty-first aspect, in combination with one or more of the first aspect to the twentieth aspect, these techniques further include receiving a measurement report from the first TRP.

[0198] In a twenty-second aspect, in combination with one or more of the first aspect to the twenty-first aspect, these techniques further include sending a measurement gap configuration to the second TRP.

[0199] In a twenty-third aspect, in combination with the twenty-second aspect, the measurement gap configuration indicates a time period during which each of the multiple TRPs avoids transmitting.

[0200] In a twenty-fourth aspect, in combination with one or more of the first aspect to the twenty-third aspect, these techniques further include determining the position of the tag device based on the measurement report.

[0201] In a twenty-fifth aspect, in combination with the twenty-fourth aspect, these techniques further include sending position data indicating the position.

[0202] In a twenty-sixth aspect, in combination with the twenty-fourth aspect or the twenty-fifth aspect, these techniques further include determining that the position includes calculating TOA, TDOA, AoA, or any combination thereof.

[0203] In a twenty-seventh aspect, in combination with one or more of the twenty-fourth aspect to the twenty-sixth aspect, these techniques further include determining another position of the tag after determining the position of the tag device.

[0204] In a twenty-eighth aspect, in combination with the twenty-seventh aspect, these techniques further include determining the speed of the tag device based on the position of the tag device and another position of the tag device.

[0205] In a twenty-ninth aspect, in combination with one or more of the first aspect to the twenty-eighth aspect, the network entity includes a network, an LMF, a base station, a tag reader, or any combination thereof.

[0206] In one or more aspects, techniques for supporting backscatter-based positioning may include additional aspects, such as any single aspect or any combination of aspects described below or in combination with one or more other processes or devices described elsewhere herein. In a thirtieth aspect, techniques for supporting backscatter-based positioning may include generating a tag device indicator indicative of tag capabilities, the tag capabilities including tag type, bandwidth, positioning reference signal slot periodicity, sensitivity, tag delay (e.g., group delay), or a combination thereof. These techniques may also include transmitting the tag capabilities indicator. In some examples, the techniques in the thirtieth aspect may be implemented in a method or process. In some other examples, the techniques of the thirtieth aspect may be implemented in a wireless communication device such as a tag device or an IoT device, which may include a passive tag, a semi-passive tag, an active tag, a UE, an RFID, or components thereof. In some examples, the wireless communication device may include circuitry such as at least one processing unit or system (which may include an application processor, a modem, or other components) and at least one memory device coupled to the processing unit, as illustrated by non-limiting examples. The processing unit may be configured to perform the operations described herein with respect to the wireless communication device. In some examples, the memory device includes a non-transitory computer-readable medium having program code stored thereon, the program code being configured to cause the wireless communication device to perform the operations described herein when executed by the processing unit. Additionally or alternatively, the wireless communication device may include an interface (e.g., a wireless communication interface) including a transmitter, a receiver, or a combination thereof. Additionally or alternatively, the wireless communication device may include one or more components configured to perform the operations described herein.

[0207] In a thirty-first aspect, in combination with the thirtieth aspect, the tag device includes an RFID.

[0208] In a thirty-second aspect, in combination with the thirtieth aspect or the thirty-first aspect, these techniques further include receiving a request for tag capabilities from a network entity.

[0209] In a thirty-third aspect, in combination with the thirty-second aspect, the request is received from a network entity.

[0210] In a thirty-fourth aspect, in combination with one or more of the thirtieth aspect to the thirty-third aspect, the tag type includes a passive tag device, a semi-passive tag device, or an active tag device.

[0211] In a thirty-fifth aspect, in combination with one or more of the thirtieth aspect to the thirty-fourth aspect, the group delay indicates a time delay associated with processing a backscatter signal based on a received signal.

[0212] In a thirty-sixth aspect, in combination with one or more of the thirtieth aspect to the thirty-fifth aspect, the tag capabilities further include an energy harvesting capability.

[0213] In a thirty-seventh aspect, in combination with one or more of the thirtieth to thirty-sixth aspects, the techniques further include receiving a positioning reference signal from a first TRP, the positioning reference signal being configured based on the tag capabilities.

[0214] In a thirty-eighth aspect, in combination with the thirty-seventh aspect, the techniques further include transmitting a backscatter signal in response to the positioning reference signal.

[0215] In a thirty-ninth aspect, in combination with the thirty-seventh or thirty-eighth aspect, the techniques further include, before receiving the positioning reference signal: generating energy level data corresponding to the energy level of the tag device.

[0216] In a fortieth aspect, in combination with the thirty-ninth aspect, the techniques further include transmitting the energy level data before receiving the positioning reference signal.

[0217] In a forty-first aspect, in combination with one or more of the thirtieth to fortieth aspects, the techniques further include performing energy harvesting.

[0218] In a forty-second aspect, in combination with one or more of the thirtieth to forty-first aspects, the techniques further include receiving a tag configuration that indicates whether to generate the backscatter signal of the positioning reference signal at the same frequency or a different frequency as the positioning reference signal.

[0219] In one or more aspects, techniques for supporting backscatter-based positioning may include additional aspects, such as any individual aspect or any combination of aspects described below or in combination with one or more other processes or devices described elsewhere herein. In a forty-third aspect, techniques for supporting backscatter-based positioning may include receiving, from a network entity, a TRP configuration associated with a positioning reference signal of a tag device. These techniques may also include receiving, from the tag device, a backscatter signal that is generated based on the positioning reference signal. These techniques may also include transmitting a measurement report based on the backscatter signal. In some examples, the techniques in the forty-third aspect may be implemented in a method or process. In some other examples, the techniques of the forty-third aspect may be implemented in a wireless communication device such as a TRP, which may include a network entity, a base station, a reader device, a UE, or components thereof. In some examples, the wireless communication device may include at least one processing unit or system (which may include an application processor, a modem, or other components) and at least one memory device coupled to the processing unit. The processing unit may be configured to perform the operations described herein with respect to the wireless communication device. In some examples, the memory device includes a non-transitory computer-readable medium having program code stored thereon that, when executed by the processing unit, is configured to cause the wireless communication device to perform the operations described herein. Additionally or alternatively, the wireless communication device may include an interface (e.g., a wireless communication interface) that includes a transmitter, a receiver, or a combination thereof. Additionally or alternatively, the wireless communication device may include one or more components configured to perform the operations described herein.

[0220] In a forty-fourth aspect, in combination with the forty-third aspect, these techniques further include determining whether the TRP is designated as a Tx TRP or an Rx TRP.

[0221] In a forty-fifth aspect, in combination with the forty-fourth aspect, determining the designation is based on the TRP configuration.

[0222] In a forty-sixth aspect, in combination with the forty-fourth aspect or the forty-fifth aspect, the TRP is designated as a Tx TRP.

[0223] In a forty-seventh aspect, in combination with the forty-fourth aspect or the forty-fifth aspect, the TRP is designated as an Rx TRP.

[0224] In a forty-eighth aspect, in combination with one or more of the forty-third aspect through the forty-seventh aspect, these techniques further include receiving, from a network entity, a request for the tag capabilities of the tag device.

[0225] In a forty-ninth aspect, in combination with the forty-eighth aspect, these techniques further include sending a request to the tag device.

[0226] In a fiftieth aspect, in combination with one or more of the forty-third to forty-ninth aspects, the techniques further include receiving, from a tag device, a tag capability indicator indicative of a tag capability, the tag capability including a tag type, a bandwidth, a positioning reference signal time slot periodicity, a sensitivity, a group delay, or a combination thereof.

[0227] In a fifty-first aspect, in combination with the fiftieth aspect, the techniques further include sending the tag capability indicator to a network entity.

[0228] In a fifty-second aspect, in combination with one or more of the forty-third to fifty-first aspects, the techniques further include receiving, from a network entity, a tag configuration based on the tag capability, the tag configuration being associated with the PRS.

[0229] In a fifty-third aspect, in combination with the fifty-second aspect, the techniques further include sending the tag configuration to the tag device.

[0230] In a fifty-fourth aspect, in combination with the fifty-second or fifty-third aspect, the tag configuration indicates a frequency of a backscattered signal, a number of repetitions of the backscattered signal, a time frame in which the backscattered signal is to be sent, or a combination thereof.

[0231] In a fifty-fifth aspect, in combination with one or more of the forty-third to fifty-fourth aspects, the tag device includes an RFID tag device.

[0232] In a fifty-sixth aspect, in combination with one or more of the forty-third to fifty-fifth aspects, the TRP configuration includes a positioning reference signal configuration.

[0233] In a fifty-seventh aspect, in combination with the fifty-sixth aspect, the positioning reference signal configuration indicates a repetition of the PRS, a bandwidth configuration, a comb pattern configuration, a bandwidth of the PRS, a time at which the PRS is scheduled to be sent, or a combination thereof.

[0234] In a fifty-eighth aspect, in combination with the fifty-sixth or fifty-seventh aspect, the techniques further include sending a positioning reference signal based on the positioning reference signal configuration.

[0235] In a fifty-ninth aspect, in combination with one or more of the fifty-sixth to fifty-eighth aspects, the techniques further include receiving, from the tag device, an energy report indicative of an amount of energy available at the tag device.

[0236] In a sixtieth aspect, in combination with the fifty-ninth aspect, the techniques further include sending a positioning reference signal based on the positioning reference signal configuration and based on the amount of energy available at the tag device.

[0237] In a sixty-first aspect, in combination with one or more of the forty-third to sixtieth aspects, the TRP is configured to operate in a full-duplex mode.

[0238] In a sixty-second aspect, in combination with one or more of the forty-third to sixty-first aspects, the TRP configuration includes a measurement gap configuration.

[0239] In a sixty-third aspect, in combination with the sixty-second aspect, the measurement gap configuration indicates a time period during which the TRP monitors the backscattered signal, and the TRP avoids scheduling one or more transmissions that will occur during this time period.

[0240] In a sixty-fourth aspect, in combination with one or more of the forty-third to sixty-third aspects, these techniques further include requesting that an adjacent TRP not schedule transmissions associated with positioning reference signals, backscattered signals, or a combination thereof.

[0241] In a sixty-fifth aspect, in combination with the forty-third aspect, a measurement gap configuration associated with a positioning reference signal of a tag device is received from a network entity, and the measurement gap configuration indicates a time period during which the TRP monitors the backscattered signal.

[0242] In a sixty-sixth aspect, in combination with the sixty-fifth aspect, the TRP avoids scheduling one or more transmissions that will occur during the time period.

[0243] In one or more aspects, techniques for supporting backscatter-based positioning may include additional aspects, such as any single aspect or any combination of aspects described below or in combination with one or more other processes or devices described elsewhere herein. In a sixty-seventh aspect, techniques for supporting backscatter-based positioning may include receiving, from a network entity, a measurement gap configuration associated with a positioning reference signal of a tag device, the measurement gap configuration indicating a time period during which a TRP monitors the positioning reference signal, a backscatter signal based on the positioning reference signal, or a combination thereof. These techniques may also include receiving a backscatter signal from the tag device. In some examples, the techniques in the sixty-seventh aspect may be implemented in a method or process. In some other examples, the techniques of the sixty-seventh aspect may be implemented in a wireless communication device such as a TRP, which may include a network entity, a base station, a reader device, a UE, or components thereof. In some examples, the wireless communication device may include at least one processing unit or system (which may include an application processor, a modem, or other components) and at least one memory device coupled to the processing unit. The processing unit may be configured to perform the operations described herein with respect to the wireless communication device. In some examples, the memory device includes a non-transitory computer-readable medium having program code stored thereon, the program code being configured to cause the wireless communication device to perform the operations described herein when executed by the processing unit. Additionally or alternatively, the wireless communication device may include an interface (e.g., a wireless communication interface) including a transmitter, a receiver, or a combination thereof. Additionally or alternatively, the wireless communication device may include one or more components configured to perform the operations described herein.

[0244] In the sixty-seventh aspect, in combination with one or more of the first through sixty-sixth aspects, the TRP avoids scheduling one or more transmissions that would occur during the time period.

[0245] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that any of a variety of different techniques and arts may be used to represent information and signals. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be referred to throughout the above description may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, optical fields or optical particles, or any combination thereof.

[0246] As described herein with respect to Figures 1 to 11The components, functional blocks, and modules described above include a processor, an electronic device, a hardware device, an electronic component, a logic circuit, a memory, software code, firmware code, etc., or any combination thereof. Software should be construed broadly to mean instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subprograms, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executables, execution threads, procedures, and / or functions, etc., regardless of whether it is referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or other terms. Additionally, the features discussed herein can be implemented via dedicated processor circuitry, via executable instructions, or a combination thereof.

[0247] Those skilled in the art will further appreciate that the various illustrative logical blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithmic steps described in connection with the disclosure herein can be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, the various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been described above generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends upon the particular application and the design constraints imposed on the overall system. Those skilled in the art may implement the described functionality in different ways for each particular application, but such specific implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the disclosure. Those skilled in the art will also readily recognize that the order or combination of the components, methods, or interactions described herein is merely exemplary, and the components, methods, or interactions of the various aspects of the disclosure can be combined or performed in ways other than those illustrated and described herein.

[0248] The various illustrative logical components, logical blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithmic processes described in connection with the specific implementations disclosed herein can be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of the two. The interchangeability of hardware and software has been generally described in terms of functionality and illustrated in the various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and processes described above. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends upon the particular application and the design constraints imposed on the overall system.

[0249] The hardware and data processing apparatus for implementing or performing the various illustrative logics, logic blocks, modules and circuits described in connection with the aspects disclosed herein can be realized or executed by a general single-chip or multi-chip processor, digital signal processor (DSP), application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic components, discrete hardware components or any combination thereof that are designed to perform the functions described herein. The general processor can be a microprocessor, or any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller or state machine. In some particular implementations, the processor can be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors combined with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. In some particular implementations, specific processes and methods can be performed by circuits specific to a given function.

[0250] In one or more aspects, the described functions can be implemented in hardware, digital electronic circuits, computer software, firmware, including the structures disclosed in this specification and their structural equivalents or any combination thereof. The specific implementations of the subject matter described in this specification can also be implemented as one or more computer programs, i.e., one or more modules of computer program instructions encoded on a computer storage medium for execution by a data processing apparatus or for controlling the operation of a data processing apparatus.

[0251] If implemented in software, the functions can be stored on or transmitted via a computer-readable medium as one or more instructions or codes. The processes of the methods or algorithms disclosed herein can be implemented in a processor-executable software module that may reside on a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium includes both computer storage media and communication media, and the communication media includes any medium that can be implemented to transfer a computer program from one place to another. The storage media can be any available medium accessible by a computer. By way of example and not limitation, such computer-readable media can include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store the desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer. Additionally, any connection can be properly termed a computer-readable medium. As used herein, disk and optical disk include compact disk (CD), laser disk, optical disk, digital versatile disk (DVD), floppy disk, and Blu-ray disk, where disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while optical disks reproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media. Additionally, the operations of a method or algorithm can reside as one set of code and instructions or any combination of sets of code and instructions on a machine-readable medium and a computer-readable medium, which can be incorporated into a computer program product.

[0252] Various modifications to the specific embodiments described in this disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to some other specific embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the specific embodiments shown herein, but rather to cover the broadest scope consistent with this disclosure, the principles disclosed herein, and the novel features.

[0253] Additionally, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the terms "upper" and "lower" are sometimes used for ease of describing the drawings and indicate relative positions corresponding to the orientation of the drawings on a properly oriented page, and may not reflect the correct orientation of any device as implemented.

[0254] Certain features that are described in the context of separate embodiments in this specification can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, the various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented separately or in any suitable sub-combination in multiple embodiments. Additionally, although features may have been described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from the claimed combination can in some cases be removed from the combination, and the claimed combination can be directed to a sub-combination or variation of a sub-combination.

[0255] Similarly, although operations are depicted in the figures in a particular order, this should not be construed as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all of the illustrated operations be performed to achieve the desired result. Additionally, the figures may schematically depict one or more example processes in the form of a flowchart. However, other operations not depicted can be incorporated into the example processes that are schematically illustrated. For example, one or more additional operations can be performed before, after, simultaneously with, or between any of the illustrated operations. In certain environments, multitasking and parallel processing are advantageous. Additionally, the separation of the various system components in the embodiments described above should not be construed as requiring such separation in all embodiments, and it should be understood that the described program components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single software product or packaged into multiple software products. Additionally, some other embodiments also fall within the scope of the appended claims. In some cases, the acts recited in the claims can be performed in a different order and still achieve the desired result.

[0256] As used herein (including in the claims), the term "or" as used in a list of two or more items means that any one of the listed items can be employed alone, or any combination of two or more of the listed items can be employed. For example, if a composition is described as containing components A, B, or C, then the composition can contain A alone; B alone; C alone; a combination of A and B; a combination of A and C; a combination of B and C; or a combination of A, B, and C. Additionally, as used herein (including in the claims), "or" as used in a list starting with "at least one" indicates a disjunctive list, such that 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) or any combination of any of these items. The term "substantially" is defined as largely but not necessarily completely what is specified (and includes what is specified; for example, substantially 90 degrees includes 90 degrees, and substantially parallel includes parallel), as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. In any disclosed embodiment, the term "substantially" can be replaced with "[percentage] within" what is specified, where the percentage includes 0.1%, 1%, 5%, or 10%.

[0257] The foregoing description of the present disclosure is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the present disclosure. Various modifications to the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other variations without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the examples and designs described herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A method of wireless communication performed by a network entity, the method comprising: Receiving a tag device indicator indicating the tag capabilities of a tag device; Sending a positioning reference signal (PRS) configuration associated with the PRS to a first transmission / reception point (TRP) among a plurality of TRPs, the PRS configuration being based on the tag capabilities, the plurality of TRPs including the first TRP designated as a transmission (Tx) TRP and a second TRP designated as a reception (Rx) TRP; And Receiving a measurement report from the second TRP based on a backscattered signal of the positioning reference signal transmitted by the first TRP.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The tag capabilities include a tag type, bandwidth, positioning reference signal time slot periodicity, sensitivity, group delay, energy harvesting capability, or a combination thereof; and The tag device includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag device.

3. The method according to claim 1, the method further comprising: Sending a request for the tag capabilities of the tag device to the tag device; Generating a tag configuration associated with the PRS based on the tag capabilities, the tag configuration indicating a frequency of the backscattered signal, a number of repetitions of the backscattered signal, a time frame in which the backscattered signal will be transmitted, or a combination thereof; And Sending the tag configuration to the tag device, and Wherein: The tag type of the tag device includes a passive tag, a semi-passive tag, or an active tag, and The network entity includes a network, a location management function (LMF), a base station, a tag reader device, or any combination thereof.

4. The method according to claim 1, the method further comprising: Generating the PRS configuration, the PRS configuration indicating a repetition of the PRS, a bandwidth configuration, a comb pattern configuration, or a combination thereof, and Wherein sending the PRS configuration includes sending the PRS configuration to each of the plurality of TRPs.

5. The method according to claim 1, the method further comprising: Generating a TRP configuration based on a network topology, a measurement report received from the tag device, a previous measurement report associated with the tag device and received from the first TRP or the second TRP, or a combination thereof; And Sending the TRP configuration to a plurality of TRPs, wherein the TRP configuration indicates that the first TRP is designated as the Tx TRP and the second TRP is designated as the Rx TRP.

6. The method according to claim 1, the method further comprising: Sending a TRP configuration to a plurality of TRPs, wherein the TRP configuration indicates that the first TRP is designated as the Tx TRP and the second TRP is designated as the Rx TR, and Wherein: The TRP configuration indicates that a third TRP among the plurality of TRPs is designated as the Tx TRP, and The PRS configuration indicates that the first TRP and the third TRP are configured to transmit a frequency division multiplexing (FDM) positioning reference signal or a time division multiplexing positioning reference signal.

7. The method according to claim 1, the method further comprising: Sending a TRP configuration indicating that a plurality of TRPs among the plurality of TRPs are designated as Rx TRPs, the plurality of TRPs including the second TRP; Sending a measurement gap configuration to the second TRP, wherein the measurement gap configuration indicates a time period during which each of the plurality of TRPs is configured to monitor the backscattered signal, avoid transmission, or a combination thereof; Receiving a measurement report from each of the plurality of TRPs from the TRP; And Receiving a measurement report from the first TRP.

8. The method according to claim 1, the method further comprising: Determining the location of the tag device based on the measurement report, wherein determining the location includes calculating time of arrival (TOA), time difference of arrival (TDOA), angle of arrival (AoA), or any combination thereof; and Sending location data indicating the location.

9. The method according to claim 8, the method further comprising: After determining the location of the tag device, determining another location of the tag device; And Determining the speed of the tag device based on the location of the tag device and the other location of the tag device.

10. A network entity, the network entity comprising: A memory storing processor-readable code; And At least one processor coupled to the memory, the at least one processor being configured to execute the processor-readable code to cause the at least one processor: Receiving a tag device indicator indicating the tag capabilities of a tag device; Sending a PRS configuration associated with a positioning reference signal (PRS) to a first TRP among a plurality of transmit / receive points (TRPs), the PRS configuration being based on the tag capabilities, the plurality of TRPs including the first TRP designated as a transmit (Tx) TRP and a second TRP designated as a receive (Rx) TRP; And Receiving a measurement report from the second TRP based on the backscattered signal of the positioning reference signal transmitted by the first TRP.

11. The network entity according to claim 10, wherein: The at least one processor is configured to execute the processor-readable code to cause the at least one processor To send a request for the tag capabilities of the tag device to the tag device, the tag capabilities including tag type, bandwidth, positioning reference signal slot periodicity, sensitivity, group delay, energy harvesting ability, or a combination thereof; and Generating the PRS configuration, the PRS configuration indicating repetition of the PRS, bandwidth configuration, comb pattern configuration, or a combination thereof, and The tag device includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag device.

12. The network entity according to claim 10, wherein the at least one processor is configured to execute the processor-readable code to cause the at least one processor: Generate a TRP configuration based on a network topology, measurement reports received from the tag device, previous measurement reports associated with the tag device and received from the first TRP or the second TRP, or a combination thereof; and Send the TRP configuration to the plurality of TRPs, where the TRP configuration indicates: The first TRP is designated as the Tx TRP; The second TRP is designated as the Rx TRP; A third TRP among the plurality of TRPs is designated as the Tx TRP; or A combination thereof.

13. The network entity according to claim 10, wherein the at least one processor is configured to execute the processor-readable code to cause the at least one processor to: Send a TRP configuration indicating that a plurality of TRPs among the plurality of TRPs are designated as Rx TRPs, the plurality of TRPs including the second TRP; Send a measurement gap configuration to the second TRP, where the measurement gap configuration indicates a time period during which each TRP among the plurality of TRPs is configured to monitor the backscattered signal, avoid transmission, or a combination thereof; and Receive from each TRP among the plurality of TRPs.

14. The network entity according to claim 10, wherein the at least one processor is configured to execute the processor-readable code to cause the at least one processor to: Determine the location of the tag device based on the measurement report, where determining the location includes calculating time of arrival (TOA), time difference of arrival (TDOA), angle of arrival (AoA), or any combination thereof; and Send location data indicating the location.

15. The network entity according to claim 14, wherein the at least one processor is configured to execute the processor-readable code to cause the at least one processor to: After determining the location of the tag device, determine another location of the tag device; and Determine the speed of the tag device based on the location of the tag device and the other location of the tag device.

16. A method for wireless communication performed by a transmit / receive point (TRP), the method comprising: Receive a TRP configuration associated with a positioning reference signal of a tag device from a network entity; Receive a backscattered signal from the tag device, the backscattered signal being generated based on the positioning reference signal; And Send a measurement report based on the backscattered signal.

17. The method according to claim 16, the method further comprising: Determine that the TRP is designated as a transmit (Tx) TRP or a receive (Rx) TRP based on the TRP configuration, and Where: The tag device includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag device, and The TRP is configured to operate in a full-duplex mode.

18. The method according to claim 16, wherein: The TRP configuration includes a positioning reference signal configuration, and The positioning reference signal configuration indicates repetition of the positioning reference signal, bandwidth configuration, comb pattern configuration, the bandwidth of the positioning reference signal, the time when the positioning reference signal is scheduled to be transmitted, or a combination thereof.

19. The method according to claim 18, the method further comprising transmitting the positioning reference signal based on the positioning reference signal configuration.

20. The method according to claim 18, the method further comprising: receiving an energy report indicating an amount of energy available at the tag device from the tag device; and transmitting the positioning reference signal based on the positioning reference signal configuration and based on the amount of energy available at the tag device.

21. The method according to claim 16, wherein: the TRP configuration includes a measurement gap configuration; and the measurement gap configuration indicates a time period during which the TRP monitors the backscatter signal.

22. The method according to claim 21, the method further comprising: requesting an adjacent TRP not to schedule transmissions associated with the positioning reference signal, the backscatter signal, or a combination thereof based on the measurement gap configuration, and wherein the TRP avoids scheduling one or more transmissions that will occur during the time period.

23. The method according to claim 16, the method further comprising: receiving a request for the tag capabilities of the tag device from the network entity; sending the request to the tag device; receiving a tag capability indicator indicating the tag capabilities from the tag device, the tag capabilities including tag type, bandwidth, positioning reference signal slot periodicity, sensitivity, group delay, or a combination thereof; sending the tag capability indicator to the network entity; receiving a tag configuration associated with the positioning reference signal from the network entity based on the tag capabilities; and sending the tag configuration to the tag device, and wherein the tag configuration indicates the frequency of the backscatter signal, the number of repetitions of the backscatter signal, the time frame in which the backscatter signal will be transmitted, or a combination thereof.

24. A transmit / receive point (TRP), the transmit / receive point (TRP) comprising: a memory storing processor-readable code; and at least one processor coupled to the memory, the at least one processor configured to execute the processor-readable code to cause the at least one processor to: receive a TRP configuration associated with a positioning reference signal of a tag device from a network entity; receive a backscatter signal from the tag device, the backscatter signal being generated based on the positioning reference signal; and send a measurement report based on the backscatter signal.

25. The TRP according to claim 24, wherein: the at least one processor is configured to execute the processor-readable code to cause the at least one processor to determine whether to designate the TRP as a transmit (Tx) TRP or a receive (Rx) TRP based on the TRP configuration; the tag device includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag device; and The TRP is configured to operate in full - duplex mode.

26. The TRP according to claim 24, wherein: The TRP configuration includes a positioning reference signal configuration; and The positioning reference signal configuration indicates repetition of the PRS, bandwidth configuration, comb pattern configuration, the bandwidth of the PRS, the time when the PRS is scheduled to be transmitted, or a combination thereof.

27. The TRP according to claim 26, wherein the at least one processor is configured to execute the processor - readable code to cause the at least one processor to transmit the positioning reference signal based on the positioning reference signal configuration.

28. The TRP according to claim 26, wherein the at least one processor is configured to execute the processor - readable code to cause the at least one processor to: Receive an energy report indicating an amount of energy available at the tag device from the tag device; and Transmit the positioning reference signal based on the positioning reference signal configuration and based on the amount of energy available at the tag device.

29. The TRP according to claim 24, wherein: The TRP configuration includes a measurement gap configuration; and The measurement gap configuration indicates a time period during which the TRP monitors the backscatter signal.

30. The TRP according to claim 29, wherein: The at least one processor is configured to execute the processor - readable code to cause the at least one processor to request an adjacent TRP not to schedule transmissions associated with the positioning reference signal, the backscatter signal, or a combination thereof based on the measurement gap configuration; and The at least one processor is configured to execute the processor - readable code to cause the at least one processor to avoid scheduling one or more transmissions that will occur during the time period.

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