System and method for signal detection at asynchronous and time frame structure-less devices

Abstract

Systems and methods for signal detection at asynchronous devices and devices without time frame structures. A method of determining timing of an uplink signal includes receiving timing information associated with the uplink signal and a parameter set of the uplink signal, where the timing information is used to determine a reference time for the uplink signal received from a User Equipment (UE) (215); receiving an uplink signal from the UE (215), the receiving being in accordance with a parameter set and timing information of the uplink signal; and measuring the relative arrival time of the uplink according to the received uplink signal and the reference time of the uplink signal.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application. The application number of the original application is 201980086158.6, the filing date of the original application is March 28, 2019, and the entire content of the original application is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to systems and methods for digital communication, and in particular embodiments, to systems and methods for signal detection at asynchronous devices and devices without a time frame structure. Background Art

[0003] Location-based services have become important in modern communication systems. Knowing the location of a communication device such as a user equipment (UE) (commonly referred to as positioning) can be used in providing services, including emergency services, location-based sales or marketing, etc. The location of the communication device can also be used in the selection of access nodes, handover targets, etc.

[0004] Common techniques used in determining the location of a communication device include the communication device sending a signal that is received and measured at multiple measurement devices. The measurement results from each of the multiple measurement devices are provided to an entity in the core network, which determines the location of the communication device based on the measurement results. The measurement devices must know the timing of the service access node of the communication device in order for this technique to work. However, some measurement devices in modern communication systems are asynchronous by nature, or they have a timing structure but are not synchronized with the service access node. Therefore, systems and methods are needed to provide a timing reference at asynchronous devices and devices without a time frame structure. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to a first aspect, a method for determining the timing of an uplink signal is provided. The method includes: receiving, by a measurement device, timing information associated with the uplink signal and a set of parameters of the uplink signal, wherein the timing information is used to determine a reference time of the uplink signal received from a user equipment (UE); receiving, by the measurement device, the uplink signal from the UE, wherein the receiving is based on the set of parameters of the uplink signal and the timing information; and measuring, by the measurement device, an uplink relative time of arrival (UL RTOA) based on the received uplink signal and the reference time of the uplink signal.

[0006] In a first implementation form of the method according to the first aspect itself, wherein the reference time of the uplink signal is a configured time indicating the start of a time slot containing the uplink signal.

[0007] In a second implementation form of the method according to the first aspect per se or any of the foregoing implementation forms of the first aspect, wherein the measured UL RTOA is the difference between the reference time of the uplink signal and the time of the start of the time slot containing the received uplink signal.

[0008] In a third implementation form of the method according to the first aspect per se or any of the foregoing implementation forms of the first aspect, wherein the timing information includes the reference time of the uplink signal, the time slot number of the time slot containing the uplink signal, and the radio frame number of the radio frame containing the time slot.

[0009] In a fourth implementation form of the method according to the first aspect per se or any of the foregoing implementation forms of the first aspect, wherein the timing information includes a radio frame initialization time indicating the start time of radio frame zero.

[0010] In a fifth implementation form of the method according to the first aspect per se or any of the foregoing implementation forms of the first aspect, wherein the reference time of the uplink signal is determined according to at least one of the timing information, the parameter set of the uplink signal, or the uplink signal configuration at the measurement device.

[0011] In a sixth implementation form of the method according to the first aspect per se or any of the foregoing implementation forms of the first aspect, it further includes adjusting, by the measurement device, the reference time of the uplink signal.

[0012] In a seventh implementation form of the method according to the first aspect per se or any of the foregoing implementation forms of the first aspect, wherein adjusting the reference time of the uplink signal includes: receiving, by the measurement device, a timing advance (TA) associated with the UE, and subtracting the TA from the reference time of the uplink signal by the measurement device.

[0013] In an eighth implementation form of the method according to the first aspect per se or any of the foregoing implementation forms of the first aspect, wherein the reference time of the uplink signal is a configured time that indicates the start of the time slot containing the uplink signal minus the timing advance with respect to the configurable reference time.

[0014] According to a second aspect, a method for determining the timing of an uplink signal is provided. The method includes: sending, by a measurement device, a synchronization signal block (SSB) including the timing configuration of the measurement device; receiving, by the measurement device, an uplink signal from a UE according to the timing configuration of the measurement device; and measuring, by the measurement device, the UL RTOA according to the received uplink signal and the reference time of the uplink signal.

[0015] In a first implementation form of the method according to the second aspect itself, wherein the reference time of the uplink signal is the time at the start of radio frame i at the measuring device, where i is a non-negative integer value, and wherein the measured UL RTOA is the difference between the reference time of the uplink signal and the time which is the time at the measuring device calculated according to the received uplink signal at the start of radio frame i.

[0016] In a second implementation form of the method according to the second aspect itself or any of the foregoing implementation forms of the second aspect, wherein the reference time of the uplink signal is the time at the start of the time slot containing the uplink signal in radio frame j at the measuring device, where j is a non-negative integer value, and wherein the measured UL RTOA is the difference between the reference time of the uplink signal and the time which is the time at the measuring device calculated according to the received uplink signal at the start of the time slot containing the uplink signal in radio frame j.

[0017] In a third implementation form of the method according to the second aspect itself or any of the foregoing implementation forms of the second aspect, it further includes the measuring device adjusting the measured UL RTOA.

[0018] In a fourth implementation form of the method according to the second aspect itself or any of the foregoing implementation forms of the second aspect, wherein adjusting the measured UL RTOA includes the measuring device adding the TA associated with the UE to the measured UL RTOA.

[0019] According to a third aspect, a method for a UE is provided. The method includes: the UE determining timing information associated with a measuring device; and the UE sending an uplink signal to the measuring device according to the timing information.

[0020] In a first implementation form of the method according to the third aspect itself, wherein determining the timing information includes the UE detecting the SSB associated with the measuring device, and the UE determining the radio frame number and radio frame boundary associated with the measuring device according to the physical broadcast channel (PBCH) of the SSB and the content of the SSB.

[0021] In a second implementation form of the method according to the third aspect itself or any of the foregoing implementation forms of the third aspect, wherein the SSB is detected according to at least one of the configuration information of the SSB frequency associated with the measuring device, the parameter set of the SSB, the information of the measurement window of the SSB, or the identifier of the measuring device.

[0022] In a third implementation form of the method according to the third aspect itself or any of the foregoing implementation forms of the third aspect, wherein the information of the measurement window includes at least one of a period of the measurement window, an offset of the measurement window, or a duration of the measurement window.

[0023] In a fourth implementation form of the method according to the third aspect itself or any of the foregoing implementation forms of the third aspect, wherein the SSB is detected according to the information included in a radio resource control (RRC) information element.

[0024] In a fifth implementation form of the method according to the third aspect itself or any of the foregoing implementation forms of the third aspect, it further includes the UE obtaining a TA for transmission to a measurement device.

[0025] According to a fourth aspect, a measurement device is provided. The measurement device includes a non-transitory memory storage device containing instructions, and one or more processors communicating with the memory storage device. Wherein, the one or more processors execute the instructions to implement the method according to any one of the implementation forms of the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0026] According to a fifth aspect, a UE is provided. The UE includes a non-transitory memory storage device containing instructions, and one or more processors communicating with the memory storage device. The one or more processors execute the instructions to implement the method according to any implementation form of the third aspect.

[0027] The advantages of the preferred embodiment are that a system and method for determining a timing reference for uplink reference signal detection at an asynchronous measurement device and a measurement device without a time frame structure are provided. The system and method enable the measurement device to detect a reference signal using sequence hopping, group hopping, or frequency hopping.

[0028] Another advantage of the preferred embodiment is that reference signal transmission based on the timing of an asynchronous measurement device is achieved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] To more fully understand the present disclosure and its advantages, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0030] Figure 1 An example communication system is shown;

[0031] Figure 2A A communication system highlighting the position determination of a communication device using the RTOA method is shown;

[0032] Figure 2B A diagram showing an example determination of RTOA is shown;

[0033] Figure 3 shows a radio frame sequence highlighting the UL RTOA reference time that provides a reference time for the SRS time slot;

[0034] Figures 4A to 4C shows determining radio frame boundaries based on SRS time slot boundaries;

[0035] Figure 5 shows a radio frame sequence highlighting a positive UL RTOA;

[0036] Figure 6 shows a radio frame sequence highlighting a negative UL RTOA;

[0037] Figure 7 shows a radio frame sequence highlighting the SFN initialization time as a reference time according to the example embodiments presented herein;

[0038] Figure 8 shows a radio frame sequence highlighting TA consideration in determining the UL RTOA reference time according to the example embodiments presented herein;

[0039] Figure 9 shows a flowchart of example operations that occur when the MD detects and receives a signal (e.g., SRS) transmitted by the UE and measures the signal to determine the UL RTOA according to the example embodiments presented herein;

[0040] Figure 10A shows a flowchart of example operations that occur when the UE transmits a signal (e.g., SRS) in the case of transmitting a signal at the timing of the MD according to the example embodiments presented herein;

[0041] Figure 10B shows a flowchart of example operations that occur when the MD detects and receives a signal (e.g., SRS) transmitted by the UE and measures the signal to determine the UL RTOA in the case of transmitting a signal at the timing of the MD according to the exemplary embodiments presented herein;

[0042] Figure 11 shows an exemplary communication system according to the example embodiments presented herein;

[0043] Figure 12A and Figure 12B shows an example apparatus that can implement the methods and teachings according to the present disclosure; and

[0044] Figure 13 is a block diagram of a computing system that can be used to implement the apparatus and methods disclosed herein. Detailed Description

[0045] The formation and use of the disclosed embodiments are discussed in detail below. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure provides many applicable concepts that can be implemented in a variety of specific contexts. The specific embodiments discussed merely illustrate specific ways for forming and using the embodiments, and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0046] Figure 1 An example communication system 100 is shown. The communication system 100 includes an access node 105 that serves a user equipment (UE) 115. In a first operating mode, communications to and from the UE 115 pass through the access node 105. In a second operating mode, communications to and from the UE 115 do not pass through the access node 105. However, the access node 105 generally allocates resources used by the UE 115 for communication. An access node can also generally be referred to as a Node B, evolved Node B (eNB), next generation (NG) Node B (gNB), master eNB (MeNB), secondary eNB (SeNB), master gNB (MgNB), secondary gNB (SgNB), network controller, control node, base station, access point, transmission point (TP), transmission-reception point (TRP), cell, carrier, macro cell, femto cell, pico cell, etc., while a UE can also generally be referred to as a mobile station, mobile device, terminal, user, subscriber, station, etc. The access node can provide wireless access according to one or more wireless communication protocols, such as Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) long term evolution (LTE), LTE advanced (LTE-A), 5G, 5G NR, High Speed Packet Access (HSPA), Wi-Fi 802.11a / b / g / n / ac / ad / ax / ay, etc. Although it should be understood that a communication system can employ multiple access nodes capable of communicating with multiple UEs, for simplicity, only one access node and five UEs are shown.

[0047] Figure 2AFIG. 200 shows a communication system 200 highlighting the determination of the location of a communication device using the relative time of arrival (RTOA) method. The communication system 200 includes measuring devices (MDs), including a first MD 205, a second MD 207, and a third MD 209. The communication system 200 also includes a UE 215, the location of which is to be determined using the RTOA method. Based on the measurements of signals transmitted by the UE 215 (e.g., reference signals such as sounding reference signals (SRS) or demodulation reference signals (DMRS), or signals transmitted on physical channels such as physical random access channels (PRACH), physical uplink shared channels (PUSCH), or physical uplink control channels (PUCCH)), the MDs perform RTOA measurements, including: RTOA at the first MD 205, RTOA at the second MD 207, and RTOA at the third MD 209. Each measured RTOA is relative to a configurable reference time. The reference time can be common among all MDs or can be specific to each MD. The measurement results performed by the MDs are reported to a measurement center (MC) 220. The MC 220 determines the location of the UE 215 based on the measurement results reported by the MDs. The UE 215 and other similar devices that transmit signals can be referred to as measurement targets (MTs).

[0048] Various network nodes can be configured as MDs. Generally, an MD measures applicable signals transmitted by a UE and reports the measurement results to the MC. In the context of location or positioning applications, there may be two types of MDs in modern communication systems (e.g., in LTE and NR): MDs without a timing structure (referred to herein as type 1 nodes for brevity) and MDs with a timing structure (referred to herein as type 2 nodes for brevity).

[0049] Examples of MDs without a timing structure include the location measurement unit (LMU) in LTE. The LTE LMU only receives and measures signals. The LTE LMU is different from the usual access node or eNB that sends data and control channels to the UE and receives data and control channels from the UE. Therefore, the LTE LMU does not operate according to the frame structure of radio access network (RAN) nodes (such as eNB, gNB, cell, or any other type of access node).

[0050] Examples of MDs with a timing structure (which can include a system frame number (SFN) and a frame boundary) include eNB, gNB, or any other type of access node. The radio frame can also be referred to as the system frame. MDs with a timing structure can also be classified into additional types, including MDs with consistent timing structures (referred to herein as type 2S nodes for brevity) and MDs with inconsistent timing structures (referred to herein as type 2A nodes for brevity). As used herein, the consistent or inconsistent classification is with respect to the serving access node of the UE whose location is being determined.

[0051] Future LMU implementations in NR can be MDs with or without a timing structure.

[0052] The MC can be an entity in the core network of a communication system, and the task of this entity is to receive measurement results from the MD and use the measurement results to determine the location of the UE. Alternatively, the MC can be a logical or physical part of a RAN node (such as eNB, gNB, or any other type of access node), where the access node can be an MD. In LTE, the MC is called the evolved serving mobile location center (E-SMLC), while in NR, the MC can be called the location measurement function (LMF) or another name. Hereinafter, for brevity, the NR MC is called the LMF. A communication system can have one or more MCs.

[0053] Figure 2BFIG. 250 illustrates an example determination of RTOA. A first subframe sequence 255 represents the nominal time of a plurality of subframes 257 and 259. Subframe 259 includes an SRS resource 261. A second subframe sequence 265 represents the actual time of the plurality of subframes 267 and 269 when received at the MD. SRS resource 271 represents SRS resource 261 when received at the MD. The RTOA reference time 275 corresponds to the start of subframe 259. The UL RTOA 277 is the difference between the RTOA reference time 275 and the actual time at which the MD receives the start of subframe 269, the start of subframe 269 corresponding to the start of subframe 259.

[0054] As discussed previously, techniques for determining the location of a UE involve the UE sending a signal (e.g., a reference signal such as SRS or DMRS, or a signal on a physical channel such as PRACH, PUSCH or PUCCH), the MD measuring the signal and reporting the measurement result to the MC, and the MC determining the location of the UE based on the measurement result. The signal is configured by a serving access node (e.g., a serving gNB or a serving NR cell in NR or a serving eNB or a serving LTE cell in LTE). The configuration of the signal includes specifying time-related information for the signal. Currently, the time-related information is based on the timing of the serving access node. The signal configuration is available at all MDs tasked with measuring the signal. The signal configuration enables the MD to detect such a signal and make measurements based on such a signal.

[0055] However, if a particular MD is a node without a timing structure (e.g., a type 1 node) or a node with a timing structure but the timing of the node is inconsistent with the serving access node (e.g., a type 2A node), then the time-related information provided in the signal configuration is not sufficient to assist the MD in detecting and measuring the signal sent by the UE.

[0056] For illustrative purposes, a discussion of timing-related information is presented herein that is required to enable the MD to measure the signal sent by the UE. For the discussion, the signal sent by the UE is SRS; however, other signals may be sent by the UE, such as DMRS or signals sent on PRACH, PUSCH or PUCCH. Thus, the discussion of SRS should not be construed as limiting the scope or spirit of the example embodiments.

[0057] The first timing-related information required to implement SRS measurement is the SRS slot boundary. Knowing the SRS slot boundary enables the MD to identify the SRS symbols within the slot. In NR, depending on the configuration, the SRS occupies only 1, 2, or 4 symbols out of the last 6 symbols of the slot that includes the SRS (this slot is referred to as the SRS slot in this document). The MD should know the boundary of the SRS slot so that the MD can identify the SRS symbols within the SRS slot and detect the SRS. The SRS configuration also includes the SRS period and offset (specified in number of slots). Therefore, the MD that receives the SRS period and the SRS configuration can use Equation (1) to identify the SRS slot, and Equation (1) can be expressed as

[0058]

[0059] where is the number of slots per radio frame for the subcarrier spacing (SCS) index μ. For example, for an SCS of 15 KHz, n f is the SFN at the serving access node, is the slot index within the radio frame (e.g., when the SCS is 15 KHz, can have values from 0 to 9), T offset is the slot offset given in the SRS configuration, and T SRS is the SRS period given in the SRS configuration. Obviously, is equal to the total number of slots from slot 0 of SFN 0 to the SRS slot. Therefore, T offset can be interpreted as the offset relative to slot 0 of SFN 0.

[0060] The MD with a timing structure consistent with the serving access node has the same SFN and radio frame boundary as the serving access node. Therefore, at each time point, the MD and the serving access node have the same n f . The MD also knows the SCS from the SRS configuration or other information, and therefore, the MD knows Therefore, given the SRS period and offset, the MD can determine i.e., the SRS slot index within the radio frame.

[0061] However, this is not the case for an MD without a timing structure and an MD with a timing structure but with a timing structure inconsistent with the serving access node. An MD without a timing structure does not have any frame structure, while an MD with a timing structure but with a timing structure inconsistent with the serving access node has different radio frame boundaries and SFN from the serving access node and cannot use Equation (1) to obtain

[0062] According to LTE, the reference time is provided by the core network to an MD without a timing structure (e.g., an LTE LMU). This reference time is referred to as the uplink RTOA (UL RTOA) reference time and specifies the time of the start of the SRS time slot relative to 00:00:00 on January 1, 1900. In other words, the reference time specifies the time of the start of the SRS time slot relative to the configured time (00:00:00 on January 1, 1900). Figure 3 A radio frame sequence 300 is shown, which highlights the UL RTOA reference time that provides the reference time for the SRS time slot. Figure 3 A radio frame sequence 300 is shown, including SFN_0 305, SFN_1 307, and SFN_N 309. SFN_N 309 includes the SRS time slot 315. As Figure 3 shown, the UL RTOA reference time 320 provides the reference time for the start of the SRS time slot 315. Knowing the start of the SRS time slot 315 enables the MD to identify the SRS symbols 325 of the SRS time slot 315. Although shown in Figure 3 as providing the reference time for the start of the SRS time slot 315, the UL RTOA reference time 320 can provide the reference time for any part of the SRS time slot, any part of the SRS time slot such as the end of the SRS time slot, the middle of the SRS time slot, any arbitrary point within the SRS time slot (e.g., a specific symbol time), or even any other time point from which the start of the SRS time slot or the SRS symbol can be derived. Once the start (or any other agreed-upon point) of the SRS time slot is determined using the UL RTOA reference time, the configured SRS period T SRS can be used to know the positions of all recurring SRS time slots.

[0063] When group hopping or sequence hopping is enabled (e.g., the configuration parameter "groupOrSequenceHopping" is set to "groupHopping" or "sequenceHopping"), the second timing-related information required to implement the measurement of SRS is the radio frame boundary or the time associated therewith. The SRS used in LTE and NR is the Zadoff-Chu (ZC) sequence. Each ZC sequence is determined in part using a root sequence. In the SRS sequence design, the root sequence depends on various parameters, including a configurable sequence identifier and the SRS sequence length. Additionally, if the configuration parameter "groupOrSequenceHopping" is set to "groupHopping" or "sequenceHopping" (or equivalently, groupHopping or sequenceHopping is enabled), the root sequence is also determined by parameter and v depend on the index of the SRS symbol (the symbol to which the SRS sequence is mapped) within the radio frame, where, and v can be expressed as Equation (2):

[0064]

[0065] v = 0

[0066] or

[0067]

[0068] where, is the number of symbols within a time slot, the number of symbols being equal to 14, and l0 + l′ is the SRS symbol index within the SRS time slot. Thus, is the SRS symbol index starting from the beginning of the current radio frame.

[0069] However, in LTE, for an MD with a timing structure but the timing structure is inconsistent with the serving eNB, there is no known way to determine Additionally, is not available for an MD without a timing structure. In LTE, the only information available at an MD without a timing structure is the time associated with the start of the SRS time slot (i.e., the position of the SRS time slot is known, but its index is unknown). In a representation of the radio frame where time increases from left to right, the start of the time slot represents the leading edge of the time slot or the first part of the time slot injected into the channel. Then, there is a challenge in determining only from the start of the SRS time slot.

[0070] If the MD knows the start of the radio frame, the start of the SRS time slot, l0 and l′ specified in the SRS configuration, the SCS (which determines the length of each symbol in the time domain), and the fact that, then it can determine the SRS symbol index from the start of the current radio frame without the need to know However, the MD can determine the start of the radio frame based on the start of the SRS time slot and other information available to the MD (such as the SRS period, SRS offset) (only when specific conditions are met, which will be explained below).

[0071] When a given SRS offset is provided, the radio frame boundary can be determined based on the SRS time slot boundary only when the SRS period is K times the number of time slots in the frame, where K is a positive integer (i.e., K is an integer greater than or equal to 1). Figures 4A to 4C Illustrates determining the radio frame boundary based on the SRS time slot boundary. Figure 4A Illustrates a radio frame sequence 400 with an SRS period of 20 time slots and an SRS offset of 4 time slots. As Figure 4A shown, the radio frame sequence 400 starts from time slot_0405 of SFN_j. The first SRS time slot 407 appears in time slot_4 of SFN_j, and then followed by the second SRS time slot 409 in time slot_4 of SFN_j + 2 and the third SRS time slot 411 in time slot_4 of SFN_j + 4, because the SRS period is 2 times the number of time slots in the radio frame. Since the SRS period is an integer multiple of the number of time slots in the radio frame (i.e., K = 2), the radio frame boundary can be determined based on the SRS time slot boundary.

[0072] Figure 4B Illustrates a radio frame sequence 420 with an SRS period of 5 time slots and an SRS offset of 4 time slots. As Figure 4B shown, the radio frame sequence 420 starts from time slot_0425 of SFN_j. The first SRS time slot 427 appears in time slot_4 of SFN_j, and then followed by the second SRS time slot 429 in time slot_9 of SFN_j and the third SRS time slot 431 in time slot_0 of SFN_j + i, because the SRS period is 1 / 2 times the number of time slots in the radio frame. Since the SRS period is less than a positive integer multiple of the number of time slots in the radio frame (i.e., K = 1 / 2), the radio frame boundary cannot be determined based on the SRS time slot boundary. Figure 4C Illustrates a radio frame sequence 440 with an SRS period of 16 time slots and an SRS offset of 4 time slots. As Figure 4CAs shown, the radio frame sequence 440 starts from time slot_0445 of SFN_j. The first SRS time slot 447 appears in time slot_4 of SFN_j, and is followed by the second SRS time slot 449 in time slot_0 of SFN_j+2 and the third SRS time slot 451 in time slot_6 of SFN_j+3, because the SRS period is a non-integer multiple of the number of time slots in a radio frame. Since the SRS period is not an integer multiple of the number of time slots in a radio frame (i.e., K = 16 / 10 = 8 / 5), the radio frame boundary cannot be determined based on the SRS time slot boundary.

[0073] Therefore, when group hopping or sequence hopping is enabled, in order to determine the SRS symbol index from the start of the current radio frame, the MD needs to know the start position of the radio frame. In an MD without a timing structure, this information usually cannot be determined based on the start of the SRS time slot. In an MD with a timing structure inconsistent with the serving access node, both the start of the SRS time slot and the radio frame are unknown.

[0074] When SRS frequency hopping is enabled, the third timing-related information required to implement SRS measurement is the radio frame number, such as SFN. When SRS frequency hopping is enabled, the SRS frequency position of each SRS symbol is determined using (in part) an expression depending on n SRS of. n SRS can be expressed as Equation (3):

[0075]

[0076] where

[0077] To determine n SRS , the MD needs to know SFN n f . n f is the SFN of the gNB in NR or the eNB in LTE that configures the SRS, and the gNB in NR or the eNB in LTE that configures the SRS is the serving gNB in NR or the serving eNB in LTE. It may not be possible to determine n f based on the start of the SRS time slot available to an MD without a timing structure in LTE. The same is true for an MD with a timing structure but a timing structure inconsistent with the serving access node.

[0078] If the start of the radio frame is known and the SFN of this frame is known, then since the SRS time slot offset is part of the SRS configuration, the SRS time slot boundary can be determined if the SCS is also known at the MD. The SCS is basic information that should be available at the MD for any type of communication. The SRS time slot boundary can be determined by the MD as described below:

[0079] - The MD knows the time associated with the start of a radio frame and the SFN of the radio frame. Assuming the duration of each radio frame is, for example, 10 milliseconds, the MD backs off 10 * SFN milliseconds to determine the time associated with the start of the first radio frame SFN_0, which is also the start of slot_0 of SFN_0.

[0080] - Given the SCS, the MD determines the length of a slot, which is 14 symbols in the time domain in NR.

[0081] - Given the SRS slot offset and the length of the slot, the MD determines the time associated with the start of the first SRS slot.

[0082] - The SRS period can be used to determine the time associated with the start of all other SRS slots.

[0083] When the MD successfully detects and measures the SRS, the MD provides a UL RTOA report to the MC (e.g., the LMF in NR or the E-SMLC in LTE). The UL RTOA reporting process in LTE is presented herein as an example, where the notation X -> Y means that Y is the recipient of information from X:

[0084] - Primary cell (Pcell) -> E-SMLC: Each serving access node that configures the SRS provides the SFN initialization time.

[0085] - E-SMLC -> LMU: Provides a common UL RTOA reference time for all serving access nodes that configure the SRS.

[0086] - With reference to the SFN initialization time, provides the UL RTOA reference time to the LMU.

[0087] - The UL RTOA reference time indicates the start of the SRS subframe based on the downlink frame structure of the serving cell.

[0088] - LMU -> E-SMLC: Reports the UL RTOA as the start of subframe i containing the SRS relative to a configurable reference time (i.e., the UL RTOA reference time).

[0089] The E-SMLC in LTE is the entity that collects UL RTOA reports and determines the location of the UE based on the reports. In NR, the LMF provides a similar function.

[0090] According to LTE, the UL RTOA values in the UL RTOA report are all positive. Although the UL RTOA report in 3GPP LTE only allows positive values, negative UL RTOA values are also possible and are valid values. For example, when the distance between the MD and the UE is less than the distance between the serving access node and the UE, negative UL RTOA values may occur.

[0091] Figure 5 A radio frame sequence 500 highlighting positive UL RTOA is shown. The radio frame sequence 500 includes a plurality of radio frames, including SFN_N 505, and SFN_N 505 includes an SRS time slot 510. Time slot 515 is a detailed view of SRS time slot 510 and includes SRS symbol 517. Figure 5 Also shown is a UL RTOA reference time 520 indicating the start of time slot 515 (SRS time slot 510). Time slot 515 represents the nominal time of the SRS time slot in the time domain, which is the time of the SRS time slot at the serving access node. Time slot 525 is also a detailed view of SRS time slot 510, but represents the actual time of the SRS time slot in the time domain detected at the MD, which is the time of the SRS time slot when the SRS time slot is detected at the MD. Timeline 530 shows the occurrence of the nominal position 532 and the actual position 534 of the SRS symbol when the SRS symbol is detected at the MD (e.g., LMU, gNB, or NR cell). The difference between the actual position and the nominal position of SRS time slot 510 (represented as time slots 515 and 525 in Figure 5 the time domain) is the UL RTOA (e.g., UL RTOA 540) reported by the MD to the MC. Due to the propagation delay difference caused by the distance difference between the serving access node, the UE, and the MD, the actual position 534 occurs later in time than the nominal position 532. Since the actual position 534 occurs later in time than the nominal position 532, the UL RTOA is positive.

[0092] Figure 6 A radio frame sequence 600 highlighting negative UL RTOA is shown. The radio frame sequence 600 includes a plurality of radio frames, including SFN_N 605, and SFN_N 605 includes an SRS time slot 610. Time slot 615 is a detailed view of SRS time slot 610 and includes SRS symbol 617. Figure 6Also shown is the UL RTOA reference time 620, which indicates the start of the time slot 615 (SRS time slot 610). The time slot 615 represents the nominal time of the SRS time slot in the time domain at the serving access node. The time slot 625 is also a detailed view of the SRS time slot 610, but represents the actual time of the SRS time slot in the time domain detected at the MD. The timeline 630 shows the occurrence of the actual 632 position and the nominal 634 position in the time domain when an SRS symbol is detected at the MD (e.g., LMU). The difference between the actual position 632 and the nominal position 634 of the SRS time slot 610 (represented as time slots 615 and 625 in Figure 6 (the time domain) is the UL RTOA (e.g., UL RTOA 640) reported by the MD to the MC. Due to the propagation delay difference caused by the distance difference between the serving access node, the UE, and the MD, the actual position 632 occurs earlier in time than the nominal position 634. Since the actual position 632 occurs earlier in time than the nominal position 634, the UL RTOA is negative.

[0093] Regarding determining the position or location of a device, when compared with LTE, NR includes some differences. These differences include:

[0094] - There is no LMU within NR, and the gNB receives the SRS;

[0095] - Since the SRS can be sent directionally (i.e., the SRS can be beamformed), multiple SRS resources may be required to support determining the position or location of a device; and

[0096] - The configuration of the SRS resources is more flexible.

[0097] Therefore, a common uplink frame timing among multiple SRS resources is desired. Since the SRS is configured in the serving cell, the uplink frame timing can be based on the serving cell. In addition, in order to reduce interference to adjacent cells, an additional timing advance (e.g., a different timing advance) compared to the timing advance of the serving cell can be applied. When the gNB reports the ULRTOA to the LMF, the timing advance (when applying the timing advance) should be considered when obtaining the UL RTOA.

[0098] Note that if the SRS timing is based on the timing of the serving cell, determining the UL RTOA is simplified. Due to the greater flexibility of SRS resource configuration (including group hopping or sequence hopping and frequency hopping), it is beneficial for neighboring gNBs to know the frame timing to correctly receive the SRS (e.g., detect the SRS sequence or SRS frequency hopping). The SFN initialization time of the serving cell can be indicated to neighboring cells so that the neighboring cells can detect and measure the SRS resources by themselves. The SFN initialization time is the time associated with the start of slot_0 of SFN_0 relative to another point known in all MDs (e.g., gNBs) on the time axis. This point on the time axis can be a configurable time such as 00:00:00 on January 1, 1900, or any other point known in all MDs on the time axis.

[0099] According to an example embodiment, to support the detection and measurement of SRS (where group hopping and sequence hopping and frequency hopping are enabled) by an MD that does not have a timing structure or has a timing structure but the timing structure is inconsistent with the serving access node, information is provided that allows the MD to determine the SFN, frame boundary, and SCS (the parameter set (numerology) of the SRS). The information provided by the UE, serving access node, network entity, or a combination of the UE, serving access node, or network entity allows the MD to determine the SFN, frame boundary, and SCS, enabling the MD to detect the SRS and measure the SRS. In the case where there are multiple SRS parameter sets (e.g., in NR), the parameter set helps the MD identify the SRS slot. Thus, in LTE where there is a single SRS parameter set, it is not necessary to provide the parameter set to the MD. However, in a communication system with multiple SRS parameter sets, the parameter set associated with the SRS slot is also provided to the MD.

[0100] According to an example embodiment, the information provided to the MD includes timing information associated with the SRS (e.g., one or more of the SFN initialization time, SFN number, start of the radio frame, start of the SRS slot, etc.) and the parameter set associated with the SRS. The MD that receives the timing information and the parameter set may be able to determine (e.g., locate or identify) the SRS slot and may be able to detect and measure the SRS transmitted therein. The timing information can be provided by the UE, serving access node, network entity, or a combination of the UE, serving access node, or network entity. The parameter set can be provided by the UE, serving access node, network entity, or a combination of the UE, serving access node, or network entity.

[0101] In an embodiment, the timing information includes a reference time equal to the SFN initialization time. The SFN initialization time is the time associated with the start of slot_0 of SFN_0 relative to another point known in all MDs (e.g., gNB) on the time axis. This point on the time axis can be a configurable time such as 00:00:00 on January 1, 1900, or any other point known in all MDs on the time axis. The SFN initialization time can be referred to as the UL RTOA reference time. In yet another alternative embodiment, the UL RTOA reference time can be the start of a slot obtained using the SFN initialization time, SRS SCS, and SRS period and SRS offset. In this embodiment, the reference time provided to the MD includes the time corresponding to the start of slot_0 of SFN_0, where slot_0 of SFN_0 corresponds to the first slot of a radio frame sequence including the SRS slot. The parameter set associated with the SRS is the SRS SCS.

[0102] Although the discussion focuses on embodiments where the reference time specifies the time associated with the start of slot_0 of SFN_0, the example embodiments presented herein can operate using other reference times that specify other parts of the sequence frame. Using the SFN initialization time and the parameter set to identify the SRS slot is applicable in both MDs without a timing structure and MDs with a timing structure but where the timing structure does not match that of the serving access node. The MD can determine the SRS slot boundary, frame boundary, and radio frame number based on the reference time and parameter set, as well as the SRS period and SRS offset (where the latter two pieces of information are part of the SRS configuration available to the UE and MD).

[0103] Figure 7 A radio frame sequence 700 highlighting the SFN initialization time as the reference time is shown. The radio frame sequence 700 includes SFN_N 705, and SFN_N 705 includes an SRS slot 710. The MD receives an SFN initialization time 715 that specifies the time associated with the start of slot_0 of SFN_0 as the reference time (i.e., the UL RTOA reference time). Using the SFN initialization time and the parameter set of the SRS, as well as the SRS period and SRS offset (where the latter two pieces of information are part of the SRS configuration available to the UE and MD), the MD is able to identify the SRS slot 710 and detect and measure the SRS included therein.

[0104] In an embodiment, the timing information includes: a reference time, the SFN of a radio frame including the SRS time slot, and the time slot number of the SRS time slot within the radio frame. The reference time is the time associated with the start of the SRS time slot, and the reference time may alternatively be referred to as the UL RTOA reference time. In other words, the timing information provided to the MD directly identifies the SRS time slot. Although the discussion focuses on embodiments where the reference time is a reference to the start of the SRS time slot, the exemplary embodiments presented herein may operate using other reference times that identify other parts of the SRS time slot (including a specific symbol within the SRS time slot, the end of the SRS time slot, the middle of the SRS time slot, etc.). The use of the time associated with the start of the SRS time slot, the SFN of the radio frame including the SRS time slot, the time slot number of the SRS time slot, and the parameter set of the SRS is applicable to both MDs without a timing structure and MDs with a timing structure but with a timing structure inconsistent with the serving access node. The MD may determine the SRS time slot boundary, the radio frame boundary, and the radio frame number based on the timing information and the information carried in the parameter set.

[0105] In an embodiment, the timing information includes a reference time and the SFN of a radio frame including the SRS time slot. The reference time is the time associated with the start of the SRS time slot, and the reference time may alternatively be referred to as the UL RTOA reference time. In other words, the timing information provided to the MD directly identifies the SRS time slot. Although the discussion focuses on embodiments where the reference time is a reference to the start of the SRS time slot, the exemplary embodiments presented herein may operate using other reference times that identify other parts of the SRS time slot (including a specific symbol within the SRS time slot, the end of the SRS time slot, the middle of the SRS time slot, etc.). The use of the time associated with the start of the SRS time slot, the SFN of the radio frame including the SRS time slot, and the parameter set of the SRS is applicable to both MDs without a timing structure and MDs with a timing structure but with a timing structure inconsistent with the serving access node. The MD may determine the SRS time slot boundary, the radio frame boundary, and the radio frame number based on the timing information, the information carried in the parameter set, and the SRS period and SRS offset (where the latter two pieces of information are part of the SRS configuration available to the UE and the MD).

[0106] According to an example embodiment, to support the detection and measurement of SRS, the UE uses the timing of the MD to transmit SRS. Using the timing of the MD to transmit SRS enables the MD to easily determine (e.g., locate or identify) the SRS time slot and measure the SRS. In an embodiment, in the presence of MDs with different timings, the UE transmits SRS multiple times, each time using a different timing associated with the specific MD to which the UE is transmitting SRS. If the SRS is transmitted at a timing different from the timing of the specific MD, the specific MD will not be able to determine the position of the SRS time slot and will not be able to measure the SRS. In a communication system that uses beamforming to compensate for high path loss, the need to send different SRSs to different MDs is not necessarily a significant additional burden.

[0107] In an embodiment, the UE obtains the timing of the MD (e.g., SFN and radio frame boundary) by detecting the Synchronization Signal / Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH) block (SSB) and analyzing the PBCH content sent by the MD. As an example, the UE receives the configuration of the SSB, including the SSB frequency, SSB SCS, SSB measurement window (e.g., period, offset, duration, etc.) and the identifier of the MD. As another example, the UE detects the SSB using a configured measurement object (e.g., MeasObjectNR in NR) to obtain the timing of the MD. In such a case, the identifier of the MD may be included in a field in MeasObjectNR such as SSB-MTC2. In many applications, e.g., for mobility purposes, the UE typically measures the SSBs of neighboring access nodes, and thus, hardly generates additional overhead. The requirements for the MD that sends the SSB may limit this example embodiment to MDs that have a timing structure but the timing structure is inconsistent with the serving access node.

[0108] In an example, the UL RTOA reference time is the nominal time of the start of radio frame i (i.e., the time of the start of radio frame i at the serving cell or serving gNB), where i is a non-negative integer (i.e., i is equal to or greater than zero), and the UL RTOA measured by the MD is the difference between the actual time of the start of radio frame i when the MD receives radio frame i and the UL RTOA reference time. In another example, and as described above, the UL RTOA reference time is the nominal time of the start of the SRS time slot (i.e., the time of the start of the SRS time slot at the serving cell or serving gNB), and the UL RTOA measured by the MD is the difference between the actual time of the start of the SRS time slot when the MD receives the SRS time slot and the UL RTOA reference time.

[0109] In such an example embodiment, the appropriate timing advance (TA) at the UE may be unknown. As currently defined, the TA at the UE is used to compensate for propagation delay and to cause the uplink signals transmitted by the UE to be received at the network side within the cyclic prefix (CP) time of the start of the symbol in the timing structure of the serving access node. In other words, the TA is an adjustment to the transmission timing at the transmitting device such that the transmission arrives at the receiving device at a specified time within a specified time range. As discussed previously, in a location service application, the MD receiving the SRS may be a node that is not the serving access node. In an embodiment, the network provides a nominal TA to the UE. When determining the distance based on the UL RTOA at the network side, the TA provided by the network (e.g., serving access node, network node, network entity, etc.) should be considered. The TA may be considered in the UL RTOA report from the MD to the MC. In such a case, the TA should also be known at the MD or MC. The nominal TA may be determined based on the TA of the UE towards the serving access node (uplink timing), the relative distance between the serving access node and the MD, and the approximate UE location. In another embodiment, a longer search window for SRS detection is used at the MD.

[0110] According to an example embodiment, negative UL RTOA value support is provided when the timing information includes: a reference time (which is a time associated with the start of the SRS slot and which may alternatively be referred to as the UL RTOA reference time), the SFN of the radio frame including the SRS slot, and the slot number of the SRS slot within the radio frame, or when the timing information includes: a reference time (which is a time associated with the start of the SRS slot and which may alternatively be referred to as the UL RTOA reference time) and the SFN of the radio frame including the SRS slot. As discussed previously, negative UL RTOA values are not supported in the UL RTOA report in LTE. However, negative UL RTOA values are valid values, and not reporting them may result in poor location-based performance. In an embodiment, the UL RTOA report is modified to allow negative UL RTOA values. In an embodiment, the UL RTOA values are adjusted such that these values are relative to the UL RTOA reference time minus any TA. In such an embodiment, the TA is provided to the MD. In an embodiment, the TA is considered in the UL RTOA reference time.

[0111] According to an example embodiment, when the timing information includes a reference time equal to the SFN initialization time, the UL RTOA reference time is determined based on the SFN initialization time. In an embodiment, the UL RTOA report is modified to allow negative UL RTOA values. In an embodiment, the UL RTOA values are adjusted such that these values are relative to the UL RTOA reference time minus any TA. In such an embodiment, the TA is known not only at the UE but is also provided to the MD. In an embodiment, the TA is considered in the UL RTOA reference time.

[0112] Figure 8 A radio frame sequence 800 highlighting TA consideration in determining the UL RTOA reference time is shown. The radio frame sequence 800 includes a plurality of radio frames, including SFN_N 805, and SFN_N 805 includes an SRS time slot 810. Time slot 815 is a detailed view of SRS time slot 810 and includes an SRS symbol 817. Figure 8 Time slot 830 is also shown, and time slot 830 is also a detailed view of SRS time slot 810. However, time slot 830 differs from time slot 815 in that time slot 830 is offset by TA 825 relative to time slot 815. Time slot 830 represents the nominal SRS time slot in the time domain at the serving access node where compensation for TA is provided. Time slot 830 includes an SRS symbol 832. Time slot 835 is also a detailed view of SRS time slot 810 but represents the actual time of the SRS time slot detected at the MD. Time slot 835 includes an SRS symbol 837. Timeline 840 shows the occurrence of the nominal 842 position and the actual 844 position when an SRS symbol is detected at the MD (e.g., LMU or gNB). The difference between the nominal position 842 and the actual position 844 of SRS time slot 810 (represented as time slots 830 and 835 in Figure 8 the time domain) is the UL RTOA reported by the MD to the MC (e.g., UL RTOA 845).

[0113] According to an example embodiment, when the UE transmits SRS using the timing of the MD, the UL RTOA is determined based on the difference between the nominal position of the SRS time slot (i.e., based on the UL RTOA reference time) and the SRS time slot received by the MD. In an embodiment, the TA is also considered in the UL RTOA. As an example, the UL RTOA is determined according to the following expression which can be represented as:

[0114] UL RTOA = A - B + C,

[0115] Wherein, A is the start of a radio frame calculated based on the actual time of receiving the SRS received by the MD, B is the start of a radio frame based on the nominal time of receiving the SRS, and C is the TA or 0. If C is 0, the MC may add the TA to the UL RTOA report when determining the location of the UE. In another embodiment, A is the start of an SRS time slot calculated based on the actual time of receiving the SRS received by the MD, B is the start of an SRS time slot based on the nominal time of receiving the SRS, and C is the TA or 0. If C is 0, the MC may add the TA to the UL RTOA report when determining the location of the UE.

[0116] Figure 9 A flowchart of an example operation 900 that occurs when the MD detects and receives a signal (such as an SRS) transmitted by the UE and measures the signal to determine the UL RTOA is shown. Operation 900 may indicate the operations that occur at the MD when the MD detects and receives a signal transmitted by the UE and measures the signal to determine the UL RTOA.

[0117] Operation 900 begins with the MD obtaining timing information associated with the signal and a set of parameters associated with the signal (block 905). Obtaining the timing information and the parameter set may include receiving the timing information and the parameter set. In an embodiment, the timing information includes the SFN initialization time. In other words, the timing information includes the start of time slot 0 of radio frame zero (e.g., SFN_0) relative to a configurable reference time. In another embodiment, the timing information includes a reference time and the SFN of a radio frame including the SRS time slot, the reference time being the time associated with the start of the SRS time slot, which may alternatively be referred to as the UL RTOA reference time. In such an embodiment, when the period of the SRS is a positive integer multiple of the number of time slots per radio frame, the MD also obtains the time slot number of the SRS time slot. In yet another embodiment, the timing information includes: a reference time, the SFN of a radio frame including the SRS time slot, and the time slot number of the SRS time slot within the radio frame, the reference time being the time associated with the start of the SRS time slot, which may alternatively be referred to as the UL RTOA reference time (block 907). For example, the set of parameters associated with the SRS includes information such as the SCS. The timing information may be obtained or received from a serving access node, a network entity, the UE, or a combination of a serving access node, a network entity, or the UE. The parameter set may be obtained or received from a serving access node, a network entity, the UE, or a combination of a serving access node, a network entity, or the UE.

[0118] The MD may optionally obtain the TA (block 909). The TA may be obtained from a service access node or a network entity or a combination of a service access node and a network entity. The TA may be received from a service access node or a network entity or a combination of a service access node and a network entity. The MD determines the time and frequency resources (i.e., location) for signal transmission based on the obtained timing information and parameter set (block 911). The MD detects and receives a signal based on the determined time and frequency resources for signal transmission (block 913). The MD measures the UL RTOA (block 915). As an example, the UL RTOA is the difference between the UL RTOA reference time and a determined time related to the actual time at which the MD receives the signal transmission. The determined time may refer to the start time of an SRS time slot or the start time of a radio frame including the SRS time slot. In cases where negative UL RTOA values are supported, the MD may adjust the UL RTOA (block 917). In an embodiment, the negative UL RTOA values are adjusted such that these values are relative to the UL RTOA reference time minus any TA. In an embodiment, the TA is taken into account in the UL RTOA reference time. In an embodiment, negative UL RTOA values are allowed in the UL RTOA report. In cases where the timing information includes the SFN initialization time, then the UL RTOA reference time is determined based on the SFN initialization time, and the negative UL RTOA values are adjusted such that these values are relative to the UL RTOA reference time minus any TA, the TA is taken into account in the UL RTOA reference time, or negative UL RTOA values are allowed in the UL RTOA report. The MD transmits a UL RTOA report (block 919). For example, the UL RTOA report may be transmitted to the MC.

[0119] Figure 10A The flowchart of example operation 1000 that occurs when a UE transmits a signal (e.g., SRS) is shown in the case of transmitting a signal at the timing of the MD. Operation 1000 may indicate the operations that occur in the UE when the UE transmits a signal in the case of transmitting a signal at the timing of the MD.

[0120] Operation 1000 begins with the UE determining the timing information of the MD (block 1005). For example, the UE may determine the timing information of the MD by detecting the SSB associated with the MD. The timing information (e.g., SFN and radio frame boundary) may be determined based on the physical broadcast channel (PBCH) of the SSB and the content of the SSB. As an example, the SSB may be detected using the configuration information of the SSB such as the following information: the frequency information of the SSB associated with the MD, the SSB parameter set, the information of the measurement window of the SSB (e.g., the period of the measurement window, the offset of the measurement window, or the duration of the measurement window), and the identifier of the MD. As an example, the information included in the configured measurement object (e.g., MeasObjectNR in NR) may be used to detect the SSB. In such a case, the identifier of the MD may be included in a field in MeasObjectNR such as SSB-MTC2. The UE may obtain the TA (block 1007). The TA may be obtained or received from the serving access node, network node, network entity, etc. The UE transmits a signal (block 1009). The signal is transmitted according to the timing information of the MD.

[0121] Figure 10B The flowchart of an example operation 1050 that occurs when the MD detects and receives the signal (e.g., SRS) transmitted by the UE and measures the signal to determine the UL RTOA in the case of transmitting the signal at the timing of the MD is shown. Operation 1050 may indicate the operations that occur in the MD when the signal transmitted by the UE is detected and received by the MD and the signal is measured to determine the UL RTOA in the case of transmitting the signal at the timing of the MD.

[0122] Operation 1050 starts with the MD sending an SSB (block 1055). The SSB includes the timing configuration of the MD and the identifier of the MD. The MD may obtain the TA (block 1057). The TA may be obtained or received from a serving access node, a network node, a network entity, etc. The MD detects and receives a signal (block 1059). Since the SRS is transmitted using the timing configuration of the MD, the MD knows the time and frequency resources for signal transmission. The MD measures the UL RTOA (block 1061). As an example, the UL RTOA is the difference between the UL RTOA reference time and a determined time related to the actual time when the MD receives the signal transmission. The determined time may refer to the start time of the SRS time slot or the start time of the radio frame including the SRS time slot. In the case where negative UL RTOA values are supported, the MD may adjust the UL RTOA (block 1063). The UL RTOA may be adjusted according to the following expression: UL RTOA = A - B + C, where A is the start of the radio frame calculated based on the actual time when the MD receives the received SRS, B is the start of the radio frame based on the nominal time of the SRS, and C is the TA or 0. If C is 0, the MC may add the TA to the UL RTOA report when determining the location of the UE. In an alternative embodiment, A is the start of the SRS time slot calculated based on the actual time when the MD receives the received SRS, B is the start of the SRS time slot based on the nominal time of the SRS, and C is the TA or 0. If C is 0, the MC may add the TA to the UL RTOA report when determining the location of the UE. The MD sends a UL RTOA report (block 1065). For example, the UL RTOA report may be sent to the MC.

[0123] Figure 11 An example communication system 1100 is shown. Generally, system 1100 enables multiple wireless or wired users to send and receive data and other content. System 1100 may implement one or more channel access methods, such as code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), orthogonal FDMA (OFDMA), single-carrier FDMA (SC-FDMA), or non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA).

[0124] In this example, the communication system 1100 includes electronic devices (EDs) 1110a to 1110c, radio access networks (RANs) 1120a to 1120b, a core network 1130, a public switched telephone network (PSTN) 1140, the Internet 1150, and other networks 1160. Although Figure 11 a specific number of these components or elements are shown, any number of these components or elements may be included in system 1100.

[0125] The EDs 1110a to 1110c are configured to operate or communicate in system 1100. For example, the EDs 1110a to 1110c are configured to transmit or receive via wireless or wired communication channels. Each of the EDs 1110a to 1110c represents any suitable end-user device and may include (or may be referred to as) such a device, for example, a user equipment or device (UE), a wireless transmit or receive unit (WTRU), a mobile station, a fixed or mobile subscriber unit, a cellular phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a smart phone, a laptop computer, a computer, a touchpad, a wireless sensor, or a consumer electronic device.

[0126] The RANs 1120a to 1120b here each include base stations 1170a to 1170b. Each of the base stations 1170a to 1170b is configured to wirelessly interface with one or more of the EDs 1110a to 1110c to enable access to the core network 1130, the PSTN 1140, the Internet 1150, or other networks 1160. For example, the base stations 1170a to 1170b may include (or may be) one or more of several well-known devices, such as a base transceiver station (BTS), a Node-B (NodeB), an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), a Next Generation (NG) NodeB (gNB), a home NodeB, a home eNodeB, a site controller, an access point (AP), or a wireless router. The EDs 1110a to 1110c are configured to interface with and communicate with the Internet 1150 and may access the core network 1130, the PSTN 1140, or other networks 1160.

[0127] In Figure 11In the illustrated embodiment, base station 1170a forms part of RAN 1120a, which may include other base stations, elements, or devices. Additionally, base station 1170b forms part of RAN 1120b, which may include other base stations, elements, or devices. Each of base stations 1170a - 1170b operates to transmit or receive wireless signals within a particular geographic area or region, sometimes referred to as a "cell". In some embodiments, multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) techniques with multiple transceivers per cell may be employed.

[0128] Base stations 1170a - 1170b communicate with one or more of EDs 1110a - 1110c using a wireless communication link via one or more air interfaces 1190. The air interface 1190 may utilize any suitable radio access technology.

[0129] It is contemplated that system 1100 may use multi-channel access capabilities, including such schemes as described above. In a particular embodiment, the base stations and EDs implement 5G New Radio (NR), LTE, LTE-A, or LTE-B. Of course, other multiple access schemes and wireless protocols may be utilized.

[0130] RANs 1120a - 1120b communicate with core network 1130 to provide voice, data, applications, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), or other services to EDs 1110a - 1110c. It should be understood that RANs 1120a - 1120b or core network 1130 may communicate directly or indirectly with one or more other RANs (not shown). Core network 1130 may also act as a gateway access for other networks, such as PSTN 1140, Internet 1150, and other networks 1160. Additionally, some or all of EDs 1110a - 1110c may include functionality for communicating with different wireless networks using different wireless technologies or protocols over different wireless links. Instead of (or in addition to) wireless communication, the EDs may communicate with a service provider or switch (not shown) and the Internet 1150 via a wired communication channel.

[0131] Although Figure 11 an example of a communication system is shown, various changes may be made to Figure 11 it. For example, communication system 1100 may include any number of EDs, base stations, networks, or other components in any suitable configuration.

[0132] Figure 12Aand Figure 12B illustrates an example apparatus that can implement the methods and teachings according to the present disclosure. In particular, Figure 12A illustrates example ED 1210, and Figure 12B illustrates example base station 1270. These components can be used in system 1100 or any other suitable system.

[0133] As Figure 12A shown, ED 1210 includes at least one processing unit 1200. The processing unit 1200 implements various processing operations of ED 1210. For example, the processing unit 1200 can perform signal encoding, data processing, power control, input / output processing, or any other function that enables ED 1210 to operate in system 1100. The processing unit 1200 also supports the methods and teachings described in more detail above. Each processing unit 1200 includes any suitable processing or computing device configured to perform one or more operations. Each processing unit 1200 can include, for example, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor, a field programmable gate array, or an application specific integrated circuit.

[0134] ED 1210 also includes at least one transceiver 1202. The transceiver 1202 is configured to modulate data or other content for transmission via at least one antenna or NIC (Network Interface Controller) 1204. The transceiver 1202 is also configured to demodulate data or other content received via at least one antenna 1204. Each transceiver 1202 includes any suitable structure for generating signals for wireless or wired transmission or for processing signals received wirelessly or wiredly. Each antenna 1204 includes any suitable structure for transmitting or receiving wireless or wired signals. One or more transceivers 1202 can be used in ED 1210, and one or more antennas 1204 can be used in ED 1210. Although shown as a single functional unit, the transceiver 1202 can also be implemented using at least one transmitter and at least one separate receiver.

[0135] ED 1210 also includes one or more input / output devices 1206 or interfaces (e.g., a wired interface to the Internet 1150). The input / output devices 1206 facilitate interaction with users or other devices (network communication devices) in the network. Each input / output device 1206 includes any suitable structure for providing information to the user or receiving information from the user, such as a speaker, a microphone, a keypad, a keyboard, a display, or a touch screen, including network interface communication devices.

[0136] In addition, ED 1210 includes at least one memory 1208. The memory 1208 stores instructions and data used, generated, or collected by ED 1210. For example, the memory 1208 may store software or firmware instructions executed by the processing unit 1200 and data for reducing or eliminating interference in the incoming signal. Each memory 1208 includes any suitable volatile or non-volatile storage and retrieval means. Any suitable type of memory may be used, such as random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), hard disk, optical disk, subscriber identity module (SIM) card, memory stick, secure digital (SD) memory card, and the like.

[0137] As Figure 12B shown, the base station 1270 includes at least one processing unit 1250, at least one transceiver 1252 including functions for a transmitter and a receiver, one or more antennas 1256, at least one memory 1258, and one or more input / output devices or interfaces 1266. A scheduler understood by those skilled in the art is coupled to the processing unit 1250. The scheduler may be included within the base station 1270 or operate separately from the base station 1270. The processing unit 1250 implements various processing operations of the base station 1270, such as signal encoding, data processing, power control, input / output processing, or any other function. The processing unit 1250 may also support the methods and teachings described in more detail above. Each processing unit 1250 includes any suitable processing or computing device configured to perform one or more operations. Each processing unit 1250 may include, for example, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor, a field programmable gate array, or an application specific integrated circuit.

[0138] Each transceiver 1252 includes any suitable structure for generating signals for wireless or wired transmission to one or more EDs or other devices. Each transceiver 1252 also includes any suitable structure for processing signals received wirelessly or wired from one or more EDs or other devices. Although shown combined as transceiver 1252, the transmitter and receiver can be separate components. Each antenna 1256 includes any suitable structure for transmitting or receiving wireless or wired signals. Although a common antenna 1256 is shown here coupled to transceiver 1252, one or more antennas 1256 can be coupled to transceiver 1252 such that separate antennas 1256 can be coupled to the transmitter and receiver if the transceiver is configured as separate components. Each memory 1258 includes any suitable volatile or non-volatile storage and retrieval means. Each input / output device 1266 facilitates interaction with a user or other devices (network communication devices) in the network. Each input / output device 1266 includes any suitable structure for providing information to the user or receiving / providing information from the user, including network interface communication devices.

[0139] Figure 13 is a block diagram of a computing system 1300 that can be used to implement the devices and methods disclosed herein. For example, the computing system can be any entity of a UE, access network (AN), mobility management (MM), session management (SM), user plane gateway (UPGW), or access stratum (AS). A particular device can utilize all of the components shown or only a subset of the components, and the level of integration can vary with the device. In addition, the device can include multiple instances of components, such as multiple processing units, processors, memories, transmitters, receivers, etc. The computing system 1300 includes a processing unit 1302. The processing unit includes a central processing unit (CPU) 1314, a memory 1308, and can also include a mass storage device 1304, a video adapter 1310, and an I / O interface 1312 connected to a bus 1320.

[0140] The bus 1320 can be one or more of several bus architectures of any type, including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, or a video bus. The CPU 1314 can include any type of electronic data processor. The memory 1308 can include any type of non-transitory system memory, such as static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), read-only memory (ROM), or a combination thereof. In an embodiment, the memory 1308 can include ROM for use at startup and DRAM for program and data storage during program execution.

[0141] The mass storage device 1304 can include any type of non-transitory storage device configured to store data, programs, and other information and to enable access to these data, programs, and other information via the bus 1320. The mass storage device 1304 can include, for example, one or more of a solid state drive, a hard disk drive, a magnetic disk drive, or an optical disk drive.

[0142] The video adapter 1310 and the I / O interface 1312 provide interfaces for coupling external input and output devices to the processing unit 1302. As shown, examples of input and output devices include a display 1318 coupled to the video adapter 1310 and a mouse, keyboard, or printer 1316 coupled to the I / O interface 1312. Other devices can be coupled to the processing unit 1302, and additional or fewer interface cards can be used. For example, a serial interface such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) (not shown) can be used to provide an interface for external devices.

[0143] The processing unit 1302 further includes one or more network interfaces 1306, which can include a wired link such as an Ethernet cable or a wireless link to an access node or a different network. The network interface 1306 enables the processing unit 1302 to communicate with remote units via the network. For example, the network interface 1306 can provide wireless communication via one or more transmitters / transmit antennas and one or more receivers / receive antennas. In an embodiment, the processing unit 1302 is coupled to a local area network 1322 or a wide area network for communicating with remote devices such as other processing units, the Internet, or a remote storage facility and for data processing.

[0144] It should be understood that one or more steps of the implementation methods provided herein can be performed by corresponding units or modules. For example, a signal can be sent by a sending unit or a sending module. A signal can be received by a receiving unit or a receiving module. A signal can be processed by a processing unit or a processing module. Other steps can be performed by a measuring unit or module, a determining unit or module, a detecting unit or module, or a subtraction unit or module. Each unit / module can be hardware, software, or a combination thereof. For example, one or more of the units or modules can be an integrated circuit, such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0145] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail with its advantages, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Receiving timing information associated with an uplink signal and a set of parameters of the uplink signal, where the timing information is used to determine a reference time of the uplink signal received from a user equipment (UE), the timing information includes a system frame number (SFN) initialization time, and the uplink signal includes a channel sounding reference signal (SRS); Receiving the uplink signal from the UE according to the timing information and the set of parameters; and Measuring an uplink relative time of arrival (ULRTOA) according to the received uplink signal and the reference time.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ULRTOA is a difference between the reference time and a start time of a subframe including the received uplink signal.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein The method further includes: Obtaining a configuration of the uplink signal, where the configuration is used to indicate a periodicity of the uplink signal and an offset of the uplink signal, and the subframe is determined according to the configuration and the set of parameters.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The timing information includes a radio frame initialization time indicating a start time of radio frame 0.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein The radio frame initialization time is a time relative to 00:00:00 on January 1, 1900.

6. The method according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The reference time is determined according to at least one of the radio frame initialization time, a system frame number of a frame including the uplink signal, or a subframe including the uplink signal.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The reference time corresponds to a start time of a subframe including the uplink signal.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein The reference time is determined according to the timing information, the set of parameters, and the configuration of the uplink signal.

9. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reference time is determined according to the SFN of a frame including the uplink signal.

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein The set of parameters includes a subcarrier spacing (SCS).

11. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Obtaining a configuration of an uplink signal and a set of parameters of the uplink signal; Transmitting the uplink signal according to the configuration and the set of parameters.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein The uplink signal includes a channel sounding reference signal (SRS).

13. The method according to claim 11, wherein The configuration is used to indicate a periodicity of the uplink signal and an offset of the uplink signal.

14. The method according to claim 11, wherein The set of parameters includes a subcarrier spacing (SCS).

15. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes: A processor, the processor being coupled to a memory, the memory being used to store a program or instructions, and when the program or instructions are executed by the processor, the device is caused to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

16. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes: A processor, the processor being coupled to a memory, the memory being used to store a program or instructions, and when the program or instructions are executed by the processor, the device is caused to execute the method according to any one of claims 11 to 14.

17. A computer-readable storage medium having instructions stored thereon, characterized in that, When the instructions are executed, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10 is caused to be executed, or the method according to any one of claims 11 to 14 is caused to be executed.

18. A computer program product, characterized in that, Includes computer program code, and when the computer program code is run, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10 is implemented, or the method according to any one of claims 11 to 14 is implemented.

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