Method for positioning under shared carrier

Abstract

A method of wireless communication is disclosed. The method can include receiving, by a first wireless communication entity, configuration information from a second wireless communication entity regarding a reference signal for positioning. The method can include transmitting, by the first wireless communication entity, the reference signal for positioning to the second wireless communication entity based on the configuration information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to wireless communications, including but not limited to systems and methods for positioning. Background Technology

[0002] The standards organization Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) is currently specifying a new radio interface called Fifth Generation (5G) New Radio (NR) and the Next Generation Packet Core Network (NG-CN or NGC). 5G NR will have three main components: 5G Access Network (5G-AN), 5G Core Network (5GC), and User Equipment (UE). To facilitate the implementation of different data services and requirements, the composition of 5GC (also known as network functions) has been simplified, with some based on software and others on hardware, so that they can be adapted as needed. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The exemplary embodiments disclosed herein are intended to address problems related to one or more issues existing in the related art, and to provide additional features that will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. According to various embodiments, exemplary systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products are disclosed herein. However, it should be understood that these embodiments are presented by way of example and not as limiting, and that various modifications can be made to the disclosed embodiments while remaining within the scope of this disclosure, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art who read this disclosure.

[0004] At least one aspect relates to a system, method, apparatus, or computer-readable medium that includes the following: A wireless communication entity (e.g., a UE, a wireless device) can receive configuration information from a wireless communication node regarding a reference signal for positioning (e.g., a Positioning Reference Signal (PRS)). The wireless communication entity can transmit the positioning reference signal. This transmission may include an occupancy signal of a demodulation reference signal (DM-RS) based on a Physical Sidelink Control Channel (PSCCH), which schedules the positioning reference signal.

[0005] In some embodiments, the transmission may include an occupancy signal based on an Automatic Gain Control (AGC) symbol that occurs immediately before the PSCCH that schedules the reference signal used for positioning. The transmission may also include an occupancy signal based on a Demodulation Reference Signal (DM-RS) of the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) that schedules the reference signal used for positioning. The transmission may further include an occupancy signal based on an AGC symbol that occurs immediately before the PSCCH that schedules the reference signal used for positioning.

[0006] In some embodiments, configuration information may instruct that the transmission be performed (i.e., transmitted) when the time interval between a successful Listen Before Talk (LBT) / Clear Channel Assessment (CCA) and a predefined start time of the PSCCH used to schedule the reference signal for positioning is greater than or equal to the AGC processing capacity of the first wireless communication entity. The transmission may include an occupancy signal copied from an incoming PSCCH symbol.

[0007] In some embodiments, the reference signal for positioning can be configured as a comb-based signal, and the reference signal for positioning is not transmitted when the time interval between a successful LBT / CCA and a predefined end time of the reference signal for positioning is less than CombSize / Q OFDM symbols, where CombSize is the comb size and Q is an integer. The reference signal for positioning can be configured as a comb-based signal, and the reference signal for positioning is not transmitted when the time interval between a successful LBT / CCA and a predefined end time of the reference signal for positioning is less than CombSize OFDM symbols, where CombSize is the comb size. The reference signal for positioning can be configured as a comb-based signal, and the reference signal for positioning is not transmitted when the time interval between a successful LBT / CCA and a predefined end time of the reference signal for positioning is less than CombSize / Q OFDM symbols plus the duration of AGC, where CombSize is the comb size and Q is an integer. The reference signal used for positioning can be configured as a comb-based signal, and no positioning reference signal is transmitted when the time interval between a successful LBT / CCA and the predefined end time of the PSCCH scheduling the reference signal for positioning is less than the duration of CombSize / Q OFDM symbols plus AGC, where CombSize is the comb size and Q is an integer. The reference signal used for positioning can be configured as a comb-based signal, and no reference signal for positioning is transmitted when the time interval between a successful LBT / CCA and the predefined end time of the PSCCH scheduling the reference signal for positioning is less than CombSize OFDM symbols plus the duration of the PSCCH / PDCCH scheduling the reference signal for positioning, where CombSize is the comb size.The reference signal used for positioning can be configured as a comb-based signal, and no reference signal for positioning is transmitted when the time interval between a successful LBT / CCA and the predefined end time of the PSCCH scheduling the reference signal for positioning is less than CombSize OFDM symbols plus the duration of AGC and the duration of the PSCCH / PDCCH scheduling the reference signal for positioning, where CombSize is the comb size.

[0008] In some embodiments, configuration information may indicate the LBT / CCA type associated with the CombSize of the reference signal used for positioning, where CombSize is a comb size. Configuration information may indicate that the PSCCH begins with a first interleaving and the reference signal used for positioning begins with a second interleaving. Configuration information may indicate that every M resource blocks (RBs) within the bandwidth constitute an interleaving, where M is an integer. Configuration information may indicate one or more CombSize interleavings for the transmission of the reference signal used for positioning, where CombSize is a comb size. Configuration information may indicate an interleaving containing RBs, where each RB is associated with an RB index. Configuration information may indicate more than one sub-interleaving within an interleaving. Configuration information may indicate sub-interleaving indicators in the PSCCH / PSSCH / PDCCH.

[0009] In some embodiments, the reference signal used for positioning can be configured as a comb-based signal, and when the remaining duration of the Channel Occupancy Time (COT) is less than CombSize OFDM symbols, RemainingDuration - CombSize / Q OFDM symbols are discarded, where CombSize is the comb size and Q is an integer. In other embodiments, the reference signal used for positioning can be configured as a comb-based signal, and when the remaining duration of the COT is less than CombSize × RepetitionFactor OFDM symbols, RemainingDuration - CombSize × RepetitionFactor / Q OFDM symbols are discarded, where CombSize is the comb size and Q is an integer. In some embodiments, the reference signal used for positioning can be configured as a comb-based signal, and when the remaining duration of the COT is less than P × CombSize OFDM symbols and more than or equal to CombSize OFDM symbols, the remaining duration of the COT is a repetition of CombSize-1 OFDM symbols, where CombSize is the comb size and P is an integer.

[0010] In some embodiments, the configuration information may include an energy detection threshold, and the energy detection threshold is included in the COT shared information. In some embodiments, the energy detection threshold may be associated with the number of simultaneous transmissions of a reference signal used for positioning. The energy detection threshold may be associated with the CombSize of the reference signal used for positioning. The energy detection threshold may be associated with the amount of interleaving.

[0011] In some embodiments, configuration information may indicate quasi-co-location (QCL) information included in the COT shared information. Configuration information may indicate transmission configuration indicators included in the COT shared information. Configuration information may indicate interleaving information included in the COT shared information. Configuration information may indicate LBT / CCA bandwidth included in the COT shared information. Configuration information may indicate that a reference signal for positioning in one resource pool (RP) (or resource, or resource set) serves as a beam reference (or QCL source) for another reference signal for positioning in another RP. Configuration information may indicate appending a resource index when the wireless communication device reports measurement results for the reference signal used for positioning. Configuration information may indicate appending a timestamp when the wireless communication device reports measurement results for the reference signal used for positioning. Configuration information may indicate a Physical Sidelink Feedback Channel (PSFCH) used for measuring beam direction. In some embodiments, the PSFCH shares the COT of the reference signal used for positioning. The configuration information can indicate that when mod(SymbolID,CombSize)==T, the reference signal used for positioning starts from symbol ID, where SymbolID is the symbol ID in the time slot, CombSize is the comb size of the reference signal used for positioning, and T is an integer.

[0012] In some embodiments, the transmission may include a COT duration associated with the comb size of a reference signal for positioning or a repetition factor of a reference signal for positioning.

[0013] In some embodiments, the wireless communication device can identify configuration information regarding a reference signal for positioning transmitted from a second wireless communication device. The wireless communication device can measure the reference signal for positioning. The wireless communication device can transmit a report including the measurement results of the reference signal for positioning. In some embodiments, the measurement results may include the reference signal for positioning in one RP (or resource, or resource set) as a beam reference (or QCL source) for another reference signal for positioning in another RP.

[0014] In some embodiments, configuration information may indicate that a resource index should be appended when sending the report. In some embodiments, the resource index may include a PRS resource index, an SL-PRS resource index, or an SRS resource index. Configuration information may indicate that a timestamp may be appended when sending the report. In some embodiments, the timestamp may include a System Frame Number (SFN), a slot number within a frame, or a symbol index within a slot. Attached Figure Description

[0015] The various exemplary embodiments of this solution are described in detail below with reference to the following diagrams and figures. The figures are provided for illustrative purposes only and depict only exemplary embodiments of the solution to aid the reader's understanding. Therefore, the figures should not be considered as limitations on the breadth, scope, or applicability of this solution. It should be noted that these figures are not necessarily drawn to scale for clarity and ease of explanation.

[0016] Figure 1 An example cellular communication network is shown according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in which the techniques disclosed herein may be implemented;

[0017] Figure 2 Block diagrams of example base station and user equipment apparatuses according to some embodiments of the present disclosure are shown;

[0018] Figure 3 Example implementations of positioning according to some embodiments of this disclosure are shown;

[0019] Figure 4 Example implementations of positioning according to some embodiments of this disclosure are shown;

[0020] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating an example method for positioning according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown; and

[0021] Figure 6 A flowchart of an example method for positioning according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Specific Implementation

[0022] a. Mobile communication technology and environment

[0023] Figure 1 An example wireless communication network and / or system 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure, in which the techniques disclosed herein can be implemented, is illustrated. In the following discussion, wireless communication network 100 can be any wireless network, such as a cellular network or a narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) network, and is referred to herein as "network 100". Such an example network 100 includes base station 102 (hereinafter referred to as "BS102", also known as a wireless communication node) and user equipment device 104 (hereinafter referred to as "UE 104", also known as a wireless communication device), which can communicate with each other via communication link 110 (e.g., a wireless communication channel) and a cluster of cells 126, 130, 132, 134, 136, 138, and 140 covering a geographic area 101. Figure 1In this context, BS102 and UE 104 are contained within the corresponding geographical boundaries of cell 126. Each of the other cells 130, 132, 134, 136, 138, and 140 may include at least one base station that operates on its allocated bandwidth to provide sufficient radio coverage to its intended users.

[0024] For example, BS102 can operate at the allocated channel transmission bandwidth to provide sufficient coverage to UE 104. BS102 and UE 104 can communicate via downlink radio frame 118 and uplink radio frame 124, respectively. Each radio frame 118 / 124 can be further divided into subframes 120 / 127, which may include data symbols 122 / 128. In this disclosure, BS102 and UE 104 are described herein as non-limiting examples of "communication nodes" that can generally practice the methods disclosed herein. According to various embodiments of the present solution, such communication nodes are capable of wireless and / or wired communication.

[0025] Figure 2 A block diagram of an example wireless communication system 200 for transmitting and receiving wireless communication signals (e.g., OFDM / OFDMA signals) according to some embodiments of this solution is shown. System 200 may include components and elements configured to support known or conventional operating characteristics (which do not need to be described in detail herein). In one illustrative embodiment, system 200 can be used in wireless communication environments (such as those described above) Figure 1 In a wireless communication environment 100, data symbols are transmitted (e.g., sent and received).

[0026] System 200 typically includes a base station 202 (hereinafter referred to as "BS202") and a user equipment unit 204 (hereinafter referred to as "UE204"). BS202 includes a BS transceiver module 210, a BS antenna 212, a BS processor module 214, a BS memory module 216, and a network communication module 218, each module being coupled and interconnected with each other as needed via a data communication bus 220. UE204 includes a UE transceiver module 230, a UE antenna 232, a UE memory module 234, and a UE processor module 236, each module being coupled and interconnected with each other as needed via a data communication bus 240. BS202 communicates with UE204 via a communication channel 250, which can be any wireless channel or other medium suitable for data transmission as described herein.

[0027] As those skilled in the art will understand, system 200 may also include, in addition to Figure 2Any number of modules other than those shown herein. Those skilled in the art will understand that the various illustrative blocks, modules, circuits, and processing logic described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in hardware, computer-readable software, firmware, or any practical combination thereof. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability and compatibility of hardware, firmware, and software, the various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps are described generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware, firmware, or software can depend on the specific application and design constraints imposed on the system as a whole. Those skilled in the art can implement such functionality in a suitable manner for each specific application; however, such implementation decisions should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure.

[0028] According to some embodiments, UE transceiver 230 may be referred to herein as "uplink" transceiver 230, which includes a radio frequency (RF) transmitter and an RF receiver, each of which includes circuitry coupled to antenna 232. A duplex switch (not shown) may alternatively couple the uplink transmitter or receiver to the uplink antenna in a time-duplex manner. Similarly, according to some embodiments, BS transceiver 210 may be referred herein as "downlink" transceiver 210, which includes an RF transmitter and an RF receiver, each of which includes circuitry coupled to antenna 212. A downlink duplex switch may alternatively couple the downlink transmitter or receiver to downlink antenna 212 in a time-division duplex manner. The operations of the two transceiver modules 210 and 230 can be coordinated in time such that the uplink receiver circuitry is coupled to the uplink antenna 232 to receive transmissions via the wireless transmission link 250 while the downlink transmitter is coupled to the downlink antenna 212. Conversely, the operations of the two transceivers 210 and 230 can be coordinated in time such that the downlink receiver is coupled to the downlink antenna 212 to receive transmissions via the wireless transmission link 250 while the uplink transmitter is coupled to the uplink antenna 232. In some embodiments, there is tight time synchronization with a minimum guard time between changes in duplex direction.

[0029] UE transceiver 230 and base transceiver 210 are configured to communicate via wireless data communication link 250 and cooperate with RF antenna arrangements 212 / 232 that can be appropriately configured to support specific wireless communication protocols and modulation schemes. In some illustrative embodiments, UE transceiver 210 and base transceiver 210 are configured to support industry standards such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) and emerging 5G standards. However, it should be understood that this disclosure is not necessarily limited to specific standards and associated protocols in application. Rather, UE transceiver 230 and base transceiver 210 may be configured to support alternative or additional wireless data communication protocols, including future standards or variations thereof.

[0030] According to various embodiments, BS202 may be, for example, an evolved Node B (eNB), a serving eNB, a target eNB, a femtocell, or a picocell. In some embodiments, UE 204 may be embodied in various types of user devices, such as mobile phones, smartphones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), tablets, laptops, wearable computing devices, etc. Processor modules 214 and 236 may be implemented or realized using a general-purpose processor, content-accessible memory, digital signal processor, application-specific integrated circuit, field-programmable gate array, any suitable programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof, designed to perform the functions described herein. In this way, the processor may be implemented as a microprocessor, a controller, a microcontroller, a state machine, etc. The processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a combination of a digital signal processor and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors combined with a digital signal processor core, or any other such configuration.

[0031] Furthermore, the steps of the methods or algorithms described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be directly embodied in hardware, firmware, software modules executed by processor modules 214 and 236 respectively, or any practical combination thereof. Memory modules 216 and 234 can be implemented as random access memory (RAM), flash memory, read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), registers, hard disks, removable disks, compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), or any other form of storage medium known in the art. In this respect, memory modules 216 and 234 can be coupled to processor modules 210 and 230 respectively, such that processor modules 210 and 230 can read information from and write information to memory modules 216 and 234 respectively. Memory modules 216 and 234 may also be integrated into their respective processor modules 210 and 230. In some embodiments, each of memory modules 216 and 234 may include a cache memory for storing temporary variables or other intermediate information during the execution of instructions to be executed by processor modules 210 and 230, respectively. Each of memory modules 216 and 234 may also include non-volatile memory for storing instructions to be executed by processor modules 210 and 230, respectively.

[0032] Network communication module 218 typically refers to the hardware, software, firmware, processing logic, and / or other components of base station 202 that enable bidirectional communication between base station transceiver 210 and other network components and communication nodes configured to communicate with base station 202. For example, network communication module 218 may be configured to support Internet or WiMAX services. In typical deployments, but not limited to, network communication module 218 provides an 802.3 Ethernet interface, enabling base station transceiver 210 to communicate with conventional Ethernet-based computer networks. In this way, network communication module 218 may include a physical interface for connecting to a computer network (e.g., a Mobile Switching Center (MSC)). The terms “configured for,” “configured to,” and variations thereof used herein with respect to a specified operation or function refer to means of means, components, circuits, structures, machines, signals, etc., that are physically constructed, programmed, formatted, and / or arranged to perform the specified operation or function.

[0033] The Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model (referred to herein as the "OSI model") is a conceptual and logical layout that defines network communications used by systems open to interconnect and communicate with other systems (e.g., wireless communication devices, wireless communication nodes). The model is divided into seven sub-components or layers, each representing a conceptual set of services provided to the layers above and below it. The OSI model also defines logical networks and efficiently describes computer packet transmissions using different layer protocols. The OSI model may also be referred to as the seven-layer OSI model or the seven-layer model. In some embodiments, the first layer may be the physical layer. In some embodiments, the second layer may be the Medium Access Control (MAC) layer. In some embodiments, the third layer may be the Radio Link Control (RLC) layer. In some embodiments, the fourth layer may be the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer. In some embodiments, the fifth layer may be the Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer. In some embodiments, the sixth layer may be the Non-Access Stratum (NAS) layer or the Internet Protocol (IP) layer, and the seventh layer is other layers.

[0034] The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, illustrates various exemplary embodiments of the present solution to enable those skilled in the art to manufacture and use the solution. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes or modifications can be made to the examples described herein without departing from the scope of the present solution after reading this disclosure. Therefore, the present solution is not limited to the exemplary embodiments and applications described and illustrated herein. Furthermore, the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the methods disclosed herein is merely an example method. Based on design preferences, the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the disclosed methods or processes can be rearranged while remaining within the scope of the present solution. Therefore, those skilled in the art will understand that the methods and techniques disclosed herein present various steps or actions in an exemplary order, and the present solution is not limited to the presented specific order or hierarchy, unless otherwise expressly stated.

[0035] b. Systems and methods used for positioning

[0036] The demand for location services is increasing. For example, finding a car in a park (especially an underground park) can be difficult (especially during peak hours). Fifth-generation mobile communication systems (5G, e.g., 5G, New Radio Access Technology, or 5G-NR) can provide radio-side methods for location services (e.g., Positioning Reference Signal (PRS) from a base station (e.g., gNB) and / or Sounding Reference Signal (SRS) from the UE). However, the location accuracy of existing 5G-NR-based positioning solutions may be insufficient (e.g., one meter or worse). In harsh environments (e.g., dense urban areas), the location accuracy of existing 5G-NR-based positioning solutions may be even worse. In some commercial scenarios, a location accuracy of 0.2 meters may be required. In some cases, targets in certain commercial scenarios (e.g., 0.2 meters) may be difficult to achieve with existing 5G-NR-based positioning solutions. This disclosure relates to improvements in location accuracy for 5G-NR-based positioning.

[0037] This disclosure relates to wireless communication methods for improving positioning accuracy based on 5G-NR. In such cases... Figure 3 In the downlink (DL) shown, the PRS can be sent by one or more gNBs. To achieve "good" positioning accuracy, multiple gNBs (e.g., three base stations) may be involved. The UE can measure at least one PRS. The UE can report the measurement results to the network (e.g., the CN or the Location Management Function (LMF) in the 5GC). Network elements may include at least one of the following: gNB, CN, or UE.

[0038] In such Figure 4 In the uplink (UL) shown, the SRS can be transmitted by the UE. One or more gNBs (e.g., multiple gNBs) can measure the SRS. One or more gNBs can report the measurement results to the network (e.g., LMF).

[0039] The transmission of PRS and / or SRS for positioning purposes is easily affected by the wireless propagation environment (e.g., fading, distortion). Therefore, positioning accuracy may be limited. This disclosure provides a method for achieving higher positioning accuracy.

[0040] Example 1 of implementation: Using signals / channels to occupy unlicensed carriers

[0041] 5G-NR is a time synchronization system in which channels / signals can transmit predefined time frames (e.g., symbols, time slots) when a predefined time is reached.

[0042] Unlicensed carriers (e.g., shared spectrum, unlicensed channels) can contain various types of wireless communication devices (e.g., Wi-Fi devices, WiFi devices, Bluetooth devices). These wireless communication devices can transmit channels / signals with timings different from those in a 5G-NR system. Furthermore, unlicensed carriers are contention-driven (e.g., via Listen Before Talk (LBT) or Clear Channel Assessment (CCA). Here, the channel is either an unlicensed carrier or a shared carrier).

[0043] Following a successful LBT / CCA, the wireless communication device can transmit a channel / signal (e.g., a positioning reference signal PRS) to occupy an unlicensed carrier for future channel / signal transmissions.

[0044] An occupied channel / signal (e.g., a Cyclic Pre-fix Extension (CPE) or CPE channel / signal) is used to occupy an unlicensed carrier prior to the transmission of the channel / signal. Alternatively, the occupied signal / channel may be included in the Demodulation Reference Signal (DM-RS). Alternatively, the occupied channel / signal may be included in the DM-RS of the Physical Sidelink Control Channel (PSCCH). Alternatively, the occupied signal / channel may be included in the DM-RS of the PSCCH of the Sidelink-Position Reference Signal (SL-PRS). Alternatively, the occupied channel / signal may be based on the DM-RS of the PSCCH of the SL-PRS. In some embodiments, it facilitates DM-RS-based channel sensing (e.g., energy detection, with energy accumulation for the actual transmission of the occupied signal and the DM-RS).

[0045] Alternatively, the occupancy channel / signal can be included in the DM-RS of the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) or the Enhanced Physical Downlink Control Channel (EPDCCH). Alternatively, the occupancy signal / channel can be included in the DM-RS of the PDCCH that schedules the PRS. Alternatively, the occupancy channel / signal can be based on the DM-RS of the PDCCH that schedules the PRS.

[0046] Alternatively, occupied channels / signals can be included in the SL-PRS. Alternatively, occupied signals / channels can be based on the SL-PRS.

[0047] Alternatively, the occupied channel / signal can be a PRS or a Sounding Reference Signal (SRS).

[0048] Alternatively, the occupied signal / channel may be included in the Automatic Gain Control (AGC) symbol. Alternatively, the occupied channel / signal may be included in the AGC symbol immediately preceding the SL-PRS. Alternatively, the occupied signal / channel may be included in the AGC symbol immediately preceding the PSCCH. Alternatively, the occupied channel / signal may be included in the AGC symbol immediately preceding the PSCCH that schedules the SL-PRS.

[0049] Alternatively, the occupied channel / signal may be included in the Channel-State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS, such as the CSI-RS from the gNB, or the SL CSI-RS from the SL UE).

[0050] Alternatively, the occupied channel / signal can be included in the Cyclic Pre-fix Extension (CPE) of the next symbol to be transmitted.

[0051] In some embodiments, if the time interval between the candidate start time prior to the actual transmission of the signal / channel and the actual transmission of this signal / channel is greater than (or equal to) a T... s And less than one symbol duration (e.g., for a standard cyclic prefix under a 15kHz subcarrier spacing SCS, 2048 + 144 = 2192T). sOr 2048 + 160 = 2208T s One of the Ts s =1 / (15000×2048) seconds), then the occupied signal / channel can be sent.

[0052] Furthermore, if the time interval (G) between candidate start times preceding the AGC symbol of SL is greater than (or equal to) a T s And if the duration is less than one symbol duration, a occupancy signal / channel can be sent. Alternatively, the transmission duration of the occupancy signal / channel can be a time interval G. Using this occupancy signal / channel transmission, a channel (or carrier, or spectrum) can be occupied for future transmissions of an SL-PRS (or PRS) that will enable positioning on an unlicensed carrier (or shared spectrum). Alternatively, the transmission duration of the occupancy signal / channel can be a time interval G. The occupancy signal / channel transmission can specify the channel / signal to be occupied for future transmissions of an SL-PRS (or PRS) that will enable positioning on an unlicensed carrier.

[0053] In some embodiments, if the time interval between the candidate start time prior to the actual transmission of the channel / signal and the actual transmission of this channel / signal is greater than (or equal to) a T... c (one of the T) c = 1 / (480000×4096) seconds, T c =T s If the duration is less than one symbol ( / 64), then the occupied channel / signal can be sent.

[0054] Alternatively, the reference signal used for positioning (e.g., PRS / SRS / SL-PRS) can begin with a symbol ID that satisfies mod(SymbolID, CombSize) == 0, where mod() is the modulo operation, SymbolID is the symbol ID within the time slot (e.g., 0, 1, 2, 13), and CombSize is the comb size of the reference signal used for positioning. Alternatively, when SymbolID is zero, the next symbol (i.e., SymbolID = 1) can be copied as the occupied channel / signal (or CPE). For ease of description, copying can be a modulo operation. For example, exp(-j×2π×(1+x)) will copy the value of exp(-j×2π×x) because there is a 2π modulo operation, where exp() is the exponential function, j is the imaginary unit of the complex number, and x is an unknown variable.

[0055] Alternatively, the reference signal used for positioning (e.g., PRS / SRS / SL-PRS) can start from symbolID when mod(SymbolID, CombSize) == T, where T is an integer (e.g., T = 1. Additionally, T can be configured by the network). Using this method, a start symbol can be determined for the reference signal used for positioning.

[0056] This method allows for the occupancy of a channel (or carrier, or spectrum) for future transmissions of SL-PRS (or PRS, or SRS) that enable positioning on unlicensed carriers. By utilizing the occupancy of the channel / signal, the channel (or carrier, e.g., a carrier with a bandwidth of 20 MHz) in the unlicensed spectrum will not be occupied by other wireless devices.

[0057] Example 2 of implementation: How to determine the timing relationship between CPE and AGC symbols / control channel symbols / reference signal symbols used for positioning.

[0058] For SL positioning in unlicensed (or shared) spectrum, the UE can send AGC and CPE symbols before the actual transmission of positioning-related signals / channels (e.g., PSCCH / SL-PRS). If the time interval between a successful LBT / CCA and the predefined start time of the PSCCH scheduling SL-PRS is a full set of Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) symbols (e.g., 2048 + 144 = 2192 T), then the UE can proceed. s If there is no CPE signal (i.e., no occupied signal / channel, i.e., only AGC symbol), then there may be no CPE signal (i.e., no occupied signal / channel).

[0059] For AGC tuning, different UEs may have different capabilities (e.g., some UEs require 2192T). s Some UEs require 1024T sThe UE can report its AGC processing capability to the network (or to another UE, such as a server UE). If the time interval between a successful LBT / CCA and the predefined start time of the PSCCH scheduling SL-PRS is greater than or equal to the UE's AGC processing capability, then the UE will send an occupancy channel / signal (i.e., CPE or CPE signal). The occupancy signal / channel can be copied from the incoming PSCCH symbol (in the form of a cyclic prefix) as follows, where t = 0 is the start time of the actual transmission of the PSCCH scheduling SL-PRS. For ease of description, the copy can be a modulo operation. For example, exp(-j×2π×(1+x)) will copy the value of exp(-j×2π×x) because there is a modulo operation of 2π, where exp() is the exponential function, j is the imaginary unit of the complex number, and x is an unknown variable.

[0060] Occupy(-T AGC -t)=S PSCCH (T OFDM -T AGC -t), 0≤t <T OFDM -T AGC

[0061] Where t can be T s Unit: T AGC It refers to the UE's AGC processing capability, T OFDM This is the duration of the OFDM symbol (e.g., 2192T under standard cyclic prefix CP). s Occupy() is the function to occupy a signal / channel (i.e., CPE). PSCCH It is the time-domain signal of the PSCCH for scheduling SL-PRS.

[0062] Alternatively, if t > TOFDM - TAGC, then the following formula applies, where N = 2, ..., 28.

[0063] Occupy(-T AGC -t)=S PSCCH (N×T OFDM -T AGC -t),

[0064] 0≤t <T OFDM -T AGC

[0065] Furthermore, for DL ​​(or UL) positioning under unlicensed spectrum (or shared spectrum), the gNB (or UE) may transmit CPE symbols / signals / channels before the actual transmission of positioning-related channels / signals (e.g., PRS / SRS).

[0066] For DL ​​(or UL) positioning under unlicensed spectrum (or shared spectrum), the gNB (or UE) may send CPE symbols / signals / channels before the actual transmission of positioning-related channels / signals (e.g., PRS / SRS).

[0067] For comb-based PRS / SRS transmissions, if the time interval between a successful LBT / CCA and the predefined end time of the PRS / SRS is less than CombSize / Q OFDM symbols, then no PRS / SRS will be transmitted, where CombSize = 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, 36, 48, and the integer Q = 1, 2, 3, ..., 100. For example, for CombSize = 4 and Q = 2 (where Q = 2 will generate a partially interleaved PRS / SRS pattern), if the time interval between a successful LBT / CCA and the predefined end time of the PRS / SRS is less than CombSize / Q = 4 / 2 = 2 symbols, then SL-PRS / PRS / SRS will not be transmitted (i.e., the UE does not need to receive PRS / transmit SRS).

[0068] Additionally, if the time interval between a successful LBT / CCA and the predefined PRS / SRS end time is less than CombSize OFDM symbols, then SL-PRS / PRS / SRS will not be transmitted. For example, for CombSize = 4, if the time interval between a successful LBT / CCA and the predefined PRS / SRS end time is less than CombSize = 4 symbols (note: this ensures the complete interleaving pattern of PRS / SRS), then PRS / SRS will not be transmitted (i.e., the UE does not need to receive PRS / transmit SRS). Otherwise (i.e., more than CombSize = 4 symbols), SL-PRS / PRS / SRS will be transmitted (i.e., the UE should receive PRS / transmit SRS).

[0069] For comb-based SL-PRS transmissions, if the time interval between a successful LBT / CCA and the predefined SL-PRS end time is less than CombSize / Q OFDM symbols, then SL-PRS / PRS / SRS will not be transmitted. Alternatively, for comb-based SL-PRS transmissions, if the time interval between a successful LBT / CCA and the predefined SL-PRS end time is less than CombSize / Q OFDM symbols plus the duration of AGC, then SL-PRS / PRS / SRS will not be transmitted.

[0070] For comb-based SL-PRS transmissions, if the time interval between a successful LBT / CCA and the end time of the predefined scheduled SL-PRS PSCCH is less than CombSize / Q OFDM symbols, then SL-PRS / PRS / SRS will not be transmitted. Alternatively, for comb-based SL-PRS transmissions, if the time interval between a successful LBT / CCA and the end time of the predefined scheduled SL-PRS PSCCH is less than CombSize / Q OFDM symbols plus the duration of AGC, then SL-PRS / PRS / SRS will not be transmitted.

[0071] For comb-based SL-PRS transmissions, if the time interval between a successful LBT / CCA and the predefined SL-PRS end time is less than `CombSize` OFDM symbols, then SL-PRS / PRS / SRS will not be transmitted. Alternatively, for comb-based SL-PRS transmissions, if the time interval between a successful LBT / CCA and the predefined SL-PRS end time is less than `CombSize` OFDM symbols plus the duration of AGC, then SL-PRS / PRS / SRS will not be transmitted.

[0072] For comb-based SL-PRS transmissions, if the time interval between a successful LBT / CCA and the end time of the predefined scheduled SL-PRS PSCCH is less than CombSize OFDM symbols, then SL-PRS / PRS / SRS will not be transmitted. Alternatively, for comb-based SL-PRS transmissions, if the time interval between a successful LBT / CCA and the end time of the predefined scheduled SL-PRS PSCCH is less than CombSize OFDM symbols plus the duration of AGC, then SL-PRS / PRS / SRS will not be transmitted.

[0073] Alternatively, for comb-based SL-PRS transmissions, if the time interval between a successful LBT / CCA and the predefined SL-PRS end time is less than CombSize / Q OFDM symbols plus the duration of the PSCCH / PDCCH scheduling the PRS / SRS (e.g., 2 symbols), then the SL-PRS / PRS / SRS will not be transmitted, where CombSize and Q can be set to one.

[0074] Alternatively, for comb-based PRS / SRS transmissions, when the PRS / SRS is scheduled by the EPDCCH / PDCCH, if the time gap between a successful LBT / CCA and the predefined end time of the PRS / SRS is less than CombSize / Q OFDM symbols plus the duration of the EPDCCH / PDCCH scheduling the PRS / SRS (e.g., 2 symbols), then the PRS / SRS will not be transmitted. Alternatively, for comb-based PRS / SRS transmissions, when the PRS / SRS is not scheduled by the EPDCCH / PDCCH, if the time gap between a successful LBT / CCA and the predefined end time of the PRS / SRS is less than CombSize / Q OFDM symbols, then the PRS / SRS will not be transmitted.

[0075] Alternatively, for comb-based SL-PRS transmissions, if the time interval between a successful LBT / CCA and the predefined SL-PRS end time is less than CombSize / Q OFDM symbols plus the duration of AGC and the duration of the PSCCH / PDCCH for scheduling PRS / SRS, then SL-PRS / PRS / SRS will not be sent, where CombSize and Q can be set to one.

[0076] CPE can begin in the window preceding the actual transmission of PSCCH / SL-PRS / PDCCH / PRS / SRS / AGC. For example, one OFDM symbol before the actual transmission, three (or four) OFDM symbols plus 16us (or 25us) before the actual transmission at SCS = 120kHz, and seven (or eight, or six) OFDM symbols plus 16us (or 25us) before the actual transmission at SCS = 240kHz.

[0077] A CPE can begin in a window preceding the actual AGC symbol of the PSCCH / SL-PRS / PDCCH / PRS / SRS transmission. For example, one OFDM symbol before the actual AGC symbol, three (or four) OFDM symbols plus 16us (or 25us) before the actual AGC symbol at SCS = 120kHz, and seven (or eight, or six) OFDM symbols plus 16us (or 25us) before the actual AGC symbol at SCS = 240kHz. Multiple symbols for a CPE (or multiple CPEs) (e.g., three OFDM symbols) facilitate time alignment of the SL-PRS / PRS / SRS between the UE and the base station.

[0078] Alternatively, the LBT / CCA type can be associated with the CombSize of the reference signal used for positioning. For example, if the CombSize of the SL-PRS (configured by a higher layer) is small (e.g., CombSize = 1), an LBT / CCA with a short duration (e.g., 16 µs) can be applied. As another example, if the CombSize of the PRS is large (e.g., CombSize = 12), an LBT / CCA with a long duration (e.g., 25 µs) can be applied.

[0079] Alternatively, the LBT / CCA type can be associated with the CombSize and repetition factor (configured by higher layers) of the reference signal used for positioning.

[0080] This method allows for the occupation of channels (or carriers, or spectrum) for future transmissions of SL-PRS (or PRS, or SRS) that will enable positioning on unlicensed carriers (or shared spectrum). By utilizing PRS / SRS / SL-PRS transmissions, positioning on unlicensed spectrum can be observed after an unspecified duration (for good performance).

[0081] Example 3 of implementation: Interleaved transmission of reference signals for positioning

[0082] In some cases, the channel / signal may require a small amount of resources (e.g., a few RBs), while the unlicensed carrier (or shared spectrum) may be much wider (e.g., 20 MHz or 100 RBs at SCS = 15 kHz). For these cases, interleaved transmission (or interleaved RB transmission) can be applied.

[0083] For SL positioning in unlicensed spectrum, for dedicated resource pools (RPs) (or shared RPs), different interleavings can be used to allocate PSCCH / Physical Sidelink Shared Channel (PSSCH) / Physical Sidelink Feedback Channel (PSFCH) and SL-PRS. For example, the PSCCH scheduling the SL-PRS starts with the first interleaving, while the corresponding SL-PRS starts with the second interleaving (or an interleaving different from the PSCCH). Using this method, frequency division multiplexing (FDM) based on interleaved RBs can be applied for SL positioning.

[0084] For DL / UL positioning in unlicensed spectrum, different interleaving methods can be used to allocate PDCCH / Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) / Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH) / Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) and PRS / SRS. Using this method, DL / UL positioning can be performed using FDM based on interleaved RBs.

[0085] For interleaved transmission of DL / UL / SL location-related signals / channels in unlicensed spectrum, each M RB in the bandwidth constitutes an interleaving, where M is an integer (e.g., M = 1, 2, 3, ..., 100). Alternatively, M has the same CombSize value as PRS / SRS / SL-PRS (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, 36, 48), where CombSize can be configured by a higher layer (or network).

[0086] Alternatively, there are CombSize interleavings for the transmission of DL / UL / SL location-related signals / channels in the unlicensed spectrum. Alternatively, one RB in every CombSize RBs in the bandwidth consists of an interleaving. Alternatively, an interleaving (i) contains RBs with RB index mod(RB_Index, CombSize) = i, where i is an integer, 0 ≤ i ≤ CombSize - 1.

[0087] Alternatively, interleaving may include sub-interleaving (segments). Alternatively, sub-interleaving indicators may be present in the PSCCH / PSSCH / PDCCH. For example, for an unlicensed carrier with a bandwidth of 20 MHz (or 100 RBs at SCS = 15 kHz) and an interleaving RB gap of M = 10 RBs, if the first interleaving contains RB#0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, and 90, then the first sub-interleaving (first segment, containing RB#0, 10, 20, 30, and 40) can be assigned to the first UE, and the second sub-interleaving (second segment, containing RB#50, 60, 70, 80, and 90) can be assigned to the second UE. As another example, the first sub-interleaving (containing RB#0, 20, 40, 60, and 80) can be assigned to the first UE, and the second sub-interleaving (containing RB#10, 30, 50, 70, and 90) can be assigned to the second UE. In other words, a sub-interleaving can contain every Q RBs within an interleaving (here, Q = 2). Alternatively, a sub-interleaving can include the entire bandwidth of the interleaving it belongs to. Alternatively, a sub-interleaving can include the entire bandwidth of the unlicensed carrier it resides in. Using this method, multiple wireless communication devices can simultaneously transmit reference signals for positioning within an interleaving that can share the bandwidth of the unlicensed carrier.

[0088] Alternatively, this method can be applied to UEs in Radio Resource Control (RRC) connected, inactive, or idle states.

[0089] Using this method, multiple location-related wireless communication devices can simultaneously share an unlicensed carrier (e.g., FDM based on interleaved RB).

[0090] Example 4 of implementation: The last symbol of the reference signal used for positioning within the Channel Occupied Time (COT).

[0091] For unlicensed carriers, COT is limited for frame-based equipment (FBE) (e.g., in Europe, a maximum of 10 ms per transmission, or, for example, 1 ms for a sideline synchronization signal block using a type 2A channel access procedure for an S-SSB transmission without shared channel occupancy).

[0092] If the COT is shortened to a short duration, no positioning-related channels / signals will be transmitted (e.g., the last one or a few symbols of the reference signal used for positioning will be discarded). Alternatively, for comb-based PRS / SRS / SL-PRS transmissions, if the remaining duration of the COT is less than CombSize OFDM symbols, the last RemainingDuration-CombSize / Q OFDM symbols will be discarded, where Q is an integer (e.g., Q = 2). For example, if the remaining duration of the COT is 3 symbols when CombSize = 4 and Q = 2, then RemainingDuration-CombSize / Q = 3 - 4 / 2 = 1 symbol will be discarded, where the integer Q (e.g., Q = 2) can be used to generate a partially interleaved pattern for the reference signal used for positioning.

[0093] Alternatively, if the DL / UL / SL reference is shortened to a short duration, positioning-related channels / signals will not be transmitted (e.g., the last one or two symbols of the reference signal used for positioning will be discarded), where PRS / SRS / SL-PRS can be transmitted during the DL / UL / SL reference duration. Alternatively, PRS / SRS / SL-PRS with PSFCH (feedback) can be transmitted during the DL / UL / SL reference duration.

[0094] Alternatively, for comb-based PRS / SRS / SL-PRS transmissions, if the remaining duration of the COT is less than CombSize OFDM symbols and greater than or equal to CombSize / 2 OFDM symbols, the last RemainingDuration - CombSize / 2 OFDM symbols will be discarded. Using this method, the channel (i.e., the carrier) will be utilized more efficiently because other wireless communication devices can use the channel.

[0095] Alternatively, for transmissions with repeating comb-based PRS / SRS / SL-PRS, if the remaining duration of the COT is less than CombSize × RepetitionFactor OFDM symbols, the last RemainingDuration - CombSize × RepetitionFactor / Q OFDM symbols will be discarded, where RepetitionFactor is an integer (e.g., RepetitionFactor = 2). For example, if the remaining duration of the COT is 5 symbols, and CombSize = 4, RepetitionFactor = 2, and Q = 2, then RemainingDuration - CombSize × RepetitionFactor / Q = 5 - 4 × 2 / 2 = 1 symbol will be discarded.

[0096] Alternatively, for non-repeating comb-based PRS / SRS / SL-PRS transmissions (i.e., RepetitionFactor = 1), if the remaining duration of the COT is less than P × CombSize OFDM symbols and more than or equal to CombSize OFDM symbols, then the final RemainingDuration - (P - 1) × CombSize OFDM symbols will be a repetition of the first group of CombSize - 1 OFDM symbols, where P is an integer (e.g., P = 2). For example, if the remaining duration of the COT is 7 symbols, and CombSize = 4 and P = 2, then RemainingDuration - (P - 1) × CombSize = 7 - (2 - 1) × 4 = 3 symbols will be a repetition of the first group of CombSize - 1 = 3 OFDM symbols. Using this method, the signal power to noise power ratio (SNR) of the reference signal used for positioning at the receiver will be improved. Therefore, positioning accuracy can be improved.

[0097] Alternatively, the COT duration (of LBT / CCA type) is associated with the comb size of the reference signal used for positioning. For example, if the comb size of the PRS / SRS / SL-PRS is 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, then the COT duration will be CombSize + AGC_Symbol (i.e., 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 13, 25, 37, 49 symbols respectively). Alternatively, the COT duration will be CombSize + AGC_Symbol plus the occupied channel / signal (or CPE) duration.

[0098] Alternatively, the COT duration (of LBT / CCA type) is associated with the comb size and repetition factor of the reference signal used for positioning. For example, the COT duration would be CombSize × Repetition + AGC_Symbol. Yet another example is CombSize × Repetition + AGC_Symbol plus the occupied signal / channel (or CPE) duration.

[0099] Some time slots containing SSBs (or S-SSBs) cannot be used for SL communication. Furthermore, some reserved time slots cannot be used for SL communication (e.g., unavailable for Rel-16 / 17 / 18 sidelink UEs). Time slots containing SSBs (or S-SSBs) can be used for SL-PRS (and / or PSCCH for scheduling SL-PRS) and can improve resource efficiency (and / or reduce positioning delay), wherein, on OFDM symbols used for SSBs (or S-SSBs), RBs (or frequency resources) used for SSBs (or S-SSBs) cannot be used for SL-PRS / PSCCH for scheduling SL-PRS. Alternatively, on OFDM symbols used for SSB (or S-SSB), the RBs (or frequency resources) used for SSB (or S-SSB) can be located in the SL-PRS / PSCCH that schedules SL-PRS, but they are rate-matched (or punctured. That is, there is no actual transmission of SL-PRS / PSCCH on these time-frequency resources used for SSB / S-SSB).

[0100] Alternatively, time slots reserved for Rel-16 / 17 / 18 sidelink UEs that are unavailable can be used for SL-PRS (and / or PSCCH of SL-PRS), wherein SL-PRS (and / or PSCCH of SL-PRS) is used for Rel-19 sidelink UEs (and / or newer versions).

[0101] This method can be used to determine UE behavior and make more efficient use of unlicensed channels (i.e., unlicensed carriers).

[0102] Example 5 of implementation: COT sharing among multiple wireless communication devices

[0103] Following successful contention for an unlicensed channel (i.e., an unlicensed carrier), i.e., a successful LBT / CCA, a radio device (e.g., a gNB or UE) can share this unlicensed channel with another radio device for the duration of the COT (or the maximum COT, or the maximum COT duration). Furthermore, this facilitates DL positioning (DL positioning requires transmissions from multiple gNBs).

[0104] For SL-PRS, COT sharing can be indicated via Downlink Control Information (DCI) on the PDCCH or Sidelink Control Information (SCI) on the PSCCH / PSSCH / Phase II SCI. This allows for simultaneous transmission of SL-PRS from multiple UEs (similar to DL positioning).

[0105] The COT shared information may include an energy detection threshold (e.g., Th = -100dBm). Alternatively, the energy detection threshold may be associated with the number of simultaneous transmissions of the UE's SL-PRS / SRS (or the gNB's PRS). For example, the energy detection threshold could be Th = -100dBm + 10 × log 10 (NumberOfUE).

[0106] Alternatively, the energy detection threshold is Th = Th_for_Non_COT_Sharing + 10 × log 10 (NumberOfUE), where the energy detection threshold is for non-COT shared (or COT non-shared) frequencies, for example, 72 dBm for FR1 and -80 dBm for FR2. That is, the energy detection threshold is different for FR1 and FR2. Alternatively, the energy detection threshold can be used for Configured Grant (CG) scheduling (or Semi-Persistence Grant (SG), or Dynamic Grant (DG)). Alternatively, the energy detection threshold can be based on bandwidth. For example, for 20 MHz, Th = (Th_for_Non_COT_Sharing + 10 × log 10 (NumberOfUE)) / 20MHz, or Th=Th_for_Non_COT_Sharing@20MHz+10×log 10 (NumberOfUE), or Th=Th_for_Non_COT_Sharing_per_MHz+10×log 10 (NumberOfUE), where Th_for_Non_COT_Sharing_per_MHz is the energy detection threshold based on a bandwidth of 1MHz.

[0107] Alternatively, the energy detection threshold is associated with the CombSize of the SL-PRS / SRS / PRS. For example, the energy detection threshold is Th = -100 dBm - 10 × log 10(CombSize) or Th=BaseThreshold_in_dBm+10×log 10 (CombSize). Alternatively, the energy detection threshold is Th = Th_for_Non_COT_Sharing + 10 × log 10 (CombSize).

[0108] Alternatively, if no energy detection threshold is configured, the shared COT can only be transmitted for a certain duration, which can be less than or equal to CombSize OFDM symbols (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4 symbols).

[0109] Alternatively, the maximum energy detection threshold (or energy detection threshold) may be associated with at least one of the following: channel bandwidth (or carrier bandwidth), subchannel bandwidth, RP bandwidth, number of subchannels, Bandwidth Part (BWP), NumberOfUE, CombSize, number of interleavings, number of interleaving resources, and number of interleaving RBs. Alternatively, the maximum energy detection threshold (or energy detection threshold) for COT sharing may be associated with at least one of the following: channel bandwidth (or carrier bandwidth), subchannel bandwidth, RP bandwidth, number of subchannels, BWP, NumberOfUE, CombSize, number of interleavings, number of interleaving resources, and number of interleaving RBs. Alternatively, the maximum energy detection threshold (or energy detection threshold) for initiated COT (e.g., gNB-initiated COT) may be associated with at least one of the following: channel bandwidth (or carrier bandwidth), subchannel bandwidth, RP bandwidth, number of subchannels, BWP, NumberOfUE, CombSize, number of interleavings, number of interleaving resources, and number of interleaving RBs. Alternatively, the maximum energy detection threshold (or energy detection threshold) for COT non-shared can be associated with at least one of the following: channel bandwidth (or carrier bandwidth), subchannel bandwidth, RP bandwidth, number of subchannels, BWP, NumberOfUE, CombSize, number of interleavings, number of interleaving resources, and number of interleaving RBs.

[0110] Alternatively, for a shared COT, the transmission bandwidth should be within the BWP of the initiating COT (e.g., for frequency range 1 or 2, FR1 or FR2). Alternatively, for a UE in RRC_Inactive / RRC_Idle state, for a shared COT, the transmission bandwidth can be outside the BWP of the initiating COT (e.g., for FR2-2). Alternatively, for a UE in RRC_Inactive / RRC_Idle state, for a shared COT, the transmission bandwidth can be outside the BWP of the initiating COT but within the bandwidth of the initiating COT (e.g., for FR2).

[0111] Quasi-Co-Location (QCL) information can be included in the COT shared information. QCL information can include QCL type (e.g., type A / B / C / D) and QCL source (e.g., synchronization signal block, SSB, SSB index, CSI-RS, CSI-RS resource index, PRS resource index, SRS resource index, SL-PRS resource index). Furthermore, this facilitates beamforming-based SL-PRS / SRS / PRS transmission (e.g., in frequency range 2, FR2).

[0112] The COT shared information may include Transmission Configuration Indicator (TCI) information. TCI information may include the QCL type and QCL reference signal. Furthermore, this facilitates beamforming-based SL-PRS / SRS / PRS transmissions.

[0113] Interleaving information can be included in the COT shared information. Alternatively, the energy detection threshold can be associated with the number of interleavings. Alternatively, the energy detection threshold can be associated with the number of interleaved RBs.

[0114] Frequency and bandwidth information can be included in the COT sharing information. Alternatively, the (available) LBT / CCA bandwidth can be included in the COT sharing information. For example, if a UE has already occupied a 100MHz bandwidth (after a successful LBT / CCA), then this UE can share its COT as LBT / CCA bandwidth on 20MHz, 40MHz, and another 40MHz allocated to the first UE, the second UE, the third UE, and another 40MHz, respectively.

[0115] Beam-related information (e.g., azimuth, line-of-sight, PRS resource index, SL-PRS resource index) can be included in the COT shared information.

[0116] Using this method, COT can be shared among multiple wireless communication devices, enabling multi-site positioning and more efficient use of unlicensed channels (i.e., unlicensed carriers). Implementation Example 6: Beam Management / Maintenance of Reference Signals for Positioning

[0117] The reference signal used for positioning can be transmitted in beamforming form, which will improve the quality of the received signal at the receiver.

[0118] In a RP (e.g., a dedicated RP or a shared RP), the CSI-RS (or DM-RS, e.g., the DM-RS of the PSCCH that schedules the SL-PRS) can be transmitted with the SL-PRS / PRS in time-division multiplexing (TDM, e.g., CSI-RS first, then SL-PRS / PRS) using the same beam (or beam index, beam direction, or CSI-RS resource index). When the UE measures the SL-PRS / PRS, this CSI-RS can be a beam reference (or QCL source or QCL reference) for the SL-PRS / PRS.

[0119] Alternatively, CSI-RS can be transmitted simultaneously with SL-PRS / PRS in a comb-like manner (e.g., comb-based FDM) with different comb offsets. For example, for CombSize=2, CSI-RS is transmitted at CombOffset=0, while SL-PRS / PRS is transmitted at CombOffset=1.

[0120] Alternatively, when a wireless device measures an SL-PRS / PRS / SRS, the SL-PRS / PRS / SRS in one RP (or resource, or resource set) can be a beam reference (or QCL source, or QCL reference) for the SL-PRS / PRS / SRS in another RP (or resource, or resource set). Furthermore, this approach facilitates cross-pool beam management.

[0121] Alternatively, when wireless communication devices (e.g., UE, gNB, or Transmitting and Receiving Points (TRPs) report SL-PRS / PRS / SRS measurement results, additional resource indexes (e.g., PRS resource index, SL-PRS resource index, SRS resource index) are attached. Furthermore, this method aids in beam management / maintenance. Alternatively, beam indexes can be attached.

[0122] Alternatively, when a wireless communication device (e.g., a UE or gNB, or a transmit and receive point, TRP) reports the measurement results of SL-PRS / PRS / SRS, a timestamp of the time when the SL-PRS / PRS / SRS measurement was performed (e.g., system frame number SFN, device frame number DFN, intra-frame slot number, intra-slot symbol index, start symbol index, end symbol index) is appended. Furthermore, this method facilitates beam management / maintenance using beam scanning / repetition and indicates which beam to reference and when to reference it.

[0123] Alternatively, the CSI-RS used as a beam reference (or QCL source, or QCL reference) for SL-PRS / PRS / SRS can be carried by PSSCH as accompanying data.

[0124] Alternatively, one (or more) PSFCHs can be used to provide feedback on which beam direction (or SL-PRS / PRS / SRS resource, or SL-PRS / PRS / SRS resource index) is measured (or measured using the highest reference signal received power, RSRP) value), where the PSFCHs can share the COT of the SL-PRS / PRS / SRS. Alternatively, each PSFCH can have a separate LBT / CCA (e.g., with a Type A or Type B channel access procedure). Alternatively, a set of PSFCHs can have an LBT / CCA. Alternatively, a set of PSFCHs can have an LBT / CCA, where these PSFCHs are transmitted simultaneously. For example, if a PSFCH corresponding to the SL-PRS resource index is transmitted, then this beam direction of the SL-PRS is the optimal direction. If a PSFCH corresponding to the SL-PRS resource index is not transmitted, then this beam direction is not measured (or is unavailable). Alternatively, a PSFCH with a value of "1" (or a value used for positive ACK) indicates that the corresponding SL-PRS (or SL-PRS resource) has been sent, while a value of "0" (or a value used for negative ACK) indicates that "not sent".

[0125] Alternatively, cyclic shifts of the SL-PRS / PRS / SRS can be used for beam direction feedback (e.g., cyclic shift #5 for beam direction #5, one-to-one mapping). Alternatively, cyclic shifts of the SL-PRS / PRS / SRS can be used to feedback which beam direction was measured (or SSB, or SSB index, or SL-PRS / PRS / SRS resource, or SL-PRS / PRS / SRS resource index).

[0126] Alternatively, when the wireless communication device measures the differential carrier phase (using a pair of carrier phase measurements or two carrier phase measurements), the same phase error set (PEG) will be applied (for this pair of carrier phase measurements). Alternatively, the PEG can have zero phase error margin. Alternatively, the timing of the carrier phase measurement can be the start position of transmitting OFDM symbols of SL-PRS / PRS / SRS (or SL-PRS / PRS / SRS resources).

[0127] Alternatively, for frequency-hopping SL-PRS / PRS / SRS transmission / reception (e.g., for degraded UEs, RedCap UEs), data transmission / reception (e.g., location-related data for reporting, such as auxiliary data for location, PDSCH / PUSCH for measurement results) can be performed via frequency hopping. For example, for PRS reception using five-hop frequency hopping, the UE can combine the PDSCHs on those five hops (if they overlap, even with different redundant versions). As another example, for SRS transmission using five-hop frequency hopping, the UE can retransmit the PUSCH five times. Using this method, the decoding performance of PDSCH / PUSCH can be improved (e.g., signal quality improved by five times).

[0128] Alternatively, for frequency-hopping SL-PRS / PRS / SRS transmission / reception (e.g., for RedCap UEs), each hop is transmitted (or received) using the same beam (or beam direction, or QCL source, or QCL reference, or QCL reference source, or the same TCI information). Alternatively, for frequency-hopping SL-PRS / PRS / SRS transmission / reception, each hop is associated with the same QCL reference (e.g., the same SSB, the same SSB index, the same CSI-RS resource, the same CSI-RS resource index, the same SL-PRS / PRS / SRS resource, the same SL-PRS / PRS / SRS resource index). Alternatively, the QCL reference (or QCL source) can be appended to the measurement report (with a timestamp).

[0129] Alternatively, for SL-PRS / PRS / SRS transmission / reception utilizing frequency hopping, PRS reception (Rx) frequency hopping can be applied to RedCap UEs in the RRC_INACTIVE state. Measurement Gap (MG) can be configured for this UE. The MG configuration can be performed via an RRC release message before the UE transitions from the RRC_Connected state to the RRC_INACTIVE state. Alternatively, the MG configuration can be broadcast in the System Information Block (SIB). Alternatively, the Measurement Gap Length (MGL) of the MG can be 20ms, 40ms, 60ms, 80ms, 100ms, 200ms, or 1000ms.

[0130] Alternatively, for SL-PRS / PRS / SRS transmission / reception utilizing frequency hopping, if the full bandwidth of PRS / SRS reception cannot be guaranteed, only the measurement results for one hop should be reported. Otherwise, the measurement results for all hops (or the full bandwidth of PRS / SRS reception) should be reported. Alternatively, the hop with the highest RSRP, and / or the highest SNR, and / or the largest bandwidth should be reported.

[0131] Alternatively, for SL-PRS / PRS / SRS transmission / reception utilizing frequency hopping, a common start physical resource block (PRB) (e.g., the base station's RRC, another UE's RRC) can be configured by a higher layer for all UEs. Alternatively, the first hop (e.g., the hop with hop ID 0, or the hop with the lowest frequency, or the hop with the highest frequency) is configured with a start PRB. Alternatively, the bandwidth of a hop is configured by a higher layer. Alternatively, each hop can have the same bandwidth value configured by a higher layer. Alternatively, the number of configured RBs with the configured bandwidth is less than or equal to the number of RBs in the UE's capability (e.g., a maximum of 51 RBs for a 20MHz UE capability at SCS = 30kHz).

[0132] This method can be used to effectively manage / maintain beamforming of SL-PRS / PRS / SRS.

[0133] It should be understood that one or more features from the above implementation examples are not exclusive to the specific implementation examples, but can be combined in any way (e.g., in any priority and / or order, concurrently or otherwise).

[0134] Figure 5A flowchart of a method 500 for signal transmission over an unlicensed carrier (or shared spectrum) is shown. Method 500 can be used in conjunction with this document. Figures 1 to 2 The method is implemented by any one or more of the components and devices described in the detailed description. Generally, in some embodiments, method 500 may be performed by a wireless communication device or a wireless communication node. Depending on the embodiment, additional, fewer, or different operations may be performed in method 500. At least one aspect of the operations relates to a system, method, apparatus, or computer-readable medium.

[0135] A wireless communication entity (e.g., a UE, a wireless device) can receive configuration information about a reference signal (e.g., a PRS) used for positioning from a wireless communication node. The wireless communication entity can transmit the reference signal for positioning. This transmission may include a PSCCH-based DM-RS occupancy signal, which schedules the reference signal for positioning.

[0136] In some embodiments, the transmission may include an occupancy signal based on an AGC symbol that occurs immediately before the PSCCH that schedules the reference signal for positioning. The transmission may include an occupancy signal based on a PDCCH for the DM-RS that schedules the reference signal for positioning. The transmission may also include an occupancy signal based on an AGC symbol that occurs immediately before the PSCCH that schedules the reference signal for positioning.

[0137] In some embodiments, the configuration information may instruct that the transmission be performed (i.e., sent) when the time interval between a successful LBT / CCA and the predefined start time of the PSCCH for scheduling the reference signal used for positioning is greater than or equal to the AGC processing capacity of the first wireless communication entity. The transmission may include an occupancy signal copied from the incoming PSCCH symbol.

[0138] In some embodiments, the reference signal for positioning can be configured as a comb-based signal, and the reference signal for positioning is not transmitted when the time interval between a successful LBT / CCA and a predefined end time of the reference signal for positioning is less than CombSize / Q OFDM symbols, where CombSize is the comb size and Q is an integer. The reference signal for positioning can be configured as a comb-based signal, and the reference signal for positioning is not transmitted when the time interval between a successful LBT / CCA and a predefined end time of the reference signal for positioning is less than CombSize / Q OFDM symbols plus the duration of AGC, where CombSize is the comb size and Q is an integer. The reference signal used for positioning can be configured as a comb-based signal, and no positioning reference signal is transmitted when the time interval between a successful LBT / CCA and the predefined end time of the PSCCH scheduling the reference signal for positioning is less than the duration of CombSize / Q OFDM symbols plus AGC, where CombSize is the comb size and Q is an integer. The reference signal used for positioning can be configured as a comb-based signal, and no reference signal for positioning is transmitted when the time interval between a successful LBT / CCA and the predefined end time of the PSCCH scheduling the reference signal for positioning is less than CombSize OFDM symbols plus the duration of the PSCCH / PDCCH scheduling the reference signal for positioning, where CombSize is the comb size.The reference signal used for positioning can be configured as a comb-based signal, and no reference signal for positioning is transmitted when the time interval between a successful LBT / CCA and the predefined end time of the PSCCH scheduling the reference signal for positioning is less than CombSize OFDM symbols plus the duration of AGC and the duration of the PSCCH / PDCCH scheduling the reference signal for positioning, where CombSize is the comb size.

[0139] In some embodiments, configuration information may indicate the LBT / CCA type associated with the CombSize of the reference signal used for positioning, where CombSize is a comb size. Configuration information may indicate that the PSCCH begins with a first interleaving and the reference signal used for positioning begins with a second interleaving. Configuration information may indicate that every M RBs within the bandwidth constitute an interleaving, where M is an integer. Configuration information may indicate one or more CombSize interleavings for the transmission of the reference signal used for positioning, where CombSize is a comb size. Configuration information may indicate an interleaving containing RBs, where each RB is associated with an RB index. Configuration information may indicate more than one sub-interleaving within an interleaving. Configuration information may indicate sub-interleaving indicators in the PSCCH / PSSCH / PDCCH.

[0140] In some embodiments, the reference signal used for positioning can be configured as a comb-based signal, and when the remaining duration of the COT is less than CombSize OFDM symbols, RemainingDuration - CombSize / Q OFDM symbols are discarded, where CombSize is the comb size and Q is an integer. In some embodiments, the reference signal used for positioning can be configured as a comb-based signal, and when the remaining duration of the COT is less than CombSize × RepetitionFactor OFDM symbols, RemainingDuration - CombSize × RepetitionFactor / Q OFDM symbols are discarded, where CombSize is the comb size and Q is an integer. In some embodiments, the reference signal used for positioning can be configured as a comb-based signal, and when the remaining duration of the COT is less than P × CombSize OFDM symbols and more than or equal to CombSize OFDM symbols, the remaining duration of the COT is a repetition of CombSize-1 OFDM symbols, where CombSize is the comb size and P is an integer.

[0141] In some embodiments, the configuration information may include an energy detection threshold, and the energy detection threshold is included in the COT shared information. In some embodiments, the energy detection threshold may be associated with the number of simultaneous transmissions of a reference signal used for positioning. The energy detection threshold may be associated with the CombSize of the reference signal used for positioning. The energy detection threshold may be associated with the amount of interleaving.

[0142] In some embodiments, configuration information may indicate QCL information included in COT shared information. Configuration information may indicate transmission configuration indicators included in COT shared information. Configuration information may indicate interleaving information included in COT shared information. Configuration information may indicate LBT / CCA bandwidth included in COT shared information. Configuration information may indicate that a reference signal for positioning in one RP (or resource, or resource set) serves as a beam reference (or QCL source) for another reference signal for positioning in another RP. Configuration information may indicate appending a resource index when the wireless communication device reports measurement results for the reference signal used for positioning. Configuration information may indicate appending a timestamp when the wireless communication device reports measurement results for the reference signal used for positioning. Configuration information may indicate a Physical Side Link Feedback Channel (PSFCH) used for measuring beam direction. In some embodiments, the PSFCH shares the COT of the reference signal used for positioning. The configuration information can indicate that when mod(SymbolID,CombSize)==T, the reference signal used for positioning starts from symbol ID, where SymbolID is the symbol ID in the time slot, CombSize is the comb size of the reference signal used for positioning, and T is an integer.

[0143] In some embodiments, the transmission may include a COT duration associated with the comb size of a reference signal for positioning or a repetition factor of a reference signal for positioning.

[0144] Figure 6 A flowchart of a method 600 for receiving signals on an unlicensed carrier (or shared spectrum) is shown. Method 600 can be used in conjunction with this document. Figures 1 to 2 The method is implemented using any one or more of the components and devices described in the detailed description. Generally, in some embodiments, method 600 may be performed by a wireless communication device or a wireless communication node. Depending on the embodiment, additional, fewer, or different operations may be performed in method 600. At least one aspect of the operations relates to a system, method, apparatus, or computer-readable medium.

[0145] In some embodiments, the wireless communication device can identify configuration information regarding a reference signal for positioning transmitted from a second wireless communication device. The wireless communication device can measure the reference signal for positioning. The wireless communication device can transmit a report including the measurement results of the reference signal for positioning. In some embodiments, the measurement results may include the reference signal for positioning in one RP (or resource, or resource set) as a beam reference (or QCL source) for another reference signal for positioning in another RP.

[0146] In some embodiments, configuration information may indicate that a resource index should be appended when sending the report. In some embodiments, the resource index may include a PRS resource index, an SL-PRS resource index, or an SRS resource index. Configuration information may indicate that a timestamp may be appended when sending the report. In some embodiments, the timestamp may include an SFN, an intra-frame slot number, or an intra-slot symbol index.

Claims

1. A wireless communication method, comprising: The first wireless communication entity receives configuration information about the reference signal used for positioning from the second wireless communication entity; The first wireless communication entity transmits the reference signal for positioning to the second wireless communication entity based on the configuration information, wherein the configuration information indicates more than one sub-interleaving within the interleaving and sub-interleaving indicators in the Physical Side Link Control Channel (PSCCH), Physical Side Link Shared Channel (PSSCH), and Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH), and different sub-interleavings are assigned to different first wireless communication entities; the transmission is performed when the time interval between a successful Listen-After-Talk (LBT) / Idle Channel Assessment (CCA) and the predefined start time of the PSCCH scheduling the reference signal for positioning is greater than or equal to the AGC processing capacity of the first wireless communication entity; The transmission also includes any of the following: Occupied signal of demodulation reference signal DM-RS based on PSCCH, wherein the PSCCH scheduling is used to locate the reference signal; Occupied signal of demodulation reference signal DM-RS based on PDCCH, wherein the PDCCH scheduling is used to locate the reference signal; Occupancy signal based on automatic gain control (AGC) symbol, wherein the AGC symbol is exactly before the PSCCH of the reference signal used for positioning; The occupancy signal is copied from the incoming PSCCH symbol.

2. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, wherein, The reference signal used for positioning is configured as a comb-based signal, and the reference signal used for positioning is not transmitted when the time interval between a successful LBT / CCA and a predefined end time of the reference signal used for positioning is less than CombSize / Q orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols, where CombSize is the comb size and Q is an integer.

3. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, wherein, The reference signal used for positioning is configured as a comb-based signal, and the reference signal used for positioning is not transmitted when the time interval between a successful LBT / CCA and a predefined end time of the reference signal used for positioning is less than CombSize OFDM symbols, where CombSize is the comb size.

4. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, wherein, The reference signal used for positioning is configured as a comb-based signal, and the reference signal used for positioning is not transmitted when the time interval between a successful LBT / CCA and a predefined end time of the reference signal used for positioning is less than CombSize / Q OFDM symbols plus the duration of AGC, where CombSize is the comb size and Q is an integer.

5. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, wherein, The reference signal used for positioning is configured as a comb-based signal, and the reference signal for positioning is not transmitted when the time interval between a successful LBT / CCA and the predefined end time of the PSCCH that schedules the reference signal for positioning is less than CombSize / Q OFDM symbols plus the duration of AGC, where CombSize is the comb size and Q is an integer.

6. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, wherein, The reference signal used for positioning is configured as a comb-based signal, and the reference signal used for positioning is not transmitted when the time interval between a successful LBT / CCA and a predefined end time of the reference signal used for positioning is less than CombSize OFDM symbols plus the duration of AGC, where CombSize is the comb size.

7. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, wherein, The reference signal used for positioning is configured as a comb-based signal, and the reference signal used for positioning is not transmitted when the time interval between a successful LBT / CCA and the predefined end time of the PSCCH that schedules the reference signal used for positioning is less than CombSize OFDM symbols plus the duration of AGC, where CombSize is the comb size.

8. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, wherein, The reference signal used for positioning is configured as a comb-based signal, and the reference signal for positioning is not transmitted when the time interval between a successful LBT / CCA and the predefined end time of the PSCCH scheduling the reference signal for positioning is less than CombSize OFDM symbols plus the duration of the PSCCH / PDCCH scheduling the reference signal for positioning, where CombSize is the comb size.

9. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, wherein, The reference signal used for positioning is configured as a comb-based signal, and the reference signal for positioning is not transmitted when the time interval between a successful LBT / CCA and the predefined end time of the PSCCH scheduling the reference signal for positioning is less than CombSize OFDM symbols plus the duration of AGC and the duration of the PSCCH / PDCCH scheduling the reference signal for positioning, where CombSize is the comb size.

10. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, wherein, The configuration information indicates the LBT / CCA type associated with the CombSize of the reference signal used for positioning, where CombSize is the comb size.

11. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, wherein, The configuration information indicates that the PSCCH begins with a first interleaving and the reference signal used for positioning begins with a second interleaving.

12. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, wherein, The configuration information indicates that every M resource blocks (RBs) within the bandwidth form an interleaving, where M is an integer.

13. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, wherein, The configuration information indicates one or more CombSize interleavings of the transmission of the reference signal used for positioning, wherein CombSize is a comb size.

14. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, wherein, The configuration information indicates the interleaving of RBs, wherein each RB in the RBs is associated with an RB index.

15. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, wherein, The reference signal used for positioning is configured as a comb-based signal, and when the remaining duration of the channel occupancy time (COT) (RemainingDuration) is less than CombSize OFDM symbols, RemainingDuration - CombSize / Q OFDM symbols are discarded, where CombSize is the comb size and Q is an integer.

16. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, wherein, The reference signal used for positioning is configured as a comb-based signal, and when the remaining duration of the COT (RemainingDuration) is less than CombSize × RepetitionFactor OFDM symbols, RemainingDuration − CombSize × RepetitionFactor / Q OFDM symbols are discarded, where CombSize is the comb size and Q is an integer.

17. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, wherein, The reference signal used for positioning is configured as a comb-based signal, and when the remaining duration of the COT (RemainingDuration) is less than P × CombSize OFDM symbols and greater than or equal to CombSize OFDM symbols, the RemainingDuration - (P - 1) × CombSize OFDM symbols is a repetition of CombSize - 1 OFDM symbols, where CombSize is the comb size and P is an integer.

18. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, wherein, The configuration information includes an energy detection threshold, and the energy detection threshold is included in the COT shared information.

19. The wireless communication method according to claim 18, wherein, The energy detection threshold is associated with the number of reference signals transmitted simultaneously for positioning.

20. The wireless communication method according to claim 18, wherein, The energy detection threshold is associated with the CombSize of the reference signal used for localization.

21. The wireless communication method according to claim 18, wherein, The energy detection threshold is related to the amount of interleaving.

22. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, wherein, The configuration information indicates the quasi-co-located QCL information included in the COT shared information.

23. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, wherein, The configuration information indicates the transport configuration indicator included in the COT shared information.

24. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, wherein, The configuration information indicates the interleaving information included in the COT shared information.

25. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, wherein, The configuration information indicates the LBT / CCA bandwidth included in the COT shared information.

26. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, wherein, The configuration information indicates that the reference signal used for positioning in a resource pool (RP), or resource, or resource set, serves as a beam reference or QCL source for another reference signal used for positioning in another RP.

27. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, wherein, The configuration information indicates that when the wireless communication device reports the measurement results of the reference signal used for positioning, an additional resource index should be added.

28. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, wherein, The configuration information indicates that a timestamp should be added when the wireless communication device reports the measurement results of the reference signal used for positioning.

29. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, wherein, The configuration information indicates the physical side link feedback channel (PSFCH) used to measure beam direction.

30. The wireless communication method according to claim 29, wherein, The PSFCH shares the COT of the reference signal used for positioning.

31. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, wherein, The configuration information indicates that when mod(SymbolID, CombSize) == T, the reference signal used for positioning starts from symbol ID, where SymbolID is the symbol identifier ID in the time slot, CombSize is the comb size of the reference signal used for positioning, and T is an integer.

32. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, wherein, The transmission includes a COT duration, wherein the COT duration is associated with the comb size of the reference signal used for positioning or the repetition factor of the reference signal used for positioning.

33. A wireless communication device, comprising a processor and a memory, wherein, The processor is configured to read code from the memory and implement the method described in any one of claims 1 to 32.

34. A computer program product comprising computer-readable program medium code stored on the computer program product, the code, when executed by a processor, causing the processor to implement the method described in any one of claims 1 to 32.

Images