Measurement impairment avoidance for carrier phase positioning

Abstract

Systems, methods, apparatus, and computer program products for measurement impairment avoidance for carrier phase positioning. A method may include receiving puncturing information for direct current subcarrier resource element (s) of a symbol on a positioning reference signal resource from a first network element. The method may also include receiving the positioning reference signal resource from the first network element in consideration of the puncturing information. The method may also include performing a positioning measurement based on the positioning reference signal resource. Further, the method may include sending a report of the positioning measurement to a second network element.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Some example embodiments may generally relate to mobile or wireless telecommunication systems, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) or fifth generation (5G) New Radio (NR) access technologies, or beyond 5G, or other communication systems. For example, certain example embodiments may relate to apparatus, systems, and / or methods for measurement impairment avoidance for carrier phase (CP) positioning. Background Art

[0002] Examples of mobile or wireless telecommunication systems may include Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN), LTE Evolved UTRAN (E-UTRAN), Advanced LTE (LTE-A), MulteFire, LTE-A Pro, fifth generation (5G) radio access technology or NR access technology, and / or Advanced 5G. 5G wireless systems refer to the next generation (NG) of radio systems and network architectures. 5G network technology is mostly based on NR technology. However, 5G (or NG) networks can also be built on E-UTRAN radios. It is estimated that NR can provide bit rates of approximately 10 to 20 Gbit / s or higher and can support at least enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) and ultra-reliable low-latency communications (URLLC) and massive machine type communications (mMTC). NR is expected to deliver extreme broadband and ultra-robust, low-latency connections, high-precision positioning, and large-scale networking to support IoT. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Some example embodiments may involve a method. The method may include receiving, from a first network element, puncturing information for one or more DC subcarrier resource elements of a symbol on a positioning reference signal resource. The method may also include receiving, from the first network element, the positioning reference signal resource taking into account the puncturing information. The method may also include performing positioning measurements based on the positioning reference signal resource. The method may also include sending a report of the positioning measurements to a second network element.

[0004] Other example embodiments may relate to an apparatus. The apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory, the at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to have stored instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to receive, from at least a first network element, puncturing information for one or more DC subcarrier resource elements of a symbol on a positioning reference signal resource. The apparatus may also be configured to take into account the puncturing information and receive the positioning reference signal resource from the first network element. The apparatus may also be configured to perform positioning measurements based on the positioning reference signal resource. In addition, the apparatus may be configured to send a report of the positioning measurement to a second network element.

[0005] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include means for receiving, from a first network element, puncturing information for one or more DC subcarrier resource elements of a symbol on a positioning reference signal resource. The apparatus may also include means for receiving the positioning reference signal resource from the first network element taking into account the puncturing information. The apparatus may also include means for performing positioning measurements based on the positioning reference signal resource. Additionally, the apparatus may include means for sending a report of the positioning measurements to a second network element.

[0006] According to other example embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readable medium may be encoded with instructions that, when executed in hardware, may perform a method. The method may include receiving, from a first network element, puncturing information for one or more DC subcarrier resource elements of a symbol on a positioning reference signal resource. The method may also include receiving, from the first network element, the positioning reference signal resource taking into account the puncturing information. The method may also include performing positioning measurements based on the positioning reference signal resource. Furthermore, the method may include sending a report of the positioning measurements to a second network element.

[0007] Other example embodiments may involve a computer program product that performs a method. The method may include receiving, from a first network element, puncturing information for one or more DC subcarrier resource elements of a symbol on a positioning reference signal resource. The method may also include receiving, from the first network element, the positioning reference signal resource taking into account the puncturing information. The method may also include performing positioning measurements based on the positioning reference signal resource. Furthermore, the method may include sending a report of the positioning measurements to a second network element.

[0008] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that may include circuitry configured to receive, from a first network element, puncturing information for one or more DC subcarrier resource elements of a symbol on a positioning reference signal resource. The apparatus may also include circuitry configured to receive the positioning reference signal resource from the first network element taking into account the puncturing information. The apparatus may also include circuitry configured to perform positioning measurements based on the positioning reference signal resource. Furthermore, the apparatus may include circuitry configured to send a report of the positioning measurements to a second network element.

[0009] Some example embodiments may involve a method. The method may include receiving an instruction or indication from the network element to puncture one or more DC subcarrier resource elements for symbols on a sounding reference signal resource. The method may also include sending the sounding reference signal with the one or more punctured DC subcarrier resource elements to the network element.

[0010] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory, the at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least receive an instruction or indication from the network element to puncture one or more DC subcarrier resource elements for symbols on a sounding reference signal resource. The apparatus may also be caused to transmit the sounding reference signal with the one or more punctured DC subcarrier resource elements to the network element.

[0011] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include means for receiving an instruction or indication from a network element to puncture one or more DC subcarrier resource elements for symbols on a sounding reference signal resource. The apparatus may also include means for transmitting the sounding reference signal with the one or more punctured DC subcarrier resource elements to the network element.

[0012] According to other example embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readable medium may be encoded with instructions that, when executed in hardware, may perform a method. The method may include receiving an instruction or indication from a network element to puncture one or more DC subcarrier resource elements for symbols on a sounding reference signal resource. The method may also include sending the sounding reference signal with the one or more punctured DC subcarrier resource elements to the network element.

[0013] Other example embodiments may be directed to a computer program product that performs a method. The method may include receiving an instruction or indication from a network element to puncture one or more DC subcarrier resource elements for symbols on a sounding reference signal resource. The method may also include sending the sounding reference signal with the one or more punctured DC subcarrier resource elements to the network element.

[0014] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that may include circuitry configured to receive, from a network element, an instruction or indication to puncture one or more DC subcarrier resource elements for symbols on a sounding reference signal resource. The apparatus may also include circuitry configured to transmit, to the network element, the sounding reference signal with the one or more punctured DC subcarrier resource elements.

[0015] Some example embodiments may involve a method. The method may include receiving a request from a network element to puncture one or more DC subcarrier resource elements for symbols on a positioning reference signal resource. The method may also include sending a response to the request to puncture the one or more DC subcarrier resource elements to the network element. The method may also include sending puncturing information about the one or more DC subcarrier resource elements to a user equipment.

[0016] Other example embodiments may relate to an apparatus. The apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory, the at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: receive a request from a network element, the request being used to puncture one or more DC subcarrier resource elements for symbols on a positioning reference signal resource. The apparatus may also be caused to send a response to the request to puncture the one or more DC subcarrier resource elements to the network element. The apparatus may also be caused to send puncturing information of the one or more DC subcarrier resource elements to a user equipment.

[0017] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include means for receiving a request from a network element to puncture one or more DC subcarrier resource elements for symbols on a positioning reference signal resource. The apparatus may also include means for sending a response to the request to puncture the one or more DC subcarrier resource elements to the network element. The apparatus may also include means for sending puncturing information about the one or more DC subcarrier resource elements to a user equipment.

[0018] According to other example embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readable medium may be encoded with instructions that, when executed in hardware, may perform a method. The method may include receiving a request from a network element to puncture one or more DC subcarrier resource elements for symbols on a positioning reference signal resource. The method may also include sending a response to the request to puncture the one or more DC subcarrier resource elements to the network element. The method may also include sending puncturing information for the one or more DC subcarrier resource elements to a user equipment.

[0019] Other example embodiments may be directed to a computer program product that performs a method. The method may include receiving a request from a network element to puncture one or more DC subcarrier resource elements for symbols on a positioning reference signal resource. The method may also include sending a response to the request to puncture the one or more DC subcarrier resource elements to the network element. The method may also include sending puncturing information for the one or more DC subcarrier resource elements to a user equipment.

[0020] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that may include circuitry configured to receive a request from a network element to puncture one or more DC subcarrier resource elements for symbols on a positioning reference signal resource. The apparatus may also include circuitry configured to send a response to the request to puncture the one or more DC subcarrier resource elements to the network element. The apparatus may also include circuitry configured to send puncturing information about the one or more DC subcarrier resource elements to a user equipment.

[0021] Some example embodiments may involve a method. The method may include configuring a user equipment to puncture one or more DC subcarrier resource elements for symbols on a sounding reference signal resource. The method may also include receiving the sounding reference signal from the user equipment taking into account the one or more punctured DC subcarrier resource elements. The method may also include performing a carrier positioning measurement based on the sounding reference signal. The method may also include reporting the carrier positioning measurement to a network element.

[0022] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory, the at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least configure a user equipment to puncture one or more DC subcarrier resource elements for symbols on a sounding reference signal resource. The apparatus may also be caused to receive the sounding reference signal from the user equipment taking into account the one or more punctured DC subcarrier resource elements. The apparatus may also be caused to perform carrier positioning measurements based on the sounding reference signal. In addition, the apparatus may be caused to report the carrier positioning measurements to a network element.

[0023] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include means for configuring a user equipment to puncture one or more DC subcarrier resource elements for symbols on a sounding reference signal resource. The apparatus may also include means for receiving the sounding reference signal from the user equipment taking into account the one or more punctured DC subcarrier resource elements. The apparatus may also include means for performing carrier location measurements based on the sounding reference signal. Additionally, the apparatus may include means for reporting the carrier location measurements to a network element.

[0024] According to other example embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readable medium may be encoded with instructions that, when executed in hardware, may perform a method. The method may include configuring a user equipment to puncture one or more DC subcarrier resource elements for symbols on a sounding reference signal resource. The method may also include receiving the sounding reference signal from the user equipment taking into account the one or more punctured DC subcarrier resource elements. The method may also include performing a carrier positioning measurement based on the sounding reference signal. Furthermore, the method may include reporting the carrier positioning measurement to a network element.

[0025] Other example embodiments may involve executing a computer program product that performs a method. The method may include configuring a user equipment to puncture one or more DC subcarrier resource elements for symbols on a sounding reference signal resource. The method may also include receiving the sounding reference signal from the user equipment taking into account the one or more punctured DC subcarrier resource elements. The method may also include performing a carrier location measurement based on the sounding reference signal. Furthermore, the method may include reporting the carrier location measurement to a network element.

[0026] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that may include circuitry configured to configure a user equipment to puncture one or more DC subcarrier resource elements for symbols on a sounding reference signal resource. The apparatus may also include circuitry configured to receive the sounding reference signal from the user equipment taking into account the punctured one or more DC subcarrier resource elements. The apparatus may also include circuitry configured to perform carrier location measurements based on the sounding reference signal. Furthermore, the apparatus may include circuitry configured to report the carrier location measurements to a network element. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] For a proper understanding of the exemplary embodiments, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0028] Figure 1 An example carrier phase (CP) estimation in the time domain (TD) is shown.

[0029] Figure 2 Example CP estimation in the frequency domain (FD) is shown.

[0030] Figure 3 An example signaling diagram is shown for downlink-based (DL-based) CP positioning, in accordance with certain example embodiments.

[0031] Figure 4 An example signaling diagram is shown for uplink-based (UL-based) CP positioning, in accordance with certain example embodiments.

[0032] Figure 5An example flow diagram for DL carrier phase positioning (CPP) is shown, in accordance with certain example embodiments.

[0033] Figure 6 An example flow diagram of a method is shown, according to certain example embodiments.

[0034] Figure 7 An example flow chart of another method is shown, in accordance with certain example embodiments.

[0035] Figure 8 An example flow chart of yet another method is shown, in accordance with certain example embodiments.

[0036] Figure 9 An example flow chart of yet another method according to certain example embodiments is shown.

[0037] Figure 10 A set of apparatuses according to certain example embodiments is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] It will be readily understood that the components of certain example embodiments, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, may be arranged and designed in a variety of different configurations. The following is a detailed description of some example embodiments of systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for measurement impairment avoidance for carrier phase (CP) positioning. For example, certain example embodiments may relate to avoiding measurement impairments for CP positioning due to direct current (DC) subcarriers.

[0039] The features, structures, or characteristics of the example embodiments described throughout this specification may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more example embodiments. For example, the use of the phrases "certain embodiments," "example embodiments," "some embodiments," or other similar language throughout this specification refers to the fact that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearance of the phrases "in certain embodiments," "in an example embodiment," "in some embodiments," "in other embodiments," or other similar language throughout this specification does not necessarily refer to the same set of embodiments, and the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more example embodiments. Furthermore, the terms "base station," "cell," "node," "gNB," "network," or other similar language may be used interchangeably throughout this specification.

[0040] As used herein, “at least one of: ” and “at least one of ” and similar expressions, where a list of two or more elements is joined by “and” or “or,” mean at least any one of the elements, or at least any two or more of the elements, or at least all of the elements.

[0041] The technical specifications of the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) provide support for CP positioning. For example, physical layer measurements are specified to support NR downlink (DL) and uplink (UL) CP positioning for user equipment-based (UE-based), UE-assisted and next generation radio access network (NG-RAN) node-assisted positioning. 3GPP also specifies DL and CP measurements based on the existing DL Positioning Reference Signal (PRS) and UL Sounding Reference Signal (SRS) used for positioning. 3GPP also specifies measurements for the following cases: the measurement is limited to a single carrier / PF and the corresponding new core requirements, as well as the identification and impact on existing RAN4 specifications. The impact on existing RAN4 specifications considers radio resource management (RRM) measurements and procedures without measurement gaps in connected mode and active mode (including PRS measurement period / reporting).

[0042] Typically, in UL-based CP positioning, the target UE transmits an UL reference signal, and multiple transmit and receive points (TRPs) measure phase measurements, which can be used to estimate the position of the target UE. For the SRS resource transmitted from the kth UE, the phase measurement at the i-th TRP can be expressed by equation (1):

[0043] In equation (1), corresponds to the phase measurement in the cycle, and omits the repeated use of 2π, and d ik ,c,δ k , δ i and N ik denote the actual geographical distance between the kth UE and the i-th TRP, the speed of light, the internal clock bias at the kth UE, the internal clock bias at the i-th TRP, and the integer ambiguity of the propagation wavelength, respectively. Similar to (1), the same equation is derived for the j-th TRP, which is And a single difference measure between two TRPs is described as the following equation (2):

[0044] In equation (2), Δd k =d ik -d jk , Δδ ij =δi -δ j ,and From this single differential operation, the UE clock bias is cancelled, which is similar to the relative time of arrival (RTOA) measurement of uplink time difference of arrival (UL-TDOA). The clock error between TRPs remains, but it is cancelled by the double differential operation using the measurement from the reference device.

[0045] It can be assumed that the Kth UE is a Positioning Reference Unit (PRU). For the SRS sent from the PRU, the single difference measurement between the i-th TRP and the j-th TRP is In addition, the following equation (3) can be obtained:

[0046] In equation (3), ΔΔd kK =Δd k -Δd K ,and Finally, the clock errors between TRPs are canceled. In addition, clock offset can be considered at the UE and TRP, which is the main error in explaining the single and double differential methods of the carrier phase method.

[0047] Figure 1 An example CP estimation in the time domain (TD) is shown, and Figure 2 An example CP estimation in the frequency domain (FD) is shown. By using PRS / SRS, the CP term of Equation (1) can be estimated using correlation-based methods (e.g., in TD or FD). Figure 1 and Figure 2 In both the TD and FD methods shown in , the receiver needs to generate a local copy of the transmitted reference signal (e.g., PRS) and perform resource element (RE) mapping in the way it is mapped / transmitted, and then generate a local TD reference signal for the relevant Figure 1 ) or perform a correlation in the FD ( Figure 2 ).

[0048] To generate a local reference signal and / or perform an Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (IFFT) operation in a carrier phase estimator (see Figure 1 and Figure 2), additional information in NR that a receiver may need to know is how the DC subcarrier is handled at the transmitter. In LTE, in the DL, the DC subcarrier may not be used to avoid high interference that may be introduced due to local oscillator (LO) leakage. In the UL, half-subcarrier shifting can be used to handle LO leakage. However, in NR, the handling of the DC subcarrier is not specified for both DL and UL transmissions. Therefore, this is left to embodiments based on the assumption that modern transceivers may be able to manage the impact / interference of LO leakage.

[0049] Given the above shortcomings, to achieve high-precision positioning for CP techniques, it may be desirable to manage interference caused by LO leakage, as phase measurements are affected by interference from LO leakage on the DC subcarrier. However, managing interference caused by LO is not currently specified in NR. Therefore, certain example embodiments described herein may provide one or more solutions to address LO leakage. For example, certain example embodiments may provide mechanisms for UE behavior and signaling to avoid impairment of CP measurements due to the use of the DC subcarrier for CP measurements.

[0050] Figure 3 An example signaling diagram for DL-based CP positioning according to certain example embodiments is shown. Figure 3 As shown, DL-based CP positioning may involve UE 300, gNB 305, and Location Management Function (LMF) 310. Figure 3 Only one UE 300, gNB 305 and LMF 310 is shown in the figure, but in other example embodiments, more than one UE 300, gNB 305 and LMF 310 may be used.

[0051] At 315, for DL-based CP positioning, LMF 310 may initiate CP positioning and, at 320, request UE 300 to report CP measurements for a specific TRP. In certain example embodiments, unless otherwise specified, the CP measurement may correspond to a single differential CP measurement. At 325, LMF 310 may request gNB 305 to puncture DC subcarrier RE(s) used for transmission of PRS resources. When DC subcarrier RE(s) are punctured, no PRS sequence element(s) will be mapped to the DC subcarrier RE(s) on symbols configured with PRS resources. In certain example embodiments, gNB 305 may not know whether UE 300 has been instructed, requested, or otherwise directed to report CP measurements. Therefore, in this type of scenario, a request from LMF 310 may be necessary. At 330, gNB 305 may confirm the request to puncture DC subcarrier RE(s) to LMF 310.

[0052] At 335, when gNB 305 transmits PRS or PRS resources at 340, gNB 305 may notify UE 300 that the DC subcarrier RE(s) are punctured by gNB 305. According to certain example embodiments, the puncturing of the RE(s) may correspond to reserved REs and the reserved REs are not used for transmitting or receiving signals. Therefore, RS sequence elements mapped to the reserved REs are not allowed. Therefore, the transmitter may not map the sequence elements to the REs. More specifically, the sequence element (e.g., index: N) that should be allocated to the RE may be allocated to the correct next RE (index: N+1). According to other example embodiments, the puncturing of the RE(s) may correspond to REs that are still used as resources for signal transmission and reception with "zero power transmission". In this example, the transmitter may allocate the sequence elements according to the mapping rule, but allocate a transmission power of zero. In other example embodiments, when gNB 305 transmits PRS or PRS resources, LMF 310 may inform UE 300 that the DC subcarrier RE(s) are punctured by gNB 305. In certain example embodiments, UE 300 may know that if the frequency resources of the configured PRS include a DC subcarrier, the DC subcarrier RE(s) may be reserved and may not be used for any signal transmission.

[0053] According to certain example embodiments, the gNB 305 may skip mapping sequence elements (e.g., PRS sequence elements) to DC subcarrier RE(s). For example, the gNB 305 may follow current, pre-existing, or legacy rules for PRS sequence mapping other than the DC subcarrier RE(s), where the legacy rules may be based on NR PRS sequence mapping, e.g., as specified in 3GPP 38.211 for Rel-16, such that the generated PN sequence elements are mapped based on the resource element index(es). In other words, the gNB 305 may not allocate or exclude allocation of PRS sequence elements to the DC subcarrier RE(s). Additionally, when mapping PRS sequence elements to the DC subcarrier RE(s) is skipped, and when the UE 300 is performing measurements, the UE 300 may be aware that sequence mapping is performed by following the Rel-16 rules. Furthermore, the UE 300 may assume that the PRS sequence elements that should have been allocated to the DC subcarrier are being mapped. In certain example embodiments, this behavior of UE 300 may be configured by gNB 305.

[0054] According to other example embodiments, the sequence mapping rule configuration may be modified. When this occurs, the gNB 305 may follow the legacy rules for sequence mapping of PRS sequence elements to REs preceding the DC subcarrier index. For example, the gNB 305 may assign a PRS sequence element to the REs from the next RE to the last RE of the DC subcarrier RE: the PRS sequence element should be assigned from the DC subcarrier RE to the RE immediately preceding the DC subcarrier RE. In other words, the last PRS sequence element may be excluded. According to another example embodiment, when the sequence mapping rule configuration is modified, the UE may assume that the current or legacy sequence mapping rule is in effect before the DC subcarrier RE. The UE 300 may also assume that all remaining PRS sequence elements, except the last one, are assigned to REs from the next RE to the last RE of the configured PRS resources. In other words, in each symbol, there may be N PRS sequence elements to be assigned to N REs. However, if the N REs include the DC subcarrier RE, then N-1 sequence elements may be assigned, and the last sequence element may be excluded for PRS sequence allocation.

[0055] In certain example embodiments, if gNB 305 does not puncture the DC subcarrier RE, gNB 305 may notify UE 300 that it needs to cancel the received signal of the DC subcarrier on the symbols configured with PRS resources. For the cancellation operation of the received signal at (multiple) DC subcarrier REs, UE 300 may need to receive the same signal twice. In addition, gNB 305 may need to send the same PRS resource at least twice. In other example embodiments, if gNB 305 has already scheduled a data transmission to another UE that includes a DC subcarrier for N symbols, gNB 305 may not be able to reserve the DC subcarrier for the target UE. Instead, gNB 305 may need to notify UE 300 that gNB 305 cannot reserve the DC subcarrier for the target UE.

[0056] Return to Figure 3 At 345, UE 300 may perform (multiple) CP measurements considering the punctured REs on the symbols of the configured (multiple) PRS resources. UE 300 may also obtain CP measurements for one or more TRPs. At 350, UE 300 may report the CP measurements to LMF 310, and at 355, LMF 310 may estimate the location of the target UE.

[0057] Figure 4An example signal diagram for UL-based CP positioning according to certain example embodiments is shown. UL-based CP positioning may involve UE 400, gNB 405, and LMF 410. In this example, gNB 405 may provide SRS configuration for positioning to UE 400. Although Figure 4 Only one UE 400, gNB 405 and LMF 410 is shown in the figure, but in other example embodiments, more than one UE 400, gNB 405 and LMF 410 may be used.

[0058] At 415, LMF 410 may initiate UL-based CP positioning. At 420, LMF 410 may request gNB 405 to report CP measurements for target UE 400. At 425, gNB 405 may configure UE 400 to puncture DC subcarrier RE(s) on symbols configured with positioning SRS resources. At 430, UE 400 may transmit SRS or SRS resources with puncturing, as instructed by gNB 405. For example, UE 400 may reserve DC subcarrier RE(s) on symbols configured with SRS resources, and UE 400 may not (i.e., exclude) transmitting any signal on the reserved DC subcarrier RE(s). In certain example embodiments, the configuration by gNB 405 may be for all or a portion of the configured SRS resources.

[0059] According to certain example embodiments, configuration of UE 400 by gNB 405 may include gNB 405 configuring UE 400 to skip SRS sequence elements that should be allocated to the DC subcarrier RE. In other example embodiments, gNB 405 may configure UE 400 to allocate SRS sequence elements according to a positioning SRS sequence mapping rule: from the starting RE until before the DC subcarrier RE, for example, as specified in TS 38.211 of Rel-16. gNB 405 may also configure UE 400 to allocate all but the last SRS sequence element to the remaining REs except the DC subcarrier RE. That is, the last SRS sequence element may be excluded.

[0060] In some example embodiments, for scheduled physical uplink shared channel / physical uplink control channel (PUSCH / PUCCH), the behavior of UE 400 can be configured by gNB 405, for example, to not transmit PUSCH or PUCCH, even though they are scheduled. UE 400 can be configured in this manner when PUSCH or PUCCH is scheduled on DC subcarrier RE(s) on symbols configured with positioning SRS resources(s). In other example embodiments of scheduled PUSCH / PUCCH, UE 400 can be configured by gNB 405 to transmit PUSCH or PUCCH on DC subcarrier RE(s) even though they are scheduled by the network (i.e., gNB 405).

[0061] According to other example embodiments, gNB 405 may inform UE 400 that gNB 405 will measure CP measurements from configured SRS resources. UE 400 may then reserve DC subcarrier RE(s) on symbols configured with SRS resources and exclude transmission of any signal on those reserved RE(s). In certain example embodiments, gNB 405 may anticipate that DC subcarrier RE(s) on symbols configured with SRS resources for CP positioning are punctured. gNB 405 may also anticipate that DC subcarrier RE(s) on symbols of SRS resources used for UL-TDOA / angle of arrival (AoA) and multi-round trip time (multi-RTT) positioning are not punctured.

[0062] In certain example embodiments, when UE 400 does not puncture DC subcarrier REs, UE 400 may notify gNB 405 (i.e., to neighboring gNBs) that the received signal of the DC subcarrier REs on symbols configured with SRS resources needs to be canceled. In some example embodiments, if data transmission is already scheduled on the DC subcarrier REs used for SRS symbols, gNB 405 may not be able to retain the DC subcarrier REs. Serving gNB 405 may have all the information about the data scheduling, but it may not be available at neighboring gNBs. Therefore, at least the neighboring gNBs may need to be aware that further cancellation is necessary.

[0063] According to certain example embodiments, to cancel the received signal at the DC subcarrier RE(s), the gNB 405 may receive the same signal transmitted by the DC subcarrier twice. In this case, the gNB 405 may transmit the same PRS resource at least twice.

[0064] Return to Figure 4At 435, gNB 405 may perform CP measurement(s) considering the punctured REs on the symbols of the configured PRS resource(s). At 440, gNB 405 may report the CP measurement(s) to LMF 410, and at 445, LMF 410 may estimate the position of the target UE.

[0065] According to certain example embodiments, UE 400 may be instructed by LMF 410 to report DL CP measurements (multiple), and UE 400 may assume that the DC subcarrier RE is not used for DL PRS transmission. In this manner, DC puncturing may be implicitly indicated to UE 400 by LMF 410. Additionally, according to some example embodiments, LMF 410 may simultaneously send a measurement report request to UE 400 and a puncturing request to gNB 405.

[0066] In other example embodiments, gNB 405 may be requested by LMF 410 to report UL CP measurement(s), and gNB 405 may assume that the DC subcarrier RE is not used for UL SRS transmission. In this manner, DC puncturing may be implicitly indicated by LMF 410 to gNB 405. In yet another example embodiment, LMF 410 may simultaneously send a measurement report request to gNB 405 and a puncturing request to UE 400.

[0067] Figure 5 An example flow diagram for DL carrier phase positioning (CPP) according to certain example embodiments is shown. At 500, DL CPP may be initiated by LMF 410. In some example embodiments, DL CPP initiation may be performed by LMF 410 providing positioning assistance data related to CP to UE 400. For example, LMF 410 may initiate CP by requesting UE 400 to report CP measurement(s). At 505, a determination may be made by UE 400 as to whether puncturing of DC subcarrier RE(s) on PRS resources has been explicitly indicated by LMF 410 or gNB 405. If not, at 510, UE 400 may make a determination as to whether DC puncturing is implicitly assumed. If not, at 515, the UE may be configured to cancel the received signal of the DC subcarrier RE(s), and at 525, the UE may measure the DL CP.

[0068] like Figure 5As shown, if it is determined at 505 that the UE 400 is explicitly instructed as to whether (multiple) DC subcarrier REs have been punctured, then at 520, the UE 400 may determine to skip mapping sequence elements to (multiple) DC subcarrier REs, or to modify the sequence mapping rule configuration. Then, the UE 400 may measure the DL CP at 525. Figure 5 As further shown, if it is determined at 510 that DC puncturing is implicitly assumed, flow may proceed to 520 and 525 as before.

[0069] Figure 6 An example flow chart of a method according to certain example embodiments is shown. In an example embodiment, Figure 6 The method may be performed by a network entity or a group of multiple network elements in a 3GPP system (such as LTE or 5G-NR). For example, in an example embodiment, Figure 6 The method can be obtained by Figure 10 The apparatus of one of the apparatuses 10 or 20 shown is similarly implemented in a UE.

[0070] According to certain example embodiments, Figure 6 The method may include, at 600, receiving, from a first network element, puncturing information for one or more DC subcarrier resource elements of a symbol on a positioning reference signal resource. The method may also include, at 605, receiving, from the first network element, a positioning reference signal or the positioning reference signal resource, taking into account the puncturing information. The method may also include, at 610, performing positioning measurements based on the positioning reference signal or the positioning reference signal resource. Furthermore, the method may include, at 615, sending a report of the positioning measurements to a second network element.

[0071] According to certain example embodiments, the positioning measurement may be a carrier phase measurement. According to some example embodiments, performing the carrier phase measurement may include considering or assuming that positioning reference signal sequence elements that should be mapped to DC subcarrier resource elements are excluded. According to other example embodiments, the method may further include considering or assuming that current or legacy positioning reference signal sequence mapping rules are valid before one or more DC subcarrier resource elements, and considering or assuming that the remaining positioning reference signal sequence elements except the last sequence element are all allocated to the following resource elements: the resource element is from the next resource element of the one or more DC subcarrier resource elements to the last resource element of the configured positioning reference signal resource.

[0072] In certain example embodiments, when the puncturing information indicates that the DC subcarrier resource element is not punctured, the method may further include: receiving an indication from the network element; and in response to the indication, canceling the received first signal of the one or more DC subcarriers RE on the symbol configured with the positioning reference signal resource. In other example embodiments, canceling the received first signal may include first receiving a second signal that is identical to the received first signal.

[0073] Figure 7 An example flow chart of another method according to certain example embodiments is shown. In an example embodiment, Figure 7 The method may be performed by a network entity or a set of multiple network elements in a 3GPP system (such as LTE or 5G-NR). For example, in an example embodiment, Figure 7 The method can be obtained by Figure 10 The apparatus of one of the apparatuses 10 or 20 shown is similarly implemented in a UE.

[0074] According to certain example embodiments, Figure 7 The method may include, at 700, receiving a request from a network element to puncture one or more DC subcarrier resource elements for symbols on a positioning reference signal resource. The method may also include, at 705, sending a response to the request to puncture the one or more DC subcarrier resource elements to the network element. The method may also include, at 710, sending puncturing information for the one or more DC subcarrier resource elements to a user equipment.

[0075] According to certain example embodiments, the method may further include: excluding the allocation of the last positioning reference signal sequence element among the multiple positioning reference signal sequence elements to the resource element in the following circumstances: when the resource element includes one or more DC subcarrier resource elements. According to some example embodiments, the method may further include: when one or more DC subcarrier resource elements are not punctured, notifying the user equipment to cancel the received signal of the DC subcarrier on the symbol configured with the positioning reference signal resource. According to other example embodiments, when one or more DC subcarrier resource elements are not punctured, the method may further include requesting the network element to configure the repetition of the positioning reference signal resource.

[0076] Figure 8 An example flow chart of another method according to certain example embodiments is shown. In an example embodiment, Figure 8 The method may be performed by a network entity or a set of multiple network elements in a 3GPP system (such as LTE or 5G-NR). For example, in an example embodiment, Figure 8 The method can be obtained by Figure 10 The apparatus of one of the apparatuses 10 or 20 shown is similarly implemented in a UE.

[0077] According to certain example embodiments, Figure 8 The method may include, at 800, receiving an instruction or indication from the network element to puncture one or more DC subcarrier resource elements for symbols on a sounding reference signal resource. The method may also include, at 805, sending the sounding reference signal or sounding reference signal resource having the punctured one or more DC subcarrier resource elements to the network element.

[0078] According to certain example embodiments, the method may further include reserving one or more DC subcarrier resource elements on symbols configured with sounding reference signal resources, and excluding signal transmission on the reserved one or more DC subcarrier resource elements. According to some example embodiments, the method may further include skipping sounding reference signal sequence elements assigned to one or more DC subcarrier resource elements. According to other example embodiments, the method may further include excluding the assignment of sequence elements to all DC subcarrier resource elements on configured sounding reference signal symbols.

[0079] In certain example embodiments, the method may further include: excluding transmission of a physical uplink shared channel or a physical uplink control channel when the physical uplink shared channel or the physical uplink control channel is scheduled on the one or more DC subcarrier resource elements on the symbol configured with the sounding reference signal resource. In some example embodiments, the method may further include: sending the physical uplink shared channel or the physical uplink control channel on the one or more DC subcarrier resource elements when the physical uplink shared channel or the physical uplink control channel has been scheduled by the network. In other example embodiments, the method may further include: receiving an indication that the network element will measure a carrier phase measurement from the sounding reference signal; retaining the one or more DC subcarrier resource elements on the symbol configured with the sounding reference signal; and excluding signal transmission on the retained one or more DC subcarrier resource elements.

[0080] According to certain example embodiments, when the DC subcarrier resource element is not punctured, the method may further include notifying the network element to cancel the received signal of the one or more DC subcarrier resource elements, or notifying the network element that the one or more DC subcarrier resource elements will not be punctured.

[0081] Figure 9 An example flow chart of another method according to certain example embodiments is shown. In an example embodiment, Figure 9 The method may be performed by a network entity or a set of multiple network elements in a 3GPP system (such as LTE or 5G-NR). For example, in an example embodiment, Figure 9 The method can be obtained by Figure 10 The apparatus of one of the apparatuses 10 or 20 shown may be implemented similarly to a gNB.

[0082] According to certain example embodiments, Figure 9 The method may include, at 900, configuring a user equipment to puncture one or more DC subcarrier resource elements for symbols on a sounding reference signal resource. The method may also include, at 905, receiving the sounding reference signal or sounding reference signal resource from the user equipment taking into account the punctured one or more DC subcarrier resource elements. The method may also include, at 910, performing a carrier positioning measurement based on the sounding reference signal or sounding reference signal resource. Additionally, the method may include, at 915, reporting the carrier positioning measurement to a network element.

[0083] According to certain example embodiments, the method may further include configuring the user equipment to skip sounding reference signal sequence elements allocated to the one or more DC subcarrier resource elements. According to some example embodiments, the method may further include configuring the user equipment to exclude allocation of the sounding reference signal sequence element to a last subcarrier resource element in the plurality of subcarrier resource elements.

[0084] Figure 10 A set of apparatuses 10 and 20 according to certain example embodiments are shown. In certain example embodiments, apparatus 10 may be an element in a communication network or associated with such a network, such as a UE, mobile equipment (ME), mobile station, mobile device, fixed device, IoT device, or other device. It should be noted that a person skilled in the art will understand that apparatus 10 may include Figure 10 Components or features not shown.

[0085] In some example embodiments, the apparatus 10 may include one or more processors, one or more computer-readable storage media (e.g., memory, storage, etc.), one or more radio access components (e.g., modems, transceivers, etc.), and / or a user interface. In some example embodiments, the apparatus 10 may be configured to operate using one or more radio access technologies, such as GSM, LTE, LTE-A, NR, 5G, WLAN, WiFi, NB-IoT, Bluetooth, NFC, MulteFire, and / or any other radio access technology. It should be noted that persons of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the apparatus 10 may include Figure 10 Components or features not shown.

[0086] like Figure 10As shown in the example of , the device 10 may include a processor 12 or be coupled to a processor 12 for processing information and executing instructions or operations. The processor 12 may be any type of general-purpose or special-purpose processor. In fact, as examples, the processor 12 may include one or more of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and a processor based on a multi-core processor architecture. Although Figure 10 A single processor 12 is shown in FIG. 1 , but multiple processors may be utilized according to other example embodiments. For example, it should be understood that in some example embodiments, apparatus 10 may include two or more processors that may form a multi-processor system capable of supporting multi-processing (e.g., in which case processor 12 may represent a multi-processor). According to some example embodiments, the multi-processor system may be tightly coupled or loosely coupled (e.g., to form a computer cluster).

[0087] As some examples, processor 12 may perform functions associated with the operation of device 10, including precoding of antenna gain / phase parameters, encoding and decoding of individual bits forming communication messages, formatting of information, and overall control of device 10, including Figures 1 to 6 as well as Figure 8 The process and examples shown in .

[0088] The device 10 may also include or be coupled to a memory 14 (internal or external), which may be coupled to the processor 12 for storing information and instructions that can be executed by the processor 12. The memory 14 may be one or more memories and of any type suitable for the local application environment and may be implemented using any suitable volatile or non-volatile data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory, and / or removable memory. For example, the memory 14 may include any combination of random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), static storage such as a magnetic disk or optical disk, a hard disk drive (HDD), or any other type of non-transitory machine or computer-readable medium. The instructions stored in the memory 14 may include program instructions or computer program code that, when executed by the processor 12, enables the device 10 to perform the tasks described herein.

[0089] In certain example embodiments, apparatus 10 may also include or be coupled to a (internal or external) drive or port configured to accept and read an external computer-readable storage medium, such as an optical disc, a USB drive, a flash drive, or any other storage medium. For example, the external computer-readable storage medium may store data for execution by processor 12 and / or apparatus 10 to perform Figures 1 to 6 and Figure 8 Any of the methods and examples shown in the computer program or software.

[0090] In some example embodiments, the apparatus 10 may further include or be coupled to one or more antennas 15 for receiving downlink signals and for transmitting from the apparatus 10 via the UL. The apparatus 10 may further include a transceiver 18 configured to send and receive information. The transceiver 18 may further include a radio interface (e.g., a modem) coupled to the antenna 15. The radio interface may correspond to a variety of radio access technologies, including one or more of GSM, LTE, LTE-A, 5G, NR, WLAN, NB-IoT, Bluetooth, BT-LE, NFC, RFID, UWB, etc. The radio interface may include other components, such as filters, converters (e.g., digital-to-analog converters, etc.), symbol demappers, signal shaping components, inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) modules, etc., to process symbols carried by the downlink or UL, such as OFDMA symbols.

[0091] For example, the transceiver 18 may be configured to modulate information onto a carrier waveform for transmission by the antenna 15, and to demodulate information received via the antenna(s) 15 for further processing by other elements of the apparatus 10. In other example embodiments, the transceiver 18 may be capable of directly transmitting and receiving signals or data. Additionally or alternatively, in some example embodiments, the apparatus 10 may include input and / or output devices (I / O devices). In certain example embodiments, the apparatus 10 may also include a user interface, such as a graphical user interface or a touch screen.

[0092] In certain example embodiments, memory 14 stores software modules that provide functionality when executed by processor 12. These modules may include, for example, an operating system that provides operating system functionality for device 10. Memory may also store one or more functional modules, such as applications or programs, to provide additional functionality for device 10. The components of device 10 may be implemented in hardware, or in any suitable combination of hardware and software. According to certain example embodiments, device 10 may optionally be configured to communicate with device 20 via a wireless or wired communication link 70 according to any radio access technology, such as NR.

[0093] According to some example embodiments, the processor 12 and the memory 14 may be included in or may form part of a processing circuit or a control circuit. In addition, in some example embodiments, the transceiver 18 may be included in or may form part of a transceiver circuit.

[0094] For example, in certain example embodiments, the apparatus 10 may be controlled by the memory 14 and the processor 12 to receive, from a first network element, puncturing information for a DC subcarrier resource element(s) of a symbol on a positioning reference signal resource. The apparatus 10 may also be controlled by the memory 14 and the processor 12 to receive the positioning reference signal resource from the first network element taking the puncturing information into account. The apparatus 10 may also be controlled by the memory 14 and the processor 12 to perform positioning measurements based on the positioning reference signal resource. Furthermore, the apparatus 10 may be controlled by the memory 14 and the processor 12 to send a report of the positioning measurements to a second network element.

[0095] According to other example embodiments, the apparatus 10 may be controlled by the memory 14 and the processor 12 to receive an instruction from a network element to puncture (multiple) DC subcarrier resource elements for symbols on a sounding reference signal resource. The apparatus 10 may also be controlled by the memory 14 and the processor 12 to send a sounding reference signal having the punctured (multiple) DC subcarrier resource elements to the network element.

[0096] like Figure 10 As shown in the example of , the apparatus 20 may be a network, a core network element, or an element in or associated with a communication network, such as a gNB, a BS, a cell, or a NW. It should be noted that a person skilled in the art will understand that the apparatus 20 may include Figure 10 Components or features not shown.

[0097] like Figure 10 As shown in the example of FIG, the apparatus 20 may include a processor 22 for processing information and executing instructions or operations. The processor 22 may be any type of general-purpose or special-purpose processor. For example, the processor 22 may include one or more of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and a processor based on a multi-core processor architecture. Although Figure 10 A single processor 22 is shown in FIG. 1 , but multiple processors may be utilized according to other example embodiments. For example, it should be understood that in some example embodiments, apparatus 20 may include two or more processors that may form a multiprocessor system that may support multiprocessing (e.g., in which case processor 22 may represent a multiprocessor). In some example embodiments, the multiprocessor system may be tightly coupled or loosely coupled (e.g., to form a computer cluster).

[0098] According to certain example embodiments, processor 22 may perform functions associated with the operation of apparatus 20, which may include, for example, precoding of antenna gain / phase parameters, encoding and decoding of individual bits forming communication messages, formatting of information, and overall control of apparatus 20, including Figures 1 to 5 、 Figure 7 and Figure 9 The process and examples shown.

[0099] The device 20 may also include or be coupled to a memory 24 (internal or external), which may be coupled to the processor 22 for storing information and instructions that can be executed by the processor 22. The memory 24 may be one or more memories and of any type suitable for the local application environment and may be implemented using any suitable volatile or non-volatile data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory, and / or removable memory. For example, the memory 24 may include any combination of random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), static storage devices such as magnetic disks or optical disks, hard disk drives (HDDs), or any other type of non-transitory machine or computer-readable media. The instructions stored in the memory 24 may include program instructions or computer program code that, when executed by the processor 22, enables the device 20 to perform the tasks described herein.

[0100] In certain example embodiments, apparatus 20 may also include or be coupled to a (internal or external) drive or port configured to accept and read an external computer-readable storage medium, such as an optical disc, a USB drive, a flash drive, or any other storage medium. For example, the external computer-readable storage medium may store data for execution by processor 22 and / or apparatus 20 to perform Figures 1 to 5 、 Figure 7 and Figure 9 The methods and examples are shown as computer programs or software.

[0101] In certain example embodiments, apparatus 20 may also include or be coupled to one or more antennas 25 for transmitting and receiving signals and / or data to and from apparatus 20. Apparatus 20 may further include or be coupled to a transceiver 28 configured to transmit and receive information. Transceiver 28 may include, for example, multiple radio interfaces that may be coupled to antenna(s) 25. The radio interfaces may correspond to a variety of radio access technologies, including one or more of GSM, NB-IoT, LTE, 5G, WLAN, Bluetooth, BT-LE, NFC, radio frequency identifier (RFID), ultra-wideband (UWB), MulteFire, and the like. The radio interfaces may include components such as filters, converters (e.g., digital-to-analog converters), mappers, and fast Fourier transform (FFT) modules to generate symbols for transmission via one or more downlinks and to receive symbols (e.g., via the UL).

[0102] In this regard, the transceiver 28 may be configured to modulate information onto a carrier waveform for transmission by the antenna(s) 25, and demodulate information received via the antenna(s) 25 for further processing by other elements of the apparatus 20. In other example embodiments, the transceiver 18 may be capable of directly transmitting and receiving signals or data. Additionally or alternatively, in some example embodiments, the apparatus 20 may include input and / or output devices (I / O devices).

[0103] In certain example embodiments, memory 24 may store software modules that provide functionality when executed by processor 22. These modules may include, for example, an operating system that provides operating system functionality for device 20. Memory may also store one or more functional modules, such as applications or programs, to provide additional functionality to device 20. The components of device 20 may be implemented in hardware or any suitable combination of hardware and software.

[0104] According to some example embodiments, the processor 22 and the memory 24 may be included in a processing circuit or a control circuit or may form part of a processing circuit or a control circuit. In addition, in some example embodiments, the transceiver 28 may be included in a transceiver circuit or may form part of a transceiver circuit.

[0105] As used herein, the term "circuitry" may refer to any portion of a hardware circuit implementation (e.g., analog and / or digital circuitry), a combination of hardware circuitry and software, a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuitry and software / firmware, a hardware processor and software (including a digital signal processor) that work together to enable a device (e.g., devices 10 and 20) to perform various functions, and / or hardware circuitry and / or processors, or portions thereof, that operate using software but where the software may not be present when the software is not required for operation. As another example, as used herein, the term "circuitry" may also cover an implementation of only a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors), or a portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its accompanying software and / or firmware. The term circuitry may also cover, for example, a baseband integrated circuit in a server, cellular network node or device, or other computing or network device.

[0106] For example, in certain example embodiments, apparatus 20 may be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to receive a request from a network element to puncture (multiple) DC subcarrier resource elements for symbols on a positioning reference signal resource. Apparatus 20 may also be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to send a response to the request to puncture the (multiple) DC subcarrier resource elements to the network element. Apparatus 20 may also be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to send puncturing information of the (multiple) DC subcarrier resource elements to a user equipment.

[0107] According to other example embodiments, the apparatus 20 may be controlled by the memory 24 and the processor 22 to configure the user equipment to puncture the (multiple) DC subcarrier resource elements for symbols on the sounding reference signal resource. The apparatus 20 may also be controlled by the memory 24 and the processor 22 to receive the sounding reference signal from the user equipment taking into account the punctured (multiple) DC subcarrier resource elements. The apparatus 20 may also be controlled by the memory 24 and the processor 22 to perform carrier positioning measurements based on the sounding reference signal. In addition, the apparatus 20 may be controlled by the memory 24 and the processor 22 to report the carrier positioning measurements to the network element.

[0108] In some example embodiments, an apparatus (e.g., apparatus 10 and / or apparatus 20) may include components for performing the methods, processes, or any variations discussed herein. Examples of an apparatus may include one or more processors, memories, controllers, transmitters, receivers, and / or computer program code for causing the execution of operations.

[0109] Certain example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus comprising means for performing any of the methods described herein, including, for example, means for receiving, from a first network element, puncturing information for (a plurality of) DC subcarrier resource elements of a symbol on a positioning reference signal resource. The apparatus may also include means for receiving, from the first network element, the positioning reference signal resource taking into account the puncturing information. The apparatus may also include means for performing positioning measurements based on the positioning reference signal resource. Additionally, the apparatus may include means for sending a report of the positioning measurements to a second network element.

[0110] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus comprising means for performing any of the methods described herein, including means for receiving, for example, from a network element, an instruction to puncture (a plurality of) DC subcarrier resource elements for symbols on a sounding reference signal resource. The apparatus may also include means for transmitting the sounding reference signal with the punctured DC subcarrier resource element(s) to the network element.

[0111] Additional example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus comprising means for performing any of the methods described herein, including, for example, means for receiving a request from a network element to puncture (multiple) DC subcarrier resource elements for symbols on a positioning reference signal resource. The apparatus may also include means for sending a response to the request to puncture (multiple) DC subcarrier resource elements to the network element. The apparatus may also include means for sending puncturing information of (multiple) DC subcarrier resource elements to a user equipment.

[0112] Another example embodiment may be directed to an apparatus comprising means for performing any of the methods described herein, including, for example, means for configuring a user equipment to puncture (a plurality of) DC subcarrier resource elements for symbols on a sounding reference signal resource. The apparatus may further comprise means for receiving the sounding reference signal from the user equipment taking into account the punctured (a plurality of) DC subcarrier resource elements. The apparatus may further comprise means for performing carrier positioning measurements based on the sounding reference signal. Additionally, the apparatus may comprise means for reporting the carrier positioning measurements to a network element.

[0113] Certain example embodiments described herein provide several technical improvements, enhancements and / or advantages. For example, in some example embodiments, accuracy enhancement may be achieved. More specifically, in NR systems, the DC subcarrier may be allowed to be used for signal transmission and reception, and Rel-16 NR introduces reference signals for both DL and UL without regard to the DC subcarrier because the primary technology is based on timing measurements. However, CP measurement is sensitive to signal leakage by using the DC subcarrier, and therefore, certain example embodiments may provide the ability to avoid CP measurement impairments while also providing high resource efficiency by reusing current or legacy DL PRS and SRS for CP positioning.

[0114] The computer program product may include one or more computer executable components that are configured to perform some example embodiments when the program is run. The one or more computer executable components may be at least one software code or part thereof. Modifications and configurations required to implement the functionality of some example embodiments may be performed as (multiple) routines, which may be implemented as (multiple) software routines that are added or updated. (Multiple) software routines may be downloaded to a device.

[0115] By way of example, software or computer program code or portions thereof may be in source code form, object code form, or some intermediate form, and may be stored on some carrier, distribution medium, or computer-readable medium, which may be any entity or device capable of carrying the program. Such carriers may include, for example, recording media, computer memories, read-only memories, optoelectronic and / or electrical carrier signals, telecommunications signals, and software distribution packages. Depending on the processing power required, a computer program may be executed in a single electronic digital computer or may be distributed among multiple computers. The computer-readable medium or computer-readable storage medium may be a non-transitory medium.

[0116] In other example embodiments, the functions may be performed by hardware or circuitry included in a device (e.g., device 10 or device 20), such as by using an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable gate array (PGA), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or any other combination of hardware and software. In yet another example embodiment, the functions may be implemented as a signal, a non-tangible device that may be carried by an electromagnetic signal downloaded from the Internet or other network.

[0117] According to certain example embodiments, an apparatus such as a node, a device or a corresponding component may be configured as a circuit, a computer or a microprocessor (such as a single-chip computer element) or a chipset, including at least a memory for providing storage capacity for arithmetic operations and an operation processor for performing arithmetic operations.

[0118] Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the disclosure described above may be practiced using processes in a different order and / or using hardware elements in a configuration different from that disclosed. Thus, while the present disclosure has been described based on these example embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that certain modifications, variations, and alternative configurations will be apparent while remaining within the scope and relevance of the example embodiments. While the above embodiments relate to 5G NR and LTE technologies, the above embodiments may also be applied to any other current or future 3GPP technologies, such as LTE-Advanced and / or fourth generation (4G) technologies. Partial glossary: 3GPP Third Generation Partnership Project 5G fifth generation 5GCN 5G Core Network 5GS 5G system AL Aggregation Level BD blind detection BS Base Station BW Bandwidth BWP Bandwidth Part DC DL Downlink eNB Enhanced Node B E-UTRAN Evolved UTRAN FD frequency domain gNB 5G or Next Generation Node B LMF location management function LO local oscillator LPHAP Low Power High Accuracy Positioning LPP LTE Positioning Protocol LTE Long Term Evolution MIB Master Information Block NB Narrowband NR New Radio NRPPa New Radiolocation Protocola NW Network PBCH Physical Broadcast Channel PDCCH Physical Downlink Control Channel PDSCH Physical Downlink Shared Channel PRB Physical Resource Block PRS Positioning Reference Signal RE resource element RRC Radio Resource Control RRM Radio Resource Management RSRP Reference Signal Received Power SCS subcarrier spacing SIB System Information Block SRS Sounding Reference Signal SS synchronization signal SSB Synchronous Signal Block TRP Transmission Reception Point UE User Equipment UL Uplink

Claims

1. A method comprising: Receiving, from a first network element, puncturing information of one or more DC subcarrier resource elements of a symbol on a positioning reference signal resource; receiving the positioning reference signal resource from the first network element taking into account the puncturing information; performing positioning measurements based on the positioning reference signal resources; as well as Send the positioning measurement report to the second network element. The method of claim 1 , wherein the positioning measurements are carrier phase measurements. 3 . The method according to claim 1 , wherein performing the carrier phase measurement comprises considering allocation of positioning reference signal sequence elements to be excluded.

4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: Considering that the current positioning reference signal sequence mapping rule is valid before the one or more DC subcarrier resource elements; as well as Consider that the remaining positioning reference signal sequence elements except the last sequence element are all allocated to the following resource elements: the resource elements are from the next resource element of the one or more DC subcarrier resource elements to the last resource element of the configured positioning reference signal resource.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein when the puncturing information indicates that the one or more DC subcarrier resource elements are not punctured, the method further comprises: receiving an indication from the network element; as well as In response to the indication, the received first signal of the DC subcarrier on the symbol configured with the positioning reference signal resource is canceled. The method of claim 5 , wherein canceling the received first signal comprises receiving a second signal that is identical to the received first signal.

7. A method comprising: receiving a request from a network element to puncture one or more DC subcarrier resource elements for symbols on a positioning reference signal resource; sending, to the network element, a response to the request for puncturing the one or more DC subcarrier resource elements; as well as The puncturing information of the one or more DC subcarrier resource elements is sent to the user equipment.

8. The method according to claim 7, further comprising: Restricting the allocation of positioning reference signal sequence elements to the DC subcarrier resource elements.

9. The method according to claim 7, further comprising: Exclude allocating the last positioning reference signal sequence element among multiple positioning reference signal sequence elements to a resource element in the following case: when the resource element includes one or more DC subcarrier resource elements.

10. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, further comprising: When the one or more DC subcarrier resource elements are not punctured, the user equipment is notified to cancel the received signal of the DC subcarrier on the symbol configured with the positioning reference signal resource.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein when the one or more DC subcarrier resource elements are not punctured, the method further comprises: Requesting the network element to configure repetition of the positioning reference signal resource.

12. A method comprising: receiving an instruction or indication from the network element, the instruction or indication being used to puncture one or more DC subcarrier resource elements for symbols on a sounding reference signal resource; as well as Send the sounding reference signal having the one or more punctured DC subcarrier resource elements to the network element.

13. The method according to claim 12, further comprising: retaining the one or more DC subcarrier resource elements on the symbol configured with the sounding reference signal resource; as well as Exclude signal transmission on the reserved one or more DC subcarrier resource elements.

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, further comprising: Skip the sounding reference signal sequence elements allocated to the one or more DC subcarrier resource elements.

15. The method according to claim 12 or 13, further comprising: Exclude allocating sequence elements to all of said DC subcarrier resource elements on the configured sounding reference signal symbols.

16. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 15, further comprising: When a physical uplink shared channel or a physical uplink control channel is scheduled on the one or more DC subcarrier resource elements on the symbol configured with the sounding reference signal resource, transmission of the physical uplink shared channel or the physical uplink control channel is excluded.

17. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 15, further comprising: When a physical uplink shared channel or a physical uplink control channel has been scheduled by the network, the physical uplink shared channel or the physical uplink control channel is sent on the one or more DC subcarrier resource elements.

18. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 17, further comprising: receiving an indication by the network element to measure a carrier phase measurement from the sounding reference signal; as well as The one or more DC subcarrier resource elements reserved on the symbol configured with the sounding reference signal; as well as Exclude signal transmission on the reserved one or more DC subcarrier resource elements.

19. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 18, wherein when the DC subcarrier resource element is not punctured, the method further comprises: Notifying the network element to cancel the received signal of the one or more DC subcarrier resource elements, or Notify the network element that the one or more DC subcarrier resource elements will not be punctured.

20. A method comprising: configuring the user equipment to puncture one or more DC subcarrier resource elements for symbols on a sounding reference signal resource; receiving the sounding reference signal from the user equipment taking into account the one or more punctured DC subcarrier resource elements; performing carrier positioning measurements based on the sounding reference signal; and The carrier positioning measurement is reported to a network element.

21. The method according to claim 20, further comprising: The user equipment is configured to skip sounding reference signal sequence elements allocated to the one or more DC subcarrier resource elements.

22. The method according to claim 20, further comprising: The user equipment is configured to exclude allocation of a sounding reference signal sequence element to a last subcarrier resource element of a plurality of subcarrier resource elements.

23. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory including computer program code, The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to have stored instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: Receiving, from a first network element, puncturing information of one or more DC subcarrier resource elements of a symbol on a positioning reference signal resource; the positioning reference signal resource received from the first network element taking into account the puncturing information; performing positioning measurements based on the positioning reference signal resources; as well as Send the positioning measurement report to the second network element.

24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the positioning measurements are carrier phase measurements.

25. The apparatus according to claim 23 or 24, wherein when performing the carrier phase measurement, the apparatus is further caused to consider allocation of positioning reference signal sequence elements to be excluded.

26. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the apparatus is further caused to: Considering that the current positioning reference signal sequence mapping rule is valid before the one or more DC subcarrier resource elements; and Consider that the remaining positioning reference signal sequence elements except the last sequence element are all allocated to the following resource elements: the resource elements are from the next resource element of the one or more DC subcarrier resource elements to the last resource element of the configured positioning reference signal resource.

27. The apparatus according to any one of claims 23 to 26, wherein when the puncturing information indicates that the one or more DC subcarrier resource elements are not punctured, the apparatus is further caused to: Cancel the received first signal of the DC subcarrier on the symbol configured with the positioning reference signal resource.

28. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein canceling the received first signal comprises receiving a second signal that is identical to the received first signal.

29. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory including computer program code, The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to have stored instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: receiving a request from a network element to puncture one or more DC subcarrier resource elements for symbols on a positioning reference signal resource; sending, to the network element, a response to the request for puncturing the one or more DC subcarrier resource elements; as well as The puncturing information of the one or more DC subcarrier resource elements is sent to the user equipment.

30. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the apparatus is further caused to: Restricting the allocation of positioning reference signal sequence elements to the DC subcarrier resource elements.

31. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the apparatus is further caused to: Exclude allocating the last positioning reference signal sequence element among multiple positioning reference signal sequence elements to a resource element in the following case: when the resource element includes one or more DC subcarrier resource elements.

32. The apparatus according to any one of claims 29 to 31, wherein the apparatus is further configured to: When the one or more DC subcarrier resource elements are not punctured, the user equipment is notified to cancel the received signal of the DC subcarrier on the symbol configured with the positioning reference signal resource.

33. The apparatus of claim 32, wherein when the one or more DC subcarrier resource elements are not punctured, the apparatus is further caused to: Requesting the network element to configure repetition of the positioning reference signal resource.

34. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory including computer program code, The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to have stored instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: receiving an instruction or indication from the network element, the instruction or indication being used to puncture one or more DC subcarrier resource elements for symbols on a sounding reference signal resource; as well as Send the sounding reference signal having the one or more punctured DC subcarrier resource elements to the network element.

35. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein the apparatus is further caused to: The one or more DC subcarrier resource elements reserved on the symbol configured with the sounding reference signal resource; and Exclude signal transmission on the reserved one or more DC subcarrier resource elements.

36. The apparatus according to claim 34 or 35, wherein the apparatus is further configured to: Skip the sounding reference signal sequence elements allocated to the one or more DC subcarrier resource elements.

37. The apparatus according to claim 34 or 35, wherein the apparatus is further configured to: Exclude allocating sequence elements to all of said DC subcarrier resource elements on the configured sounding reference signal symbols.

38. The apparatus according to any one of claims 34 to 37, wherein the apparatus is further configured to: When a physical uplink shared channel or a physical uplink control channel is scheduled on the one or more DC subcarrier resource elements on the symbol configured with the sounding reference signal resource, transmission of the physical uplink shared channel or the physical uplink control channel is excluded.

39. The apparatus according to any one of claims 34 to 37, wherein the apparatus is further configured to: When a physical uplink shared channel or a physical uplink control channel has been scheduled by the network, the physical uplink shared channel or the physical uplink control channel is sent on the one or more DC subcarrier resource elements.

40. The apparatus according to any one of claims 34 to 39, wherein the apparatus is further configured to: receiving an indication by the network element to measure a carrier phase measurement from the sounding reference signal; and The one or more DC subcarrier resource elements reserved on the symbol configured with the sounding reference signal; and Exclude the sounding reference signal transmission on the reserved one or more DC subcarrier resource elements.

41. The apparatus according to any one of claims 34 to 40, wherein when the DC subcarrier resource element is not punctured, the apparatus is further configured to: Notifying the network element to cancel the received signal of the one or more DC subcarrier resource elements, or Notify the network element that the one or more DC subcarrier resource elements will not be punctured.

42. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory including computer program code, The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to have stored instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: configuring the user equipment to puncture one or more DC subcarrier resource elements for symbols on a sounding reference signal resource; receiving the sounding reference signal from the user equipment taking into account the one or more punctured DC subcarrier resource elements; performing carrier positioning measurements based on the sounding reference signal; and The carrier positioning measurement is reported to a network element.

43. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein the apparatus is further caused to: The user equipment is configured to skip sounding reference signal sequence elements allocated to the one or more DC subcarrier resource elements.

44. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein the apparatus is further caused to: The user equipment is configured to exclude allocation of a sounding reference signal sequence element to a last subcarrier resource element of a plurality of subcarrier resource elements.

45. An apparatus comprising: means for receiving, from a first network element, puncturing information of one or more DC subcarrier resource elements of a symbol on a positioning reference signal resource; a component configured to receive the positioning reference signal resource from the first network element taking into account the puncturing information; means for performing positioning measurements based on the positioning reference signal resources; as well as The method further comprises: a means for sending a report of the positioning measurement to a second network element.

46. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein the positioning measurements are carrier phase measurements.

47. The apparatus according to claim 45 or 46, further comprising: Means for considering allocation of positioning reference signal sequence elements to be excluded when performing said carrier phase measurement.

48. The apparatus of claim 45, further comprising: A component for considering that the current positioning reference signal sequence mapping rule is valid before the one or more DC subcarrier resource elements; as well as A component for considering that the remaining positioning reference signal sequence elements except the last sequence element are allocated to the following resource elements: the resource elements are from the next resource element of the one or more DC subcarrier resource elements to the last resource element of the configured positioning reference signal resource.

49. The apparatus according to any one of claims 45 to 48, wherein when the puncturing information indicates that the one or more DC subcarrier resource elements are not punctured, the apparatus further comprises: means for receiving an indication from said network element; as well as A component for canceling the received first signal of the DC subcarrier on the symbol configured with the positioning reference signal resource in response to the indication.

50. The apparatus of claim 49, wherein canceling the received first signal comprises receiving a second signal that is identical to the received first signal.

51. An apparatus comprising: means for receiving a request from a network element to puncture one or more DC subcarrier resource elements for symbols on a positioning reference signal resource; means for sending a response to said request for puncturing said one or more DC subcarrier resource elements to said network element; as well as A component for sending the puncturing information of one or more DC subcarrier resource elements to a user equipment.

52. The apparatus of claim 51 , further comprising: A component for limiting the allocation of positioning reference signal sequence elements to the DC subcarrier resource elements.

53. The apparatus of claim 51 , further comprising: A component for excluding the last positioning reference signal sequence element among multiple positioning reference signal sequence elements from being allocated to a resource element in the following situation: when the resource element includes one or more DC subcarrier resource elements.

54. The apparatus according to any one of claims 51 to 53, further comprising: A component for notifying the user equipment to cancel the received signal of the DC subcarrier on the symbol configured with the positioning reference signal resource when the one or more DC subcarrier resource elements are not punctured.

55. The apparatus according to claim 54, wherein when the one or more DC subcarrier resource elements are not punctured, the apparatus further comprises: A component configured to request the network element to configure repetition of the positioning reference signal resource.

56. An apparatus comprising: means for receiving an instruction or indication from the network element to puncture one or more DC subcarrier resource elements for symbols on a sounding reference signal resource; as well as A component for sending the sounding reference signal having the one or more DC subcarrier resource elements that have been punctured to the network element.

57. The apparatus of claim 56, further comprising: means for retaining the one or more DC subcarrier resource elements on the symbol configured with the sounding reference signal resource; as well as A component for excluding signal transmission on the reserved one or more DC subcarrier resource elements.

58. The apparatus according to claim 56 or 57, further comprising: Components for skipping sounding reference signal sequence elements allocated to the one or more DC subcarrier resource elements.

59. The apparatus according to claim 56 or 57, further comprising: Means for excluding allocation of sequence elements to all of said DC subcarrier resource elements on configured sounding reference signal symbols.

60. The apparatus of any one of claims 56 to 59, further comprising: A component for excluding transmission of the physical uplink shared channel or the physical uplink control channel when the physical uplink shared channel or the physical uplink control channel is scheduled on the one or more DC subcarrier resource elements on the symbol configured with the sounding reference signal resource.

61. The apparatus according to any one of claims 56 to 59, further comprising: A component for sending the physical uplink shared channel or the physical uplink control channel on the one or more DC subcarrier resource elements when the physical uplink shared channel or the physical uplink control channel has been scheduled by the network.

62. The apparatus of any one of claims 56 to 61, further comprising: means for receiving an indication that the network element is to measure a carrier phase measurement from the sounding reference signal; as well as means for reserving said one or more DC subcarrier resource elements on said symbol configured with said sounding reference signal; as well as A component for excluding signal transmission on the reserved one or more DC subcarrier resource elements.

63. The apparatus according to any one of claims 56 to 62, wherein when the DC subcarrier resource element is not punctured, the apparatus further comprises: A component for notifying the network element of cancelling the received signal of the one or more DC subcarrier resource elements, or A component used to notify the network element that one or more DC subcarrier resource elements will not be punctured.

64. An apparatus comprising: means for configuring the user equipment to puncture one or more DC subcarrier resource elements for symbols on a sounding reference signal resource; means for receiving the sounding reference signal from the user equipment taking into account the one or more punctured DC subcarrier resource elements; means for performing carrier positioning measurements based on the sounding reference signal; as well as means for reporting said carrier positioning measurements to a network element.

65. The apparatus of claim 64, further comprising: Components for configuring the user equipment to skip sounding reference signal sequence elements allocated to the one or more DC subcarrier resource elements.

66. The apparatus of claim 64, further comprising: means for configuring the user equipment to exclude allocation of a sounding reference signal sequence element to a last subcarrier resource element of a plurality of subcarrier resource elements.

67. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for executing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 22.

68. An apparatus comprising circuitry configured to cause the apparatus to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 22.

Images