Apparatus, method, apparatus, and computer readable medium for non-terminal network

Abstract

Apparatuses, methods, apparatus, and computer-readable media for location lock time adjustment in non-terrestrial networks are disclosed. An example terminal device may include at least one processor and at least one memory. The at least one memory may store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, may cause the terminal device to at least perform: detecting whether a next configuration positioning measurement gap overlaps an active time; and determining whether to adjust the position locking time associated with the next configuration positioning measurement gap according to at least one configuration for adjusting the position locking time if the next configuration positioning measurement gap is detected to overlap with the active time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various example embodiments relate to devices, methods, apparatus, and computer-readable media for a non-terrestrial network (NTN). Background Art

[0002] An NTN is a network or portion of a network that uses satellites, aircraft, or spaceborne aircraft for transmission. Compared to a terrestrial network (TN), the timing advance (TA) in an NTN can be larger in magnitude and have higher variability, and the user equipment (UE) of an NTN is expected to calculate the uplink (UL) TA based on a position based on a global navigation satellite system (GNSS). The GNSS-based position has a certain GNSS validity duration. When the validity duration expires, the GNSS-based position may be invalid, and if the GNSS validity expires before the UE acquires a new GNSS position fix, the UE is considered out of sync and cannot transmit and may need to enter radio resource control (RRC) idle mode. For example, in narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) or enhanced machine type communication (eMTC) on NTN, in order to acquire a GNSS position fix, the UE may need to suspend cellular operations. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The following provides a brief summary of exemplary embodiments to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of various embodiments. It should be noted that this summary is not intended to identify key features of essential elements or define the scope of the embodiments, and its sole purpose is to introduce some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the detailed description provided below.

[0004] In a first aspect, a terminal device is disclosed. The terminal device may include at least one processor and at least one memory. The at least one memory may store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, may cause the terminal device in connected mode discontinuous reception to at least: detect whether a next configured positioning measurement gap overlaps with an active time; and, if the next configured positioning measurement gap is detected to overlap with the active time, determine whether to adjust a location fix time associated with the next configured positioning measurement gap based on at least one configuration for adjusting a location fix time.

[0005] In a second aspect, a network device is disclosed. The network device may include at least one processor and at least one memory. The at least one memory may store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, may cause the network device to at least: determine at least one configuration for adjusting a location fix time for a terminal device; and send the at least one configuration to the terminal device.

[0006] In a third aspect, a method performed by a terminal device in connected mode discontinuous reception is disclosed. The method may include: detecting whether a next configured positioning measurement gap overlaps with an active time; and, if the next configured positioning measurement gap is detected to overlap with the active time, determining whether to adjust a position fix time associated with the next configured positioning measurement gap based on at least one configuration for adjusting a position fix time.

[0007] In a fourth aspect, a method performed by a network device is disclosed. The method may include: determining at least one configuration for adjusting a location fix time for a terminal device; and sending the at least one configuration to the terminal device.

[0008] In a fifth aspect, an apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus, being a terminal device in connected mode discontinuous reception, may include: means for detecting whether a next configured positioning measurement gap overlaps with an active time; and means for determining, if the next configured positioning measurement gap is detected to overlap with the active time, whether to adjust a position fix time associated with the next configured positioning measurement gap based on at least one configuration for adjusting the position fix time.

[0009] In a sixth aspect, an apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus, as a network device, may include: a component for determining at least one configuration for adjusting a location fix time of a terminal device; and a component for sending the at least one configuration to the terminal device.

[0010] In a seventh aspect, a computer-readable medium is disclosed. The computer-readable medium may include program instructions that, when executed by a terminal device, may cause the terminal device in connected mode discontinuous reception to at least: detect whether a next configured positioning measurement gap overlaps with an active time; and, if the next configured positioning measurement gap is detected to overlap with the active time, determine whether to adjust a location fix time associated with the next configured positioning measurement gap based on at least one configuration for adjusting a location fix time.

[0011] In an eighth aspect, a computer-readable medium is disclosed. The computer-readable medium may include program instructions that, when executed by a network device, cause the network device to at least: determine at least one configuration for adjusting a location lock time for a terminal device; and send the at least one configuration to the terminal device.

[0012] Other features and advantages of example embodiments of the present disclosure will also be apparent from the following description of specific embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of example embodiments of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Some example embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0014] Figure 1 An exemplary flow for adjusting position fix time according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0015] Figure 2 Exemplary flows for adjusting position fix time in different example scenarios are shown according to example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 3A and Figure 3B An example scenario is shown in which example embodiments of the present disclosure are implemented.

[0017] Figure 4A and Figure 4B An example scenario is shown in which example embodiments of the present disclosure are implemented.

[0018] Figure 5A and Figure 5B An example scenario is shown in which example embodiments of the present disclosure are implemented.

[0019] Figure 6 An exemplary flow for utilizing a notification process to advance a position fix time according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0020] Figure 7 An exemplary flow for utilizing a notification process to defer a position fix time according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0021] Figure 8 Shown is a flow chart illustrating an example method 800 for position fix time adjustment according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 9 Shown is a flow chart illustrating an example method 900 for position fix time adjustment according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 10 Shown is a block diagram illustrating an example device 1000 for position fix time adjustment according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 11 Shown is a block diagram illustrating an example device 1100 for position fix time adjustment according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 12 Shown is a block diagram illustrating an example apparatus 1200 for position fix time adjustment according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 13Shown is a block diagram illustrating an example apparatus 1300 for position fix time adjustment according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Throughout the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements, and repeated description of the same elements will be omitted. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Hereinafter, some example embodiments are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the various concepts. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that these concepts can be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known circuits, techniques, and components are shown in block diagram form to avoid obscuring the concepts and features described.

[0029] The network (NW) side may configure positioning measurement gaps (MGs), such as GNSS MGs, for the UE to perform position fixes (e.g., GNSS measurements). Positioning MGs may be non-periodic. For a UE in connected discontinuous reception (C-DRX) mode, it is advantageous for the UE to acquire a position fix outside of the C-DRX active time to avoid or reduce interruptions in the C-DRX active time, since the UE cannot communicate with the network side during the positioning MG. During the C-DRX active time, the UE monitors the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) to determine whether the NW is scheduling the UE, while outside of the active time (i.e., the inactive time), the UE does not monitor the PDCCH for UE-specific scheduling, and therefore the UE may sleep or do other things, such as GNSS measurements.

[0030] However, no matter the operation of location fix is ​​enforced by the specification or network side, or autonomously based on the UE, there are obstacles to performing location fix outside of C-DRX active time.

[0031] If position fix outside of C-DRX active hours is enforced by the specification or the network side, GNSS MG must be known by both the UE and the network side (e.g., base station (BS) such as evolved Node B (eNB) or next generation Node B (gNB)), but there is currently no mechanism to indicate how the UE can manage GNSS MG to enable it to occur outside of C-DRX active hours.

[0032] If the position fix outside of the C-DRX active time is autonomously based on the UE, the UE may decide to measure GNSS outside of the C-DRX active time, but the network side is not aware of this and therefore the network side may not take appropriate action. For example, the network side may think that the UE has moved to RRC idle after the GNSS validity duration expires, or the network side may schedule unnecessary GNSS MGs.

[0033] The example embodiments of the present disclosure provide a solution for handling how and when the UE can notify the network side about the location fix (e.g., GNSS measurement) outside the C-DRX active time. In addition, the example embodiments of the present disclosure provide (multiple) configurations for adjusting the location fix time for the UE. According to the example embodiments of the present disclosure, the UE can perform location fix or most of the location fix outside the C-DRX active time to avoid or reduce the interruption of the C-DRX active time, so that useful C-DRX active time can be saved. The example embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to the Internet of Things (IoT) on NTN, for example, NB-IoT on NTN, eMTC on NTN, fifth generation (5G) new radio (NR) on NTN, etc.

[0034] Figure 1 An exemplary flow for adjusting position fix time according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 1 UE 110 may represent any terminal device, such as an NB-IoT device or an eMTC device in an NTN. Network device 115 may represent the network side of the NTN serving UE 110. UE 110 may be in C-DRX mode, and as a prerequisite, network device 115 has already configured UE 110 with at least one positioning MG for the UE to perform position fix, or network device 115 has already configured UE 110 with parameters for UE 110 to determine the next positioning MG. This positioning MG may be referred to as a configured positioning MG, such as a configured GNSS MG.

[0035] In operation 120, UE 110 may detect whether the next configured positioning MG overlaps with the active time. The overlap may include a partial overlap or a complete overlap. UE 110 may be in C-DRX mode, and therefore the active time may be the C-DRX active time, and the time outside the C-DRX active time may be referred to as the C-DRX inactive time or the C-DRX sleep time.

[0036] In case the next configured positioning MG is detected as not overlapping with the active time (“No” branch of operation 120 ), in operation 130 , UE 110 may apply the next configured positioning MG because there is no conflict between the active time and the next configured positioning MG.

[0037] In the event that the next configured positioning MG is detected as overlapping with the active time (“Yes” branch of operation 120 ), in operation 140 , UE 110 may determine whether to adjust the location fix time associated with the next configured positioning MG according to at least one configuration for adjusting the location fix time.

[0038] The at least one configuration for adjusting the location fix time may be determined by network device 115 or defined in a specification. If network device 115 determines the at least one configuration for adjusting the location fix time, network device 115 may send the at least one configuration to UE 110. Taking a GNSS MG as an example of a positioning MG, the at least one configuration for adjusting the location fix time may be as follows. The GNSS may be, for example, a Global Positioning System (GPS), a Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS), Galileo, BeiDou, or the like.

[0039] Configuration 1:

[0040] If the UE is configured with a GNSS MG, or is configured with parameters that determine the next GNSS MG, and;

[0041] The UE may estimate that the next configured GNSS MG will fall within the C-DRX active time; and

[0042] There is an inactive time before the DRX active time including the GNSS MG: The UE may initiate the GNSS MG during the inactive time before the GNSS MG is configured.

[0043] Configuration 2:

[0044] If the UE can fall within the entire GNSS-MG during the inactive time before the next configured GNSS MG that overlaps with the C-DRX active time, the UE can advance the GNSS MG to the inactive time before the configured GNSS MG. This can be conditional so as not to interfere with other actions such as measurement of the target cell, system information block (SIB) reception, paging monitoring, etc.

[0045] Configuration 3:

[0046] If GNSS-MG is configured during the current C-DRX active time, but the GNSS position fix may fall into the subsequent C-DRX inactive time; and

[0047] The difference between the start of the configured GNSS-MG and the end of the current C-DRX active time is less than the remaining validity of the current GNSS position fix:

[0048] The UE may postpone GNSS-MG to a subsequent C-DRX period.

[0049] In some embodiments, when the relevant operation(s) are network-based or specification-enforced, the above configuration for adjusting the position fix time may be considered mandatory / required, while when the relevant operation(s) are UE-based, the above configuration may be considered recommended. The subsequent (C-DRX) inactivity time may refer to the inactivity time after the next configuration positioning MG.

[0050] In some embodiments, the UE capabilities related to the above-mentioned configurations for adjusting the position fix time may be separate. For example, the UE 110 may support some of the above-mentioned configurations but not others. If the UE 110 supports at least a portion of the above-mentioned configurations, the UE 110 may report the capability to the network device 115 and follow the relevant configurations. The network device 115 may also configure the UE 110 to adjust the position fix time according to (multiple) of the above-mentioned configurations. For example, the network device 115 may instruct the UE 110 to adjust or not adjust the position fix time according to (multiple) of the above-mentioned configurations. In addition, the network device 115 may expect or configure UE behavior based on the UE's ability to perform GNSS measurements, for example, the UE's ability to perform GNSS measurements during C-DRX inactive time or simultaneously with IoT transmission / reception.

[0051] If UE 110 determines not to adjust the location fix time associated with the next configured positioning MG according to at least one configuration for adjusting the location fix time (“No” branch of operation 140 ), UE 110 may perform operation 130 to apply the next configured positioning MG.

[0052] If UE 110 determines that the location fix time associated with the next configured positioning MG should be adjusted according to at least one configuration for adjusting the location fix time ("Yes" branch of operation 140), UE 110 may adjust the location fix time associated with the next configured positioning MG in operation 170. In this case, UE 110 may attempt to perform location fix within the adjusted location fix time, and in operation 190, UE 110 may skip the next configured positioning MG.

[0053] Adjustment of the position fix time associated with the subsequent configuration of the positioning MG (eg, advancement or delay) may also be referred to as adjustment of the positioning MG.

[0054] Figure 2 Exemplary flows for adjusting position fix time in different example scenarios are shown according to example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0055] Figure 3A and Figure 3B An example scenario is shown in which example embodiments of the present disclosure are implemented.

[0056] Figure 4A and Figure 4B An example scenario is shown in which example embodiments of the present disclosure are implemented.

[0057] Figure 5A and Figure 5B An example scenario is shown in which example embodiments of the present disclosure are implemented.

[0058] Will refer to Figure 2 、 Figure 3A and Figure 3B 、 Figure 4A and Figure 4B as well as Figure 5A and Figure 5B Detailed example embodiments of operations 140 and 170 are described.

[0059] exist Figure 3A 、 Figure 4A and Figure 5A In the example scenario shown in FIG, in operation 120, during the current C-DRX active time 310, 410, or 510, UE 110 may detect that the next configured positioning MG 360, 460, or 560 will overlap with the next C-DRX active time 350 or 450 or the current C-DRX active time 510, and the duration for position fix may be equal to or identical to the duration of the configured positioning MG 360, 460, or 560. UE 110 may then perform operation 140.

[0060] In some embodiments, operation 140 may include operation 240, wherein UE 110 may detect whether there is an inactivity time before next configuring a positioning MG. Figure 3A and Figure 4A In the example scenario shown in , UE 110 may detect that there is a C-DRX inactive time 330 or 430 before the next configured positioning MG 360 or 460 .

[0061] In some cases, the UE C-DRX active time may be extended when the UE 110 receives a grant or sends a scheduling request (SR). If the current active time is not extended, the C-DRX inactive time refers to the expected C-DRX inactive time window.

[0062] In some embodiments, upon detecting an inactivity time before the next configured positioning MG ("yes" branch of operation 240), operation 140 may further include operation 245, in which UE 110 may evaluate whether the duration for the position fix falls within the inactivity time. Figure 3AIn the example scenario shown in , the inactivity time 330 may cover the duration for which the positioning MG 360 is configured, and the UE 110 may evaluate whether the duration for a position fix falls within the inactivity time 330 .

[0063] In some embodiments, if the duration for the location fix is ​​evaluated to fall within the inactivity time ("yes" branch of operation 245), operation 170 may include operation 270, where UE 110 may advance the location fix time to within the inactivity time. Figure 3B In the example scenario shown in FIG, , UE 110 advances the location fix time associated with the next configured positioning MG 360 to within the inactivity time 330, which can be viewed as advancing the MG 360b used for the location fix previously associated with the next configured positioning MG 360 to within the inactivity time 330. In operation 270, UE 110 may acquire a location fix in the advanced positioning MG.

[0064] In some embodiments, if the duration of the position fix is ​​evaluated to exceed the inactivity time ("No" branch of operation 245), operation 140 may further include operation 250, in which UE 110 may determine whether the first period of time for which the duration of the position fix exceeds the inactivity time is less than a second period, wherein the second period is the overlap of the next configured positioning MG with the activity time. Figure 4B In the example scenario shown in , the duration of configuring the positioning MG 460 for a position fix cannot fall within the inactivity time 430. In this case, the UE 110 may compare the first time period 470 and the second time period 480.

[0065] The first period 470 is a period during which the duration of the configuration positioning MG 460 exceeds the inactive time 430. Figure 4B As shown in , if the position fix associated with the configuration positioning MG 460 is advanced to the start time point of the inactive time 430, the first period 470 is the period during which the duration of the position fix will overlap with the next active time 450. Figure 4A As shown in FIG, the second period 480 is the overlap of the next configuration positioning MG 460 and the next activity time 450.

[0066] If, in operation 250, UE 110 determines that the first period is less than the second period ("yes" branch of operation 250), operation 170 may include operation 275, in which UE 110 may advance the location fix time to the start time point of the inactive time. Figure 4BIn the example scenario shown in FIG, UE 110 advances the location fix time associated with the next configured positioning MG 460 to the start time of inactivity time 430, which can be viewed as advancing MG 460b, previously used for the location fix associated with the next configured positioning MG 460, to the start time of inactivity time 430. In this case, UE 110 cannot fall within the entire positioning MG during the inactivity time, but UE 110 can benefit from the advancement of the positioning MG. Otherwise (the "No" branch of operation 250), UE 110 can perform operation 130 to apply the next configured positioning MG. In operation 275, UE 110 can acquire a location fix in the advanced positioning MG.

[0067] In some embodiments, in the event that it is detected that there is no inactivity time before the next configuration positioning MG ("No" branch of operation 240), operation 140 may further include operation 255, in which UE 110 may evaluate whether the remaining positioning validity timer is longer than the remaining current activity time. Figure 5A In the example scenario shown in , there is no inactivity time before the next configured positioning MG 560, and the positioning validity timer 580 will expire after the current activity time 510, for example, in the next C-DRX activity time 550. In this case, the UE 110 may evaluate that the remaining positioning validity timer 580 is longer than the remaining current activity time 510.

[0068] In some embodiments, in the event that the remaining location validity timer is longer than the remaining current activity time ("yes" branch of operation 255), operation 140 may further include operation 260, in which UE 110 may evaluate whether the duration for the location fix falls within the subsequent inactivity time. Figure 5A In the example scenario shown in , the subsequent inactivity time 530 may overlap the duration of the configured positioning MG 560, and the UE 110 may evaluate whether the duration for the position fix falls within the subsequent inactivity time 530. Otherwise (the "No" branch of operation 255), the UE 110 may perform operation 130 to apply the next configured positioning MG.

[0069] In some embodiments, if the duration for the location fix is ​​evaluated to fall within the subsequent inactivity time ("yes" branch of operation 260), operation 170 may include operation 280, in which UE 110 may defer the location fix time to the subsequent inactivity time. Figure 5BIn the example scenario shown in FIG, , UE 110 defers the location fix time associated with the next configured positioning MG 560 to the subsequent inactivity time 530, which can be viewed as deferring the MG 560b used for the location fix previously associated with the next configured positioning MG 560 to the subsequent inactivity time 530. Otherwise (the "No" branch of operation 260), UE 110 may perform operation 130 to apply the next configured positioning MG. In operation 280, UE 110 may acquire a location fix in the deferred positioning MG.

[0070] It is understood that operation 260 may be performed before operation 255, and in this case, the conditions of operation 260 and the conditions of operation 255 may be interchanged. It is understood that operation 260 may be performed in parallel with operation 255. In this case, the conditions of operation 260 and operation 255 may be that there is no subsequent inactivity time before the next configuration positioning MG is detected, and if both operation 260 and operation 255 obtain a "yes" result, operation 280 may be performed.

[0071] Alternatively, in some embodiments, if the duration for the location fix is ​​evaluated to exceed the subsequent inactivity time ("No" branch of operation 260), the UE 110 may also compare the fourth period of time for which the duration for the location fix exceeds the subsequent inactivity time with the Figure 5A , which is compared with the third time period 570 shown in FIG, which is the overlap of the next configured positioning MG 560 with the active time 510. The fourth time period is the time period during which the duration of the position fix will overlap with the next active time 550 if the position fix time associated with the configured positioning MG 560 is postponed to the start time point of the subsequent inactive time 530. If the fourth time period is smaller than the third time period 570, the UE 110 may postpone the position fix time to the start time point of the subsequent inactive time 530. In this case, the UE 110 may not fall within the entire positioning MG in the subsequent inactive time, but the UE 110 may benefit from the postponement of the positioning MG.

[0072] Figure 6 An exemplary process for advancing the location fix time by utilizing a notification process according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0073] exist Figure 3A and Figure 3B In the example scenario shown in , UE 110 may autonomously select a time window for MG 360b. In some embodiments, in this case, UE 110 may or should send a notification of an advanced position fix time to network device 115, such as a time window for MG 360b.

[0074] refer to Figure 6 In the event that the duration for the location fix is ​​evaluated to fall within the inactivity time (the "yes" branch of operation 245), operation 140 may further include operation 610, in which UE 110 may evaluate whether UE 110 is able to send a notification of an advanced location fix time to network device 115 at an offset time before the configured notification reference point.

[0075] refer to Figure 3B , T 通知 is the latest time point for UE 110 to send notifications. In some embodiments, Figure 3B As shown in 通知 May be in active time 350, alternatively, T 通知 may be in inactive time 330. If UE 110 is in T 通知 If the notification is sent before the UE 110 sends the notification, the network device 115 can receive the notification before configuring the positioning MG 360, so that the network device 115 can cancel or avoid scheduling the next configuration positioning MG 360. Therefore, the resources used for configuring the positioning MG 360 can be saved, the UE 110 and the network device 115 can use the resources for data transmission, and the impact on the C-DRX active time of the UE can be eliminated.

[0076] In some embodiments, in order for the network device 115 to receive a notification before the next configuration of the positioning MG, the network device 115 may determine a notification reference point (e.g., Figure 3B ) and an offset time before the notification reference point (e.g., Figure 3B ), and transmits information about the determined notification reference point and offset time to UE 110. Alternatively, in some embodiments, network device 115 may transmit parameters for determining the notification reference point and offset time to UE 110, so that UE 110 can determine the notification reference point and offset time. Alternatively, the notification reference point and offset time may be defined in the specification.

[0077] The notification reference point (e.g., notification reference point 370) may be determined based on at least one of the following: expiration of the positioning validity timer of UE 110 (e.g., the end time point of the GNSS validity timer), the latest time point for UE 110 to send a notification (e.g., T 通知 ), a start time point of the next activity time of UE 110 (eg, a start time point of activity time 350) or a start time point of the next configuration positioning MG of UE 110 (eg, a start time point of configuration positioning MG 360).

[0078] The offset time (e.g., X) can be determined based on at least one of: a set of preconfigured values, a duration for UE 110 to acquire a position fix, a round-trip time (RTT) between network device 115 and UE 110, a period for network device 115 to process the notification, or a scheduling delay for UE 110 to receive an uplink scheduling grant.

[0079] With T 通知 Likewise, the notification reference point 370 and the offset time X may also be in the inactive time 330 .

[0080] In some embodiments, the exact point in time at which UE 110 sends the notification may be right after completing the positioning measurement. This may be conditional, for example, if there is higher priority data that UE 110 must send.

[0081] Alternatively, in some embodiments, the exact time point at which UE 110 sends the notification may be the start time point of the next C-DRX active time. Optionally, network device 115 may allocate uplink resources for sending the notification at the next active time.

[0082] Alternatively, in some embodiments, the exact time point at which UE 110 sends the notification may be the latest time point in the offset time X.

[0083] refer to Figure 6 Alternatively, if UE 110 is evaluated as being able to send a notification of advancing the location fix time to network device 115 ("Yes" branch of operation 610), UE 110 may perform operation 270 to advance the location fix time to the inactive time, and in operation 620, UE 110 may or should send a notification of advancing the location fix time to network device 115. In this case, UE 110 may skip the subsequent configuration of the positioning MG. Operation 620 may be performed before, after, or in parallel with operation 270.

[0084] refer to Figure 6Alternatively, if UE 110 is assessed as being able to send a notification of advancing the location fix time to network device 115 (the "Yes" branch of operation 610), UE 110 may or should optionally send a notification of advancing the location fix time to network device 115 in operation 625. If the notification is confirmed by network device 115 in operation 630 (the "Yes" branch of operation 630), UE 110 may or should perform operation 270 to advance the location fix time to within the inactive period. The confirmation from network device 115 indicates that the network side allows UE 110 to shift (here, advance) the location fix time. In this case, UE 110 may optionally send an indication of a positioning information update to network device 115. Alternatively, this indication may be skipped. Otherwise (the "No" branch of operation 630), UE 110 may perform operation 130 to apply the next configured positioning MG.

[0085] refer to Figure 6 In the event that the duration of the position fix is ​​evaluated to exceed the inactivity time ("No" branch of operation 245) and the UE 110 determines that the first period is less than the second period ("Yes" branch of operation 250), operation 140 may further include operation 635, in which the UE may or should send a request to the network device 115 to advance the position fix time to the start time of the inactivity time. The request may include a notification that indicates how much of the next C-DRX active time will be interrupted by the advanced position fix time, for example Figure 4B The first time period 470 is shown in FIG.

[0086] When the request is confirmed by the network device 115 in operation 640 (the "yes" branch of operation 640), the UE 110 may or should perform operation 275 to advance the location fix time to the start time of the C-DRX inactive time. The confirmation of the network device 115 indicates that the network side allows the UE 110 to shift (here, advance) the location fix time. In this case, as an option, the UE 110 can send an indication of the positioning information update to the network device 115. Alternatively, the indication can be skipped. Otherwise (the "no" branch of operation 640), the UE 110 can perform operation 130 to apply the next configuration positioning MG.

[0087] Alternatively, in the case of the “yes” branch of operation 250 , before, after, or in parallel with operation 275 , UE 110 may send a notification of the advanced location fix time to network device 115 .

[0088] Figure 7 An exemplary flow for utilizing a notification process to defer a position fix time according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0089] refer to Figure 7 In the event that the remaining positioning validity timer is evaluated to be longer than the remaining current activity time (“yes” branch of operation 255), and the duration for the position fix is ​​evaluated to fall within the inactivity time (“yes” branch of operation 260), operation 140 may further include operation 710, in which UE 110 may or should send a request to network device 115 to defer the position fix time to the inactivity time.

[0090] exist Figure 5A and Figure 5B In the example scenario shown in , UE 110 may autonomously select a time window for MG 560b. In some embodiments, in this case, the request may include a notification that may indicate the time window for MG 560b.

[0091] When the request is confirmed by the network device 115 in operation 720 (the "yes" branch of operation 640), the UE 110 may or should perform operation 280 to postpone the location fix time to the subsequent C-DRX inactive time. The confirmation of the network device 115 indicates that the network side allows the UE 110 to shift (here, postpone) the location fix time. In this case, as an option, the UE 110 can send an indication of the positioning information update to the network device 115. Alternatively, the indication can be skipped. Otherwise (the "no" branch of operation 640), the UE 110 can perform operation 130 to apply the next configuration positioning MG.

[0092] Alternatively, in the case of the “yes” branches of operations 255 and 260 , UE 110 may send a notification of the deferred location fix time to network device 115 before, after, or in parallel with operation 280 .

[0093] Alternatively, in some embodiments, if the duration for the location fix is ​​evaluated to exceed the subsequent inactivity time ("No" branch of operation 260), and UE 110 determines that the duration for the location fix exceeds the subsequent inactivity time by a fourth period that is less than Figure 5A , which is the overlap of the next configured positioning MG 560 with the active time 510, the UE 110 may or should send a request to the network device 115 to postpone the location fix time to the start time of the subsequent inactive time 530. The request may include a notification that indicates how much of the next C-DRX active time 550 will be interrupted by the postponed location fix time.

[0094] If the request is confirmed by network device 115, UE 110 may or should postpone the location fix time to the start time of the subsequent inactivity period. The confirmation from network device 115 indicates that the network side allows UE 110 to shift (here, postpone) the location fix time. In this case, as an option, UE 110 can send an indication of positioning information update to network device 115. Alternatively, this indication can be skipped. Otherwise, UE 110 can perform operation 130 to apply the next configuration positioning MG.

[0095] Alternatively, in this case, UE 110 may send a notification of the deferred location fix time to network device 115 before, after, or in parallel with the deferred location fix time.

[0096] The indication of the positioning information update can be sent as a physical random access channel (PRACH) preamble, a medium access control element (MAC CE), or an RRC message. The indication can be implicit or explicit, for example, by including an updated remaining GNSS validity duration. If the network device 115 does not pre-configure an allocation for this indication, the UE 110 can first send an SR for the MAC CE and / or RRC message.

[0097] Additionally, in some embodiments, network device 115 may indicate to UE 110 a requirement to perform a position fix during an inactive time equal to or greater than the inactive time of the positioning MG. In this case, UE 110 will acquire a new position fix before the next C-DRX active time. In some embodiments, network device 115 will not send this indication when positioning the MG occurs outside of the C-DRX active time. Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, if the active time occurs during the positioning process, UE 110 may postpone the active time until the end of the positioning MG.

[0098] Additionally, network device 115 may allocate uplink resources for UE 110 to send an indication of a positioning information update after locating the MG.

[0099] In some embodiments, at least one configuration for adjusting the location fix time is sent by network device 115, and UE 110 receives the at least one configuration for adjusting the location fix time from network device 115. In addition to the above, the at least one configuration may also include at least one of the following items: a notification reference point; whether adjustment of the location fix time is allowed; whether adjustment of the location fix time is enabled or disabled; a condition under which adjustment of the location fix time is allowed; advancing the location fix time; delaying the location fix time; or one or more configurations of the at least one configuration that are allowed for the terminal device to determine whether to adjust the location fix time.

[0100] For example, the configuration for adjusting the location fix time may include whether the adjustment of the location fix time is allowed. In this case, if the adjustment of the location fix time is allowed, the UE 110 may perform the above-mentioned operations for adjusting the location fix time, such as detection or evaluation, and if the adjustment of the location fix time is not allowed, the UE 110 must apply the configuration to locate the MG.

[0101] For example, the configuration for adjusting the location fix time may include enabling or disabling the adjustment of the location fix time. If the adjustment of the location fix time is enabled, the UE 110 may perform the aforementioned operations for adjusting the location fix time, such as detecting or evaluating, and if the adjustment of the location fix time is disabled, the UE 110 may not perform the aforementioned operations for adjusting the location fix time.

[0102] For example, the configuration for adjusting the location fix time may include conditions under which the location fix time adjustment is permitted. Conditions under which the location fix time adjustment is permitted may include that the adjusted positioning MG does not conflict with mandatory actions performed by UE 110, such as inter-frequency measurements, paging monitoring, SIB reception, reference signal measurements of serving cells or neighboring cells, and the like. If the adjusted positioning MG does not conflict with mandatory actions, UE 110 is permitted to perform the aforementioned operation of adjusting the location fix time. If the adjusted positioning MG would conflict with mandatory actions, UE 110 is not permitted to perform the aforementioned operation of adjusting the location fix time.

[0103] For example, the configuration for adjusting the location lock time may include: advancing the location lock time. In this case, the UE 110 advances the location lock time to within the C-DRX inactive time or to the start time of the C-DRX inactive time.

[0104] For example, the configuration for adjusting the location lock time may include: postponing the location lock time. In this case, UE 110 postpones the location lock time to a subsequent C-DRX inactive time or a start time point of the subsequent C-DRX inactive time.

[0105] For example, the configuration for adjusting the location lock time may include: one or more configurations of at least one configuration that are allowed for the terminal device 110 to determine whether to adjust the location lock time. For example, the configuration of advancing the location lock time may be allowed for the UE 110, while the configuration of postponing the location lock time may not be allowed for the UE 110, and in this case, the UE 110 can perform the above-mentioned operations related to the advancement of the location lock time, but cannot perform the above-mentioned operations related to the postponement of the location lock time. Alternatively, for example, the configuration of postponing the location lock time may be allowed for the UE 110, while the configuration of advancing the location lock time may not be allowed for the UE 110, and in this case, the UE 110 can perform the above-mentioned operations related to the postponement of the location lock time, but cannot perform the above-mentioned operations related to the advancement of the location lock time. Alternatively or additionally, for example, a configuration associated with a case where the positioning MG falls within the inactive time may be allowed for UE 110, whereas a configuration associated with a case where the positioning MG exceeds the inactive time may not be allowed for UE 110, and in this case, if the adjusted position fix time can be within the inactive time, UE 110 can adjust the position fix time, whereas if the adjusted position fix time still overlaps with the active time, the UE cannot adjust the position fix time.

[0106] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the UE's behavior of performing GNSS measurements can be adjusted to the optimal time, and the network can be kept informed of the results of the GNSS measurements. The UE can send the indication after the GNSS measurement or at a later time point.

[0107] Furthermore, according to example embodiments of the present disclosure, the impact of GNSS MGs where a UE cannot be scheduled for other types of communications may be reduced because the UE may ensure that the overlap between the GNSS MG and active time is minimized.

[0108] Figure 8 Shown is a flow chart illustrating an example method 800 for position fix time adjustment according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. The example method 800 may be performed, for example, by a terminal device (such as UE 110) in C-DRX.

[0109] refer to Figure 8 , the example method 800 may include: operation 810, detecting whether the next configured positioning MG overlaps with the active time; and operation 820, if the next configured positioning MG is detected as overlapping with the active time, determining whether to adjust the position fix time associated with the next configured positioning MG according to at least one configuration for adjusting the position fix time.

[0110] In the above description, the details of operation 810 have been described at least with respect to operation 120 , and a repeated description thereof is omitted here.

[0111] In the above description, the details of operation 820 have been described at least with respect to operation 140 , and a repeated description thereof is omitted here.

[0112] In some example embodiments, determining whether to adjust the position fix time associated with the next configured positioning MG based on at least one configuration for adjusting the position fix time may include detecting whether an inactivity time exists before the next configured positioning MG. In the above description, more details have been described for at least operation 240, and a repeated description thereof is omitted here.

[0113] In some example embodiments, determining whether to adjust the position fix time associated with the next configured positioning MG according to at least one configuration for adjusting the position fix time may further include: in the case of detecting an inactivity time before the next configured positioning MG, evaluating whether the duration for the position fix falls within the inactivity time; and in the case that the duration for the position fix is ​​evaluated to fall within the inactivity time, the example method 800 may further include an operation of advancing the position fix time to within the inactivity time. In the above description, at least Figure 3A and Figure 3B Operation 240, operation 245, and operation 270 in are described in more detail, and repeated description thereof is omitted here.

[0114] In some example embodiments, determining whether to adjust the position fix time associated with the next configured positioning MG based on at least one configuration for adjusting the position fix time may also include: in the case of detecting an inactive time before the next configured positioning MG, evaluating whether the duration for the position fix falls within the inactive time; and evaluating whether it is possible to send a notification of an advanced position fix time to the serving network device at an offset time before the configured notification reference point; in the case where the duration for the position fix is ​​evaluated to fall within the inactive time and the terminal device is evaluated to be able to send a notification of an advanced position fix time to the serving network device, the example method 800 may also include: an operation of advancing the position fix time to the inactive time; and an operation of sending a notification of an advanced position fix time to the serving network device. In the above description, at least the following has been described. Figure 3A and Figure 3B Operation 240, operation 245, operation 610, operation 270, and operation 620 in describe more details, and repeated description thereof is omitted here.

[0115] In some example embodiments, if the notification is confirmed by the serving network device, the advance of the location fix time may be performed. In the above description, more details have been described at least for operation 625, operation 630 and operation 270, and repeated description thereof is omitted here.

[0116] In some example embodiments, determining whether to adjust the position fix time associated with the next configured positioning MG based on at least one configuration for adjusting the position fix time may further include: in the case of detecting an inactive time before the next configured positioning MG, evaluating whether the duration for the position fix falls within the inactive time; and in the case of evaluating that the duration for the position fix exceeds the inactive time, determining whether a first period during which the duration for the position fix exceeds the inactive time is less than a second period, wherein the second period is an overlap between the next configured positioning MG and the active time; and in the case that the first period is determined to be less than the second period, the example method 800 may further include an operation of advancing the position fix time to a starting time point of the inactive time. In the above description, at least the first period has been determined to be less than the second period. Figure 4A and Figure 4B Operation 240, operation 245, operation 250, and operation 275 are described in more detail, and repeated description thereof is omitted here.

[0117] In some example embodiments, determining whether to adjust the location lock time associated with the next configured positioning MG according to at least one configuration for adjusting the location lock time may further include: if the first time period is determined to be less than the second time period, sending a request to the serving network device to advance the location lock time to the start time point of the inactive time, and if the request is confirmed by the serving network device, the advancement of the location lock time may be performed; or sending a notification of advancing the location lock time to the serving network device. In the above description, at least Figure 4A and Figure 4B Operation 250, operation 635, operation 640, and operation 275 of FIG. 2 are described in more detail, and repeated description thereof is omitted here.

[0118] In some example embodiments, determining whether to adjust the position fix time associated with the next configured positioning MG based on at least one configuration for adjusting the position fix time may further include: in a case where it is detected that there is no inactivity time before the next configured positioning MG, evaluating whether the remaining positioning validity timer is longer than the remaining current activity time; and evaluating whether the duration for the position fix falls within the subsequent inactivity time; and in a case where the remaining positioning validity timer is evaluated to be longer than the remaining current activity time and the duration for the position fix is ​​evaluated to fall within the subsequent inactivity time, the example method 800 may further include an operation of postponing the position fix time to the subsequent inactivity time. In the above description, at least the configuration for the next configured positioning MG has been described. Figure 5A and Figure 5B Operation 240 , operation 255 , operation 260 , and operation 280 are described in more detail, and repeated description thereof is omitted here.

[0119] In some example embodiments, determining whether to adjust the location lock time associated with the next configured positioning MG based on at least one configuration for adjusting the location lock time may further include: if the remaining positioning validity timer is longer than the remaining current activity time and the duration for the location lock falls within the subsequent inactivity time, sending a request to the serving network device to postpone the location lock time to the subsequent inactivity time, and if the request is confirmed by the serving network device, the postponement of the location lock time may be performed; or sending a notification to the serving network device to postpone the location lock time. In the above description, at least Figure 5A and Figure 5B Operation 255, operation 260, operation 710, operation 720, and operation 280 of FIG. 2 are described in more detail, and repeated descriptions thereof are omitted here.

[0120] In some example embodiments, the example method 800 may further include skipping the subsequent operation of configuring the positioning MG when the position fix time is advanced or delayed. In the above description, more details have been described for at least operation 190, and repeated description thereof is omitted here.

[0121] In some example embodiments, the example method 800 may further include an operation of receiving at least one configuration for adjusting the location lock time from a serving network device, and the at least one configuration may include at least one of the following items: notifying a reference point; whether adjustment of the location lock time is allowed; whether adjustment of the location lock time is enabled or disabled; conditions under which adjustment of the location lock time is allowed; advancing the location lock time; postponing the location lock time; or one or more configurations in at least one configuration that are allowed for the terminal device to determine whether to adjust the location lock time.

[0122] Figure 9 A flow chart illustrating an example method 900 for position fix time adjustment according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The example method 900 may be performed, for example, by a network device such as network device 115.

[0123] refer to Figure 9 , the example method 900 may include: an operation 910 of determining at least one configuration for a terminal device to adjust a location fix time; and an operation 920 of sending the at least one configuration to the terminal device.

[0124] In some example embodiments, the example method 900 may further include determining an offset time and a notification reference point for the terminal device to send a notification of an advanced position fix time at the offset time before the notification reference point, and the notification reference point may be determined based on at least one of the following items: expiration of a positioning validity timer of the terminal device, a latest time point for the terminal device to send a notification, a start time point of the next active time of the terminal device, or a start time point of the next configured positioning measurement gap of the terminal device, and the offset time may be determined based on at least one of the following items: a set of preconfigured values, a duration for the terminal device to obtain a position fix time, an RTT between a network device and the terminal device, a period for the network device to process a notification, or a scheduling delay for the terminal device to receive an uplink scheduling authorization.

[0125] In some example embodiments, the example method 900 may further include: canceling or avoiding scheduling a subsequent operation of configuring the positioning MG in the event that a notification of an early position fix time is received from the terminal device.

[0126] In some example embodiments, the example method 900 may further include an operation of indicating to the terminal device a requirement to perform a position fix within an inactive time equal to or greater than the inactive time of the positioning MG.

[0127] Figure 10 A block diagram illustrating an example device 1000 for position fix time adjustment according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. For example, the device may be at least a part of a terminal device in C-DRX (such as UE 110 in the above example).

[0128] like Figure 10 As shown in , the example device 1000 may include at least one processor 1010 and at least one memory 1020 that may store instructions 1030. The instructions 1030, when executed by the at least one processor 1010, may cause the device 1000 to perform at least the example method 800 described above.

[0129] In various example embodiments, the at least one processor 1010 in the example device 1000 may include, but is not limited to, at least one hardware processor, including at least one microprocessor such as a central processing unit (CPU); a portion of at least one hardware processor; and any other suitable special-purpose processor, such as those developed based on, for example, a field programmable gate array (FPGA) and an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). In addition, the at least one processor 1010 may also include Figure 10 At least one other circuit system or component not shown.

[0130] In various example embodiments, at least one memory 1020 in the example device 1000 may include at least one storage medium in various forms, such as transient memory and / or non-transient memory. Transient memory may include, but is not limited to, for example, random access memory (RAM), cache, etc. Non-transient memory may include, but is not limited to, for example, read-only memory (ROM), hard disk, flash memory, etc. The term "non-transient" as used herein is a limitation on the medium itself (i.e., tangible, rather than a signal), rather than a limitation on the persistence of data storage (e.g., RAM versus ROM). In addition, at least memory 1020 may include, but is not limited to, electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, devices or equipment, or any combination of the above.

[0131] Furthermore, in various example embodiments, the example device 1000 may further include at least one other circuit system, element, and interface, such as at least one I / O interface, at least one antenna element, and the like.

[0132] In various example embodiments, the circuit systems, components, elements, and interfaces in the example device 1000 (including at least one processor 1010 and at least one memory 1020) may be coupled together in any suitable manner (e.g., electrically, magnetically, optically, electromagnetically, etc.) via any suitable connections (including, but not limited to, buses, crossbars, wires, and / or wireless links).

[0133] It should be understood that the structure of the device on the UE 110 side is not limited to the above-mentioned example device 1000.

[0134] Figure 11 A block diagram illustrating an example device 1100 for position fix time adjustment according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. For example, the device may be at least a portion of a network device such as the network device 115 in the above examples.

[0135] like Figure 11As shown in , the example device 1100 may include at least one processor 1110 and at least one memory 1120 that may store instructions 1130. The instructions 1130, when executed by the at least one processor 1110, may cause the device 1100 to perform at least the example method 900 described above.

[0136] In various example embodiments, the at least one processor 1110 in the example device 1100 may include, but is not limited to, at least one hardware processor, including at least one microprocessor such as a central processing unit (CPU); a portion of at least one hardware processor; and any other suitable special-purpose processor, such as those developed based on, for example, a field programmable gate array (FPGA) and an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). In addition, the at least one processor 1110 may also include Figure 11 At least one other circuit system or component not shown.

[0137] In various example embodiments, at least one memory 1120 in the example device 1100 may include at least one storage medium in various forms, such as transient memory and / or non-transient memory. Transient memory may include, but is not limited to, for example, random access memory (RAM), cache, etc. Non-transient memory may include, but is not limited to, read-only memory (ROM), hard disk, flash memory, etc. The term "non-transient" as used herein is a limitation on the medium itself (i.e., tangible, rather than a signal), rather than a limitation on the persistence of data storage (e.g., RAM versus ROM). In addition, at least memory 1120 may include, but is not limited to, electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, devices or equipment, or any combination of the above.

[0138] Furthermore, in various example embodiments, the example device 1100 may further include at least one other circuit system, element, and interface, such as at least one I / O interface, at least one antenna element, and the like.

[0139] In various example embodiments, the circuit systems, components, elements, and interfaces in the example device 1100 (including at least one processor 1110 and at least one memory 1120) may be coupled together in any suitable manner (e.g., electrically, magnetically, optically, electromagnetically, etc.) via any suitable connections (including, but not limited to, buses, crossbars, wires, and / or wireless links).

[0140] It should be understood that the structure of the device on the network device 115 side is not limited to the above-mentioned example device 1100.

[0141] Figure 12A block diagram illustrating an example apparatus 1200 for position fix time adjustment according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. For example, the apparatus may be at least a part of a terminal device in C-DRX (such as the UE 110 in the above example).

[0142] like Figure 12 As shown in , the example apparatus 1200 may include a component 1210 for performing operation 810 of the example method 800, and a component 1220 for performing operation 820 of the example method 800. In one or more other example embodiments, at least one I / O interface, at least one antenna element, etc. may also be included in the example apparatus 1200.

[0143] In some example embodiments, determining whether to adjust the position fix time associated with a next configured position fix MG according to at least one configuration for adjusting the position fix time may include detecting whether there is an inactivity time before the next configured position fix MG.

[0144] In some example embodiments, determining whether to adjust the position fix time associated with the next configured positioning MG based on at least one configuration for adjusting the position fix time may also include: in a case where an inactivity time before the next configured positioning MG is detected, evaluating whether the duration for the position fix falls within the inactivity time; and in a case where the duration for the position fix is ​​evaluated to fall within the inactivity time, the example device 1200 may also include a component for advancing the position fix time to within the inactivity time.

[0145] In some example embodiments, determining whether to adjust the position fix time associated with the next configured positioning MG based on at least one configuration for adjusting the position fix time may also include: in a case where an inactive time before the next configured positioning MG is detected, evaluating whether the duration for the position fix falls within the inactive time; and evaluating whether it is possible to send a notification of an advanced position fix time to the serving network device at an offset time before the configured notification reference point; and in a case where the duration for the position fix is ​​evaluated to fall within the inactive time and the terminal device is evaluated to be able to send a notification of an advanced position fix time to the serving network device, the example apparatus 1200 may also include: a component for advancing the position fix time to the inactive time; and a component for sending a notification of an advanced position fix time to the serving network device.

[0146] In some example embodiments, advance of the location fix time may be performed if the notification is acknowledged by the serving network device.

[0147] In some example embodiments, determining whether to adjust the position fix time associated with the next configured positioning MG based on at least one configuration for adjusting the position fix time may also include: in a case where an inactivity time before the next configured positioning MG is detected, evaluating whether the duration for the position fix falls within the inactivity time; and in a case where the duration for the position fix is ​​evaluated to exceed the inactivity time, determining whether a first period of time during which the duration for the position fix exceeds the inactivity time is less than a second period of time, wherein the second period is an overlap of the next configured positioning MG with the activity time; and in a case where the first period of time is determined to be less than the second period of time, the example device 1200 may also include a component for advancing the position fix time to a start time point of the inactivity time.

[0148] In some example embodiments, determining whether to adjust the location fix time associated with the next configured positioning MG based on at least one configuration for adjusting the location fix time may further include: if the first time period is determined to be less than the second time period, sending a request to the serving network device to advance the location fix time to a start time point of the inactive time, and if the request is confirmed by the serving network device, the advancement of the location fix time may be performed; or sending a notification to the serving network device to advance the location fix time.

[0149] In some example embodiments, determining whether to adjust the position fix time associated with the next configured positioning MG based on at least one configuration for adjusting the position fix time may also include: in a case where it is detected that there is no inactivity time before the next configured positioning MG, evaluating whether the remaining positioning validity timer is longer than the remaining current activity time; and evaluating whether the duration of the position fix falls within the subsequent inactivity time; and in a case where the remaining positioning validity timer is evaluated to be longer than the remaining current activity time and the duration of the position fix is ​​evaluated to fall within the subsequent inactivity time, the example device 1200 may also include a component for postponing the position fix time to the subsequent inactivity time.

[0150] In some example embodiments, determining whether to adjust the location fix time associated with the next configured positioning MG based on at least one configuration for adjusting the location fix time may further include: if the remaining positioning validity timer is longer than the remaining current activity time and the duration for the location fix falls within the subsequent inactivity time, sending a request to the serving network device to postpone the location fix time to the subsequent inactivity time, and if the request is confirmed by the serving network device, the postponement of the location fix time may be performed; or sending a notification to the serving network device to postpone the location fix time.

[0151] In some example embodiments, the example apparatus 1200 may further include a component for skipping the next configuration positioning MG if the position fix time is advanced or delayed. In the above description, more details have been described for at least operation 190, and repeated description thereof is omitted here.

[0152] In some example embodiments, the example apparatus 1200 may further include a component for receiving at least one configuration for adjusting the location lock time from a serving network device, and the at least one configuration may include at least one of the following items: notification of a reference point; whether adjustment of the location lock time is allowed; whether adjustment of the location lock time is enabled or disabled; conditions under which adjustment of the location lock time is allowed; advancing the location lock time; postponing the location lock time; or one or more configurations in at least one configuration that are allowed for the terminal device to determine whether to adjust the location lock time.

[0153] In some example embodiments, examples of components in the example apparatus 1200 may include circuitry. For example, examples of components 1210 may include circuitry configured to perform operation 810 of the example method 800, and examples of components 1220 may include circuitry configured to perform operation 820 of the example method 800.

[0154] The example apparatus 1200 may also include components including circuitry configured to perform the example method 800. In some example embodiments, examples of components may also include software modules and any other suitable functional entities.

[0155] Figure 13 A block diagram illustrating an example apparatus 1300 for position fix time adjustment according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. For example, the apparatus may be at least a portion of a network device such as the network device 115 in the above-described example.

[0156] like Figure 13 As shown in , the example apparatus 1300 may include a component 1310 for performing operation 910 of the example method 900, and a component 1320 for performing operation 920 of the example method 900. In one or more other example embodiments, at least one I / O interface, at least one antenna element, etc. may also be included in the example apparatus 1300.

[0157] In some example embodiments, the example apparatus 1300 may further include a component for determining an offset time and a notification reference point for the terminal device to send a notification of an advanced position fix time at the offset time prior to the notification reference point, and the notification reference point may be determined based on at least one of the following: expiration of a positioning validity timer for the terminal device, a latest time point for the terminal device to send a notification, a start time point of the next active time of the terminal device, or a start time point of the next configured positioning measurement gap of the terminal device, and the offset time may be determined based on at least one of the following: a set of preconfigured values, a duration for the terminal device to acquire a position fix, an RTT between a network device and the terminal device, a period for the network device to process a notification, or a scheduling delay for the terminal device to receive an uplink scheduling authorization.

[0158] In some example embodiments, the example apparatus 1300 may further include means for canceling or avoiding scheduling the next configuration positioning MG if a notification of an early position fix time is received from the terminal device.

[0159] In some example embodiments, the example apparatus 1300 may further include means for indicating to the terminal device a requirement to perform a position fix within an inactivity time equal to or greater than the inactivity time of the positioning MG.

[0160] In some example embodiments, examples of components in the example apparatus 1300 may include circuitry. For example, examples of components 1310 may include circuitry configured to perform operation 910 of the example method 900, and examples of components 1320 may include circuitry configured to perform operation 920 of the example method 900.

[0161] The example apparatus 1300 may also include components including circuitry configured to perform the example method 900. In some example embodiments, examples of components may also include software modules and any other suitable functional entities.

[0162] An example embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a computer-readable medium comprising program instructions, which, when executed by a terminal device in C-DRX (such as the UE 110 in the above example), may cause the terminal device to at least perform the following:

[0163] detecting whether the next configured positioning MG overlaps with the active time; and determining whether to adjust the position fix time associated with the next configured positioning MG according to at least one configuration for adjusting the position fix time if the next configured positioning MG is detected as overlapping with the active time.

[0164] In some example embodiments, determining whether to adjust the position fix time associated with a next configured position fix MG according to at least one configuration for adjusting the position fix time may include detecting whether there is an inactivity time before the next configured position fix MG.

[0165] In some example embodiments, determining whether to adjust the position fix time associated with the next configured positioning MG based on at least one configuration for adjusting the position fix time may also include: in a case where an inactivity time before the next configured positioning MG is detected, evaluating whether the duration for the position fix falls within the inactivity time; and in a case where the duration for the position fix is ​​evaluated to fall within the inactivity time, the computer-readable medium may also include instructions that, when executed by the terminal device, may cause the terminal device to further execute: advancing the position fix time to the inactivity time.

[0166] In some example embodiments, determining whether to adjust the position fix time associated with the next configured positioning MG based on at least one configuration for adjusting the position fix time may also include: in a case where an inactive time before the next configured positioning MG is detected, evaluating whether the duration for the position fix falls within the inactive time; and evaluating whether it is possible to send a notification of an advanced position fix time to the serving network device at an offset time before the configured notification reference point; and in a case where the duration for the position fix is ​​evaluated to fall within the inactive time and the terminal device is evaluated to be able to send a notification of an advanced position fix time to the serving network device, the computer-readable medium may also include instructions that, when executed by the terminal device, may cause the terminal device to further execute: advancing the position fix time to the inactive time; and sending a notification of an advanced position fix time to the serving network device.

[0167] In some example embodiments, advance of the location fix time may be performed if the notification is acknowledged by the serving network device.

[0168] In some example embodiments, determining whether to adjust the position lock time associated with the next configured positioning MG based on at least one configuration for adjusting the position lock time may also include: in a case where an inactive time before the next configured positioning MG is detected, evaluating whether the duration for the position lock falls within the inactive time; and in a case where the duration for the position lock is evaluated to exceed the inactive time, determining whether a first period of time during which the duration for the position lock exceeds the inactive time is less than a second period, wherein the second period is an overlap of the next configured positioning MG with the active time; and in a case where the first period is determined to be less than the second period, the computer-readable medium may also include instructions, which, when executed by the terminal device, may cause the terminal device to also execute: advancing the position lock time to the start time point of the inactive time.

[0169] In some example embodiments, determining whether to adjust the location fix time associated with the next configured positioning MG based on at least one configuration for adjusting the location fix time may further include: if the first time period is determined to be less than the second time period, sending a request to the serving network device to advance the location fix time to a start time point of the inactive time, and if the request is confirmed by the serving network device, the advancement of the location fix time may be performed; or sending a notification to the serving network device to advance the location fix time.

[0170] In some example embodiments, determining whether to adjust the position fix time associated with the next configured positioning MG based on at least one configuration for adjusting the position fix time may also include: in a case where it is detected that there is no inactivity time before the next configured positioning MG, evaluating whether the remaining positioning validity timer is longer than the remaining current activity time; and evaluating whether the duration for the position fix falls within the subsequent inactivity time; and in a case where the remaining positioning validity timer is evaluated to be longer than the remaining current activity time and the duration for the position fix is ​​evaluated to fall within the subsequent inactivity time, the computer-readable medium may also include instructions that, when executed by the terminal device, may cause the terminal device to further execute: postponing the position fix time to the subsequent inactivity time.

[0171] In some example embodiments, determining whether to adjust the location fix time associated with the next configured positioning MG based on at least one configuration for adjusting the location fix time may further include: if the remaining positioning validity timer is longer than the remaining current activity time and the duration for the location fix falls within the subsequent inactivity time, sending a request to the serving network device to postpone the location fix time to the subsequent inactivity time, and if the request is confirmed by the serving network device, the postponement of the location fix time may be performed; or sending a notification to the serving network device to postpone the location fix time.

[0172] In some example embodiments, the computer-readable medium may further include instructions, which, when executed by the terminal device, may cause the terminal device to further execute: skipping the subsequent configuration of positioning the MG when the position fix time is advanced or delayed.

[0173] In some example embodiments, the computer-readable medium may further include instructions that, when executed by the terminal device, may cause the terminal device to further perform: receiving at least one configuration for adjusting the location lock time from the serving network device, and the at least one configuration may include at least one of the following items: notifying a reference point; whether adjustment of the location lock time is allowed; whether adjustment of the location lock time is enabled or disabled; conditions under which adjustment of the location lock time is allowed; advancing the location lock time; postponing the location lock time; or one or more configurations in at least one configuration that are allowed for the terminal device to determine whether to adjust the location lock time.

[0174] An example embodiment of the present disclosure also provides a computer-readable medium comprising program instructions, which, when executed by a network device such as the network device 115 in the above example, can cause the network device to at least perform: determining at least one configuration for adjusting the position lock time of the terminal device; and sending at least one configuration to the terminal device.

[0175] In some example embodiments, the computer-readable medium may further include instructions that, when executed by the network device, may cause the network device to further perform: determining an offset time and a notification reference point for the terminal device to send a notification of an advanced position fix time at the offset time before the notification reference point, and the notification reference point may be determined based on at least one of the following items: expiration of the positioning validity timer of the terminal device, the latest time point for the terminal device to send a notification, the start time point of the next active time of the terminal device, or the start time point of the next configured positioning measurement gap of the terminal device, and the offset time may be determined based on at least one of the following items: a set of preconfigured values, a duration for the terminal device to obtain a position fix, the RTT between the network device and the terminal device, a period for the network device to process the notification, or a scheduling delay for the terminal device to receive an uplink scheduling authorization.

[0176] In some example embodiments, the computer-readable medium may further include instructions that, when executed by the network device, may cause the network device to further execute: upon receiving a notification of an early position fix time from the terminal device, cancel or avoid scheduling a subsequent configuration positioning MG.

[0177] In some example embodiments, the computer-readable medium may further include instructions that, when executed by the network device, may cause the network device to further perform: indicating to the terminal device a requirement to perform a position fix within an inactive time equal to or greater than the inactive time of the positioning MG.

[0178] As used herein, “at least one of: ” and “at least one of ” and similar expressions (where a list of two or more elements is connected by “and” or “or”) refer to at least any one of these elements, or at least any two or more of these elements, or at least all of these elements.

[0179] The term "terminal device" refers to any terminal device capable of wireless communication. By way of example and not limitation, a terminal device may also be referred to as a communication device, user equipment (UE), subscriber station (SS), portable subscriber station, mobile station (MS) or access terminal (AT). Terminal devices may include, but are not limited to, mobile phones, cellular phones, smart phones, voice over IP (VoIP) phones, wireless local loop phones, tablet computers, wearable terminal devices, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable computers, desktop computers, image capture terminal devices (such as digital cameras), gaming terminal devices, music storage and playback devices, in-vehicle wireless terminal devices, wireless endpoints, mobile stations, laptop embedded devices (LEEs), laptop mounted devices (LMEs), USB dongles, smart devices, wireless client equipment (CPEs), Internet of Things (IoT) devices, watches or other wearable devices, head-mounted displays (HMDs), vehicles, drones, medical devices and applications (e.g., remote surgery), industrial devices and applications (e.g., robots and / or other wireless devices operating in industrial and / or automated process chain environments), consumer electronic devices, devices operating on commercial and / or industrial wireless networks, etc. The terminal device may also correspond to the mobile terminal (MT) portion of an IAB node (eg, a relay node).In the above description, the terms "terminal device," "communication device," "terminal," "user equipment," and "UE" may be used interchangeably.

[0180] Throughout this disclosure, the term "circuitry" may refer to one or more or all of the following: (a) a hardware circuit implementation only (such as an implementation in analog and / or digital circuitry only); (b) a combination of hardware circuitry and software, such as, as applicable, (i) a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuitry with software / firmware, and (ii) any portion of a hardware processor(s) (including digital signal processor(s)), software, and memory(s) with software that work together to enable a device such as a mobile phone or server to perform various functions); and (c) hardware circuitry and / or processor(s), such as microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that requires software (e.g., firmware) for operation, but may not be present when not required for operation. This definition of circuitry applies to one or all uses of the term in this disclosure, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this disclosure, the term circuitry also encompasses an implementation of only a hardware circuitry or processor(s) or a portion of a hardware circuitry or processor and its(their) accompanying software and / or firmware. The term circuitry also covers (for example and if applicable to a claim element) a baseband integrated circuit or processor integrated circuit for a mobile device, or a similar integrated circuit in a server, cellular network device, or other computing or networking equipment.

[0181] Another example embodiment may involve computer program code or instructions that can cause an apparatus to at least perform the corresponding method described above. Another example embodiment may involve a computer-readable medium having, for example, computer program code or instructions stored thereon. In some embodiments, such a computer-readable medium may include at least one storage medium in various forms, such as volatile memory and / or non-volatile memory. Volatile memory may include, but is not limited to, RAM, cache, etc. Non-volatile memory may include, but is not limited to, ROM, hard disk, flash memory, etc. Non-volatile memory may also include, but is not limited to, electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, devices, or equipment, or any combination thereof.

[0182] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims, words such as "comprise", "comprising", etc. are to be interpreted as being inclusive, and not exclusive or exhaustive; that is, in the sense of "including but not limited to". The word "coupled" as generally used herein refers to two or more elements that can be directly connected or connected through one or more intermediate elements. Similarly, the word "connected" as generally used herein refers to two or more elements that can be directly connected or connected through one or more intermediate elements. Additionally, "herein", "above", "below" and words of similar meaning, when used in this application, should refer to the entire application, not to any particular part of this application. Where the context permits, words used in the singular or plural in the specification may also include the plural or singular, respectively. The word "or" refers to a list of two or more items, and the word covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any item in the list, all items in the list, and any combination of items in the list.

[0183] Furthermore, unless specifically stated otherwise, or understood otherwise in the context of use, conditional language used herein (such as "can," "could," "might," "may," "e.g.," "for example," "such as," etc.) is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include (and other embodiments do not include) certain features, elements, and / or states. Thus, such conditional language is generally not intended to imply that features, elements, and / or states are in any way required for one or more embodiments, nor to imply that one or more embodiments must include logic for determining (with or without author input or prompting) whether such features, elements, and / or states are included in any particular embodiment or whether they are performed in any particular embodiment.

[0184] As used herein, the term "determine" (and grammatical variations thereof) may include, among other things, calculating, computing, processing, deriving, measuring, investigating, searching (e.g., searching in a table, database, or other data structure), confirming, etc. Furthermore, "determining" may include receiving (e.g., receiving information), accessing (e.g., accessing data in a memory), obtaining, etc. Furthermore, "determine" may include resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, etc.

[0185] Although some embodiments have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In fact, the devices, methods, and systems described herein may be embodied in various other forms; in addition, various omissions, replacements, and changes may be made to the forms of the methods and systems described herein without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. For example, although the blocks are presented in a given arrangement, alternative embodiments may utilize different components and / or circuit topologies to perform similar functions, and some blocks may be deleted, moved, added, subdivided, combined, and / or modified. At least one of these blocks may be implemented in various different ways. The order of these blocks may also be changed. Any suitable combination of the elements and actions of some of the above-described embodiments may be combined to provide additional embodiments. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover forms or modifications that fall within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

[0186] The abbreviations used in the specification and / or drawings are defined as follows:

[0187] 5G: Fifth Generation

[0188] BS: Base Station

[0189] C-DRX: Connected Discontinuous Reception

[0190] eMTC: Enhanced Machine Type Communication

[0191] eNB: Evolved Node B

[0192] gNB: Next Generation Node B

[0193] GLONASS: Global Navigation Satellite System

[0194] GNSS: Global Navigation Satellite System

[0195] GPS: Global Positioning System

[0196] IoT: Internet of Things

[0197] MAC CE: Media Access Control Element

[0198] MG: Measuring Gap

[0199] NB-IoT: Narrowband Internet of Things

[0200] NR: New Radio

[0201] NTN: Non-Terrestrial Network

[0202] NW: Network

[0203] PDCCH: Physical Downlink Control Channel

[0204] PRACH: Physical Random Access Channel

[0205] RRC: Radio Resource Control

[0206] RTT: Round Trip Time

[0207] SIB: System Information Block

[0208] SR: Scheduling Request

[0209] TA: Timing ahead

[0210] TN: Terrestrial Network

[0211] UE: User Equipment

[0212] UL: Uplink

Claims

1. A terminal device, comprising: at least one processor; as well as At least one memory stores instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the terminal device in connected mode discontinuous reception to at least execute: Detecting whether the next configured positioning measurement gap overlaps with the active time; and In case the next configured positioning measurement gap is detected as overlapping with the activity time, determining whether to adjust a position fix time associated with the next configured positioning measurement gap according to at least one configuration for adjusting a position fix time.

2. The terminal device of claim 1 , wherein determining whether to adjust the position fix time associated with the next configured positioning measurement gap according to at least one configuration for adjusting the position fix time comprises: It is detected whether there is an inactivity time before the next configured positioning measurement gap.

3. The terminal device of claim 2 , wherein determining whether to adjust the position fix time associated with the next configured positioning measurement gap according to at least one configuration for adjusting the position fix time further comprises: upon detecting an inactivity time preceding said next configured positioning measurement gap, evaluating whether a duration for a position fix falls within said inactivity time; and In a case where the duration for a position fix is ​​assessed to fall within the inactivity time, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the terminal device to further: The position fix time is advanced to within the inactive time.

4. The terminal device of claim 2 , wherein determining whether to adjust the position fix time associated with the next configured positioning measurement gap according to at least one configuration for adjusting the position fix time further comprises: upon detecting an inactivity time preceding said next configured positioning measurement gap, evaluating whether a duration for a position fix falls within said inactivity time; as well as evaluating whether it is possible to send a notification of advancing the position fix time to the serving network device at an offset time before a configured notification reference point; and When the duration for location fix is ​​assessed to fall within the inactivity time and the terminal device is assessed to be capable of sending the notification of advancing the location fix time to the serving network device, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the terminal device to further: advancing the position fix time to the inactive time; and The notification of advancing the location fix time is sent to the serving network device. 5 . The terminal device according to claim 4 , wherein the advancing of the location fix time is performed in a case where the notification is confirmed by the serving network device.

6. The terminal device of claim 2 , wherein determining whether to adjust the position fix time associated with the next configured positioning measurement gap according to at least one configuration for adjusting the position fix time further comprises: upon detecting an inactivity time preceding said next configured positioning measurement gap, evaluating whether a duration for a position fix falls within said inactivity time; as well as determining, if the duration for a position fix is ​​evaluated to exceed the inactivity time, whether a first period by which the duration for a position fix exceeds the inactivity time is less than a second period, wherein the second period is the overlap of the next configured positioning measurement gap and the activity time; and In a case where the first time period is determined to be smaller than the second time period, when the instructions are executed by the at least one processor, the terminal device further executes: The position fix time is advanced to a start time point of the inactive time.

7. The terminal device of claim 6, wherein determining whether to adjust the position fix time associated with the next configured positioning measurement gap according to at least one configuration for adjusting the position fix time further comprises: If the first time period is determined to be less than the second time period, sending a request to a serving network device to advance the location fix time to the start time point of the inactivity time, and if the request is confirmed by the serving network device, the advancement of the location fix time is performed; or A notification of advancing the location lock time is sent to the serving network device.

8. The terminal device of claim 2 , wherein determining whether to adjust the position fix time associated with the next configured positioning measurement gap according to at least one configuration for adjusting the position fix time further comprises: evaluating whether a remaining positioning validity timer is longer than a remaining current activity time in case that no inactivity time is detected before said next configured positioning measurement gap; as well as evaluating whether the duration for the location fix falls within a subsequent inactivity period; and In a case where the remaining position validity timer is evaluated to be longer than the remaining current activity time and the duration for position fix is ​​evaluated to fall within the subsequent inactivity time, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the terminal device to further perform: The position fix time is postponed to the subsequent inactivity time.

9. The terminal device of claim 8, wherein determining whether to adjust the position fix time associated with the next configured positioning measurement gap according to at least one configuration for adjusting the position fix time further comprises: In a case where the remaining positioning validity timer is longer than the remaining current activity time and the duration for the position fix falls within the subsequent inactivity time, sending a request to a serving network device to postpone the position fix time to the subsequent inactivity time, and in a case where the request is acknowledged by the serving network device, the postponement of the position fix time is performed; or A notification of postponing the location locking time is sent to the serving network device.

10. The terminal device according to any one of claims 3 to 9, wherein when the instructions are executed by the at least one processor, the terminal device further executes: In case the position fix time is advanced or delayed, the next configured positioning measurement gap is skipped.

11. The terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein when the instructions are executed by the at least one processor, the terminal device further executes: receiving said at least one configuration for adjusting location fix time from a serving network device, and The at least one configuration includes at least one of the following: Notification reference points; whether the adjustment of the position lock time is allowed; The adjustment of the position lock time is enabled or disabled; Conditions under which the adjustment of the position lock time is permitted; Advancing the position locking time; Postponing the position locking time; or One or more configurations of the at least one configuration are allowed for the terminal device to determine whether to adjust the location fix time.

12. A network device comprising: at least one processor; as well as At least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the network device to at least perform: determining at least one configuration for adjusting a location fix time for the terminal device; and The at least one configuration is sent to the terminal device.

13. The network device of claim 12, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the network device to further: determining an offset time and a notification reference point for the terminal device to send a notification of an advanced position fix time at the offset time before the notification reference point, and The notification reference point is determined based on at least one of the following items: expiration of the positioning validity timer of the terminal device, the latest time point for the terminal device to send the notification, the start time point of the next active time of the terminal device, or the start time point of the next configured positioning measurement gap of the terminal device, and The offset time is determined based on at least one of: a set of preconfigured values, a duration for the terminal device to acquire a position fix, a round-trip time between the network device and the terminal device, a period for the network device to process the notification, or a scheduling delay for the terminal device to receive an uplink scheduling grant.

14. The network device of claim 13, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the network device to further: In case the notification of the early position fix time is received from the terminal device, the scheduling of the next configured positioning measurement gap is canceled or avoided.

15. The network device according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the network device to further execute: Prior to an inactivity time that is equal to or greater than a positioning measurement gap, a requirement to perform a position fix during the inactivity time is indicated to the terminal device.

16. A method performed by a terminal device in connected mode discontinuous reception, comprising: Check whether the next configured positioning measurement gap overlaps with the active time; as well as In case the next configured positioning measurement gap is detected as overlapping with the activity time, determining whether to adjust a position fix time associated with the next configured positioning measurement gap according to at least one configuration for adjusting a position fix time.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein determining whether to adjust a position fix time associated with the next configured positioning measurement gap based on at least one configuration for adjusting a position fix time comprises: It is detected whether there is an inactivity time before the next configured positioning measurement gap.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein determining whether to adjust a position fix time associated with the next configured positioning measurement gap based on at least one configuration for adjusting a position fix time further comprises: upon detecting an inactivity time preceding said next configured positioning measurement gap, evaluating whether a duration for a position fix falls within said inactivity time; and In case the duration for a position fix is ​​assessed to fall within the inactivity time, the method further comprises: The position fix time is advanced to within the inactive time.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein determining whether to adjust a position fix time associated with the next configured positioning measurement gap based on at least one configuration for adjusting a position fix time further comprises: upon detecting an inactivity time preceding said next configured positioning measurement gap, evaluating whether a duration for a position fix falls within said inactivity time; as well as evaluating whether it is possible to send a notification of advancing the position fix time to the serving network device at an offset time before a configured notification reference point; and In a case where the duration for location fix is ​​evaluated to fall within the inactivity time, and the terminal device is evaluated to be able to send the notification of advancing the location fix time to the serving network device, the method further includes: Advancing the position lock time to the inactive time; as well as The notification of advancing the location fix time is sent to the serving network device.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the advancing of the location fix time is performed if the notification is confirmed by the serving network device.

21. The method of claim 17, wherein determining whether to adjust a position fix time associated with the next configured positioning measurement gap based on at least one configuration for adjusting a position fix time further comprises: upon detecting an inactivity time preceding said next configured positioning measurement gap, evaluating whether a duration for a position fix falls within said inactivity time; as well as determining, if the duration for a position fix is ​​evaluated to exceed the inactivity time, whether a first period by which the duration for a position fix exceeds the inactivity time is less than a second period, wherein the second period is the overlap of the next configured positioning measurement gap and the activity time; and In a case where the first time period is determined to be smaller than the second time period, the method further includes: The position fix time is advanced to a start time point of the inactive time.

22. The method of claim 21 , wherein determining whether to adjust a position fix time associated with the next configured positioning measurement gap based on at least one configuration for adjusting a position fix time further comprises: If the first time period is determined to be less than the second time period, sending a request to a serving network device to advance the location fix time to the start time point of the inactivity time, and if the request is confirmed by the serving network device, the advancement of the location fix time is performed; or A notification of advancing the location lock time is sent to the serving network device.

23. The method of claim 17, wherein determining whether to adjust a position fix time associated with the next configured positioning measurement gap based on at least one configuration for adjusting a position fix time further comprises: evaluating whether a remaining positioning validity timer is longer than a remaining current activity time in case that no inactivity time is detected before said next configured positioning measurement gap; as well as evaluating whether the duration for the location fix falls within a subsequent inactivity period; and In case the remaining position validity timer is evaluated to be longer than the remaining current activity time, and the duration for a position fix is ​​evaluated to fall within the subsequent inactivity time, the method further comprises: The position fix time is postponed to the subsequent inactivity time.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein determining whether to adjust a position fix time associated with the next configured positioning measurement gap based on at least one configuration for adjusting a position fix time further comprises: In a case where the remaining positioning validity timer is longer than the remaining current activity time and the duration for the position fix falls within the subsequent inactivity time, sending a request to a serving network device to postpone the position fix time to the subsequent inactivity time, and in a case where the request is acknowledged by the serving network device, the postponement of the position fix time is performed; or A notification of postponing the location locking time is sent to the serving network device.

25. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 24, further comprising: In case the position fix time is advanced or delayed, the next configured positioning measurement gap is skipped.

26. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 25, further comprising: receiving said at least one configuration for adjusting location fix time from a serving network device, and The at least one configuration includes at least one of the following: Notification reference points; whether the adjustment of the position lock time is allowed; The adjustment of the position lock time is enabled or disabled; Conditions under which the adjustment of the position lock time is permitted; Advancing the position locking time; Postponing the position locking time; or One or more configurations of the at least one configuration are allowed for the terminal device to determine whether to adjust the location fix time.

27. A method performed by a network device, comprising: determining at least one configuration for adjusting a location fix time for a terminal device; as well as The at least one configuration is sent to the terminal device.

28. The network device according to claim 27, further comprising: determining an offset time and a notification reference point for the terminal device to send a notification of an advanced position fix time at the offset time before the notification reference point, and The notification reference point is determined based on at least one of the following items: expiration of the positioning validity timer of the terminal device, the latest time point for the terminal device to send the notification, the start time point of the next active time of the terminal device, or the start time point of the next configured positioning measurement gap of the terminal device, and The offset time is determined based on at least one of: a set of preconfigured values, a duration for the terminal device to acquire a position fix, a round-trip time between the network device and the terminal device, a period for the network device to process the notification, or a scheduling delay for the terminal device to receive an uplink scheduling grant.

29. The network device according to claim 28, further comprising: In case the notification of the early position fix time is received from the terminal device, the scheduling of the next configured positioning measurement gap is canceled or avoided.

30. The network device according to any one of claims 27 to 29, further comprising: Prior to an inactivity time that is equal to or greater than a positioning measurement gap, a requirement to perform a position fix during the inactivity time is indicated to the terminal device.

31. An apparatus as a terminal device in connected mode discontinuous reception, comprising: A component for detecting whether a subsequent configured positioning measurement gap overlaps with an active time; as well as Means for determining whether to adjust a position fix time associated with the next configured positioning measurement gap based on at least one configuration for adjusting position fix time if the next configured positioning measurement gap is detected as overlapping with the activity time.

32. The apparatus of claim 31 , further comprising: Means for carrying out the method according to any one of claims 17 to 26.

33. An apparatus serving as a network device, comprising: means for determining at least one configuration for adjusting a location fix time for a terminal device; as well as Means for sending the at least one configuration to the terminal device.

34. The apparatus of claim 33, further comprising: Means for carrying out the method according to any one of claims 28 to 30.

35. A computer-readable medium comprising program instructions, which, when executed by a terminal device, cause the terminal device in connected mode discontinuous reception to at least: Detecting whether the next configured positioning measurement gap overlaps with the active time; and In case the next configured positioning measurement gap is detected as overlapping with the activity time, determining whether to adjust a position fix time associated with the next configured positioning measurement gap according to at least one configuration for adjusting a position fix time.

36. The computer-readable medium according to claim 35, further comprising instructions, which, when executed by the terminal device, cause the terminal device to perform the method according to any one of claims 17 to 26.

37. A computer-readable medium comprising program instructions, which, when executed by a network device, cause the network device to at least: determining at least one configuration for adjusting a location fix time for the terminal device; and The at least one configuration is sent to the terminal device.

38. The computer-readable medium of claim 37, further comprising instructions that, when executed by the network device, cause the network device to perform the method of any one of claims 28 to 30.

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