Location management

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to location management. In one aspect, a first device receives, from a second device, a configuration for switching from sending a first positioning measurement report associated with a first positioning scheme to sending a second positioning measurement report associated with a second positioning scheme. The configuration includes an event associated with the handover. A first device is performing a positioning session with a third device using a first positioning scheme. If an event associated with the handover occurs, the first device switches from sending the first positioning measurement report to sending the second positioning measurement report based on the configuration. In this way, positioning accuracy and delay may be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various example embodiments relate to the telecommunications field, and more particularly to methods, apparatuses, devices, and computer-readable storage media for communication for location management. Background Technology

[0002] For some positioning schemes, such as round-trip time (RTT) schemes using side-link (SL), the distance between the target user equipment (UE) and the anchor UE can be estimated based on the average of estimated time-of-flight (ToF) values ​​used for multiple positioning reference signal (PRS) transmissions. If the time interval between PRS transmissions becomes large, positioning accuracy may be inaccurate due to UE mobility or clock drift, or both. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In general, the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication scheme for location management.

[0004] In a first aspect, a first device is provided. The first device includes at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first device to at least: receive from a second device a configuration for switching from sending a first positioning measurement report associated with a first positioning scheme to sending a second positioning measurement report associated with a second positioning scheme, the configuration including an event associated with the switch, the first device being used in a positioning session with a third device using the first positioning scheme; and, based on determining that the event associated with the switch has occurred, switch from sending the first positioning measurement report to sending the second positioning measurement report.

[0005] In a second aspect, a second device is provided. The second device includes at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the second device to at least: determine, with respect to a first device, a configuration for switching from sending a first positioning measurement report associated with a first positioning scheme to sending a second positioning measurement report associated with a second positioning scheme, the configuration including an event associated with the switch, the first device being used in a positioning session with a third device using the first positioning scheme; and send the configuration to the first device.

[0006] In a third aspect, a method for communication is provided. The method includes: receiving, at a first device and from a second device, a configuration for switching from sending a first positioning measurement report associated with a first positioning scheme to sending a second positioning measurement report associated with a second positioning scheme, the configuration including an event associated with the switch, the first device being used in a positioning session with a third device using the first positioning scheme; and, based on determining that the event associated with the switch has occurred, switching from sending the first positioning measurement report to sending the second positioning measurement report, according to the configuration.

[0007] In a fourth aspect, a method for communication is provided. The method includes: determining, at a second device and for a first device, a configuration for switching from sending a first positioning measurement report associated with a first positioning scheme to sending a second positioning measurement report associated with a second positioning scheme, the configuration including an event associated with the switch, the first device being used in a positioning session with a third device using the first positioning scheme; and sending the configuration to the first device.

[0008] In a fifth aspect, an apparatus for communication is provided. The apparatus includes: components for receiving, at a first device and from a second device, a configuration for switching from sending a first positioning measurement report associated with a first positioning scheme to sending a second positioning measurement report associated with a second positioning scheme, the configuration including an event associated with the switch, wherein the first device is using the first positioning scheme to conduct a positioning session with a third device; and components for switching from sending the first positioning measurement report to sending the second positioning measurement report based on the configuration, depending on whether the event associated with the switch has occurred.

[0009] In a sixth aspect, an apparatus for communication is provided. The apparatus includes: components for determining, at a second device and for a first device, a configuration for switching from sending a first positioning measurement report associated with a first positioning scheme to sending a second positioning measurement report associated with a second positioning scheme, the configuration including an event associated with the switch, wherein the first device is using the first positioning scheme to conduct a positioning session with a third device; and components for sending the configuration to the first device.

[0010] In a seventh aspect, a non-transient computer-readable medium is provided, the medium including program instructions that, when executed by a device, cause the device to perform at least the method according to the third or fourth aspect.

[0011] In an eighth aspect, a computer program is provided that includes instructions that, when executed by a device, cause the device to perform at least the method according to the third or fourth aspect.

[0012] It should be understood that the summary portion is not intended to identify key or essential features of the embodiments of this disclosure, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of this disclosure. Other features of this disclosure will become readily apparent from the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Some exemplary embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0014] Figure 1 The illustration shows an example communication environment in which embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented;

[0015] Figure 2A The diagram illustrates a positioning scheme based on angle of arrival (AoA) in which embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented;

[0016] Figure 2B The diagram illustrates a positioning scheme based on Time Difference of Arrival (TDOA) in which embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented;

[0017] Figure 2C The illustration shows a single-sided RTT type positioning scheme in which embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented;

[0018] Figure 2D The illustration shows a bilateral RTT-type positioning scheme in which embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented;

[0019] Figure 2E The illustration shows a modified bilateral RTT-type positioning scheme in which embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented;

[0020] Figure 2F The illustration shows another modified bilateral RTT-type positioning scheme in which the embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented;

[0021] Figure 3 The diagram illustrates a communication process for location management according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 4A The diagram illustrates an example of regression from a single-sided RTT-type positioning scheme according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 4B The illustration shows an example of regression from a dual-RTT type positioning scheme according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 4C The illustration shows another example of a regression from a dual-RTT type positioning scheme according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 5The illustration shows a flowchart of an example method implemented at a first device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 6 The illustration shows a flowchart of an example method implemented at a second device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 7 A simplified block diagram of a device suitable for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated; and

[0028] Figure 8 A block diagram of an example computer-readable medium according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0029] Throughout the accompanying drawings, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The principles of this disclosure will now be described with reference to some exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are described for illustrative purposes only and to assist those skilled in the art in understanding and implementing this disclosure, and do not constitute any limitation on the scope of this disclosure. The disclosure described herein can be implemented in various other ways besides those described below.

[0031] In the following description and claims, unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains.

[0032] In this disclosure, references to "an embodiment," "embodiment," and "example embodiment," etc., indicate that the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment must include that particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Moreover, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, those skilled in the art will understand that, whether explicitly described or not, combining it with other embodiments to affect such a feature, structure, or characteristic is within the knowledge of those skilled in the art.

[0033] It should be understood that although the terms “first” and “second”, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the exemplary embodiments, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed terms.

[0034] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “has,” “having,” “includes,” and / or “including” as used herein specify the presence of the stated features, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof. As used herein, “at least one of the following: ” and “at least one of ” and similar wording (where the list of two or more elements is connected by “and” or “or”) means at least any one of these elements, or at least any two or more of these elements, or at least all of these elements.

[0035] As used in this application, the term "circuit system" may refer to one or more or all of the following:

[0036] (a) Hardware circuit implementation only (such as implementation only in analog and / or digital circuit systems), and

[0037] (b) A combination of hardware circuitry and software, such as (if applicable):

[0038] (i) A combination of (multiple) analog and / or digital hardware circuits and software / firmware, and

[0039] (ii) Any part of the hardware processor(s) having software (including the digital signal processor(s), software, and memory(s), which work together to enable the device (such as a mobile phone or server) to perform various functions, and

[0040] (c) Multiple hardware circuits and / or multiple processors, such as multiple microprocessors or a portion thereof, are required for operation of software (e.g., firmware), but the software may not be present when operation is not required.

[0041] The definition of "circuit system" applies to all uses of the term in this application (including in any claim). As another example, as used in this application, the term "circuit system" also covers implementations of only hardware circuitry or a processor (or processors) or a portion thereof, and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware. The term "circuit system" also covers (e.g., and if applicable to a particular claim element) baseband integrated circuits or processor integrated circuits for mobile devices, or similar integrated circuits in servers, cellular network devices, or other computing or network devices.

[0042] As used herein, the term "communication network" refers to a network that conforms to any suitable communication standard, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-A Advanced (LTE-A), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), High-Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), etc. Furthermore, communication between terminal devices and network devices in a communication network can be performed according to any suitable generation of communication protocol, including but not limited to first-generation (1G), second-generation (2G), 2.5G, 2.75G, third-generation (3G), fourth-generation (4G), 4.5G, fifth-generation (5G), future sixth-generation (6G) communication protocols, and / or any other currently known or to be developed in the future. Embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to various communication systems. Given the rapid development of communications, there will naturally be communication technologies and systems that embody future types of this disclosure. This should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure to the systems described above.

[0043] As used herein, the term "network device" refers to a node in a communication network through which terminal devices access the network and receive services. The communication network may be a core network (CN). Network devices within a CN (also referred to herein as CN devices) may include Policy Control Functions (PCF), Access Management Functions (AMF), Session Management Functions (SMF), User Plane Functions (UPF), Unified Data Management (UDM), Unified Data Repository (UDR), Authentication Server Functions (AUSF), ProSe Key Management Functions (PKMF), Direct Discovery Name Management Functions (DDNMF), Network Exposure Functions (NEF), etc.

[0044] A communication network can be a radio access network (RAN). Network devices in the RAN (also referred to as access network devices in this document) can be base stations (BS) or access points (APs), such as Node Bs (or NBs), evolved Node Bs (eNode Bs or eNBs), NR next-generation Node Bs (also referred to as gNBs), remote radio units (RRUs), radio headers (RHs), remote radio header ends (RRHs), relays, low-power nodes (such as femtoseconds, picoseconds), etc., depending on the terminology and technology used. The RAN split architecture includes a gNB-CU (centralized unit that hosts the Radio Resource Control (RRC), Serving Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP), and Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layers), which controls multiple gNB-DUs (distributed units that host the Radio Link Control (RLC), Media Access Control (MAC), and Physical (PHY) layers).

[0045] 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, smartphones, Voice over IP (VoIP) phones, wireless local loop phones, tablets, 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 (LEE), laptop mounted devices (LME), USB dongles, smart devices, wireless client devices (CPE), 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 processing chain environments), consumer electronics devices, devices operating on commercial and / or industrial wireless networks, etc. In the following description, the terms "terminal equipment", "communication equipment", "terminal", "user equipment" and "UE" are used interchangeably.

[0046] While the functions described herein may be implemented in fixed and / or wireless network nodes in various example embodiments, in other example embodiments, the functions may be implemented in a user equipment device (such as a mobile phone, tablet, laptop, desktop computer, mobile IoT device, or fixed IoT device). For example, the user equipment device may be equipped with corresponding capabilities as described in combination with (multiple) fixed and / or wireless network nodes. The user equipment device may be a user equipment and / or a control device, such as a chipset or processor, configured to control the user equipment when installed therein. Examples of such functions include boot server functions and / or home subscriber servers, which may be implemented in the user equipment device by providing software configured to cause the user equipment device to perform from the perspective of these functions / nodes.

[0047] In the context of this application, the term "target UE" refers to the UE to be located, and the term "anchor UE" refers to the UE that supports the location of the target UE. The term "channel busy rate (CBR)" refers to the SL CBR measured in time slot n, defined as a portion of a subchannel in the resource pool whose SL Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) measured by the UE exceeds a configured or pre-configured threshold sensed on the CBR measurement window [na, n-1], where a equals 100 or 100.2 μ time slots according to the higher-layer parameter sl-TimeWindowSizeCBR. The term "listen-before-speak (LBT) success rate (LSR)" refers to the ratio between the total number of LBTs and the total number of successful LBTs within an observation time (e.g., 200 ms) on the unlicensed frequency band used for SL transmission. The term "PRS" can refer to any suitable RS used for location and can be used interchangeably with "SL-PRS" herein.

[0048] Currently, research-based localization methods (e.g., TDOA, RTT, AoA, etc.) have been proposed, including combinations of SL localization measurements with other RAT-related localization measurements (e.g., Uu-based measurements). It is generally agreed that for SL localization schemes, SL-AoA, SL-TDOA, and RTT-type schemes using SL are recommended for normative work. Both one-sided and two-sided RTT methods are recommended, with efforts made to minimize any changes (if any) required to introduce two-sided RTT, while ensuring that the norm supports one-sided RTT.

[0049] It was also agreed that SL-PRS is recommended for normative work, and that sidelink control information (SCI) can be used to reserve or indicate one or more SL-PRS resources. It was also agreed that both resource allocation scheme 1 and scheme 2 are recommended for normative work, with scheme 1 corresponding to network-centric operational SL-PRS resource allocation and scheme 2 corresponding to UE-autonomous SL-PRS resource allocation. For the resource allocation mechanism for SL-PRS in scheme 2, sense-based resource allocation, random resource selection, or both can be introduced, with the traditional design for UE-autonomous resource allocation serving as a starting point.

[0050] In this context, RTT-based positioning methods can be supported for SL positioning, which can be used for distance estimation between SLUEs (e.g., anchor UE and target UE). RTT-based positioning methods can eliminate the requirement for tight network timing synchronization across devices, as is present in traditional technologies such as TDOA, and provide additional flexibility in network deployment and maintenance.

[0051] As mentioned above, for RTT-type schemes using SL, the distance between the target UE and the anchor UE can be estimated based on the average of estimated ToF values ​​for multiple SL-PRS transmissions. If the time interval between SL-PRS transmissions becomes larger, the positioning accuracy may be inaccurate due to UE mobility or clock drift, or both.

[0052] In view of this, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication scheme for location management to overcome the above and other potential problems. In this scheme, a second device sends a configuration to a first device for switching from sending a first location measurement report associated with a first location scheme to sending a second location measurement report associated with a second location scheme. This configuration includes events associated with the switch. If the first device is using the first location scheme to conduct a location session with a third device, and the event associated with the switch occurs, the first device switches from sending the first location measurement report to sending the second location measurement report based on this configuration. In this way, a fallback mechanism for the location scheme can be implemented, and positioning accuracy and latency can be improved.

[0053] The principles and implementation of this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0054] Figure 1 The diagram illustrates an example communication environment 100 in which some embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented. As shown in Figure 1, the communication environment 100 may include a first device 110, a second device 120, and a third device 130.

[0055] The first device 110 can use any suitable positioning scheme to conduct a positioning session with the third device 130. In some embodiments, the first device 110 can be a target UE to be located, and the third device 130 can be an anchor UE that supports the positioning of the target UE. In some alternative embodiments, the first device 110 can be an anchor UE, and the third device 130 can be a target UE.

[0056] The second device 120 has location management functionality and manages the location of the first device 110 via the third device 130, or the location of the third device 130 via the first device 110. In some embodiments, the second device 120 may be deployed as a CN device on the core network (CN) side. For example, the second device 120 may be implemented at a location management function (LMF). In some embodiments, the second device 120 may be deployed as an access network device or a location management component (LMC) on the radio access network (RAN) side. In some embodiments, the second device 120 may be deployed at a terminal device. For example, the second device 120 may be deployed as a subset of an LMF or LMC at the intermediate layer of an SL UE (e.g., an anchor UE or a target UE).

[0057] For convenience, Figure 1 In this example, the second device 120 is shown as a device separate from the first device 110 and the third device 130. It should be understood that the second device 120 may be implemented in the same entity as the first device 110 or the third device 130. For convenience, the second device 120 may also be referred to herein as SL-LMF.

[0058] It should be understood that Figure 1 The number of first, second, and third devices given is for illustrative purposes only and does not represent any limitation on this disclosure. Communication environment 100 may include any suitable number of first and / or second and / or third devices suitable for implementing this disclosure.

[0059] like Figure 1 As shown, the first device 110, the second device 120, and the third device 130 can communicate with each other via a wireless communication channel. Communication within the communication environment 100 can conform to any suitable standard, including but not limited to LTE, LTE Evolution, LTE-A Advanced, Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), and Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM). Furthermore, communication can be performed according to any generation of communication protocols currently known or to be developed in the future. Examples of communication protocols include, but are not limited to, first-generation (1G), second-generation (2G), 2.5G, 2.75G, third-generation (3G), fourth-generation (4G), 4.5G, fifth-generation (5G), or sixth-generation (6G) communication protocols.

[0060] In some embodiments, the first device 110 and the third device 130 may communicate with each other via a sidelink interface (i.e., PC5). For example, the first device 110 and the third device 130 may communicate with each other via a sidelink data channel such as PSSCH, a sidelink control channel such as PSCCH or PSFCH, or any other existing or future sidelink channel. For example, control information may be transmitted between the first device 110 and the third device 130 via sidelink control information (SCI) or media access control element (MAC CE).

[0061] In some embodiments where the second device 120 is deployed on the CN side, the second device 120, as well as any one of the first device 110 and the third device 130, can communicate with each other via LTE Location Protocol (LPP) messages.

[0062] In some embodiments where the second device 120 is deployed on the RAN side, the second device 120, and any one of the first device 110 and the third device 130 can communicate with each other via the Uu interface. For example, the second device 120, and any one of the first device 110 and the third device 130 can communicate with each other via the Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH), Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH), Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH), Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH), or any other existing or future data or control channel.

[0063] In some embodiments where the second device 120 is deployed at the first device 110 or the third device 130, the second device 120 may provide control information to either the first device 110 or the third device 130 via any of SCI, MAC CE, or Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling.

[0064] In some scenarios, AoA-based positioning schemes can be applied to the positioning of the first device 110 or the third device 130. Figure 2A Figure 200A illustrates an AoA-based positioning scheme in which embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented. Figure 2A As shown, AoA can be measured at the receiving point (RP) of a PRS (e.g., SL-PRS) transmitted from the anchor UE or the target UE. In some embodiments, the RP can be a target UE with multiple Rx antennas. For example, the azimuth angle of arrival (A-AoA) and the zenith angle of arrival (Z-AoA) can be measured at the RP. The measured A-AoA and Z-AoA can be used together with other configuration information to estimate the location of the target UE.

[0065] In some scenarios, the TDOA-based positioning scheme can be applied to the positioning of the first device 110 or the third device 130. Figure 2B Figure 200B illustrates a TDOA-based positioning scheme in which embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented. Figure 2B As shown by reference numeral 210 in the accompanying drawings, one or more PRS (e.g., SL-PRS) can be sent from one or more anchor UEs to a target UE, and DL-TDOA can be determined for one or more anchor UEs. Alternatively, as Figure 2B As shown by reference numeral 220 in the attached figure, the PRS can be sent from the target UE to one or more anchor UEs, and the UL-TDOA can be determined for one or more anchor UEs. DL-TDOA or UL-TDOA can be used to estimate the location of the target UE.

[0066] In some scenarios, the RTT-type positioning scheme can be applied to the positioning of the first device 110 or the third device 130. Figure 2C Figure 200C illustrates a single-sided RTT-type positioning scheme in which embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented. As shown... Figure 2C As shown, the target UE can perform a receive (Rx) transmit (Tx) time difference measurement, which is determined based on the time delay from the reception of a first PRS (e.g., SL-PRS) to the transmission of a second PRS (e.g., SL-PRS). The anchor UE can perform an Rx-Tx time difference measurement, which is determined based on the time delay from the transmission of the first PRS to the reception of the second PRS. The Rx-Tx time difference measurements taken by the target UE and the anchor UE can be used to determine the Time of Flight (ToF) between the anchor UE and the target UE using the following equation (1):

[0067]

[0068] Where T f Indicates the Time-of-Flight (ToF) between the anchor UE and the target UE; τ A and τ B These represent the Rx-Tx time difference measurements taken by the anchor UE and the target UE, respectively.

[0069] Afterwards, the distance between the anchor UE and the target UE can be determined by T. f It is acquired by multiplying by the speed of light.

[0070] As a response Figure 2C In a modified example, the first PRS can be sent from the target UE to the anchor UE, and the second PRS can be sent from the anchor UE to the target UE. In this case, the distance between the anchor UE and the target UE can be obtained in a similar process.

[0071] Figure 2D Figure 200D illustrates a bilateral RTT-type positioning scheme in which embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented. As shown... Figure 2D As shown, the dual-sided RTT scheme can initiate signal exchange (i.e., transmission and reception of the first and second PRS) using the normal single-sided RTT positioning process. After receiving the second PRS from the target UE, the anchor UE can send an additional PRS (i.e., a third PRS) to the target UE. To support dual-sided RTT positioning, the anchor UE and the target UE can perform the following Rx-Tx time difference measurement:

[0072] Rx-Tx Time Difference Measurement τ A1 It is measured by the target UE and determined based on the time delay of the transmission from the first PRS to the second PRS;

[0073] Rx-Tx Time Difference Measurement τ A2 It is measured by the target UE and determined based on the time delay from transmission from the second PRS to reception of the third PRS;

[0074] Rx-Tx Time Difference Measurement τ B1 It is measured by the anchor UE and determined based on the time delay from transmission of the first PRS to reception of the second PRS; and

[0075] Rx-Tx Time Difference Measurement τ B2 It is measured by the anchor UE and determined based on the time delay of the transmission from the second PRS to the third PRS.

[0076] The Rx-Tx time difference measurement by the target UE and the anchor UE can be used to determine the ToF between the anchor UE and the target UE by the following equation (2):

[0077]

[0078] Where T f Indicates the Time-of-Flight (ToF) between the anchor UE and the target UE; τ A1 τ represents the time delay measured by the target UE from the reception of the first PRS to the transmission of the second PRS; A2 τ represents the time delay measured by the target UE from transmission to reception in the second PRS. B1 This represents the time delay measured by the anchor UE from transmission from the first PRS to reception from the second PRS; and τ B2 This represents the time delay of the transmission from the second PRS to the third PRS, as measured by the anchor UE.

[0079] Afterwards, the distance between the anchor UE and the target UE can be determined by T. fIt is acquired by multiplying by the speed of light.

[0080] Some modified two-sided RTT positioning schemes with different PRS transmission orders can also be applied to make more flexible use of PRS resources and achieve shorter latency. Figure 2E Figure 200E illustrates a modified bilateral RTT-type positioning scheme in which embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented. Figure 2E In the example, UE1 can perform an Rx-Tx time difference measurement, which is determined based on the time delay from transmission from PRS-1a and PRS-1b to reception from PRS-2, respectively. Similarly, UE2 can perform an Rx-Tx time difference measurement, which is determined based on the time delay from reception from PRS-1a and PRS-1b to transmission from PRS-2, respectively. The Rx-Tx time difference measurements taken by UE1 and UE2 can then be used to estimate the distance between UE1 and UE2. In this example, UE1 can be the anchor UE, and UE2 can be the target UE. Alternatively, UE1 can be the target UE, and UE2 can be the anchor UE.

[0081] Figure 2F Figure 200F illustrates another modified bilateral RTT-type positioning scheme in which the embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented. Figure 2F In this example, UE1 can perform an Rx-Tx time difference measurement, which is determined based on the time delays of transmission from PRS-2 to PRS-1a and PRS-1b, respectively, and UE2 can perform an Rx-Tx time difference measurement, which is determined based on the time delays of transmission from PRS-2 to reception of PRS-1a and PRS-1b, respectively. The Rx-Tx time difference measurements taken by UE1 and UE2 can then be used to estimate the distance between UE1 and UE2. In this example, UE1 can be the anchor UE, and UE2 can be the target UE. Alternatively, UE1 can be the target UE, and UE2 can be the anchor UE.

[0082] It can be seen that for RTT-based schemes using SL (Single Rank) transmissions, the distance between the target UE and the anchor UE can be estimated based on the average of estimated Time-of-Flight (ToF) values ​​based on multiple PRS (Pulse Receipt) transmissions. Considering a use case for V2X positioning, if the UE is moving, the location where the UE sends the PRS will change. Due to this UE movement, the RTT positioning error may increase depending on the UE speed and the time interval between PRS transmissions. Due to clock drift, the clock frequency offset may increase with the time interval between PRS transmissions, which can significantly degrade the performance of single-sided RTT positioning. This means that if the time interval between PRS transmissions becomes larger, the positioning accuracy of RTT-based schemes using SL may be inaccurate due to UE mobility and / or clock drift.

[0083] The time interval between PRS transmissions for RTT-based positioning schemes depends on PRS resource allocation. Recently, it has been agreed that autonomous PRS resource allocation (i.e., resource allocation scheme 2) should be supported for SL positioning. For autonomous PRS resource allocation, both the anchor UE and the target UE need to sense and select available time-frequency resources for PRS transmission. However, resource allocation for PRS transmission can be affected by channel conditions. If the channel is very busy for the configured or pre-configured resource pool, the probability of allocating resources for a second PRS transmission within the tolerable time interval for a single-sided RTT after the first PRS resource allocation will be low, and therefore, positioning accuracy may deteriorate if the second PRS resource allocation is far from the first PRS resource allocation. Since additional PRS resource allocation is required for both-sided RTTs, positioning accuracy based on both-sided RTTs may be more sensitive to channel conditions in the configured or pre-configured resource pool used for SL positioning.

[0084] Typically, Channel Rating Scale (CBR) is used in Search and Reset (SL) to assess channel state. A high CBR indicates a busy channel. For unlicensed spectrum access, Channel Segment Reset (LSR) can also be used to assess channel state. If the channel is busy, the UE may have difficulty passing the Level Bypass (LBT), leading to PRS transmission failure. If the UE senses resources being used for PRS retransmission, the time interval between PRS transmissions for RTT-type positioning schemes may be increased accordingly, and thus the positioning accuracy of RTT-type positioning schemes may become inaccurate. Therefore, it is necessary to consider the impact of channel state (e.g., CBR or LSR) on the positioning accuracy for RTT positioning.

[0085] Therefore, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication scheme for location management to improve positioning accuracy and reduce positioning latency. The following will be combined with... Figure 3 Describe more details.

[0086] Figure 3 The diagram illustrates a communication process 300 for location management according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. For discussion purposes, reference will be made to... Figure 1 Describe process 300. Process 300 may involve, for example, Figure 1 The first device 110, the second device 120, and the third device 130 are shown in the diagram. It is assumed that the first device 110 is using a positioning scheme (also referred to herein as the first positioning scheme for convenience) to conduct a positioning session with the third device 130.

[0087] like Figure 3As shown, the second device 120 may determine a 310 configuration (also referred to herein as a fallback configuration) for the first device 110, which is used to switch from sending a positioning measurement report associated with a first positioning scheme (also referred to herein as a first positioning measurement report for convenience) to sending a positioning measurement report associated with another positioning scheme (also referred to herein as a second positioning measurement report for convenience) (also referred to herein as a second positioning measurement report for convenience) (also referred to herein as a first switch).

[0088] For convenience, switching from sending the first location measurement report to sending the second location measurement report can be referred to as falling back to the second location scheme. For example, if the UE is using the first location scheme for a location session, this switch can be referred to as falling back to the ongoing location scheme.

[0089] In some embodiments, the configuration may include handover-related events (also referred to herein as fallback events). In some embodiments, handover-related events may include: during a period following the receipt of a PRS associated with the first positioning scheme from the third device 130, no resources are reserved at the first device 110 for the transmission of the PRS associated with the first positioning scheme. For example, if the first device 110 is unable to reserve resources for the PRS transmission during a period following the receipt of the PRS transmission from its peer UE, the UE may fall back to the ongoing positioning scheme. In some embodiments, this period may be predefined. In some embodiments, this period may be configured by the second device 120. In some embodiments, this period may be determined by the first device 110 based on predetermined rules.

[0090] In some embodiments, the event associated with the handover may include: the LBT process failing at the first device 110 prior to the transmission of the PRS associated with the first positioning scheme on an unlicensed frequency band. For example, if the LBT fails prior to the transmission of the PRS on the unlicensed frequency band, the UE may roll back the ongoing positioning scheme.

[0091] In some embodiments, the event associated with the handover may include: the reserved resources for the transmission of the PRS associated with the first positioning scheme are unavailable at the first device 110. For example, if the reserved PRS resources are unavailable because they are reserved by a higher priority UE (i.e., preempted by a higher priority UE), the UE may roll back the ongoing positioning scheme.

[0092] In some embodiments, events associated with handover may include: the CBR for the transmission of a PRS associated with a first positioning scheme being higher than a threshold (also referred to herein as the first threshold for convenience). For example, if the CBR is higher than the first threshold, such as after receiving a PRS resource indication from its peer UE or before the PRS transmission to the peer UE, the UE may roll back the ongoing positioning scheme. In some embodiments, the first threshold may be predefined. In some embodiments, the first threshold may be configured by the second device 120. In some embodiments, the first threshold may be determined by the first device 110 based on predetermined rules.

[0093] In some embodiments, the event associated with the handover may include: the LSR for the transmission of the PRS associated with the first positioning scheme being higher than a threshold (also referred to herein as the second threshold for convenience). For example, if the LSR is higher than the second threshold, the UE may roll back the ongoing positioning scheme. In some embodiments, the second threshold may be predefined. In some embodiments, the second threshold may be configured by the second device 120. In some embodiments, the second threshold may be determined by the first device 110 based on predetermined rules.

[0094] In some embodiments, the handover-related event may include a persistent LBT failure occurring at the first device 110 on a set of resource blocks (RBs) configured for transmissions of a PRS associated with a first positioning scheme during unlicensed spectrum access. For example, in the case of unlicensed spectrum access, if the UE experiences persistent LBT failures on a set of RBs configured for PRS transmissions, the UE may roll back to the ongoing positioning scheme.

[0095] It should be understood that events associated with the handover may include any combination of the above information and any other suitable information.

[0096] In some embodiments, the configuration may further include a measurement and reporting configuration for the second positioning scheme. The measurement and reporting configuration may indicate which measurements and reports the first device 110 can perform to support the fallback positioning scheme (i.e., the second positioning scheme).

[0097] In some embodiments, the measurement and reporting configuration may involve at least one of the following measurements: PRS-based Rx-Tx measurement; PRS-based Reference Signal Time Difference (RSTD) measurement; PRS-based Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) measurement; PRS-based Reference Signal Received Path Power (RSRPP) measurement; PRS-based Relative Time of Arrival (RTOA) measurement; and PRS-based A-AoA and Z-AoA measurements. It should be understood that any other suitable measurement is also possible.

[0098] In some embodiments, the first positioning scheme may be a unilateral RTT-type positioning scheme. In these embodiments, the second positioning scheme may be an AoA-based positioning scheme or a TDOA-based positioning scheme.

[0099] In some embodiments, the first positioning scheme may be a bilateral RTT-type positioning scheme. In these embodiments, the second positioning scheme may be a unilateral RTT-type positioning scheme, an AoA-based positioning scheme, or a TDOA-based positioning scheme.

[0100] In some embodiments of the second positioning scheme, which is an AoA-based positioning scheme, the second device 120 may configure the first device 110 to report, but is not limited to, PRS-based A-AoA and Z-AoA measurements, as well as PRS-based RTOA measurements. In some embodiments of the second positioning scheme, which is a unilateral RTT-type positioning scheme, the second device 120 may configure the first device 110 to report, but is not limited to, PRS-based Rx-Tx measurements. In some embodiments of the second positioning scheme, which is a TDOA-based positioning scheme, the second device 120 may configure the first device 110 to report, but is not limited to, PRS-based RSTD measurements.

[0101] In some embodiments, the configuration may further include an indication of a second positioning scheme. In other words, the indication specifies a candidate positioning scheme when any event associated with the handover is triggered.

[0102] It should be understood that this configuration may include any combination of the above information and any other suitable information.

[0103] Continue to refer to Figure 3 The first device 110 may transmit its capabilities to the second device 120. In some embodiments, the capabilities of the first device 110 may include an antenna configuration for a first positioning scheme. In some embodiments, the capabilities of the first device 110 may include a set of supported positioning schemes. It should be understood that the capabilities of the first device 110 may include any combination of the listed information and any other suitable information.

[0104] refer to Figure 3 After receiving the capability of the first device 110, the second device 120 can determine the configuration of 312 for switching based on the capability of the first device 110.

[0105] In some embodiments, if a dual-sided RTT positioning scheme is configured for the first device 110, the fallback positioning scheme (i.e., the second positioning scheme) can be a single-sided RTT positioning scheme. In some embodiments, if the first device 110 is configured with multiple receiving antennas and supports an AoA-based positioning scheme, the fallback positioning scheme (i.e., the second positioning scheme) can be an AoA-based positioning scheme.

[0106] In some embodiments, the ongoing RTT positioning scheme has higher positioning accuracy than the backoff positioning scheme because it can eliminate the requirement for tight network timing synchronization across devices or solve the clock drift problem for the two-sided RTT positioning scheme.

[0107] Continue to refer to Figure 3 The second device 120 can send a configuration for handover 320 to the first device 110. Based on the handover configuration, the first device 110 can determine 330 whether an event associated with the handover has occurred. In other words, the first device 110 can detect whether any event associated with the handover has been triggered.

[0108] If any event associated with the handover occurs, the first device 110 can switch from sending a first positioning measurement report 340 to sending a second positioning measurement report.

[0109] refer to Figure 3 The first device 110 may terminate the execution of the first positioning scheme. In some embodiments, the first device 110 may not send additional PRS associated with the first positioning scheme to the third device 130. Alternatively or additionally, the first device 110 may stop sending the first positioning measurement report associated with the first positioning scheme to the second device 120.

[0110] Still refer to Figure 3 The first device 110 can determine a second positioning measurement report 342 by measuring the PRS associated with the first positioning scheme. In some embodiments, this measurement can be performed based on measurement and reporting configurations included in the switching configuration. In some embodiments, this measurement can be performed based on a fallback positioning scheme (i.e., the second positioning scheme) indicated in the switching configuration. In some embodiments, this measurement can be performed based on the last PRS transmission from the third device 130 (e.g., the PRS associated with the first positioning scheme). After the second positioning measurement report is determined, the first device 110 can send the second positioning measurement report 343 to the second device 120.

[0111] refer to Figure 3The first device 110 may send 350 information associated with the handover to the second device 120. In some embodiments, the information associated with the handover may include an indication of an event associated with the handover. In some embodiments, the information associated with the handover may include an indication of a handover. It should be understood that the information associated with the handover may include any combination of the above information and any other suitable information.

[0112] Continue to refer to Figure 3 The third device 130 can determine whether a switch (also referred to herein as the second switch) has been performed, from sending a positioning measurement report associated with the first positioning scheme (also referred to herein as the fourth positioning measurement report for convenience) to sending a positioning measurement report associated with the second positioning scheme (also referred to herein as the third positioning measurement report for convenience).

[0113] In some embodiments, the first device 110 may send an instruction 361 indicating a first switch to the third device 130. Based on receiving the instruction indicating the first switch, the third device 130 may determine that a second switch from sending a fourth positioning measurement report to sending a third positioning measurement report has been performed.

[0114] In some embodiments, the first device 110 may not send an instruction to the third device 130 indicating a first switch. In these embodiments, the third device 130 may autonomously determine whether a second switch 362, from sending a fourth positioning measurement report to sending a third positioning measurement report, should be performed.

[0115] In some embodiments, if the third device 130 reserves resources for a PRS transmission from the first device 110, but no PRS transmission from the first device 110 is detected during the resource reservation period, the third device 130 may determine that a second handover is to be performed. In some embodiments, if the third device 130 detects a configuration event associated with the handover, the third device 130 may determine that a second handover is to be performed. In some embodiments, if the third device 130 does not detect a PRS transmission from the first device 110 for an ongoing positioning scheme within a time period, the third device 130 may determine that a second handover is to be performed.

[0116] refer to Figure 3 The third device 130 can switch from sending the fourth positioning measurement report to sending the third positioning measurement report.

[0117] In some embodiments, the third device 130 may terminate the execution of the first positioning scheme. In some embodiments, the third device 130 may not send additional PRS associated with the first positioning scheme to the first device 110. Alternatively or additionally, the third device 130 may stop sending a fourth positioning measurement report associated with the first positioning scheme to the second device 120.

[0118] In some embodiments, the third device 130 may determine a third positioning measurement report 372 by measuring the PRS associated with the first positioning scheme. In some embodiments, this measurement may be performed based on an indicated fallback positioning scheme (i.e., the second positioning scheme). In some embodiments, this measurement may be performed based on the last PRS transmission from the first device 110 (e.g., the PRS associated with the first positioning scheme). After the third positioning measurement report is determined, the third device 130 may send the third positioning measurement report 373 to the second device 120.

[0119] For example, if a dual-RTT positioning scheme is configured as a second positioning scheme for a third device 130, the third device 130 may need to report measurement results associated with the dual-RTT positioning scheme after determining that a second switch is to be performed.

[0120] Continue to refer to Figure 3 In some embodiments where a second positioning measurement report is received from the first device 110, the second device 120 may determine the location of the first device 110 or the third device 130 based on the second positioning measurement report.

[0121] For example, the fallback positioning scheme is an AoA-based positioning scheme, and the second positioning measurement report includes PRS-based RTOA measurements and PRS-based AoA / ZoA measurements. In this case, the second device 120 can estimate the location of the target UE using PRS-based RTOA measurements and PRS-based AoA / ZoA measurements according to the AoA-based positioning scheme.

[0122] In another example, the fallback positioning scheme is a one-sided RTT-type positioning scheme, and a second positioning measurement report including PRS-based Rx-Tx measurements from the first device 110 and a third positioning measurement report including PRS-based Rx-Tx measurements from the third device 130 are received. In this case, the second device 120 can use the PRS-based Rx-Tx measurements from the first device 110 and the third device 130 to estimate the distance between the target UE and the anchor UE based on the one-sided RTT-type positioning scheme.

[0123] Continue to refer to Figure 3In some embodiments where information associated with the handover is received from the first device 110, the second device 120 may reselect a positioning scheme based on the handover-associated information. In some embodiments for reselection, the second device 120 may select either a first positioning scheme or a second positioning scheme to determine the location of the first device 110 or the third device 130.

[0124] Continue to refer to Figure 3 In some embodiments where at least one of a second positioning measurement report from the first device 110 or a third positioning measurement report from the third device 130 is received, the second device 120 may determine the position of the first device 110 or the third device 130 based on at least one of the second positioning measurement report or the third positioning measurement report.

[0125] In some embodiments, a dedicated resource pool or a shared resource pool can be used for SL positioning. For dedicated resources, if the channel is busy for PRS transmission, messages (e.g., handover configuration or positioning measurement reports) can be exchanged between the first device 110 and the third device 130 outside the dedicated resource pool. For shared resource pools, since SL data communication between SL UEs (e.g., handover configuration or positioning measurement reports) typically requires less bandwidth than PRS transmission, SL data transmission can more easily conserve resources and / or capture channels compared to PRS transmission.

[0126] To illustrate, we will combine Figures 4A to 4C Some example embodiments of the fallback scheme are described. In these embodiments, it is assumed that the ongoing positioning scheme is an RTT (Real-Time To-Time) positioning scheme. A UE configured with an RTT positioning scheme can be referred to as an RTT UE, and an RTT UE can use the RTT positioning scheme to establish a positioning session with its peer UE.

[0127] Figure 4A Figure 400A illustrates an example of regression from a single-sided RTT-type positioning scheme according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 4A As shown, the RTT UE is configured to transmit a second SL-PRS to support single-sided RTT positioning. If the RTT UE is configured with multiple receive antennas to support AoA-based positioning schemes, the SL-LMF can determine that the RTT UE uses an AoA-based positioning scheme for fallback to a single-sided RTT positioning scheme.

[0128] Based on the fallback configuration, the RTT UE can be instructed to perform PRS-based AoA / ZoA measurements and PRS-based RTOA measurements to support AoA measured based on the first SL-PRS from the peer UE.

[0129] If the RTT UE is configured with at least a fallback event, the RTT UE can detect whether the configured fallback event is triggered before the second SL-PRS transmission. If any configured fallback event is triggered (e.g., the RTT UE is unable to reserve resources for the second SL-PRS transmission within a given period after receiving the first SL-PRS transmission from the peer UE), the RTT UE can send a fallback indication to the peer UE and the SL-LMF, and also report the positioning measurements associated with the fallback positioning method (i.e., the AoA-based positioning scheme) to the SL-LMF.

[0130] The peer UE can terminate the ongoing one-sided RTT positioning process. Furthermore, the SL-LMF can estimate the location of the target UE (i.e., the RTT UE or the peer UE) based at least on the positioning measurement report from the RTT UE.

[0131] Figure 4B Figure 400B illustrates an example of regression from a dual-RTT type positioning scheme according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 4B As shown, the RTT UE is configured to transmit a second SL-PRS to support a dual-RTT positioning scheme. If the RTT UE is configured with multiple receive antennas to support an AoA-based positioning scheme, then SL-SLMF can determine that the RTT UE uses an AoA-based positioning scheme for fallback to the dual-RTT positioning scheme.

[0132] Based on the fallback configuration, the RTT UE can be instructed to perform SL-PRS-based AoA / ZoA measurements and SL-PRS-based RTOA measurements to support an AoA-based positioning scheme, which is measured based on a first SL-PRS from a peer UE associated with a first positioning scheme.

[0133] If the RTT UE is configured with at least a fallback event, the RTT UE can detect whether the configured fallback event is triggered before the second SL-PRS transmission. If any configured fallback event is triggered (e.g., the RTT UE is unable to capture a channel due to a failure of the LBT for the second SL-PRS transmission on an unlicensed band), the RTT UE can send a fallback indication to the peer UE and the SL-LMF, and also report the positioning measurements associated with the fallback positioning scheme (i.e., the AoA-based positioning scheme) to the SL-LMF.

[0134] In some embodiments, the peer UE may terminate the ongoing bilateral RTT positioning process (e.g., it does not measure the second SL-PRS and stops the third SL-PRS transmission). The SL-LMF may estimate the location of the target UE (i.e., the RTT UE or the peer UE) based at least on positioning measurement reports from the RTT UE.

[0135] Figure 4C Figure 400C illustrates another example of a retreat from a dual-sided RTT-type positioning scheme according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown... Figure 4C As shown, the RTT UE is configured to send a first SL-PRS and a third SL-PRS to support a dual-sided RTT positioning scheme. SL-SLMF can determine that the RTT UE is using a single-sided RTT positioning scheme for fallback to a dual-sided RTT positioning scheme.

[0136] Based on the fallback configuration, an RTT UE can be instructed to perform SL-PRS-based Rx-Tx measurements to support a single-sided RTT positioning scheme, which is measured based on a second SL-PRS from the peer UE.

[0137] If the RTT UE is configured with at least one fallback event, the RTT UE can detect whether the configured fallback event is triggered before the second SL-PRS transmission. If any configured fallback event is triggered (e.g., the RTT UE cannot use the reserved resources for the third SL-PRS transmission), the RTT UE can send a fallback indication to the peer UE and the SL-LMF, and also report the positioning measurements associated with the fallback positioning scheme (i.e., a single-sided RTT positioning scheme) to the SL-LMF.

[0138] The peer UE can terminate the ongoing bilateral RTT positioning process (e.g., it does not measure the third SL-PRS) and report the Rx-Tx time difference measurement to the SL-LMF based on the first SL-PRS. The SL-LMF can estimate the location of the target UE (i.e., the RTT UE or the peer UE) based at least on the positioning measurement reports from the RTT UE and the peer UE.

[0139] This concludes the description of the communication process used for location management. Using process 300, according to the fallback configuration, if the anchor UE or target UE detects that the channel is busy reserving resources or grabbing the channel for PRS transmission, the anchor UE or target UE can terminate subsequent operations of the ongoing location scheme after receiving the PRS transmission from its peer UE, and also report the location measurements measured based on the PRS transmission from its peer UE. Based on the fallback indication from the anchor UE or target UE, the fallback location scheme can be used to locate the target UE based on the location measurement reports from the anchor UE or target UE, or its peer UE, or both. In this way, location accuracy and latency can be improved.

[0140] It should be noted that the above process 300 is merely an example and may have additional or fewer operations. It should also be noted that the operations of the above process 300 may be performed individually or in any suitable combination.

[0141] Corresponding to the above process, the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure also provide a method of communication. Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating an example method 500 implemented at a first device (e.g., an anchor UE or a target UE) according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Method 500 can be implemented in... Figure 1 The operation is performed at either the first device 110 or the third device 130. For discussion purposes, reference will be made to... Figure 1 The first device 110 is used to describe method 500.

[0142] At box 510, the first device 110 receives from the second device 120 a configuration for switching from sending a first positioning measurement report associated with a first positioning scheme to sending a second positioning measurement report associated with a second positioning scheme. This configuration includes events associated with the switch. The first device 110 is conducting a positioning session with the third device 130 using the first positioning scheme.

[0143] In some embodiments, the first device 110 may transmit the capabilities of the first device to the second device 120. The capabilities of the first device may include at least one of an antenna configuration for a first positioning scheme or a set of supported positioning schemes.

[0144] In some embodiments, the configuration may further include at least one of the following: an indication of a second positioning scheme, or a measurement and reporting configuration for a second positioning scheme.

[0145] At box 520, the first device 110 determines that an event associated with the handover has occurred.

[0146] In some embodiments, the events associated with the handover may include at least one of the following: during a period following the receipt of a positioning reference signal associated with the first positioning scheme from a third device, no resources are reserved for the transmission of the positioning reference signal associated with the first positioning scheme; the listen-before-speak process fails before the transmission of the positioning reference signal associated with the first positioning scheme on an unlicensed frequency band; the reserved resources for the transmission of the positioning reference signal associated with the first positioning scheme are unavailable; the channel busy rate for the transmission of the positioning reference signal associated with the first positioning scheme is higher than a first threshold; the listen-before-speak success rate for the transmission of the positioning reference signal associated with the first positioning scheme is higher than a second threshold; or during unlicensed spectrum access, continuous listen-before-speak failures occur on the resource block set configured for the transmission of the positioning reference signal associated with the first positioning scheme.

[0147] At box 530, the first device 110 switches from sending a first positioning measurement report to sending a second positioning measurement report based on this configuration.

[0148] In some embodiments, the first device 110 may switch from sending a first positioning measurement report to sending a second positioning measurement report by at least one of the following: not sending additional positioning reference signals associated with the first positioning scheme to the third device 130; or stopping sending the first positioning measurement report associated with the first positioning scheme to the second device 120.

[0149] In some embodiments, the first device 110 may switch from sending a first positioning measurement report to sending a second positioning measurement report by: determining the second positioning measurement report by measuring a positioning reference signal associated with the first positioning scheme; and sending the second positioning measurement report to the second device 120.

[0150] In some embodiments, the first device 110 may also send information associated with the handover to the second device 120. In some embodiments, the information associated with the handover includes at least one of the following: an indication of an event associated with the handover; or an indication of a handover.

[0151] In some embodiments, the first device 110 may also send an instruction to the third device 130 to indicate a switching.

[0152] In some embodiments, the first positioning scheme may be a one-sided or two-sided round-trip time positioning scheme. The second positioning scheme may be a one-sided round-trip time positioning scheme, an angle-of-arrival-based positioning scheme, or a time-difference-of-arrival-based positioning scheme.

[0153] In some embodiments, the first device 110 and the third device 130 may be terminal devices. The second device 120 may be a terminal device, an access network device, or a core network device.

[0154] Using method 500, flexible switching between positioning schemes can be performed, and positioning accuracy and latency can be improved.

[0155] Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating an example method 600 implemented at a second device (e.g., LMF or SL-LMF) according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Method 600 can be implemented in... Figure 1 The second device, at location 120, is executed. For discussion purposes, reference will be made to... Figure 1 Description method 600.

[0156] At box 610, the second device 120 determines a configuration for the first device 110 to switch from sending a first positioning measurement report associated with a first positioning scheme to sending a second positioning measurement report associated with a second positioning scheme. This configuration includes events associated with the switch. The first device 110 is conducting a positioning session with the third device 130 using the first positioning scheme.

[0157] In some embodiments, the second device 120 may receive the capabilities of the first device 110 from the first device 110 and determine the configuration based on the capabilities of the first device 110. In some embodiments, the capabilities of the first device 110 may include at least one of the following: an antenna configuration for a first positioning scheme, or a set of supported positioning schemes.

[0158] In some embodiments, the event associated with the handover may include at least one of the following: during a period following the receipt of a positioning reference signal associated with the first positioning scheme from a third device, no resources are reserved at the first device for the transmission of the positioning reference signal associated with the first positioning scheme; the listen-before-speak process fails at the first device before the transmission of the positioning reference signal associated with the first positioning scheme on an unlicensed frequency band; the reserved resources for the transmission of the positioning reference signal associated with the first positioning scheme are unavailable at the first device; the channel busy rate for the transmission of the positioning reference signal associated with the first positioning scheme is higher than a first threshold at the first device; the listen-before-speak success rate for the transmission of the positioning reference signal associated with the first positioning scheme is higher than a second threshold at the first device; or during unlicensed spectrum access, continuous listen-before-speak failures occur at the first device on a set of resource blocks configured for the transmission of the positioning reference signal associated with the first positioning scheme.

[0159] In some embodiments, the configuration may further include at least one of the following: an indication of a second positioning scheme, or a measurement and reporting configuration for a second positioning scheme.

[0160] At frame 620, the second device 120 sends the configuration to the first device 110.

[0161] In some embodiments, the second device 120 may receive a second positioning measurement report from the first device 110 and determine the position of the first device 110 or the third device 130 based on the second positioning measurement report, which is determined by measuring a positioning reference signal associated with the first positioning scheme.

[0162] In some embodiments, the second device 120 may receive information associated with the handover; and reselect a positioning scheme based on the information associated with the handover, wherein the positioning scheme includes one of a first positioning scheme or a second positioning scheme.

[0163] In some embodiments, the information associated with the switching may include at least one of the following: an indication of an event associated with the switching; or an indication of the switching.

[0164] In some embodiments, the second device 120 may receive at least one of the following: a second positioning measurement report from the first device 110 or a third positioning measurement report from the third device 130. The second device 120 may determine the position of the first device 110 or the third device 130 based on at least one of the following: the second positioning measurement report or the third positioning measurement report.

[0165] In some embodiments, the first positioning scheme may be a one-sided or two-sided round-trip time positioning scheme. The second positioning scheme may be a one-sided round-trip time positioning scheme, an angle-of-arrival-based positioning scheme, or a time-difference-of-arrival-based positioning scheme.

[0166] In some embodiments, the first device 110 and the third device 130 may be terminal devices. The second device 120 may be a terminal device, an access network device, or a core network device.

[0167] Using method 600, flexible switching between positioning schemes can be facilitated, and thus improvements in positioning accuracy and latency can be achieved.

[0168] It is important to note the operation and combination of methods 500 to 600. Figure 3 The operations described correspond to each other, and therefore, for the sake of brevity, other details will not be repeated here.

[0169] Example embodiments of this disclosure also provide corresponding apparatus. In some embodiments, an apparatus capable of performing method 500 (e.g., first device 110 or third device 130) may include components for performing corresponding steps of method 500. These components may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the components may be implemented in a circuit system or a software module.

[0170] In some embodiments, the apparatus includes: components for receiving from a second device a configuration for switching from sending a first positioning measurement report associated with a first positioning scheme to sending a second positioning measurement report associated with a second positioning scheme, the configuration including an event associated with the switch in which the first device is conducting a positioning session with a third device using the first positioning scheme; and components for switching from sending the first positioning measurement report to sending the second positioning measurement report based on the configuration, depending on whether the event associated with the switch has occurred.

[0171] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include: a component for transmitting the capabilities of the first device to the second device, the capabilities including at least one of: an antenna configuration for a first positioning scheme, or a set of supported positioning schemes.

[0172] In some embodiments, the events associated with the handover include at least one of the following: during a period following the receipt of a positioning reference signal associated with the first positioning scheme from a third device, no resources are reserved for the transmission of the positioning reference signal associated with the first positioning scheme; the listen-before-speak process fails before the transmission of the positioning reference signal associated with the first positioning scheme on an unlicensed frequency band; the reserved resources for the transmission of the positioning reference signal associated with the first positioning scheme are unavailable; the channel busy rate for the transmission of the positioning reference signal associated with the first positioning scheme is higher than a first threshold; the listen-before-speak success rate for the transmission of the positioning reference signal associated with the first positioning scheme is higher than a second threshold; or during unlicensed spectrum access, continuous listen-before-speak failures occur on the resource block set configured for the transmission of the positioning reference signal associated with the first positioning scheme.

[0173] In some embodiments, the configuration further includes at least one of the following: an indication of a second positioning scheme, or a measurement and reporting configuration for a second positioning scheme.

[0174] In some embodiments, the component for switching from sending a first positioning measurement report to sending a second positioning measurement report may include at least one of the following: a component for not sending additional positioning reference signals associated with the first positioning scheme to a third device; or a component for stopping sending the first positioning measurement report associated with the first positioning scheme to a second device.

[0175] In some embodiments, the components for switching from sending a first positioning measurement report to sending a second positioning measurement report may include: components for determining the second positioning measurement report by measuring a positioning reference signal associated with a first positioning scheme; and components for sending the second positioning measurement report to a second device.

[0176] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include a component for sending information associated with the switching to a second device.

[0177] In some embodiments, the information associated with the switching includes at least one of the following: an indication of an event associated with the switching; or an indication of the switching.

[0178] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include a component for sending an instruction to a third device indicating a switch.

[0179] In some embodiments, the first positioning scheme is a one-sided or two-sided round-trip time positioning scheme, and the second positioning scheme is a one-sided round-trip time positioning scheme, an angle-of-arrival-based positioning scheme, or a time-difference-of-arrival-based positioning scheme.

[0180] In some embodiments, the first device and the third device are terminal devices, and the second device is a terminal device, an access network device, or a core network device.

[0181] In some embodiments, an apparatus capable of performing method 600 (e.g., second device 120) may include components for performing corresponding steps of method 600. These components may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the components may be implemented in a circuit system or a software module.

[0182] In some embodiments, the apparatus includes: components for determining, for a first device, a configuration for switching from sending a first positioning measurement report associated with a first positioning scheme to sending a second positioning measurement report associated with a second positioning scheme, the configuration including an event associated with the switch, the first device being used in a positioning session with a third device using the first positioning scheme; and components for sending the configuration to the first device.

[0183] In some embodiments, the components for determining the configuration may include: components for receiving the capabilities of the first device from the first device, the capabilities including at least one of the following: an antenna configuration for a first positioning scheme, or a set of supported positioning schemes; and components for determining the configuration based on the capabilities of the first device.

[0184] In some embodiments, the events associated with the handover include at least one of the following: during a period following the receipt of a positioning reference signal associated with the first positioning scheme from a third device, no resources are reserved at the first device for the transmission of the positioning reference signal associated with the first positioning scheme; the listen-before-speak process fails at the first device before the transmission of the positioning reference signal associated with the first positioning scheme on an unlicensed frequency band; the reserved resources for the transmission of the positioning reference signal associated with the first positioning scheme are unavailable at the first device; the channel busy rate for the transmission of the positioning reference signal associated with the first positioning scheme is higher than a first threshold at the first device; the listen-before-speak success rate for the transmission of the positioning reference signal associated with the first positioning scheme is higher than a second threshold at the first device; or during unlicensed spectrum access, continuous listen-before-speak failures occur at the first device on a set of resource blocks configured for the transmission of the positioning reference signal associated with the first positioning scheme.

[0185] In some embodiments, the configuration further includes at least one of the following: an indication of a second positioning scheme, or a measurement and reporting configuration for a second positioning scheme.

[0186] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include: components for receiving a second positioning measurement report from a first device; and components for determining the position of the first device or a third device based on the second positioning measurement report, the second positioning measurement report being determined by measuring a positioning reference signal associated with a first positioning scheme.

[0187] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include: a component for receiving information associated with the handover; and a component for reselecting a positioning scheme based on the information associated with the handover, wherein the positioning scheme includes one of a first positioning scheme or a second positioning scheme.

[0188] In some embodiments, the information associated with the switching includes at least one of the following: an indication of an event associated with the switching; or an indication of the switching.

[0189] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include: a component for receiving at least one of the following: a second positioning measurement report from a first device, or a third positioning measurement report from a third device; and a component for determining the position of the first device or the third device based on at least one of the following: the second positioning measurement report, or the third positioning measurement report.

[0190] In some embodiments, the first positioning scheme is a one-sided or two-sided round-trip time positioning scheme, and the second positioning scheme is a one-sided round-trip time positioning scheme, an angle-of-arrival-based positioning scheme, or a time-difference-of-arrival-based positioning scheme.

[0191] In some embodiments, the first device and the third device are terminal devices, and the second device is a terminal device, an access network device, or a core network device.

[0192] Figure 7 This is a simplified block diagram of a device 700 suitable for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure. Device 700 can be provided to implement a communication device, such as... Figure 1 The first device 110, the second device 120, or the third device 130 shown are illustrated. As shown, device 700 includes one or more processors 610, one or more memories 720 coupled to processors 710, and one or more communication modules 740 coupled to processors 710.

[0193] The communication module 740 is used for bidirectional communication. The communication module 740 has at least one antenna to facilitate communication. The communication interface can represent any interface required for communication with other network elements.

[0194] Processor 710 can be of any type suitable for a local technology network, and by way of non-limiting example, can include one or more of the following: general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, microprocessor, digital signal processor (DSP), and processor based on a multi-core processor architecture. Device 700 can have multiple processors, such as application-specific integrated circuit chips that are time-dependent on a clock synchronized with the main processor.

[0195] Memory 720 may include one or more non-volatile memories and one or more volatile memories. Examples of non-volatile memories include, but are not limited to, read-only memory (ROM) 724, electrically programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, hard disk, compact disc (CD), digital video disc (DVD), and other magnetic and / or optical storage devices. Examples of volatile memories include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM) 722 and other volatile memories that do not persist during power outages.

[0196] Computer program 730 includes computer-executable instructions that are executed by the associated processor 710. Program 730 may be stored in ROM 720. Processor 710 can perform any suitable actions and processes by loading program 730 into RAM 720.

[0197] The embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented via program 730, enabling device 700 to execute reference... Figures 1 to 6 Any process discussed in this disclosure. Embodiments of this disclosure may also be implemented by hardware or by a combination of software and hardware.

[0198] In some embodiments, program 730 may be tangibly contained in a computer-readable medium, which may be included in device 700 (such as memory 720) or in other storage devices accessible by device 700. Device 700 may load program 730 from the computer-readable medium into RAM 722 for execution. The computer-readable medium may include any type of tangible non-volatile memory, such as ROM, EPROM, flash memory, hard disk, CD, DVD, etc. Figure 8 An example of a computer-readable medium 800 in the form of a CD or DVD is shown. The computer-readable medium has a program 730 stored thereon.

[0199] Generally, the various embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented in hardware or dedicated circuitry, software, logic, or any combination thereof. Some aspects can be implemented in hardware, while others can be implemented in firmware or software that can be executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device. Although various aspects of the embodiments of this disclosure are illustrated and described as block diagrams, flowcharts, or using some other graphical representation, it should be understood that, as non-limiting examples, the blocks, apparatuses, systems, techniques, or methods described herein can be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, dedicated circuitry or logic, general-purpose hardware or controllers or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

[0200] This disclosure also provides at least one computer program product tangibly stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The computer program product includes computer-executable instructions, such as those included in a program module, executed in a device on a target real or virtual processor, to perform the above-mentioned... Figures 5 to 6 The method described is 500 or 600. Typically, a program module includes routines, programs, libraries, objects, classes, components, data structures, etc., that perform specific tasks or implement specific abstract data types. The functionality of a program module can be combined or split among program modules as needed in various embodiments. The machine-executable instructions used in a program module can be executed on a local or distributed device. In a distributed device, a program module can reside on both local and remote storage media.

[0201] Program code used to perform the methods of this disclosure may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. This program code may be provided to a processor or controller of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus, such that, when executed by the processor or controller, the program code causes a specific function / operation in the flowchart and / or block diagram to be implemented. The program code may be executed entirely on a machine, partially on a machine, as a stand-alone software package, partially on a machine and partially on a remote machine, or entirely on a remote machine or server.

[0202] In the context of this disclosure, computer program code or related data may be carried by any suitable carrier to enable a device, apparatus, or processor to perform the various processes and operations described above. Examples of carriers include signals, computer-readable media, etc.

[0203] Computer-readable media can be computer-readable signal media or computer-readable storage media. Computer-readable media can include, but is not limited to, electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, devices, or any suitable combination thereof. More specific examples of computer-readable storage media will include electrical connections having one or more wires, portable computer disks, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), optical fiber, portable optical disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, or any suitable combination thereof. The term “non-transient” as used herein is a limitation on the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not signaling), not a limitation on the persistence of data storage (e.g., RAM vs. ROM).

[0204] Furthermore, although the operations are described in a specific order, this should not be construed as requiring such operations, or all operations shown, to be performed in the specific order or sequence shown to achieve the desired result. In some cases, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Similarly, while several specific implementation details are included in the discussion above, these details should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments. Certain features described in the context of individual embodiments may also be implemented in combinations of individual embodiments. Conversely, various features described in the context of individual embodiments may also be implemented individually or in any suitable sub-combination in multiple embodiments.

[0205] Although this disclosure has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological actions, it should be understood that this disclosure as defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or actions described above. Rather, the specific features or actions described above are disclosed as examples of implementing the claims.

Claims

1. A first device, comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first device to at least: The first device receives a configuration from the second device to switch from sending a first positioning measurement report associated with a first positioning scheme to sending a second positioning measurement report associated with a second positioning scheme, the configuration including an event associated with the switch, the first device being used in a positioning session with the third device using the first positioning scheme; as well as Based on the occurrence of the event associated with the switch, and according to the configuration, the system switches from sending the first location measurement report to sending the second location measurement report.

2. The first device according to claim 1, wherein the first device is further configured to: Transmit the capabilities of the first device to the second device, said capabilities including at least one of the following: Antenna configuration for the first positioning scheme, or The set of supported positioning schemes.

3. The first device of claim 1, wherein the event associated with the switching includes at least one of the following: During the period following the receipt of the positioning reference signal associated with the first positioning scheme from the third device, no resources are reserved for the transmission of the positioning reference signal associated with the first positioning scheme. The listen-before-speak process fails before the positioning reference signal associated with the first positioning scheme is transmitted on an unauthorized frequency band. The resources reserved for the transmission of positioning reference signals associated with the first positioning scheme are unavailable; The channel busy rate for transmitting positioning reference signals associated with the first positioning scheme is higher than a first threshold. The success rate of the "listen-before-speak" method for transmitting positioning reference signals associated with the first positioning scheme is higher than the second threshold. or During unauthorized spectrum access, continuous listen-before-speak failures occur on the resource block set configured for the transmission of positioning reference signals associated with the first positioning scheme.

4. The first device according to claim 1, wherein the configuration further comprises at least one of the following: Indication of the second positioning scheme, or Measurement and reporting configuration for the second positioning scheme.

5. The first device of claim 1, wherein the first device is configured to switch from sending the first positioning measurement report to sending the second positioning measurement report by at least one of the following: Do not send any additional positioning reference signals associated with the first positioning scheme to the third device; or Stop sending the first positioning measurement report associated with the first positioning scheme to the second device.

6. The first device of claim 1, wherein the first device is configured to switch from sending the first positioning measurement report to sending the second positioning measurement report by: The second positioning measurement report is determined by measuring the positioning reference signal associated with the first positioning scheme; and Send the second positioning measurement report to the second device.

7. The first device according to claim 1, wherein the first device is further configured to: Send information associated with the handover to the second device.

8. The first device of claim 7, wherein the information associated with the switching includes at least one of the following: An indication of the event associated with the switching; or Indication indicating the switching.

9. The first device according to claim 1, wherein the first device is further configured to: Send an instruction to the third device to indicate the switching.

10. The first device according to claim 1, wherein the first positioning scheme is a one-sided or two-sided round-trip time positioning scheme, and The second positioning scheme is either a one-sided round-trip time positioning scheme, or a positioning scheme based on the angle of arrival, or a positioning scheme based on the time difference of arrival.

11. The first device according to claim 1, wherein the first device and the third device are terminal devices, and The second device is a terminal device, an access network device, or a core network device.

12. A second device, comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the second device to at least: For a first device, a configuration is determined for switching from sending a first positioning measurement report associated with a first positioning scheme to sending a second positioning measurement report associated with a second positioning scheme, the configuration including an event associated with the switch, wherein the first device is using the first positioning scheme to conduct a positioning session with a third device; and Send the configuration to the first device.

13. The second device of claim 12, wherein the second device is configured by: The ability to receive the capabilities of the first device, said capabilities including at least one of the following: Antenna configuration for the first positioning scheme, or The set of supported positioning schemes; and The configuration is determined based on the capabilities of the first device.

14. The second device of claim 12, wherein the event associated with the switching includes at least one of the following: During the period following the receipt of the positioning reference signal associated with the first positioning scheme from the third device, no resources are reserved at the first device for the transmission of the positioning reference signal associated with the first positioning scheme. The listen-before-speak process fails at the first device before the positioning reference signal associated with the first positioning scheme is transmitted on an unlicensed frequency band. The resources reserved for the transmission of positioning reference signals associated with the first positioning scheme are unavailable at the first device; The channel busy rate for transmitting positioning reference signals associated with the first positioning scheme is higher than a first threshold at the first device; The success rate of the "listen-before-speak" method for transmitting positioning reference signals associated with the first positioning scheme is higher than the second threshold at the first device. or During unauthorized spectrum access, persistent listen-before-speak failures occur at the first device on the resource block set configured for the transmission of positioning reference signals associated with the first positioning scheme.

15. The second device of claim 12, wherein the configuration further comprises at least one of the following: Indication of the second positioning scheme, or Measurement and reporting configuration for the second positioning scheme.

16. The second device according to claim 12, wherein the second device is further configured to: Receive the second positioning measurement report from the first device; and The location of the first device or the third device is determined based on the second positioning measurement report, which is determined by measuring a positioning reference signal associated with the first positioning scheme.

17. The second device according to claim 12, wherein the second device is further configured to: Receive information associated with the switching; and Based on the information associated with the switching, a new positioning scheme is selected, wherein the positioning scheme includes either the first positioning scheme or the second positioning scheme.

18. The second device of claim 17, wherein the information associated with the switching includes at least one of the following: An indication of the event associated with the switching; or Indication indicating the switching.

19. The second device according to claim 12, wherein the second device is further configured to: Receive at least one of the following: The second positioning measurement report from the first device, or A third positioning measurement report from the third device; and The location of the first device or the third device is determined based on at least one of the following: The second positioning measurement report, or The third positioning measurement report.

20. The second device according to claim 12, wherein the first positioning scheme is a one-sided or two-sided round-trip time positioning scheme, and The second positioning scheme is either a one-sided round-trip time positioning scheme, or a positioning scheme based on the angle of arrival, or a positioning scheme based on the time difference of arrival.

21. The second device according to claim 12, wherein the first device and the third device are terminal devices, and The second device is a terminal device, an access network device, or a core network device.

22. A method of communication, comprising: At the first device, configuration is received from the second device for switching from sending a first positioning measurement report associated with a first positioning scheme to sending a second positioning measurement report associated with a second positioning scheme. The configuration includes an event associated with the switching, wherein the first device is using the first positioning scheme to conduct a positioning session with the third device. as well as Based on the occurrence of the event associated with the switch, and according to the configuration, the system switches from sending the first location measurement report to sending the second location measurement report.

23. A method of communication, comprising: At the second device, for the first device, a configuration is determined for switching from sending a first location measurement report associated with a first positioning scheme to sending a second location measurement report associated with a second positioning scheme. This configuration includes an event associated with the switch, whereby the first device is using the first positioning scheme to conduct a positioning session with the third device; and Send the configuration to the first device.

24. A communication apparatus, comprising: Components for receiving, at a first device, a configuration from a second device for switching from sending a first positioning measurement report associated with a first positioning scheme to sending a second positioning measurement report associated with a second positioning scheme, the configuration including an event associated with the switching, wherein the first device is using the first positioning scheme to conduct a positioning session with a third device; as well as A component for switching from sending the first location measurement report to sending the second location measurement report based on the configuration, depending on the occurrence of the event associated with the switch.

25. A communication apparatus, comprising: Components for determining, at a second device, a configuration for switching from sending a first positioning measurement report associated with a first positioning scheme to sending a second positioning measurement report associated with a second positioning scheme for a first device, the configuration including an event associated with the switch, wherein the first device is using the first positioning scheme to conduct a positioning session with a third device; as well as A component for sending the configuration to the first device.

26. A non-transient computer-readable medium comprising program instructions that, when executed by a device, cause the device to perform at least the method according to claim 22 or 23.

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