Positioning enhancements for network operation with network energy savings

Abstract

A location management function (LMF) of a network component sends a request for positioning information to a target positioning base station, the positioning information including first NES information indicating a network energy saving (NES) state of the target positioning base station and second DTX information including a discontinuous transmission (DTX) state or DTX mode of the target positioning base station. And when feedback information including the first NES information and / or the second DTX information is received from the target positioning base station, the LMF sends the feedback information to user equipment (UE) and requests positioning management information. Upon receiving a positioning measurement report from the UE based at least in part on the feedback information including the first NES information and / or the second DTX information, the LMF calculates a location of the UE based on the positioning measurement report.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to wireless communications, and in particular to positioning enhancements for network operation with network energy saving. BACKGROUND

[0002] A user equipment (UE) can establish a connection with at least one of a plurality of different networks or network types. There are various positioning methods that a network uses to position a UE.

[0003] In 5G New Radio (NR) networks, positioning reference signals (PRS) are provided to a UE from one or more transmission and reception points (TRPs), e.g., from a next generation node (gNB). The UE measures resources of the PRS and these measurements are used to determine a location of the UE. In some cases, UE-based positioning is used, e.g., the UE computes its location based on the PRS measurements. In other cases, network-based positioning is used, e.g., the UE sends the measurements to a network function (e.g., a location management function) and the network computes the location of the UE.

[0004] NR networks can support devices that use network energy saving (“NES”) features. These types of features provide the benefit of reduced cost and / or complexity. However, NES systems can still need to provide positioning and / or location services that can be impacted due to the network energy saving capabilities of the devices. For example, there are a variety of mechanisms to reduce power consumption. Such mechanisms can enhance the user experience by not depleting the battery of a UE at an inappropriate rate. One such mechanism is known as discontinuous reception or “DRX,” and another mechanism is discontinuous transmission or “DTX.” These mechanisms can be implemented at either or both of a UE or a network component (e.g., a base station). DRX and DTX are methods used in mobile communications to save power. For example, the UE and the network negotiate phases in which data transmission occurs. During other times, the UE and the base station can turn off their receivers and / or transmitters and enter a low power state.

[0005] Certain enhancements to cell DTX / DRX mechanisms have been proposed, including alignment of cell DTX / DRX and UE DRX in RRC CONNECTED mode, and inter-node information exchange on cell DTX / DRX [RAN2, RAN1, RAN3]. One potential issue arising from these enhancements is that PRS signals used for positioning can be impacted by the NES state, particularly in the case of DRX / DTX mechanisms. Therefore, a mechanism is needed that is able to save power using NES systems that utilize DRX / DTX mechanisms, while still providing improved and accurate positioning performance without wasting resources. SUMMARY

[0006] Some example embodiments relate to a method for positioning a user equipment (UE) performed by a location management function (LMF) of a network. The method includes sending, to a target positioning base station, a request for positioning information, the request for positioning information including a request for at least one of first network energy saving (NES) information indicating a NES state of the target positioning base station and second discontinuous transmission (DTX) information including a DTX state or DTX pattern of the target positioning base station; receiving feedback information from the target positioning base station, the feedback information including at least one of the first NES information and the second DTX information; sending, to the UE, the feedback information of the target positioning base station; sending, to the UE, a request for positioning management information; receiving, from the UE, a positioning measurement report based at least in part on the feedback information; and calculating a location of the UE based on the positioning measurement report.

[0007] Other example embodiments relate to a method for positioning a user equipment (UE) performed by a base station serving as a positioning node of the UE. The method includes receiving, from a location management function (LMF) of a network, a request for positioning information, the request for positioning information including a request for at least one of first network energy saving (NES) information indicating a NES state of a target positioning base station and second discontinuous transmission (DTX) information including a DTX state or DTX pattern of the target positioning base station; and sending, to the LMF, feedback information, the feedback information including at least one of the first NES information and the second DTX information, wherein the feedback information is configured to be used by the LMF in calculating a location of the UE.

[0008] Still other example embodiments relate to a method for positioning a user equipment (UE) performed by the UE. The method includes receiving, from a location management function (LMF) of a network, positioning information to be used in a request for positioning management information, the positioning information including at least one of first network energy saving (NES) information indicating a NES state of a target positioning base station and second discontinuous transmission (DTX) information including a DTX state or DTX pattern of the target positioning base station; performing, on the target positioning base station, a positioning measurement based at least in part on the first NES information and / or the second DTX information; and sending, to the LMF, a positioning measurement report. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 A network arrangement according to various example aspects is shown.

[0010] Figure 2 An example UE according to various example aspects is shown.

[0011] Figure 3An exemplary network cell is shown in accordance with various exemplary aspects.

[0012] Figure 4 A network arrangement including a UE and three gNBs for positioning determination of the UE is shown in accordance with various exemplary embodiments.

[0013] Figure 5 A call flow diagram illustrating a method for positioning a user equipment (UE) is shown in accordance with various exemplary embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] The exemplary aspects can be further understood with reference to the following description and the related drawings wherein like elements are referred to with the same reference designators. The exemplary aspects include a method for positioning a user equipment (UE) performed by a location management function of a network component.

[0015] The exemplary aspects are described with reference to a user equipment (UE). However, the use of a UE is provided for illustrative purposes. The exemplary aspects can be utilized with any electronic component that can establish a connection with a network and is configured with hardware, software, and / or firmware for exchanging information and data with the network. Thus, a UE as described herein is used to represent any electronic component that can provide positioning signals to a network cell so that the network cell can perform positioning measurements for the UE.

[0016] The exemplary aspects are described with reference to a network being a 5G New Radio (NR) network and a base station being a Next Generation Node B (gNB). A 5G NR network can utilize a discontinuous reception cycle (DRX) and a measurement gap (MG) and a connected UE is configured accordingly. A 5G NR network can also utilize various positioning methods for positioning a connected UE. However, for illustrative purposes, the use of a 5G NR network, a gNB, a DRX cycle, an MG, and the positioning methods are provided. The exemplary aspects can be applied to any type of network utilizing similar functionality.

[0017] Further, throughout the specification, a gNB can be referred to as a “serving cell.” A gNB acting as a serving cell is a cell to which a UE is currently connected, e.g., the UE can be in a radio resource control (RRC) connected state with the gNB and can actively exchange data and / or control information with the cell. A gNB can also be referred to as a “positioning gNB,” “positioning node,” or “positioning cell.” A gNB acting as a positioning cell is a cell that assists in positioning a UE, e.g., receives positioning signals from the UE to assist in positioning the UE. A gNB can act as both a serving cell and a positioning cell with respect to a UE or can only act as a positioning cell for a UE.

[0018] Further, throughout the specification, the term "positioning signal" or "PRS" is used to describe a signal transmitted by a UE to allow the network to position the UE. Those skilled in the art will understand that PRS can also be used for other purposes besides positioning, such as channel estimation. Thus, the positioning signals described herein are not limited to any particular type of positioning signal. Further, it should be understood that the example embodiments described herein can be applicable to UE-based or network-based positioning.

[0019] An example embodiment includes a method for transmitting, from an LMF to a target positioning base station, a request for positioning information, the request for positioning information including a request for at least one of first NES information indicating a network energy saving (NES) state of the target positioning base station and second DTX information including a discontinuous transmission (DTX) state or DTX pattern of the target positioning base station. The method further includes receiving feedback information from the target positioning base station, the feedback information including at least one of the first NES information and the second DTX information. The LMF transmits the feedback information including at least one of the first NES information and the DTX information of the target positioning base station to a UE and transmits a request for positioning management information to the UE. Upon receiving a positioning measurement report from the UE that is based at least in part on the feedback information including the first NES information and / or the DTX information, the LMF computes a position of the UE based on the positioning measurement report. By requesting and using the NES information and / or the DTX information from the target positioning base station, the LMF can use the NES and / or DTX information to determine the position of the UE in a more accurate and efficient manner. In this way, improved and accurate positioning and positioning performance is provided without wasting resources while still conserving power in NES systems with DRX / DTX mechanisms.

[0020] Figure 1 An example network arrangement 100 is shown in accordance with various example aspects. The example network arrangement 100 includes a user equipment (UE) 110. Those skilled in the art will understand that a UE can be any type of electronic component configured to communicate via a network, such as a mobile phone, a tablet, a smart phone, a phablet, an embedded device, a wearable device, a Cat-M device, a Cat-Ml device, an MTC device, an eMTC device, other types of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, etc. It should also be understood that a practical network arrangement can include any number of UEs used by any number of users. Thus, the example of a single UE 110 is provided for illustrative purposes only.

[0021] The UE 110 can be configured to communicate directly with one or more networks. In the example of network configuration 100, the networks with which the UE 110 can wirelessly communicate are a 5G NR radio access network (5G NR-RAN) 120, a LTE radio access network (LTE-RAN) 122, and a wireless local area network (WLAN) 124. Thus, the UE 110 can include a 5G NR chipset to communicate with the 5G NR-RAN 120, an LTE chipset to communicate with the LTE-RAN 122, and an ISM chipset to communicate with the WLAN 124. However, the UE 110 can also communicate with other types of networks (e.g., legacy cellular networks), and the UE 110 can also communicate with networks through a wired connection. With reference to the example aspects, the UE 110 can establish a connection with the 5G NR-RAN 122.

[0022] The 5G NR-RAN 120 and the LTE-RAN 122 can be part of a cellular network that can be deployed by a cellular provider (e.g., Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, etc.). These networks 120, 122 can include, for example, cells or base stations (NodeBs, eNodeBs, HeNBs, eNBs, gNBs, gNodeBs, macrocells, microcells, small cells, femtocells, etc.) configured to transmit and receive traffic from UEs equipped with the appropriate cellular chipset. The WLAN 124 can include any type of wireless local area network (WiFi, hotspots, IEEE 802. l lx networks, etc.).

[0023] The UE 110 can connect to the 5G NR-RAN via at least one of a next generation nodeB (gNB) 120A and / or a gNB 120B. Reference to two gNBs 120A, 120B is for illustrative purposes only. The example aspects can apply to any appropriate number of gNBs. For example, three or more gNBs can be used as positioning gNBs for estimating positioning signals transmitted from a target UE. The positioning gNBs can then provide their respective measurements (e.g., PRS estimates) to the network so that the network can determine the location of the target UE from the measurements, as will be described in further detail below.

[0024] In addition to the networks 120, 122, and 124, the network arrangement 100 also includes a cellular core network 130, the Internet 140, an IP multimedia subsystem (IMS) 150, and a network services backbone 160. The cellular core network 130 (e.g., a 5GC for a 5G NR network) can be viewed as an interconnected set of components that manage the operation and traffic of a cellular network. It can include an evolved packet core (EPC) and / or a fifth generation core (5GC). Those skilled in the art will appreciate that an actual cellular core network can include various other components that perform any of a variety of different functions.

[0025] In this example, cellular core network 130 includes a location management function (LMF) 132 and an access and mobility management function (AMF) 134. LMF 132 can be configured to support location determination for UEs.

[0026] LMF 132 can be configured to perform positioning-related operations such as, but not limited to, configuring PRS signals for UE 110 to determine and report its location to the radio access network and / or cellular core network 130. As will be described further below, in the example aspects described herein, LMF 132 can instruct a serving cell to configure a target UE for PRS transmission, provide information to a plurality of positioning gNBs to monitor and estimate positioning signals, receive PRS measurements from the positioning gNBs and determine a location of the target UE from the PRS measurements. Reference to a single LMF 132 is merely illustrative, as a practical network arrangement can include any suitable number of LMFs. It should also be understood that while LMF 132 is shown as part of cellular core network 130, LMF 132 can be a separate component (e.g., one or more servers) that is outside of cellular core network 130 but communicatively connected to the cellular core network.

[0027] AMF 134 can be configured to perform mobility management-related operations such as, but not limited to, paging between UE 110 and cellular core network 130, non-access stratum (NAS) management, and registration procedure management. Reference to a single AMF 134 is merely illustrative, as a practical network arrangement can include any suitable number of AMFs.

[0028] Cellular core network 130 also manages traffic flowing between the cellular network and the Internet 140. IMS 150 can generally be described as an architecture for delivering multimedia services to UE 110 using IP protocols. IMS 150 can be in communication with cellular core network 130 and the Internet 140 to provide multimedia services to UE 110. Network services backbone 160 is in direct or indirect communication with the Internet 140 and cellular core network 130. Network services backbone 160 can generally be described as a collection of components (e.g., servers, network storage arrangements, etc.) that implement a suite of services that can be used to extend the functionality of UE 110 in communicating with various networks.

[0029] Figure 2 An example UE 110 according to various example aspects is shown. UE 110 will be described with reference to Figure 1The network arrangement 100 is described with respect to a UE 110. The UE 110 can represent any electronic device and can include a processor 205, a memory arrangement 210, a display device 215, an input / output (I / O) device 220, a transceiver 225, and other components 230. The other components 230 can include, for example, an audio input device, an audio output device, a battery providing a limited power source, a data acquisition device, a port for electrically connecting the UE 110 to other electronic devices, a sensor for detecting a condition of the UE 110, and the like.

[0030] The processor 205 can be configured to execute a number of engines of the UE 110. For example, the engines can include a positioning engine 235 for transmitting a positioning signal to each of a plurality of positioning nodes based on a network configuration for the positioning signal. The positioning signal is estimated by the positioning nodes in order to provide information for the network so that the network can determine a location of the UE, as will be described in further detail below.

[0031] The engines described above are merely exemplary as applications (e.g., programs) executed by the processor 205. The functionality associated with these engines can also be represented as separate combined components of the UE 110 or can be modular components coupled to the UE 110, such as integrated circuits with or without firmware. For example, the integrated circuits can include input circuitry for receiving signals and processing circuitry for processing the signals and other information. The engines can also be embodied as one application or multiple separate applications. Furthermore, in some UEs, the functionality described with respect to the processor 205 is split between two or more processors, such as a baseband processor and an application processor. The exemplary aspects can be implemented in accordance with any of these or other configurations of the UE.

[0032] The memory 210 can be a hardware component configured to store data related to operations performed by the UE 110. The display device 215 can be a hardware component configured to display data to a user, while the I / O device 220 can be a hardware component that enables the user to enter input. The display device 215 and the I / O device 220 can be separate components or can be integrated together, such as a touch screen. The transceiver 225 can be a hardware component configured to establish a connection with the 5G-NR RAN 120, the LTE RAN 122, and the like. Thus, the transceiver 225 can operate on various different frequencies or channels (e.g., a set of contiguous frequencies).

[0033] Figure 3An example network cell, in this case a gNB 120A, is shown in accordance with various example aspects. As described above with respect to the UE 110, the gNB 120A can represent a serving cell for the UE 110. The gNB 120A can represent any access node belonging to a 5G NR network that the UE 110 can use to establish a connection and manage network operations. Additionally, the gNB 120A can represent a positioning node used in a positioning method implemented by the network for positioning a target UE. Figure 3 The illustrated gNB 120A can also represent the gNB 120B.

[0034] The gNB 120A can include a processor 305, a memory arrangement 310, input / output (I / O) devices 320, a transceiver 325, and other components 330. The other components 330 can include, for example, an audio input device, an audio output device, a battery, a data acquisition device, a port for electrically connecting the gNB 120A to other electronic devices, etc.

[0035] The processor 305 can be configured to execute multiple engines of the gNB 120A. For example, when the gNB 120A is a serving cell for a UE, the engine can include a UE configuration engine 335 for providing UE configuration information to the network (e.g., information related to when the UE is in a DRX inactive mode or a time period with measurement gaps (MGs)). The network can then distribute this information to a positioning node so that the positioning node can monitor. When the gNB 120A is a positioning cell used by the network to position a UE, the engine can also include a positioning monitoring engine 340 for receiving UE configuration information from the network and monitoring for positioning signals from the UE according to the configuration information. For example, the gNB 120A can determine a time period during which the positioning monitoring engine is to monitor for positioning signals and a time period during which the positioning monitoring engine is not to monitor for positioning signals based on the UE configuration information (to be described in further detail below), and estimate the positioning signals when received from the UE.

[0036] The engines described above are each exemplary only. The functionality associated with the engines can also be represented as separate, integrated components of the gNB 120A, or can be modular components coupled to the gNB 120A, e.g., integrated circuits with or without firmware. For example, the integrated circuits can include input circuitry for receiving signals and processing circuitry for processing the signals and other information. Further, in some gNBs, the functionality described with respect to the processor 305 is split among multiple processors (e.g., a baseband processor, an application processor, etc.). The example aspects can be implemented in accordance with any of these or other configurations of the gNB.

[0037] Memory 310 can be a hardware component configured to store data related to operations performed by UE 110, 112. I / O device 320 can be a hardware component or port that enables a user to interact with gNB 120A. Transceiver 325 can be a hardware component configured to exchange data with UE 110, 112 and any other UE in system 100, e.g., when gNB 120A is functioning as a PCell or SCell for either or both of UE 110, 112. Transceiver 325 can operate on a variety of different frequencies or channels (e.g., a contiguous set of frequencies). Thus, transceiver 325 can include one or more components (e.g., radios) to enable data exchange with a variety of networks and UEs.

[0038] As noted above, a UE can be configured with a discontinuous reception (DRX) cycle to conserve power. In addition, there can also be discontinuous transmission or "DTX" functionality. A DRX or DTX cycle utilizes an active mode of processing and an inactive sleep mode. A UE can use the active mode of processing at defined intervals to perform scheduled operations, such as performing measurements related to network conditions, transmitting (e.g., requests, measurement reports, uplink data, etc.) and receiving (e.g., control channel information, reference signals, synchronization signals, downlink data, etc.). A UE can be scheduled for a period of time to receive control channel information, which can be referred to as an on-duration or DRX or DTX active time of the DRX or DTX cycle. The on-duration involves a duration of time in which the UE can perform operations that enable the UE to receive data that can be transmitted to the UE, such as but not limited to control channel information, uplink grants, downlink grants, reference signals, synchronization signals, payload data, etc.

[0039] During a DRX or DTX cycle, when not scheduled for an on-duration, the UE can have an opportunity to utilize the inactive sleep mode and conserve power. This period of time can be referred to as a DRX or DTX inactive time. However, references to a DRX or DTX cycle are used for illustrative purposes only, and different networks refer to similar concepts by different names. Exemplary aspects can apply to any scenario in which a UE transitions between a power conservation mode (in which certain operations are suspended) and an active mode (in which operations are resumed) for data exchange processing.

[0040] A DRX or DTX cycle can have a predetermined duration N, such as 100 milliseconds (ms), 50 ms, 40 ms, 20 ms, etc. For example, at time 0, there can be an on-duration during which an active mode of use is employed. Subsequently, at the end of the on-duration, the UE has an opportunity to utilize an inactive sleep mode. Then at time N, there can be another on-duration. Subsequently, the sleep mode is employed until time 2N. The process continues for the duration of the DRX or DTX cycle. Reference to an inactive sleep mode does not necessarily mean putting the processor, transmitter, and receiver of the UE to sleep, hibernate, or deactivate. For example, the processor (e.g., baseband and / or application) can continue to perform other applications or processes. The sleep mode involves conserving power by interrupting the continuous processing function associated with enabling the UE to receive data that can be transmitted to the UE and transmitting data to the network. Moreover, reference to a DRX or DTX cycle configured in units of ms is for illustrative purposes only, and exemplary aspects can utilize a DRX cycle based on subframes or any other suitable unit of time.

[0041] A UE can also be configured to have measurement gaps (MGs) for performing frequency measurements while suspending other capabilities, such as transmitting / receiving data. The measurement gap configuration can depend on the UE’s capabilities, active BWP, and / or operating frequency. The measurement gap can have a predefined duration and repeat periodically. Typically, the UE will tune away from the currently connected network or band during the measurement gap to measure signals associated with other networks and / or at a different frequency than its current operation. During this measurement gap, the UE is unavailable to the currently connected network, e.g., the UE neither transmits nor receives signals from the currently connected network.

[0042] In some methods for determining a position of a user equipment (UE), such as multilateration round trip time (RTT) positioning or uplink time difference of arrival (UTDOA), positioning signals are transmitted from the target UE to multiple network nodes so that each of these nodes can estimate the uplink arrival timing from the UE. The network can then use the information provided by the positioning nodes to determine the position of the UE.

[0043] Figure 4 A network arrangement 400 is shown that includes a UE 402 and three gNBs 404 for position determination of the UE 402. In the example of FIG. 4, the UE 402 can be considered to be similar to the UE 110 described with reference to FIG. 1. The gNBs 404 can be considered to be similar to the gNB 104 described with reference to FIG. 1. Figure 4 Figure 1 Figure 2 The gNBs 404 can be considered to be similar to the gNB 104 described with reference to FIG. 1. Figure 1 Figure 3 ​​​The gNBs 120A and 120B. In the arrangement 400, the gNB 404a is the serving cell for the UE 402, and the gNBs 404b and 404c can be configured by the network to function as positioning nodes. The gNB 404a can also function as a positioning node in the positioning method. The positioning gNBs 404b and 404c are configured to listen to and estimate positioning signals transmitted from the UE 402 and provide measurements to the network, e.g., via a location management function (LMF) at the 5G core network (5GC), such as the LMF 132 in Figure 1 The LMF 132 can be considered a positioning server for coordinating positioning PRS transmission from the UE, providing information for monitoring positioning signals to the positioning nodes, and receiving PRS estimates from the positioning nodes.

[0044] In a typical positioning method such as multi-RTT or UTDOA, the LMF 132 can request the serving gNB 404a to configure the UE 402 for positioning PRS transmission and knows the positioning PRS configuration from the serving gNB 404a. The LMF distributes the positioning PRS configuration information to all positioning gNBs 404 so that when the UE 402 transmits positioning signals to the positioning gNBs, the gNBs 404 can estimate the positioning signals from the target UE 402 based on the information provided by the LMF 132.

[0045] The information exchange protocol for a positioning system (e.g., OTDOA) can follow certain standards (TS 38.305). The LMF (Location Management Function) is a function that coordinates the positioning measurement configuration of gNBs and UEs. The serving gNB in this positioning system does not know the positioning configuration of neighboring gNBs. In this case, the positioning information can be provided by a dedicated location management function, such as the LMF 132 in Figure 1

[0046] Referring back to Figure 1 ​When some entity in the core network requests some location service (e.g., positioning) for the target UE 110 from the serving AMF 134, or the serving AMF 134 of the target UE 110 determines that some location service is needed (e.g., to locate the UE for an emergency call), or the UE 110 requests some location service (e.g., positioning or delivery of assistance data) from the serving AMF 134, the AMF 134 will transmit a location service request to the LMF 132. The LMF 132 will initiate a positioning procedure with the serving gNB and possibly neighboring ng-eNBs or gNBs to obtain positioning measurements or assistance data. In addition to or instead of the previous procedure, the LMF 132 will initiate a positioning procedure with the UE 110 to obtain a location estimate or positioning measurements, or transmit location assistance data to the UE 110. The LMF 132 will provide a location service response to the AMF 132 and include any needed results, such as a success or failure indication, and if requested and obtained, a location estimate for the UE 110.

[0047] The AMF 134 will then return an appropriate location service response. For example, if the original location service request came from a core network entity, the AMF 134 will transmit a response to the requesting core network entity that includes any needed results, such as a location estimate for the UE 110. If the original relocation service request was issued when the AMF 134 determined that the UE needed to be located for an emergency call, the AMF 134 will use the location service response to assist the service that triggered the location service request to provide a location estimate associated with the emergency call to the appropriate entity. If the UE 110 requested a location service, the AMF 134 will return a location service response for the UE 110 that includes a location estimate for the UE 110.

[0048] While enhancing data capabilities, the network as described in the above in Figure 1 may also have additional requirements on power consumption in mobile wireless devices. Thus, there are a variety of mechanisms to reduce power consumption. Such mechanisms can enhance the user experience by not draining the user's battery at an inappropriate rate. One such mechanism is known as discontinuous reception or "DRX," and another mechanism is discontinuous transmission or "DTX," as previously discussed.

[0049] New Radio (NR) networks can support devices that use network energy saving ("NES") features. These types of features provide the benefit of reduced cost and / or complexity. However, NES systems can still need to provide positioning and / or location services that can be impacted due to the network energy saving capabilities of the devices. Certain enhancements to cell DTX / DRX mechanisms have been proposed, including alignment of cell DTX / DRX and UE DRX in RRC CONNECTED mode, and inter-node information exchange on cell DTX / DRX [RAN2, RAN1, RAN3].

[0050] One potential issue is that PRS signals used for positioning can be impacted by NES mechanisms, particularly DRX / DTX mechanisms. Thus, a mechanism is needed that can save power using NES systems that utilize DRX / DTX mechanisms, while still providing improved and accurate positioning performance without wasting resources.

[0051] Exemplary aspects relate to providing information between a dedicated location management function (LMF), one or more target positioning base stations (gNBs), and a user equipment (UE) for positioning and / or location methods of the UE that can employ NES functionality with DRX / DTX. Exemplary methods include requesting and using NES information and DTX information, as well as PRS information, as part of a positioning request service. Each of these exemplary aspects will be described in greater detail below.

[0052] In some exemplary aspects, a method for providing positioning and location services in a system that provides NES functionality with DTX / DRX mechanisms will include exchanging information between a location management function (such as LMF 132 in Figure 1 , Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 a base station (such as gNB 120A and 120B in Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 4 and a UE (such as UE 110 in

[0053] Figure 5 is a call flow diagram illustrating a method for positioning a user equipment (UE). Referring to Figure 5 , a method 500 of positioning UE 110 is illustrated, showing the exchange of information between LMF 132, a target positioning base station (such as gNB 120A), and UE 110. Although not shown in Figure 5 , an AMF can also be included, such as AMF 134 in Figure 1 , and the AMF 134 will pass messages between the LMF 132 and gNB 120A, as previously discussed.

[0054] Reference Figure 5 When a location service request is received at the LMF 132, the LMF 132 sends a request for positioning (e.g., PRS) information to one or more target positioning gNBs (510). The request can include cell information and PRS configuration information. In addition, the request can include a request for the NES state of the target gNB 120A and / or a DTX state or pattern of the target gNB 120A. The DTX pattern can be any known DTX pattern. Although Figure 5 Although only one target positioning base station (gNB 120A) is shown in FIG. 5, there can be multiple target positioning base stations and multiple requests transmitted by the LMF 132. In one example, the request for PRS information transmitted by the LMF 132 can be requested periodically. In another example aspect, the request for PRS information transmitted by the LMF 132 can only occur after the LMF 132 receives a location service request (i.e., an on-demand request). The request for information collection can be collected via the NR Positioning Protocol A (NRPPa) and can be included in Observed Time Difference of Arrival (OTDOA) Cell Information. For example, the request from the LMF 132 to the gNB 120A can be issued via NRPPa and can be a request for OTDOA information. In one example, the request can be an OTDOA Information Request according to standard TS 38.455.

[0055] In response to the request in 510, the positioning gNB 120A can send DTX, NES, and / or PRS information back to the LMF 132 (520). This information can be referred to as feedback information. In one example aspect, the NES information is information indicating the NES status of the positioning gNB 120A, e.g., the NES status can indicate whether the target gNB enables NES functionality. In another example aspect, the NES information can indicate whether the NES status is on or off. In one example aspect, the DTX information can include information that can indicate whether DTX is enabled, and the DTX information can also include one or more of DTX cycle periodicity (active window or on-duration window periodicity), DTX mode, active window time offset, active window time duration, and the like. The PRS information can indicate PRS pattern and / or time periodicity / offset for: muted PRS with DTX or with NES on; PRS with NES mode and PRS with non-NES mode; and / or PRS with non-NES mode, but with muting pattern applied on top of PRS when NES mode is on or DTX is used. For example, for PRS with non-NES mode, if the original pattern is 1100, and a muted pattern of DTX of 0100 is provided, then the final PRS pattern would be 1000. In one example aspect, the information provided by the gNB 120A in 510 to the LMF 132 can be issued via NRPPa, and can be included in OTDOA Cell Info.

[0056] Based on the feedback information received by the LMF 132 in 520, the LMF 132 can perform the following optional behaviors not shown in FIG. 6. In option 1, the LMF 132 can request those gNBs with NES on to turn off NES for positioning purposes (e.g., not disable PRS transmission, especially in case of emergency for the UE). In option 2, the LMF 132 can request those gNBs with NES on to adjust PRS transmission and provide new PRS information to the LMF 132, and then the LMF 132 can receive this new PRS information from the gNBs after the gNBs adjust. Figure 5

[0057] ​Whether or not the optional behavior is performed, the LMF 132 can then transmit, based on the feedback information transmitted by the gNB 120A, DTX information and / or NES information for the target positioning gNB in the positioning information assistance data to the UE 110 (530), optionally along with PRS information. The PRS information can be transmitted to the UE 110 via LPP (such as NR-DL-TDOA-ProvideAssistanceData-r18 in standard TS 37.355). The LMF 132 can also request PRS-based positioning measurements at the UE 110 (540). In one example aspect, 530 and 540 can be combined into a single message sent from the LMF 132 to the UE 110, e.g., the feedback information and optional PRS information can be included with the request for PRS-based positioning measurements. Alternatively, they can be separate operations as shown in Figure 5

[0058] In one example aspect, based on 520 and 530, the LMF 132 can request in 540 the UE 110 to perform measurements for all candidate positioning gNBs. However, in this example, the gNBs without NES or without DTX have higher priority for measurements at the UE 110, and the other gNBs with NES or with DTX have lower priority. In another example implementation, based on 530 and 540, the LMF 132 can request in 540 the UE 110 to perform measurements only for those candidate positioning gNBs without NES or without DTX. This can help to ensure that the positioning performance is not negatively impacted.

[0059] In another example aspect, if the PRS-based measurements require measurement gaps (e.g., require RF tuning / re-tuning from the serving carrier), the UE 110 can send a request for positioning measurement gaps to the serving gNB (550). The UE 110 is making the PRS measurements because the gNB 120A is not aware of the positioning configuration of the neighboring gNBs. The request in 550 can include the positioning gNB NES information, DTX information, and / or PRS muting information for NES purposes. In one example, this information can also include PRS periodicity information.

[0060] ​Upon receiving the request 550, the serving gNB 120A can consider one or more of the PRS periodicity, NES information, DTX information, and PRS muting information to decide or determine a measurement gap (MG) configuration, and can send the MG configuration to the UE 110 (560). In one example, if the PRS periodicity of the neighboring positioning gNB is eighty milliseconds (80ms), and the DTX cycle periodicity is one hundred sixty milliseconds (160ms), meaning that PRS is transmitted from the neighboring positioning gNB every 160ms instead of every 80ms, and the serving gNB can configure the measurement gap repetition period (MGRP) to be 160ms for MG based PRS measurements. This would help to ensure that resources are not wasted. If MG is needed, the serving gNB 120A can configure the MGRP and communicate it to the UE 110 in 560.

[0061] In response to the request for PRS based positioning measurements (540), the UE 110 can perform PRS based measurements (570) on one or more neighboring positioning gNBs. The measurements are via OTDOA or other known protocols. If MG is not needed, in one example, the PRS measurement sampling interval is determined by the UE 110 and can not be less than the maximum of the muted PRS periodicity, the DRX cycle configured by the serving gNB (base station), and the DTX cycle of the target neighboring positioning gNB (base station). If MG is needed, the PRS measurement sampling interval is determined by the UE 110 and can not be less than the maximum of the muted PRS periodicity, the DRX cycle configured by the serving gNB (base station), the DTX cycle of the target neighboring positioning gNB (base station), and the measurement gap repetition period (MGRP) configured by the serving gNB (base station). If the serving gNB has not configured DRX for the UE 110, the DRX cycle configured by the serving gNB can be set to 0.

[0062] After the UE 110 has performed PRS based measurements on one or more neighboring positioning gNBs in 570, the UE 110 can send a PRS based measurement report (580) with the results of the PRS positioning measurements to the LMF 132. In the measurement results report, the UE 110 can select one cell as the reference cell for RSTD measurement reporting. In one example, the reference cell can be a cell without NES and / or DTX. A cell without NES and / or DTX can be more reliable for positioning measurement purposes. In one example aspect, if all potential reference cells have NES and / or DTX, the serving cell can be selected as the reference cell.

[0063] After the LMF 132 receives the positioning measurement report from the UE 110, the LMF 132 can calculate a UE position based on the positioning measurement report (590). In one example, the LMF 132 can do so using OTDOA. The LMF 132 can then transmit the position of the UE 110 to the requesting entity.

[0064] Thus, in systems with NES functionality and / or DRX / DTX mechanisms, by requesting and using NES information and / or DTX information from a target positioning base station, a location management function (LMF) in a network component can use the NES and / or DTX information to determine a position of a UE in a more accurate and efficient manner. In this way, improved and accurate positioning and positioning performance is provided without wasting resources while still conserving power in NES systems with DRX / DTX mechanisms.

[0065] Example In a first embodiment, a method for positioning a user equipment (UE), the method comprising: at a location management function (LMF) of a network component: sending, to a target positioning base station, a request for positioning information, the request for positioning information including a request for at least one of first network energy saving (NES) information indicating a NES state of the target positioning base station and second discontinuous transmission (DTX) information including a DTX state or DTX pattern of the target positioning base station; receiving feedback information from the target positioning base station, the feedback information including at least one of the first NES information and the second DTX information; sending, to the UE, the feedback information of the target positioning base station; sending, to the UE, a request for positioning management information; receiving, from the UE, a positioning measurement report based at least in part on the feedback information; and calculating a position of the UE based on the positioning measurement report.

[0066] In a second embodiment, the method according to the first embodiment, wherein the request for positioning information includes a request for both the first NES information and the second DTX information, and the feedback information includes both the first NES information and the second DTX information.

[0067] In a third embodiment, the method according to the first embodiment, wherein the request for positioning information occurs periodically.

[0068] In a fourth embodiment, the method according to the first embodiment, wherein the request for positioning information occurs after a location service request is received by the LMF.

[0069] In a fifth embodiment, the method according to the first embodiment, wherein at least one of the request for positioning information and the reception of the feedback information is via NR Positioning Protocol A (NRPPa) and is included in Observed Time Difference of Arrival (OTDOA) Cell Information.

[0070] In a sixth embodiment, the method according to the first embodiment, wherein the first NES information indicates whether the target positioning base station enables NES functionality.

[0071] In a seventh embodiment, the method according to the first embodiment, wherein the second DTX information comprises one or more of: a DTX cycle periodicity, a DTX pattern, an active window time offset, or an active window time duration.

[0072] In an eighth embodiment, the method according to the first embodiment, wherein the feedback information further comprises Positioning Reference Signal related information (PRS information), and wherein the PRS information comprises a pattern for the PRS and / or a time periodicity / offset for the PRS.

[0073] In a ninth embodiment, the method according to the eighth embodiment, wherein the PRS information is for muted PRS with DTX or muted PRS with NES in ON state.

[0074] In a tenth embodiment, the method according to the eighth embodiment, wherein the PRS information is for PRS with NES pattern and PRS with non-NES pattern.

[0075] In an eleventh embodiment, the method according to the eighth embodiment, wherein the PRS information is for PRS with non-NES pattern, but wherein a muting pattern is applied on the PRS when the NES pattern is ON or DTX is used.

[0076] In a twelfth embodiment, the method according to the first embodiment, further comprising transmitting, to the target positioning base station, a request to change the NES state to OFF based on the feedback information received by the LMF including information indicating that the NES state of the target positioning base station is ON.

[0077] In a thirteenth embodiment, the method according to the first embodiment, further comprising transmitting, to the target positioning base station, a request to adjust the PRS and provide new PRS information to the LMF based on the feedback information received by the LMF including information indicating that the NES state of the target positioning base station is ON.

[0078] In a fourteenth embodiment, the method of the first embodiment, further comprising sending PRS information to the UE via NR-DL-TDOA-ProvideAssistanceData-r18.

[0079] In a fifteenth embodiment, the method of the first embodiment, wherein the request for positioning management information sent to the UE comprises a request to perform positioning measurements on a plurality of target positioning base stations, and wherein at the UE, those of the plurality of target positioning base stations that are without NES functionality and / or without DTX are given a higher measurement priority.

[0080] In a sixteenth embodiment, the method of the first embodiment, wherein the request for positioning management information sent to the UE comprises a request to perform positioning measurements on a plurality of target positioning base stations, and wherein the request comprises a request to perform positioning measurements on only those of the plurality of target positioning base stations that are without NES functionality and / or without DTX.

[0081] In a seventeenth embodiment, one or more processors configured to perform any of the methods of the first through sixteenth embodiments.

[0082] In an eighteenth embodiment, a method for positioning a user equipment (UE), the method comprising, at a base station serving as a positioning node for the UE: receiving, from a location management function (LMF) of a network, a request for positioning information, the request for positioning information comprising a request for at least one of first NES information indicating a network energy saving (NES) status of a target positioning base station and second DTX information comprising a discontinuous transmission (DTX) status or DTX pattern of the target positioning base station; and sending, to the LMF, feedback information comprising at least one of the first NES information and the second DTX information, wherein the feedback information is configured to be used by the LMF in calculating a location of the UE.

[0083] In a nineteenth embodiment, the method of the eighteenth embodiment, wherein the request for positioning information comprises a request for both the first NES information and the second DTX information, and the feedback information comprises both the first NES information and the second DTX information.

[0084] In a twentieth embodiment, the method of the eighteenth embodiment, wherein at least one of the request for positioning information and the receiving of the feedback information is via a NR Positioning Protocol A (NRPPa) and is included in Observed Time Difference of Arrival (OTDOA) Cell Information.

[0085] In a twenty-first embodiment, the method of the eighteenth embodiment, wherein the first NES information indicates whether the target positioning base station enables NES functionality.

[0086] In a twenty-second embodiment, the method of the eighteenth embodiment, wherein the second DTX information comprises one or more of: a DTX cycle periodicity, a DTX pattern, an active window time offset, or an active window time duration.

[0087] In a twenty-third embodiment, the method of the eighteenth embodiment, wherein the feedback information further comprises Positioning Reference Signal related information (PRS information), and wherein the PRS information comprises a pattern for the PRS and / or a time periodicity / offset for the PRS.

[0088] In a twenty-fourth embodiment, the method of the twenty-third embodiment, wherein the PRS information is for a muted PRS with DTX or a muted PRS with NES in an ON state.

[0089] In a twenty-fifth embodiment, the method of the twenty-third embodiment, wherein the PRS information is for a PRS with NES pattern and a PRS with non-NES pattern.

[0090] In a twenty-sixth embodiment, the method of the twenty-third embodiment, wherein the PRS information is for a PRS with non-NES pattern, but wherein a muting pattern is applied on top of the PRS when the NES pattern is ON or uses DTX.

[0091] In a twenty-seventh embodiment, the method of the eighteenth embodiment, further comprising: based on the NES state of the target positioning base station being ON, sending feedback information comprising the first NES information to the LMF, the first NES information indicating the NES state being ON; and based on a request from the LMF, changing the NES state to OFF.

[0092] In a twenty-eighth embodiment, the method of the eighteenth embodiment, further comprising: based on the NES state of the target positioning base station being ON, sending feedback information comprising the first NES information to the LMF, the first NES information indicating the NES state being ON; and based on a request from the LMF, adjusting the PRS and providing new PRS information to the LMF.

[0093] In a twenty-ninth embodiment, the method of the eighteenth embodiment, the method comprises: receiving, from the UE, a request for a measurement gap, wherein the request comprises one or more of NES information of the target positioning base station, DTX information of the target positioning base station, and PRS muting information; and deciding, based on one or more of the NES information, the DTX information, the PRS muting information, and a periodicity of the PRS, a configuration of the measurement gap to be communicated to the UE.

[0094] In a thirtieth embodiment, the method of the twenty-ninth embodiment, wherein the DTX information comprises a periodicity of a DTX period and a periodicity of the PRS, the method further comprising configuring, at the serving base station, the measurement gap to have a measurement gap repetition period (MGRP) based on the periodicity of the DTX period and the periodicity of the PRS.

[0095] In a thirty-first embodiment, one or more processors configured to perform any of the methods of the eighteenth through thirtieth embodiments.

[0096] In a thirty-second embodiment, a base station comprising: a transceiver configured to communicate with a user equipment (UE); and a processor communicatively coupled to the transceiver and configured to perform any of the methods of the eighteenth through thirtieth embodiments.

[0097] In a thirty-third embodiment, a method for positioning a user equipment (UE), the method comprising: receiving, at the UE, from a location management function (LMF) of a network, positioning information to be used in a request for positioning management information, the positioning information comprising at least one of first NES information indicating a network energy saving (NES) state of a target positioning base station and second DTX information comprising a discontinuous transmission (DTX) state or DTX pattern of the target positioning base station; and performing, on the target positioning base station, a positioning measurement based at least in part on the first NES information and / or the second DTX information; and sending, to the LMF, a positioning measurement report.

[0098] In a thirty-fourth embodiment, the method of the thirty-third embodiment, wherein the positioning information comprises both the first NES information and the second DTX information.

[0099] In a thirty-fifth embodiment, the method of the thirty-third embodiment, wherein the receiving of the positioning information is via a NR Positioning Protocol A (NRPPa) and is included in Observed Time Difference of Arrival (OTDOA) Cell Information.

[0100] In a thirty-sixth embodiment, the method of the thirty-third embodiment, wherein the first NES information indicates whether the target positioning base station enables NES functionality.

[0101] In a thirty-seventh embodiment, the method of the thirty-third embodiment, wherein the second DTX information includes one or more of: a DTX cycle periodicity, a DTX pattern, an active window time offset, or an active window time duration.

[0102] In a thirty-eighth embodiment, the method of the thirty-third embodiment, wherein the feedback information further includes Positioning Reference Signal related information (PRS information), wherein the PRS information includes a pattern for the PRS and / or a time periodicity / offset for the PRS.

[0103] In a thirty-ninth embodiment, the method of the thirty-eighth embodiment, wherein the PRS information is for a muted PRS with DTX or a muted PRS with NES in an ON state.

[0104] In a fortieth embodiment, the method of the thirty-eighth embodiment, wherein the PRS information is for a PRS with NES pattern and a PRS with non-NES pattern.

[0105] In a forty-first embodiment, the method of the thirty-eighth embodiment, wherein the PRS information is for a PRS with non-NES pattern, but wherein a muting pattern is applied on the PRS when the NES pattern is ON or DTX is used.

[0106] In a forty-second embodiment, the method of the thirty-third embodiment, wherein the request for positioning management information sent to the UE includes a request to perform positioning measurements on a plurality of target positioning base stations, the method further comprising, at the UE, assigning a higher measurement priority to those of the plurality of target positioning base stations that have no NES functionality and / or no DTX.

[0107] In a forty-third embodiment, the method of the thirty-third embodiment, wherein the request for positioning management information includes a request to perform positioning measurements on a plurality of target positioning base stations, the method further comprising, at the UE, performing measurements only on those of the target positioning base stations that have no NES functionality and / or no DTX.

[0108] In a forty-fourth embodiment, the method of the thirty-third embodiment, the method comprises determining, at the UE, that the performing of the positioning measurements requires a measurement gap; and transmitting, to a serving base station, a request for a measurement gap, wherein the request for the measurement gap comprises one or more of NES information of the target positioning base station, DTX information of the target positioning base station, and PRS muting information.

[0109] In a forty-fifth embodiment, the method of the forty-fourth embodiment, the method further comprises receiving, from the serving base station, a measurement gap configuration; and determining a PRS measurement sampling interval that is no less than a maximum of a muted PRS periodicity, a DRX cycle configured by the serving base station, a DTX cycle of a target neighboring positioning base station, and a measurement gap repetition period (MGRP) configured by the serving base station.

[0110] In a forty-sixth embodiment, the method of the thirty-third embodiment, the method comprises determining, at the UE, that the performing of the positioning measurements does not require a measurement gap; and determining a PRS measurement sampling interval that is no less than a maximum of a muted PRS periodicity, a DRX cycle configured by the serving base station, and a DTX cycle of the target neighboring positioning base station.

[0111] In a forty-seventh embodiment, the method of the thirty-third embodiment, wherein the positioning measurement report transmitted to the LMF comprises a reference cell selected by the UE.

[0112] In a forty-eighth embodiment, the method of the forty-seventh embodiment, wherein the reference cell selected by the UE comprises a cell with no NES state on or a DTX state on.

[0113] In a forty-ninth embodiment, one or more processors configured to perform any of the methods of the thirty-third embodiment through the forty-eighth embodiment.

[0114] In a fiftieth embodiment, a user equipment (UE), the UE comprising: a transceiver configured to communicate with a network; and a processor communicatively coupled to the transceiver and configured to perform any of the methods of the thirty-third embodiment through the forty-eighth embodiment.

[0115] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the exemplary aspects described above can be implemented in any of a variety of suitable software configurations or hardware configurations, or combinations thereof. Exemplary hardware platforms for implementing the exemplary aspects can include, for example, Intel x86-based platforms with compatible operating systems, Windows OS, Mac platforms and MAC OS, mobile devices with operating systems such as iOS, Android, and the like. In other examples, exemplary aspects of the above-described methods can be embodied as a program including code lines stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, which, when compiled, can be executed on a processor or microprocessor.

[0116] It is well understood that, by using personal identifiable information, privacy policies and practices shall be followed that are generally deemed to meet or exceed the industry or governmental requirements for maintaining the privacy of users. Specifically, personal identifiable information data shall be managed and handled in a manner that minimizes the risk of unauthorized or unintended access or use of the data, and that the nature of authorized use shall be clearly indicated to users.

[0117] Although this application describes various combinations of aspects each having various features, one of skill in the art will understand that any feature of one aspect can be combined with features of other aspects, or features that are not inconsistent with the functioning or the operations of a device of the aspects disclosed herein or that do not adversely affect substantial characteristics of the aspects disclosed herein, in any combination, in a manner falling within the scope of the application.

[0118] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made to the present disclosure without departing from the spirit or scope of it. Thus, it is intended that the present disclosure cover modifications and variations of this disclosure provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A method for locating a user equipment (UE), comprising: At the Location Management Function (LMF) of the network component: Sending a request for location information to the target positioning base station, the request for location information includes at least one of a first NES information indicating the network energy saving (NES) state of the target positioning base station and a second DTX information including the discontinuous transmission (DTX) state or DTX mode of the target positioning base station. Receive feedback information from the target positioning base station, the feedback information including at least one of the first NES information and the second DTX information; Send the feedback information from the target positioning base station to the UE; Send a request for location management information to the UE; Receive a positioning measurement report from the UE, at least in part, based on the feedback information; as well as The location of the UE is calculated based on the positioning measurement report.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the request for location information includes a request for both the first NES information and the second DTX information, and the feedback information includes both the first NES information and the second DTX information.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one of the request for location information and the receipt of the feedback information is via NR Location Protocol A (NRPPa) and is included in the Observed Time Difference of Arrival (OTDOA) cell information.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first NES information indicates whether the target positioning base station has NES functionality enabled.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the second DTX information includes one or more of the following: DTX periodicity, DTX mode, active window time offset, or active window time duration.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the feedback information further includes information related to the positioning reference signal (PRS information), and wherein the PRS information includes a mode for the PRS and / or a time periodicity / offset for the PRS.

7. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: Based on the feedback information received by the LMF, which includes information indicating that the NES state of the target positioning base station is enabled, a request is sent to the target positioning base station to change the NES state to disabled.

8. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: Based on the feedback information received by the LMF, including information indicating that the NES state of the target positioning base station is enabled, a request is sent to the target positioning base station to adjust the PRS and to provide new PRS information to the LMF.

9. A method for locating a user equipment (UE), comprising: At the base station that serves as the positioning node for the UE: The network receives a request for location information from the network location management function (LMF), the request for location information including at least one of a first NES information indicating the network energy saving (NES) state of the target location base station and a second DTX information including the discontinuous transmission (DTX) state or DTX mode of the target location base station. as well as Feedback information is sent to the LMF, the feedback information including at least one of the first NES information and the second DTX information, wherein the feedback information is configured to be used by the LMF when calculating the location of the UE.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the request for location information includes a request for both the first NES information and the second DTX information, and the feedback information includes both the first NES information and the second DTX information.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein at least one of the request for location information and the receipt of the feedback information is via NR Location Protocol A (NRPPa) and is included in the Observed Time Difference of Arrival (OTDOA) cell information.

12. The method of claim 17, wherein the first NES information indicates whether the target positioning base station has NES functionality enabled.

13. The method of claim 9, further comprising: Based on the fact that the NES state of the target positioning base station is enabled, feedback information is sent to the LMF, and the feedback information includes the first NES information indicating that the NES state is enabled; as well as Based on the request from the LMF, the NES state is changed to off.

14. The method of claim 9, further comprising: Based on the fact that the NES state of the target positioning base station is enabled, feedback information is sent to the LMF, and the feedback information includes the first NES information indicating that the NES state is enabled; as well as Based on the request from the LMF, the PRS is adjusted and new PRS information is provided to the LMF.

15. A method for locating a user equipment (UE), comprising: At the UE: Receive location information to be used in a request for location management information from the network's location management function (LMF), the location information including at least one of first NES information indicating the network energy saving (NES) state of the target location base station and second DTX information including the discontinuous transmission (DTX) state or DTX mode of the target location base station; Perform positioning measurements on the target positioning base station based at least in part on the first NES information and / or the second DTX information; as well as Send a positioning measurement report to the LMF.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the positioning information includes both the first NES information and the second DTX information.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the request for location management information sent to the UE includes a request to perform location measurements on a plurality of target location base stations, the method further comprising: At the UE, higher measurement priority is assigned to those target positioning base stations among the plurality of target positioning base stations that lack NES functionality and / or DTX.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein the request for location management information includes a request to perform location measurements on a plurality of target location base stations, the method further comprising: At the UE, measurements are performed only on those target positioning base stations that lack NES functionality and / or DTX functionality.

19. The method of claim 15, further comprising: The required measurement gap for performing the positioning measurement is determined at the UE; as well as A request for a measurement gap is sent to the serving base station, wherein the request for the measurement gap includes one or more of the NES information of the target positioning base station, the DTX information of the target positioning base station, and the PRS silence information.

20. The method of claim 15, further comprising: It is determined at the UE that the execution of the positioning measurement does not require a measurement gap; as well as The PRS measurement sampling interval is determined to be no less than the maximum value among the PRS periodicity after silence, the DRX period configured by the serving base station, and the DTX period of the target neighboring positioning base station.

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