Gap configuration for positioning measurements

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention relates to a gap configuration for positioning measurement. In one aspect, a terminal device determines whether a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) transmission is received from a network device in a first search space, where a gap configured between the first search space and a second search space is prior to expiration of a measurement effective duration. Based on determining that the PDCCH transmission is received in the first search space, the terminal device performs at least one positioning measurement in the first measurement gap. Based on determining that the PDCCH transmission is not received in the first search space, the terminal device performs at least one positioning measurement in the second measurement gap. In this way, the flexibility of positioning measurement of the terminal device can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The exemplary embodiments of this disclosure generally relate to the telecommunications field, and more specifically, to terminal devices, network devices, methods, apparatuses, and computer-readable storage media for gap configurations used in positioning measurements. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of communication technologies, an increasing number of communication scenarios may involve non-terrestrial networks (NTN). NTN refers to a network or network segment that uses NTN equipment (such as satellites, unmanned aerial system (UAS) equipment, etc.) to provide radio access network interfaces to user equipment (UE) and backhaul connectivity (including access to data networks) to the core network. However, several technical challenges hinder the use of NTN equipment in wireless communication systems. For example, due to the large geographical distance between NTN equipment and UE, there may be very large signal propagation delays (e.g., round-trip delays).

[0003] Currently, the UE needs to perform pre-compensation for uplink transmission in terms of time and frequency adjustments. This pre-compensation can be based on the UE knowing the distance between the UE and the NTN device. The UE can perform positioning measurements to determine its position relative to the NTN device. Enhancements to the configuration for this measurement are still needed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Overall, the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure provide solutions for enhancing gap configurations used in positioning measurements.

[0005] In a first aspect, a terminal device is provided. The terminal device includes at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions. When executed by the at least one processor, the instructions cause the terminal device to at least: determine whether a Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) transmission is received from a network device in a first search space, wherein a gap configured between the first and second search spaces occurs before the expiration of a valid measurement duration; based on the determination that the PDCCH transmission is received in the first search space, perform at least one positioning measurement in the first measurement gap; and based on the determination that the PDCCH transmission is not received in the first search space, perform at least one positioning measurement in the second measurement gap.

[0006] In a second aspect, a network device is provided. The network device includes at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions. When executed by the at least one processor, the instructions cause the network device to at least: determine whether a Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) transmission is sent to a terminal device in a first search space, wherein a gap configured between the first and second search spaces occurs before the expiration of the effective measurement duration of the terminal device; based on the determination that the PDCCH transmission was sent in the first search space, determine that at least one positioning measurement of the terminal device is to be performed in the first measurement gap; and based on the determination that the PDCCH transmission was not sent in the first search space, determine that at least one positioning measurement of the terminal device is to be performed in the second measurement gap.

[0007] In a third aspect, a method is provided. The method includes: determining at a terminal device whether a Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) transmission is received from a network device in a first search space, wherein a gap configured between the first and second search spaces occurs before the expiration of a valid measurement duration; performing at least one positioning measurement in a first measurement gap based on the determination that the PDCCH transmission was received in the first search space; and performing at least one positioning measurement in a second measurement gap based on the determination that the PDCCH transmission was not received in the first search space.

[0008] In a fourth aspect, a method is provided. The method includes: determining at a network device whether a Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) transmission is sent to a terminal device in a first search space, wherein a gap configured between the first and second search spaces occurs before the expiration of the effective measurement duration of the terminal device; determining, based on the determination that the PDCCH transmission was sent in the first search space, that at least one positioning measurement of the terminal device is to be performed in the first measurement gap; and determining, based on the determination that the PDCCH transmission was not sent in the first search space, that at least one positioning measurement of the terminal device is to be performed in the second measurement gap.

[0009] In a fifth aspect, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes: components for determining whether a Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) transmission is received from a network device in a first search space, wherein a gap configured between the first search space and a second search space occurs before the expiration of a valid measurement duration; components for performing at least one positioning measurement in the first measurement gap based on the determination that the PDCCH transmission was received in the first search space; and components for performing at least one positioning measurement in the second measurement gap based on the determination that the PDCCH transmission was not received in the first search space.

[0010] In a sixth aspect, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes: components for determining whether a Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) transmission has been sent to a terminal device in a first search space, wherein a gap configured between the first and second search spaces occurs before the expiration of the effective measurement duration of the terminal device; components for determining, based on the determination that the PDCCH transmission has been sent in the first search space, at least one positioning measurement of the terminal device to be performed in the first measurement gap; and components for determining, based on the determination that the PDCCH transmission has not been sent in the first search space, at least one positioning measurement of the terminal device to be performed in the second measurement gap.

[0011] A seventh aspect provides a terminal device. The terminal device includes: a determining circuit configured to determine whether a Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) transmission is received from a network device in a first search space, wherein a gap configured between the first and second search spaces occurs before the expiration of a valid measurement duration; an execution circuit configured to perform at least one positioning measurement in a first measurement gap based on the determination that the PDCCH transmission is received in the first search space; and an execution circuit configured to perform at least one positioning measurement in a second measurement gap based on the determination that the PDCCH transmission is not received in the first search space.

[0012] Eighthly, a network device is provided. The network device includes: determining circuitry configured to determine whether a Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) transmission is sent to a terminal device in a first search space, wherein a gap configured between the first and second search spaces occurs before the expiration of the effective measurement duration of the terminal device; determining circuitry configured to determine, based on the determination that the PDCCH transmission is sent in the first search space, that at least one positioning measurement of the terminal device is to be performed in the first measurement gap; and determining circuitry configured to determine, based on the determination that the PDCCH transmission is not sent in the first search space, that at least one positioning measurement of the terminal device is to be performed in the second measurement gap.

[0013] In a ninth aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided, the non-transitory computer-readable medium including program instructions for causing a device to perform at least the method according to any one of the third to fourth aspects above.

[0014] In a tenth aspect, a computer program is provided, comprising instructions that, when executed by a device, cause the device to perform at least any one of the methods of the third to fourth aspects described above.

[0015] 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 limit the scope of this disclosure. Other features of this disclosure will become readily apparent from the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Some embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 An example communication network in which embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented is shown; Figure 2 A flowchart is shown illustrating a method implemented at a terminal device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 3A Example block diagrams illustrating gap configurations for positioning measurements are shown according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 3B Example block diagrams illustrating gap configurations for positioning measurements are shown according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 3C Example block diagrams illustrating gap configurations for positioning measurements are shown according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 3D Example block diagrams illustrating gap configurations for positioning measurements are shown according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 3E Example block diagrams illustrating gap configurations for positioning measurements are shown according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 3F Example block diagrams illustrating gap configurations for positioning measurements are shown according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating a method implemented at a network device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown; Figure 5 A simplified block diagram of an apparatus suitable for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure is shown; and Figure 6 A block diagram of an example computer-readable medium according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0017] Throughout all the accompanying figures, the same or similar reference numerals indicate the same or similar elements. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The principles of this disclosure will now be described with reference to some 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 imply any limitation on the scope of this disclosure. The disclosure described herein can be implemented in various ways other than those described below.

[0019] 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.

[0020] References to "an embodiment," "an embodiment," "an exemplary embodiment," etc., in this disclosure indicate that the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes that particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, these phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is to be noted that those skilled in the art will recognize, whether explicitly described or not, that such features, structures, or characteristics apply in conjunction with other embodiments.

[0021] It should be understood that although the terms “first” and “second” may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited to these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element, without departing from the scope of the exemplary embodiments. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any or all combinations of one or more of the listed terms.

[0022] 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 should also be understood that the terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” “possessing,” “including,” and / or “containing” 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 expressions, wherein 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 the elements.

[0023] As used in this application, the term "circuit" may refer to one or more or all of the following: (a) Hardware circuit implementation only (e.g., implementation only in analog and / or digital circuits) and (b) A combination of hardware circuitry and software, such as (if applicable): (i) A combination of (multiple) analog and / or digital hardware circuits and software / firmware, and (ii) Any part of a hardware processor(s) having software (including (multiple) digital signal processors, software, and (multiple) memories, which work together to enable a device (such as a mobile phone or server) to perform various functions) and (c) The operation requires software (e.g., firmware) for the operation of (multiple) hardware circuits and / or (multiple) processors, such as (multiple) microprocessors or portions of (multiple) microprocessors, but the software may be absent when the operation does not require the software.

[0024] This definition of "circuit" applies to all uses of the term in this application (including any claim). As another example, as used in this application, the term "circuit" also covers only the implementation of hardware circuitry or processors (or processors) or a portion thereof and their accompanying software and / or firmware. For example, if applicable to a particular claim element, the term "circuit" also covers 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.

[0025] 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, future fifth-generation (5G) communication protocols, and / or any other currently known or future-developed protocols. Embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to various communication systems. Given the rapid development of communications, there will inevitably be future types of communication technologies and systems that embody the nature of this disclosure. The scope of this disclosure should not be considered limited to the systems described above.

[0026] 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. Depending on the terminology and technology applied, network device can refer to a base station (BS) or access point (AP), such as a Node B (or NB), an evolved Node B (eNode B or eNB), an NR NB (also known as a gNB), a gNB distributed unit (gNB-DU), a gNB central unit (gNB-CU), a remote radio unit (RRU), a radio head (RH), a remote radio head (RRH), a relay, or a low-power node (such as a femtosecond, picosecond, etc.).

[0027] The term "terminal device" refers to any end device capable of wireless communication. As an example and not a 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 acquisition 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 the context of industrial and / or automated processing chains), consumer electronic 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” may be used interchangeably.

[0028] As used herein, the term "access network equipment" refers to equipment capable of providing or hosting a cell or coverage in which terminal devices can communicate. Examples of network equipment include, but are not limited to, Node B (or NB), evolved Node B (or eNode B or eNB), next-generation Node B (gNB), Transmit / Receive Point (TRP), Remote Radio Unit (RRU), Radio Head (RH), Remote Radio Head (RRH), terminal devices, low-power nodes (such as femtonodes, piconodes), reconfigurable smart surfaces (RIS), etc.

[0029] At least one example embodiment relates to a wireless NTN system. NTN systems can provide service in areas not covered by terrestrial cellular networks (i.e., those networks that provide coverage via ground-based antennas), such as isolated or remote areas on aircraft or ships, or in other areas with enhanced service. Extended coverage achievable via non-terrestrial networks can provide service continuity for terminal devices such as machine-type communication (MTC) devices or IoT devices, or for passengers on airborne mobile platforms such as passenger vehicles such as aircraft, ships, high-speed trains, or buses. Other benefits can arise from using non-terrestrial networks to provide multicast / broadcast resources for data delivery.

[0030] At least one NTN device in an NTN system can be used as a transmission relay node or access network device. For example, a portion or all of the access network equipment can be hosted on an NTN device. While various exemplary embodiments of this disclosure have been discussed in conjunction with the 5G wireless communication standard for clarity and convenience, the exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto, and those skilled in the art will recognize that the exemplary embodiments are applicable to other wireless communication standards, such as 4G wireless protocols, future 6G wireless protocols, future 7G wireless protocols, Wi-Fi systems, etc.

[0031] As described above, in terms of time and frequency adjustment, terminal devices require positioning measurements to perform pre-compensation for uplink transmissions. This pre-compensation is particularly necessary when the NTN system operates on a low Earth orbit satellite moving at approximately 28,000 km / h relative to the Earth. Pre-compensation is based on the terminal device knowing the location of the target NTN device and its own location. For example, the location of the target NTN device can be obtained via satellite-aided information broadcast in SIB31. The terminal device's own location can be obtained via positioning measurements. As used herein, the term "location" refers to geographic location. The term "positioning measurement" can refer to Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) measurements, multiple round-trip time (multiple RTT) positioning measurements, Time Difference of Observation Arrival (OTDOA) positioning measurements, or other 3GPP-based positioning measurements. In the following description, embodiments of this disclosure may be referenced to GNSS measurements. It should be understood that embodiments of this disclosure can also be applied to any other positioning measurement. By calculating the distance between the terminal device and the NTN device and how that distance will change during transmission, the terminal device can determine when to send data to and receive data from the NTN device.

[0032] In Releases 17 and 18, a key assumption for NTN communication was that the terminal device could not communicate with the NTN system while simultaneously performing GNSS measurements. Therefore, in Release 17, when GNSS measurements were necessary, it was required that the terminal device agree to move to RRC idle mode. Both the terminal device and the network device were aware of this requirement based on the terminal device reporting the remaining effective GNSS duration to the network device. However, moving to RRC idle mode incurs overhead in connection establishment signaling. Specifically, in cases where the terminal device has a long connection and is not stationary, it may need to move to RRC idle mode to perform GNSS measurements multiple times. Therefore, improvements to the positioning measurement operation are needed for pre-compensating fixed new locations for the terminal device during long connection periods, as well as for reducing power consumption.

[0033] In Release 18, simultaneous GNSS measurements and cellular NTN communications (e.g., NB-IoT / eMTC operation over the NTN) are still not assumed. RAN1#110 has agreed to support network devices triggering terminal devices to perform GNSS measurements at least non-periodically. If network devices trigger terminal devices to perform GNSS measurements non-periodically, MAC CE is used. Terminal devices report the duration of GNSS location positioning for the measurements at least during the initial access phase. In connected mode, terminal devices can report the GNSS verification duration to network devices with MAC CE.

[0034] RAN1#111 has agreed that for GNSS measurements in RRC connected mode, if the network device non-periodically triggers a connected terminal device to perform GNSS measurements, the terminal device can utilize the gaps to reacquire its GNSS position. Further research into the details of gap configuration is still needed. If the terminal device does not receive a trigger indication from the network device to perform GNSS measurements, the terminal device can autonomously (as configured by the network device) reacquire its GNSS position. Further research into configuration-based timing-based autonomous GNSS measurements is still needed.

[0035] RAN1#112 has agreed that, regarding when a GNSS measurement gap begins (which is non-periodically triggered by a network device with a MAC CE), RAN1 may choose one of the following alternatives: In the first alternative, the start time should be at n+X, where n is the end of the MAC CE receive subframe / slot. Further investigation into the details of X is still needed, such as a predetermined or configured value. In the second alternative, the start time should be based on the current effective GNSS duration with or without delay. Following a GNSS measurement in RRC connected mode, the following alternatives may be considered to notify the network device of a successful GNSS measurement on the terminal device side. In the first alternative, the terminal device will report a new effective GNSS duration. In the second alternative, the network device may be notified of a successful GNSS measurement based on the receipt of any UL transmission from the terminal device after the GNSS measurement. Regarding the length of the GNSS measurement gap non-periodically triggered by the network device, the gap duration should be equal to or greater than the most recently reported GNSS positioning duration by the terminal device. Further investigation is still needed into whether the gap duration is configured by network devices or whether the gap duration is equal to the latest reported GNSS positioning duration.

[0036] In other words, in the current version 18 discussion, RAN1 has agreed that network devices can trigger terminal devices to perform GNSS measurements. However, if the terminal device has not yet received a trigger instruction from the network device to perform GNSS measurements, the terminal device can autonomously reacquire its GNSS position. Measurements (triggered or autonomous) are expected to occur when the current GNSS validity period is about to expire, but it is not yet defined whether the terminal device initiates an autonomous GNSS measurement gap before, after, or after the GNSS validity period expires. Meanwhile, it is clear that the network device is responsible for configuring the autonomous GNSS measurement gaps for the terminal device so that both the terminal device and the network device have a shared understanding of when the terminal device is available for scheduling.

[0037] When autonomous gaps are configured for GNSS measurements by an end device, the gap location can be fixed to a specific position relative to the expiration of the GNSS valid timer. If this autonomous GNSS measurement gap location overlaps with the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) search space, this may result in the creation of a scheduling gap for the end device (e.g., for NB-IoT).

[0038] As used herein, the term "search space" can refer to an area within the downlink resource grid where PDCCH transmissions can be carried. For example, an end device may identify or be configured to receive one or more monitoring events for downlink control information (DCI). As an example only, an end device may perform blind decoding throughout the entire search space to locate PDCCH transmissions carrying DCI. The area within which the end device performs blind decoding can be referred to as the search space.

[0039] Details regarding search space configuration (e.g., for NB-IoT) are given below in Tables 1 and 2. Table 1 shows an example of higher-layer signaling for narrowband PDCCH (NPDCCH) configuration as defined in TS 36.331. In this example, an information element including the fields listed in Table 1 can be referred to as NPDCCH-ConfigDedicated-NB, which can define the subframes and resource blocks used for monitoring the NPDCCH. Table 2 shows the field descriptions of the NPDCCH-ConfigDedicated-NB information element.

[0040] Table 1 NPDCCH-ConfigDedicated-NB Information Elements

[0041] Table 2 Description of NPDCCH-ConfigDedicated-NB fields

[0042] The NPDCCH related procedures are defined in TS 36.213. The position of the starting subframe k is given by k = kb, where kb is the b-th consecutive NB-IoT DL subframe starting from subframe k0, excluding subframes used to transmit SI messages, and b = u R, and Subframe k0 satisfies the condition. The subframe, where T = Rmax G and T≥4. For the UE-specific search space of NPDCCH, G is given by the higher-layer parameter npdcch-StartSF-USS, except for NPDCCH candidates associated with the pre-configured uplink resource radio network temporary identifier (PUR-RNTI). In this case, G is given by the higher-layer parameter npdcch-StartSF-USS in PUR-Config-NB. αoffset is given by the higher-layer parameter npdcch-Offset-USS, except for NPDCCH candidates associated with PUR-RNTI. In this case, αoffset is given by the higher-layer parameter npdcch-Offset-USS in PUR-Config-NB.

[0043] Note that the starting offset (αoffset) in TS 36.213 depends on the configuration of npdcch-NumRepetitions, npdcch-StartSF-USS, and npdcch-Offset-USS in TS 36.331. Rmax G) How to define the offset between PDDCH monitoring indications can become very long.

[0044] As described above, when autonomous gaps are configured for GNSS measurements by end devices, the gap position can be fixed to a specific location relative to the expiration of the GNSS valid timer. If this autonomous GNSS measurement gap position overlaps with the PDCCH search space, this can lead to the creation of scheduling gaps for end devices (e.g., for NB-IoT). Such gaps are problematic because they reduce scheduling flexibility for network devices and also delay data transitions, which is critical in NTN communications, where NTN devices such as satellites are only available for a limited time period. This scenario also applies to eMTC operations configured with MPDCCHs that have a large number of repetitions.

[0045] A solution is needed for configuring autonomous clearances for positioning measurements. The principles and exemplary embodiments of this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0046] Figure 1 An example communication network 100 in which exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented is shown. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the communication network 100 includes terminal equipment 110, NTN equipment 120, ground station 130 and data network 140.

[0047] Terminal device 110, NTN device 120, and / or ground station 130 can be connected via wireless networks, such as radio access networks (e.g., 3G radio access networks, 4G LTE networks, 5G new radio networks (e.g., 5G), future 6G networks, future 7G networks, etc.). Ground station 130 and data network 140 (e.g., the Internet, intranet, wide area network, etc.) can be connected to each other via wired and / or wireless networks. Additionally or alternatively, ground station 130 can connect to... Figure 1 Other core network units not shown include servers, access points, switches, routers, and nodes.

[0048] Terminal device 110 may be, but is not limited to, one of the following: mobile device, tablet computer, laptop computer, wearable device, Internet of Things (IoT) device, desktop computer and / or any other type of fixed or portable device capable of operating in accordance with 5G NR communication standards and / or other wireless communication standards.

[0049] NTN equipment 120 can be low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, medium Earth orbit (MEO) satellites, geostationary Earth orbit (GEO) satellites, UAS equipment (e.g., drones, airships, balloons, etc.), high altitude platform station (HAPS) vehicles, manned aircraft (MAV) equipment, etc. Furthermore, multiple NTN devices can exist as an NTN equipment constellation, providing coordinated coverage areas among the multiple NTN devices, such as satellite constellations, UAS constellations, and / or satellite and UAS constellations.

[0050] In some embodiments, the NTN device 120 can be transparently used as a transmission relay node between the ground station 130 and the terminal device 110. For example, the same data received by the NTN device 120 from the terminal device 110 can be transmitted back to the ground station 130, wherein only the frequency of the wireless communication signal is converted and amplified. Similarly, the same data received by the NTN device 120 from the ground station 130 can be transmitted back to the terminal device 110, wherein only the frequency of the wireless communication signal is converted and amplified.

[0051] In some embodiments, the NTN device 120 may be used as all or part of an access network device, depending on the underlying cellular and / or wireless network communication protocol. For example, the NTN device 120 may operate as a 5G gNB node or an LTE ng-eNB node, but the example embodiments are not limited thereto. In some embodiments, when the NTN device 120 operates as an access network device, the NTN device 120 digitally processes wireless communication signals to / from the terminal device 110 and is a wireless communication signal transmission and reception point. This requires the NTN device 120 to have sufficient integrated processing capabilities to include Node B functionality.

[0052] In some embodiments, terminal device 110 may perform location measurements to obtain its location information. In this way, terminal device 110 can know the distance between itself and NTN device 120, and thus can perform pre-compensation for uplink transmission in terms of time and frequency adjustments during NTN communication. Since location measurements and terminal device 110 need to perform location measurements again, the validity of the location information of terminal device 110 may expire after a period of time to ensure the reliability of NTN communication. While performing location measurements, terminal device 110 may not be able to simultaneously perform NTN cellular communication.

[0053] It should be understood that Figure 1 The architecture of network 100 shown is described for illustrative purposes only and does not imply any limitations. Furthermore, it should be understood that... Figure 1 The number of terminal devices, NTN devices, ground stations, and data networks shown, as well as their connections, are for illustrative purposes only and do not imply any limitation. Network 100 may include any suitable number of terminal devices, NTN devices, ground stations, data networks, and other devices appropriate for implementing the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. Although not shown, it should be understood that one or more additional devices may be deployed in network 100.

[0054] Communication in communication network 100 can be implemented according to any and more suitable communication protocols, including but not limited to cellular communication protocols such as first-generation (1G), second-generation (2G), third-generation (3G), fourth-generation (4G), and fifth-generation (5G), wireless local area network communication protocols such as IEEE 802.11, and / or any other currently known or future-developed protocols. Furthermore, communication can utilize any suitable wireless communication technology, including but not limited to: Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Duplex (FDD), Time Division Duplex (TDD), Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDM), Discrete Fourier Transform Extended OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM), and / or any other currently known or future-developed technologies.

[0055] Now for reference Figure 2 This illustrates an example method 200 implemented at a terminal device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, method 200 may be implemented at a device in a communication network, such as... Figure 1 The terminal device 110 shown. Alternatively or additionally, method 200 can be used in... Figure 1 The method is implemented at other devices shown. In some other embodiments, method 200 can be implemented at other devices. Figure 1 The method is implemented at a device not shown. Furthermore, it should be understood that method 200 may include additional boxes not shown and / or some boxes shown may be omitted, and the scope of this disclosure is not limited in this respect. For the purposes of discussion, reference will be made to… Figure 1 Method 200 is described from the perspective of terminal device 110.

[0056] At box 210, terminal device 110 determines whether a PDCCH transmission is received from a network device in a first search space, wherein the gap configured between the first search space and the second search space expires before the valid duration of the measurement of terminal device 110 expires.

[0057] In some embodiments, the network device may correspond to the access network device of the serving terminal device 110. For example, when the NTN device 120 is used as the access network device of the serving terminal device 110, the network device may correspond to the NTN device 120. Alternatively, when the ground station 130 is used as the access network device of the serving terminal device 110 and the NTN device 120 is obviously used as a transmission relay node between the ground station 130 and the terminal device 110, the network device may correspond to, as... Figure 1 The ground station 130 is shown. Alternatively, when the NTN device 120 and the ground station 130 are used together as access network devices for the service terminal device 110, the network device may correspond to the aggregation of the NTN device 120 and the ground station 130.

[0058] In some embodiments, positioning measurement may refer to GNSS measurement, multi-RTT positioning measurement, OTDOA positioning measurement, or other 3GPP-based positioning measurement. As used herein, the expression "PDCCH transmission received by the terminal device" means that the PDCCH transmission includes at least the DCI sent to the terminal device.

[0059] If the PDCCH transmission is received in the first search space, method 200 proceeds to block 220. At block 220, terminal device 110 performs at least one positioning measurement in the first measurement gap. If the PDCCH transmission is not received in the first search space, method 200 proceeds to block 230. At block 230, terminal device 110 performs at least one positioning measurement in the second measurement gap. In this way, the flexibility of positioning measurements by terminal device 110 can be enhanced.

[0060] In some embodiments, terminal device 110 may receive configurations of a first measurement gap and a second measurement gap from a network device. In some embodiments, terminal device 110 may receive indications from the network device regarding conditions for at least one positioning measurement in the second measurement gap and conditions for at least one positioning measurement in the first measurement gap. In this way, both terminal device 110 and the network device can have a mutual understanding of when to perform positioning measurements by terminal device 110. Therefore, communication reliability can be improved.

[0061] For example, when terminal device 110 is configured with autonomous gaps for positioning measurements, the network device can provide additional information on suitable locations for (multiple) aperiodic measurement gaps. Terminal device 110 can be configured with at least two gaps for autonomous positioning measurement operations of terminal device 110.

[0062] In some embodiments, when the terminal device 110 is configured with a first type of measurement gap, the positioning measurement gap may occur at a (fixed) time offset position from the expiration time of the positioning valid timer. Both the terminal device 110 and the network device can know the expiration time. For example, the terminal device 110 may report the expiration time or the remaining expiration duration to the network device. In some embodiments, the network device may define the time offset with reference to the expiration time of the positioning valid timer. In some embodiments, if the first type of measurement gap overlaps with the search space, the terminal device 110 will not monitor PDCCH transmissions in the search space.

[0063] In some embodiments, when the terminal device 110 is configured with a second type of measurement gap, the positioning measurement gap may be located either at the beginning of a configured (search space) gap that occurs before the expiration time of the positioning validity timer or after the configured beginning. This allows the terminal device 110 to initiate positioning measurements during the configured gap between search spaces, and thus reduces the potential overlap between positioning measurements and active PDCCH monitoring.

[0064] In some embodiments, terminal device 110 may be configured to determine whether to use a first type of measurement gap or a second type of measurement gap based on whether a (search space) gap configured before the positioning measurement effective timer is available for positioning measurement. If a PDCCH transmission is received in the search space before the configured gap, terminal device 110 may need to complete a PDSCH reception or PUSCH transmission scheduled by the received PDCCH transmission. The PDSCH reception or PUSCH transmission may overlap with the configured search space gap, so terminal device 110 may only have a short gap available for positioning measurement. In this case, terminal device 110 may utilize a first type of measurement gap that may overlap with subsequent search spaces (i.e., a second search space after the configured gap).

[0065] The appendix will be referenced below. Figures 3A to 3F Some embodiments of gap configurations used for positioning measurements are described in detail. Figures 3A to 3F Example block diagrams of gap configurations for positioning measurements according to some embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. For discussion purposes, reference will be made to... Figure 1 and 2 describe Figures 3A to 3F The gap configuration in the middle. Figures 3A to 3F The clearance configuration shown is for illustrative purposes only and does not imply any limitation. Other clearance configurations are also possible.

[0066] Figure 3A An example of a gap configuration 300A for positioning measurements according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. For example... Figure 3A As shown, the terminal device 110 may be identified or configured with search spaces 311, 312 and 313 for monitoring potential PDCCH transmissions. Figure 3A The number and distribution of search spaces shown are for illustrative purposes only and do not imply any limitation. Other search space distributions, or more or fewer search spaces, are also possible.

[0067] Gap can be configured between adjacent search spaces for transmission or reception scheduled by potential PDCCH transmissions in the search spaces. For example, the configured gap 330 can be located between search spaces 311 and 312. The validity of the positioning information of terminal device 110 may expire at time point 320. In other words, the valid duration of the measurement expires at time point 320. The configured gap 330 can be located before time point 320. Figure 3A As shown, terminal device 110 can receive valid PDCCH transmissions in search space 311. Terminal device 110 can perform at least one positioning measurement in measurement gap 351 of the first type.

[0068] In some embodiments, the temporal location of the first measurement gap can be determined based on the time point offset from the expiration of the effective duration of the measurement. For example, the first type of measurement gap 351 can be offset from the time point 320 when the validity of the positioning information of the terminal device 110 expires.

[0069] In some embodiments, the first measurement gap may end at time point 320. Alternatively, the first measurement gap may end before time point 320. This allows the terminal device 110 to obtain updated positioning information before the effective measurement duration expires. Consequently, the power consumption of the terminal device can be reduced, and communication efficiency improved.

[0070] In some embodiments, time point 320 can be offset from a fixed time offset from the expiration of the effective measurement duration. For example, a first type of measurement gap 351 can be offset from a fixed time offset 340 from the expiration of the effective measurement duration. Therefore, the first type of measurement gap 351 can be associated with a fixed gap position used for positioning the measurement.

[0071] In some embodiments, time point 320 may be after the completion of a transmission or reception scheduled by a received PDCCH transmission. For example, the first type of measurement gap 351 may be after the completion of a transmission or reception scheduled by a PDCCH transmission received in search space 311. In some embodiments, the start of the first measurement gap may be after the completion of a transmission or reception scheduled by a received PDCCH transmission. For example, the start of the first type of measurement gap 351 may be after the completion of a transmission or reception scheduled by a PDCCH transmission received in search space 311. In this way, the gap used for positioning measurements will not affect the scheduled transmission or reception. Therefore, the reliability of communication can be improved.

[0072] In example gap configuration 300 A, the first type of measurement gap 351 can completely overlap with the search space 312. Therefore, the terminal device 110 will not monitor PDCCH transmission in the search space 312.

[0073] Figure 3B An example of a gap configuration 300 B for positioning measurements according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. The same reference numerals are used to indicate... Figure 3A Elements or components described in [the document] that have the same operation Figure 3B The elements or components described herein will be omitted, and their detailed descriptions will be omitted.

[0074] like Figure 3B As shown, the PDCCH transmission was not received in search space 311. Terminal device 110 can perform at least one positioning measurement in the second type of measurement gap 352.

[0075] In some embodiments, the temporal location of the second measurement gap can be determined based on the configured gap. In some embodiments, the second measurement gap can be located at the beginning of the configured gap. Alternatively, the second measurement gap can be located after the beginning of the configured gap. For example, when a PDCCH transmission is not received in search space 311, i.e., when there is no scheduled transmission or reception in the configured gap 352, the second type of measurement gap 352 can be located at or after the beginning of the configured gap 352, i.e., at or after the end of search space 311. In other words, the configured gap 352 can be implicitly released for NTN transmissions and therefore can be used for positioning measurements. In this way, if the search space is available for positioning measurements, the terminal device 110 can utilize the configured gaps between search spaces. Therefore, communication efficiency can be improved.

[0076] In example gap configuration 300 B, the second type of measurement gap 352 may not overlap with the search space 312. For example, the length of the measurement gap 352 may be equal to or shorter than the configured gap 330, and the measurement gap 352 may have already been completed before the search space 312. Therefore, the terminal device 110 can monitor PDCCH transmissions in the search space 312. Accordingly, the network device can schedule PDCCH transmissions in the search space 312 if needed.

[0077] Figure 3C An example of a gap configuration 300 C for positioning measurements according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. The same reference numerals are used to indicate... Figures 3A to 3B Elements or components described in [the document] that have the same operation Figure 3C The elements or components described herein will be omitted, and their detailed descriptions will be taken into account. For example... Figure 3C As shown, at least a portion of the second type of measurement gap 352 may overlap with the search space 312. For example, the duration of the measurement gap 352 may be longer than that of the configured gap 330, and the end of the measurement gap 352 may be after the start of the search space 312.

[0078] For example, terminal device 110 can check whether the configured gap 330 between the first search space 351 and the second search space 352 is shorter than the duration of the measurement gap 352. If this is the case, for example, if the configured gap 330 is x% of the duration of the measurement gap 352, then terminal device 110 can be allowed to start positioning measurement immediately after the first search space 351, and then complete (100-x)% of the positioning measurement in the first part of the second search space 352. For example, if terminal device 110 can complete 90% of the positioning measurement in the configured gap 330, then terminal device 110 can perform the remaining 10% of the positioning measurement in the first part of the next search space 352, and thus skip monitoring of the first part of the next search space 352.

[0079] In some embodiments, if at least a portion of the second search space overlaps with a measurement gap in which at least one positioning measurement is to be performed, either the first measurement gap or the second measurement gap, the terminal device 110 may skip monitoring the second search space. For example, a first portion 312-1 of the search space 312 may overlap with a measurement gap 352, and the terminal device 110 may skip monitoring the search space 312. Accordingly, the network device may not schedule PDCCH transmissions in the search space 312. In some embodiments, this may also be applied to Figure 3A The gap configuration is 300A. For example, assuming that the measurement gap 351 only partially overlaps with the search space 312, the terminal device 110 can skip monitoring the search space 312. In this way, a mechanism for PDCCH transmission is defined when the measurement gap and the search space conflict. Transmission reliability can be improved.

[0080] In some embodiments, when at least a portion of the search space overlaps with at least one of the first or second measurement gaps, the terminal device 110 can receive an indication from the network device to skip monitoring of the search space. This allows the terminal device to have a shared understanding with the network device that there is no PDCCH transmission in the partially overlapping search space. Consequently, the power consumption of the terminal device can be reduced.

[0081] In some embodiments, terminal device 110 may send an indication to network device that it does not have the capability to decode PDCCH transmissions detected in a portion of the search space. In this way, communication reliability can be improved.

[0082] In some embodiments, if a portion of the second search space overlaps with one of the measurement gaps, the first measurement gap and the second measurement gap, to which at least one positioning measurement is to be performed, the terminal device 110 can monitor the non-overlapping portion of the second search space. For example, only the first portion 312-1 overlaps with the measurement gap 352, and the second portion 312-2 of the search space 312 may not overlap with the measurement gap 352. The terminal device 110 can monitor the second portion 312-2 of the search space 312. In some embodiments, this can also be applied to... Figure 3A The gap configuration is 300A. For example, assuming that the measurement gap 351 overlaps only a portion of the search space 312, the terminal device 110 can monitor the non-overlapping portion of the search space 312.

[0083] In some embodiments, when a portion of the search space overlaps with at least one of the first or second measurement gaps, the terminal device 110 can receive an indication from the network device that the non-overlapping portion of the search space is being monitored. In this way, the terminal device can have a shared understanding with the network device that potential PDCCH transmissions may exist in the non-overlapping portion of the partially overlapping search space. Therefore, communication efficiency can be improved.

[0084] In some embodiments, terminal device 110 may send an indication to network device of its ability to decode PDCCH transmissions detected in a portion of the search space. This improves both communication reliability and communication efficiency.

[0085] In some embodiments, if the second search space overlaps with a measurement gap in the first and second measurement gaps where at least one positioning measurement is to be performed by no more than a first ratio, the terminal device 110 may monitor the non-overlapping portion of the second search space. Based on the determination that the second search space overlaps with a measurement gap in the first and second measurement gaps where at least one positioning measurement is to be performed by more than a first ratio, the terminal device 110 may skip monitoring the second search space.

[0086] For example, if the first portion 312-1 overlapping with the measurement gap 352 does not exceed a first ratio, the terminal device 110 can monitor the second portion 312-2 of the search space 312. If the first portion 312-1 overlapping with the measurement gap 352 exceeds the first ratio, the terminal device 110 can skip monitoring the search space 312. The first ratio can be predefined or preconfigured. In some embodiments, this can also be applied to... Figure 3AThe gap configuration is 300A. For example, assuming that the measurement gap 351 overlaps with the search space 312 not exceeding the first portion, the terminal device 110 can monitor the non-overlapping portion of the search space 312. If the measurement gap 351 overlaps with the search space 312 exceeding the first portion, the terminal device 110 can skip monitoring the search space 312.

[0087] In some embodiments, when the search space overlaps with at least one of the first or second measurement gaps by no more than a first ratio, the terminal device 110 can receive an indication from the network device that the non-overlapping portion of the search space is being monitored. In this way, if the overlap does not exceed the first ratio of the search space, the terminal device can have a shared understanding with the network device that potential PDCCH transmissions may exist in the non-overlapping portion of the partially overlapping search space. Therefore, both communication reliability and communication efficiency can be improved.

[0088] In some embodiments, terminal device 110 may send an indication to network device of its ability to decode PDCCH transmissions detected in a search space of not less than a second ratio. The sum of the first ratio and the second ratio may be 1. In this way, both communication reliability and communication efficiency can be improved. Although expressed herein as ratios, it should be understood that the first ratio and / or the second ratio may also correspond to fractions, percentages, and / or other forms representing proportions.

[0089] Figure 3D An example of a gap configuration 300D for positioning measurements according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. The same reference numerals are used to indicate... Figures 3A to 3C Elements or components described in [the document] that have the same operation Figure 3D The elements or components described herein will be omitted, and their detailed descriptions will be taken into account. For example... Figure 3D As shown, terminal device 110 can receive PDCCH transmissions in search space 311. The first type of measurement gap 351, offset from time point 320 by time offset 340, can overlap with the latter part of search space 312.

[0090] In some embodiments, at least one positioning measurement may be performed within a first measurement gap. If the first measurement gap overlaps with a portion of the second search space, the terminal device 110 may advance the first measurement gap in time and skip monitoring of the second search space. In some embodiments, the forward-shifted first measurement gap may be located at the beginning of the second search space. Alternatively, the forward-shifted first measurement gap may be located after the beginning of the second search space.

[0091] For example, such as Figure 3DAs shown, the first type of measurement gap 351 can be shifted forward to the first type of measurement gap 351'. The terminal device 110 can perform positioning measurements within the forward-shifted first type of measurement gap 351' and skip monitoring of the search space 312. In other words, if the network device indicates that it does not plan to send PDCCH transmissions in the remaining non-overlapping portion of the partially overlapping search space, the terminal device 110 can decide to start positioning measurements earlier. In some embodiments, the forward-shifted first type of measurement gap 351' can be located at the beginning of the search space 312 or after the beginning of the search space 312. In this way, the reliability of positioning measurements can be improved.

[0092] Figure 3E An example of a gap configuration 300E for positioning measurements according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. The same reference numerals are used to indicate... Figures 3A to 3D Elements or components described in [the document] that have the same operation Figure 3E The elements or components described herein will be omitted, and their detailed descriptions will be taken into account. For example... Figure 3E As shown, terminal device 110 can receive PDCCH transmissions in search space 311. A first-type measurement gap 351, offset from time point 320 by time offset 340, can follow search space 312. In some embodiments, search space 312 may not overlap with the first-type measurement gap 351 and can be monitored by terminal device 110.

[0093] In some embodiments, the PDCCH transmission may be a first PDCCH transmission. At least one positioning measurement may be performed during a first measurement gap. If the first measurement gap follows a second search space, the terminal device 110 may monitor the second search space. If a second PDCCH transmission is received in the second search space, the terminal device 110 may perform at least one of the transmissions or receptions scheduled by the second PDCCH transmission after the end of the first measurement gap.

[0094] For example, such as Figure 3EAs shown, terminal device 110 can receive PDCCH transmissions in search space 312. Terminal device 110 can perform positioning measurements in a first type of measurement gap 351 following search space 312. Then, terminal device 110 can perform at least one of a transmission or reception scheduled by the PDCCH transmission received in search space 312. In other words, if the first type of measurement gap occurs after the end of the configured gap in search space, the end of the first type of measurement gap can indicate the start of a PDSCH reception or PUSCH transmission scheduled by the PDCCH transmission received in search space. In other words, an additional offset equal to the duration of the first type of measurement gap can be introduced between the PDCCH transmission and the scheduled transmission / reception. In this way, terminal device 110 can obtain updated positioning information before the expiration of the effective measurement duration without affecting communication with network devices. As a result, the power consumption of the terminal device can be reduced, and communication reliability can be improved.

[0095] Figure 3F An example of a gap configuration 300 F for positioning measurements according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. The same reference numerals are used to indicate... Figures 3A to 3E Elements or components described in [the document] that have the same operation Figure 3F The elements or components described herein will be omitted, and their detailed descriptions will be taken into account. For example... Figure 3F As shown, terminal device 110 can receive PDCCH transmissions in search space 311. A first-type measurement gap 351, offset from time point 320 by time offset 340, can be located after search space 312. In some embodiments, a second portion 312-2 of search space 312 can overlap with the first-type measurement gap 351, and a first portion 312-1 of search space 312 that does not overlap with the first-type measurement gap 351 can be monitored by terminal device 110.

[0096] In some embodiments, the PDCCH transmission may be a first PDCCH transmission. At least one positioning measurement may be performed during the first measurement gap. If the first measurement gap overlaps with a later portion of the second search space, the terminal device 110 may monitor the non-overlapping portion of the second search space before the overlapping later portion. If a second PDCCH transmission is received in the non-overlapping portion of the second search space, the terminal device 110 may perform at least one of the transmissions and receptions scheduled by the second PDCCH transmission after the end of the first measurement gap.

[0097] For example, such as Figure 3FAs shown, terminal device 110 can monitor the non-overlapping portion 312-1 of search space 312. For example, network device 110 can indicate that the remaining non-overlapping portion of search space is available for PDCCH transmission. Terminal device 110 can perform positioning measurements in a first-type measurement gap 351 that overlaps with the second portion 312-2 of search space 312. If terminal device 110 receives a PDCCH transmission in the non-overlapping portion 312-1, terminal device 110 can perform at least one of transmission and reception scheduled by the PDCCH transmission received in the non-overlapping portion 312-1. In other words, if the first-type measurement gap 351 overlaps with the later portion of search space, the end of the first-type measurement gap can indicate the start of PDSCH reception or PUSCH transmission scheduled by the PDCCH transmission received in the non-overlapping portion of search space. Therefore, an additional offset equal to the duration of the first-type measurement gap can be introduced between PDCCH transmission and scheduled transmission / reception. In this way, terminal device 110 can obtain updated positioning information before the expiration of the effective measurement duration without affecting communication with network device 110. As a result, the power consumption of terminal devices can be reduced, and the reliability of communication can be improved.

[0098] Now for reference Figure 4 This illustrates an example method 400 implemented at a network device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, method 400 may be implemented at a device in a communication network, such as... Figure 1 At least one of the NTN equipment 120 or ground station 130 shown.

[0099] For example, when NTN device 120 is used as an access network device for serving terminal device 110, the network device can correspond to NTN device 120. Alternatively, when ground station 130 is used as an access network device for serving terminal device 110 and NTN device 120 is used as a transmission relay node between ground station 130 and terminal device 110, the network device can correspond to, for example... Figure 1 The ground station 130 is shown. Alternatively, when NTN device 120 and ground station 130 are jointly used as access network devices for serving terminal device 110, the network device may correspond to the aggregation of NTN device 120 and ground station 130. Additionally or alternatively, method 400 may... Figure 1 The method is implemented at other devices shown. In some other embodiments, method 400 can be implemented at other devices. Figure 1 The method is implemented at a device not shown. Furthermore, it should be understood that method 400 may include additional boxes not shown and / or some boxes shown may be omitted, and the scope of this disclosure is not limited in this respect. For the purposes of discussion, reference will be made to… Figure 1 Method 400 is described from the perspective of NTN device 120.

[0100] At box 410, NTN device 120 determines whether a PDCCH transmission is sent to terminal device 110 in a first search space, wherein the gap configured between the first search space and the second search space is before the valid duration of the measurement of terminal device 110 expires.

[0101] If a PDCCH transmission is sent in the first search space, method 300 proceeds to block 420. At block 420, NTN device 120 determines that at least one positioning measurement of terminal device 110 needs to be performed in the first measurement gap. If a PDCCH transmission is not sent in the first search space, method 300 proceeds to block 420. At block 420, NTN device 120 determines that at least one positioning measurement of terminal device 110 needs to be performed in the second measurement gap. In other words, NTN device 120 can infer whether the terminal device needs to use the second type of measurement gap based on whether NTN device 120 sends a PDCCH transmission to terminal device 110 in the first search space. In this way, the scheduling flexibility and communication efficiency of network devices can be improved.

[0102] In some embodiments, the time-domain location of the first measurement gap may be determined based on a time point offset from the expiration of the effective measurement duration. In some embodiments, the time-domain location of the second measurement gap may be determined based on a configured gap. In some embodiments, the second measurement gap may be located at the beginning of a configured gap. Alternatively, the second measurement gap may be located after the beginning of a configured gap. In this way, network control and flexible gap configuration can be provided to utilize gaps already configured as part of the common channel configuration (i.e., for the PDCCH search space), rather than explicitly creating gaps for positioning measurements.

[0103] In some embodiments, the time point can be after the completion of a transmission or reception scheduled by the received PDCCH transmission. In some embodiments, the end of the first measurement gap can be located at this time point. Alternatively, the end of the first measurement gap can be located before this time point. In some embodiments, the time point can be offset from a fixed time offset from the expiration of the effective measurement duration.

[0104] In some embodiments, the PDCCH transmission may be a first PDCCH transmission. If at least a portion of the second search space overlaps with a measurement gap in the first and second measurement gaps where at least one positioning measurement is to be performed, the NTN device 120 may determine that the second search space is unavailable for the second PDCCH transmission. When the NTN device 120 determines that the search space is unavailable for PDCCH transmission, the NTN device 120 will not send a PDCCH transmission to the terminal device within the search space. In this way, a mechanism for PDCCH transmission when a measurement gap conflicts with the search space is defined.

[0105] In some embodiments, the PDCCH transmission may be a first PDCCH transmission. If at least a portion of the second search space overlaps with a measurement gap in the first and second measurement gaps where at least one positioning measurement is to be performed, the NTN device 120 may determine the non-overlapping portion of the second search space as usable for a second PDCCH transmission. In this way, a mechanism for PDCCH transmission when a measurement gap conflicts with the search space is defined.

[0106] In some embodiments, PDCCH transmission can be a first PDCCH transmission. If the second search space overlaps with a measurement gap in the first and second measurement gaps where at least one positioning measurement is to be performed by no more than a first ratio, the NTN device 120 can determine that the non-overlapping portion of the second search space is available for the second PDCCH transmission. If the second search space overlaps with a measurement gap in the first and second measurement gaps where at least one positioning measurement is to be performed by more than a first ratio, the NTN device 120 can determine that the second search space is unavailable for the second PDCCH transmission. In this way, a mechanism for PDCCH transmission when there is a conflict between the measurement gap and the search space is defined.

[0107] In some embodiments, the PDCCH transmission may be a first PDCCH transmission. At least one positioning measurement may be performed within a first measurement gap. If the first measurement gap overlaps with a portion of the second search space, the NTN device 120 may determine that the first measurement gap will be shifted forward and determine that the second search space is unavailable for the second PDCCH transmission. In some embodiments, the forward-shifted first measurement gap may be located at the beginning of the second search space or after the beginning of the second search space.

[0108] In some embodiments, the PDCCH transmission may be a first PDCCH transmission. At least one positioning measurement may be performed during the first measurement gap. If the first measurement gap follows a second search space, the NTN device 120 may determine the second search space as available for the second PDCCH transmission. If the second PDCCH transmission is sent during the second search space, the NTN device 120 may perform at least one of the transmissions and receptions scheduled by the second PDCCH transmission after the end of the first measurement gap.

[0109] In some embodiments, a PDCCH transmission may be a first PDCCH transmission. At least one positioning measurement may be performed during the first measurement gap. If the first measurement gap overlaps with a later portion of the second search space, the NTN device 120 may determine the non-overlapping portion of the second search space before the overlapping later portion as available for the second PDCCH transmission. If the second PDCCH transmission is sent in the second search space, the NTN device 120 may perform at least one measurement gap in a transmission or reception scheduled by the second PDCCH transmission after the end of the first measurement gap. For example, the NTN device 120 may configure the terminal device 110 to monitor PDCCH transmissions in the non-overlapping portion of a partially overlapping search space. If the first measurement gap is determined to be used for positioning measurements and the first measurement gap overlaps with a portion of the second search space, the NTN device 120 may begin a PDSCH transmission or PUSCH reception after the first measurement gap if the NTN device 120 sends a PDCCH transmission to the terminal device 110 in the non-overlapping portion of the second search space. In other words, an additional offset equal to the duration of the first measurement gap may be introduced between the PDCCH transmission and the scheduled transmission / reception.

[0110] In some embodiments, when the search space partially overlaps with the positioning measurement gap, the NTN device 120 can indicate whether it intends to use the non-overlapping portion of the search space to transmit PDCCH transmissions. The terminal device 110 can determine whether to monitor PDCCH transmissions in the non-overlapping portion of the search space based on this parameter.

[0111] In some embodiments, when at least a portion of the search space overlaps with at least one of the first or second measurement gaps, the NTN device 120 may send an indication to the terminal device 110 to skip monitoring of the search space. In some embodiments, the NTN device 120 may receive from the terminal device 110 an indication that it does not have the capability to decode PDCCH transmissions monitored in a portion of the search space. The indication sent to the terminal device 110 may be determined based on an indication received from the terminal device 110.

[0112] In some embodiments, when a portion of the search space overlaps with at least one of the first or second measurement gaps, the NTN device 120 may send an indication to the terminal device 110 indicating that it is monitoring a non-overlapping portion of the search space. In some embodiments, the NTN device 120 may receive from the terminal device 110 an indication of its ability to decode PDCCH transmissions monitored within a portion of the search space. The indication sent to the terminal device 110 may be determined based on an indication received from the terminal device 110.

[0113] In some embodiments, when the search space overlaps with at least one of the first or second measurement gaps by no more than a first ratio, the NTN device 120 may send an indication to the terminal device 110 indicating the monitoring of the non-overlapping portion of the search space. In some embodiments, the NTN device 120 may receive from the terminal device 110 an indication of its ability to decode PDCCH transmissions monitored in a search space of not less than a second ratio. The sum of the first ratio and the second ratio may be 1. The indication sent to the terminal device 110 may be determined based on an indication received from the terminal device 110. Although referred to herein as a ratio, it should be understood that the first ratio and / or the second ratio may also correspond to fractions, percentages, and / or other forms representing proportions.

[0114] In some embodiments, the NTN device 120 may send configurations of a first measurement gap and a second measurement gap to the terminal device 110. The NTN device 120 may also send instructions to the terminal device 110 regarding conditions for at least one positioning measurement in the second measurement gap and conditions for at least one positioning measurement in the first measurement gap.

[0115] In some embodiments, the apparatus capable of performing method 200 (e.g., terminal device 110) may include components for performing the corresponding steps of method 200. These components may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the components may be implemented in a circuit or software module.

[0116] In some embodiments, the apparatus includes: components for determining whether a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) transmission is received from a network device in a first search space, wherein a gap configured between the first search space and a second search space occurs before the expiration of a valid measurement duration; components for performing at least one positioning measurement in the first measurement gap based on the determination that the PDCCH transmission was received in the first search space; and components for performing at least one positioning measurement in the second measurement gap based on the determination that the PDCCH transmission was not received in the first search space.

[0117] In some embodiments, the time-domain location of the first measurement gap may be determined based on a time point offset from the expiration of the effective measurement duration. In some embodiments, the time-domain location of the second measurement gap may be determined based on a configured gap. In some embodiments, the second measurement gap may be located at the beginning of a configured gap or after the beginning of a configured gap.

[0118] In some embodiments, the time point may be after the completion of a transmission or reception scheduled by the received PDCCH transmission. In some embodiments, the end of the first measurement gap is located at or before the time point. In some embodiments, the time point may be offset from a fixed time offset from the expiration of the effective measurement duration.

[0119] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include a monitoring component for skipping monitoring of the second search space based on determining that at least a portion of the second search space overlaps with a measurement gap in the first and second measurement gaps where at least one positioning measurement is to be performed.

[0120] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include a component for monitoring the non-overlapping portion of the second search space based on determining that a portion of the second search space overlaps with a measurement gap in the first and second measurement gaps where at least one positioning measurement is to be performed.

[0121] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include: a component for monitoring non-overlapping portions of the second search space based on determining that the second search space overlaps with a measurement gap in the first and second measurement gaps to perform at least one positioning measurement by no more than a first ratio; and a component for skipping monitoring of the second search space based on determining that the second search space overlaps with a measurement gap in the first and second measurement gaps to perform at least one positioning measurement by more than a first ratio.

[0122] In some embodiments, at least one positioning measurement is to be performed in the first measurement gap, and the apparatus may further include: a component for shifting the first measurement gap forward in time based on determining that the first measurement gap partially overlaps with the rear portion of the second search space; and a component for skipping monitoring of the second search space.

[0123] In some embodiments, the forward-shifted first measurement gap may be located at the beginning of the second search space or after the beginning of the second search space.

[0124] In some embodiments, the PDCCH transmission may be a first PDCCH transmission, at least one positioning measurement is to be performed in a first measurement gap, and the apparatus may further include: a component for monitoring a second search space based on determining that the first measurement gap may occur after the second search space; and a component for performing at least one of a transmission or reception scheduled by the second PDCCH transmission after the end of the first measurement gap based on determining that the second PDCCH transmission is received in the second search space.

[0125] In some embodiments, the PDCCH transmission may be a first PDCCH transmission, at least one positioning measurement is to be performed in the first measurement gap, and the apparatus may further include: components for monitoring the non-overlapping portion of the second search space before the overlapping portion based on determining that the first measurement gap overlaps with the latter portion of the second search space; and components for performing at least one of transmission or reception scheduled by the second PDCCH transmission after the end of the first measurement gap, based on determining that the second PDCCH transmission is received in the non-overlapping portion of the second search space.

[0126] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include a component for receiving an instruction from a network device to skip monitoring of the search space when at least a portion of the search space overlaps with at least one of a first measurement gap or a second measurement gap.

[0127] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include a component for sending an indication to a network device that it does not have the capability to decode PDCCH transmissions detected in a portion of the search space.

[0128] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include a component for receiving an indication from a network device of monitoring a non-overlapping portion of the search space when a portion of the search space overlaps with at least one of a first measurement gap or a second measurement gap.

[0129] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include a component for sending an indication to a network device of the ability to decode PDCCH transmissions detected in a portion of the search space.

[0130] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include a component for receiving an indication from a network device of monitoring non-overlapping portions of the search space when the search space overlaps with at least one of the first or second measurement gaps by no more than a first ratio.

[0131] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include: a component for sending to a network device an indication of the ability to decode PDCCH transmissions detected in a search space at a ratio not less than a second ratio, wherein the sum of the first ratio and the second ratio may be one.

[0132] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include: components for receiving configuration of a first measurement gap and configuration of a second measurement gap from a network device; and components for receiving from the network device conditions for at least one positioning measurement in the second measurement gap and conditions for at least one positioning measurement in the first measurement gap.

[0133] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include components for performing other steps in some embodiments of method 200. In some embodiments, the components include at least one processor and at least one memory, which includes computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, together with the at least one processor, to cause execution of the apparatus.

[0134] In some embodiments, the means capable of performing method 400 (e.g., at least one of NTN device 120 and ground station 130) may include components for performing the corresponding steps of method 400. These components may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the components may be implemented in a circuit or software module.

[0135] In some embodiments, the apparatus includes: components for determining whether a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) transmission is sent to a terminal device in a first search space, wherein a gap configured between the first search space and a second search space occurs before the expiration of the effective measurement duration of the terminal device; components for determining, based on the determination that the PDCCH transmission was sent in the first search space, at least one positioning measurement of the terminal device to be performed in the first measurement gap; and components for determining, based on the determination that the PDCCH transmission was not sent in the first search space, at least one positioning measurement of the terminal device to be performed in the second measurement gap.

[0136] In some embodiments, the time-domain location of the first measurement gap may be determined based on a time point offset from the expiration of the effective measurement duration. In some embodiments, the time-domain location of the second measurement gap may be determined based on a configured gap. In some embodiments, the second measurement gap may be located at the beginning of a configured gap or after the beginning of a configured gap.

[0137] In some embodiments, the time point may be after the completion of a transmission or reception scheduled by the received PDCCH transmission. In some embodiments, the end of the first measurement gap may be at or before the time point. In some embodiments, the time point may be offset from a fixed time offset from the expiration of the effective measurement duration.

[0138] In some embodiments, the PDCCH transmission may be a first PDCCH transmission, and the apparatus may further include: a component for determining that the second search space is unusable for the second PDCCH transmission based on the determination that at least a portion of the second search space overlaps with a measurement gap in the first and second measurement gaps where at least one positioning measurement is to be performed.

[0139] In some embodiments, the PDCCH transmission may be a first PDCCH transmission, and the apparatus may further include: a component for determining a non-overlapping portion of the second search space as usable for a second PDCCH transmission based on determining that a portion of the second search space overlaps with a measurement gap in the first and second measurement gaps where at least one positioning measurement is to be performed.

[0140] In some embodiments, the PDCCH transmission may be a first PDCCH transmission, and the apparatus may further include: a component for determining a non-overlapping portion of the second search space as usable for the second PDCCH transmission based on determining that the second search space overlaps with a measurement gap in the first and second measurement gaps to perform at least one positioning measurement by no more than a first ratio; and a component for determining the second search space as unusable for the second PDCCH transmission based on determining that the second search space overlaps with a measurement gap in the first and second measurement gaps to perform at least one positioning measurement by more than a first ratio.

[0141] In some embodiments, the PDCCH transmission may be a first PDCCH transmission, at least one positioning measurement is performed within a first measurement gap, and the apparatus may further include: means for determining, based on determining that the first measurement gap partially overlaps with a later portion of a second search space, that the first measurement gap should be shifted forward in time; and means for determining that the second search space is unavailable for the second PDCCH transmission. In some embodiments, the forward-shifted first measurement gap is located at the beginning of the second search space or after the beginning of the second search space.

[0142] In some embodiments, PDCCH transmission may be a first PDCCH transmission, at least one positioning measurement is to be performed in a first measurement gap, and the apparatus may further include: a component for determining a second search space as available for second PDCCH transmission after determining the first measurement gap in the second search space; and a component for performing at least one of transmission or reception scheduled by the second PDCCH transmission after the end of the first measurement gap, based on the determination that the second PDCCH transmission is transmitted in the second search space.

[0143] In some embodiments, the PDCCH transmission may be a first PDCCH transmission, at least one positioning measurement is to be performed in the first measurement gap, and the apparatus may further include: a component for determining a non-overlapping portion of the second search space before the overlapping portion based on determining that the first measurement gap overlaps with the latter portion of the second search space as available for the second PDCCH transmission; and a component for performing at least one of transmission or reception scheduled by the second PDCCH transmission after the end of the first measurement gap, based on determining that the second PDCCH transmission is sent in the non-overlapping portion of the second search space.

[0144] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include a component for sending an instruction to a terminal device to skip monitoring of the search space when at least a portion of the search space overlaps with at least one of the first or second measurement gaps.

[0145] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include a component for receiving from a terminal device an indication that it does not have the capability to decode PDCCH transmissions detected in a portion of the search space.

[0146] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include a component for sending an indication to a terminal device that monitors a non-overlapping portion of the search space when a portion of the search space overlaps with at least one of a first measurement gap or a second measurement gap.

[0147] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include a component for receiving from a terminal device an indication of the ability to decode PDCCH transmissions detected in a portion of the search space.

[0148] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include a component for sending an indication to a terminal device that monitors the non-overlapping portion of the search space when the search space overlaps with at least one of the first or second measurement gaps by no more than a first ratio.

[0149] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include: a component for receiving from a terminal device an indication of the ability to decode PDCCH transmissions detected in a search space at a ratio not less than a second ratio, wherein the sum of the first ratio and the second ratio is 1.

[0150] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include: components for sending to a terminal device the configuration of a first measurement gap and a second measurement gap; and components for sending to the terminal device an indication of conditions for at least one positioning measurement in the second measurement gap and conditions for at least one positioning measurement in the first measurement gap.

[0151] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes components for performing additional steps in some embodiments of method 400. In some embodiments, the components include at least one processor and at least one memory, which includes computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause execution of the apparatus.

[0152] Figure 5 This is a simplified block diagram of a device 500 suitable for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure. Device 500 can be provided as a communication device, for example... Figure 1 The terminal device 110, NTN device 120, ground station 130, and data network 140 are shown. As shown, device 500 includes one or more processors 510, one or more memories 520 coupled to processor 510, and one or more communication modules 540 coupled to processor 510.

[0153] Communication module 540 is used for bidirectional communication. Communication module 540 has at least one antenna to facilitate communication. The communication interface can represent any interface necessary for communication with other network elements.

[0154] Processor 510 can be any type suitable for a local technology network and may include one or more of the following as non-limiting examples: general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, microprocessor, digital signal processor (DSP), and processor based on a multi-core processor architecture. Device 500 may have multiple processors, such as application-specific integrated circuit chips that are time-dependent on a clock synchronized with the main processor.

[0155] Memory 520 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) 524, electrically programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, hard disk, optical disc (CD), digital video disc (DVD), and other magnetic and / or optical storage. Examples of volatile memories include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM) 522 and other volatile memories that will not be maintained during power outages.

[0156] Computer program 530 includes computer-executable instructions that are executed by an associated processor 510. Program 530 may be stored in ROM 524. Processor 510 may perform any suitable actions and processes by loading program 530 into RAM 522.

[0157] Embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented via program 530, such that device 500 can perform as described in the attached document. Figures 2 to 4Any process discussed in this disclosure. Embodiments of this disclosure may also be implemented in hardware or by a combination of hardware and software.

[0158] In some embodiments, program 530 may be tangibly contained in a computer-readable medium, which may be contained in device 500 (such as memory 520) or other storage device accessible to device 500. Device 500 may load program 530 from the computer-readable medium into RAM 522 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 6 An example of a computer-readable medium 600 in the form of a CD or DVD is shown. A program 530 is stored on the computer-readable medium.

[0159] In general, the various embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented in hardware or dedicated circuitry, software, logic, or any combination thereof. Some aspects may be implemented in hardware, while others may be implemented in firmware or software executable 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 the blocks, apparatuses, systems, techniques, or methods described herein may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, dedicated circuitry or logic, general-purpose hardware or controllers or other computing devices, or some combination thereof, as non-limiting examples.

[0160] 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 that executes on a device on a target real or virtual processor, to perform the actions described above. Figures 2 to 4 The described method. Generally, a program module includes routines, programs, libraries, objects, classes, components, data structures, etc., that perform specific tasks or implement specific abstract data types. In various embodiments, the functionality of a program module can be combined or split among program modules as needed. The machine-executable instructions for 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.

[0161] 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 enables the functions / operations specified in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams 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.

[0162] In the context of this disclosure, computer program code or related data may be carried by any suitable carrier wave to enable a device, apparatus, or processor to perform the various processes and operations described above. Examples of carrier waves include signals, computer-readable media, etc.

[0163] Computer-readable media can be computer-readable signal media or computer-readable storage media. Computer-readable media can include, but is not limited to, electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, apparatuses, or 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. As used herein, the term “non-transient” is a limitation of the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not signaling), and not a limitation of data storage persistence (e.g., RAM versus ROM).

[0164] Furthermore, although the operations are described in a specific order, this should not be construed as requiring that such operations be performed in the specific order shown or sequentially, or that all the operations shown be performed to achieve the desired result. In some cases, multitasking and parallel processing can be advantageous. Similarly, while several specific implementation details are included in the above discussion, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to particular embodiments. Certain features described in the context of individual embodiments may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented individually or in any suitable sub-combination in multiple embodiments.

[0165] Although this disclosure has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological actions, it should be understood that the disclosure as defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or actions described above. Rather, the specific features and actions described above are disclosed as exemplary forms for implementing the claims.

Claims

1. A terminal 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 terminal device to at least: Determine whether a Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) transmission is received from a network device in a first search space, wherein the gap configured between the first and second search spaces is before the expiration of the effective duration of the measurement; Based on the determination that the PDCCH transmission was received in the first search space, at least one positioning measurement is performed in the first measurement gap; as well as Based on the determination that the PDCCH transmission was not received in the first search space, the at least one positioning measurement is performed in the second measurement gap.

2. The terminal device of claim 1, wherein the time-domain position of the first measurement gap is determined based on the time point of the expiration offset from the effective duration of the measurement, and the time-domain position of the second measurement gap is determined based on the configured gap.

3. The terminal device of claim 2, wherein the second measuring gap is located at the beginning of the configured gap or after the beginning of the configured gap.

4. The terminal device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the time point is after the completion of the transmission or reception scheduled by the received PDCCH transmission.

5. The terminal device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the end of the first measurement gap is located at or before the time point.

6. The terminal device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the time point is a fixed time offset from the expiration offset of the effective duration of the measurement.

7. The terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the terminal device is further configured to: Monitoring of the second search space is skipped based on the determination that at least a portion of the second search space overlaps with one of the measurement gaps in the first and second measurement gaps where the at least one positioning measurement is to be performed.

8. The terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the terminal device is further configured to: Based on the determination that a portion of the second search space overlaps with one of the measurement gaps in the first and second measurement gaps where the at least one positioning measurement is to be performed, the non-overlapping portion of the second search space is monitored.

9. The terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the terminal device is further configured to: Based on determining that the overlap between the second search space and one of the measurement gaps in the first and second measurement gaps where the at least one positioning measurement is to be performed does not exceed a first ratio, the non-overlapping portion of the second search space is monitored; and Based on the determination that the second search space overlaps with the first measurement gap and the measurement gap in which the at least one positioning measurement is to be performed in the second measurement gap by more than the first ratio, the monitoring of the second search space is skipped.

10. The terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the at least one positioning measurement is performed during the first measurement gap, and wherein the terminal device is further configured to: Based on the determination that the first measurement gap overlaps with the latter part of the second search space, the first measurement gap is shifted forward in time; and Skip monitoring of the second search space.

11. The terminal device of claim 10, wherein the forward-shifted first measurement gap is located at the beginning of the second search space or after the beginning of the second search space.

12. The terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the PDCCH transmission is a first PDCCH transmission, the at least one positioning measurement is to be performed during the first measurement gap, and wherein the terminal device is further configured to: Based on determining that the first measurement gap is within the second search space, the second search space is monitored; and Based on the determination that the second PDCCH transmission is received in the second search space, after the end of the first measurement gap, at least one of the transmissions or receptions scheduled by the second PDCCH transmission is performed.

13. The terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, 8 to 9, and 12, wherein the PDCCH transmission is a first PDCCH transmission, the at least one positioning measurement is to be performed during the first measurement gap, and wherein the terminal device is further configured to: Based on the determination that the first measurement gap overlaps with the latter part of the second search space, the non-overlapping portion of the second search space before the overlapping latter part is monitored; and Based on the determination that the second PDCCH transmission is received in the non-overlapping portion of the second search space, after the end of the first measurement gap, at least one of the transmissions or receptions scheduled by the second PDCCH transmission is performed.

14. The terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the terminal device is further configured to: When at least a portion of the search space overlaps with at least one of the first or second measurement gaps, an instruction to skip monitoring of the search space is received from the network device.

15. The terminal device according to claim 14, wherein the terminal device is further configured to: Send an indication to the network device that it does not have the capability to decode PDCCH transmissions detected in a portion of the search space.

16. The terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 and 8, wherein the terminal device is further configured to: When a portion of the search space overlaps with at least one of the first or second measurement gaps, an indication is received from the network device to monitor the non-overlapping portion of the search space.

17. The terminal device according to claim 16, wherein the terminal device is further configured to: Send an indication to the network device of its ability to decode PDCCH transmissions detected in a portion of the search space.

18. The terminal device according to claim 8, wherein the terminal device is further configured to: When the search space overlaps with at least one of the first or second measurement gaps by no more than the first ratio, an indication is received from the network device to monitor the non-overlapping portion of the search space.

19. The terminal device according to claim 18, wherein the terminal device is further configured to: Send an indication to the network device of its ability to decode PDCCH transmissions detected in the search space at a rate not less than a second rate, wherein the sum of the first rate and the second rate is 1.

20. The terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the terminal device is further configured to: Receive the configuration of the first measurement gap and the configuration of the second measurement gap from the network device; and The network device receives conditions for at least one positioning measurement in the second measurement gap and indications for at least one positioning measurement in the first measurement gap.

21. A network 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 network device to at least: Determine whether a Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) transmission is sent to the terminal device in a first search space, wherein the gap configured between the first search space and the second search space is before the expiration of the measured effective duration of the terminal device; Based on the determination that the PDCCH transmission was sent in the first search space, it is determined that at least one positioning measurement of the terminal device is to be performed in the first measurement gap; as well as Based on the determination that the PDCCH transmission was not sent in the first search space, it is determined that the at least one positioning measurement of the terminal device shall be performed in the second measurement gap.

22. The network device of claim 21, wherein the time-domain position of the first measurement gap is determined based on the time point of the expiration offset from the effective duration of the measurement, and the time-domain position of the second measurement gap is determined based on the configured gap.

23. The network device of claim 22, wherein the second measurement gap is located at the beginning of the configured gap or after the beginning of the configured gap.

24. The network device according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the time point is after the completion of the transmission or reception scheduled by the received PDCCH transmission.

25. The network device according to any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein the end of the first measurement gap is located at or before the time point.

26. The network device according to any one of claims 22 to 25, wherein the time point is fixed from the expiration offset of the effective duration of the measurement.

27. The network device according to any one of claims 21 to 26, wherein the PDCCH transmission is a first PDCCH transmission, and the network device is further configured to: Based on the determination that at least a portion of the second search space overlaps with one of the first and second measurement gaps where the at least one positioning measurement is to be performed, the second search space is determined to be unusable for the second PDCCH transmission.

28. The network device according to any one of claims 21 to 26, wherein the PDCCH transmission is a first PDCCH transmission, and the network device is further configured to: Based on the determination that a portion of the second search space overlaps with one of the first and second measurement gaps where the at least one positioning measurement is to be performed, the non-overlapping portion of the second search space is determined to be available for second PDCCH transmission.

29. The network device according to any one of claims 21 to 26, wherein the PDCCH transmission is a first PDCCH transmission, and the network device is further configured to: Based on the determination that the overlap between the second search space and one of the measurement gaps in the first and second measurement gaps where the at least one positioning measurement is to be performed does not exceed a first ratio, the non-overlapping portion of the second search space is identified as usable for second PDCCH transmission; and Based on the determination that the second search space overlaps with the first measurement gap and the measurement gap in which the at least one positioning measurement is to be performed in the second measurement gap by more than the first ratio, the second search space is determined to be unusable for the second PDCCH transmission.

30. The network device according to any one of claims 21 to 27, wherein the PDCCH transmission is a first PDCCH transmission, the at least one positioning measurement is to be performed during the first measurement interval, and wherein the network device is further configured to: Based on the determination that the first measurement gap overlaps with the latter part of the second search space, it is determined that the first measurement gap needs to be shifted forward in time; and The second search space is determined to be unusable for the second PDCCH transmission.

31. The network device of claim 30, wherein the forward-shifted first measurement gap is located at the beginning of the second search space or after the beginning of the second search space.

32. The network device according to any one of claims 21 to 31, wherein the PDCCH transmission is a first PDCCH transmission, the at least one positioning measurement is to be performed during the first measurement interval, and wherein the network device is further configured to: Based on determining that the first measurement gap is within the second search space, the second search space is determined to be usable for the second PDCCH transmission; and Based on the determination that the second PDCCH transmission was sent in the second search space, after the end of the first measurement gap, at least one of the transmissions or receptions scheduled by the second PDCCH transmission is performed.

33. The network device according to any one of claims 21 to 26, 28 to 29 and 32, wherein the PDCCH transmission is a first PDCCH transmission, the at least one positioning measurement is to be performed during the first measurement interval, and wherein the network device is further configured to: Based on the determination that the first measurement gap overlaps with the latter part of the second search space, the non-overlapping portion of the second search space before the overlapping latter part is determined to be usable for second PDCCH transmission; and Based on the determination that the second PDCCH transmission is sent in the non-overlapping portion of the second search space, after the end of the first measurement gap, at least one of the transmissions or receptions scheduled by the second PDCCH transmission is performed.

34. The network device according to any one of claims 21 to 27, wherein the network device is further configured to: When at least a portion of the search space overlaps with at least one of the first or second measurement gaps, an instruction to skip monitoring of the search space is sent to the terminal device.

35. The network device of claim 34, wherein the network device is further configured to: The terminal device receives an indication that it does not have the capability to decode PDCCH transmissions detected in a portion of the search space.

36. The network device according to any one of claims 21 to 26 and 28, wherein the network device is further configured to: When a portion of the search space overlaps with at least one of the first or second measurement gaps, an indication is sent to the terminal device to monitor the non-overlapping portion of the search space.

37. The network device of claim 36, wherein the network device is further configured to: The terminal device receives an indication of its ability to decode PDCCH transmissions detected in a portion of the search space.

38. The network device of claim 28, wherein the network device is further configured to: When the search space overlaps with at least one of the first or second measurement gaps by no more than the first ratio, an indication is sent to the terminal device to monitor the non-overlapping portion of the search space.

39. The network device of claim 38, wherein the network device is further configured to: The terminal device receives an indication of its ability to decode PDCCH transmissions detected in the search space at a ratio not less than a second ratio, wherein the sum of the first ratio and the second ratio is 1.

40. The network device according to any one of claims 21 to 39, wherein the network device is further configured to: Send the configuration of the first measurement gap and the configuration of the second measurement gap to the terminal device; and Send to the terminal device instructions for conditions of at least one positioning measurement in the second measurement gap and conditions of at least one positioning measurement in the first measurement gap.

41. A method comprising: At the terminal device, it is determined whether a Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) transmission is received from the network device in a first search space, wherein the gap configured between the first search space and the second search space is before the expiration of the effective duration of the measurement. Based on the determination that the PDCCH transmission was received in the first search space, at least one positioning measurement is performed in the first measurement gap; as well as Based on the determination that the PDCCH transmission was not received in the first search space, the at least one positioning measurement is performed in the second measurement gap.

42. A method comprising: At the network device, it is determined whether a Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) transmission is sent to the terminal device in a first search space, wherein the gap configured between the first search space and the second search space is before the expiration of the measured effective duration of the terminal device; Based on the determination that the PDCCH transmission was sent in the first search space, it is determined that at least one positioning measurement of the terminal device is to be performed in the first measurement gap; as well as Based on the determination that the PDCCH transmission was not sent in the first search space, it is determined that the at least one positioning measurement of the terminal device shall be performed in the second measurement gap.

43. An apparatus comprising: A component for determining whether a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) transmission is received from a network device in a first search space, wherein the gap configured between the first search space and the second search space is before the expiration of the effective duration of the measurement; A component for performing at least one positioning measurement in a first measurement gap based on determining that the PDCCH transmission was received in the first search space; as well as A component for performing at least one positioning measurement in a second measurement gap based on the determination that the PDCCH transmission was not received in the first search space.

44. An apparatus comprising: The component used to determine whether a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) transmission is sent to the terminal device in a first search space, wherein the gap configured between the first search space and the second search space is before the expiration of the measured effective duration of the terminal device; Components for determining at least one positioning measurement of the terminal device to be performed in the first measurement gap based on the determination that the PDCCH transmission was sent in the first search space; as well as A component for determining, based on the determination that the PDCCH transmission was not sent in the first search space, that the at least one positioning measurement of the terminal device is to be performed in the second measurement gap.

45. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising program instructions that, when executed by a device, cause the device to perform at least the method according to claim 41 or 42.

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