Positioning

Abstract

Apparatuses, methods, and computer programs relating to the transmission of location-related data are disclosed. In example embodiments, a first or source device may provide location-related data for sending (i.e., targeting) to a location server as part of a location session. The source device may select a second or relay device for forwarding the location-related data to the location server using a network-side location protocol. The first device may send a forwarding request to the selected second device using a UE-side positioning protocol. The forwarding request may include at least the positioning-related data and a forwarding indication to signal the selected second device that the positioning-related data is to be forwarded to the positioning server.

Description

Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit of GB Application No. 2306900.8, filed 10 May 2023, entitled “Positioning”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] Example embodiments describe apparatuses, methods, and computer programs related to positioning. BACKGROUND

[0003] In a radio system, it can be important to determine the geographical position (hereinafter referred to as “position”) of one or more target devices that can change their position over time. For example, the target devices can be user equipment (UE), such as mobile phones, smartphones, tablet computers, or vehicles. Knowing the position of a particular UE can be helpful, for example, to optimize radio resources, provide location-based services, guidance, and / or alarm generation. The Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) has developed various standards and proposals relating to positioning of target devices via various methods based on, for example, fourth and fifth generation (4G and 5G) radio access technologies (RATs) and future RAT technologies. Some positioning technologies rely on the target device communicating with multiple so-called anchor devices, which can be fixed or mobile transmission reception points (TRPs) having a known position. SUMMARY

[0004] The scope of protection of various embodiments of this application is set forth in the independent claims. Embodiments described in this specification that do not fall within the scope of the independent claims will be interpreted as examples useful for understanding various embodiments of the application.

[0005] In a first aspect, this specification describes a first apparatus comprising: means for providing positioning-related data for transmission to a positioning server as part of a positioning session; means for selecting a second apparatus for forwarding the positioning-related data to the positioning server using a network-side positioning protocol; and means for transmitting a forwarding request to the selected second apparatus using a UE-side positioning protocol, wherein the forwarding request comprises at least the positioning-related data and a forwarding indication signaling to the selected second apparatus that the positioning-related data is to be forwarded to the positioning server.

[0006] The forwarding request can further comprise at least an identifier of the first apparatus. The forwarding request can further comprise at least a positioning session identifier.

[0007] The first apparatus can further include means for determining an out-of-coverage condition with respect to the positioning server, wherein the forwarding request is sent to the selected second apparatus in response to the out-of-coverage determination. The first apparatus can further include means for sending a discovery request to one or more other apparatuses within range of the apparatus and means for receiving a discovery response from at least one of the one or more other apparatuses within range of the apparatus in response to the discovery request, wherein the means for selecting the second apparatus is based at least in part on the discovery response.

[0008] The means for selecting the second apparatus can be configured to select an apparatus having an in-coverage condition with respect to the positioning server. The means for selecting the second apparatus can be configured to select an apparatus that is part of the same public land mobile network (PLMN). The means for selecting the second apparatus can be configured to select an apparatus that is part of a positioning session.

[0009] The first apparatus can comprise a target node of a positioning session and the second apparatus can be a selected anchor node of a plurality of anchor nodes of the positioning session. The first apparatus can comprise an anchor node of a positioning session and the selected second apparatus can comprise a target node or other anchor node of the positioning session.

[0010] The forwarding request can comprise an SLPP message including a flag indicating the forwarding indication.

[0011] The first apparatus can further include means for identifying the positioning server at or during a start of a positioning session, and wherein the forwarding request further includes an identification of the positioning server for signaling to the selected second apparatus a positioning server to which the positioning-related data is to be forwarded. The forwarding request can further include a priority status associated with the positioning-related data.

[0012] The first apparatus can further include means for encrypting at least the positioning-related data, wherein the forwarding request can include the encrypted positioning-related data. The first apparatus can further include means for receiving an acknowledgement message from the selected second apparatus, wherein the acknowledgement message indicates that the positioning-related data forwarded was successfully received by the positioning server.

[0013] The network-side positioning protocol can be LTE Positioning Protocol (LPP).

[0014] The first apparatus can be a mobile user equipment (UE) and the second apparatus can be a relay apparatus.

[0015] In a second aspect, the specification describes a method comprising: providing, by a first device, positioning-related data for transmission to a positioning server as part of a positioning session; selecting, by the first device, a second device to act as another device for forwarding the positioning-related data to the positioning server using a network-side positioning protocol; and transmitting, by the first device, a forwarding request to the selected second device using a UE-side positioning protocol, wherein the forwarding request includes at least the positioning-related data and a forwarding indication signaling to the selected second device that the positioning-related data is to be forwarded to the positioning server.

[0016] The forwarding request can further include at least an identifier of the first device. The forwarding request can further include at least a positioning session identifier.

[0017] The method can further include determining an out-of-coverage condition with respect to the positioning server, wherein the forwarding request is transmitted to the selected second device in response to the out-of-coverage determination. The method can further include transmitting a discovery request to one or more other devices within range of the device; and receiving a discovery response from at least one of the one or more other devices within range of the device in response to the discovery request, wherein the means for selecting the second device is based at least in part on the discovery response.

[0018] The selection of the second device can include selecting a device having an in-coverage condition with respect to the positioning server. The selection of the second device can include selecting a device that is part of a same public land mobile network (PLMN). The selection of the second device can include selecting a device that is part of the positioning session.

[0019] The method can be performed by a target node of the positioning session, and the second device can be a selected anchor node of a plurality of anchor nodes of the positioning session. The method can be performed by an anchor node of the positioning session, and the selected second device can include a target node or other anchor node of the positioning session.

[0020] The forwarding request can include a SLPP message including a flag indicating the forwarding indication.

[0021] The method can further include identifying the positioning server at or during a start of the positioning session, and wherein the forwarding request further includes an identification of the positioning server for signaling to the selected second device the positioning server to which the positioning-related data is to be forwarded.

[0022] The forwarding request can further include a priority status associated with the positioning-related data.

[0023] The method can further include at least encrypting the positioning-related data, and wherein the forwarding request can include the encrypted positioning-related data. The method can further include receiving an acknowledgement message from the selected second device, the acknowledgement message indicating that the LMU successfully received the forwarded positioning-related data.

[0024] The network-side positioning protocol can be the LTE Positioning Protocol (LPP).

[0025] The method can be performed by a mobile user equipment (UE).

[0026] In a third aspect, the specification describes a second device comprising: means for receiving a forwarding request from a first device using a UE-side positioning protocol, wherein the forwarding request includes at least a forwarding indication and positioning-related data provided by the first device as part of a positioning session; means for sending a data message to a positioning server using a network-side positioning protocol in response to identifying the forwarding indication, wherein the data message includes at least the positioning-related data and the forwarding indication or a different forwarding indication for signaling to the positioning server that the positioning-related data has been forwarded by the second device.

[0027] The received forwarding request can further include an identifier of the first device, and wherein the data message can further include the identifier of the first device. The received forwarding request can further include a positioning session identifier, and wherein the data message can further include the positioning session identifier.

[0028] The second device can further include: means for receiving a discovery request from the first device; and means for sending a discovery response to the first device in response to receiving the discovery request, wherein the forwarding request can be received from the first device based at least in part on the discovery response.

[0029] The second device can further include: means for providing an indication of an in-coverage or out-of-coverage condition of the second device relative to the positioning server, and wherein the forwarding request can be received from the first device based at least in part on the second device providing an indication of an in-coverage condition.

[0030] The second device can further include: means for providing an indication to the first device that the second device is part of a particular public land mobile network (PLMN), and wherein the forwarding request can be received from the first device based at least in part on the second device being part of the same PLMN as the first device.

[0031] The second apparatus can further comprise providing an indication to the first apparatus that the second apparatus is part of a particular positioning session, and wherein the forwarding request can be received from the first apparatus based at least in part on the second apparatus being part of the same positioning session as the first apparatus.

[0032] The received forwarding request can comprise a SLPP message, which can comprise a flag indicating the forwarding indication.

[0033] The received forwarding request can further comprise an identity of a positioning server, and the means for transmitting at least the positioning related data can be configured to transmit at least the positioning related data to the identified positioning server.

[0034] The received forwarding request can further comprise a priority status associated with the positioning related data, and wherein the means for transmitting at least the positioning related data can be configured to prioritize the transmission of the positioning related data based on the priority status.

[0035] The forwarding indication can comprise a data message flag.

[0036] The positioning related data can be provided in one or more protocol data units (PDUs) of a data message.

[0037] The network-side positioning protocol can be LTE Positioning Protocol (LPP).

[0038] The second apparatus can be a mobile user equipment (UE). The first apparatus can be a mobile user equipment (UE), and the second apparatus can be a relay apparatus.

[0039] In a fourth aspect, the present specification describes a method comprising: receiving, by a second apparatus from a first apparatus, a forwarding request using a UE-side positioning protocol, wherein the forwarding request comprises at least a forwarding indication and positioning related data provided by the first apparatus as part of a positioning session; responsive to identifying the forwarding indication, transmitting, by the second apparatus to a positioning server, a data message using a network-side positioning protocol, wherein the data message comprises at least the positioning related data and the forwarding indication or a different forwarding indication for signaling to the positioning server that the positioning related data has been forwarded by the second apparatus.

[0040] The received forwarding request can further comprise an identifier of the first apparatus, and wherein the data message can further comprise the identifier of the first apparatus.

[0041] The received forwarding request can further comprise a positioning session identifier, and wherein the data message can further comprise the positioning session identifier.

[0042] The method can further include receiving a discovery request from the first apparatus; and sending a discovery response to the first apparatus in response to receiving the discovery request, wherein the forwarding request can be received from the first apparatus based at least in part on the discovery response.

[0043] The method can further include providing an indication of an in-coverage or out-of-coverage condition of the second apparatus relative to the positioning server, and wherein the forwarding request can be received from the first apparatus based at least in part on the second apparatus providing an indication of an in-coverage condition.

[0044] The method can further include providing an indication to the first apparatus that the second apparatus is part of a particular public land mobile network (PLMN), and wherein the forwarding request can be received from the first apparatus based at least in part on the second apparatus being part of the same PLMN as the first apparatus.

[0045] The method can further include providing an indication to the first apparatus that the second apparatus is part of a particular positioning session, and wherein the forwarding request can be received from the first apparatus based at least in part on the second apparatus being part of the same positioning session as the first apparatus.

[0046] The received forwarding request can include an SLPP message, which can include a flag indicating the forwarding indication.

[0047] The received forwarding request can further include an identification of the positioning server, and wherein at least the positioning-related data is sent to the identified positioning server.

[0048] The received forwarding request can further include a priority status associated with the positioning-related data, and wherein the method can further include prioritizing the sending of the positioning-related data based on the priority status.

[0049] The forwarding indication can include a data message flag.

[0050] The positioning-related data can be provided in one or more protocol data units (PDUs) of a data message.

[0051] The network-side positioning protocol can be LTE Positioning Protocol (LPP).

[0052] The method can be performed by a mobile user equipment (UE).

[0053] In a fifth aspect, the specification describes a third apparatus comprising: means for receiving, from a second apparatus, a data message, wherein the data message comprises at least a forwarding indication and positioning-related data associated with a positioning session, the forwarding indication signaling to the third apparatus that the positioning-related data is from a first apparatus and has been forwarded by the second apparatus; and means for determining, responsive to identifying the forwarding indication, a location of a target apparatus based at least in part on the forwarded positioning-related data in the data message.

[0054] The received data message can further comprise at least an identifier of the first apparatus.

[0055] The received data message can further comprise at least a positioning session identifier.

[0056] The received data message can further comprise an encrypted version of the positioning-related data, and wherein the apparatus can be configured to decrypt the encrypted positioning-related data using a decoding key associated with the positioning session identifier.

[0057] The received data message can further comprise at least an identifier of the second apparatus.

[0058] The third apparatus can further comprise means for sending, to the first apparatus via the identified second apparatus, an acknowledgement message, wherein the acknowledgement message indicates that the third apparatus successfully received the forwarded positioning-related data.

[0059] The third apparatus can comprise a positioning server, e.g., a LMF. The first apparatus can be a mobile user equipment (UE), and the second apparatus can be a relay apparatus.

[0060] In a sixth aspect, the specification describes a method comprising: receiving, by a third apparatus from a second apparatus, a data message comprising at least a forwarding indication and positioning-related data associated with a positioning session, the forwarding indication signaling to the third apparatus that the positioning-related data is from a first apparatus and has been forwarded by the second apparatus; and determining, responsive to identifying the forwarding indication, a location of a target apparatus based at least in part on the forwarded positioning-related data in the data message.

[0061] The received data message can further comprise at least an identifier of the first apparatus.

[0062] The received data message can further comprise at least a positioning session identifier.

[0063] The received data message can further comprise an encrypted version of the positioning-related data, and wherein the method can further comprise: decrypting the encrypted positioning-related data using a decoding key associated with the positioning session identifier.

[0064] The received data message can further comprise at least an identifier of the second device.

[0065] The method can further comprise sending, to the first device via the identified second device, an acknowledgement message indicating that the forwarded positioning related data was successfully received by the third device.

[0066] The method can be performed by a positioning server, e.g. a LMF.

[0067] According to a seventh aspect, the present specification describes a computer program comprising instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the following: providing, by a first apparatus, positioning related data for transmission to a positioning server as part of a positioning session; selecting a second apparatus for forwarding the positioning related data to the positioning server using a network-side positioning protocol; and sending, to the selected second apparatus, a forwarding request using a UE-side positioning protocol, wherein the forwarding request comprises at least the positioning related data and a forwarding indication signaling to the selected second apparatus that the positioning related data is to be forwarded to the positioning server.

[0068] Example embodiments of the seventh aspect can also provide any feature(s) of the second aspect.

[0069] According to an eighth aspect, the present specification describes a computer readable medium, such as a non-transitory computer readable medium, comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing at least the following: providing, by a first apparatus, positioning related data for transmission to a positioning server as part of a positioning session; selecting a second apparatus for forwarding the positioning related data to the positioning server using a network-side positioning protocol; and sending, to the selected second apparatus, a forwarding request using a UE-side positioning protocol, wherein the forwarding request comprises at least the positioning related data and a forwarding indication signaling to the selected second apparatus that the positioning related data is to be forwarded to the positioning server.

[0070] According to a ninth aspect, the present specification describes an apparatus, which is a first apparatus, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code, the computer program code, when executed by the at least one processor, causing the apparatus to: provide positioning related data for transmission to a positioning server as part of a positioning session; select a second apparatus for forwarding the positioning related data to the positioning server using a network-side positioning protocol; and send, to the selected second apparatus, a forwarding request using a UE-side positioning protocol, wherein the forwarding request comprises at least the positioning related data and a forwarding indication signaling to the selected second apparatus that the positioning related data is to be forwarded to the positioning server.

[0071] Example embodiments of the seventh, eighth, and ninth aspects can also provide any feature of the second aspect.

[0072] According to a tenth aspect, the specification describes a computer program comprising instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the following: receiving, by a second apparatus from a first apparatus, a forwarding request using a UE-side positioning protocol, wherein the forwarding request comprises at least a forwarding indication and provided positioning-related data by the first apparatus as part of a positioning session; in response to identifying the forwarding indication, sending, using a network-side positioning protocol, a data message to a positioning server, wherein the data message comprises at least the positioning-related data and the forwarding indication or a different forwarding indication for signaling to the positioning server that the positioning-related data has been forwarded by the second apparatus.

[0073] According to an eleventh aspect, the specification describes a computer-readable medium, such as a non-transitory computer-readable medium, comprising program instructions stored thereon for causing at least the following: receiving, by a second apparatus from a first apparatus, a forwarding request using a UE-side positioning protocol, wherein the forwarding request comprises at least a forwarding indication and provided positioning-related data by the first apparatus as part of a positioning session; in response to identifying the forwarding indication, sending, using a network-side positioning protocol, a data message to a positioning server, wherein the data message comprises at least the positioning-related data and the forwarding indication or a different forwarding indication for signaling to the positioning server that the positioning-related data has been forwarded by the second apparatus.

[0074] According to a twelfth aspect, the specification describes an apparatus, which is a second apparatus, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code which, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the apparatus to: receive, by a second apparatus from a first apparatus, a forwarding request using a UE-side positioning protocol, wherein the forwarding request comprises at least a forwarding indication and provided positioning-related data by the first apparatus as part of a positioning session; in response to identifying the forwarding indication, send, using a network-side positioning protocol, a data message to a positioning server, wherein the data message comprises at least the positioning-related data and the forwarding indication or a different forwarding indication for signaling to the positioning server that the positioning-related data has been forwarded by the second apparatus.

[0075] Example embodiments of the tenth, eleventh, and twelfth aspects can also provide any feature of the fourth aspect.

[0076] According to aspect thirteen, this specification describes a computer program including instructions for causing a device to perform at least the following operations: receiving a data message from a second device by a third device, the data message including at least a forwarding instruction and location-related data associated with a location session, the forwarding instruction being used to signal to the third device that the location-related data originated from the first device and has been forwarded by the second device; and determining the location of a target device, at least in part, based on the forwarded location-related data in the data message, in response to recognizing the forwarding instruction.

[0077] According to the fourteenth aspect, this specification describes a computer-readable medium (such as a non-transitory computer-readable medium) including program instructions stored thereon for at least performing the following operations: receiving a data message from a second device by a third device, the data message including at least a forwarding instruction and location-related data associated with a location session, the forwarding instruction being used to signal to the third device that the location-related data is from the first device and has been forwarded by the second device; and determining the location of a target device, at least in part based on the forwarded location-related data in the data message, in response to recognizing the forwarding instruction.

[0078] According to the fifteenth aspect, this specification describes an apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code, which, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the apparatus to: receive a data message from a second device by a third device, the data message including at least a forwarding instruction and location-related data associated with a location session, the forwarding instruction being used to signal to the third device that the location-related data originates from the first device and has been forwarded by the second device; and, in response to recognizing the forwarding instruction, determine the location of a target device based at least in part on the forwarded location-related data in the data message.

[0079] The example embodiments of aspects thirteen, fourteen, and fifteen may also provide any features of aspect six. Attached Figure Description

[0080] Example embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, using non-limiting examples, in which:

[0081] Figure 1 It is a block diagram of a communication system in an in-coverage scenario according to one or more example embodiments;

[0082] Figure 2 It is a block diagram of a communication system in an off-coverage scenario according to one or more example embodiments;

[0083] Figure 3 It is a block diagram of a communication system in a partially covered scenario according to one or more example embodiments;

[0084] Figure 4 is a flowchart indicating operations that can be performed by a source node according to one or more example embodiments;

[0085] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a forward request message according to one or more example embodiments;

[0086] Figure 6 is a flowchart indicating operations that can be performed by a relay node according to one or more example embodiments;

[0087] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a data message according to one or more example embodiments;

[0088] Figure 8 is a flowchart indicating operations that can be performed by a positioning server according to one or more example embodiments;

[0089] Figure 9 is a signal diagram illustrating signaling or messages between nodes of a communication system according to one or more example embodiments;

[0090] Figure 10 is a schematic block diagram of an apparatus according to one or more example embodiments; and

[0091] Figure 11 is a non-transitory medium for storing computer-readable instructions that, when executed or processed by one or more processors of an apparatus, can perform operations according to one or more example embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0092] Example embodiments relate to positioning, in particular how to provide positioning session continuity in case one or more nodes of a positioning session can migrate between in-coverage and out-of-coverage conditions with respect to a positioning server.

[0093] In radio systems, it can be important to determine the geographical position (hereinafter referred to as “position”) of one or more apparatuses that can change position. Future communication systems and networks can highly value knowing the position of a particular apparatus, e.g. for the purposes of optimizing radio resources, providing location-based services, availability, guidance and alarm generation, just to give some examples. The Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) has developed various standards and proposals relating to positioning apparatuses via various methods based on, e.g., fourth and fifth generation (4G and 5G) radio access technologies (RATs) and future RAT technologies.

[0094] Reference is made to Figure 1The example communication system 100 can include a plurality of apparatuses (alternatively, "devices" or "nodes" or "UEs") including a network node 102, a base station 104, and first through fourth other nodes 110-113 that are remote from the network node 102 and the base station 104. The base station 104 can be an enhanced NodeB (eNB) or a next generation NodeB (gNB), although example embodiments are not limited to any particular type of base station.

[0095] The first through fourth nodes 110-113 can be examples of user equipment (UE), and for ease of explanation the term UE will be used hereinafter. However, it will be appreciated that the nodes can comprise other forms of device.

[0096] Given some examples, the UE can be a smartphone, a tablet computer, other forms of computer, a vehicle, or a wearable device. Example embodiments are not limited to particular forms of UE.

[0097] The network node 102 can, but need not, comprise part of a core network, and can communicate with a plurality of UEs 110-113 via the base station 104, via uplink or downlink connections, as suggested generally by arrows 106.

[0098] The network node 102 can be a positioning server, such as a location management function (LMF) or similar function.

[0099] One function of the positioning server 102, among other functions, is to receive location-related data from one or more UEs as part of a positioning session. The positioning server 102 can determine a location of a particular target UE of the positioning session based on the location-related data, which can include location-related measurements from the target UE, and possibly assistance data from anchor UEs. The LMF 102 known in 3GPP networks is an example of a positioning server.

[0100] The term "positioning server" can be used to describe any entity of a RAN that is configured to compute a location of a target UE based on received location-related data.

[0101] The positioning 102 can assign a positioning session identifier for the positioning session.

[0102] The positioning server 102 can send the positioning session identifier to UEs participating in the positioning session, including the target UE and a plurality of anchor UEs for providing assistance data, e.g., via unicast, groupcast, or broadcast communication.

[0103] The positioning server 102 may, for example, determine that the fourth UE 113 is the target node, and the first through third UEs 110-112 are anchor nodes for the current positioning session.

[0104] This can be in response to any suitable triggering or request event, e.g., a positioning request by the fourth UE 113 itself or by an external node.

[0105] The anchor UEs 110-112 can have a known location, or a location known with sufficient precision. The anchor UEs 110-112 can transmit reference signals or can receive reference signals.

[0106] For example, an anchor UE (e.g., the first UE 110) can transmit a reference signal (e.g., a positioning reference signal (PRS)) to the target UE 113. The target UE 113 can determine a range relative to the particular anchor UE 110 based on information about the known location of the first UE and at least a time of reception of the PRS. The target UE 113 can transmit the determined range to the positioning server 102 via the base station 104. Alternatively, the target UE 113 can transmit the time of reception of the PRS and an identification of the first UE 110 to the positioning server 102 via the base station 104. The positioning server 102 can determine the range between the target UE 113 and the first UE 110 based on information about the known location of the first UE.

[0107] Alternatively, the first UE 110 can receive a reference signal, e.g., a positioning reference signal (PRS) transmitted by the target UE 113. The first UE 110 can determine a range relative to the particular target UE 113 based on information about its known location and at least a time of reception of the PRS. The first UE 110 can transmit the determined range to the positioning server 102 via the base station 104. Alternatively, the first UE 110 can transmit the time of reception of the PRS and an identification of the first UE 110 to the positioning server 102 via the base station 104. The positioning server 102 can determine the distance between the target UE 113 and the first UE 110 based on information about the known location of the first UE.

[0108] Based on the known locations and range information relative to three or more anchor UEs 110-112, the positioning server 102 can determine a location of the target UE 113 using known multilateration methods. Such methods can use time difference of arrival (TdoA), reference signal time difference (RSTD), reference signal received power (RSRP), or other methods. It is assumed that the reader is familiar with general positioning concepts and multilateration not described in detail here.

[0109] For transmitting and / or receiving reference signals and other communications, the first through fourth UEs 110-113 can communicate directly with each other without needing to communicate via the base station 104.

[0110] For example, as Figure 1As shown in FIG. 1, UEs 110-113 can communicate via respective sidelinks 220.

[0111] Sidelink 220 (SL) has been introduced in 3GPP Release 16 to facilitate direct communication between nearby UEs over an air interface, commonly referred to as a PC5 interface. Sidelink positioning has been introduced in 3GPP Release 18 and future releases.

[0112] The term “sidelink” can refer to any direct communication between UEs and is not limited to any particular standard, such as LTE sidelink, and can include, by way of example and not limitation, New Radio (NR) sidelink applicable to a Fifth Generation (5G) wireless radio standard. Such standards introduce comparable reference signals, including a Sidelink Positioning Reference Signal (S-PRS) and a Sidelink Sound Reference Signal (S-SRS), which serve roughly the same purpose as the PRS and SRS described above. Thus, a position of a target UE (e.g., fourth UE 113) can be determined using direct communication between the target UE and respective anchor UEs 110-112. Figure 1

[0113] To this end, a new Sidelink Positioning Protocol (SLPP) is proposed, which is mentioned in 3GPP TS 38, for managing sidelink positioning.

[0114] SLPP is an example of a UE-side positioning protocol, as it is primarily used for inter-UE communication, as opposed to communication between a UE and a positioning server 102 or other core network entity.

[0115] Figure 1 An in-coverage scenario is shown. That is, each of the first through fourth UEs 110-113 can communicate directly with the base station 104 over an air interface for transmitting data to the positioning server 102. In the context of 5G, the air interface is referred to as a Uu interface.

[0116] Communication over the Uu interface can use a network-side positioning protocol. A network-side positioning protocol is a protocol that a positioning server 102 or other core network entity is configured to use for handling communications that are primarily transmitted to or received from a target UE. For example, the LMF 102 can be configured to use a network-side positioning protocol for handling communications with the fourth UE 113 shown in FIG. 1, but not necessarily other UEs, such as the first through third UEs 110-112. Figure 1

[0117] In some example embodiments, the network-side positioning protocol is the LTE Positioning Protocol (LPP). LPP uses an LPP session to facilitate exchange of data between the fourth UE 113 and the positioning server 102, which can be identified using an LPP session identifier.​​

[0118] In some example embodiments, positioning related data for transmission using a UE-side positioning protocol can be encapsulated or similar in a network-side positioning protocol, so that the UE-side positioning protocol message can be sent to and handled by the positioning server 102.

[0119] For example, the positioning related data can be provided as payload data of one or more SLPP messages and can be encapsulated in one or more protocol data units (PDUs) of an LPP message, which enables the positioning server 102 to receive and handle the positioning related data, which it can not do if received as SLPP messages.

[0120] Figure 2 The communication system 100 in an out-of-coverage scenario is shown, e.g., at different times. That is, all of the first to fourth UEs 110-113 of the positioning session are out-of-coverage with respect to the positioning server 102. For example, none of the first to fourth UEs 110-113 can directly communicate with the base station 104 over the Uu interface. Alternatively or additionally, the same situation can arise if none of the first to fourth UEs 110-113 support a network-side positioning protocol and / or if no network-side positioning protocol is available. In the out-of-coverage scenario, theoretically, the position determination role can be performed by any of the first to fourth UEs 110-113, and the communication between the first to fourth UEs 110-113 can entirely utilize the sidelink using a UE-side positioning protocol, like SLPP.

[0121] Figure 3 The communication system 100 in a partial-coverage scenario is shown, e.g., at different times. That is, at least one but not all of the first to fourth UEs 110-113 of the positioning session are out-of-coverage with respect to the positioning server 102.

[0122] In Figure 3 The fourth UE 113 (target UE) is out-of-coverage with respect to the positioning server 102, as it cannot directly communicate with the base station 104. Even if this is a temporary event, the positioning session can be interrupted. The fourth UE 113 can decide to search for a new positioning server 102 or a local server UE and restart a new positioning session; however, this can be very impractical, as past positioning related data can be lost and thus continuous tracking is interrupted. Furthermore, the connection to the original requester of the position of the target UE can be lost and it can not be clear how to restart the positioning procedure and the original communication connection. It can also be necessary to frequently set up new positioning sessions and generally can lead to significant delay and resource overhead.

[0123] In another scenario, an anchor UE (e.g., in this case the first UE 110) can be out of coverage with respect to the positioning server 102 and thus unable to provide its positioning-related data to the positioning server for the positioning session.

[0124] Example embodiments relate to apparatuses, methods, and computer programs for improving positioning session continuity in case of migration between in-coverage and out-of-coverage scenarios for one or more UEs of a positioning session with respect to a positioning server.

[0125] Example embodiments relate to functions and procedures for relaying or forwarding at least location-related data from a source apparatus or source UE to a selected second apparatus, which can be referred to as a relay apparatus or relay UE in the following, which is any UE or other node having a relaying or forwarding function. The source apparatus or source UE can use a UE-side positioning protocol to send a forwarding request to the selected relay apparatus or relay UE in order that the selected relay apparatus can receive and efficiently process the forwarding request. The forwarding request can comprise at least the location-related data and a forwarding indication for signaling to the selected relay apparatus or relay UE that the location-related data is to be forwarded to a positioning server.

[0126] The selected relay apparatus or relay UE can receive the forwarding request and, in response to recognizing the forwarding indication, use a network-side positioning protocol to send a data message to the positioning server in order that the positioning server can receive and efficiently process the data message. The positioning server is capable of receiving and processing messages using the network-side positioning protocol.

[0127] The data message can comprise at least the location-related data received from the source apparatus or source UE and the forwarding indication or a different forwarding indication for signaling to the positioning server that the location-related data has been forwarded by the selected relay apparatus or relay UE.

[0128] The positioning server can receive the data message from the selected relay apparatus or relay UE and, in response to recognizing the forwarding indication, receive and process the data message for determining a position of a target apparatus based at least in part on the forwarded location-related data in the data message.

[0129] The source apparatus or source UE can be a UE of a positioning session that needs to send positioning-related data to a positioning server. The source apparatus can for example be a target UE or an anchor UE in a positioning session.

[0130] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing operations 400 that can be performed according to one or more example embodiments. The operations can be performed by a first apparatus that needs to provide positioning-related data to a positioning server, which can be referred to as a source apparatus or source UE.

[0131] For example, the first apparatus can comprise Figure 3 one of the UEs 110-113 shown in FIG. 1.

[0132] The operations 400 can be performed by hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. The operations 400 can be performed by one component or respective components, which are any suitable components, such as one or more processors or controllers in combination with computer-readable instructions provided on one or more memories, where the instructions, when executed on the apparatus, can be configured to perform the operations.

[0133] The first operation 401 can comprise providing positioning-related data for transmission to a positioning server as part of a positioning session.

[0134] The positioning-related data can be any data measurement that can be used, at least in part, by the positioning server for determining a position of the target device. The transmission of the positioning-related data can be indirect, i.e., via a base station such as the base station 104 in FIG. 1. Figure 3 In this sense, the providing of the positioning-related data can be targeted at the positioning server, as an alternative phrasing.

[0135] The second operation 402 can comprise selecting another apparatus to act as a relay apparatus for forwarding the positioning-related data to the positioning server using a network-side positioning protocol.

[0136] The example embodiments can assume that the network-side positioning protocol is LPP, but alternatives can be used to meet other (e.g., future) network-side positioning protocols.

[0137] The third operation 403 can comprise transmitting a forwarding request to the selected relay apparatus using a UE-side positioning protocol, wherein the forwarding request comprises at least the positioning-related data and a forwarding indication for signaling to the selected relay apparatus that the positioning-related data is to be forwarded to the positioning server.

[0138] The example embodiments can assume that the UE-side positioning protocol is SLPP, but alternatives can be used to meet other (e.g., future) client-side positioning protocols.

[0139] The forwarding indication can be provided such that or trigger the selected relay apparatus to transmit a data message comprising at least the positioning-related data from the apparatus and the forwarding indication or a different forwarding indication for signaling to the positioning server.

[0140] The operations of the apparatus 1000 will now be described with reference to the particular example embodiments. Figure 4

[0141] Reference is made to Figure 3 ​The positioning server 102 has determined that the fourth UE 113 is a target UE for a positioning session, and the first to third UEs are respective anchor UEs 110-112 for the positioning session.

[0142] Each of the first to fourth UEs 110-113 can communicate via the respective sidelink 220 using the respective SLPP message described above.

[0143] One or more of the first to fourth UEs 110-113, including at least the fourth UE 113, can use LPP messages to transmit their positioning-related data to the positioning server 102. The positioning server 102 is configured to receive and efficiently process the LPP messages, e.g. by being configured to monitor and identify one or more indications (e.g. one or more flags) in the LPP messages, which the positioning server can interpret and handle accordingly, as described below.

[0144] If the fourth UE 113 cannot directly communicate with the positioning server 102, the fourth UE can select another UE (or any other node in the network) to act as a relay UE for forwarding its positioning-related data to the positioning server 102 using LPP messages that will not be rejected by the positioning server.

[0145] Due to the out-of-coverage scenario described above, the fourth UE 113 can not be able to directly communicate with the positioning server 102 via the base station 104.

[0146] The fourth UE 113 can send a discovery request to one or more other UEs 110-112 within range, receive a discovery response from at least one other UE in response to the discovery request, and select one of the other UEs based at least in part on the discovery response.

[0147] For example, the fourth UE 113 can determine to select another UE based on the other UE having an in-coverage condition with respect to the positioning server 102, i.e. a UE that can directly communicate with the positioning server via the base station 104.

[0148] The fourth UE 113 can be configured to monitor the coverage conditions associated with nearby nodes, including the first to third UEs 110-112. Additionally or alternatively, the nearby nodes can actively report their current in-coverage or out-of-coverage conditions to the fourth UE, e.g. using a flag in a transmitted advertisement message, or passively report their current in-coverage or out-of-coverage conditions to the fourth UE, e.g. using a flag in the discovery response described above.

[0149] Additionally or alternatively, the fourth UE 113 can determine to select another UE based at least in part on the other UE being part of the same public land mobile network (PLMN).

[0150] Additionally or alternatively, the fourth UE 113 can determine to select another UE based at least in part on the other UE being part of the positioning session (i.e., having the same positioning session identifier).

[0151] Additionally or alternatively, the fourth UE 113 can determine to select another UE based on it previously selecting a different UE to act as a relay UE, but not receiving confirmation that the positioning server 102 successfully received the forwarded data. The previous denial or failure can result in the selection of another UE.

[0152] The fourth UE 113 can determine to select the first UE 110 based on the first UE 110 satisfying any one or more of the above conditions.

[0153] In turn, the first UE 110 can operate as a relay UE with respect to the fourth UE 113. An explicit request or agreement between the fourth UE 113 and the first UE 110 can or can not be needed to achieve this purpose.

[0154] The fourth UE 113 can then send a forwarding request to the first UE 110, e.g., a SLPP message.

[0155] The forwarding request SLPP message can take any suitable form. For example, the forwarding request SLPP message can include a header portion and a payload portion, and can include one or more protocol data units (PDUs).

[0156] Figure 5 A simplified representation of a SLPP message PDU 500 is shown, including at least a header portion 502 and a payload portion 504.

[0157] The payload portion 505 can include at least positioning-related data, such as measurements made at the fourth UE 113 based on S-PRS signals from one or more of the first through third UEs 110-112.

[0158] In some example embodiments, the fourth UE 113 can encrypt its positioning-related data, e.g., using a key known or identifiable to the positioning server 102, such as an encryption key.

[0159] The header portion 502 can include, among other information, a forwarding indication.

[0160] For example, the header portion 502 can comprise one or more sub-portions 506 of signaling information for determining the positioning related data in the payload portion 504 that is to be forwarded by the first UE 113 as a relay UE.

[0161] For example, one sub-portion 508 can comprise a forwarding flag, which, if set, comprises the above-mentioned forwarding indication.

[0162] In some example embodiments, the forwarding request SLPP message PDU 500 can further comprise at least a source identifier, e.g. an identifier of the fourth UE 113. This can be provided in a second sub-portion 509 of the header portion 502. The source identifier can enable the positioning server 102 to determine the source of the positioning related data for the positioning session. The source identifier can enable the positioning server 102 to identify the encryption key used for encrypting the positioning related data, enabling decryption.

[0163] In some example embodiments, the forwarding request SLPP message PDU 500 can further comprise at least a positioning session identifier. This can be provided in a third sub-portion 510 of the header portion 502, for example. This can enable the positioning server 102 to determine with which positioning session the positioning related data is associated. The positioning session identifier can also be needed to enable the positioning server to identify the encryption key used for encrypting the positioning related data, enabling decryption.

[0164] In some example embodiments, the forwarding request SLPP message PDU 500 can further comprise an identity of the positioning server 102, e.g. its routing identifier, for signaling to the first UE 110 to which positioning server the positioning related data is to be forwarded.

[0165] This can be provided in a third sub-portion 511 of the header portion 502, for example. This can enable the first UE 110 to determine to which positioning server 102 (of possibly multiple LMFs) to forward the positioning related data.

[0166] In some example embodiments, the forwarding request SLPP message PDU 500 can further comprise a priority status associated with the positioning related data. This can be provided in a fourth sub-portion 512 of the header portion 502, for example. The priority status can be used by the first UE 110 to determine which of potentially multiple forwarding requests to send in a particular priority time order. The priority status can comprise any suitable flag or format, e.g. a number indicating the priority, where 1 = high priority, 9 = low priority, or similar.

[0167] In some example embodiments, the Forward Request SLPP message PDU 500 can further comprise an identification of the PLMN of the fourth UE 113. This can be provided in a fifth sub-portion 513 of the header portion 502, for example.

[0168] In some example embodiments, the Forward Request SLPP message PDU 500 can further comprise an identification of a sequence number or version number for distinguishing repetitions and copies of the same SLPP message. This can be provided in a sixth sub-portion 514 of the header portion 502, for example.

[0169] In some example embodiments, the Forward Request SLPP message PDU 500 can further comprise an identification of the first UE 110, for example, if the AMF changes and / or if a stateless AMF change is used which does not store routing information, the response routing can require this identification. This can be in a sixth sub-portion 515 of the header portion 502, for example.

[0170] In some example embodiments, the Forward Request SLPP message PDU 500 can further comprise a request for an acknowledgement of the successful reception of the forwarded positioning related data by the positioning server 102. This can be provided in a seventh sub-portion 516 of the header portion 502, for example. This can signal to the positioning server 102 that an acknowledgement of the successful reception of the positioning related data should be sent back to the fourth UE 113 via the selected relay UE 110 if its identification is provided.

[0171] Alternatively, the acknowledgement of the successful reception can be routed from the positioning server 102 via another UE (e.g. one of the second and third UEs 111, 112, or another node or UE).

[0172] For the avoidance of doubt, the provision of the sub-portions 508-516 of the header portion 502 is optional and example embodiments can comprise one, more or all of the mentioned sub-portions for configuring their SLPP message PDU 500 for sending to the selected relay UE.

[0173] For the avoidance of doubt, the source UE (in this example the fourth UE 113) can comprise any of the target UE or the anchor UE, or indeed another form of apparatus for providing the positioning related data to the positioning server 102.

[0174] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing operations 600 that can be performed in accordance with one or more example embodiments. The operations 600 can be performed by a second apparatus, which can be referred to as a relay apparatus or a relay UE, selected to relay or forward at least the positioning related data received from a source UE.

[0175] For example, the relay device can comprise one or a respective plurality of the UEs 110-113 shown in FIG. 1. The relay device can comprise another node in communication with the base station 104 connected to the positioning server 120, and is not necessarily a UE. Figure 3 The relay device can comprise one or a respective plurality of the UEs 110-113 shown in FIG. 1. The relay device can comprise another node in communication with the base station 104 connected to the positioning server 120, and is not necessarily a UE.

[0176] According to Figure 3 The example assumes that the first UE 110 is a relay device.

[0177] The operations 600 can be performed by hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. The operations 600 can be performed by one component or a respective component, which is any suitable component, such as one or more processors or controllers in combination with computer-readable instructions provided on one or more memories, where the instructions, when executed on the device, can be configured to perform the operations.

[0178] The first operation 601 can comprise receiving a forwarding request from a source device using a UE-side positioning protocol, where the forwarding request comprises at least a forwarding indication and positioning-related data provided by the source device as part of a positioning session.

[0179] The example embodiments can assume that the UE-side positioning protocol is SLPP, but alternatives can be used to meet other (e.g., future) client-side positioning protocols.

[0180] The second operation 602 may, for example, comprise sending a data message to a positioning server using a network-side positioning protocol in response to identifying the forwarding indication. The data message can comprise at least the positioning-related data and the forwarding indication or a different forwarding indication for signaling to the positioning server that the positioning-related data has been forwarded by the device.

[0181] The example embodiments can assume that the network-side positioning protocol is LPP, but alternatives can be used to meet other (e.g., future) network-side positioning protocols.

[0182] In some example embodiments, the forwarding request can comprise an identifier of the source device. For example, the first UE 110 can generate a data message and send the data message to the positioning server 102 using LPP in response to receiving the forwarding request from the fourth UE 113, which also comprises the identifier of the source device.

[0183] In some example embodiments, the forwarding request can comprise an identifier of the positioning session, and the data message can further comprise the positioning session identifier. For example, the first UE 110 can generate a data message and send the data message to the positioning server 102 using LPP in response to receiving the forwarding request from the fourth UE 113, which also comprises the positioning session identifier.

[0184] In some example embodiments, the forwarding request can comprise an identification of the positioning server (i.e. the positioning server 102), which can comprise its routing identifier, for signaling to the first UE 110 to which positioning server the positioning related data is to be sent.

[0185] If no identification of the positioning server 102 is provided, it can be assumed that the positioning server is the one currently associated with the first UE 110.

[0186] In some example embodiments, the forwarding request can comprise a priority status associated with the positioning related data. The first UE 110 can be configured to prioritize the sending of at least the positioning related data based on the priority status, e.g. to send which one of potentially multiple forwarding requests to the positioning server 102 in a specific priority order. The priority status can comprise any suitable flag or format, e.g. a number indicating the priority, wherein 1 = high priority, 9 = low priority, or similar representation.

[0187] In some example embodiments, the forwarding request can comprise an identification of the PLMN of the fourth UE 113.

[0188] In some example embodiments, the forwarding request can further comprise an identification of a sequence number or version number for distinguishing repetitions and copies of the same forwarding request.

[0189] In some example embodiments, the forwarding request can further comprise a request for an acknowledgement of the successfully received forwarded positioning related data by the positioning server 102.

[0190] This can signal to the positioning server 102 that if its identification is provided, an acknowledgement of the successfully received positioning related data should be sent back to the fourth UE 113, e.g. via the first UE 110.

[0191] In some example embodiments, the received forwarding request can take any suitable form.

[0192] For example, the forwarding request SLPP message can be received by the first UE 110 and can comprise a header part and a payload part, and can comprise one or more protocol data units (PDUs).

[0193] The forwarding request SLPP message can comprise one or more PDUs, e.g. in the form or similar form as shown in Fig. 5. Figure 5

[0194] The first UE 110 can be configured to receive and identify whether a forwarding indication is present, e.g. whether the forwarding flag in the first sub-part 508 of the header part 502 is set. ​

[0195] If so, a second operation 602 can be performed.

[0196] In some example embodiments, the first UE 110 can be configured to receive a discovery request from the fourth UE 113 and, in response to receiving the discovery request, send a discovery response to the source UE.

[0197] The forwarding request can be received from the first UE 110 based at least in part on the discovery response.

[0198] The forwarding request can be received by the first UE 110 based at least in part on it having an in-coverage condition with respect to the positioning server 102.

[0199] The forwarding request can also be received by the first UE 110 based at least in part on it being part of the same PLMN as the fourth UE 113 and / or having the same positioning session identifier as the fourth UE.

[0200] For the avoidance of doubt, the relay UE (in this example, the first UE 110) can comprise any of a target UE or an anchor UE, or indeed another form of apparatus for providing positioning-related data to the positioning server 102.

[0201] In some example embodiments, the data message of the second operation 602 can comprise an LPP message.

[0202] The LPP message can take any suitable form. For example, the LPP message can comprise a header portion and a payload portion, and can comprise one or more protocol data units (PDUs).

[0203] Figure 7 A simplified representation of an LPP message PDU 700 comprising a header portion 702 and a payload portion 704 is shown.

[0204] The payload portion 704 can comprise at least the positioning-related data received in the forwarding request.

[0205] For example, as shown, the first UE 110 can encapsulate the entire SLPP message PDU 500 in the payload portion 704 of the LPP message PDU 700.

[0206] The LPP message PDU 700 can comprise one or more sub-portions 706 of signalling information that can be used by the positioning server 102 to determine that the positioning-related data and that the header portion has been forwarded.

[0207] For example, one sub-part 708 can comprise a forwarding flag, which, if set, comprises the forwarding indication described above. It can be the same or different from the forwarding flag 508 in the SLPP message PDU 500.

[0208] The positioning server 102 can be configured to receive and efficiently process LPP messages and, therefore, should not reject the LPP message PDU 700 encapsulating the SLPP message PDU 500.

[0209] The positioning server 102 can be configured to identify that the forwarding flag in the first sub-part 708 is set and, therefore, knows that the payload part 705 of the LPP message PDU 700 comprises a forwarded SLPP message PDU 500.

[0210] The positioning server 102 can be configured to extract the SLPP message PDU 500 from the payload part 705 of the LPP message PDU 700 and process it accordingly.

[0211] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing operations 800 that can be performed according to one or more example embodiments. The operations 800 can be performed by a third apparatus, which can be a positioning server selected to determine a position of a target device.

[0212] For example, the positioning server can comprise Figure 3 the positioning server 102 shown in

[0213] The operations 800 can be performed by hardware, software, firmware or a combination thereof. The operations 600 can be performed by one or corresponding means, which are any suitable means such as one or more processors or controllers in combination with computer readable instructions provided on one or more memory, wherein the instructions, when executed on the apparatus, can be configured to perform the operations.

[0214] A first operation 801 can comprise receiving, using a network-side positioning protocol, a data message from a relay apparatus, the data message comprising at least a forwarding indication and positioning related data associated with a positioning session, the forwarding indication signaling to the apparatus that the positioning related data is from a source apparatus and has been forwarded by the relay apparatus.

[0215] The example embodiments can assume that the network-side positioning protocol is LPP, but alternatives can be used to meet other (e.g. future) network-side positioning protocols.

[0216] A second operation 802 can comprise determining, e.g. in response to identifying the forwarding indication, a position of a target apparatus based at least partly on the forwarded positioning related data in the data message.

[0217] The apparatus can be configured to, responsive to identifying the forwarding indication, interpret that the data message is not, for example, an unsolicited message, and includes an encapsulated SLPP message PDU.

[0218] The second operation 802 can include extracting the encapsulated SLPP message PDU from the received data message, which includes at least in part positioning-related data.

[0219] With a sufficient set of positioning-related data, the location of the target apparatus can be determined.

[0220] In certain example embodiments, the received data message can further include at least an identifier of the source apparatus.

[0221] In certain example embodiments, the received data message can further include at least a positioning session identifier.

[0222] In certain example embodiments, the received data message can include an encrypted version of the positioning-related data.

[0223] The apparatus (e.g., the positioning server 102) can be configured to decrypt the encrypted positioning-related data using an encryption key associated with the source apparatus identifier and the positioning session identifier.

[0224] In some example embodiments, the received data message can include at least an identifier of the relay apparatus.

[0225] In some example embodiments, another operation can include sending, via the first UE 110, an acknowledgement message to the source apparatus (i.e., the fourth UE 113) indicating that the positioning server 102 successfully received the forwarded positioning-related data. This can be responsive to the SLPP message PDU including a flag indicating that the fourth UE 113 requests an acknowledgement.

[0226] Figure 9 is based on Figure 3 A signaling diagram 900 of example embodiments of the scenario. The optional AMF 902 is indicated, and the base station 104 is not shown.

[0227] At an initial time, the fourth UE 113 has an in-coverage condition 904, and the first UE 110 has an in-coverage condition 906. At this time, a positioning session can be initiated.

[0228] In a first operation 910, the positioning server 102 can send an identifier of the positioning server (LMF ID INDICATION) to the first UE 110 (tUE) and the fourth UE 113 (aUE).

[0229] At a subsequent time, the fourth UE 113 moves outside of coverage of the base station 104 and thus has an out-of-coverage condition 912 with respect to the location server 102. The fourth UE 113 can determine that a relay UE is needed to reach the location server 102.

[0230] In a second operation 914, the fourth UE 113 can send a discovery request, e.g., through a standard discovery broadcast. The discovery request is labeled as "IC fw discovery request" to indicate that the fourth UE 113 is searching for other UEs that have an in-coverage condition with respect to the location server 102. The discovery request can also limit its search to other UEs that have the same PLMN.

[0231] In some example embodiments, only UEs that satisfy the condition or each condition specified in the discovery request can respond.

[0232] In a third operation 916, the first UE 110 can send a discovery response that is received by the fourth UE 113. The discovery response is labeled as "IC fw UE discovery response." Assume that the first UE 110 has an in-coverage condition 906 with respect to the location server 102 and has the same PLMN as the fourth UE 113.

[0233] In a fourth operation 918, the fourth UE 113 can send a forwarding request to the first UE 110. The forwarding request can include a forwarding indication.

[0234] The forwarding request is labeled as "SLPP [sesID='sID', lmfID='lmf'] CK(payload)." This indicates that the forwarding request includes an SLPP message that includes a location session identifier, a location server identifier, and a payload that includes location-related data that is encrypted using a cipher key (CK) that is used to protect sensitive location-related data.

[0235] In the fourth operation 918, the first UE 110 can send a response data message to the location server 102 based on the location server identifier.

[0236] The data message is labeled as "LPP [fw=1; srcUE='tUE'; fwUE='aUE'], (SLPP PDU)." This indicates that the data message includes an LPP message, a forwarding indication so that the location server 102 can determine that the data message is for SLPP forwarding. This prevents the location server 102 from rejecting the data message. The data message further includes an identification of the fourth UE 113 and an identification of the first UE 110. The data message also includes an SLPP PDU that includes at least the encrypted location-related data.

[0237] The positioning server 102 can then acquire and use the encryption key (CK) to decrypt the positioning related data and use it together with other positioning related data to determine the position of the fourth UE 113.

[0238] Thus, the example embodiments provide a method in which, in theory, any node with connectivity to the positioning server acts as a relay node for forwarding positioning related data from a source node, although the source node is outside coverage with respect to the positioning server. This alleviates problems related to source nodes that migrate between in-coverage and out-of-coverage conditions during a positioning session, and avoids the above-mentioned problems related to having to find an alternative positioning server and / or restarting the positioning session. Example apparatus

[0239] Figure 10 An apparatus according to some example embodiments is shown. The apparatus can be configured to perform the operations described herein, e.g., the operations described with reference to any of the disclosed processes, such as Figure 4 , Figure 6 and / or Figure 8 The apparatus comprises at least one processor 1000 and at least one memory 1001 directly or indirectly connected to the processor. The memory 1001 comprises at least one random access memory (RAM) 1001a and at least one read-only memory (ROM) 1001b. Computer program code (software) 1006 is stored in the ROM 1001b. The apparatus can be connected to a transmitter (TX) and a receiver (RX). The apparatus can optionally be connected with a user interface (UI) for indicating the apparatus and / or for outputting data. The at least one processor 900, together with at least one memory 1001 and computer program code 1006, is arranged to cause the apparatus to perform at least the method according to any of the previous processes, e.g., as disclosed with respect to the flowcharts and their related features of any of Figure 4 , Figure 6 and / or Figure 8 .

[0240] Figure 11 A non-transitory medium 1100 according to some embodiments is shown. The non-transitory medium 1100 is a computer readable storage medium. It can be, for example, a CD, a DVD, a USB stick, a Blu-ray disc, etc. The non-transitory medium 1100 stores computer program instructions, thereby causing the apparatus to perform the method of any of the previous processes, e.g., as disclosed with respect to the flowcharts and their related features of any of Figure 4 , Figure 6 and / or Figure 8 .

[0241] The names of network elements, protocols and methods are based on current standards. In other versions or other technologies, the names of these network elements and / or protocols and / or methods can be different, as long as they provide corresponding functions. For example, embodiments can be deployed in 2G / 3G / 4G / 5G networks and next generation 3GPP, as well as in non-3GPP wireless networks such as WiFi.

[0242] The memory can be volatile or non-volatile. It can be, for example, a RAM, a SRAM, a flash memory, a FPGA block RAM, a DCD, a CD, a USB stick, and a Blu-ray disc.

[0243] If not otherwise stated or explicitly in the context, a statement that two entities are different means that they perform different functions. This does not mean that they are based on different hardware. That is, each of the entities described in this specification can be based on different hardware, or some or all of the entities can be based on the same hardware. This does not mean that they are based on different software. That is, each of the entities described in this specification can be based on different software, or some or all of the entities can be based on the same software. Each of the entities described in this specification can be implemented in the cloud.

[0244] The implementation of any of the above blocks, devices, systems, techniques or methods includes, as non-limiting examples, implementation in hardware, software, firmware, special-purpose circuits or logic, general-purpose hardware or controllers or other computing devices, or some combination thereof, and the like. Some embodiments can be implemented in the cloud.

[0245] It should be understood that the above description is that of the current preferred embodiments. However, it is to be understood that the description is purely by way of example and that various modifications can be made without departing from the scope as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A first device, comprising: Components used to provide location-related data to be sent to the location server as part of a location session; Components for selecting a second device for forwarding the location-related data to the location server using a network-side positioning protocol; as well as A component used to send a forwarding request to a selected second device using the UE-side positioning protocol. The forwarding request includes at least the location-related data and a forwarding instruction. The forwarding instruction is used to send a signaling message to the selected second device to notify that the location-related data will be forwarded to the location server.

2. The first device according to claim 1, wherein, The forwarding request further includes at least the identifier of the first device.

3. The first device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, The forwarding request further includes at least a location session identifier.

4. The first device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: Components for determining out-of-coverage conditions relative to the location server, wherein the forwarding request is sent to a selected second device in response to the out-of-coverage determination.

5. The first device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: A component for sending a discovery request to one or more other devices within the range of the device; as well as A component for receiving a discovery response from at least one of the one or more other devices within the scope of the device in response to the discovery request. The component for selecting the second device is at least partially based on the discovery response.

6. The first device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The component for selecting the second device is configured to select a device having coverage conditions relative to the positioning server.

7. The first device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The forwarding request includes an SLPP message, which includes a flag indicating the forwarding instruction.

8. The first device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The network-side positioning protocol is the LTE Positioning Protocol (LPP).

9. The first device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The first device is a mobile user equipment (UE), and the second device is a relay device.

10. A second device, comprising: A component for receiving a forwarding request from a first device using a UE-side positioning protocol, wherein the forwarding request includes at least a forwarding indication and positioning-related data provided by the first device as part of a positioning session; A component for sending a data message to a location server using a network-side positioning protocol in response to recognizing the forwarding instruction. The data message includes at least the location-related data and the forwarding instruction or different forwarding instructions, wherein the forwarding instruction or different forwarding instructions are used to send a signaling to the location server to notify that the location-related data has been forwarded by the second device.

11. The second apparatus according to claim 10, wherein, The received forwarding request further includes the identifier of the first device, and the data message further includes the identifier of the first device.

12. The second device according to claim 10 or claim 11, wherein, The received forwarding request further includes a location session identifier, and the data message further includes the location session identifier.

13. The second device according to any one of claims 10 to 12, further comprising: Components for receiving a discovery request from the first device; as well as A component for sending a discovery response to the first device in response to receiving the discovery request. The forwarding request is received from the first device at least in part based on the discovery response.

14. The second device according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein, The received forwarding request includes an SLPP message, which includes a flag indicating the forwarding instruction.

15. The second device according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein, The forwarding instruction includes a data message flag.

16. The second device according to any one of claims 10 to 15, wherein, The location-related data is provided in one or more Protocol Data Units (PDUs) of the data message.

17. The second device according to any one of claims 10 to 16, wherein, The network-side positioning protocol is the LTE Positioning Protocol (LPP).

18. The second device according to any one of claims 10 to 17, wherein, The first device is a mobile user equipment (UE), and the second device is a relay device.

19. A third device, comprising: A component for receiving data messages from a second device, wherein the data messages include at least a forwarding instruction and location-related data associated with a location session, the forwarding instruction being used to signal to the third device that the location-related data originated from the first device and has been forwarded by the second device; and A component for determining the location of a target device in response to recognizing the forwarding instruction, based at least in part on the location-related data forwarded in the data message.

20. The third device according to claim 19, wherein, The received data message further includes at least the identifier of the first device.

21. The third device according to claim 19 or claim 20, wherein, The received data message further includes at least a location session identifier.

22. The third device according to any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein, The first device is a mobile user equipment (UE), the second device is a relay device, and the third device is a location server.

23. A method comprising: The first device provides location-related data to be sent to the location server as part of the location session; The first device selects a second device for forwarding the location-related data to the location server using a network-side positioning protocol. as well as The first device sends a forwarding request to the selected second device using the UE-side positioning protocol. The forwarding request includes at least the positioning-related data and a forwarding indication. The forwarding indication is used to send a signaling message to the selected second device to notify that the positioning-related data is to be forwarded to the positioning server.

24. A method comprising: The second device receives a forwarding request from the first device using a UE-side positioning protocol, wherein the forwarding request includes at least a forwarding indication and positioning-related data provided by the first device as part of a positioning session; In response to recognizing the forwarding instruction, the second device sends a data message to the positioning server using a network-side positioning protocol. The data message includes at least the positioning-related data and the forwarding instruction or a different forwarding instruction. The forwarding instruction or a different forwarding instruction is used to send a signaling to the positioning server to notify that the positioning-related data has been forwarded by the second device.

25. A method comprising: The data message received from the second device includes at least a forwarding instruction and location-related data associated with the location session. The forwarding instruction is used to send a signaling notification that the location-related data is from the first device and has been forwarded by the second device. as well as In response to recognizing the forwarding instruction, the location of the target device is determined based at least in part on the location-related data forwarded in the data message.

26. A first device, comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the third device to at least: Provides location-related data to be sent to the location server as part of the location session; Select a second device for forwarding the location-related data to the location server using a network-side positioning protocol; as well as The UE-side positioning protocol is used to send a forwarding request to the selected second device. The forwarding request includes at least the location-related data and a forwarding instruction. The forwarding instruction is used to send a signaling message to the selected second device to notify that the location-related data will be forwarded to the location server.

27. A second device, comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the third device to at least: The UE-side positioning protocol is used to receive a forwarding request from the first device, wherein the forwarding request includes at least a forwarding indication and positioning-related data provided by the first device as part of a positioning session; In response to recognizing the forwarding instruction, a data message is sent to the location server using a network-side positioning protocol. The data message includes at least the location-related data and the forwarding instruction or different forwarding instructions, wherein the forwarding instruction or different forwarding instructions are used to send a signaling to the location server to notify that the location-related data has been forwarded by the second device.

28. A third device, comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the third device to at least: The data message received from the second device includes at least a forwarding instruction and location-related data associated with the location session. The forwarding instruction is used to send a signaling notification that the location-related data is from the first device and has been forwarded by the second device. as well as In response to recognizing the forwarding instruction, the location of the target device is determined based at least in part on the location-related data forwarded in the data message.

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