Positioning method and communication device

Abstract

The invention provides a positioning method and a communication device. The positioning method comprises: a terminal measuring the time of arrival (TOA) of a first signal, the first signal comprising a plurality of SSBs, the plurality of SSBs occupying the same time domain resource but occupying different frequency domain resources; and determining position information of the terminal according to the TOA of the first signal. Through the positioning method, the initial access performance of the terminal can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communications, and more particularly to a positioning method and a communication device. Background Technology

[0002] When a terminal initially accesses the network, it needs to obtain a timing lead to achieve uplink synchronization between the terminal and the network. The timing lead can be considered as the time in advance by which the terminal sends uplink signals.

[0003] The terminal can determine the timing advance based on its own location information and the satellite's location information. In one implementation, for the terminal's own location information during the initial access phase, the terminal can obtain its location information based on a synchronization signal block (SSB).

[0004] However, the location information obtained by the terminal based on the SSB is inaccurate, which makes the timing advance determined by the terminal inaccurate, thus affecting the initial access performance of the terminal. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a positioning method and a communication device to improve the initial access performance of a terminal.

[0006] In the first aspect, this application provides a positioning method, which can be executed by a terminal, or by a component configured in the terminal (such as a chip, chip system, etc.), or by a logic module or software capable of realizing all or part of the terminal functions. This application does not limit the method in this regard.

[0007] The method includes: measuring the time of arrival (TOA) of a first signal, the first signal including multiple signal-controlled buses (SSBs), the multiple SSBs occupying the same time-domain resources but occupying different frequency-domain resources; and determining the location information of the terminal based on the TOA of the first signal.

[0008] In this technical solution, the first signal includes multiple SSBs, which occupy the same time-domain resources but different frequency-domain resources. In other words, in this technical solution, the network side simultaneously transmits multiple SSBs in the frequency domain.

[0009] Through the above technical solution, the TOA of the first signal measured by the terminal is related to the frequency domain distance between the first subcarrier occupied by the starting SSB and the last subcarrier occupied by the terminating SSB. Compared with a single SSB, the bandwidth of the signal when measuring TOA is improved, thus improving the accuracy of the determined terminal location information, thereby improving the accuracy of the TA determined by the terminal, and further improving the initial access performance of the terminal.

[0010] Optionally, the method further includes: receiving first information, the first information being used to indicate the number of SSBs included in the first signal.

[0011] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the frequency domain resources occupied by multiple SSBs are spaced at the same intervals.

[0012] The interval is also called the frequency domain interval or frequency domain offset.

[0013] In other words, the frequency domain resources occupied by these multiple SSBs transmitted by the network device are equally spaced. This can also be understood as the multiple SSBs transmitted by the network device being placed at equal intervals in the frequency domain; or, more specifically, as the multiple SSBs transmitted by the network device being evenly distributed in the frequency domain.

[0014] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving second information, the second information being used to indicate the interval between frequency domain resources occupied by multiple SSBs.

[0015] In this way, after the terminal finds the first SSB among multiple SSBs, it can determine the location of the frequency domain resources occupied by the remaining SSBs based on the second information. This reduces the time the terminal spends searching for multiple SSBs and improves the efficiency of the terminal in determining its location information based on these multiple SSBs.

[0016] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the intervals between the frequency domain resources occupied by multiple SSBs are partially or completely different.

[0017] In other words, the frequency domain resources occupied by these multiple SSBs transmitted by the network device are not equally spaced. This can also be understood as the multiple SSBs transmitted by the network device being placed at unequal intervals in the frequency domain; or, more specifically, as the multiple SSBs transmitted by the network device being non-uniformly distributed in the frequency domain.

[0018] In conjunction with the first aspect, the first signal includes two SSBs. The bandwidth between the first subcarrier occupied by the starting SSB and the last subcarrier occupied by the ending SSB is the first bandwidth. When the terminal is positioned based on the TOA obtained by measuring the signal with the first bandwidth, the positioning accuracy requirement is met.

[0019] This technical solution can improve the accuracy of the determined terminal location information while also saving the overhead of sending SSB on the network side.

[0020] Secondly, this application provides a positioning method, which can be executed by a network device, or by a component configured in the network device (such as a chip, chip system, etc.), or by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the network device. This application does not limit the method in this regard.

[0021] The method includes: transmitting a first signal, the first signal including multiple SSBs, the multiple SSBs occupying the same time domain resources but occupying different frequency domain resources;

[0022] The number of SSBs included in the first signal is determined based on the positioning accuracy requirements.

[0023] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: sending first information, the first information being used to indicate the number of SSBs included in the first signal.

[0024] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the frequency domain resources occupied by multiple SSBs are spaced at the same intervals.

[0025] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: sending second information, the second information being used to indicate the interval between frequency domain resources occupied by multiple SSBs.

[0026] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the intervals between the frequency domain resources occupied by multiple SSBs are partially or completely different.

[0027] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the first signal includes two SSBs, and the bandwidth between the first subcarrier occupied by the starting SSB and the last subcarrier occupied by the terminating SSB is the first bandwidth; wherein, when locating the terminal based on the TOA obtained by measuring the signal with the first bandwidth, the positioning accuracy requirement is met.

[0028] Thirdly, this application provides an apparatus including modules or units for implementing the methods of the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof. It should be understood that each module or unit can implement its corresponding function by executing a computer program.

[0029] Fourthly, this application provides an apparatus including modules or units for implementing the methods of the second aspect and any possible implementation thereof. It should be understood that each module or unit may implement its corresponding function by executing a computer program.

[0030] Fifthly, an apparatus is provided, comprising a processor and a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause a method as described in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof to be implemented, or cause a method as described in the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof to be implemented.

[0031] A sixth aspect provides an apparatus comprising a processing circuit for processing data and / or information such that a method as in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof is implemented, or such a method as in the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof is implemented.

[0032] The processing circuit may include one or more processors, or all or part of the circuitry in one or more processors used for control or processing functions.

[0033] Optionally, the apparatus may further include a memory for storing programs or instructions, and the processor for running the programs or instructions to implement the methods as described in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof, or to implement the methods as described in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0034] Optionally, the device may also include the transceiver circuit, or an input / output interface.

[0035] In a seventh aspect, a chip is provided, including processing circuitry for running a program or instructions to cause the method as described in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof to be implemented, or to cause the method as described in the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof to be implemented.

[0036] Optionally, the chip may further include a memory for storing programs or instructions.

[0037] Optionally, the chip may also include transceiver circuitry, or input / output interfaces.

[0038] Eighthly, an apparatus is provided, comprising one or more processors and a communication circuit, the communication circuit being used by the apparatus to perform at least one of signal input or output; the one or more processors being used to implement a method as described in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof, or to implement a method as described in the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0039] A ninth aspect provides a computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause a method as described in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof to be implemented, or cause a method as described in the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof to be implemented.

[0040] In a tenth aspect, a computer program product is provided, the computer program product comprising computer program code or instructions, which, when executed, cause the method as described in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof to be implemented, or cause the method as described in the second aspect and any possible implementation thereof to be implemented. Attached Figure Description

[0041] Figure 1 These are schematic diagrams illustrating several scenarios in which the technical solution of this application can be applied;

[0042] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the signals used by a terminal for positioning based on SSB and PRACH;

[0043] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the signal used by a terminal for positioning based on SSB;

[0044] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating a positioning method provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0045] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the uniform distribution of SSB0 to SSBN according to an embodiment of this application;

[0046] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the non-uniform distribution of four SSBs according to an embodiment of this application.

[0047] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the distribution of two SSBs provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0048] Figure 8 This is a structural schematic diagram of a communication device provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0049] Figure 9 This is a structural schematic diagram of a communication device provided for another embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0050] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, the terminology used in the embodiments of this application will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that this part is for ease of understanding only and should not be regarded as a specific limitation of this application.

[0051] I. Positioning Technology

[0052] In daily life, more than 80% of information is related to spatial location, making the need to quickly and accurately obtain terminal location information and provide location services increasingly urgent.

[0053] Currently, there are various methods for terrestrial network positioning. These methods involve measuring parameters of the wireless signal, such as transmission time, signal strength, angle of arrival, and angle of departure. Then, the terminal's location is determined based on specific positioning technologies, such as uplink time difference of arrival (UL-TDOA) positioning, downlink time difference of arrival (DL-TDOA) positioning, signal strength-based positioning, uplink angle of arrival (UL-AOA), downlink angle of arrival (DL-AOA), and multi-cell round trip time (RTT) positioning technologies.

[0054] For example, in one scenario, terminal location is achieved using multi-cell round-trip time (RTT). Multi-cell RTT primarily estimates the RTT between the terminal and multiple base stations based on the time difference between transmitted and received signals. Knowing the locations of the base stations and the multiple RTTs allows for the location of the terminal.

[0055] II. Ephemeral Information

[0056] Ephemeris information is information about a satellite's motion patterns, including orbital parameters, angular velocity, and speed. Communication equipment uses this information to calculate the satellite's position in its orbit at any given moment. Ephemeris information can be represented as a simple correspondence, such as the satellite's position information for each moment / time period. It can also be represented as a satellite coverage map, such as satellite coverage availability information. A satellite coverage map divides the Earth's surface into multiple grid points and shows which grid points are covered and uncovered by the satellite at each moment. For example, a satellite's orbital period around the Earth is one hour, with an accuracy of minutes. Each minute, the satellite has a corresponding satellite coverage map. Some grid points on the map are lit, and some are dark. The lit grid points represent the grid points that the satellite will cover at that corresponding moment in each orbital period.

[0057] It should be noted that the ephemeris information involved in this application includes, but is not limited to, traditional ephemeris information, satellite map information, and gateway station deployment information. Traditional ephemeris information includes, but is not limited to, orbital parameters, or parameters such as the satellite's azimuth calculated based on orbital parameters. It is understood that traditional ephemeris information can be used to calculate, predict, depict, or track the satellite's flight time, position, velocity, and other states. For example, traditional ephemeris information can be 17 bytes of information to represent position (78 bits) and velocity (54 bits), or traditional ephemeris information can be 18 bytes of information to represent orbital parameters (e.g., semi-major axis, range, eccentricity, perigee distance, etc.). Satellite map information can be the area covered by the satellite on a map at each moment. This application does not limit the specific form, content, and name of the ephemeris information; reference can be made to the definitions of ephemeris information in existing protocols. For example, in this application, ephemeris information can also be referred to as satellite coverage availability information.

[0058] III. SSB

[0059] SSB can also be called synchronization signal and PBCH block. SSB consists of three parts: primary synchronization signals (PSS), secondary synchronization signals (SSS), and physical broadcasting channel block (PBCH), and can be used for downlink synchronization.

[0060] One function of the SSB is cell access: by receiving master information block (MIB) information through the SSB, the system information block (SIB)1 associated with the SSB can be obtained to access the cell.

[0061] IV. SSB Sudden Cluster

[0062] An SSB burst set represents a set of one or more SSBs, also known as an SSB Burst. An SSB burst set is located in the first or second half of a radio frame, and the period of an SSB can also be considered the period of the SSB burst set. The maximum number of SSBs included in an SSB burst set, Lmax, represents the number of SSBs that a network device may transmit within an SSB burst set. The actual number of SSBs transmitted within an SSB burst set is less than or equal to Lmax, and Lmax is related to the frequency range.

[0063] To facilitate understanding of the communication methods provided in the embodiments of this application, the system architecture to which the embodiments of this application can be applied is first introduced. It should be noted that the system architecture described in the embodiments of this application is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. Those skilled in the art will understand that with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0064] With the development of information technology, modern communication systems are placing more urgent demands on efficiency, mobility, and versatility. Currently, in some important application scenarios, such as space communication, aviation communication, maritime communication, and military communication, non-terrestrial networks (NTNs), represented by non-terrestrial equipment such as satellites, drones, and high-altitude platforms, play an irreplaceable role. For ease of explanation, the following will use satellites as an example of non-terrestrial equipment.

[0065] Non-terrestrial communication, such as satellite communication, has unique characteristics compared to terrestrial communication. For example, by introducing satellite communication into 5G mobile communication systems: 1) it can provide communication services to areas such as oceans and forests that are not covered by terrestrial communication networks; 2) it can enhance the reliability of 5G communication, such as ensuring that users on airplanes, trains, and other modes of transportation receive better communication services; 3) it can provide more data transmission resources for 5G communication, improving network speed. Therefore, simultaneously supporting communication from both terrestrial and satellite base stations is an inevitable trend for future 5G communication, offering significant benefits in terms of wider coverage, reliability, multiple connections, and high throughput.

[0066] For example, Figure 1 Here are some schematic diagrams of system architectures that can be applied to this application.

[0067] like Figure 1In the system architecture shown in (a), the terminal communicates with the ground base station through the user-universal terrestrial radio access network (Uu) interface. The satellite enables transparent payload transmission between the user and the ground base station. The satellite and the NTN gateway can be considered as remote radio units (RRUs) of the ground base station, achieving transparent signal forwarding. That is, the satellite only supports functions such as radio frequency filtering, frequency conversion, and amplification, while the signal waveform remains unchanged. The ground base station and the core network can communicate through the next-generation (NG) interface, exchanging non-access stratum (NAS) signaling of the core network and service data from the terminal equipment.

[0068] like Figure 1 In the system architecture shown in (b), the satellite possesses some or all of the functions of an access network device and can be referred to as a satellite base station. It provides wireless access services and schedules wireless resources for terminal devices accessing the network through this satellite base station. The satellite base station and the terminal devices communicate via the Uu interface. The satellite base station and the core network can communicate via the NG interface, exchanging NAS signaling and service data from the terminal devices. The satellite radio interface (SRI) is the feeder link between the NTN gateway and the satellite. The SRI interface can be used as part of the NG interface to enable communication between the satellite and the core network.

[0069] like Figure 1 As shown in (c) in the figure, with Figure 1 Compared to (b) in the previous section, the communication scenario between satellite base stations has been added. Specifically, satellite base stations can communicate with each other through the Xn interface.

[0070] right Figure 1 The interfaces in the document are described below:

[0071] Air interface: refers to the wireless link between the terminal and the base station.

[0072] Xn interface: This refers to the interface between base stations, which is mainly used for signaling interactions such as handover.

[0073] NG interface: This refers to the interface between the base station and the core network, which mainly exchanges signaling such as NAS of the core network and user service data.

[0074] The technical solution provided in this application mainly involves two implementing entities: a terminal and a network device. The descriptions of the terminal and the network device are as follows:

[0075] Terminal: can be a device that provides voice / data, such as a handheld device or vehicle-mounted device with wireless connectivity. Currently, examples of terminals include: mobile phones, tablets, laptops, PDAs, mobile internet devices (MIDs), wearable devices, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving, wireless terminals in remote medical surgery, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes, cellular phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), handheld devices with wireless communication capabilities, computing devices or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem, wearable devices, terminal devices in 5G networks, or future public land mobile communication networks. Terminal devices in a network (PLMN), etc., are not limited to this in the embodiments of this application.

[0076] By way of example and not limitation, in this embodiment, the terminal can also be a wearable device. Wearable devices, also known as wearable smart devices, are a general term for devices that utilize wearable technology to intelligently design and develop everyday wearables, such as glasses, gloves, watches, clothing, and shoes. Wearable devices are portable devices that are worn directly on the body or integrated into the user's clothing or accessories. Wearable devices are not merely hardware devices, but also achieve powerful functions through software support, data interaction, and cloud interaction. Broadly speaking, wearable smart devices include those that are feature-rich, large in size, and can achieve complete or partial functions without relying on a smartphone, such as smartwatches or smart glasses, as well as those that focus on a specific type of application function and require the use of other devices such as smartphones, such as various smart bracelets and smart jewelry for vital sign monitoring.

[0077] In this embodiment, the device for implementing the terminal's functions can be a terminal itself, or a device capable of supporting the terminal in implementing those functions, such as a chip system. This device can be installed in the terminal or used in conjunction with the terminal. In this embodiment, the chip system can consist of chips or include chips and other discrete components. This embodiment only uses a terminal as an example to illustrate the device for implementing the terminal's functions and does not limit the solution of this embodiment.

[0078] Network device: This can be a device used to communicate with terminal devices. It can also be called an access network device or a wireless access network device, such as a base station. In the embodiments of this application, the network device can refer to a radio access network (RAN) node (or device) that connects the terminal device to the wireless network. A base station can broadly encompass, or be replaced by, various names including: NodeB, evolved NodeB (eNB), next-generation NodeB (gNB), relay station, access point, transmitting and receiving point (TRP), transmitting point (TP), master station, auxiliary station, multi-standard radio (MSR) node, home base station, network controller, access node, wireless node, access point (AP), transmission node, transceiver node, baseband unit (BBU), remote radio unit (RRU), active antenna unit (AAU), remote radio head (RRH), central unit (CU), distributed unit (DU), radio unit (RU), positioning node, etc. A base station can be a macro base station, micro base station, relay node, donor node, or similar entities, or combinations thereof. A base station can also refer to a communication module, modem, or chip installed within the aforementioned equipment or apparatus. A base station can also be a mobile switching center, equipment performing base station functions in D2D, V2X, and M2M communications, network-side equipment in 6G networks, and equipment performing base station functions in future communication systems. A base station can support networks using the same or different access technologies. Optionally, a RAN node can also be a server, wearable device, vehicle, or in-vehicle equipment. For example, the access network equipment in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology can be a roadside unit (RSU). The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technologies or equipment forms used in the network equipment.In some deployments, the network devices mentioned in the embodiments of this application may be devices including CU, DU, or CU and DU, or devices with control plane CU nodes (central unit-control plane (CU-CP)) and user plane CU nodes (central unit-user plane (CU-UP)) and DU nodes. For example, the network devices may include gNB-CU-CP, gNB-CU-UP, and gNB-DU.

[0079] In another possible scenario, multiple RAN nodes collaborate to assist the terminal in achieving wireless access, with different RAN nodes each implementing some of the base station's functions. For example, RAN nodes can be CUs, DUs, CU-CPs, CU-UPs, or RUs. CUs and DUs can be configured separately or included in the same network element, such as a BBU. RUs can be included in radio frequency equipment or radio frequency units, such as RRUs, AAUs, or RRHs.

[0080] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an ORAN system, CU can also be called O-CU (open CU), DU can also be called O-DU, CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP, and RU can also be called O-RU. Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software modules and hardware modules.

[0081] In this embodiment, the apparatus for implementing the functions of a network device can be a network device itself; it can also be an apparatus capable of supporting the network device in implementing those functions, such as a chip system, hardware circuit, software module, or a hardware circuit plus a software module. This apparatus can be installed in the network device or used in conjunction with the network device. In this embodiment, the example of a network device being used to implement the functions of a network device is provided only and does not constitute a limitation on the solutions described in this embodiment.

[0082] Terminals and / or network devices can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; they can also be deployed on water; and they can also be deployed in the air on airplanes, balloons, and satellites. This application does not limit the scenario in which the terminals and network devices are located. Furthermore, terminal devices and network devices can be hardware devices, or software functions running on dedicated hardware, or software functions running on general-purpose hardware, such as virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform), or entities that include dedicated or general-purpose hardware devices and software functions. This application does not limit the specific form of terminal devices and network devices.

[0083] When a terminal initially accesses the network, it needs to perform a cell search and selection process, as well as a random access process. Without these two processes, the terminal cannot join the network and therefore cannot achieve communication.

[0084] During the initial network access process, the terminal needs to obtain a timing lead to achieve uplink synchronization with the network side. The timing lead can be considered as the time in advance by which the terminal sends uplink signals.

[0085] In satellite communication scenarios, terminals can obtain timing advance information using their own location information and the satellite's location information. The satellite's location information can be obtained through ephemeris data.

[0086] It can be seen that the location information of the terminal is an important factor affecting the accuracy of the timing lead, which is also a key factor affecting access performance.

[0087] Below, we will introduce two methods for obtaining the location information of the terminal.

[0088] I. Obtaining the terminal's location information by positioning the terminal using the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS).

[0089] GNSS is a system that uses satellite technology to provide positioning, navigation, and timing services to users worldwide. It can provide users with all-weather three-dimensional coordinates, velocity, and time information from any location on the Earth's surface or in near-Earth space. A GNSS constellation consists of three parts: the space segment, the control segment, and the user segment. The space segment, composed of satellites or spacecraft, provides various information needed for positioning, including ephemeris (satellite orbital parameters, etc.) and transmitted ranging signals. The control segment refers to ground monitoring stations and the main control center, whose primary function is to calculate the satellite ephemeris and satellite clock modification parameters based on monitored GNSS observation data and feed them back to the satellites. It also controls the satellites and issues commands. The user segment refers to GNSS receivers, which receive satellite signals and perform calculations to obtain their own position and time information.

[0090] The basic principle of GNSS positioning is based on ranging: the terminal determines the distance between the satellite and the terminal, and then determines the terminal's own position information based on that distance.

[0091] One way to determine the distance between a terminal and a satellite is as follows: the terminal receives the signal transmitted by the satellite and simultaneously records the current time of the terminal. The satellite transmission time is known, so the time it takes for the signal to travel through space can be obtained. Considering the speed of light, the distance between the satellite and the terminal can be measured. Because there is an error, the measured distance is not the true distance, so it is called pseudorange.

[0092] Another way to determine the distance between a satellite and a terminal is through carrier phase ranging. Carrier phase ranging does not measure the distance based on the signal's spatial propagation time, but rather utilizes the phase periodicity of electromagnetic waves. Since GNSS signals are electromagnetic waves with periodic phases, the actual phase should be X integer cycles plus one non-integer phase. The non-integer part can be accurately obtained through methods such as phase-locked loops, while the integer part X is uncertain and needs to be determined using auxiliary information.

[0093] After determining the aforementioned distance, the terminal can determine its location information by combining the satellite position and using methods such as least squares method or extended Kalman filter.

[0094] II. Obtaining Terminal Location Information Based on SSB (Service Segmentation Bus)

[0095] When a terminal is powered on, the first signal it receives is the SSB, which includes the PSS, SSS, and PBCH from the cell. Therefore, during the initial access phase of the terminal, the SSB can be used to locate the terminal and obtain its location information.

[0096] Below, we introduce two methods for terminal positioning via SSB:

[0097] The first implementation method: terminal positioning is achieved based on RTT.

[0098] refer to Figure 2 When a satellite moves to a different location, the terminal measures the time difference between the SSB's time of arrival (TOA) and the PRACH's transmission time (i.e., the time interval). The satellite measures the time difference between the SSB's transmission time and the PRACH's arrival time. In other words, a set of RTTs is measured. Satellites at different locations can be considered equivalent to multiple base stations. By determining multiple sets of RTTs and combining them with ephemeris information to obtain the satellite's position at different times, the terminal's location information can be determined.

[0099] The second implementation method is to locate the terminal based on DL-TDOA.

[0100] Considering the rapid movement of satellites, such as Figure 3 As shown, satellites transmit different SSBs at different locations. The terminal can calculate the time difference of arrival (TDOA) of these SSBs at different satellite locations and then use the DL-TDOA algorithm for positioning to obtain its location information. For example, using... Figure 3 For example, the terminal can obtain the arrival time difference 1 by measuring the arrival time of SSB1 and the arrival time of SSB2, and obtain the arrival time difference 2 by measuring the arrival time of SSB3 and the arrival time of SSB2. Then, the position of the satellite at different times is used for positioning based on the DL-TDOA algorithm.

[0101] However, analysis revealed two main drawbacks to the aforementioned GNSS-based positioning method for obtaining terminal location information. Firstly, GNSS positioning involves measuring and calculating signals from multiple high-orbit satellites; if carrier phase ranging is used, continuous signal tracking is required, incurring significant overhead; and in "cold start" scenarios, terminal access to GNSS takes minutes. Considering these inherent characteristics of GNSS, the long time from initial request to final location acquisition by the terminal leads to outdated and inaccurate positioning. Furthermore, it can cause inaccurate TA calculations for PRACH transmission by the terminal, ultimately affecting initial access performance. Secondly, considering service scenarios where the NTN network does not rely on GNSS positioning and provides services based on its own satellite capabilities, it is necessary to consider relying solely on NTN network capabilities to achieve terminal positioning and provide location information.

[0102] For the terminal positioning method using SSB, the positioning distance accuracy of TOA satisfies the following formula (I):

[0103]

[0104] Where SNR represents the signal-to-noise ratio, c represents the speed of light, and B represents the bandwidth of the signal.

[0105] As shown in the formula above, the positioning distance accuracy of TOA is inversely proportional to the bandwidth B. Theoretically, positioning accuracy can be improved by increasing the bandwidth of the positioning signal.

[0106] However, in the NTN system, the bandwidth allocated to the SSB for initial access is relatively small, which leads to inaccurate terminal location when using the SSB. This further results in inaccurate TA determined by the terminal, thus affecting the initial access performance of the terminal.

[0107] For example, if the subcarrier spacing of the SSB is 15kHz and the frequency domain resource allocation is 20RB, then the transmission bandwidth of the SSB is 3.6MB. If the link signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is set to 2dB, then according to the above formula, the theoretical distance measurement accuracy based on TOA is 23m. In some scenarios, the positioning accuracy does not meet the requirements of some services.

[0108] In view of this, this application provides a positioning method and a communication device to improve positioning accuracy when positioning a terminal via SSB, thereby improving the accuracy of the TA determined by the terminal and thus improving the initial access performance of the terminal.

[0109] The communication method provided in the embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0110] Figure 4 This is a schematic flowchart of a communication method 400 provided in one embodiment of this application. Figure 4 This method is described only from the perspective of network devices and terminal interaction, and should not be construed as limiting the embodiments of this application in any way. Figure 4 The network devices in the text can be replaced with components configured in the network devices (such as chips, chip systems, processors, etc.), or logical modules or software that can realize all or part of the functions of the network devices; Figure 4 The terminal in the text can be replaced with components configured in the terminal (such as chips, chip systems, processors, etc.), or logical modules or software that can realize all or part of the functions of the terminal.

[0111] like Figure 4 As shown, the method 400 includes:

[0112] S410, the network device sends a first signal, which includes multiple SSBs. The multiple SSBs occupy the same time domain resources but different frequency domain resources; correspondingly, the terminal receives the first signal.

[0113] For example, in a scenario where the satellite is a transparent satellite, the network device can be a base station.

[0114] For example, in a scenario where the satellite is a regenerated satellite, the network device could be a satellite.

[0115] Specifically, in this application, the network device sends a first signal including multiple SSBs to the terminal. It can be understood that the network device sending the first signal to the terminal can also be interpreted as the network device sending multiple SSBs to the terminal or the network device broadcasting multiple SSBs to the terminal.

[0116] Specifically, in this application, these multiple SSBs occupy the same time-domain resources but different frequency-domain resources. That is to say, in this application, the network device will transmit multiple SSBs at different frequency-domain locations at the same time-domain location.

[0117] Optionally, method 400 further includes S430: the network device terminal indicates the number of SSBs included in the first signal. The information used to indicate the number of SSBs included in the first signal is called first information; that is, the network device can indicate the number of broadcast SSBs to the terminal through the first information.

[0118] In one implementation, the network device can obtain the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of a certain link based on the positioning accuracy of the service or scenario and in combination with ephemeris information, determine the number of SSBs included in the first signal, and send these multiple SSBs.

[0119] For example, after determining the positioning accuracy and obtaining the worst-case link SNR, the network device determines the bandwidth of the signal required to meet the positioning accuracy based on Formula (I) mentioned above. Then, based on this bandwidth, it determines the number of SSBs included in the first signal and sends these multiple SSBs. In other words, the network device determines the bandwidth required to meet the positioning requirements based on the positioning accuracy requirement and the worst-case link SNR, and then determines the number of SSBs in the initial access phase.

[0120] It should be noted that in this application, the network device sending multiple SSBs and the terminal receiving multiple SSBs can be implemented in different ways. Two implementation methods are described below:

[0121] Optionally, the first implementation involves the frequency domain resources occupied by these multiple SSBs being spaced at the same interval, also known as frequency domain spacing or frequency domain offset.

[0122] In other words, when a network device transmits multiple SSBs, the frequency domain resources occupied by these multiple SSBs are equally spaced. That is, it can be interpreted as the network device transmitting multiple SSBs that are placed at equal intervals in the frequency domain; or it can be interpreted as the multiple SSBs transmitted by the network device being evenly distributed in the frequency domain resources.

[0123] For example, refer to Figure 5 Multiple SSBs, numbered SSB0 to SSBN, occupy the same time-domain resources. Each SSB occupies 20 RBs, and these SSBs are placed at equal intervals in the frequency domain, meaning that the frequency domain intervals between the frequency domain resources occupied by the multiple SSBs are equal.

[0124] It should be noted that this embodiment does not limit the way the frequency domain spacing between the frequency domain resources occupied by multiple SSBs is defined.

[0125] For example, in one implementation, the frequency domain spacing can be the spacing between subcarriers at the starting positions of the frequency domain resources occupied by two consecutive SSBs. For example, with Figure 5 Taking SSB0 and SSB1 as examples, SSB0 occupies frequency domain resources of RB0 to RB19, and SSB1 occupies frequency domain resources of RB272 to RB291. The interval between the frequency domain resources occupied by SSB0 and SSB1 in the frequency domain is the interval between the subcarriers at the starting position in RB0 to RB19 and the subcarriers at the starting position in RB272 to RB291.

[0126] For example, in one implementation, the frequency domain spacing can be the spacing between subcarriers at the terminating positions of the frequency domain resources occupied by two consecutive SSBs. For example, with Figure 5 Taking SSB0 and SSB1 as examples, SSB0 occupies frequency domain resources of RB0 to RB19, and SSB1 occupies frequency domain resources of RB272 to RB291. The interval between the frequency domain resources occupied by SSB0 and SSB1 in the frequency domain is the interval between the subcarriers in the middle position of RB0 to RB19 and the subcarriers in the middle position of RB272 to RB291.

[0127] For example, in one implementation, the frequency domain spacing can be the spacing between subcarriers at the midpoint of the frequency domain resources occupied by two consecutive SSBs. For example, with Figure 5 Taking SSB0 and SSB1 as examples, SSB0 occupies frequency domain resources RB0~RB19, and SSB1 occupies frequency domain resources RB272~RB291. The interval between the frequency domain resources occupied by SSB0 and SSB1 in the frequency domain is the interval between the subcarriers at the terminating positions in RB0~RB19 and the subcarriers at the terminating positions in RB272~RB291.

[0128] Optionally, in this first implementation, the network device sends second information to the terminal, which indicates the interval between the frequency domain resources occupied by multiple SSBs. Correspondingly, for the terminal device, after finding the first SSB, it determines the location of the remaining SSBs among these multiple SSBs based on the frequency domain interval indicated by the second information, thereby receiving the multiple SSBs. For example, the terminal can find the first SSB based on multiple Sync-Raster indications. The meaning of Sync-Raster indications can be found in the description in related technologies, and will not be repeated here. Understandably, this method allows for flexible SSB location in the frequency domain, better signal transmission and reception design redundancy, and reduces the time for the terminal to search for multiple SSBs, improving the efficiency of the terminal in determining its location information based on these multiple SSBs.

[0129] Alternatively, a second implementation method is used where the frequency domain resources occupied by these multiple SSBs are partially or completely different.

[0130] In other words, the frequency domain resources occupied by these multiple SSBs transmitted by the network device are not equally spaced. This can also be understood as the multiple SSBs transmitted by the network device being placed at unequal intervals in the frequency domain; or, more specifically, as the multiple SSBs transmitted by the network device being non-uniformly distributed in the frequency domain.

[0131] For example, refer to Figure 6 There are a total of 4 SSBs, each occupying the same time-domain resources. Each SSB occupies 20 RBs: SSB0 occupies RB0–RB19, SSB1 occupies RB252–RB271, SSB2 occupies RB444–RB463, and SSB3 occupies RB616–RB635. It can be seen that these 4 SSBs are not equidistant in the frequency domain; that is, the frequency domain spacing between the resources occupied by each SSB is non-uniform. Similarly, there are no restrictions on how the spacing between the frequency domain resources occupied by multiple SSBs is defined. For details, please refer to the description in the first implementation method above, which will not be repeated here.

[0132] In this second implementation, the terminal can sequentially search for multiple SSBs based on multiple Sync-Raster instructions and receive data from these multiple SSBs.

[0133] In other words, the second implementation differs from the first in that the frequency domain intervals between the frequency domain resources occupied by multiple SSBs are not equal. The network device does not need to send the second information, and the terminal can search for multiple SSBs sequentially according to the Sync-Raster instruction. This method saves the overhead of the second information instruction and is simple to operate.

[0134] S420, the terminal measures the arrival time (TOA) of the first signal and determines the terminal's location information based on the TOA of the first signal.

[0135] In this application, after receiving multiple SSBs, the terminal performs correlation detection on these multiple SSBs to measure the TOA of the first signal, and then uses the TOA to locate the terminal and obtain the terminal's location information.

[0136] There are various ways for the terminal to obtain its location information based on the TOA (Time of Arrival), and this application does not limit this. For example, the terminal can use the RTT (Real-Time To-Time) positioning method to obtain its location information based on the TOA of the measured first signal. Another example is that the terminal can use the DL-TDOA (Deep-Time To-Area) positioning method to obtain its location information based on the TOA of the measured first signal.

[0137] Furthermore, the terminal receives SIB1 and SIB19, and determines the timing advance by combining the determined terminal location information and ephemeris information, thus completing the subsequent random access process.

[0138] Understandably, in this method, the TOA measured at the terminal is based on multiple SSBs. The bandwidth for measuring TOA is related to the frequency domain distance between the starting and ending SSBs (i.e., the frequency domain distance between the first subcarrier occupied by the starting SSB and the last subcarrier occupied by the ending SSB, also referred to as the equivalent bandwidth of the SSB in this application). Compared with the existing method of measuring TOA based on a single SSB, the equivalent bandwidth for measuring TOA is significantly increased. Referring to the distance measurement accuracy formula (I) for TOA mentioned above, increasing the bandwidth can improve the ranging accuracy of the terminal. Improving the ranging accuracy of the terminal can improve the accuracy of the determined time advance, thus also improving the access performance of the terminal.

[0139] For example, when the subcarrier spacing (SCS) is set to 15 kHz, and each SSB occupies 20 RBs of frequency domain resources, then when locating the terminal by measuring the TOA of a single SSB using existing technology, the transmission bandwidth of a single SSB is B = 20 * 12 * SCS = 3.6 MB. If the SNR is taken as 2 dB, then based on the distance measurement accuracy formula (I) for TOA mentioned above, then... If the network device uses 5 SSBs, and the frequency domain spacing between the subcarriers occupied by these 5 SSBs is equal, with a frequency domain spacing of 252 RBs, then the equivalent bandwidth of these 5 SSBs is equal to... BWn represents the bandwidth occupied by the nth SSB, and N represents the number of SSBs.

[0140] If the SNR is 2dB, then based on the distance measurement accuracy formula (I) for TOA mentioned above, then... It can be seen that the positioning accuracy has been improved by two orders of magnitude.

[0141] For another example, when the subcarrier spacing (SCS) is set to 30kHz, and each SSB occupies 20 RBs of frequency domain resources, then when locating the terminal by measuring the TOA of a single SSB using existing technology, the transmission bandwidth of a single SSB is B = 20 * 12 * SCS = 7.2MB. If the SNR is taken as 1dB, then based on the distance measurement accuracy formula (I) for TOA mentioned earlier, then... If the network device uses N equal to 4 SSBs, the frequency domain spacing between the subcarriers occupied by these 4 SSBs is as follows: Figure 7 As shown, the equivalent bandwidth of these 4 SSBs is: If the SNR is 2dB, then based on the distance measurement accuracy formula (I) for TOA mentioned above, then... The positioning accuracy has been improved by nearly two orders of magnitude.

[0142] Optionally, the number of SSBs is two. In this case, the network device maximizes the frequency domain distance between the two SSBs to improve the positioning accuracy when locating the terminal's progress based on two SSBs. Figure 7 Taking an example, when the subcarrier spacing (SCS) is set to 15kHz, each SSB is allocated 20 RBs of frequency domain resources. Then, if the frequency domain resources occupied by these two SSBs are as follows... Figure 7 As shown in (a), the equivalent bandwidth of these two SSBs = (N-1)*BW + 20*12*SCS = 97.9MB. If the SNR is 1dB, then based on the distance measurement accuracy formula (I) for TOA mentioned above, then... If the frequency domain resources occupied by these two SSBs are as follows Figure 7 As shown in (b), the starting position of SSB1 is L0+B / (SCS*12)-20. Therefore, the equivalent bandwidth of the two SSBs is N*BWP-20*12*SCS=196MB. If the SNR is 1dB, then based on the distance measurement accuracy formula (I) for TOA mentioned earlier, then...

[0143] The positioning method of the embodiments of this application has been described in detail above. The following will combine... Figure 8 and Figure 9 The apparatus provided in the embodiments of this application is described in detail.

[0144] Figure 8 This is a structural schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Specifically, as shown... Figure 8 As shown, the device 800 includes: a processing module 801 and a transceiver module 802.

[0145] In an embodiment of the first device, device 800 is applied to a terminal.

[0146] Specifically, the processing module 801 is used to measure the time of arrival (TOA) of the first signal, which includes multiple SSBs that occupy the same time domain resources but different frequency domain resources; the processing module 801 is also used to determine the location information of the terminal based on the TOA of the first signal.

[0147] Optionally, the transceiver module 802 is further configured to: receive first information, the first information being used to indicate the number of SSBs included in the first signal.

[0148] Optionally, the frequency domain resources occupied by multiple SSBs can be spaced at the same interval.

[0149] Optionally, the transceiver module 802 is also configured to: receive second information, the second information being used to indicate the interval between frequency domain resources occupied by multiple SSBs.

[0150] Optionally, the frequency domain resources occupied by multiple SSBs may have partially or completely different intervals.

[0151] Optionally, the first signal includes two SSBs, and the bandwidth between the first subcarrier occupied by the starting SSB and the last subcarrier occupied by the ending SSB is the first bandwidth; wherein, when the terminal is positioned based on the TOA obtained by measuring the signal with the first bandwidth, the positioning accuracy requirement is met.

[0152] In an embodiment of the second device, device 800 is applied to a network device.

[0153] The transceiver module 802 is used to transmit a first signal, which includes multiple SSBs. The multiple SSBs occupy the same time domain resources but occupy different frequency domain resources. The number of multiple SSBs included in the first signal is determined based on the positioning accuracy requirements.

[0154] Optionally, the transceiver module 802 is further configured to: send first information, the first information being used to indicate the number of SSBs included in the first signal.

[0155] Optionally, the frequency domain resources occupied by multiple SSBs can be spaced at the same interval.

[0156] Optionally, the transceiver module 802 is further configured to: send second information, the second information being used to indicate the interval between the frequency domain resources occupied by the plurality of SSBs.

[0157] Optionally, the frequency domain resources occupied by multiple SSBs may have partially or completely different intervals.

[0158] Optionally, the first signal includes two SSBs, and the bandwidth between the first subcarrier occupied by the starting SSB and the last subcarrier occupied by the ending SSB is the first bandwidth; wherein, when the terminal is positioned based on the TOA obtained by measuring the signal with the first bandwidth, the positioning accuracy requirement is met.

[0159] Figure 9 This is a structural schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 9 The apparatus shown can be used to perform the method described in any of the foregoing embodiments.

[0160] like Figure 9 As shown, the device 900 of this embodiment includes a memory 901 and a processor 902. In one implementation, the device 900 further includes a communication interface 903 and a bus 904. The memory 901, processor 902, and communication interface 903 are interconnected via the bus 904.

[0161] The memory 901 can be a read-only memory (ROM), a static storage device, a dynamic storage device, or a random access memory (RAM). The memory 901 can store programs, and when the program stored in the memory 901 is executed by the processor 902, the processor 902 performs the execution... Figure 4 The steps of the method shown.

[0162] The processor 902 may be a general-purpose central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits, used to execute relevant programs to implement the embodiments of this application. Figure 4 The method shown.

[0163] The processor 902 can also be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. In its implementation, the embodiments of this application... Figure 4 Each step of the method can be accomplished through integrated logic circuits in the hardware of the processor 902 or through instructions in software form.

[0164] The processor 902 described above can also be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components. It can implement or execute the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or a conventional processor, etc.

[0165] The steps of the method disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly manifested as being executed by a hardware decoding processor, or executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software modules can reside in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, or other mature storage media in the art. This storage medium is located in memory 901. The processor 902 reads the information in memory 901 and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the functions required by the units included in the device of this application. For example, it can execute... Figure 4 The various steps / functions of the illustrated embodiment.

[0166] The communication interface 903 can use, but is not limited to, transceivers to enable communication between the device 900 and other devices or communication networks.

[0167] Bus 904 may include a pathway for transmitting information between various components of device 900 (e.g., memory 901, processor 902, communication interface 903).

[0168] It should be understood that the device 900 shown in the embodiments of this application can be an electronic device, or it can be a chip configured in an electronic device. The device 900 can be deployed in a terminal device, or it can be deployed in a network device.

[0169] The above embodiments can be implemented, in whole or in part, by software, hardware, firmware, or any other combination thereof. When implemented using software, the above embodiments can be implemented, in whole or in part, as a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions or computer programs. When the computer instructions or computer programs are loaded or executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be a usable medium accessible to a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center containing one or more sets of usable media. The usable medium can be a magnetic medium (e.g., floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape), an optical medium (e.g., DVD), or a semiconductor medium. A semiconductor medium can be a solid-state drive.

[0170] It should be understood that the term "and / or" in this article is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. A and B can be singular or plural. Additionally, the character " / " in this article generally indicates an "or" relationship between the preceding and following related objects, but it can also represent an "and / or" relationship. Please refer to the context for a more accurate understanding.

[0171] In this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or multiple items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can mean: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0172] It should be understood that in the various embodiments of this application, the order of the above-mentioned processes does not imply the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not limit the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0173] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0174] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0175] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0176] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0177] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0178] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a portion of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory, random access memory, magnetic disks, or optical disks.

Claims

1. A positioning method, characterized by, The method comprises: measuring a time of arrival, TOA, of a first signal, the first signal comprising a plurality of SSBs, the plurality of SSBs occupying the same time domain resources but occupying different frequency domain resources; determining location information of a terminal according to the TOA of the first signal.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The method further comprises: receiving first information, the first information being used to indicate a number of SSBs comprised in the first signal.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The plurality of SSBs occupy the same interval between frequency domain resources.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein, The method further comprises: receiving second information, the second information being used to indicate an interval between frequency domain resources occupied by the plurality of SSBs.

5. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The interval between frequency domain resources occupied by the plurality of SSBs is partially different or totally different.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The first signal comprises two SSBs, a first subcarrier in a subcarrier occupied by a starting SSB in the two SSBs and a last subcarrier in a subcarrier occupied by a terminal SSB in the two SSBs have a first bandwidth therebetween; wherein, when a terminal is positioned based on a TOA obtained by measuring a signal of the first bandwidth by the terminal, a positioning accuracy requirement is met.

7. A positioning method characterized by, The method comprises: sending a first signal, the first signal comprising a plurality of SSBs, the plurality of SSBs occupying the same time domain resources but occupying different frequency domain resources; wherein, a number of SSBs comprised in the first signal is determined based on a positioning accuracy requirement.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein, The method further comprises: sending first information, the first information being used to indicate a number of SSBs comprised in the first signal.

9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, The plurality of SSBs occupy the same interval between frequency domain resources.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein, The method further comprises: sending second information, the second information being used to indicate an interval between frequency domain resources occupied by the plurality of SSBs.

11. The method of claim 7 or 8, wherein, The interval between frequency domain resources occupied by the plurality of SSBs is partially different or totally different.

12. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that, The first signal comprises two SSBs, a first subcarrier in a subcarrier occupied by a starting SSB in the two SSBs and a last subcarrier in a subcarrier occupied by a terminal SSB in the two SSBs have a first bandwidth therebetween; wherein, when a terminal is positioned based on a TOA obtained by measuring a signal of the first bandwidth by the terminal, a positioning accuracy requirement is met.

13. A communications device, characterized by The apparatus comprises a module for performing the method of any one of claims 1 to 6.

14. A communications device, characterized by The apparatus comprises a module for performing the method of any one of claims 7 to 12.

15. A communications device, characterized by The apparatus comprises: a processor, the processor is configured to cause the apparatus to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 6 by executing a computer program, and / or by a logic circuit; or, the processor is configured to cause the apparatus to perform the method of any one of claims 7 to 12.

16. A computer readable storage medium characterized by: The computer readable storage medium is configured to store a program or instructions, which, when executed, cause the method of any one of claims 1 to 6 to be performed; or, the computer readable storage medium is configured to store a program or instructions, which, when executed, cause the method of any one of claims 7 to 12 to be performed.

17. A computer program product, characterised in that, The computer program product comprises a computer program which, when executed, causes the method of any one of claims 1 to 6 to be implemented; or causes the method of any one of claims 7 to 12 to be implemented.

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