Method and apparatus for sidelink positioning resource allocation

Abstract

The invention provides a method, a device and a computer readable storage medium. An exemplary method includes transmitting sidelink (SL) control information (SCI) on a physical sidelink shared channel (PSSCH). The SCI has a first SCI format and indicates a schedule of SL Location (SL-POS) reference signals. The SCI comprises the SL-POS reference signal resource information. The SCI includes a format field indicating the second SCI format and a field of the second SCI format. The second SCI format indicates scheduling information of the shared channel. The example method also includes transmitting the SL-POS reference signal and the shared channel according to the SCI.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 518,781, filed August 10, 2023, entitled “Method and Apparatus for SL-PRS Resource Allocation”, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 586,164, filed September 28, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference as if reproduced in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to the allocation of resource-side walkway positioning resources in a management network, and in certain embodiments, to techniques for configuring and processing walkway control information and corresponding walkway positioning reference signals. Background Technology

[0004] The Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) has been developing and standardizing several key features of fifth-generation (5G) new radio (NR) access technology. In Release 16, a work project on NR vehicle-to-everything (V2X) wireless communication was completed, aiming to provide 5G-compatible, high-speed, and reliable connectivity for vehicle communication. This work project provides the foundation for NR side-link communication for applications such as safety systems and autonomous driving. High data rates, low latency, and high reliability are some of the key areas of research and standardization.

[0005] In version 17, the work project Sidelink Enhancement was completed to further enhance the capabilities and performance of sidelink communication. One of the key objectives of this work project was to introduce a coordination mechanism between user equipment (UE) devices, in which one UE shares preferred or non-preferred resources for another UE to use in its resource selection, or sends a conflict indication to another UE when there is a conflict on its reserved resources.

[0006] In Release 16, the work item on NR positioning support was completed, providing positioning support in 5G NR, including downlink (DL) and uplink (UL) reference signals for various positioning technologies (DL-TDOA, DL-AoD, UL-TDOA, UL-AoA, multi-cell RTT, and E-CID), as well as UE and gNB measurements for NR positioning. In Release 17, the work item on NR positioning enhancements was completed, aiming to support the high accuracy, low latency, network efficiency, and device efficiency requirements of commercial use cases. This work item provides methods, measurements, signaling, and procedures for improving positioning accuracy in the Release 16 positioning approach.

[0007] In Release 18, a research project on extended and improved NR positioning was approved, including research on lateral link positioning schemes. This disclosure describes the techniques and signaling used to implement improved lateral link positioning. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The present disclosure provides general technical advantages by describing embodiments of side-link positioning resource allocation.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the embodiments, a method for allocating and using sidelink positioning resources is provided. The first exemplary method includes: a first user equipment (UE) transmitting sidelink control information (SCI) on a physical sidelink shared channel (PSSCH), the SCI having a first SCI format and indicating the scheduling of an SL positioning (SL-POS) reference signal, wherein the SCI includes SL-POS reference signal resource information, the SCI including a format field indicating a second SCI format and a field indicating scheduling information of the shared channel. The first exemplary method further includes: the first UE transmitting the SL-POS reference signal and the shared channel according to the SCI.

[0010] In some exemplary embodiments, the SL-POS reference signal resource information includes at least one of an SL-POS reference signal resource identifier or an SL-POS reference signal request.

[0011] In some exemplary embodiments, the first SCI format and the second SCI format are level 2 SCI formats, and the second SCI format is SCI format 2-A or SCI format 2-B.

[0012] In some exemplary embodiments, the SCI includes a priority that is at least associated with the SL-POS reference signal.

[0013] In some exemplary embodiments, the priority associated with at least the SL-POS reference signal includes a first priority, the SCI includes a second priority associated with other PSSCH data associated with the shared channel, and the priority of the multiplexed slot is assigned to the higher of the first priority and the second priority.

[0014] In some exemplary embodiments, the other PSSCH data and the SL-POS reference signal are transmitted in the same time slot.

[0015] According to a second aspect of the embodiments, another method for allocating and using sidelink positioning resources is provided. The second exemplary method includes: a first user equipment (UE) transmitting sidelink (SL) control information (SCI) and a demodulation reference signal (DMRS) for SCI decoding using a first multiplexing. The second exemplary method further includes: the first UE transmitting an SL positioning (SL-POS) reference signal using time-division multiplexing according to an SL-POS configuration. The SL-POS reference signal includes a first SL-POS reference signal among at least one SL-POS reference signals associated with at least one UE. The at least one UE includes the first UE, and the SCI includes a first SCI among at least one SCI associated with the at least one UE. Each SL-POS reference signal among the at least one SL-POS reference signals is associated with a corresponding SCI among the at least one SCI, and each corresponding SL-POS reference signal and SCI is associated with a corresponding UE among the at least one UE. The first SCI is multiplexed with each other SCI using the first multiplexing.

[0016] In some exemplary embodiments, transmitting the at least one SL-POS reference signal includes transmitting the first SL-POS reference signal, which is multiplexed by the time division multiplexing and a second SL-POS reference signal associated with the second UE.

[0017] In some exemplary embodiments, the first multiplexing includes frequency division multiplexing.

[0018] In some exemplary embodiments, the first multiplexing includes the time-division multiplexing.

[0019] In some exemplary embodiments, the SCI and the DMRS are transmitted in the same time slot as the at least one SL-POS reference signal.

[0020] In some exemplary embodiments, the SCI includes a single-level SCI.

[0021] In some exemplary embodiments, for each of at least one UE, each SCI is mapped to the corresponding SL-POS reference signal in the at least one SL-POS reference signal.

[0022] In some exemplary embodiments, automatic gain control (AGC) symbols and protection symbols are provided between at least two consecutively transmitted SL-POS reference signals.

[0023] In some exemplary embodiments, the AGC symbol includes a copy of the SL-POS reference signal.

[0024] In some exemplary embodiments, the SCI has a first SCI configuration, which includes at least one bit of triggering the transmission of the corresponding SL-POS reference signal.

[0025] According to a third aspect of the embodiments, another method for allocating and using sidelink positioning resources is provided. The third exemplary method includes: a first user equipment (UE) receiving sidelink (SL) control information (SCI) on a physical sidelink shared channel (PSSCH), the SCI having a first SCI format and indicating the scheduling of SL positioning (SL-POS) reference signals, wherein the SCI includes SL-POS reference signal resource information, the SCI including a format field indicating a second SCI format and a field indicating the scheduling information of the shared channel. The third exemplary method further includes: the first UE receiving the SL-POS reference signal and the shared channel according to the SCI.

[0026] In some exemplary embodiments, the SL-POS reference signal resource information includes at least one of an SL-POS reference signal resource identifier or an SL-POS reference signal request.

[0027] In some exemplary embodiments, the first SCI format and the second SCI format are level 2 SCI formats, and the second SCI format is SCI format 2-A or SCI format 2-B.

[0028] In some exemplary embodiments, the SCI includes a priority associated with the SL-POS reference signal.

[0029] In some exemplary embodiments, the priority associated with at least the SL-POS reference signal includes a first priority, the SCI includes and is associated with at least other PSSCH data associated with the shared channel a second priority, and the priority of the multiplexed slot is assigned to the higher of the first priority and the second priority.

[0030] In some exemplary embodiments, the other PSSCH data and the SL-POS reference signal are transmitted in the same time slot.

[0031] According to a fourth aspect of the embodiments, another method for allocating and using sidelink positioning resources is provided. The fourth exemplary method includes: a first user equipment (UE) receiving a first multiplexed transmission of a plurality of sidelink (SL) control information (SCIs) and a plurality of demodulation reference signals (DMRSs) associated with one or more other UEs, wherein each DMRS is used to decode a corresponding SCI among the plurality of SCIs. The fourth exemplary method further includes: the first UE receiving a second multiplexed transmission of a plurality of SL positioning (SL-POS) reference signals associated with the one or more other UEs, wherein each SL-POS reference signal is configured according to the at least one SL-POS configuration. The fourth exemplary method further includes: the first UE using the first multiplexing to determine the plurality of SCIs at least by decoding the first multiplexed transmission. The fourth exemplary method further includes: the first UE using time-division multiplexing to determine the plurality of SL-POS reference signals at least by decoding the second multiplexed transmission, wherein the plurality of SL-POS reference signals correspond to the plurality of SCIs associated with the one or more other UEs.

[0032] In some exemplary embodiments, receiving the multiplexed transmission of the plurality of SCIs associated with one or more other UEs includes receiving a first SL-POS reference signal associated with a first other UE, the first SL-POS reference signal being multiplexed by the time division multiplexing and a second SL-POS reference signal associated with a second other UE.

[0033] In some exemplary embodiments, the first multiplexing includes frequency division multiplexing.

[0034] In some exemplary embodiments, the first multiplexing includes the time-division multiplexing.

[0035] In some exemplary embodiments, the SCI and the DMRS are transmitted in the same time slot as the plurality of SL-POS reference signals.

[0036] In some exemplary embodiments, the SCI includes a single-level SCI.

[0037] In some exemplary embodiments, for each of the one or more other UEs, each SCI is mapped to the corresponding SL-POS reference signal among the plurality of SL-POS reference signals.

[0038] In some exemplary embodiments, the determination of the plurality of SL-POS reference signals using time division multiplexing is based on providing automatic gain control (AGC) symbols and protection symbols between at least two consecutive SL-POS reference signals, at least by decoding the second multiplexed transmission.

[0039] In some exemplary embodiments, the AGC symbol includes a copy of the first SL-POS reference signal among the plurality of SL-POS reference signals.

[0040] In some exemplary embodiments, the SCI has a first SCI configuration, which includes at least one bit of triggering the transmission of the corresponding SL-POS reference signal.

[0041] According to a fifth aspect of the embodiments, an apparatus for allocating and using lateral walkway positioning resources is provided. An exemplary apparatus includes at least one processor and at least one memory. The at least one memory is a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium including at least one computer program having instructions stored thereon. The instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, configure the apparatus to perform each operation of any of the exemplary methods described herein.

[0042] According to a sixth aspect of the embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium is provided for lateral link positioning resource allocation and use. An exemplary non-transitory computer-readable storage medium includes at least one computer program having instructions stored thereon. When executed by at least one processor, the instructions configure the at least one processor to perform each operation of any of the exemplary methods described herein. Attached Figure Description

[0043] To gain a more complete understanding of this disclosure and its advantages, the following description is made in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0044] Figure 1 A diagram illustrating exemplary in-coverage / out-of-coverage operation according to at least one embodiment of this disclosure is shown;

[0045] Figure 2 A diagram illustrating an exemplary resource pool in a resource grid according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0046] Figure 3 A diagram of an exemplary resource grid having PSCCH, PSSCH, and PSFCH resources according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0047] Figure 4 A diagram illustrating an exemplary structure of an S-SSB block according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0048] Figure 5 A diagram of an exemplary UL SRS according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0049] Figure 6 A diagram of an exemplary DL PRS according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0050] Figure 7 A diagram showing the sensing and resource selection window for version 16 NR V2X side-link mode 2;

[0051] Figure 8 A diagram illustrating an exemplary time slot format according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0052] Figure 9 A diagram illustrating an exemplary slot format with SL-PRS according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0053] Figure 10 A diagram illustrating exemplary links from format 1-A to the format fields of a second-level SCI according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0054] Figure 11 A diagram illustrating the operation of an exemplary method for decoding and interpreting a first-level SCI and a second-level SCI according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0055] Figure 12 A diagram illustrating the operation of an exemplary method for setting an SCI field according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0056] Figure 13A diagram illustrating the operation of another exemplary method for decoding and interpreting a first-level SCI and a second-level SCI according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0057] Figure 14 A diagram illustrating the operation of another exemplary method for setting an SCI field according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0058] Figure 15 A diagram illustrating the operation of selecting resources for TDM multiplexing according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0059] Figure 16 A diagram illustrating an exemplary SCI format according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0060] Figure 17 A diagram illustrating an exemplary time slot format according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0061] Figure 18 A diagram illustrating the operation of an exemplary method for selecting resources at a UE to repeatedly perform at least one SL-PRS transmission with an existing multiplexed SL-PRS, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0062] Figure 19 An exemplary communication system according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0063] Figure 20 Another communication system according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0064] Figure 21A and Figure 21B An exemplary apparatus for implementing a method according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0065] Figure 22 An exemplary computing system is shown that can be used to implement the apparatus and method according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0066] Figure 23 A diagram illustrating the operation of an exemplary method for configuring SCI and SL-POS resource allocation, for example, using a shared resource pool, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0067] Figure 24 A diagram illustrating the operation of an exemplary method for configuring SCI and SL-POS resource allocation, for example, using a dedicated resource pool, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0068] Figure 25A diagram illustrating the operation of an exemplary method for decoding and interpreting SCI and SL-POS signals, for example, using a shared resource pool, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0069] Figure 26 A diagram illustrating the operation of an exemplary method for decoding and interpreting SCI and SL-POS signals, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, is shown.

[0070] Unless otherwise indicated, corresponding reference numerals and symbols in different drawings generally refer to corresponding parts. The drawings are drawn to clearly illustrate relevant aspects of the embodiments and are not necessarily drawn to scale. Detailed Implementation

[0071] The manufacture and use of embodiments of this disclosure will be discussed in detail below. However, it should be understood that the concepts disclosed herein can be embodied in a wide variety of specific contexts, and the specific embodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of the claims. Furthermore, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and modifications may be made to this document without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0072] Sidelink communication can be within or outside coverage: In in-coverage (IC) operation, a central node (eNB, gNB) exists and can be used to manage the sidelink (Mode 1). In Mode 2 operation, system operation is fully distributed, and the UE selects resources independently. This disclosure may also facilitate / assist some UEs in selecting their resources. Note that in Mode 2, the UE can be IC 102 or out-of-coverage (OOC) 104. Figure 1 A diagram depicts exemplary in-coverage / out-of-coverage operation in at least one context of embodiments of this disclosure.

[0073] For sidelink communication purposes, LTE sidelink introduced the concept of a resource pool, which is being reused in NR sidelink. A resource pool is a set of resources that can be used for sidelink communication. Resources within a resource pool are configured for different channels, including control channels, shared channels, feedback channels, synchronization signals, reference signals, broadcast channels (e.g., master information blocks), etc. The 3GPP standard (TS 38.214) defines the rules for how resources are shared and the specific configurations used for resource pools.

[0074] The resource pool for a sidelink can be configured in the time domain in units of time slots, or in the frequency domain in units of physical resource blocks (PRBs) or subchannels. A subchannel consists of one or more PRBs. Figure 2 A diagram of an exemplary resource pool in a resource grid according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Specifically, Figure 2 A diagram of resource grid 200 is depicted, which includes various defined time slots such as time slot 204 and resource pools 202 in PRBs / subchannels, including PRBs / subchannels 206. Additionally or alternatively, Figure 3 A diagram of an exemplary resource grid with PSCCH, PSSCH, and physical sidelink feedback channel (PSFCH) resources according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Specifically, Figure 3 A diagram depicting two symbols (symbol n and symbol n+1) is shown. The first (n) signal includes the first PSCCH 302A and the first PSSCH. m And the first PSFCH 306A. The second (n+1) signal includes the second PSCCH 302B and the second PSSCH. k 304B and the second PSFCH 306B.

[0075] For NR mobile broadband (MBB), each physical resource block (PRB) in the grid is defined as a time slot with 14 consecutive OFDM symbols in the time domain and 12 consecutive subcarriers in the frequency domain; that is, each resource block contains 12 × 14 resource particles (REs). In some embodiments, when used as a frequency domain unit, one PRB consists of 12 consecutive subcarriers. In some embodiments, a time slot has 14 symbols when using a normal cyclic prefix (CP) and 12 symbols when using an extended cyclic prefix (ECP). The duration of a symbol is inversely proportional to the subcarrier spacing (SCS). For {15, 30, 60, 120} kHz SCS, the time slot durations are {1, 0.5, 0.25, 0.125} ms, respectively. Each PRB can be allocated to a combination of control channel (CCH), shared channel (SCH), feedback channel, reference signal (RS), etc. Additionally, some REs can be reserved for the PRB. A similar structure is used on the side link. Communication resources occupy PRBs, PRB sets, and use codes (e.g., similar to PUCCH if CDMA is used), physical sequences, RE sets, etc.

[0076] The physical sidelink control channel (PSCCH) carries sidelink control information (SCI). The source UE uses the SCI to schedule data transmission on the physical sidelink shared channel (PSSCH). The SCI can transmit the time and frequency resources of the PSSCH, parameters of the hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) process such as redundancy version, process ID, new data indicator, and resources of the physical sidelink feedback channel (PFSCH). The PFSCH can carry an indication (HARQ-ACK) of whether the receiving [destination] UE has correctly decoded the payload carried on the PSSCH (e.g., ACK or NACK). The SCI can also carry a bit field indicating the identifier of the source UE. Furthermore, the SCI can also carry a bit field indicating the identifier of one or more destination UEs. Other fields include the modulation coding scheme (MCS) used to encode the payload and modulate the encoded payload bits; the demodulation reference signal (DMRS) mode; the antenna port; and the priority of the payload (transmission).

[0077] NR-side sidelink control information (SCI) can be transmitted in two levels. The first level (as shown below) can use SCI format 1-A, and the second level can use SCI formats 2-A, 2-B, or 2-C. The first level indicates the resources used for the second-level SCI.

[0078] SCI format 1-A (from TS 38.212):

[0079] SCI format 1-A is used to schedule PSSCH and the second-level SCI on PSSCH.

[0080] Send the following information via SCI format 1-A:

[0081] - Priority – 3 bits, as defined in clause 5.4.3.3 of [12, TS 23.287].

[0082] - Frequency resource allocation – When the value of the higher-level parameter sl-MaxNumPerReserve is configured to 2, it is... Bits; otherwise, when the value of the higher-level parameter sl-MaxNumPerReserve is configured to 3, it is... Bits, as defined in section 8.1.2.2 of [6, TS 38.214].

[0083] - Time resource allocation – The value of the higher-level parameter sl-MaxNumPerReserve is 5 bits when configured to 2; otherwise, the value of the higher-level parameter sl-MaxNumPerReserve is 9 bits when configured to 3, as defined in Clause 8.1.2.1 of [6, TS 38.214].

[0084] - Resource reservation period – If the high-level parameter sl-MultiReserveResource is configured, then it is... Bits, as defined in section 8.1.4 of [6, TS 38.214], where This is the number of entries in the higher-level parameter sl-ResourceReservePeriodList; otherwise, it is 0 bits.

[0085] - DMRS mode – Bits, as defined in section 8.4.1.1.2 of [4, TS 38.211], where This is the number of DMRS modes configured in the higher-level parameter sl-PSSCH-DMRS-TimePatternList; if sl-PSSCH-DMRS-TimePatternList is not configured, it is 0 bits.

[0086] - Level 2 SCI format – 2 bits, as defined in Table 8.3.1.1-1.

[0087] - Beta_offset indicator – 2 bits, as provided by the higher-level parameter sl-BetaOffsets2ndSCI and Table 8.3.1.1-2.

[0088] - Number of DMRS ports – 1 bit, as defined in Table 8.3.1.1-3.

[0089] - Modulation coding scheme – 5 bits, as defined in section 8.1.3 of [6, TS 38.214].

[0090] - Additional MCS Table Indicator – As defined in Section 8.1.3.1 of [6, TS 38.214]: 1 bit if the higher-level parameter sl-Additional-MCS-Table configures one MCS table; 2 bits if the higher-level parameter sl-Additional-MCS-Table configures two MCS tables; otherwise, 0 bits.

[0091] - PSFCH overhead indication – If the higher-level parameter sl-PSFCH-Period = 2 or 4, it is 1 bit, as defined in section 8.1.3.2 of [6, TS38.214]; otherwise, it is 0 bits.

[0092] - Reserved – The number of bits is determined by the higher-level parameter sl-NumReservedBits, which is set to zero.

[0093] SCI format 2-A (from TS38.212)

[0094] SCI format 2-A is used to decode PSSCH. HARQ operation is used when the HARQ-ACK message includes ACK or NACK, or when there is no HARQ-ACK message.

[0095] Send the following information via SCI format 2-A:

[0096] - HARQ process ID– Bits, as defined in Clause 16.4 of [5, TS 38.213].

[0097] - New data indicator – 1 bit, as defined in Clause 16.4 of [5, TS 38.213].

[0098] - Redundant version – 2 bits, as defined in Clause 16.4 of [6, TS 38.214].

[0099] - Source ID – 8 bits, as defined in Clause 8.1 of [6, TS 38.214].

[0100] - Destination ID – 16 bits, as defined in Clause 8.1 of [6, TS 38.214].

[0101] - HARQ feedback enable / disable indicator – 1 bit, as defined in Clause 16.3 of [5, TS 38.213].

[0102] - Broadcast type indicator – 2 bits, as defined in Table 8.4.1.1-1.

[0103] - CSI Request – 1 bit, as defined in Clause 8.2.1 of [6, TS 38.214].

[0104] Table 8.4.1.1-1: Broadcast Type Indicator

[0105]

[0106] SCI format 2-B (from TS38.212)

[0107] SCI format 2-B is used to decode PSSCH. HARQ operation is used when the HARQ-ACK message only includes NACK, or when there is no HARQ-ACK message.

[0108] Send the following information via SCI format 2-B:

[0109] - HARQ process ID– Bits, as defined in Clause 16.4 of [5, TS 38.213].

[0110] - New data indicator – 1 bit, as defined in Clause 16.4 of [5, TS 38.213].

[0111] - Redundant version – 2 bits, as defined in Clause 16.4 of [6, TS 38.214].

[0112] - Source ID – 8 bits, as defined in Clause 8.1 of [6, TS 38.214].

[0113] - Destination ID – 16 bits, as defined in Clause 8.1 of [6, TS 38.214].

[0114] - HARQ feedback enable / disable indicator – 1 bit, as defined in Clause 16.3 of [5, TS 38.213].

[0115] - Region ID – 12 bits, as defined in section 5.8.1.1 of [9, TS 38.331].

[0116] - Communication range requirement – ​​4 bits, as defined in [9, TS 38.331].

[0117] SCI format 2-C (from TS38.212)

[0118] SCI format 2-C is used to decode PSSCH and to provide or request coordination information between UEs.

[0119] Send the following information via SCI format 2-C:

[0120] - HARQ process ID – 4 bits.

[0121] - New data indicator – 1 bit.

[0122] - Redundant version – 2 bits, as defined in Table 7.3.1.1.1-2.

[0123] - Source ID – 8 bits, as defined in Clause 8.1 of [6, TS 38.214].

[0124] - Destination ID – 16 bits, as defined in Clause 8.1 of [6, TS 38.214].

[0125] - HARQ feedback enable / disable indicator – 1 bit, as defined in Clause 16.3 of [5, TS 38.213].

[0126] - CSI Request – 1 bit, as defined in Clauses 8.2.1 and 8.1 of [6, TS 38.214].

[0127] - Provide / Request Indicator – 1 bit, where a value of 0 indicates that SCI Format 2-C is used to provide inter-UE coordination information, and a value of 1 indicates that SCI Format 2-C is used to request inter-UE coordination information.

[0128] If the "Provide / Request Indicator" field is set to 0, then all remaining fields are set as follows:

[0129] - Resource combination– Bits, as defined in section 8.1.5A of [6, TS38.214], wherein:

[0130] - If the high-level parameter sl-MultiReserveResource is configured, then , It is the number of entries in the higher-level parameter sl-ResourceReservePeriodList; otherwise .

[0131] - The number of sub-channels in the resource pool is provided by the higher-level parameter sl-NumSubchannel.

[0132] - First resource location – 8 bits, as defined in Clause 8.1.5A of [6, TS 38.214].

[0133] - Reference time slot location – ( Bits, as defined in section 8.1.5A of [6, TS 38.214], where Defined in Table 4.2-1 of Clause 4.2 of [4, TS 38.211].

[0134] - Resource set type – 1 bit, where a value of 0 indicates a preferred resource set and a value of 1 indicates a non-preferred resource set.

[0135] - Lowest Subchannel Index – Bits, as defined in section 8.1.5A of [6, TS 38.214].

[0136] If the "Provide / Request Indicator" field is set to 1, then all remaining fields are set as follows:

[0137] - Priority – 3 bits, as specified in Clause 5.4.3.3 of [12, TS 23.287] and Clause 5.22.1.3.1 of [8, TS 38.321]. The value “000” in the “Priority” field corresponds to the priority value “1”, the value “001” in the “Priority” field corresponds to the priority value “2”, and so on.

[0138] - Number of sub-channels – Bits, as defined in section 8.1.4A of [6, TS 38.214].

[0139] - Resource reservation period – If the high-level parameter sl-MultiReserveResource is configured, then it is... Bits, as defined in section 8.1.4A of [6, TS 38.214], where This is the number of entries in the higher-level parameter sl-ResourceReservePeriodList; otherwise, it is 0 bits.

[0140] - Location of resource selection window– Bits, as defined in section 8.1.4A of [6, TS 38.214], where Defined in Table 4.2-1 of Clause 4.2 of [4, TS 38.211].

[0141] - Resource Set Type – If the higher-level parameter determineResourceSetTypeScheme1 is configured as “UE-B Request”, it is 1 bit, where a value of 0 indicates a request for inter-UE coordination information for a preferred resource set, a value of 1 indicates a request for inter-UE coordination information for a non-preferred resource set, and otherwise it is 0 bits.

[0142] - Padding bits.

[0143] High-level news (from TS38.331)

[0144]

[0145] Table 1 (SL-PSCCH Field Descriptions):

[0146]

[0147] Side link UE coordination

[0148] Version 17 specifies inter-UE coordination (IUC) for sidelinks to improve the reliability of Mode 2 by overcoming issues affecting sidelink performance such as hidden nodes, exposed nodes, and half-duplexing. Specifically, two IUC schemes are defined:

[0149] • Option 1: Inter-UE coordination information signaling from UE-A to UE-B

[0150] Preferred resource set for UE-B transmission

[0151] Non-preferred resource set for UE-B transmission

[0152] • Option 2: Inter-UE coordination information signaling from UE-A to UE-B

[0153] There are anticipated / potential resource conflicts on the resources indicated by the SCI of UE-B.

[0154] In IUC scheme 1, two IUC triggering scenarios are considered and specified: (1) coordination triggered by explicit request, in which UE-B sends an explicit request to UE-A, and UE-A generates coordination information (preferred resource set or non-preferred resource set) according to the request and sends it to UE-B; (2) coordination triggered by conditions other than explicit request, in which UE (UE-A) that meets one or more specific conditions generates coordination information and sends it to UE-B.

[0155] The conditions for two IUC triggering scenarios are also specified. For IUCs triggered by explicit requests, one of two conditions is configured at the resource pool level: alt 1 – depends on the implementation of UE-B, and alt 2 – the request is only triggered when UE-B has data to send to UE-A. Similarly, for IUCs triggered by conditions, there are two conditions, one of which is enabled through resource pool-level configuration or pre-configuration: alt 1 – depends on the implementation of UE-A, and alt 2 – coordination is only triggered when UE-A has data to send to UE-B along with coordination information.

[0156] The criteria for generating coordination information, namely the preferred resource set and the non-preferred resource set, are defined as follows.

[0157] • Optimal resource set:

[0158] Condition 1-A-1: One or more resources of other UEs, excluding one or more overlapping reserved resources, where RSRP is greater than a threshold.

[0159] Condition 1-A-2: When UE-A (as Rx of UE-B) does not expect to perform SL reception from UE-B, one or more resources other than time slots.

[0160] • Non-optimal resource set:

[0161] Condition 1-B-1: RSRP measures one or more reserved resources for other UEs identified by RSRP.

[0162] Option 1: One or more reserved resources of one or more other UEs identified by UE-A, where the RSRP measurement of UE-A is greater than the (pre)configured RSRP threshold.

[0163] Option 2: When UE-A is the destination of TB sent by one or more UEs, for one or more reserved resources of other UEs identified by UE-A, the RSRP measurement of UE-A is less than the configured or pre-configured RSRP threshold.

[0164] Condition 1-B-2: When UE-A is the intended receiver of UE-B, it does not expect to perform one or more resources (e.g., one or more time slots) from UE-B during SL reception.

[0165] MAC-CE is used as a container for sending explicit requests and coordination messages. Level 2 SCI (SCI-2C) is also used for explicit requests or coordination messages if configured.

[0166] For coordination triggered by explicit requests, both the explicit request and coordination information are transmitted using only unicast. For coordination triggered by conditions, both types of coordination information are transmitted using only unicast. Non-preferred resource sets support only broadcast and multicast.

[0167] Coordination information and explicit requests can only be sent with data multiplexed if the source / destination ID pairs are the same.

[0168] Sidelink synchronization signal block (S-SSB)

[0169] The synchronization slot in the sidelink, also known as the sidelink synchronization signal block (S-SSB), is designated for one UE to synchronize with another UE. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the first OFDM symbol 402 is used for PSBCH. However, as with regular side link slots, the first symbol is used for AGC establishment. Afterwards, two symbols 404 and 406 are used for S-PSS, and two symbols 408 and 410 are used for S-SSS. Eight of the remaining nine symbols are used for PSBCH transmission (412-426). The last symbol is the guard period (GP) 428, which is the same as in regular side link slots.

[0170] In the frequency domain, S-SSB occupies 11 PRBs, totaling 132 subcarriers. PSBCH occupies all 11 PRBs, while the synchronization signal size is 127. Therefore, S-PSS and S-SSS occupy 127 subcarriers.

[0171] The S-SSB period is 160 ms. The S-SSB frequency position is pre-configured. For FR1, the number of S-SSB transmissions is set to 1; for FR2, the number of S-SSB transmissions is configurable.

[0172] Sounding reference signal (SRS)

[0173] In NR, as specified in 38.211, SRS resources with 1, 2, or 4 antenna ports are supported. These SRS resources can be mapped to... A continuous OFDM symbol. Supports every K in the frequency domain. TC =Comb transfer with 2, 4, or 8 REs. Furthermore, cyclic shifting is supported, with a maximum number of cyclic shifts when the comb size is 2, 4, and 8. The values ​​are 8, 12, and 6 respectively. The SRS sequence ID is configured by higher-level parameters. The starting OFDM symbol in the time domain. Offset relative to the end of the time slot Defined, where the starting position is indicated. This can be any OFDM symbol in the time slot. The starting frequency position is also specified. An additional offset in the frequency domain is specified for positioning. This offset also depends on the OFDM symbols configured for SRS transmission. SRS resources can be configured for periodic, semi-static, and aperiodic SRS transmissions. In the frequency domain, SRS allocation is aligned with a 4 PRB grid. Frequency hopping is supported, as in the case of LTE. Using the same design approach, NR SRS bandwidth and frequency hopping configurations are designed to cover a larger value span compared to LTE.

[0174] As specified in 38.211, SRS resources are configured by an SRS-Resource IE for UL channel detection or an SRS-PosResource IE for positioning purposes. Figure 5 A diagram depicting an exemplary UL SRS 500 is shown. The UL SRS 500 is in a time slot... The OFDM symbol includes comb size K. TC =4.

[0175] A UE can be configured with one or more SRS resource sets. For each SRS resource set, a UE can be configured with multiple SRS resources. The use cases for SRS resource sets (such as beam management, codebook-based uplink MIMO, non-codebook uplink MIMO, and antenna switching, which is actually used for general downlink CSI acquisition) are configured by higher-layer parameters.

[0176] In the time domain at the time slot level, SRS resources can be periodically configured with periods. (in time slots) and time slot offset .

[0177] Table 6.4.1.4.2-1: (The rest of the text appears to be incomplete and contains errors. A more accurate translation would require the full context.) And the maximum number of circular shifts (TS 38.211)

[0178]

[0179] Table 6.4.1.4.3-2: (The rest of the text appears to be incomplete and contains errors. A more accurate translation would require the full context.) and And the change in SRS offset

[0180]

[0181] Positioning reference signal (PRS)

[0182] A positioning reference signal (PRS) is a downlink reference signal used for positioning purposes. PRS is also called DL-PRS, while a UL SRS configured for positioning is sometimes referred to as UL-PRS.

[0183] DL-PRS is specified as having a start symbol The size of PRS (number of OFDM symbols) ,from The frequency domain spacing (i.e., comb size) of two DL-PRS resource particles selected from a specified subset of the combination. Initial frequency domain offset And similar to UL-SRS used for positioning, the additional frequency domain offset specified in Table 7.4.1.7.3-1 of TS38.211. This additional frequency domain offset varies depending on the OFDM symbol.

[0184] Table 7.4.1.7.3-1: (The rest of the text appears to be incomplete and contains errors. A more accurate translation would require the full context.) And the frequency shift

[0185]

[0186] In the time domain at the time slot level, DL-PRS can be configured with a period. and time slot offset and additional time slot offset DL-PRS bandwidth can be configured from 24 to 275 PRBs, with a configuration step of 4 PRBs. Figure 6 A diagram of an exemplary DL PRS 600 is depicted. The DL PRS 600 includes comb sizes in one time slot. =4、 and OFDM symbols.

[0187] SL positioning in 3GPP Release 18

[0188] During the 3GPP Release 18 planning phase, 3GPP discussed developing side-link positioning solutions. It has been shown that various important use cases can benefit from SL positioning, such as V2x and public safety use cases in TR 38.845, ranging-based services in TS22.261, and IIoT use cases (TS22.104).

[0189] In RANP#94, version 18 research project (RP-213588) on extended and improved NR positioning was agreed upon, which included the objectives of SL positioning:

[0190] • Study and evaluate the performance and feasibility of potential SL positioning schemes, considering relative positioning, ranging, and absolute positioning: [RAN1, RAN2]

[0191] Assess the bandwidth requirements [RAN1] required to meet the determined accuracy requirements.

[0192] Research localization methods (e.g., TDOA, RTT, AOA / D, etc.), including combinations of SL localization measurements with other RAT-related localization measurements (e.g., Uu-based measurements) [RAN1].

[0193] From a physical layer perspective, this study examines sidelink reference signals used for positioning purposes, including signal design, resource allocation, measurement, and correlation processes, aiming to reuse existing reference signals and processes in sidelink communication and positioning as much as possible [RAN1].

[0194] The study investigates the positioning architecture and signaling processes (e.g., configuration, measurement reporting, etc.) to achieve sidelink positioning, covering UE-based positioning and network-based positioning [RAN2, including coordination and alignment with RAN3 and SA2 as needed].

[0195] Side link resource allocation

[0196] Mode 1 Resource Allocation

[0197] In Version 16 NR V2X sidelink mode 1, the gNB performs sidelink scheduling, meaning the gNB allocates SL resources for SL communication, and this resource allocation is sent to the UE via the NR Uu interface. Therefore, sidelink mode 1 is applicable to UEs within the gNB's coverage area. The resources allocated in mode 1 can be on the same carrier as the cellular NR or on a dedicated sidelink carrier.

[0198] There are three types of Mode 1 resource allocation: dynamic allocation, Type 1 configured grant (CG), and Type 2 configured grant. In dynamic allocation, the UE first sends a scheduling request (SR) for each TB to the gNB via PUCCH. Then, the gNB sends the SL resource allocation to the UE via DCI format 3_0 on the PDCCH. In CG-based resource allocation, the UE first sends a message with the expected SL traffic to the gNB, such as the period, maximum TB size, and QoS information. The gNB provides the resource allocation (CG) to the UE via RRC signaling. In Type 1 CG, the UE can use the resource allocation immediately. In Type 2 CG, the UE can only use the allocated resources after the gNB activates the allocated resources via DCI.

[0199] Mode 2 Resource Allocation

[0200] In version 16 sidelink, mode 2 UEs can send and receive information without network management. The UE itself allocates resources from the resource pool for sidelink transmission. Resource allocation relies on sensing and reservation processes, such as... Figure 7 As shown. During the sensing process, the monitoring UE detects the SCI sent in each time slot of the sensing window and measures the RSRP of the resource indicated in the SCI. The monitoring UE can also receive data transmissions (and / or can also be a receiving UE). For periodic traffic, resource reservation for sidelink transmission, if the UE occupies time slot s k If the UE uses the resources on the s, then the UE will also occupy the time slot s. k +q RRI k Resources on, where q is an integer, RRI k Resource reservation intervals are provided for UE k detected by the sensing UE. Detecting SCI includes receiving and decoding the PSCCH and processing the SCI within the PSCCH.

[0201] For non-periodic or dynamic transmissions, the transmitting UE reserves multiple resources and indicates the next resource in the SCI. Therefore, based on the sensing results, the monitoring UE can determine which resources may be occupied in the future, and if the RSRP measured on the occupied resources during the sensing period is greater than the RSRP threshold during the resource exclusion process, these resources can be avoided for the monitoring UE's transmissions, as described in TS38.214.

[0202] Figure 7 This shows the timing information for sensing and resource selection in version 16 NR side link transmission, commonly referred to as full sensing. Specifically, Figure 7The perception and resource selection windows for version 16 NR V2X side-link mode 2 are depicted. When resource selection is triggered on slot n, it is based on the perception window 702 (i.e., in slot [n–T0, n–T)). proc,0 Based on the perception results (on), the UE selects resources from the resource pool in resource selection window 704 (i.e., in time slot [n+T1, n+T2]), where:

[0203] T0: The number of time slots with a value determined by the resource pool configuration.

[0204] T proc,0 The time required for the UE to complete the perception process.

[0205] T1: Processing time required for candidate resource identification and resource selection, T1≤T proc,1 ;

[0206] T2: The last time slot of the resource pool used for resource selection, implemented by the UE, but in [T 2min Within the range of [PDB], where T 2min It is the minimum value of T2. PDB represents the packet delay budget, which is the remaining time for the UE to send data packets.

[0207] T proc,1 The maximum time required for the UE to identify candidate resources and select a new sidelink resource.

[0208] NR positioning method

[0209] Several positioning methods can be used in NR (TS 38.305), including DL-based schemes, UL-based schemes, and DL and UL-based schemes.

[0210] DL-based solutions

[0211] Timing-based technology - Downlink Time Difference of Arrival (DL-TDOA): Similar to OTDOA in LTE, NR-specified DL-TDOA positioning measures the timing difference of DL-PRS on the LOS path from different gNBs.

[0212] Angle-based technology - Downlink angle of departure (DL-AOD): NR introduced angle-based positioning technology. In DL-AOD, the UE measures the received power based on DL-PRS and estimates the AOD from different gNBs based on the measured power difference between PRS / beams from the same TRP.

[0213] UL-based solutions

[0214] Timing-based technology - Uplink Time Difference of Arrival (UL-TDOA): Unlike LTE, NR introduces UL positioning technology using UL positioning signals, which are configured UL SRS. The gNB measures the UL timing difference with the UE.

[0215] Angle-based technology - Uplink angle of arrival (UL-AOA): Similar to DL-AOD, gNB measures the AOA from the UE using a UL SRS configured for positioning purposes, while also measuring the zenith AOA and azimuth AOA to obtain 3D position.

[0216] DL and UL based solutions

[0217] Timing-based technology – Multi-cell round trip time (Multi-RTT): In Multi-RTT, the UE measures the UE Rx-Tx time difference, and the gNB measures the gNB Rx-Tx time difference. For each UE-gNB pair, the RTT can be estimated using two Rx-Tx time differences. For Rx-Tx time difference measurements, DL PRS and UL SRS are configured and transmitted by the gNB and UE, respectively.

[0218] Enhanced Cell ID (E-CID): Location based on E-CID is based on RRM measurements via synchronization signals (i.e., SSB measurements) and CSI-RS, namely RSRP and RSRQ. UL AOA is also supported.

[0219] The selection of positioning methods, configuration of reference signals (SRS, PRS), and collection of measurements are orchestrated by the Location Management Function (LMF) residing in the network (TS 38.305). The LMF manages the target UE's support for different location services, including UE positioning and the delivery of auxiliary data to the UE. The LMF can interact with the target UE's serving gNB or serving ng-eNB to obtain the UE's positioning measurements, including uplink measurements performed by the NG-RAN and downlink measurements performed by the UE. These measurements are provided to the NG-RAN as part of other functions, such as supporting handover.

[0220] SL-PRS

[0221] In version 18, a new sidelink positioning reference signal (SL-PRS) was defined. The DL PRS-based signal consists of a pseudo-random sequence with a comb-N frequency distribution, for example, where every Nth subcarrier carries a portion of the pseudo-random sequence and occupies M symbols in a time slot. The comb structure is defined in some embodiments in TS 38.211.

[0222] In the sidelink, SL-PRS can be transmitted in a shared resource pool or a dedicated resource pool. For SL-PRS transmission, one or more dedicated resource pools, one or more shared resource pools, or both can be configured or pre-configured in a single SL BWP on a carrier. The UE can configure or pre-configure one or more dedicated SL resource pools. The UE can configure or pre-configure one or more shared SL resource pools.

[0223] The UE can be used to execute resource allocation scheme 1 (e.g., gNB scheduling and allocation of resources) or scheme 2 (e.g., each UE performs independent resource selection and reservation), applicable to all resource pools (e.g., dedicated or shared resource pools).

[0224] SL PRS unicast / multicast / broadcast can occur in shared or dedicated resource pools.

[0225] Shared resource pool

[0226] The shared resource pool (RP) is shared with legacy sidelink transmissions (versions 16 and 17). Regarding the allocation and configuration or pre-configuration of SL positioning resources in the shared resource pool with version 16 / 17 / 18 sidelink communication, backward compatibility with legacy version 16 / 17 UEs should be ensured. For the shared resource pool, the SL PRS bandwidth is the same as the bandwidth indicated for the PSSCH. Figure 8 In this paper, exemplary values ​​for the number of symbols in the PSCCH based on version 17 specification are used to depict two current slot formats, 802 and 804. Two 11-PRB sub-channels are depicted. Figure 8 The bottom element shows that the number of symbols available for PSSCH has been reduced by three. The position of PSFCH is configurable.

[0227] Dedicated resource pool

[0228] In a dedicated RP, the determination of the time slot set belonging to the resource pool is the same as in a traditional SL communication pool (i.e., see Section 8 of 38.214). TDM multiplexing of different UE SL PRSs in the same time slot is supported. The comb size (N), for example {2, 4, 6}, supports the possibility of complete staggering. Comb multiplexing of different UE SL PRSs in the same time slot is supported. Multiple (M, N) pairs within a time slot in a dedicated resource pool are supported only if different (M, N) pairs are consistently multiplexed to different symbol sets in the time slot via TDM. Only a single (M, N) value can be mapped within a single TDM duration (e.g., one symbol set).

[0229] For SL positioning dedicated resource pools, using only a single-level SCI, SL-PRS cannot be transmitted in slots without an associated PSCCH. The PSCCH and associated SL-PRS are TDM multiplexed in the same slot. The basic PSCCH structure, i.e., the AGC and slot symbols before and after the SCI, is reused. PSFCH and PSSCH are not included in the dedicated RP. The SCI of the SL-PRS should indicate at least the following values:

[0230] Source ID,

[0231] Destination ID

[0232] Resource reservation period,

[0233] SL-PRS priority, and

[0234] Broadcast type.

[0235] For Scheme 2, within a dedicated resource pool, multiple L1 SL-PRS priorities are allowed within one resource pool.

[0236] There are two distinct technical problems to solve. Each problem may have several sub-problems to consider. The first problem to solve is defining the first and second level SCIs of the shared resource pool. For this first problem, the first constraint is compatibility with existing / legacy first-level SCIs, which must be decoded by legacy devices and usable for resource selection, even if they are not the destination of the transmission. The second issue to address regarding this first problem concerns resource selection and retransmission reservation. For example, an SL-PRS transmitter may not have data to transmit; in this case, only SL-PRS resources will be selected and used for transmission. The priorities of PSSCH and SL-PRS may differ, thus affecting resource selection. How these priorities are used when scheduling PSSCH and SL-PRS transmissions or only SL-PRS transmissions should be considered.

[0237] The second issue is defining a single-level SCI for the dedicated resource pool of SL-PRS transmission. Once the single-level SCI is defined, the resource allocation details for SL-PRS need to be determined. It's important to note the differences in traditional resource allocation for sidelinks. One difference is that SL-PRS from different UEs can be multiplexed in the same time slot (e.g., TDM multiplexing or comb multiplexing), which means additional information needs to be considered and provided.

[0238] Shared resource pool solution

[0239] Level 1 SCI

[0240] When examining the existing SCI format 1-A, there is only one priority field, "Priority". This priority field is set by the application. With location support, there are two different applications corresponding to PSSCH and SL-PRS respectively, and these two applications affect the priority field.

[0241] The priority field is crucial because it influences resource selection and congestion control. The SL UE processes the received priority field and compares it with its own priority for resource selection and congestion control.

[0242] This disclosure provides an example of setting the priority field in the Level 1 SCI when the time slot contains PSSCH and SL-PRS.

[0243] One implementation involves selecting the PSSCH priority and placing it in the priority field when PSSCH and SL-PRS are TDM multiplexed in the same time slot. This approach has minimal impact on ongoing legacy services because any resource reservations or congestion control are not affected by the presence of SL-PRS transmissions.

[0244] In another embodiment, the UE selects the higher priority value between the PSSCH priority value and the SL-PRS priority value. The SL-PRS priority can be used when the transmission only involves the SL-PRS, for example, because data (PSSCH) is unavailable. This approach may potentially impact legacy services because the SL-PRS may have a higher priority than existing resource reservations, which may be overridden.

[0245] In at least one embodiment, to protect transmissions from legacy devices, the priority value used for resource selection is the minimum between the PSSCH priority and the SL-PRS priority. However, this approach may increase the latency of transmissions that multiplex PSSCH and SL-PRS, because SL-PRS may have a lower priority than data (PSSCH).

[0246] In the traditional SCI format 1-A, when sl-MaxNumPerReserve is 2, the "Time Resource Allocation" field carries a logical time slot offset indication of N=1 or 2 actual resources (e.g., time slots). When sl-MaxNumPerReserve is 3, it carries a logical time slot offset indication of N=1, 2, or 3 actual resources, where the first resource is located in the time slot where SCI format 1-A is received. This represents the time offset of the i-th resource relative to the first resource in the logical time slot of the resource pool, where, for N=2, For N=3, , Therefore, the PSSCH can be retransmitted later based on the HARQ feedback indication in the PSFCH.

[0247] The value of the "Time Resource Allocation" field specified in SCI Format 1-A does not necessarily mean sending the same data (PSSCH) or using the same destination, etc.

[0248] For clarity, the term "retransmission" is used for those future reservations specified in SCI Format 1-A, and the term "periodic transmission" is used for those transmissions that are performed periodically and configured by higher layers. Periodic transmissions typically have a longer period and more repetitions compared to those transmissions that use multiple time resource allocations (e.g., reservations) in Level 1 SCI Format 1-A (referred to as "retransmissions" in this disclosure).

[0249] The time interval between each periodic transmission may vary because some delay may occur when resources are unavailable during the expected period. For reasons of improving robustness, coverage, or accuracy, SL-PRS transmissions may be repeated (e.g., retransmission) within reserved resources, and transmission parameters (e.g., destination, spatial filter, BW) may be the same or different.

[0250] When PSSCH and SL-PRS are multiplexed in the same time slot, signaling needs to be reserved for retransmission. In this case, the retransmission may or may not include SL-PRS signals, depending on the application, and it may or may not have the same destination or broadcast type.

[0251] Data (PSSCH) and positioning RS may have different requirements in terms of robustness and periodicity; therefore, PSSCH and SL-PRS may not always be sent together. Therefore, the new Level 2 SCI can indicate whether a transmission or retransmission for an ongoing transmission has only SL-PRS or both, which can be set independently.

[0252] Multiplexing PSSCH and SL-PRS together can affect resource selection and reservation. The issue to be addressed is how to select / reserve future resources (for retransmission) when the initial transmission includes both PSSCH and SL-PRS, but only one can be sent in future resource reservations.

[0253] To address the scenarios described above, this disclosure describes two distinct resource selections for future reservations (e.g., for possible retransmissions) with or without PSSCH and SL-PRS multiplexing. One selection is for data-only (PSSCH) transmissions, such as those using a legacy format (SCI), while the other resource selection / reservation is for those transmissions or retransmissions where SL-PRS can be included using SCI. As mentioned above, PSSCH and SL-PRS may have different priorities, and therefore the selection of each retransmission resource may have different requirements.

[0254] Other embodiments may have multiple resource reservations in the future and do not distinguish whether retransmissions include PSSCH and SL-PRS multiplexing. During retransmission (e.g., using reserved resources), a new SCI can indicate the presence / absence of PSSCH or SL-PRS, where the SCI (Level 2) specifies whether it includes SL-PRS, data, or both, along with their corresponding resources, addresses, etc. In other words, even if one of PSSCH and SL-PRS is not transmitted, retransmission resource selection and reservation will be performed as if PSSCH and SL-PRS were always in the same time slot.

[0255] Level 1 SCI has a field "Level 2 SCI Format" which is 2 bits in size, as defined in Table 8.3.1.1-1 of 38.212. This field reserves only one value ("11"). Using only this value to identify new Level 2 formats may limit future / additional Level 2 definitions. For backward compatibility with existing devices, SCI formats 1-A should remain unchanged as much as possible.

[0256] Several embodiments can be considered. In at least one embodiment, the reserved value of the "Level 2 SCI Format" field indicates the category of the new Level 2 SCI format, wherein the specific type of the new Level 2 SCI within that category is encoded / indicated in the new format field of the Level 2 SCI. This new format field will be used to interpret or indicate the specific format of the Level 2 SCI. Therefore, future sidelink versions may create new SCI formats. Figure 10 An example link is depicted for the format fields from Format 1-A 1002 to the new second-level DCI 1004.

[0257] For the above scheme of signaling used for the new format in the Level 2 SCI, the size of the Level 2 SCI should be known at the receiver. One way to ensure this known size is that all new formats are the same size (e.g., determine the size of the largest format, and for smaller formats, append (padded) an appropriate number of bits so that the format sizes are equal). The receiver can be told to ignore the appended bits.

[0258] Figure 11 Examples of decoding and interpretation for the first and second levels of SCI in implementing the scheme are shown respectively.

[0259] exist Figure 11 In the process, the receiving UE decodes the Level 1 SCI at 1102 and interprets the Level 2 format field at 1104, which indicates the Level 2 SCI format of the new category. Then, the receiving UE decodes the Level 2 SCI at 1108 and interprets the bits of the Level 2 SCI at 1114 using the new Level 2 format field from the Level 2 SCI.

[0260] Figure 12 An exemplary procedure for setting up the SCI is shown. At 1202, it is determined whether to send the SL-PRS or both the SL-PRS and PSSCH. If both the SL-PRS and PSSCH are sent, at 1208, the "Level 2 SCI Format" is set to Format 2-D (e.g., value 11) in SCI Format 1-A. At 1210, the "Format" field is set to the appropriate Level 2 SCI format in SCI Format 2-D. In this regard, in some embodiments of sidelink transmission, sidelink control information (SCI) is transmitted in two levels. The first level is provided in the Physical Sidelink Control Channel (PSCCH), while the second level is provided in the Physical Sidelink Shared Channel (PSSCH). The first level in the PSCCH provides information for decoding the PSSCH. In some embodiments, the PSSCH carries both the second level of the SCI and data. In this regard, a suitable Level 2 SCI format represents the second level of SCI corresponding to the data multiplexed in the PSSCH within that time slot. In some embodiments, a suitable Level 2 SCI format is one of the conventional SCI formats, such as SCI format 2-A, 2-B, or 2-C. At 1212, the remaining fields are set according to the information in the format fields, such as SCI format 2-A, 2-B, or 2-C indicated in the format fields set at 1210. The remaining fields may include SL-POS reference signal resource information and at least some of the fields of SCI format 2-A, 2-B, or 2-C.

[0261] When only SL-PRS is sent, at 1204, the Level 2 SCI format is set to format 2-A, 2-B, or 2-C in SCI format 1-A. At 1206, the fields of format 2-A, 2-B, and / or 2-C are set accordingly.

[0262] In other words, each SCI level contains a Level 2 SCI field format, where the Level 2 format field (2 bits) at 1104 in the Level 1 SCI indicates the traditional Level 2 format (A / B / C) at 1106 and the Level 2 SCI format for the new category at 1108. The Level 2 format field in the Level 2 SCI can have different numbers of bits {2, 3, 4} and identify the Level 2 SCI format 2-D (e.g., using the values ​​"00", "000", or "0000"), and any other future formats will be indicated by reserved values ​​(e.g., "01" / "10" / "11", etc.).

[0263] In another embodiment, the identifier for the new Level 2 SCI is still indicated by the Level 1 SCI. To achieve this, a reserved value (“11”) in the “Level 2 SCI Format” field and n bits can be used together. For example, these n bits can be obtained from a pool of reserved bits indicated by the configuration field sl-NumReservedBits{2..4}. This means that sl-NumReservedBits{2..4} should always be configured to enable shared RP to support SL-PRS transmissions.

[0264] exist Figure 13 and Figure 14 An exemplary embodiment is presented in the flowchart. In this case, at 1302, the receiving UE decodes the Level 1 SCI. At 1304, if the Level 2 SCI field format bits have a value (11), then at 1308, the receiving UE uses the reserved bits (bits 2, 3, 4) indicated in the sl-NumReservedBit configuration to determine the format of the Level 2 SCI. If the bit combination indicates format 2-D, then at 1312, Level 2 format 2-D or any specified Level 2 format is used. If the bit combination does not indicate format 2-D, then in some embodiments the format may be unknown or may produce errors, or in at least one other embodiment, another process may be used to process the indication. If the receiving UE decodes the Level 1 SCI and the reserved field value is not (11), or in other embodiments it is not another specific bit combination, then at 1306, the conventional Level 1 SCI is used.

[0265] Figure 14The procedure for setting the SCI fields accordingly is described. At 1402, SL-PRS or both SL-PRS and PSSCH are sent. In some embodiments, if neither is sent or only PSSCH is sent, then at 1408, the Level 2 SCI format is set to "11" in SCI format 1-A. At 1410, the Level 2 format is indicated accordingly using the bits of sl-NumReservedBits, as further described herein. At 1412, the fields of the Level 2 format are set, for example, according to the Level 2 format indicated at 1410.

[0266] At point 1404 in the flowchart, the Level 2 SCI format is set to one of the traditional formats in SCI format 1-A, such as 2-A, 2-B, or 2-C. At point 1406, the corresponding fields of traditional formats 2-A, 2-B, and / or 2-C are set accordingly.

[0267] Second-tier SCI

[0268] Within the shared resource pool, SL-PRS is transmitted with consecutive symbols in one time slot. Within the shared resource pool, SL-PRS, associated PSCCH, and PSCCH-scheduled PSSCH are included in the same time slot. For PSSCH and SL-PRS multiplexing, comb sizes 1, 2, and 4 only support time division multiplexing (TDM). PSSCH is used for Level 2 sidelink control information (SCI). There is no multiplexing between SL-PRS from different UEs. For the shared resource pool, the SL PRS transmission power is the same as the PSSCH transmission power. Figure 9 An example of a subchannel using two-symbol TDMSL-PRS is shown, specifically depicting slot formats 902, 904, and 906.

[0269] In a shared RP, in addition to SL PRS transmission, SCI format 1-A and Level 2 SCI format will be used for SL-PRS indication. Therefore, a new Level 2 SCI format should be defined.

[0270] Another possible scenario (and / or issue) to consider is whether the data (PSSCH) and SL-PRS might have different destinations and different broadcast types. If the PSSCH and SL-PRS have different unicast destinations, the Level 2 SCI needs to provide separate destination IDs and broadcast information. The receiver may need to decode the entire Level 2 SCI and determine whether the target destination is the PSSCH, SL-PRS, or both. In this regard, when the receiver decodes the Level 2 control information, it can determine whether the remainder of the PSSCH carries only data, only SL-PRS, or both. In some embodiments, the receiver determines such information based on the specific control information and its format.

[0271] Depending on the application, an SL-PRS can be multicast to a group of SL UEs, which can be identified, for example, by a geographic region, SL-PRS RSRP, or other metrics. Receivers that meet the constraints will use the received SL-PRS for positioning purposes (such as tracking, ranging, or location updates).

[0272] For periodic transfers, the resource reservation period is indicated by the same field name in the Level 1 SCI. In at least one embodiment, a periodic SL-PRS transfer may comprise SL-PRS sequences with different characteristics (e.g., destination, spatial filter, BW) that repeat periodically.

[0273] One issue to address is how the resource reservation period should be set if periodically transmitted PSSCH and SL-PRS have different periods. This decision can be made at a higher level. In one exemplary case, when one period is an integer multiple of another, the transmitter can reserve resources for the minimum period corresponding to the PSSCH and SL-PRS transmission. In this case, the Level 2 SCI identifies the structure of each transmission, which can include PSSCH and SL-PRS, SL-PRS only, or PSSCH only (in which case, the Level 1 can indicate the 2A legacy format).

[0274] Based on the above observations, some specific designs for the Level 1 and Level 2 SCIs of the shared resource pool can be considered.

[0275] • Based on the preceding comments, one embodiment of the scheme is that the Level 2 SCI used to carry the PSSCH and SL-PRS contains all or a subset of the following information:

[0276] • The [New] field is used to identify the Level 2 SCI format.

[0277] • HARQ process ID – 4 bits.

[0278] • New data indicator – 1 bit.

[0279] • Redundant version – 2 bits, as defined in Table 7.3.1.1.1-2.

[0280] • Source ID – 8 bits, as defined in Clause 8.1 of [6, TS 38.214].

[0281] • Destination ID – 16 bits, as defined in Clause 8.1 of [6, TS 38.214].

[0282] • Broadcast type indicator – 2 bits, as defined in Table 8.4.1.1-1 and Clause 8.1 of [6, TS 38.214].

[0283] • HARQ feedback enable / disable indicator – 1 bit, as defined in Clause 16.3 of [5, TS 38.213].

[0284] • [New] field, used to indicate whether SL-PRS is present or both PSSCH and SL-PRS are present (1 bit).

[0285] • PSSCH resource information (time, frequency)

[0286] • PSSCH transmission period, if different from the period indicated in Level 1 SCI.

[0287] • SL-PRS broadcast type indicator [may differ from PSSCH broadcast type]

[0288] • SL-PRS resource information (comb, comb offset, number of symbols, start symbol, resource identifier (ID))

[0289] • SL-PRS transfer period (if different from the period indicated in Level 1 SCI)

[0290] • SL-PRS retransmission count

[0291] • SL-PRS resources reserved for retransmission

[0292] • Additional information limiting SL-PRS receiver availability (geographic region, SL-PRS RSRP, etc.)

[0293] • Triggering of SL-PRS transmission

[0294] • Destination ID of SL-PRS – 16 bits, as defined in Clause 8.1 of [6,TS 38.214].

[0295] In particular, the broadcast type and additional destination ID may be absent (or otherwise optional) if they must match the corresponding fields in the PSSCH.

[0296] exist Figure 15 In the different embodiments shown, SL-PRS transmissions from different UEs may have already been TDM multiplexed in the time slots.

[0297] Although this scenario is not supported in version 18, it may be supported in future versions. It's important to note that dedicated resource pools allow TDM.

[0298] In this embodiment, at 1502, the UE checks the ongoing transmission (by decoding the Level 1 SCI) to determine if resources are suitable for SL-PRS transmissions with TDM multiplexing from other UEs. For example, at 1506, the UE determines whether the decoded data indicates a new Level 2 Format 2-D. If the decoded data does not indicate this, at 1504, the UE searches for different time slots for SL-PRS transmission. If the decoded data indicates a new Level 2 Format 2-D, at 1508, the UE decodes the Level 2 SCI format 2-D. If, at 1510, the reserved time slot allows SL-PRS multiplexing, at 1512, the UE selects resources for TDM multiplexing. If the reserved time slot does not allow SL-PRS multiplexing, at 1514, the UE searches for different time slots for SL-PRS transmission.

[0299] The new Level 2 SCI format 2D carries information fields that enable or disable reuse in reserved resources.

[0300] In this embodiment, the Level 2 SCI is multiplexed using TDM or FDM, with each Level 2 SCI corresponding to one SL-PRS.

[0301] There can be a fixed mapping between the resources used for Level 2 SCI and the TDM symbols allowed by SL-PRS.

[0302] AGC and guard symbols may be required between Level 2 SCIs. It is common for all Level 2 signals to have the same MCS and the same Level 2 SCI format and priority as the signals in Level 1 SCIs.

[0303] The transmitter SL UE will send the same Level 1 SCI, different Level 2 SCI, and different SL-PRS, which are mapped one-to-one (e.g., by precoding and specific to the shared resource pool).

[0304] When both PSSCH and SL-PRS exist simultaneously in a time slot, the formula used to determine the transport block size needs to be updated. See section 8.1.3.2 of 38.214. First, the UE determines the number of resource particles in the PRB by the following operations:

[0305] - UE first based on Determine the number of REs allocated to PSSCH within a PRB ( ),in:

[0306] - It is the number of subcarriers in a physical resource block.

[0307] - =sl-LengthSymbols -2, where sl-LengthSymbols is the number of side link symbols within a time slot provided by the higher layer.

[0308] - If the "PSFCH Overhead Indicator" field in SCI format 1-A indicates "1", then =3; if the higher-level parameter sl-PSFCH-Period is 2 or 4, then =0. If the high-level parameter sl-PSFCH-Period is 0, then If the high-level parameter sl-PSFCH-Period is 1, then .

[0309] - The overhead is given by the high-level parameter sl-X-Overhead.

[0310] - The values ​​are given in Table 8.1.3.2-1 based on the high-level parameter sl-PSSCH-DMRS-TimePatternList.

[0311] When sending SL-PRS, the formula should take into account the number of symbols required by SL-PRS. This figure is obtained from the SL-PRS field in the new Level 2 SCI format. One possible update is... .

[0312] As described above, in the traditional SCI format 1-A, when sl-MaxNumPerReserve is 2, the field "Time Resource Allocation" carries a logical time slot offset indication of N=1 or 2 actual resources (e.g., time slots), and when sl-MaxNumPerReserve is 3, it carries a logical time slot offset indication of N=1, 2 or 3 actual resources, where the first resource is located in the time slot where SCI format 1-A is received.

[0313] These two or three time resources are reserved for subsequent transmissions from the same UE.

[0314] Considering that the data carried by PSSCH (SL-SCH) and SL-PRS may have different constraints or purposes within a shared resource pool, further transmission or retransmission in the reserved resources may or may not be necessary for SL-PRS. In other words, in a shared resource pool, subsequent transmissions indicated in the SCI Format 1-A reservation of a time slot multiplexed with PSSCH and SL-PRS may contain only PSSCH, only SL-PRS, or both.

[0315] The SCI format 1-A corresponding to the slots containing both PSSCH and SL-PRS indicates the new second-level SCI 2-D, which at least supports the legacy content of the SCI associated with data transmission (e.g., formats 2-A and 2-B) and the necessary control fields for SL-PRS transmission.

[0316] The traditional control formats 2-A and 2-B will be supported by the SCI format 2-D for data transmission and SL-PRS multiplexing, where the side link data transmission portion has the traditional format (prior to version 18).

[0317] Figure 16 An exemplary SCI format 2-D is depicted. The exemplary SCI format 2-D includes a 2-bit field format 1602, a control field 1604 for data (e.g., conventional format 2-A or 2-B), a control field 1606 for SL-PRS, and subsequent padding bits 1608. It should be understood that in other embodiments, these fields may have different lengths, as described herein. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, as described herein, one or more of these fields may be optional.

[0318] SCI Format 2-D contains a field format (two bits), which indicates that the control field of SL-SCH (data) has conventional Format 2-A when it has a value of "00". When the value of these bits is set to "01", the codeword indicates that SCI Format 2-D carries the data portion in Format 2-B. In at least one embodiment, the format field is located at the beginning of Format 2-D, so that the formats can be read sequentially first.

[0319] Note that SCI format 2-A is used to schedule PSSCHs with various types of expected HARQ operations. HARQ operations can indicate feedback (HARQ-ACK information) from the receiving UE after the receiving UE decodes the PSSCH. For example, HARQ-ACK information can include ACK or NACK, or it can include only NACK, or no HARQ-ACK information at all. SCI format 2-B is used to schedule PSSCHs, using HARQ operations when the HARQ-ACK information includes only NACK, or when no HARQ-ACK information is fed back. The control field length does not need to be the same for formats 2-A or 2-B.

[0320] In some cases, the control fields in SCI formats 2-A and 2-B are not required because the PSSCH does not carry the SL-SCH (i.e., no data, only positioning signals). In some such cases, only the scheduling information related to the SL-PRS can be carried in SCI format 2-D. In some embodiments, only the scheduling information related to the SL-PRS needs to be carried in SCI format 2-D.

[0321] There are several ways to handle these situations. In SCI Format 2-A or SCI Format 2-B sections of SCI Format 2-D, one approach is to set all or some fields associated with SL-SCH, such as HARQ process number, new data indicator, redundant version, etc., to values ​​of zero "0"s or one "1", while retaining the fields associated with SL-PRS. Alternatively, different patterns can be used instead of all "0"s or "1".

[0322] SCI format 2-D, which schedules only SL-PRS and not SL-SCH (data), can use the value "00" to indicate SCI format 2-A plus the SL-PRS-related fields, where the values ​​of the fields in format 2-A associated with SCI-SCH are all one ("1"). In another embodiment, the values ​​of these fields are all zero ("0"). In at least one embodiment, the data control field (format 2-A or format 2-B) appears immediately after the format field, such that the use of only SL-PRS is determined sequentially after the format and control fields.

[0323] In different embodiments, SCI format 2-D, which schedules only SL-PRS but not SL-SCH (data), can use the value "01" to indicate SCI format 2-B with SL-PRS-related fields added, where all fields of format 2-B associated with SCI-SCH have a value of one ("1"). In another embodiment, these fields all have a value of zero ("0").

[0324] In another embodiment, only the SCI format 2-D of the scheduled SL-PRS is indicated by the format field of the SCI format 2-D with different codeword values ​​(e.g., "10").

[0325] Because it is expected that SCI Format 2-D has the same bit length for different transmissions, i.e., regardless of the codeword value of the format field, when the codeword value is "10", the SCI is padded with the necessary number of bits. These bits can all be "1", or, in different embodiments, all be "0". In another embodiment, the padding bits are "reserved", where no specific value can be assumed at the receiver. Since the control field may have different lengths depending on the format field, the padding bits may also have different lengths. Note that this third scheme allows for different arrangements of the SL-PRS control field in SCI 2-D, and it also allows for specific control fields used only for SL-PRS transmissions.

[0326] In an additional embodiment, a portion of the control field is set to a known value ("0" or "1") to identify the SL-PRS-only case, while the remaining bits can be reused for an additional field for the SL-PRS-only case.

[0327] RAN1 had previously agreed that:

[0328] 1. For shared resource pools, the SL PRS transmit power is the same as the PSSCH transmit power.

[0329] 2. For shared resource pools, the SL PRS bandwidth is the same as the bandwidth indicated for PSSCH.

[0330] Related to the above scenarios, other design options also need to be considered. For example, consider a case where the initial transmission has SL-SCH and SL-PRS multiplexing, but one or more subsequent transmissions in a reserved resource indicated by SCI format 1-A only have SL-PRS transmission. Such SL-PRS transmissions may have different destinations, broadcast types, or purposes than previous SL-PRS transmissions, and therefore different BW and transmit power. Given that such SL-PRS transmissions do not have SL-SCH, it is important to define the BW and power allocated to the SL-PRS signal.

[0331] For example, for SL-PRS transmit power, the scheme can consist of the same symbol-level Tx power between PSCCH and SL PRS.

[0332] Regarding bandwidth (BW), the BW value of SL-PRS can be provided in SCI format 1-A through a field used to indicate the BW of SL SCH in the conventional format, and the BW of SL-PRS can have any value that PSSCH bandwidth can have.

[0333] Dedicated resource pool solution

[0334] For dedicated resource pools, a single-level SCI should be defined. This SCI will contain information for the SL-PRS portion used to receive transmissions, such as any necessary information utilized. Note that multiple SL-PRS from different UEs in the same time slot can be multiplexed (e.g., TDM multiplexing or comb multiplexing), where each SL-PRS has an associated single-level SCI. Therefore, the SCI itself should be multiplexed (e.g., as shown in the image). Figure 17 As shown, frequency multiplexing is used. One embodiment includes frequency multiplexing of SCIs from different UEs, such as various single-level SCIs 1704, and they have configured or pre-configured resources corresponding to (e.g., mapped to) each SL-PRS, such as each of SL-PRS 1708A, 1708B, and 1708C. Possible multiplexing of SCIs can be by comb multiplexing, where each SCI has a different comb index, or by frequency repetition (e.g., non-overlapping SCIs). In some embodiments, an AGC symbol is required in the first symbol (e.g., time slot) of transmission. The AGC can be a copy of the first symbol of each SCI. Each SCI can be associated with its own DMRS for SCI decoding. The DMRS is also multiplexed with the SCI (e.g., preferably SCI data in adjacent and / or interleaved subcarriers to obtain a better channel model).

[0335] Figure 17 An exemplary timeslot format as seen at a receiver (e.g., a receiving UE) is depicted.

[0336] At the receiver, there are AGC symbols (e.g., AGC symbols 1702A-1702D) and protection symbols (e.g., 1706A-1706D) for Tx-RX handover. This example shows TDM multiplexing of different SL-PRS transmissions from different SL UEs in the same time slot. Each SL-PRS may have a different comb size. The location of the single-level SCI and DMRS can be configured or pre-configured to uniquely map to the resources of each SL-PRS.

[0337] For frequency-based SL-PRS multiplexing (e.g., comb multiplexing), a single AGC symbol can correspond to a set of symbols (e.g., TDM) carrying multiple SL-PRS with the same comb size.

[0338] In another embodiment, the two multiplexing types (e.g., TDM multiplexing and comb multiplexing) can be in the same time slot and each indicated in the corresponding single-level SCI.

[0339] For DMRS, this disclosure can reuse the DMRS Level 1 SCI Format 1-A specification.

[0340] Here are some examples of the information carried by a single-level SCI:

[0341] • Source ID

[0342] • Destination ID

[0343] • Priority

[0344] • Broadcast type indicator

[0345] • Associated information for multicast / broadcast, such as the effective area [region] and effective duration.

[0346] • Number of retransmissions and period

[0347] • Transmission period (resource reservation period)

[0348] • SL-PRS resources (time, such as symbols; frequency, such as sub-channels)

[0349] • Comb Index

[0350] • This transmission allows the following multiplexing types: TDM, Comb

[0351] • Multiplexing types allowed within retransmission / periodic reserved resources

[0352] • Triggering of other SL-PRS transmissions (e.g., RTT)

[0353] To allow for different types of multiplexing, the resource selection and reservation process established using the traditional sidelink approach should be changed. More precisely, reusable resources (e.g., comb symbols) should also be considered selected resources and multiplexed based on the priority for reservation and transmission. When multiplexing, different UEs may have different SL-PRS cycles or different priorities. Therefore, the availability of each multiplexed resource should be determined individually.

[0354] Figure 18 An exemplary resource selection is described at a UE that wants to reuse its SL-PRS transmission with an existing multiplexed SL-PRS.

[0355] The UE must decode each single-level SCI of the multiplexed transmission and determine what type of multiplexing is allowed in future repetitions, whether there is room for multiplexing, and how its SL-PRS priority relates to existing priorities. If resources are insufficient or multiplexing is not allowed, additional resource selection and reservation may be required.

[0356] At 1802, the UE decodes the first SCI SL-PRS in the received time slot. At 1804, the UE determines whether the SCI SL-PRS is the last SCI SL-PRS in the time slot. If it is determined that the first SCI SL-PRS is not the last SCI SL-PRS in the time slot, then at 1806, the UE decodes the next SCI SL-PRS in the next time slot.

[0357] If the first SCI SL-PRS is determined to be the last SCI SL-PRS in the time slot, at 1808, the UE determines whether to allow reserved resources for multiplexing. If the UE determines that reserved resources are not allowed for multiplexing, at 1810, the UE selects a different time slot for SL-PRS transmission. If the UE determines that reserved resources are allowed for multiplexing, at 1812, the UE selects reserved time slot resources for multiplexing. For example, the UE can choose one of TDM or comb multiplexing, etc. At 1814, the UE determines whether more SL-PRS resources are needed. If the UE determines that more SL-PRS resources are needed, the UE continues to select different time slots for SL-PRS transmission according to 1810. If the UE determines that no more SL-PRS resources are needed, at 1816, no additional resources or additional operations are required.

[0358] Figure 19 An exemplary communication system 1900 is illustrated. The communication system 1900 includes an access node 1910 that serves user equipment (UE), such as UE 1920, having a coverage area 1901. In a first operating mode, communication to and from the UE passes through the access node 1910 having the coverage area 1901. The access node 1910 is connected to a backhaul network 1915 for connecting to the Internet, performing operations and management, etc. In a second operating mode, communication to and from the UE does not pass through the access node 1910; however, the access node 1910 typically allocates resources for communication by the UE when certain conditions are met. Communication between a pair of UEs 1920 can use a sidelink connection (shown as two separate unidirectional connections 1925). Figure 19In this context, sidelink communication occurs between two UEs operating within coverage area 1901. However, sidelink communication can also typically occur when both UEs 1920 are outside coverage area 1901; both UEs 1920 are within coverage area 1901; or one UE 1920 is within coverage area 1901 and the other is outside. Communication between the UE and the access node pair is conducted via a unidirectional communication link, where the communication link between the UE and the access node is called uplink 1930, and the communication link between the access node and the UE is called downlink 1935.

[0359] Access nodes are also commonly referred to as base stations (Node B), evolved base stations (eNB), next-generation (NG) base stations (NG Node B, gNB), master eNB (MeNB), secondary eNB (SeNB), master gNB (MgNB), secondary gNB (SgNB), network controllers, control nodes, base stations, access points, transmission points (TP), transmission-reception points (TRP), cells, carriers, macro cells, femtocells, picocells, etc., while UEs are also commonly referred to as mobile stations, handsets, terminals, users, subscribers, sites, etc. Access nodes can provide wireless access according to one or more wireless communication protocols, such as 3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE Advanced (LTE-A), 5G, 5G LTE, 5G NR, Sixth Generation (6G), High Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), and IEEE 802.11 series standards such as 802.11a / b / g / n / ac / ad / ax / ay / be. While it is understood that a communication system could employ multiple access nodes capable of communicating with multiple UEs, for simplicity, only one access node and two UEs are shown in the figure.

[0360] Figure 20An exemplary communication system 2000 is illustrated. Typically, system 2000 enables multiple wireless or wired users to send and receive data and other content. System 2000 may implement one or more channel access methods, such as code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), orthogonal FDMA (OFDMA), single-carrier FDMA (SC-FDMA), or non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA).

[0361] In this example, the communication system 2000 includes electronic devices (EDs) 2010a to 2010c, radio access networks (RANs) 2020a and 2020b, a core network 2030, a public switched telephone network (PSTN) 2040, the Internet 2050, and other networks 2060. Although Figure 20 A certain number of these components or elements are shown, but the system 2000 may include any number of these components or elements.

[0362] EDs 2010a to 2010c are used for operation or communication within System 2000. For example, EDs 2010a to 2010c are used for transmitting or receiving via wireless or wired communication channels. Each ED 2010a to 2010c represents any suitable end-user equipment and may include (or be referred to as) devices such as: user equipment (UE), wireless transmit or receive unit (WTRU), mobile station, fixed or mobile subscriber unit, cellular phone, personal digital assistant (PDA), smartphone, laptop computer, computer, touchpad, wireless sensor, or consumer electronic device.

[0363] Here, RAN 2020a includes base station 2070a, and RAN 2020b includes base station 2070b. Each base station 2070a and 2070b is used to intersect with one or more radios from ED 2010a to 2010c to enable access to the core network 2030, PSTN 2040, Internet 2050, or other network 2060. For example, base stations 2070a and 2070b may include (or may be) one or more of several well-known devices, such as a base transceiver station (BTS), Node-B (NodeB), evolved NodeB (eNB), Next Generation (NG) NodeB (gNB), gNB centralized unit (gNB-CU), gNB distributed unit (gNB-DU), Home NodeB, Home eNodeB, site controller, access point (AP), or wireless router. ED 2010a to 2010c are used for interfacing and communicating with the Internet 2050 and can access the core network 2030, PSTN 2040 or other networks 2060.

[0364] exist Figure 20 In the illustrated embodiment, base station 2070a forms part of RAN 2020a, which may include other base stations, components, or devices. Similarly, base station 2070b forms part of RAN 2020b, which may include other base stations, components, or devices. Each base station 2070a and 2070b is used to transmit or receive radio signals within a specific geographical area (sometimes referred to as a "cell"). In some embodiments, multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technology may be employed, which equips each cell with multiple transceivers.

[0365] Base stations 2070a and 2070b communicate with one or more of ED 2010a to 2010c via one or more air interfaces 2090 using a wireless communication link. The air interface 2090 can use any suitable wireless access technology.

[0366] It is conceivable that System 2000 can use multi-channel access capabilities, including the schemes described above. In specific embodiments, the base station and ED implement 5G New Radio (NR), LTE, LTE-A, or LTE-B. Of course, other multiple access schemes and radio protocols can also be utilized.

[0367] RANs 2020a and 2020b communicate with the core network 2030 to provide voice, data, application, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), or other services to EDs 2010a through 2010c. It should be understood that RANs 2020a and 2020b or the core network 2030 can communicate directly or indirectly with one or more other RANs (not shown). The core network 2030 can also serve as a gateway access for other networks (such as PSTN 2040, Internet 2050, and other networks 2060). Furthermore, some or all of EDs 2010a through 2010c can communicate with different wireless networks via different wireless links using different wireless technologies or protocols. EDs can communicate with service providers or switches (not shown) and with the Internet 2050 via wired communication channels, rather than wirelessly (or as a supplement to wireless communication).

[0368] Although Figure 20 An example of a communication system is shown, but it is possible to... Figure 20 Various modifications can be made. For example, in any suitable configuration, the communication system 2000 can include any number of EDs, base stations, networks, or other components.

[0369] Figure 21A and Figure 21B Exemplary devices are shown that can implement the methods and guidance according to this disclosure. Specifically, Figure 21A An example ED 2110 is shown. Figure 21B An exemplary base station 2170 is shown. These components can be used in System 2000 or any other suitable system.

[0370] like Figure 21A As shown, ED 2110 includes at least one processing unit 2100. The processing unit 2100 implements various processing operations of ED 2110. For example, the processing unit 2100 may perform signal encoding, data processing, power control, input / output processing, or any other function that enables ED 2110a to 2110c to operate in system 2000. The processing unit 2100 also supports the methods and instructions described in detail above. Each processing unit 2100 includes any suitable processing or computing device for performing one or more operations. For example, each processing unit 2100 may include a microprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal processor, field-programmable gate array, or application-specific integrated circuit.

[0371] ED 2100 also includes at least one transceiver 2102. Transceiver 2102 is used to modulate data or other content for transmission by at least one antenna or network interface controller (NIC) 2104. Transceiver 2102 is also used to demodulate data or other content received by at least one antenna 2104. Each transceiver 2102 includes any suitable structure for generating signals for wireless or wired transmission or for processing signals received wirelessly or wiredly. Each antenna 2104 includes any suitable structure for transmitting or receiving wireless or wired signals. One or more transceivers 2102 may be used in ED 2110, and one or more antennas 2104 may be used in ED 2110. Although transceiver 2102 is shown as a single functional unit, it can also be implemented using at least one transmitter and at least one separate receiver.

[0372] ED 2110 also includes one or more input / output devices 2106 or interfaces (e.g., a wired interface to the Internet 2050). Input / output devices 2106 facilitate interaction with users or other devices on the network (network communication). Each input / output device 2106 includes any suitable structure for providing or receiving information from a user, such as a speaker, microphone, keypad, keyboard, display, or touchscreen, including network interface communication.

[0373] In addition, ED 2110 includes at least one memory 2108. Memory 2108 stores instructions and data used, generated, or collected by ED 2110. For example, memory 2108 may store software or firmware instructions executed by one or more processing units 2100, as well as data for reducing or eliminating interference in incoming signals. Each memory 2108 includes any suitable one or more volatile or non-volatile storage and retrieval devices. Any suitable type of memory can be used, such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), hard disk, optical disk, subscriber identity module (SIM) card, memory stick, and secure digital (SD) card, etc.

[0374] like Figure 21BAs shown, base station 2170 includes at least one processing unit 2150, at least one transceiver 2152 (which includes transmitter and receiver functions), one or more antennas 2156, at least one memory 2158, and one or more input / output devices or interfaces 2166. A scheduler, as understood by those skilled in the art, is coupled to processing unit 2150. The scheduler may be included within base station 2170 or may operate separately from base station 2170. Processing unit 2150 implements various processing operations of base station 2170, such as signal encoding, data processing, power control, input / output processing, or any other function. Processing unit 2150 may also support the methods and instructions detailed above. Each processing unit 2150 includes any suitable processing or computing device for performing one or more operations. For example, each processing unit 2150 may include a microprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal processor, field-programmable gate array, or application-specific integrated circuit.

[0375] Each transceiver 2152 includes any suitable structure for generating signals for wireless or wired transmission with one or more EDs or other devices. Each transceiver 2152 also includes any suitable structure for processing signals received wirelessly or wiredly from one or more EDs or other devices. Although the transmitter and receiver are shown as a combination of transceiver 2152, they can be separate components. Each antenna 2156 includes any suitable structure for transmitting or receiving wireless or wired signals. Although a shared antenna 2156 is shown herein coupled to transceiver 2152, one or more antennas 2056 can be coupled to one or more transceivers 2152, thus supporting separate antennas 2156 coupled to the transmitter and receiver (when the transmitter and receiver are configured as separate components). Each memory 2158 includes any suitable one or more volatile or non-volatile storage and retrieval devices. Each input / output device 2166 facilitates interaction with users or other devices in the network (network communication). Each input / output device 2166 includes any suitable structure for providing information to or receiving / providing information from users, including network interface communication.

[0376] Figure 22This is a block diagram of a computing system 2200 that can be used to implement the devices and methods disclosed herein. For example, the computing system can be any entity in a UE, access network (AN), mobility management (MM), session management (SM), user plane gateway (UPGW), or access stratum (AS). A particular device may utilize all or only a subset of the components shown, and the level of integration may vary from device to device. Furthermore, a device may contain multiple instances of a component, such as multiple processing units, processors, memories, transmitters, receivers, etc. The computing system 2200 includes a processing unit 2202. The processing unit includes a central processing unit (CPU) 2214, memory 2208, and may also include a mass storage device 2204 connected to a bus 2220, a video adapter 2210, and an I / O interface 2212.

[0377] Bus 2220 can be one or more of several bus architectures of any type, including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, or a video bus. CPU 2214 can include any type of electronic data processor. Memory 2208 can include any type of non-transitory system memory, such as static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), read-only memory (ROM), or combinations thereof. In an embodiment, memory 2208 may include ROM for use at boot time and DRAM for storing programs and data for use during program execution.

[0378] Mass storage 2204 may include any type of non-transitory storage device for storing data, programs, and other information, and enabling access to such data, programs, and other information via bus 2220. Mass storage 2204 may include one or more of solid-state drives, hard disk drives, disk drives, or optical disk drives.

[0379] Video adapter 2210 and I / O interface 2212 provide interfaces for coupling external input and output devices to processing unit 2202. Examples of input and output devices, as shown, include a monitor 2218 coupled to video adapter 2210 and a mouse, keyboard, or printer 2216 coupled to I / O interface 2212. Other devices may be coupled to processing unit 2202, and more or fewer interface cards may be used. For example, a serial interface such as Universal Serial Bus (USB) (not shown) may be used to interface external devices.

[0380] The processing unit 2202 also includes one or more network interfaces 2206, which may include wired links such as Ethernet cables to access nodes or different networks, or wireless links. The network interface 2206 enables the processing unit 2202 to communicate with remote units via a network. For example, the network interface 2206 may provide wireless communication via one or more transmitter / transmit antennas and one or more receiver / receive antennas. In embodiments, the processing unit 2202 is coupled to a local area network 2222 or a wide area network for data processing and communication with remote devices (e.g., other processing units, the Internet, or remote storage facilities).

[0381] Figure 23 An exemplary process 2300 is depicted. In some embodiments, process 2300 is performed by a first user equipment, such as a transmitting user equipment. The first user equipment may include devices configured according to the devices discussed throughout as embodiments of this disclosure. In some embodiments, the first user equipment includes computer-readable code or instructions that execute on one or more processors of the first user equipment. In consideration of this disclosure, the coding of software for performing or executing process 2300 is entirely within the scope of those skilled in the art. Process 2300 may include more or fewer operations than those shown and described, and may be performed or executed in a different order. The computer-readable code or instructions of the software executable by one or more processors may be stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as the memory of the first user equipment. In some embodiments, process 2300 may be performed by one or more units or modules (e.g., integrated circuits) of the first user equipment, such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) or application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs).

[0382] Process 2300 includes operation 2302: transmitting sidelink (SL) control information (SCI), the SCI having a first SCI format type and indicating the scheduling of sidelink positioning (SL-POS) reference signals. The SCI includes an index pointing to a set of one or more SL-POS configurations. The SCI also includes a format field indicating a second SCI format and a field indicating the second SCI format. The second SCI format indicates scheduling information for the shared channel. The second SCI format may be an embedded or nested SCI format of the first SCI format. The first SCI format may be a level 1 SCI format, and the second SCI format may be a level 2 SCI format, wherein the level 2 SCI format may be at least one of SCI format 2-A, SCI format 2-B, SCI format 2-C, or SCI format 2-D. Both the first and second SCI formats can be Level 2 SCI formats. For example, the first SCI format is SCI format 2-D on PSSCH, while the second SCI format can be at least one of SCI format 2-A, SCI format 2-B, or SCI format 2-C.

[0383] Process 2300 further includes operation 2304: transmitting an SL-POS reference signal according to an SL-POS configuration in a set of one or more SL-POS configurations. In this regard, the SL-POS reference signal may be transmitted using a specific second SCI format and corresponding fields of the second SCI format. In some embodiments, the SL-POS reference signal is transmitted using a first multiplexing, which may be configured based on the SCI and / or any information thereof. Based on the SL-POS configuration and / or other data of the SCI indicating the scheduling of the SL-POS reference signal, the SL-POS reference signal may be multiplexed with information from other UEs, such as other SCIs from other UEs.

[0384] Process 2300 further includes operation 2306: transmitting on the shared channel according to the scheduling information of the shared channel. In some embodiments, the shared channel uses a second multiplexing for transmission. The first multiplexing and the second multiplexing can be the same type of multiplexing, or in other embodiments they can be different types of multiplexing. The shared channel can, for example, be multiplexed with information from other UEs based on the scheduling information.

[0385] In some embodiments, the indicator includes a second-level SCI format index pointing to a subset of SL-POS configurations represented in a set of one or more SL-POS configurations. In this respect, the indicator is associated with a specific SL-POS configuration within one or more SL-POS configurations.

[0386] In some embodiments, the SCI includes an index in the first part. The first part may be processed at least before the second part of the SCI. Additionally or alternatively, the second part may include indicators in a second SCI format and fields in a second SCI format.

[0387] In some embodiments, the indicator includes a value represented by a certain number of bits. For example, in some embodiments, the indicator includes a two-bit value. In some embodiments, the indicator includes a three-bit value. In some embodiments, the indicator includes a four-bit value.

[0388] In some embodiments, a first combination of bits in the indicator indicates a first level 2 SCI format. For example, the first bit combination may correspond to SCI format 2-A. A second combination of bits in the indicator may indicate a second level 2 SCI format. For example, the second bit combination may correspond to SCI format 2-B.

[0389] In some embodiments, the SCI includes a request field. The value in the request field can indicate whether to send an SL-POS reference signal based on the configuration provided by the upper layer.

[0390] In some embodiments, the SCI includes a priority at least associated with the SL-POS reference signal. Priority data may include different priorities for different SL-POS reference signals or other data. In some embodiments, the priority is associated with the SL-POS reference signal and is a first priority. The SCI may include a second priority associated with other PSSCH data associated with the shared channel. The priority of the multiplexed slots of the shared channel can be assigned according to multiple priorities. For example, in some embodiments, the assigned priority is the higher of the first and second priorities.

[0391] In some embodiments, other PSSCH data and SL-POS reference signals are transmitted in the same time slot.

[0392] Figure 24An exemplary process 2400 is depicted. In some embodiments, process 2400 is performed by a first user equipment, such as a transmitting user equipment. The first user equipment may include devices configured according to the devices discussed throughout as embodiments of this disclosure. In some embodiments, the first user equipment includes computer-readable code or instructions that execute on one or more processors of the first user equipment. In consideration of this disclosure, the coding of software for performing or executing process 2400 is entirely within the scope of those skilled in the art. Process 2400 may include more or fewer operations than those shown and described, and may be performed or executed in a different order. The computer-readable code or instructions of the software executable by one or more processors may be stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as the memory of the first user equipment. In some embodiments, process 2400 may be performed by one or more units or modules (e.g., integrated circuits) of the first user equipment, such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) or application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs).

[0393] Process 2400 includes operation 2402: using a first multiplexer to transmit sidelink (SL) control information (SCI) and a demodulation reference signal (DMRS). In some embodiments, the DMRS is used for decoding the SCI. In some embodiments, the SCI includes or indicates SL-POS reference signal resource information, a format field indicating a second SCI format and / or a field of the second SCI format, and / or another indication of shared channel scheduling information. The SL-POS reference signal resource information includes at least one of an SL-POS reference signal resource identifier, an SL-POS reference signal request, and an index of a set of one or more SL-POS configurations.

[0394] Process 2400 includes operation 2404: transmitting an SL positioning (SL-POS) reference signal using a second multiplexing method according to the SL-POS configuration. In some embodiments, the second multiplexing is time-division multiplexing. In some embodiments, the SL-POS is transmitted according to the SL-POS configuration, such as a set of SL-POS configurations. In some embodiments, the SL-POS configuration is determined based on a nested SCI format or other configuration information.

[0395] The SCI is the first SCI among at least one SCI associated with the at least one UE. The at least one SCI may include any number of other SCIs associated with other UEs among the at least one UE. In this respect, each UE may correspond to a specific SCI among the at least one SCI. Similarly, each UE may correspond to a specific DMRS associated with decoding the SCI corresponding to that UE.

[0396] The SL-POS reference signal may include a first SL-POS reference signal from at least one reference signal. Similarly, the at least one SL-POS reference signal may include any number of other SL-POS reference signals associated with other UEs among the at least one UE. In this respect, each UE may correspond to a specific SL-POS reference signal among the at least one SL-POS reference signals. Similarly, each SL-POS reference signal may correspond to a specific SCI, such as an SCI associated with the same UE corresponding to that specific SL-POS reference signal.

[0397] Different SCIs can be multiplexed using a first multiplexing method. Different SL-POS reference signals can be multiplexed together using a second multiplexing method. In some embodiments, the first and second multiplexing methods can be the same type of multiplexing, such as time-division multiplexing or frequency-division multiplexing. In other embodiments, the first and second multiplexing methods are of different types; for example, the first multiplexing method is frequency-division multiplexing, and the second multiplexing method is time-division multiplexing.

[0398] In some embodiments, transmitting the at least one SL-POS reference signal includes transmitting a first SL-POS reference signal, which is time-division multiplexed and multiplexed with a second SL-POS reference signal associated with a second UE. In other embodiments, multiple other SL-POS reference signals may be multiplexed.

[0399] In some embodiments, the first multiplexing is frequency division multiplexing. In other embodiments, the first multiplexing is time division multiplexing. It should be understood that any multiplexing method can be used.

[0400] In some embodiments, the SCI and DMRS are transmitted in the same time slot as the at least one SL-POS reference signal. Data can be multiplexed to achieve such simultaneous time-slot transmission.

[0401] In some embodiments, each SCI is mapped to a corresponding SL-POS reference signal among the at least one SL-POS reference signals. In this regard, an SCI and a corresponding SL-POS reference signal can be mapped for each of the at least one UE, such that each UE corresponds to a specific SCI and a specific corresponding SL-POS reference signal.

[0402] In some embodiments, an automatic gain control (AGC) symbol and a protection symbol are provided between at least two consecutively transmitted SL-POS reference signals. Such symbols thus distinguish the signals. In some embodiments, the AGC symbol includes a copy of the SL-POS reference signal or another first SL-POS reference signal.

[0403] In some embodiments, the SCI has a first SCI configuration. The first SCI configuration includes at least one bit of the SL-POS reference signal that triggers the request to transmit.

[0404] Figure 25 An exemplary process 2500 is depicted. In some embodiments, process 2500 is performed by a first user equipment, such as a receiving user equipment. The first user equipment may include devices configured according to the devices discussed throughout as embodiments of this disclosure. In some embodiments, the first user equipment includes computer-readable code or instructions that execute on one or more processors of the first user equipment. In consideration of this disclosure, the coding of software for performing or executing process 2500 is entirely within the scope of those skilled in the art. Process 2500 may include more or fewer operations than those shown and described, and may be performed or executed in a different order. The computer-readable code or instructions of the software executable by one or more processors may be stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as the memory of the first user equipment. In some embodiments, process 2500 may be performed by one or more units or modules (e.g., integrated circuits) of the first user equipment, such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) or application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs).

[0405] Process 2500 includes operation 2502: receiving an SCI having a first sidelink (SL) control information (SCI) format. The SCI indicates the scheduling of SL positioning (SL-POS) reference signals. The SCI includes SL-POS reference signal resource information. In some embodiments, the SCI also includes a format field indicating the SCI format and a field indicating a second SCI format. In some embodiments, the second SCI format indicates scheduling information for a shared channel.

[0406] Processing 2500 also includes operation 2504: receiving the SL-POS reference signal based on the SL-POS reference signal resource information.

[0407] Process 2500 further includes operation 2506: transmitting the shared channel according to the scheduling information of the shared channel. In some embodiments, the received SCI and / or SL-POS reference signals can be used to transmit the shared channel accordingly.

[0408] In some embodiments, the SL-POS reference signal resource information includes at least one of an SL-POS reference signal resource identifier and an SL-POS reference signal request. The SL-POS reference signal resource identifier is used to identify a specific SL-POS configuration among the one or more SL-POS configurations.

[0409] In some embodiments, the SCI includes the index in the first part. The first part may be processed at least before the second part of the SCI. Additionally or alternatively, the second part may include indicators in a second SCI format and fields in a second SCI format.

[0410] In some embodiments, the indicator includes a value represented by a certain number of bits. For example, in some embodiments, the indicator includes a two-bit value. In some embodiments, the indicator includes a three-bit value. In some embodiments, the indicator includes a four-bit value.

[0411] In some embodiments, a first combination of bits in the indicator indicates a first level 2 SCI format. For example, the first bit combination may correspond to SCI format 2-A. A second combination of bits in the indicator may indicate a second level 2 SCI format. For example, the second bit combination may correspond to SCI format 2-B.

[0412] In some embodiments, the SCI includes a request field. The value in the request field can indicate whether to send an SL-POS reference signal based on the configuration provided by the upper layer.

[0413] In some embodiments, the SCI includes a priority at least associated with the SL-POS reference signal. Priority data may include different priorities for different SL-POS reference signals or other data. In some embodiments, the priority is associated with the SL-POS reference signal and is a first priority. The SCI may include a second priority associated with other PSSCH data associated with the shared channel. The priority of the multiplexed slots of the shared channel can be assigned according to multiple priorities. For example, in some embodiments, the assigned priority is the higher of the first and second priorities.

[0414] In some embodiments, the other PSSCH data and SL-POS reference signal are transmitted in the same time slot.

[0415] Figure 26An exemplary process 2600 is depicted. In some embodiments, process 2600 is performed by a first user equipment, such as a receiving user equipment. The first user equipment may include devices configured according to the devices discussed throughout as embodiments of this disclosure. In some embodiments, the first user equipment includes computer-readable code or instructions that execute on one or more processors of the first user equipment. In consideration of this disclosure, the coding of software for performing or executing process 2600 is entirely within the scope of those skilled in the art. Process 2600 may include more or fewer operations than those shown and described, and may be performed or executed in a different order. The computer-readable code or instructions of the software executable by one or more processors may be stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as the memory of the first user equipment. In some embodiments, process 2600 may be executed by one or more units or modules (e.g., integrated circuits) of the first user equipment, such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) or application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs).

[0416] Process 2600 includes operation 2602: receiving a first multiplexed transmission of multiple sidelink (SL) control information (SCIs) associated with one or more other UEs and multiple modulation reference signals (DMRSs). Each DMRS is used for decoding the corresponding SCI among the multiple SCIs. In this respect, each SCI associated with a particular UE may correspond to a specific DMRS associated with that particular UE. For example, in some embodiments, each SCI is a single-level SCI. The first multiplexed transmission may include data multiplexed to each other by time division multiplexing or another type of multiplexing (e.g., frequency division multiplexing).

[0417] Process 2600 further includes operation 2604: receiving a second multiplexed transmission of a plurality of SL positioning (SL-POS) reference signals associated with one or more other UEs. In some embodiments, each SL-POS reference signal is configured according to at least one SL-POS configuration. Each SL-POS reference signal may correspond to a specific SCI among the plurality of received SCIs. The second multiplexed transmission may include data multiplexed to each other by time division multiplexing or another type of multiplexing (e.g., frequency division multiplexing). It should be understood that the multiplexing type used for the second multiplexed transmission may be different from the multiplexing type used for the first multiplexed transmission, or may be the same in some embodiments.

[0418] Process 2600 further includes operation 2606: using the first multiplexing to determine a plurality of SCIs at least by decoding the first multiplexed transmission. In this regard, the first multiplexing can be used to decode the first multiplexed transmission. In some embodiments, the first multiplexing includes time-division multiplexing or another type of multiplexing (e.g., frequency-division multiplexing). The plurality of SCIs obtained by decoding the multiplexed transmission may include each SCI associated with a particular UE.

[0419] Process 2600 further includes operation 2608: determining a plurality of SL-POS reference signals using time-division multiplexing at least by decoding a second multiplexed transmission. The plurality of SL-POS reference signals correspond to a plurality of SCIs associated with the one or more other UEs. In some embodiments, the SL-POS corresponding to a particular SCI can be determined based on information from a particular SCI corresponding to that UE.

[0420] In some embodiments, a first SL-POS reference signal associated with a first other UE is received, the first SL-POS reference signal being time-division multiplexed and a second SL-POS reference signal associated with a second other UE is multiplexed.

[0421] In some embodiments, the first multiplexing is frequency division multiplexing. In other embodiments, the first multiplexing is time division multiplexing. It should be understood that any multiplexing method can be used.

[0422] In some embodiments, the SCI and DMRS are transmitted in the same time slot as the at least one SL-POS reference signal. Data can be multiplexed to achieve such simultaneous time-slot transmission.

[0423] In some embodiments, each SCI is mapped to a corresponding SL-POS reference signal among the at least one SL-POS reference signals. In this regard, an SCI and a corresponding SL-POS reference signal can be mapped for each of the at least one UE, such that each UE corresponds to a specific SCI and a specific corresponding SL-POS reference signal.

[0424] In some embodiments, an automatic gain control (AGC) symbol and a protection symbol are provided between at least two consecutively transmitted SL-POS reference signals. Such symbols thus distinguish the signals. In some embodiments, the AGC symbol includes a copy of the SL-POS reference signal or another first SL-POS reference signal.

[0425] In some embodiments, the SCI has a first SCI configuration. The first SCI configuration includes at least one bit that triggers a request to send the corresponding SL-POS reference signal.

[0426] It should be understood that one or more operations in the methods of the embodiments provided herein can be performed by corresponding units or modules. For example, a signal can be sent by a sending unit or sending module. A signal can be received by a receiving unit or receiving module. A signal can be processed by a processing unit or processing module. Other operations can be performed by: an execution unit or module, a generation unit or module, an acquisition unit or module, a setting unit or module, an adjustment unit or module, an addition unit or module, a reduction unit or module, a determination unit or module, a modification unit or module, a reduction unit or module, a deletion unit or module, or a selection unit or module. The corresponding units or modules can be hardware, software, or a combination thereof. For example, one or more of these units or modules can be integrated circuits, such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) or application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs).

[0427] While this specification has been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, the scope of this disclosure is not intended to be limited to the specific embodiments described herein, as those skilled in the art will readily recognize from this disclosure that existing or later-developed processes, machines, articles of mass, components, methods, or operations can perform substantially the same functions or achieve substantially the same results as the corresponding embodiments described herein. Accordingly, the scope of the appended claims is intended to include such processes, machines, articles of mass, components, methods, or operations.

[0428] It should be understood that one or more operations in the embodiments provided herein can be performed by corresponding units or modules. For example, a signal can be transmitted by a transmitting unit or transmitting module. A signal can be received by a receiving unit or receiving module. A signal can be processed by a processing unit or processing module. Other operations can be performed by: an SCI transmitting unit / module, an SL-POS reference signal transmitting unit / module, a shared channel transmitting unit / module, an SCI receiving unit / module, an SL-POS reference signal receiving unit / module, an SCI decoding determination unit / module, an SL-POS reference signal decoding determination unit / module, a multiplexing module, and / or a demultiplexing unit / module. The corresponding units / modules can be hardware, software, or a combination thereof. For example, one or more of these units / modules can be integrated circuits, such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) or application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs).

[0429] While this specification has been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, the scope of this disclosure is not intended to be limited to the specific embodiments described herein, as those skilled in the art will readily recognize from this disclosure that existing or later-developed processes, machines, articles of mass, components, methods, or operations can perform substantially the same functions or achieve substantially the same results as the corresponding embodiments described herein. Accordingly, the scope of the appended claims is intended to include such processes, machines, articles of mass, components, methods, or operations.

Claims

1. A method, characterized in that, include: The first user equipment (UE) transmits sidelink SL control information (SCI) on the physical side link shared channel (PSSCH). The SCI has a first SCI format and indicates the scheduling of the SL positioning SL-POS reference signal. The SCI includes SL-POS reference signal resource information. The SCI includes a format field indicating the second SCI format and fields indicating the second SCI format. The second SCI format indicates the scheduling information for the shared channel; The first UE transmits the SL-POS reference signal and the shared channel according to the SCI.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The SL-POS reference signal resource information includes at least one of the SL-POS reference signal resource identifier or SL-POS reference signal request.

3. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that, The first SCI format and the second SCI format are level 2 SCI formats, and the second SCI format is either SCI format 2-A or SCI format 2-B.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The SCI includes a priority that is at least associated with the SL-POS reference signal.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The priority associated with at least the SL-POS reference signal includes a first priority, and the SCI includes a second priority associated with other physical-side link shared channel (PSSCH) data associated with the shared channel. The priority of the multiplexed slot is assigned to the higher of the first priority and the second priority.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The other PSSCH data and the SL-POS reference signal are transmitted in the same time slot.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, Before sending the SCI, the method further includes: The first UE transmits a first-level SCI having a second-level SCI format field indicating the first SCI format, wherein the first SCI format is SCI format 2-D.

8. A method, characterized in that, include: The first user equipment (UE) uses the first multiplexed transmit-side line link control information (SCI) and the demodulation reference signal (DMRS) for SCI decoding; The first UE uses time-division multiplexing to send the SL positioning SL-POS reference signal according to the SL-POS configuration. The SL-POS reference signal includes a first SL-POS reference signal among at least one SL-POS reference signals associated with at least one UE, the at least one UE including the first UE, and the SCI including the first SCI among at least one SCI associated with the at least one UE. Each of the at least one SL-POS reference signals is associated with a corresponding SCI in the at least one SCI, and each corresponding SL-POS reference signal and corresponding SCI is associated with a corresponding UE in the at least one UE. The first SCI is multiplexed with each other SCI using the first multiplexing.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, Sending the at least one SL-POS reference signal includes: The first SL-POS reference signal is transmitted, and the first SL-POS reference signal is multiplexed by the time division multiplexing and the second SL-POS reference signal associated with the second UE.

10. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 9, characterized in that, The first multiplexing includes frequency division multiplexing.

11. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 9, characterized in that, The first multiplexing includes the time-division multiplexing.

12. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that, The SCI and the DMRS are transmitted in the same time slot as the at least one SL-POS reference signal.

13. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that, The SCI includes single-level SCI.

14. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 13, characterized in that, For each of at least one UE, each SCI is mapped to the corresponding SL-POS reference signal in the at least one SL-POS reference signal.

15. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 14, characterized in that, Automatic gain control (AGC) symbols and protection symbols are provided between at least two consecutively transmitted SL-POS reference signals.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The AGC symbol includes a copy of the SL-POS reference signal.

17. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 16, characterized in that, The SCI has a first SCI configuration, which includes at least one bit of the SL-POS reference signal that triggers the request to transmit.

18. A method, characterized in that, include: The first user equipment (UE) receives sidelink SL control information (SCI) on the physical side link shared channel (PSSCH). The SCI has a first SCI format and indicates the scheduling of the SL positioning SL-POS reference signal. The SCI includes SL-POS reference signal resource information. The SCI includes a format field indicating the second SCI format and fields indicating the second SCI format. The second SCI format indicates the scheduling information for the shared channel; The first UE receives the SL-POS reference signal and the shared channel according to the SCI.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, The SL-POS reference signal resource information includes at least one of the SL-POS reference signal resource identifier or SL-POS reference signal request.

20. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 19, characterized in that, The first SCI format and the second SCI format are level 2 SCI formats, and the second SCI format is either SCI format 2-A or SCI format 2-B.

21. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 20, characterized in that, The SCI includes a priority associated with the SL-POS reference signal.

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that, The priority associated with at least the SL-POS reference signal includes a first priority, and the SCI includes a second priority associated with at least other physical side link shared channel PSSCH data associated with the shared channel. The priority of the multiplexed slot is assigned to the higher of the first priority and the second priority.

23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that, The other PSSCH data and the SL-POS reference signal are transmitted in the same time slot.

24. A method, characterized in that, include: The first user equipment (UE) receives a first multiplexed transmission of multiple sidelink SL control information (SCI) and multiple demodulation reference signals (DMRS) associated with one or more other UEs. Each DMRS is used to decode the corresponding SCI among the plurality of SCIs; The first UE receives a second multiplexed transmission of multiple SL positioning SL-POS reference signals associated with the one or more other UEs. Each SL-POS reference signal is configured according to at least one SL-POS configuration. The first UE uses the first multiplexing to determine the plurality of SCIs at least by decoding the first multiplexing transmission; The first UE uses time-division multiplexing to determine the plurality of SL-POS reference signals at least by decoding the second multiplexed transmission. The plurality of SL-POS reference signals correspond to the plurality of SCIs associated with the one or more other UEs.

25. The method according to claim 24, characterized in that, Receiving the first multiplexed transmission of the plurality of SCIs associated with one or more other UEs includes: Receive a first SL-POS reference signal associated with a first other UE, the first SL-POS reference signal being multiplexed by the time division multiplexing and a second SL-POS reference signal associated with a second other UE.

26. The method according to any one of claims 24 to 25, characterized in that, The first multiplexing includes frequency division multiplexing.

27. The method according to any one of claims 24 to 25, characterized in that, The first multiplexing includes the time-division multiplexing.

28. The method according to any one of claims 24 to 27, characterized in that, The SCI and the DMRS are transmitted in the same time slot as the plurality of SL-POS reference signals.

29. The method according to any one of claims 24 to 28, characterized in that, The SCI includes single-level SCI.

30. The method according to any one of claims 24 to 29, characterized in that, For each of the one or more other UEs, each SCI is mapped to the corresponding SL-POS reference signal among the plurality of SL-POS reference signals.

31. The method according to any one of claims 24 to 30, characterized in that, Using time-division multiplexing to determine the plurality of SL-POS reference signals is based on providing automatic gain control (AGC) symbols and protection symbols between at least two consecutive SL-POS reference signals, at least by decoding the second multiplexed transmission.

32. The method according to claim 31, characterized in that, The AGC symbol includes a copy of the first SL-POS reference signal among the plurality of SL-POS reference signals.

33. The method according to any one of claims 24 to 32, characterized in that, The SCI has a first SCI configuration, which includes at least one bit of the SL-POS reference signal that triggers the request to transmit.

34. An apparatus, characterized in that, The device includes at least one processor and at least one non-transient memory, the at least one non-transient memory storing computer program instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the device to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 33.

35. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The device stores computer program instructions that, when executed by the device, cause the device to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 33.

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