Enhancement of sidelink positioning reference signal transmission for sidelink positioning

Abstract

Example embodiments of the present disclosure relate to enhancements in sidelink (SL) positioning reference signal (PRS) transmissions for sidelink positioning. In one aspect, a first terminal device obtains configuration information on a resource pool for sidelink (SL) positioning reference signal (PRS) transmission. And then, the first terminal equipment sends the at least one SL PRS to the second terminal equipment based on the configuration information. Thus, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a more flexible SL PRS transmission scheme to flexibly multiplex SL PRS transmissions from different UEs for improving interference mitigation and increasing resource efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The exemplary embodiments of this disclosure relate generally to the field of communications, and more specifically to terminal devices, network devices, apparatuses, and computer-readable storage media for enhancing the transmission of side-link (SL) positioning reference signals (PRS) for side-link positioning. Background Technology

[0002] Sidelink (SL) positioning can be based on the transmission and / or reception of SL positioning reference signals (PRS) by multiple anchor user equipment (UEs) and target UEs, using methods such as SL time difference of arrival (TDOA) or SL (multiple) round-trip time (RTT) methods, to enable the positioning of the target UE and / or the ranging of the target UE relative to a reference UE (such as the anchor UE) within the precise delay and accuracy requirements of the corresponding SL positioning.

[0003] The time slot structure in the dedicated SL PRS resource pool used for current SL PRS transmission is static, which is unsuitable for various positioning scenarios. A more flexible SL PRS transmission scheme still needs to be designed to flexibly reuse SL PRS transmissions from different UEs, thereby mitigating interference and improving resource efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Typically, exemplary embodiments of this disclosure provide a solution for enhancing the transmission of a side link (SL) positioning reference signal (PRS) for side link positioning.

[0005] In a first aspect, a first terminal device is provided. The first terminal device includes: at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the terminal device to at least: obtain configuration information regarding a resource pool for lateral link (SL) positioning reference signal (PRS) transmission, wherein the configuration information indicates at least one of the following: (i) multiple time division multiplexing (TDM) durations for SL PRS transmissions from multiple terminal devices, wherein automatic gain control (AGC) symbols precede and are shared across the multiple TDM durations, and the multiple terminal devices are configured to transmit in AGC symbols; (ii) a first TDM duration, during which the terminal devices are configured to allow the initiation of at least one SL PRS transmission in a symbol of the first TDM duration, and / or allow transmission in an AGC symbol preceding the first TDM duration, wherein the symbol for initiating at least one SL PRS transmission is not the earliest symbol of the TDM duration; (iii) a second TDM duration, during which the terminal devices are configured to allow transmission of at least one SL PRS transmission in a portion of a symbol of the second TDM duration at the beginning of the second TDM duration. PRS, and / or allow transmission in AGC symbols prior to the second TDM duration; or (iv) the third TDM duration, during which the terminal device is configured to allow transmission of at least one SL PRS based on the comb tooth size of the comb tooth-based frequency domain structure, wherein the comb tooth size is a multiple of the configured comb tooth size; and transmit at least one SL PRS to the second terminal device based on configuration information.

[0006] In a second aspect, a second terminal device is provided. The second terminal device includes: at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the second terminal device to at least: obtain configuration information regarding a resource pool for lateral link (SL) positioning reference signal (PRS) transmission, wherein the configuration information indicates at least one of the following: (i) multiple time division multiplexing (TDM) durations for SL PRS transmissions from multiple terminal devices, wherein automatic gain control (AGC) symbols precede and are shared across the multiple TDM durations, and the multiple terminal devices are configured to transmit in AGC symbols; (ii) a first TDM duration, during which the terminal devices are configured to allow the initiation of at least one SL PRS transmission in a symbol of the first TDM duration, and / or allow transmission in an AGC symbol preceding the first TDM duration, wherein the symbol for initiating at least one SL PRS transmission is not the earliest symbol of the TDM duration; (iii) a second TDM duration, during which the terminal devices are configured to allow transmission of at least one SL PRS transmission in a portion of a symbol of the second TDM duration at the beginning of the second TDM duration. PRS, and / or allow transmission in AGC symbols prior to the second TDM duration; or (iv) the third TDM duration, during which the terminal device is configured to allow transmission of at least one SL PRS based on the comb tooth size of a comb tooth-based frequency domain structure, wherein the comb tooth size is a multiple of the configured comb tooth size; and receive at least one SL PRS from the first terminal device based on configuration information.

[0007] In a third aspect, a network device is provided. The network device includes: at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the network device to at least: determine configuration information regarding a resource pool for lateral link (SL) positioning reference signal (PRS) transmission, wherein the configuration information indicates at least one of the following: (i) multiple time division multiplexing (TDM) durations for SL PRS transmissions from multiple terminal devices, wherein automatic gain control (AGC) symbols precede and are shared across the multiple TDM durations, and the multiple terminal devices are configured to transmit in AGC symbols; (ii) a first TDM duration, during which the terminal devices are configured to allow the initiation of at least one SL PRS transmission in a symbol of the first TDM duration, and / or allow transmission in an AGC symbol preceding the first TDM duration, wherein the symbol for initiating at least one SL PRS transmission is not the earliest symbol of the TDM duration; (iii) a second TDM duration, during which the terminal devices are configured to allow transmission of at least one SL PRS transmission in a portion of a symbol of the second TDM duration at the beginning of the second TDM duration. PRS, and / or allow transmission in AGC symbols prior to the second TDM duration; or (iv) the third TDM duration, during which the terminal device is configured to allow transmission of at least one SL PRS based on the comb tooth size of a comb tooth-based frequency domain structure, wherein the comb tooth size is a multiple of the configured comb tooth size; and to transmit configuration information to at least one terminal device.

[0008] In a fourth aspect, a method is provided. The method includes: obtaining configuration information regarding a resource pool for sidechain (SL) positioning reference signal (PRS) transmission, wherein the configuration information indicates at least one of the following: (i) multiple time-division multiplexing (TDM) durations for SL PRS transmissions from multiple terminal devices, wherein automatic gain control (AGC) symbols precede and are shared across the multiple TDM durations, and the multiple terminal devices are configured to transmit in AGC symbols; (ii) a first TDM duration, during which the terminal devices are configured to allow the initiation of at least one SL PRS transmission in a symbol of the first TDM duration, and / or allow transmission in an AGC symbol preceding the first TDM duration, wherein the symbol for initiating at least one SL PRS transmission is not the earliest symbol of the TDM duration; and (iii) a second TDM duration, during which the terminal devices are configured to allow transmission of at least one SL PRS in a portion of a symbol of the second TDM duration at the beginning of the second TDM duration. PRS, and / or allow transmission in AGC symbols prior to the second TDM duration; or (iv) the third TDM duration, during which the terminal device is configured to allow transmission of at least one SL PRS based on the comb tooth size of the comb tooth-based frequency domain structure, wherein the comb tooth size is a multiple of the configured comb tooth size; and to transmit at least one SLPRS to the second terminal device based on configuration information.

[0009] In a fifth aspect, a method is provided. The method includes: obtaining configuration information regarding a resource pool for lateral link (SL) positioning reference signal (PRS) transmissions, wherein the configuration information indicates at least one of the following: (i) multiple time division multiplexing (TDM) durations for SL PRS transmissions from multiple terminal devices, wherein automatic gain control (AGC) symbols precede and are shared across the multiple TDM durations, and the multiple terminal devices are configured to transmit in AGC symbols; (ii) a first TDM duration, during which the terminal devices are configured to allow the initiation of at least one SL PRS transmission in a symbol of the first TDM duration, and / or allow transmission in an AGC symbol preceding the first TDM duration, wherein the symbol for initiating at least one SL PRS transmission is not the earliest symbol of the TDM duration; and (iii) a second TDM duration, during which the terminal devices are configured to allow transmission of at least one SL PRS transmission in a portion of a symbol of the second TDM duration at the beginning of the second TDM duration. PRS, and / or allow transmission in AGC symbols prior to the second TDM duration; or (iv) the third TDM duration, during which the terminal device is configured to allow transmission of at least one SLPRS based on the comb tooth size of a comb tooth-based frequency domain structure, wherein the comb tooth size is a multiple of the configured comb tooth size; and receive at least one SL PRS from the first terminal device based on configuration information.

[0010] In a sixth aspect, a method is provided. The method includes: at a network device, determining configuration information regarding a resource pool for lateral link (SL) positioning reference signal (PRS) transmission, wherein the configuration information indicates at least one of the following: (i) multiple time division multiplexing (TDM) durations for SL PRS transmissions from multiple terminal devices, wherein automatic gain control (AGC) symbols precede and are shared across the multiple TDM durations, and the multiple terminal devices are configured to transmit in AGC symbols; (ii) a first TDM duration, during which the terminal devices are configured to allow the initiation of at least one SL PRS transmission in a symbol of the first TDM duration, and / or allow transmission in an AGC symbol preceding the first TDM duration, wherein the symbol for initiating at least one SL PRS transmission is not the earliest symbol of the TDM duration; and (iii) a second TDM duration, during which the terminal devices are configured to allow transmission of at least one SL PRS transmission in a portion of a symbol of the second TDM duration at the beginning of the second TDM duration. PRS, and / or allow transmission in AGC symbols prior to the second TDM duration; or (iv) the third TDM duration, during which the terminal device is configured to allow transmission of at least one SL PRS based on the comb tooth size of a comb tooth-based frequency domain structure, wherein the comb tooth size is a multiple of the configured comb tooth size; and to transmit configuration information to at least one terminal device.

[0011] In a seventh aspect, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes: components for obtaining configuration information regarding a resource pool for lateral link (SL) positioning reference signal (PRS) transmission, wherein the configuration information indicates at least one of the following: (i) multiple time division multiplexing (TDM) durations for SL PRS transmissions from multiple terminal devices, wherein automatic gain control (AGC) symbols precede and are shared across the multiple TDM durations, and the multiple terminal devices are configured to transmit in AGC symbols; (ii) a first TDM duration, during which the terminal devices are configured to allow the initiation of at least one SL PRS transmission in a symbol of the first TDM duration, and / or allow transmission in an AGC symbol preceding the first TDM duration, wherein the initiation of at least one SL PRS transmission is... The symbol transmitted by the PRS is not the earliest symbol of the TDM duration; (iii) a second TDM duration, during which the terminal device is configured to allow transmission of at least one SLPRS in a portion of the symbols of the second TDM duration at the beginning of the second TDM duration, and / or allow transmission in the AGC symbols preceding the second TDM duration; or (iv) a third TDM duration, during which the terminal device is configured to allow transmission of at least one SL PRS based on the comb tooth size of a comb tooth-based frequency domain structure, wherein the comb tooth size is a multiple of the configured comb tooth size; and a component for transmitting at least one SL PRS to the second terminal device based on configuration information.

[0012] In an eighth aspect, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes: a component for obtaining configuration information regarding a resource pool for lateral link (SL) positioning reference signal (PRS) transmission, wherein the configuration information indicates at least one of the following: (i) multiple time division multiplexing (TDM) durations for SL PRS transmissions from multiple terminal devices, wherein automatic gain control (AGC) symbols precede and are shared across the multiple TDM durations, and the multiple terminal devices are configured to transmit in AGC symbols; (ii) a first TDM duration, during which the terminal devices are configured to allow the initiation of at least one SL PRS transmission in a symbol of the first TDM duration, and / or allow transmission in an AGC symbol preceding the first TDM duration, wherein the symbol for initiating at least one SL PRS transmission is not the earliest symbol of the TDM duration; (iii) a second TDM duration, during which the terminal devices are configured to allow transmission of at least one SL PRS in a portion of a symbol of the second TDM duration at the beginning of the second TDM duration. PRS, and / or allow transmission in AGC symbols prior to the second TDM duration; or (iv) the third TDM duration, during which the terminal device is configured to allow transmission of at least one SL PRS based on the comb tooth size of a comb tooth-based frequency domain structure, wherein the comb tooth size is a multiple of the configured comb tooth size; and components for receiving at least one SL PRS from the first terminal device based on configuration information.

[0013] In a ninth aspect, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes: a component at a network device for determining configuration information regarding a resource pool for lateral link (SL) positioning reference signal (PRS) transmission, wherein the configuration information indicates at least one of the following: (i) multiple time division multiplexing (TDM) durations for SL PRS transmissions from multiple terminal devices, wherein automatic gain control (AGC) symbols precede and are shared across the multiple TDM durations, and the multiple terminal devices are configured to transmit in AGC symbols; (ii) a first TDM duration, during which the terminal devices are configured to allow the initiation of at least one SL PRS transmission in a symbol of the first TDM duration, and / or allow transmission in an AGC symbol preceding the first TDM duration, wherein the symbol for initiating at least one SL PRS transmission is not the earliest symbol of the TDM duration; and (iii) a second TDM duration, during which the terminal devices are configured to allow transmission of at least one SL PRS transmission in a portion of a symbol of the second TDM duration at the beginning of the second TDM duration. PRS, and / or allow transmission in AGC symbols prior to the second TDM duration; or (iv) the third TDM duration, during which the terminal device is configured to allow transmission of at least one SL PRS based on the comb tooth size of a comb tooth-based frequency domain structure, wherein the comb tooth size is a multiple of the configured comb tooth size; and a component for transmitting configuration information to at least one terminal device.

[0014] In a tenth aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided, comprising program instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the methods of the fourth, fifth, and sixth aspects.

[0015] In the eleventh aspect, a computer program is provided. The computer program includes instructions that, when executed by a device, cause the device to perform at least the methods of the fourth, fifth, and sixth aspects.

[0016] In a twelfth aspect, a first terminal device is provided. The first terminal device includes: an acquisition circuitry configured to acquire configuration information regarding a resource pool for lateral link (SL) positioning reference signal (PRS) transmission, wherein the configuration information indicates at least one of the following: (i) multiple time division multiplexing (TDM) durations for SL PRS transmissions from multiple terminal devices, wherein automatic gain control (AGC) symbols precede and are shared across the multiple TDM durations, and the multiple terminal devices are configured to transmit in AGC symbols; (ii) a first TDM duration, during which the terminal devices are configured to allow the initiation of at least one SL PRS transmission in a symbol of the first TDM duration, and / or allow transmission in an AGC symbol preceding the first TDM duration, wherein the symbol for initiating at least one SL PRS transmission is not the earliest symbol of the TDM duration; and (iii) a second TDM duration, during which the terminal devices are configured to allow transmission of at least one SL PRS in a portion of a symbol of the second TDM duration at the beginning of the second TDM duration. PRS, and / or allow transmission in AGC symbols prior to the second TDM duration; or (iv) the third TDM duration, during which the terminal device is configured to allow transmission of at least one SL PRS based on the comb tooth size of a comb tooth-based frequency domain structure, wherein the comb tooth size is a multiple of the configured comb tooth size; and a transmission circuitry system configured to transmit at least one SL PRS to the second terminal device based on configuration information.

[0017] In a thirteenth aspect, a second terminal device is provided. The second terminal device includes: an acquisition circuitry configured to acquire configuration information regarding a resource pool for lateral link (SL) positioning reference signal (PRS) transmission, wherein the configuration information indicates at least one of the following: (i) multiple time division multiplexing (TDM) durations for SL PRS transmissions from multiple terminal devices, wherein automatic gain control (AGC) symbols precede and are shared across the multiple TDM durations, and the multiple terminal devices are configured to transmit in AGC symbols; (ii) a first TDM duration, during which the terminal devices are configured to allow the initiation of at least one SL PRS transmission in a symbol of the first TDM duration, and / or allow transmission in an AGC symbol preceding the first TDM duration, wherein the symbol for initiating at least one SL PRS transmission is not the earliest symbol of the TDM duration; and (iii) a second TDM duration, during which the terminal devices are configured to allow transmission of at least one SL PRS in a portion of a symbol of the second TDM duration at the beginning of the second TDM duration. PRS, and / or allow transmission in AGC symbols prior to the second TDM duration; or (iv) the third TDM duration, during which the terminal device is configured to allow transmission of at least one SL PRS based on the comb tooth size of a comb tooth-based frequency domain structure, wherein the comb tooth size is a multiple of the configured comb tooth size; and a receiving circuitry system configured to receive at least one SL PRS from the first terminal device based on configuration information.

[0018] In a fourteenth aspect, a network device is provided. The network device includes: a determining circuit system configured to determine configuration information regarding a resource pool for lateral link (SL) positioning reference signal (PRS) transmission, wherein the configuration information indicates at least one of the following: (i) multiple time division multiplexing (TDM) durations for SL PRS transmissions from multiple terminal devices, wherein automatic gain control (AGC) symbols precede and are shared across the multiple TDM durations, and the multiple terminal devices are configured to transmit in AGC symbols; (ii) a first TDM duration, during which the terminal devices are configured to allow the initiation of at least one SL PRS transmission in a symbol of the first TDM duration, and / or allow transmission in an AGC symbol preceding the first TDM duration, wherein the symbol for initiating at least one SL PRS transmission is not the earliest symbol of the TDM duration; and (iii) a second TDM duration, during which the terminal devices are configured to allow transmission of at least one SL PRS transmission in a portion of a symbol of the second TDM duration at the beginning of the second TDM duration. PRS, and / or allow transmission in AGC symbols prior to the second TDM duration; or (iv) the third TDM duration, during which the terminal device is configured to allow transmission of at least one SL PRS based on the comb tooth size of a comb tooth-based frequency domain structure, wherein the comb tooth size is a multiple of the configured comb tooth size; and a transmission circuitry system configured to transmit configuration information to at least one terminal device.

[0019] It should be understood that the summary section is not intended to identify key or essential features of the embodiments of this disclosure, nor is it intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Other features of this disclosure will become readily apparent from the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Some exemplary embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0021] Figure 1A The illustration shows an example communication system in which some example embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented;

[0022] Figure 1B The illustration shows a typical example of the time slot structure in a dedicated SL PRS resource pool associated with some example embodiments of this disclosure;

[0023] Figure 2 The illustration shows an example of a process flow for enhancing SL PRS transmission for sidechain positioning according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 3The illustration shows an example of a time slot structure in a SL PRS resource pool according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 4 The illustration shows another example of the slot structure of a slot in an SL PRS resource pool according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 5 The illustrations depict exemplary application scenarios for SL PRS transmissions according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 6 The illustration shows another example of the slot structure of a slot in an SL PRS resource pool according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 7 The illustrations depict exemplary application scenarios for SL PRS transmissions according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 8 The illustration shows another example of the slot structure of a slot in an SL PRS resource pool according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 9 The illustration shows another example of the slot structure of a slot in an SL PRS resource pool according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 10 The illustration shows examples of methods implemented at a first terminal device according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 11 The illustration shows examples of methods implemented at a second terminal device according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 12 The illustrations show examples of methods implemented at a network device according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 13 The illustration shows a simplified block diagram of a device suitable for implementing some example embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0035] Figure 14 A block diagram illustrating an example of a computer-readable medium according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0036] Throughout the accompanying drawings, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The principles of this disclosure will now be described with reference to some exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are described for illustrative purposes only and to help those skilled in the art to understand and implement this disclosure, and do not imply any limitation on the scope of this disclosure. The disclosure described herein can be implemented in various other ways besides those described below.

[0038] In the following description and claims, unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains.

[0039] In this disclosure, references to "an embodiment," "embodiment," and "example embodiment," etc., indicate that the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment is required to include that particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Moreover, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is understood that, whether explicitly described or not, in combination with other embodiments, influencing such a feature, structure, or characteristic is within the knowledge of those skilled in the art.

[0040] It should be understood that although the terms “first” and “second”, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the exemplary embodiments, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed terms.

[0041] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” used herein are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “has,” “having,” “includes,” and / or “including,” when used herein, specify the presence of the stated features, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof. As used herein, “at least one of the following: ” and “<at least one of a list of two or more elements>” and similar wording (where a list of two or more elements is connected by “and” or “or”) means at least any one of the elements, or at least any two or more of the elements, or at least all of the elements.

[0042] As used in this application, the term "circuit system" may refer to one or more or all of the following: (a) Hardware circuit implementation only (such as implementation of analog and / or digital circuit systems only), and (b) A combination of hardware circuitry and software, such as (if applicable): (i) A combination of (multiple) analog and / or digital hardware circuits and software / firmware, and (ii) Any part of a hardware processor (including multiple digital signal processors), software, and memory (multiple processors) having software, which work together to enable a device (such as a mobile phone or server) to perform various functions, and (c) (Multiple) hardware circuits and / or (multiple) processors, such as (multiple) microprocessors or portions of (multiple) microprocessors, which require software (e.g., firmware) for operation, but may not exist when the software is not required for operation.

[0043] The definition of "circuit system" is suitable for all uses of the term in this application, including in any claim. As another example, as used in this application, the term "circuit system" also covers only the hardware circuitry or processor (or multiple processors) or portions of the hardware circuitry or processor and its accompanying software and / or firmware implementation. For example, if applicable to a particular claim symbol, the term "circuit system" also covers baseband integrated circuits or processor integrated circuits for mobile devices, or similar integrated circuits in servers, cellular network devices, or other computing or network devices.

[0044] As used herein, the term "communication network" refers to a network that conforms to any suitable communication standard, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-A, Wideband Code Division Multiplexing (WCDMA), High-Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), etc. Furthermore, communication between terminal devices and network devices in a communication network can be performed according to any suitable generation of communication protocols, including but not limited to fourth-generation (4G), 4.5G, future fifth-generation (5G) communication protocols, and / or any other protocols currently known or to be developed in the future. Embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to various communication systems. Given the rapid development of communications, there will naturally be communication technologies and systems that embody future types of this disclosure. This should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure to the systems described above.

[0045] As used herein, the term "network device" refers to a node in a communication network through which terminal devices access the network and receive services. Network device can refer to a base station (BS) or access point (AP), such as a Node B (NodeB or NB), an evolved Node B (eNodeB or eNB), an NR NB (also known as a gNB), a Remote Radio Unit (RRU), a Radio Header (RH), a Remote Radio Header (RRH), a relay, integration, and access backhaul (IAB) node, a low-power node (such as a femtosecond or picosecond), a non-terrestrial network (NTN), or non-terrestrial network equipment (such as satellite network equipment, low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites and geostationary orbit (GEO) satellites, aircraft network equipment, etc.), depending on the terminology and technology used.

[0046] The term "terminal device" refers to any terminal device capable of wireless communication. As an example and not a limitation, a terminal device may also be referred to as a communication device, user equipment (UE), subscriber station (SS), portable subscriber station, mobile station (MS), or access terminal (AT). Terminal devices can include, but are not limited to, mobile phones, cellular phones, smartphones, Voice over IP (VoIP) phones, wireless local loop phones, tablets, wearable terminal devices, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable computers, desktop computers, image acquisition terminal devices (such as digital cameras), gaming terminal devices, music storage and playback devices, in-vehicle wireless terminal devices, wireless endpoints, mobile stations, laptop embedded devices (LEE), laptop mounted devices (LME), USB dongles, smart devices, wireless customer premises equipment (CPE), Internet of Things (IoT) devices, watches or other wearable devices, head-mounted displays (HMDs), vehicles, drones, medical devices and applications (e.g., remote surgery), industrial devices and applications (e.g., robots and / or other wireless devices operating in industrial and / or automated processing chain environments), consumer electronics devices, devices operating on commercial and / or industrial wireless networks, etc. In the following description, the terms "terminal equipment", "communication equipment", and "terminal" are used interchangeably.

[0047] As described above, SL positioning can be based on the transmission of SL PRS by multiple anchor UEs to the target UE through methods such as SL arrival time difference (TDOA) or SL (multiple) round-trip time (RTT) exchange between the anchor UE and the target UE.

[0048] For new radio (NR) positioning in Release (Rel) 18, Work Item Description (WID) RP-223549 has been agreed upon, and it includes the following sidelink positioning: Specifying solutions for supporting sidelink positioning (including ranging) in NR systems. Sidelink positioning specifies SL PRS for supporting sidelink positioning, such that the SL PRS uses a comb-based frequency domain structure (not excluding full resource element (RE) mapping patterns) and a pseudo-random sequence, where existing downlink (DL)-PRS sequences are used as the starting point. Sidelink positioning specifies support for SL PRS bandwidths up to 100 MHz in the Frequency Range (FR) 1 spectrum. SL PRS transmissions in FR2 are not excluded, but specific aspects of FR2 are not specified. Sidelink positioning specifies the use of SL, SL Angle of Arrival (AoA), and SL-TDOA to support measurements for RTT-type solutions.

[0049] Sidelink positioning specifies support for resource allocation for SL PRS, including resource allocation scheme 1 and scheme 2, where scheme 1 corresponds to network-centric SL PRS resource allocation, and scheme 2 corresponds to UE-autonomous SL PRS resource configuration. Regarding the resource allocation mechanism for SL PRS in scheme 2, it is agreed to study and specify support for awareness-based resource allocation and / or random resource selection in RAN1, and to study and specify solutions for congestion control for SL PRS and / or inter-UE coordination for SL-PRS. Sidelink positioning specifies support for resource allocation for shared resource pool sidelink communication and dedicated resource pools for SL PRS. For SL positioning resource pre-configuration or configuration in a shared resource pool with sidelink communication, backward compatibility with legacy NR UEs should be ensured.

[0050] The following are some of the relevant terms used in embodiments of this disclosure. Target UE refers to the UE to be located. In this case, the target UE is located using an SL (such as using a PC5 interface). Anchor UE refers to the UE that supports the location of the target UE, such as by transmitting and / or receiving reference signals for location using the SL interface, and by providing location-related information using the SL interface, etc. Sidelink location refers to locating the UE using reference signals transmitted via the SL (such as a PC5 interface) to obtain absolute position, relative position, or ranging information. Ranging refers to determining the distance and / or direction between the UE (such as the target UE) and another entity (such as the anchor UE). Sidelink location reference signal (SL PRS) refers to a reference signal transmitted via the SL for location purposes. SL PRS pre-configuration or configuration refers to the pre-configured or configured parameters of the SL PRS, such as time-frequency resources, including their bandwidth and period, but not excluding other parameters.

[0051] In this method, SL positioning is based on the transmission of SL PRS sent by multiple anchor UEs and received by a target UE. This method can be the SL Time Difference of Arrival (TDOA) method. Alternatively, it can be an SL (Multiple) Round Trip Time (RTT) method involving SL PRS exchange between the anchor UE and the target UE, enabling the positioning of the target UE and / or ranging from the target UE to a reference UE (such as the anchor UE) within the precise delay and accuracy requirements of the corresponding SL positioning. Those skilled in the art will understand that SL positioning can also be implemented using other methods.

[0052] Regarding SL positioning, the following agreements have been reached to date concerning SL PRS resources: It is generally agreed that SLPRS resources refer to the time-frequency resources within the time slots of a dedicated SL PRS resource pool used for SL PRS transmission, and further research is needed for shared resource pools. Characteristics associated with SL PRS resources include at least: SL PRS resource ID, SL PRS comb offset and associated SL PRS comb size (N), SL PRS start symbol and number of SL PRS symbols (M), and SLPRS frequency domain allocation. Additional parameters may be included when identified, and further research is needed for other time-domain aspects (if any). SL PRS resources are identified by a unique SL PRS resource ID within the time slots of the dedicated SL PRS resource pool. It should be understood that the above does not imply the need for signaling / (pre-)configuration of all these parameters.

[0053] The following protocols regarding the slot structure in dedicated resource pools were reached in RAN1#113. In dedicated resource pools, SL PRS resources are immediately preceded by an Automatic Gain Control (AGC) symbol, unless RAN1 explicitly agrees to exclude the AGC symbol (if any) for specific cases. In dedicated resource pools, SL PRS resources are immediately followed by a gap symbol, at least where the gap symbol corresponds to the last SL symbol of the slot. It should be noted that gaps can be used for Tx / Rx handover at least. Further study (FFS) is required when TDM for multiple SL PRS resources within a slot is enabled in a dedicated resource pool. FFS in other cases and FFS for SL PRS resources in shared resource pools are reserved.

[0054] It is generally agreed that multiple (M, N) pairs within a time slot in a dedicated resource pool are supported only if different (M, N) pairs are always multiplexed to different symbol sets within the time slot via TDM. Only a single (M, N) value can be mapped within a single TDM duration (i.e., one symbol set). For the case of a single (M, N) value between different UEs, Figure 1B The diagram illustrates a typical example of the time slot structure in a dedicated SL PRS resource pool.

[0055] like Figure 1B As shown, after (pre)configuration, the time slot structure is static, for example, a fixed (M, N) within the TDM duration (i.e., the continuous PRS symbol set) of the time slot (where M represents the number of symbols and N represents the comb size). This may not be suitable for various positioning scenarios. Therefore, a more flexible SL PRS transmission scheme still needs to be designed to flexibly reuse SL PRS transmissions from different UEs to improve interference mitigation and resource efficiency.

[0056] In view of the above, some embodiments of this disclosure propose a solution for enhanced SL PRS transmission in a dedicated resource pool for lateral link (SL) positioning reference signal (PRS) transmission, applicable to various positioning scenarios. In this solution, a first terminal device obtains the configuration of the resource pool for lateral link (SL) positioning reference signal (PRS) transmission. The configuration information indicates at least one of the following: (i) multiple time-division multiplexing (TDM) durations for SL PRS transmissions from multiple terminal devices, wherein automatic gain control (AGC) symbols precede and are shared across multiple TDM durations, and the multiple terminal devices are configured to transmit in AGC symbols; (ii) a first TDM duration, in which the terminal devices are configured to allow the initiation of at least one SL PRS transmission in a symbol of the first TDM duration, and / or allow transmission in an AGC symbol preceding the first TDM duration, wherein the symbol used to initiate at least one SL PRS transmission is not the earliest symbol of the TDM duration; (iii) a second TDM duration, in which the terminal devices are configured to allow transmission of at least one SL PRS in a portion of a symbol of the second TDM duration at the beginning of the second TDM duration, and / or allow transmission in an AGC symbol preceding the second TDM duration; or (iv) a third TDM duration, in which the terminal devices are configured to allow transmission of at least one SL PRS based on the comb size of a comb-based frequency domain structure. PRS, where the comb tooth size is a multiple of the configured comb tooth size. Then, the first terminal device sends at least one SL PRS to the second terminal device based on the configuration information.

[0057] In the implementation example, for SL PRS transmissions multiplexed in two consecutive TDMs (time-domain multiplexing), UEs that transmit SL PRS during the latter TDM duration can only transmit in the AGC symbols before the former TDM duration to achieve lower interference and resource efficiency; and for SL PRS transmissions multiplexed within the TDM duration (comb-based multiplexing), UEs can transmit SL PRS only in the first few symbols, or transmit SL PRS in multiples of the configured comb size to reduce interference to other UEs.

[0058] The principles and embodiments of this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, refer to... Figure 1A The illustration shows an example network environment 100 in which example embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented.

[0059] In some embodiments, Figure 1AThe network environment 100 may include a first terminal device 101, a second terminal device 103, a network device 105, a third terminal device 107, and a fourth terminal device 109. The network device 105 can provide a radio access cell through which terminal devices 101, 103, 107, and 109 can communicate. In some example embodiments, the network device 105 may be a gNB providing a 3GPP New Radio (NR) cell.

[0060] Figure 1A The communication system 100 illustrates an SL RTT positioning scenario, in which a second terminal device 103 (such as a target UE) performs SL positioning by individually receiving SL PRS 111, SL PRS 113, and SL PRS 115 from three anchor UEs, including a first terminal device 101, a third terminal device 107, and a fourth terminal device 109, and using the SL RTT method to determine the location of the second terminal device 103 (such as the target UE). Those skilled in the art will understand that the target UE can transmit SL PRS, and the anchor UEs can receive SL PRS. Similarly, those skilled in the art will understand that the target UE can receive SL PRS, and the anchor UEs can transmit SL PRS.

[0061] It should be understood that the number of target UEs and anchor UEs shown in the communication network environment 100 are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the scope of this disclosure. In some example embodiments, the communication network environment 100 may include any number of target UEs and / or any number of anchor UEs. Some example implementations of this disclosure are described below.

[0062] Figure 2 The illustration shows an example of a process flow for enhancing SL PRS transmission for lateral link positioning, according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Reference will be made to this illustration for discussion purposes. Figure 1A Describe signaling flow 200.

[0063] like Figure 2 As shown, the first terminal device 101 obtains (220) configuration information 210. Configuration information 210 indicates at least one of the following configurations. The first configuration (i) may involve multiple time division multiplexing (TDM) durations for SL PRS transmissions from multiple terminal devices respectively. Automatic gain control (AGC) symbols may precede and be shared across multiple TDM durations, and the multiple terminal devices are configured to transmit within AGC symbols.

[0064] The second configuration (ii) may involve a first TDM duration, during which the terminal device is configured to allow the initiation of at least one SL PRS transmission in a symbol of the first TDM duration, and / or allow transmission in an AGC symbol preceding the first TDM duration. The symbol used to initiate at least one SL PRS transmission may not be the earliest symbol of the TDM duration.

[0065] The third configuration (iii) may involve a second TDM duration, during which the terminal device is configured to allow transmission of at least one SL PRS in a portion of the symbols of the second TDM duration at the beginning of the second TDM duration, and / or allow transmission in the AGC symbols prior to the second TDM duration.

[0066] The fourth configuration (iv) may involve a third TDM duration during which the terminal device is configured to transmit at least one SL PRS based on the comb tooth size of a comb-based frequency domain structure, wherein the comb tooth size is a multiple of the configured comb tooth size. Then, the first terminal device 101 transmits (230) at least one PRS 235 to the second terminal device 103 based on the configured information. Therefore, the second terminal device 103 receives (240) at least one PRS 235 from the first terminal device 101.

[0067] In some embodiments, configuration information may indicate multiple time-division multiplexing (TDM) durations for SL PRS transmissions from multiple terminal devices, respectively. Automatic gain control (AGC) symbols may precede and be shared across the multiple TDM durations, and the multiple terminal devices are configured to transmit within the AGC symbols. In some examples, the multiple terminal devices may send corresponding indications (such as indication signals) to a second terminal device 103 within the AGC symbols. The second terminal device 103 may then receive the indications and perform automatic gain control operations.

[0068] In some embodiments, multiple TDM durations may be included in a single time slot. Multiple TDM durations may include two consecutive TDM durations, for example, a preceding TDM duration and a following TDM duration. The third terminal device 107 may send at least one SL PRS to the second terminal device 103 during the preceding TDM duration, and the first terminal device 101 may send at least one SL PRS to the second terminal device 103 during the following TDM duration.

[0069] An AGC symbol may precede the previous TDM duration. There may be no AGC symbol preceding the next TDM duration. In this case, there may be no AGC symbol between the previous and next TDM durations. Both the first terminal device 101 and the third terminal device 107 may send an AGC symbol to the second terminal device 103.

[0070] In some embodiments, the power of at least one SL PRS transmission during a TDM duration may be substantially the same as the power of transmission in an AGC symbol. For example, the power of a first terminal device 101 transmitting at least one SL PRS during a later TDM duration may be substantially the same as the power of the first terminal device 101 transmitting in an AGC symbol, and the power of a third terminal device 107 transmitting at least one SL PRS during a previous TDM duration may be substantially the same as the power of the third terminal device 107 transmitting in an AGC symbol.

[0071] In the example, Figure 3 The diagram illustrates an example time slot structure comprising two consecutive TDM durations. Assume that in a dedicated SL PRS resource pool, (M, N) (where M represents the number of symbols and N represents the comb size) are (pre-)configured for the TDM durations (including consecutive PRS symbol sets) within the time slot. During the two TDM durations, two UEs (i.e., UE 1 and UE 2) performing TDM multiplexing (i.e., transmitting PRS in both TDM durations respectively) transmit only in the AGC symbols preceding the first TDM duration. The AGC symbols preceding the second TDM duration can be removed, which improves resource efficiency for time-domain multiplexing, especially when M is small.

[0072] For example, when UE 1 transmits a PRS during TDM duration 1, UE 2 transmits a PRS during TDM duration 2. No AGC symbols are configured before TDM duration 2. Both UE 1 and UE 2 transmit during the AGC symbols preceding TDM duration 1.

[0073] In some embodiments, configuration information may indicate multiple TDM durations for SL PRS transmissions from multiple terminal devices, respectively. The multiple TDM durations may be included in a single timeslot. The timeslot may be in a dedicated SL PRS resource pool. There may be no AGC symbol preceding each TDM duration. A first terminal device 101 may transmit at least one SL PRS to a second terminal device 103 within the TDM duration. The first terminal device 101 may also transmit to the second terminal device 103 within an AGC symbol preceding the TDM duration of the multiple TDM durations, the TDM duration being prior to and closest to the TDM duration containing at least one SL PRS transmitted from the first terminal device 101 to the second terminal device 103. The power of the first terminal device 101 transmitting at least one SL PRS within the TDM duration may be substantially the same as the power of the first terminal device 101 transmitting within the AGC symbol.

[0074] In some embodiments, configuration information may indicate multiple TDM durations for SL PRS transmissions from multiple terminal devices, respectively. The multiple TDM durations may be included in a single timeslot. The timeslot may be in a dedicated SL PRS resource pool. Each TDM duration may be preceded by an AGC symbol. A first terminal device 101 may transmit at least one SL PRS to a second terminal device 103 within a TDM duration. The first terminal device 101 may transmit to the second terminal device 103 within an AGC symbol preceding the PSCCH resource at the beginning of the timeslot. The power of the first terminal device 101 transmitting at least one SL PRS within a TDM duration may be substantially the same as the power of the first terminal device 101 transmitting within an AGC symbol.

[0075] In some embodiments, configuration information may indicate multiple SL PRS resources, each used for SL PRS transmissions from multiple terminal devices.

[0076] Multiple SL PRS resources can be included in a single time slot. The time slot can be in a dedicated SL PRS resource pool or a shared SL PRS resource pool. There may be no AGC symbol preceding at least one SL PRS source among the multiple SL PRS resources. A first terminal device 101 can transmit at least one SL PRS to a second terminal device 103 within at least one SL PRS resource. The first terminal device 101 can also transmit to the second terminal device 103 within an AGC symbol preceding the PSCCH resource at the beginning of the time slot. The power of the first terminal device 101 transmitting at least one SL PRS within at least one SL PRS resource can be substantially the same as the power of the first terminal device 101 transmitting within an AGC symbol.

[0077] Refer again Figure 2 In some embodiments, the configuration information may indicate a first TDM duration during which the terminal device is configured to allow the initiation of at least one SL PRS transmission within a symbol of the first TDM duration, and / or allow transmission within an AGC symbol preceding the first TDM duration. The symbol used to initiate at least one SL PRS transmission may not be the earliest symbol of the TDM duration.

[0078] In some embodiments, the first terminal device 101 may transmit at least one SL PRS within a portion of a symbol during the first TDM duration, and the earliest symbol in that portion of the symbol may not be the earliest symbol of the first TDM duration. In some examples, the first terminal device 101 may transmit at least one SL PRS within a portion of at least one SL PRS resource during the first TDM duration. A portion of at least one SL PRS resource may not occupy the earliest symbol of the first TDM duration.

[0079] In some embodiments, the AGC symbol may be transmitted before the first TDM duration. The first terminal device 101 may transmit within the AGC symbol, and the power of the first terminal device 101 transmitting within the AGC symbol may be substantially the same as the power of the first terminal device 101 transmitting at least one SL PRS during the first TDM duration.

[0080] In some alternative embodiments, the first terminal device 101 may transmit at least one SL PRS in a portion of the symbols within the first TDM duration, and the earliest symbol in that portion of the symbols may not be the earliest symbol of the TDM duration. The third terminal device 107 may transmit at least one SL PRS in a portion or all of the remaining symbols within the first TDM duration. In some examples, the first terminal device 101 may transmit at least one SL PRS in a portion of at least one SL PRS resource within the first TDM duration, and the third terminal device 107 may transmit one SL PRS in a portion or all of at least one remaining SL PRS resource within the first TDM duration.

[0081] In some embodiments, the AGC symbol may be transmitted before the first TDM duration. Both the first terminal device 101 and the third terminal device 107 may transmit in the AGC symbol. The power of the first terminal device 101 transmitting in the AGC symbol may be substantially the same as the power of the first terminal device 101 transmitting at least one SLPRS during the first TDM duration, and the power of the third terminal device 107 transmitting in the AGC symbol may be substantially the same as the power of the third terminal device 107 transmitting at least one SLPRS during the first TDM duration.

[0082] In some embodiments, the first terminal device 101 may send a first indication to the second terminal device 103 for initiating at least one SLPRS transmission. In some examples, the first indication may be an index of a symbol for initiating at least one SLPRS transmission. In some embodiments, the first terminal device 101 may send the first indication to the second terminal device 103 via side link control information (SCI) transmitted in the physical side link control channel (PSCCH).

[0083] In the example, Figure 4 The illustration shows an example timeslot structure comprising a single TDM duration, applicable to UEs transmitting PRS within a single TDM duration (e.g., the first TDM duration). Within this TDM duration, UE 3 begins transmitting PRS in the eighth symbol, which is not the first symbol of the TDM duration. UE 3 does not transmit in the first symbol of the TDM duration. UE 3 transmits in the AGC symbol preceding the TDM duration. The i (start symbol) can be dynamically indicated to the Rx UE in the SCI transmitted in the PSCCH at the beginning of the timeslot. This provides the flexibility to multiplex PRS transmissions from multiple UEs in the time domain within the TDM duration. There will be no interference (e.g., IBE interference) between UEs.

[0084] For example, in Figure 4 In the TDM duration, (M, N) = (4, 4). When UE 2 transmits a PRS in the first and second symbols of the TDM duration, UE 3 transmits a PRS in the third and fourth symbols of the TDM duration. More specifically, when UE 2 transmits a PRS in the first and second symbols of the SL PRS resource within the TDM duration, UE 3 transmits a PRS in the third and fourth symbols of the same SL PRS resource within the TDM duration. There will be no interference between UE 2 and UE 3. Both UE 2 and UE 3 transmit in the AGC symbols preceding the TDM duration.

[0085] Figure 5 The text shows examples of targeting... Figure 4 In this application scenario, both UE 2 and UE 3 are close to the target UE, while UE 1 is relatively far from the target UE. Therefore, UE 2 and UE 3 do not need to transmit in all symbols of the TDM duration to achieve the desired signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio.

[0086] Refer again Figure 2 The configuration information may indicate a second TDM duration during which the terminal device is configured to allow transmission of at least one SL PRS in a portion of the symbols of the second TDM duration at the beginning of the second TDM duration, and / or allow transmission in the AGC symbols prior to the second TDM duration.

[0087] In some embodiments, the first terminal device 101 may transmit at least one SL PRS in a portion of the symbols at the beginning of the second TDM duration, and not transmit at least one SL PRS in at least one remaining symbol of the second TDM duration. In some examples, the first terminal device 101 may transmit at least one SL PRS in a portion of at least one SL PRS resource in the second TDM duration. The portion of at least one SL PRS resource occupies a portion of the symbols at the beginning of the second duration.

[0088] In some embodiments, the AGC symbol may be transmitted before the second TDM duration. The first terminal device 101 may transmit within the AGC symbol, and the power of the first terminal device 101 transmitting within the AGC symbol may be substantially the same as the power of the first terminal device 101 transmitting at least one SL PRS during the second duration.

[0089] In some embodiments, the number of symbols in the front end of the second TDM duration for transmitting at least one SL PRS may be determined based on at least one performance requirement of the positioning process associated with the first terminal device 101. In some examples, when the distance between the first terminal device 101 and the second terminal device 103 is relatively small, the number of symbols occupied by the first terminal device 101 may be less.

[0090] In some embodiments, the first terminal device 101 may send a second indication to the second terminal device 103 of the number of symbols in the front end of the second TDM duration for transmitting at least one SL PRS. In some examples, the second indication may be a value of the number of symbols in the front end of the second TDM duration for transmitting at least one SL PRS. In some embodiments, the first terminal device 101 may send the second indication to the second terminal device 103 via the SCI transmitted in the PSCCH.

[0091] In an example, Figure 6 FIG. illustrates an example time slot structure of a time slot including a single TDM duration (e.g., the second TDM duration). During the TDM duration, UE 2 transmits the PRS only in the first several symbols (e.g., K symbols (K < M)). UE2 does not transmit in the remaining symbols of the TDM duration. UE 2 transmits in the AGC symbols before the TDM duration. K is selected to first meet the positioning performance of the UE. K may be dynamically indicated to the RxUE in the SCI transmitted in the PSCCH at the start of the time slot.

[0092] For example, in Figure 6 , (M, N) = (4, 4). UE 1 and UE 2 are multiplexed during the TDM duration (comb-based multiplexing). When UE 1 transmits the SL PRS in all four symbols of the TDM duration, UE 2 transmits the SL PRS in the first two symbols of the TDM duration. In the third and fourth symbols of the TDM duration, UE 2 does not interfere with UE 1. In this case, the interference to other UEs (e.g., IBE interference) can be reduced, and thus its positioning performance can be improved. Figure 7 The application scenario for Figure 6 is shown, where UE 2 is close to the target UE. Therefore, UE 2 does not need to transmit in all symbols of the TDM duration to achieve the desired signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio.

[0093] Referring again to Figure 2The configuration information may indicate a third TDM duration during which the terminal device is configured to allow the transmission of at least one SL PRS based on the comb tooth size of the comb tooth-based frequency domain structure. The comb tooth size may be a multiple of the configured comb tooth size.

[0094] In some embodiments, the first terminal device 101 may transmit at least one SL PRS based on the comb tooth size of the comb tooth-based frequency domain structure. For example, the first terminal device 101 may transmit at least one SL PRS based on the comb tooth size of the comb tooth-based frequency domain structure, while the third terminal device 107 may transmit at least one SL PRS based on the configured comb tooth size of the comb tooth-based frequency domain structure. The comb tooth size may be a multiple of the configured comb tooth size.

[0095] In some embodiments, the first terminal device 101 may transmit at least one SL PRS in a portion of at least one SL PRS resource during a third TDM duration, and the portion of at least one SL PRS resource may have a comb tooth size that is a multiple of the comb tooth size configured for at least one SL PRS resource.

[0096] In some embodiments, the multiple of the configured comb tooth size may be determined based on at least one performance requirement of the positioning process associated with the first terminal device 101. In some embodiments, the configured comb tooth size may be pre-configured by the network device 105 or pre-configured in a standard.

[0097] In some embodiments, the first terminal device 101 may send a third indication of a multiple of the configured comb tooth size to the second terminal device 103. In some examples, the third indication may be a value of a multiple of the configured comb tooth size. In some embodiments, the first terminal device 101 may send the third indication to the second terminal device 103 via an SCI transmitted in the PSCCH.

[0098] In the example, Figure 8 The illustration shows an example time slot structure comprising a single TDM duration (e.g., a third TDM duration). Within the TDM duration, the UE transmits PRS with a comb size that is a multiple of the configured comb size (N) (i.e., N' = pN). p is selected to prioritize the UE's positioning performance. p can be dynamically indicated to the Rx UE in the SCI transmitted in the PSCCH at the beginning of the time slot.

[0099] For example, in Figure 8In this case, (M, N) = (4, 4). UE 1 and UE 2 are multiplexed during the TDM duration (comb-based multiplexing). When UE 1 transmits PRS in one subcarrier every 4 subcarriers (N=4), UE 2 transmits PRS in one subcarrier every 8 subcarriers (N'=8). UE 2 will have less interference to UE 1. In this case, interference to other UEs (e.g., IBE interference) can be reduced, and thus their positioning performance can be improved.

[0100] In some embodiments, the first terminal device 101 may transmit at least one SL PRS in a portion of at least one SL PRS resource during the TDM duration. The portion of at least one SL PRS resource occupies a portion of the bandwidth of at least one SL PRS resource.

[0101] Refer again Figure 2 First terminal device 101 can obtain configuration information about the resource pool by receiving configuration from network device 105. In other words, network device 105 can determine (201) configuration information 210, and then network device 105 can send (205) configuration information 210 to first terminal device 101. Therefore, first terminal device 101 can receive and obtain the configuration information. Then, first terminal device 101 can send (230) at least one SL PRS 235 to second terminal device 103 based on the configuration information.

[0102] In some embodiments, network device 105 may determine (201) configuration information 210, and then network device 105 may send (215) configuration information 210 to second terminal device 103. Therefore, second terminal device 103 may receive and obtain the configuration information. Then, second terminal device 103 may receive (240) at least one SL PRS 235 from first terminal device 101 based on the configuration information.

[0103] In some embodiments, configuration information may indicate the frequency location of a PSCCH resource containing a PSCCH that indicates / reserves SL PRS resources for SL PRS transmissions over multiple TDM durations within a time slot. PSCCH resources grouped together in the frequency domain (i.e., close to each other in the frequency domain) contain PSCCHs indicating / reserving PRS resources over multiple TDM durations (i.e., comb-based multiplexing). PSCCH resources spaced far apart in the frequency domain contain PSCCHs indicating / reserving PRS resources over different TDM durations within multiple TDM durations (i.e., time-domain multiplexing). Network devices may (pre-)configure a one-to-one or one-to-many mapping between PSCCH resources in the same time slot and one or more SL PRS resources. Figure 9 Examples are provided. PSCCH resources are associated with SL PRS resources of the same color / pattern (i.e., a one-to-one mapping). PSCCH resources (with solid color patterns) associated with PRS resources within TDM duration 1 are grouped together in the frequency domain. PSCCH resources (with dotted patterns) associated with PRS resources within TDM duration 2 are grouped together in the frequency domain.

[0104] Figure 10 The illustration shows a flowchart of a method 800 implemented at a second network device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0105] In method 1000, at block 1010, the first terminal device 101 may obtain configuration information regarding a resource pool for lateral link (SL) positioning reference signal (PRS) transmission, wherein the configuration information indicates at least one of the following: (i) multiple time division multiplexing (TDM) durations for SL PRS transmissions from multiple terminal devices, wherein automatic gain control (AGC) symbols precede and are shared across the multiple TDM durations, and the multiple terminal devices are configured to transmit in AGC symbols; (ii) a first TDM duration, during which the terminal devices are configured to allow the initiation of at least one SL PRS transmission in a symbol of the first TDM duration, and / or allow transmission in an AGC symbol preceding the first TDM duration, wherein the symbol for initiating at least one SL PRS transmission is not the earliest symbol of the TDM duration; (iii) a second TDM duration, during which the terminal devices are configured to allow transmission of at least one SL PRS in a portion of a symbol of the second TDM duration at the beginning of the second TDM duration. PRS, and / or allow transmission in AGC symbols prior to the second TDM duration; or (iv) the third TDM duration, during which the terminal device is configured to allow transmission of at least one SL PRS based on the comb tooth size of a comb-based frequency domain structure, wherein the comb tooth size is a multiple of the configured comb tooth size. At block 1020, the first terminal device 101 may transmit at least one SL PRS to the second terminal device 103 based on configuration information.

[0106] In some embodiments, the multiple TDM durations may include two consecutive TDM durations; and there may be no AGC symbol before the latter TDM duration of the two consecutive TDM durations.

[0107] In some embodiments, multiple TDM durations may be included in a single time slot.

[0108] In some embodiments, the first terminal device 101 may send a first indication to the second terminal device 103 for initiating at least one SL PRS transmission.

[0109] In some embodiments, the first terminal device 101 may transmit at least one SL PRS in a portion of the symbols at the beginning of the second TDM duration, without transmitting at least one SLPRS in at least one remaining symbol of the TDM duration.

[0110] In some embodiments, the first terminal device 101 may transmit at least one SL PRS in a portion of at least one SL PRS resource during the second TDM duration, and the portion of at least one SL PRS resource occupies a portion of the symbols in the front end of the second TDM duration.

[0111] In some embodiments, the number of symbols in the front end for transmitting at least one SL PRS for a second TDM duration may be determined based on at least one performance requirement of the positioning process associated with the first terminal device.

[0112] In some embodiments, the first terminal device 101 may send a second indication to the second terminal device 103 of the number of symbols in the front end for transmitting at least one SL PRS for a second TDM duration.

[0113] In some embodiments, the first terminal device 101 may transmit at least one SL PRS in a portion of at least one SL PRS resource during a third TDM duration, and the portion of at least one SL PRS resource has a comb tooth size that is a multiple of the comb tooth size configured for at least one SL PRS resource.

[0114] In some embodiments, the multiple of the configured comb tooth size may be determined based on at least one performance requirement of the positioning process associated with the first terminal device.

[0115] In some embodiments, the first terminal device 101 may send a third indication of a multiple of the configured comb tooth size to the second terminal device 103.

[0116] In some embodiments, at least one of the first indication, the second indication, or the third indication may be transmitted via side link control information (SCI) transmitted in the physical side link control channel (PSCCH).

[0117] In some embodiments, the power of at least one SL PRS transmission during the TDM duration may be substantially the same as the power of the transmission in the AGC symbol.

[0118] In some embodiments, the first terminal device 101 may be configured to obtain configuration information about the resource pool by receiving configuration information from the network device 105.

[0119] Figure 11 The illustration shows examples of methods implemented at a second terminal device according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0120] In method 1100, at block 1110, the second terminal device 103 may obtain configuration information regarding a resource pool for lateral link (SL) positioning reference signal (PRS) transmission, wherein the configuration information indicates at least one of the following: (i) multiple time division multiplexing (TDM) durations for SL PRS transmissions from multiple terminal devices, wherein automatic gain control (AGC) symbols precede and are shared across multiple TDM durations, and the multiple terminal devices are configured to transmit in AGC symbols; (ii) a first TDM duration, during which the terminal devices are configured to allow the initiation of at least one SL PRS transmission in a symbol of the first TDM duration, and / or allow transmission in an AGC symbol preceding the first TDM duration, wherein the symbol for initiating at least one SL PRS transmission is not the earliest symbol of the TDM duration; (iii) a second TDM duration, during which the terminal devices are configured to allow transmission of at least one SL PRS transmission in a portion of a symbol of the second TDM duration at the beginning of the second TDM duration. PRS, and / or allow transmission in AGC symbols prior to the second TDM duration; or (iv) the third TDM duration, during which the terminal device is configured to allow transmission of at least one SL PRS based on the comb tooth size of a comb-based frequency domain structure, wherein the comb tooth size is a multiple of the configured comb tooth size. At block 1120, the second terminal device 103 may receive at least one SL PRS from the first terminal device 101 based on configuration information.

[0121] In some embodiments, the multiple TDM durations may include two consecutive TDM durations, and there may be no AGC symbol before the latter TDM duration of the two consecutive TDM durations.

[0122] In some embodiments, multiple TDM durations are included in a single time slot.

[0123] In some embodiments, the second terminal device 103 may receive a first indication from the first terminal device 101 for initiating at least one SL PRS transmission.

[0124] In some embodiments, the second terminal device 103 may receive at least one SL PRS in a portion of the symbols at the beginning of the second TDM duration, without receiving at least one SLPRS in at least one remaining symbol of the TDM duration.

[0125] In some embodiments, the second terminal device 103 may receive at least one SL PRS in a portion of at least one SL PRS resource during the second TDM duration, and the portion of at least one SL PRS resource occupies a portion of the symbol in the front end of the second TDM duration.

[0126] In some embodiments, the number of symbols in the front end for transmitting at least one SL PRS during the second TDM duration can be determined based on at least one performance requirement of the positioning process associated with the second terminal device.

[0127] In some embodiments, the second terminal device 103 may receive from the first terminal device 101 a second indication of the number of symbols in the front end for receiving at least one SL PRS for a second TDM duration.

[0128] In some embodiments, the second terminal device 103 may receive at least one SL PRS in a portion of at least one SL PRS resource during a third TDM duration, and the portion of at least one SL PRS resource has a comb tooth size that is a multiple of the comb tooth size configured for at least one SL PRS resource.

[0129] In some embodiments, the multiple of the configured comb tooth size may be determined based on at least one performance requirement of the positioning process associated with the second terminal device.

[0130] In some embodiments, the second terminal device 103 may receive a third indication of a multiple of the configured comb tooth size from the first terminal device 101.

[0131] In some embodiments, at least one of the first indication, the second indication, or the third indication may be received via side link control information (SCI) transmitted in the physical side link control channel (PSCCH).

[0132] In some embodiments, the power of at least one SL PRS transmission during the TDM duration may be substantially the same as the power of the transmission in the AGC symbol.

[0133] In some embodiments, the second terminal device 103 may be configured to obtain configuration information about the resource pool by receiving configuration information from a network device.

[0134] Figure 12 Examples of methods implemented at a network device according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated.

[0135] In method 1200, in block 1210, network device 105 may determine configuration information regarding a resource pool for lateral link (SL) positioning reference signal (PRS) transmissions, wherein the configuration information indicates at least one of the following: (i) multiple time division multiplexing (TDM) durations for SL PRS transmissions from multiple terminal devices, wherein automatic gain control (AGC) symbols precede and are shared across the multiple TDM durations, and the multiple terminal devices are configured to transmit in AGC symbols; (ii) a first TDM duration, during which terminal devices are configured to allow the initiation of at least one SL PRS transmission in a symbol of the first TDM duration, and / or allow transmission in an AGC symbol preceding the first TDM duration, wherein the symbol for initiating at least one SL PRS transmission is not the earliest symbol of the TDM duration; (iii) a second TDM duration, during which terminal devices are configured to allow transmission of at least one SL PRS transmission in a portion of a symbol of the second TDM duration at the beginning of the second TDM duration. PRS, and / or allow transmission in the AGC symbol prior to the second TDM duration; or (iv) the third TDM duration, during which the terminal device is configured to allow transmission of at least one SLPRS based on the comb tooth size of a comb-based frequency domain structure, wherein the comb tooth size is a multiple of the configured comb tooth size. In block 1220, network device 105 may send configuration information to at least one terminal device.

[0136] In some embodiments, the multiple TDM durations may include two consecutive TDM durations, and there may be no AGC symbol before the latter TDM duration of the two consecutive TDM durations.

[0137] In some embodiments, multiple TDM durations may be included in a single time slot.

[0138] In some embodiments, the number of symbols in the front end for transmitting at least one SL PRS for a second TDM duration may be determined based on at least one performance requirement of the positioning process associated with the terminal device.

[0139] In some embodiments, the multiple of the configured comb tooth size may be determined based on at least one performance requirement of the positioning process associated with the terminal device.

[0140] In some embodiments, the apparatus capable of performing method 1000 may include components for performing the corresponding steps of method 1000. These components may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the components may be implemented in a circuit system or a software module.

[0141] In some embodiments, the apparatus includes: a component for obtaining configuration information regarding a resource pool for lateral link (SL) positioning reference signal (PRS) transmissions, wherein the configuration information indicates at least one of the following: (i) multiple time division multiplexing (TDM) durations for SL PRS transmissions from multiple terminal devices, wherein automatic gain control (AGC) symbols precede and are shared across the multiple TDM durations, and the multiple terminal devices are configured to transmit in AGC symbols; (ii) a first TDM duration, during which the terminal devices are configured to allow the initiation of at least one SL PRS transmission in a symbol of the first TDM duration, and / or allow transmission in an AGC symbol preceding the first TDM duration, wherein the symbol for initiating at least one SL PRS transmission is not the earliest symbol of the TDM duration; and (iii) a second TDM duration, during which the terminal devices are configured to allow transmission of at least one SL PRS transmission in a portion of a symbol of the second TDM duration at the beginning of the second TDM duration. PRS, and / or allow transmission in AGC symbols prior to the second TDM duration; or (iv) the third TDM duration, during which the terminal device is configured to allow transmission of at least one SL PRS based on the comb tooth size of a comb-based frequency domain structure, wherein the comb tooth size is a multiple of the configured comb tooth size. The apparatus also includes: components for transmitting at least one SL PRS to the second terminal device 103 based on configuration information.

[0142] In some embodiments, the multiple TDM durations may include two consecutive TDM durations; and there may be no AGC symbol before the latter TDM duration of the two consecutive TDM durations.

[0143] In some embodiments, multiple TDM durations may be included in a single time slot.

[0144] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes a component for sending a first indication to a second terminal device 103 for initiating at least one SLPRS transmission.

[0145] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes a component for transmitting at least one SL PRS in a portion of a symbol at the beginning of a second TDM duration, without transmitting at least one SL PRS in at least one remaining symbol of the TDM duration.

[0146] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes: a component for transmitting at least one SL PRS in a portion of at least one SL PRS resource during a second TDM duration, and the portion of at least one SL PRS resource occupies a portion of a symbol in the front end of the second TDM duration.

[0147] In some embodiments, the number of symbols in the front end for transmitting at least one SL PRS for a second TDM duration may be determined based on at least one performance requirement of the positioning process associated with the first terminal device.

[0148] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes a component for sending to the second terminal device 103 a second indication of the number of symbols in the front end for transmitting at least one SLPRS for a second TDM duration.

[0149] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes: a component for transmitting at least one SL PRS in a portion of at least one SL PRS resource during a third TDM duration, and the portion of at least one SL PRS resource has a comb tooth size that is a multiple of the comb tooth size configured for at least one SL PRS resource.

[0150] In some embodiments, the multiple of the configured comb tooth size may be determined based on at least one performance requirement of the positioning process associated with the first terminal device.

[0151] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes a component for sending a third indication of a multiple of the configured comb tooth size to the second terminal device 103.

[0152] In some embodiments, at least one of the first indication, the second indication, or the third indication may be transmitted via side link control information (SCI) transmitted in the physical side link control channel (PSCCH).

[0153] In some embodiments, the power of at least one SL PRS transmission during the TDM duration may be substantially the same as the power of the transmission in the AGC symbol.

[0154] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes a component for receiving configuration information from the network device 105.

[0155] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes components for performing additional steps of some embodiments of method 1000. In some embodiments, the components include: at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured, together with the at least one processor, to cause execution of the apparatus.

[0156] In some embodiments, the apparatus capable of performing method 1100 may include components for performing the corresponding steps of method 1100. These components may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the components may be implemented in a circuit system or a software module.

[0157] In some embodiments, the apparatus includes: a component for obtaining configuration information regarding a resource pool for lateral link (SL) positioning reference signal (PRS) transmissions, wherein the configuration information indicates at least one of the following: (i) multiple time division multiplexing (TDM) durations for SL PRS transmissions from multiple terminal devices, wherein automatic gain control (AGC) symbols precede and are shared across the multiple TDM durations, and the multiple terminal devices are configured to transmit in AGC symbols; (ii) a first TDM duration, during which the terminal devices are configured to allow the initiation of at least one SL PRS transmission in a symbol of the first TDM duration, and / or allow transmission in an AGC symbol preceding the first TDM duration, wherein the symbol for initiating at least one SL PRS transmission is not the earliest symbol of the TDM duration; and (iii) a second TDM duration, during which the terminal devices are configured to allow transmission of at least one SL PRS transmission in a portion of a symbol of the second TDM duration at the beginning of the second TDM duration. PRS, and / or allow transmission in AGC symbols prior to the second TDM duration; or (iv) the third TDM duration, during which the terminal device is configured to allow transmission of at least one SL PRS based on the comb tooth size of a comb-based frequency domain structure, wherein the comb tooth size is a multiple of the configured comb tooth size. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes: a component for receiving at least one SL PRS from the first terminal device 101 based on configuration information.

[0158] In some embodiments, the multiple TDM durations may include two consecutive TDM durations, and there may be no AGC symbol before the latter TDM duration of the two consecutive TDM durations.

[0159] In some embodiments, multiple TDM durations are included in a single time slot.

[0160] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes a component for receiving from the first terminal device 101 a first indication of a symbol for initiating at least one SLPRS transmission.

[0161] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes a component for receiving at least one SL PRS in a portion of a symbol at the beginning of a second TDM duration, without receiving at least one SL PRS in at least one remaining symbol of the TDM duration.

[0162] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes: a component for receiving at least one SL PRS in a portion of at least one SL PRS resource during a second TDM duration, and the portion of at least one SL PRS resource occupies a portion of a symbol in the front end of the second TDM duration.

[0163] In some embodiments, the number of symbols in the front end for transmitting at least one SL PRS during the second TDM duration can be determined based on at least one performance requirement of the positioning process associated with the second terminal device.

[0164] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes a component for receiving from the first terminal device 101 a second indication of the number of symbols in the front end for receiving at least one SLPRS for a second TDM duration.

[0165] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes: a component for receiving at least one SL PRS in a portion of at least one SL PRS resource during a third TDM duration, and the portion of at least one SL PRS resource has a comb tooth size that is a multiple of the comb tooth size configured for at least one SL PRS resource.

[0166] In some embodiments, the multiple of the configured comb tooth size may be determined based on at least one performance requirement of the positioning process associated with the second terminal device.

[0167] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes a component for receiving a third indication of a multiple of the configured comb tooth size from the first terminal device 101.

[0168] In some embodiments, at least one of the first indication, the second indication, or the third indication may be received via side link control information (SCI) transmitted in the physical side link control channel (PSCCH).

[0169] In some embodiments, the power of at least one SL PRS transmission during the TDM duration may be substantially the same as the power of the transmission in the AGC symbol.

[0170] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes a component for receiving configuration information from a network device.

[0171] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes components for performing other steps in some embodiments of method 1100. In some embodiments, the components include: at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured, together with the at least one processor, to cause execution of the apparatus.

[0172] In some embodiments, the apparatus capable of performing method 1200 may include components for performing the corresponding steps of method 1200. These components may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the components may be implemented in a circuit system or a software module.

[0173] In some embodiments, the apparatus includes: a component for determining configuration information regarding a resource pool for lateral link (SL) positioning reference signal (PRS) transmissions, wherein the configuration information indicates at least one of the following: (i) multiple time division multiplexing (TDM) durations for SL PRS transmissions from multiple terminal devices, wherein automatic gain control (AGC) symbols precede and are shared across the multiple TDM durations, and the multiple terminal devices are configured to transmit in AGC symbols; (ii) a first TDM duration, during which the terminal devices are configured to allow the initiation of at least one SL PRS transmission in a symbol of the first TDM duration, and / or allow transmission in an AGC symbol preceding the first TDM duration, wherein the symbol for initiating at least one SL PRS transmission is not the earliest symbol of the TDM duration; and (iii) a second TDM duration, during which the terminal devices are configured to allow transmission of at least one SL PRS transmission in a portion of a symbol of the second TDM duration at the beginning of the second TDM duration. PRS, and / or allow transmission in AGC symbols prior to the second TDM duration; or (iv) the third TDM duration, during which the terminal device is configured to allow transmission of at least one SL PRS based on the comb tooth size of a comb-based frequency domain structure, wherein the comb tooth size is a multiple of the configured comb tooth size. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes: a component for transmitting configuration information to at least one terminal device.

[0174] In some embodiments, the multiple TDM durations may include two consecutive TDM durations, and there may be no AGC symbol before the latter TDM duration of the two consecutive TDM durations.

[0175] In some embodiments, multiple TDM durations may be included in a single time slot.

[0176] In some embodiments, the number of symbols in the front end for transmitting at least one SL PRS for a second TDM duration may be determined based on at least one performance requirement of the positioning process associated with the terminal device.

[0177] In some embodiments, the multiple of the configured comb tooth size may be determined based on at least one performance requirement of the positioning process associated with the terminal device.

[0178] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes components for performing other steps in some embodiments of method 1200. In some embodiments, the components include: at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured, together with the at least one processor, to cause execution of the apparatus.

[0179] Figure 13 A simplified block diagram of a device 1300 suitable for implementing some example embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated. The device 1300 can be provided to implement a communication device, for example, such as... Figure 1A or Figure 2 The first terminal device 101 or the second terminal device 103 shown. As shown, device 1300 includes one or more processors 1310, one or more memories 1320 coupled to processor 1310, and one or more communication modules 1310 coupled to processor 1310.

[0180] Communication module 1340 is used for bidirectional communication. Communication module 1340 has at least one antenna to facilitate communication. The communication interface can represent any interface required for communication with other network elements.

[0181] Processor 1310 can be of any type suitable for a local technology network, and by way of non-limiting example, can include one or more of the following: general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, microprocessor, digital signal processor (DSP), and processor based on a multi-core processor architecture. Device 1300 can have multiple processors, such as application-specific integrated circuit chips that are time-dependent on a clock synchronized with the main processor.

[0182] Memory 1320 may include one or more non-volatile memories and one or more volatile memories. Examples of non-volatile memories include, but are not limited to, read-only memory (ROM) 1324, electrically programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, hard disk, optical disc (CD), digital video disc (DVD), and other magnetic and / or optical storage. Examples of volatile memories include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM) 1322 and other volatile memories that do not persist during power outages.

[0183] Computer program 1330 includes computer-executable instructions that are executed by associated processor 1310. Program 1330 may be stored in ROM 1324. Processor 1310 may perform any suitable actions and processes by loading program 1330 into RAM 1322.

[0184] The embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented by program 1330, enabling device 1300 to execute the functions shown in FIG1 to FIG1. Figure 12 Any process discussed in this disclosure. Embodiments of this disclosure may also be implemented by hardware or by a combination of software and hardware.

[0185] In some example embodiments, program 1330 may be tangibly contained in a computer-readable medium, which may be included in device 1300 (such as memory 1320) or other storage device accessible by device 1300. Device 1300 may load program 1330 from the computer-readable medium into RAM 1322 for execution. The computer-readable medium may include any type of tangible non-volatile memory, such as ROM, EPROM, flash memory, hard disk, CD, DVD, etc.

[0186] Figure 14 A block diagram illustrating an example of a computer-readable medium 1400 according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. A program 1330 is stored on the computer-readable medium 1400. It should be noted that although the computer-readable medium 1400... Figure 14 The program is depicted in the form of a CD or DVD, but the computer-readable medium 1400 may be any other form suitable for carrying or storing the program 1330.

[0187] Generally, the various embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented using hardware or dedicated circuitry, software, logic, or any combination thereof. Some aspects can be implemented using hardware, while others can be implemented using firmware or software that can be executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device. Although various aspects of the embodiments of this disclosure are illustrated and described as block diagrams, flowcharts, or using some other graphical representation, it should be understood that, as non-limiting examples, the blocks, apparatuses, systems, techniques, or methods described herein can be implemented using hardware, software, firmware, dedicated circuitry or logic, general-purpose hardware or controllers or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

[0188] This disclosure also provides at least one computer program product tangibly stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The computer program product includes computer-executable instructions, such as instructions included in a program module, which execute in a device on a target real or virtual processor to perform the functions described above. Figure 10 , Figure 11 or Figure 12The method described is 1000, 1100, or 1200. Typically, a program module includes routines, programs, libraries, objects, classes, components, data structures, etc., that perform specific tasks or implement specific abstract data types. The functionality of program modules can be combined or split among program modules as desired in the various embodiments. The machine-executable instructions used for the program module can be executed on a local or distributed device. In a distributed device, the program module can reside on both local and remote storage media.

[0189] Program code used to perform the methods of this disclosure may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. This program code may be provided to a processor or controller of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus, such that, when executed by the processor or controller, the program code causes the functions / operations specified in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams to be implemented. The program code may be executed entirely on a machine, partially on a machine, as a stand-alone software package, partially on a machine and partially on a remote machine, or entirely on a remote machine or server.

[0190] In the context of this disclosure, computer program code or related data may be carried by any suitable carrier to enable a device, apparatus, or processor to perform the various processes and operations described above. Examples of carriers include signals, computer-readable media, and the like.

[0191] Computer-readable media can be computer-readable signal media or computer-readable storage media. Computer-readable media can include, but is not limited to, electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, apparatuses, or devices, or any suitable combination thereof. More specific examples of computer-readable storage media will include: electrical connections having one or more wires, portable computer disks, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), optical fiber, portable optical disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, or any suitable combination thereof. As used herein, the term “non-transient” is defined in relation to the medium itself (i.e., tangible, non-signal), and not in relation to the persistence of data storage (e.g., RAM and ROM).

[0192] Furthermore, although operations are described in a specific order, this should not be construed as requiring such operations to be performed in the specific order or sequence shown, or to perform all illustrated operations to achieve the desired result. In some cases, multitasking and parallel processing can be beneficial. Similarly, although several specific implementation details are included in the foregoing discussion, these details should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to particular embodiments. Certain features described in the context of individual embodiments may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented individually in multiple embodiments or in any suitable sub-combination.

[0193] Although this disclosure has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological actions, it should be understood that the disclosure as defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or actions described above. Rather, the specific features and actions described above are disclosed as exemplary forms of implementing the claims.

Claims

1. A first terminal device, comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory, the at least one memory storing instructions, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first terminal device to at least: Obtain configuration information regarding the resource pool used for lateral link (SL) positioning reference signal (PRS) transmission, wherein the configuration information indicates at least one of the following: (i) Multiple time division multiplexing (TDM) durations for SL PRS transmissions from multiple terminal devices, wherein automatic gain control (AGC) symbols precede and are shared for the multiple TDM durations, and the multiple terminal devices are configured to transmit in the AGC symbols; (ii) A first TDM duration, during which the terminal device is configured to allow the initiation of at least one SL PRS transmission in a symbol of the first TDM duration, and / or allow transmission in an AGC symbol prior to the first TDM duration, wherein the symbol used to initiate the at least one SL PRS transmission is not the earliest symbol of the TDM duration; (iii) A second TDM duration, during which the terminal equipment is configured to allow transmission of at least one SL PRS in a portion of a symbol of the second TDM duration at the beginning of the second TDM duration, and / or allow transmission in an AGC symbol preceding the second TDM duration; or (iv) A third TDM duration, during which the terminal device is configured to allow transmission of at least one SL PRS based on the comb tooth size of a comb-based frequency domain structure, wherein the comb tooth size is a multiple of the configured comb tooth size; and At least one SL PRS is sent to the second terminal device based on the configuration information.

2. The first terminal device according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of TDM durations includes two consecutive TDM durations; and There is no AGC symbol before the latter TDM duration of the two consecutive TDM durations.

3. The first terminal device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of TDM durations are included in a time slot.

4. The first terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first terminal device is further configured to: Send a first indication to the second terminal device for initiating the at least one SL PRS transmission of the symbol.

5. The first terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first terminal device is further configured to: At least one SL PRS is transmitted in a portion of the symbols in the front end of the second TDM duration, but not in at least one remaining symbol of the TDM duration.

6. The first terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first terminal device is further configured to: transmit at least one SL PRS during a portion of at least one SL PRS resource in the second TDM duration. The portion of the at least one SL PRS resource occupies a portion of the symbols in the front end of the second TDM duration.

7. The first terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the number of symbols in the front end for transmitting the at least one SLPRS during the second TDM duration is determined based on at least one performance requirement of the positioning process associated with the first terminal device.

8. The first terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first terminal device is further configured to: Send a second indication to the second terminal device of the number of symbols in the front end for transmitting the second TDM duration of the at least one SL PRS.

9. The first terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising: transmitting at least one SL PRS during a portion of at least one SL PRS resource in the third TDM duration. The portion of the at least one SLPRS resource has a comb tooth size that is a multiple of the comb tooth size of the configuration of the at least one SLPRS resource.

10. The first terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the multiple of the configured comb tooth size is determined based on at least one performance requirement of the positioning process associated with the first terminal device.

11. The first terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first terminal device is further configured to: Send a third indication of the multiple of the configured comb tooth size to the second terminal device.

12. The first terminal device according to any one of claims 4 to 11, wherein at least one of the first indication, the second indication, or the third indication is transmitted via side link control information (SCI) transmitted in the physical side link control channel (PSCCH).

13. The first terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the power of at least one SL PRS transmission during the TDM duration is substantially the same as the power of the transmission in the AGC symbol.

14. The first terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the first terminal device is configured to obtain the configuration information about the resource pool by: Receive the configuration information from the network device.

15. A second terminal device, comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the second terminal device to at least: Obtain configuration information regarding the resource pool used for lateral link (SL) positioning reference signal (PRS) transmission, wherein the configuration information indicates at least one of the following: (i) Multiple time division multiplexing (TDM) durations for SL PRS transmissions from multiple terminal devices, wherein automatic gain control (AGC) symbols precede and are shared for the multiple TDM durations, and the multiple terminal devices are configured to transmit in the AGC symbols; (ii) A first TDM duration, during which the terminal device is configured to allow the initiation of at least one SL PRS transmission in a symbol of the first TDM duration, and / or allow transmission in an AGC symbol prior to the first TDM duration, wherein the symbol used to initiate the at least one SL PRS transmission is not the earliest symbol of the TDM duration; (iii) A second TDM duration, during which the terminal equipment is configured to allow transmission of at least one SL PRS in a portion of a symbol of the second TDM duration at the beginning of the second TDM duration, and / or allow transmission in an AGC symbol preceding the second TDM duration; or (iv) A third TDM duration, during which the terminal device is configured to allow transmission of at least one SL PRS based on the comb tooth size of a comb-based frequency domain structure, wherein the comb tooth size is a multiple of the configured comb tooth size; and Based on the configuration information, at least one SL PRS is received from the first terminal device.

16. The second terminal device according to claim 15, wherein: The plurality of TDM durations includes two consecutive TDM durations; and There is no AGC symbol before the latter TDM duration of the two consecutive TDM durations.

17. The second terminal device according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the plurality of TDM durations are included in a single time slot.

18. The second terminal device according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the second terminal device is further configured to: Receive a first indication from the first terminal device for initiating the at least one SL PRS transmission of the symbol.

19. The second terminal device according to any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein the second terminal device is further configured to: At least one SL PRS is received in a portion of the symbols in the front end of the second TDM duration, but not in at least one remaining symbol of the TDM duration.

20. The second terminal device according to any one of claims 15 to 19, wherein the second terminal device is further configured to: receive at least one SL PRS during a portion of at least one SL PRS resource in the second TDM duration. The portion of the at least one SL PRS resource occupies a portion of the symbols in the front end of the second TDM duration.

21. The second terminal device according to any one of claims 15 to 20, wherein the number of symbols in the front end for transmitting the at least one SL PRS during the second TDM duration is determined based on at least one performance requirement of the positioning process associated with the second terminal device.

22. The second terminal device according to any one of claims 15 to 21, wherein the second terminal device is further configured to: The first terminal device receives a second indication of the number of symbols in the front end for receiving the second TDM duration of the at least one SL PRS.

23. The second terminal device according to any one of claims 15 to 22, further comprising: receiving at least one SL PRS during a portion of at least one SL PRS resource in the third TDM duration. The portion of the at least one SLPRS resource has a comb tooth size that is a multiple of the comb tooth size of the configuration of the at least one SLPRS resource.

24. The second terminal device according to any one of claims 15 to 23, wherein the multiple of the configured comb tooth size is determined based on at least one performance requirement of the positioning process associated with the second terminal device.

25. The second terminal device according to any one of claims 15 to 24, wherein the second terminal device is further configured to: Receive a third indication of the multiple of the configured comb tooth size from the first terminal device.

26. The second terminal device according to any one of claims 18 to 25, wherein at least one of the first indication, the second indication, or the third indication is received via side link control information (SCI) transmitted in the physical side link control channel (PSCCH).

27. The second terminal device according to any one of claims 15 to 26, wherein the power of at least one SL PRS transmission during the TDM duration is substantially the same as the power of the transmission in the AGC symbol.

28. The second terminal device according to any one of claims 15 to 27, wherein the second terminal device is configured to obtain the configuration information regarding the resource pool by: Receive the configuration information from the network device.

29. A network device, comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the network device to at least: Determine configuration information for the resource pool used for side link (SL) positioning reference signal (PRS) transmission, wherein the configuration information indicates at least one of the following: (i) Multiple time division multiplexing (TDM) durations for SL PRS transmissions from multiple terminal devices, wherein automatic gain control (AGC) symbols precede and are shared for the multiple TDM durations, and the multiple terminal devices are configured to transmit in the AGC symbols; (ii) A first TDM duration, during which the terminal device is configured to allow the initiation of at least one SL PRS transmission in a symbol of the first TDM duration, and / or allow transmission in an AGC symbol prior to the first TDM duration, wherein the symbol used to initiate the at least one SL PRS transmission is not the earliest symbol of the TDM duration; (iii) A second TDM duration, during which the terminal equipment is configured to allow transmission of at least one SL PRS in a portion of a symbol of the second TDM duration at the beginning of the second TDM duration, and / or allow transmission in an AGC symbol preceding the second TDM duration; or (iv) Third TDM duration, during which the terminal device is configured to allow transmission of at least one SL PRS based on the comb tooth size of a comb tooth-based frequency domain structure, wherein the comb tooth size is a multiple of the configured comb tooth size; as well as The configuration information is sent to at least one terminal device.

30. The network device according to claim 29, wherein: The plurality of TDM durations includes two consecutive TDM durations; and There is no AGC symbol before the latter TDM duration of the two consecutive TDM durations.

31. The network device of claim 29 or 30, wherein the plurality of TDM durations are included in a single time slot.

32. The network device according to any one of claims 29 to 31, wherein the number of symbols in the front end for transmitting the second TDM duration of the at least one SLPRS is determined based on at least one performance requirement of the positioning process associated with the terminal device.

33. The network device according to any one of claims 29 to 32, wherein the multiple of the configured comb tooth size is determined based on at least one performance requirement of the positioning process associated with the terminal device.

34. A method comprising: At the first terminal device, configuration information regarding the resource pool used for lateral link (SL) positioning reference signal (PRS) transmission is obtained, wherein the configuration information indicates at least one of the following: (i) Multiple time division multiplexing (TDM) durations for SL PRS transmissions from multiple terminal devices, wherein automatic gain control (AGC) symbols precede and are shared for the multiple TDM durations, and the multiple terminal devices are configured to transmit in the AGC symbols; (ii) A first TDM duration, during which the terminal device is configured to allow the initiation of at least one SL PRS transmission in a symbol of the first TDM duration, and / or allow transmission in an AGC symbol prior to the first TDM duration, wherein the symbol used to initiate the at least one SL PRS transmission is not the earliest symbol of the TDM duration; (iii) A second TDM duration, during which the terminal equipment is configured to allow transmission of at least one SL PRS in a portion of a symbol of the second TDM duration at the beginning of the second TDM duration, and / or allow transmission in an AGC symbol preceding the second TDM duration; or (iv) A third TDM duration, during which the terminal device is configured to allow transmission of at least one SL PRS based on the comb tooth size of a comb-based frequency domain structure, wherein the comb tooth size is a multiple of the configured comb tooth size; and At least one SL PRS is sent to the second terminal device based on the configuration information.

35. A method comprising: At the second terminal device, configuration information regarding the resource pool used for lateral link (SL) positioning reference signal (PRS) transmission is obtained, wherein the configuration information indicates at least one of the following: (i) Multiple time division multiplexing (TDM) durations for SL PRS transmissions from multiple terminal devices, wherein automatic gain control (AGC) symbols precede and are shared for the multiple TDM durations, and the multiple terminal devices are configured to transmit in the AGC symbols; (ii) A first TDM duration, during which the terminal device is configured to allow the initiation of at least one SL PRS transmission in a symbol of the first TDM duration, and / or allow transmission in an AGC symbol prior to the first TDM duration, wherein the symbol used to initiate the at least one SL PRS transmission is not the earliest symbol of the TDM duration; (iii) A second TDM duration, during which the terminal equipment is configured to allow transmission of at least one SL PRS in a portion of a symbol of the second TDM duration at the beginning of the second TDM duration, and / or allow transmission in an AGC symbol preceding the second TDM duration; or (iv) A third TDM duration, during which the terminal device is configured to allow transmission of at least one SL PRS based on the comb tooth size of a comb-based frequency domain structure, wherein the comb tooth size is a multiple of the configured comb tooth size; and Based on the configuration information, at least one SL PRS is received from the first terminal device.

36. A method comprising: At the network device, configuration information regarding the resource pool used for side link (SL) positioning reference signal (PRS) transmission is determined, wherein the configuration information indicates at least one of the following: (i) Multiple time division multiplexing (TDM) durations for SL PRS transmissions from multiple terminal devices, wherein automatic gain control (AGC) symbols precede and are shared for the multiple TDM durations, and the multiple terminal devices are configured to transmit in the AGC symbols; (ii) A first TDM duration, during which the terminal device is configured to allow the initiation of at least one SL PRS transmission in a symbol of the first TDM duration, and / or allow transmission in an AGC symbol prior to the first TDM duration, wherein the symbol used to initiate the at least one SL PRS transmission is not the earliest symbol of the TDM duration; (iii) A second TDM duration, during which the terminal equipment is configured to allow transmission of at least one SL PRS in a portion of a symbol of the second TDM duration at the beginning of the second TDM duration, and / or allow transmission in an AGC symbol preceding the second TDM duration; or (iv) Third TDM duration, during which the terminal device is configured to allow transmission of at least one SL PRS based on the comb tooth size of a comb tooth-based frequency domain structure, wherein the comb tooth size is a multiple of the configured comb tooth size; as well as The configuration information is sent to at least one terminal device.

37. An apparatus comprising: A component for obtaining configuration information at a first terminal device regarding a resource pool for lateral link (SL) positioning reference signal (PRS) transmission, wherein the configuration information indicates at least one of the following: (i) Multiple time division multiplexing (TDM) durations for SL PRS transmissions from multiple terminal devices, wherein automatic gain control (AGC) symbols precede and are shared for the multiple TDM durations, and the multiple terminal devices are configured to transmit in the AGC symbols; (ii) A first TDM duration, during which the terminal device is configured to allow the initiation of at least one SL PRS transmission in a symbol of the first TDM duration, and / or allow transmission in an AGC symbol prior to the first TDM duration, wherein the symbol used to initiate the at least one SL PRS transmission is not the earliest symbol of the TDM duration; (iii) A second TDM duration, during which the terminal equipment is configured to allow transmission of at least one SL PRS in a portion of a symbol of the second TDM duration at the beginning of the second TDM duration, and / or allow transmission in an AGC symbol preceding the second TDM duration; or (iv) A third TDM duration, during which the terminal device is configured to allow transmission of at least one SL PRS based on the comb tooth size of a comb-based frequency domain structure, wherein the comb tooth size is a multiple of the configured comb tooth size; and A component for sending at least one SL PRS to a second terminal device based on the configuration information.

38. An apparatus comprising: A component for obtaining configuration information at a second terminal device regarding a resource pool for lateral link (SL) positioning reference signal (PRS) transmission, wherein the configuration information indicates at least one of the following: (i) Multiple time division multiplexing (TDM) durations for SL PRS transmissions from multiple terminal devices, wherein automatic gain control (AGC) symbols precede and are shared for the multiple TDM durations, and the multiple terminal devices are configured to transmit in the AGC symbols; (ii) A first TDM duration, during which the terminal device is configured to allow the initiation of at least one SL PRS transmission in a symbol of the first TDM duration, and / or allow transmission in an AGC symbol prior to the first TDM duration, wherein the symbol used to initiate the at least one SL PRS transmission is not the earliest symbol of the TDM duration; (iii) A second TDM duration, during which the terminal equipment is configured to allow transmission of at least one SL PRS in a portion of a symbol of the second TDM duration at the beginning of the second TDM duration, and / or allow transmission in an AGC symbol preceding the second TDM duration; or (iv) Third TDM duration, during which the terminal device is configured to allow transmission of at least one SL PRS based on the comb tooth size of a comb tooth-based frequency domain structure, wherein the comb tooth size is a multiple of the configured comb tooth size; as well as A component for receiving at least one SL PRS from a first terminal device based on the configuration information.

39. An apparatus comprising: A component for determining configuration information at a network device regarding a resource pool for lateral link (SL) positioning reference signal (PRS) transmission, wherein the configuration information indicates at least one of the following: (i) Multiple time division multiplexing (TDM) durations for SL PRS transmissions from multiple terminal devices, wherein automatic gain control (AGC) symbols precede and are shared for the multiple TDM durations, and the multiple terminal devices are configured to transmit in the AGC symbols; (ii) A first TDM duration, during which the terminal device is configured to allow the initiation of at least one SL PRS transmission in a symbol of the first TDM duration, and / or allow transmission in an AGC symbol prior to the first TDM duration, wherein the symbol used to initiate the at least one SL PRS transmission is not the earliest symbol of the TDM duration; (iii) A second TDM duration, during which the terminal equipment is configured to allow transmission of at least one SL PRS in a portion of a symbol of the second TDM duration at the beginning of the second TDM duration, and / or allow transmission in an AGC symbol preceding the second TDM duration; or (iv) A third TDM duration, during which the terminal device is configured to allow transmission of at least one SL PRS based on the comb tooth size of a comb-based frequency domain structure, wherein the comb tooth size is a multiple of the configured comb tooth size; and A component used to send the configuration information to at least one terminal device.

40. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising program instructions that, when executed by a device, cause the device to perform at least the method according to claim 34, 35, or 36.

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