Carrier phase positioning with frequency hopping

Abstract

According to example embodiments of the present application, there are at least one method and apparatus for performing: receiving and / or transmitting a request to perform frequency hopping and report carrier phase measurements with a center frequency of a combined frequency hop; initiating frequency hopping in a communication network to perform at least one carrier phase measurement according to a downlink positioning reference signal, including performing: performing at least one carrier phase measurement for at least one of selected or used frequency hops; performing at least one carrier phase measurement for at least one of selected or used frequency hops; reporting to a network node a center frequency of a combined frequency hop from at least one of the selected or used frequency hops and at least one carrier phase measurement.

Description

Cross-references to related applications

[0001] This application claims priority and benefit to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 547161, filed November 3, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0002] The teachings of exemplary embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a novel method and apparatus for enhancing the accuracy of UE-reported reference signal carrier phase (RSCP) and RSCPD measurements, and more specifically, to enhancing the accuracy of UE-reported reference signal carrier phase (RSCP) and RSCPD measurements at the LMF used for RedCap positioning estimation. Background Technology

[0003] This section is intended to provide background or context for the invention as set forth in the claims. The description herein may include concepts that may be pursued, but are not necessarily concepts that have been previously conceived or pursued. Therefore, unless otherwise stated herein, what is described in this section is not prior art to the specification and claims of this application, and is not acknowledged as prior art by virtue of its inclusion in this section.

[0004] Some abbreviations that may be found in the instruction manual and / or accompanying drawings are defined here as follows: BW bandwidth CP carrier phase CPP carrier phase positioning FH frequency hopping gNB 5G base station LO local oscillator NR New Radio (5G) PRS positioning reference signal PRU positioning reference unit RedCap reduces ability RSCP reference signal carrier phase RSCPD reference signal carrier phase difference Rx Receive SRSS detection reference signal Tx send UE User Equipment WID work item description Some standards at the time of this application address certain conditions and enhancements for improving the positioning accuracy of NR positioning.

[0005] In this NR positioning, there may be issues related to carrier phase positioning using frequency hopping for UEs (including UEs with reduced capability (RedCap)).

[0006] These issues may be related to the conditions required for enhanced positioning accuracy, but under the protocol at the time of this application, they are not assumed / guaranteed / supported in frequency hopping of UEs such as RedCap UEs.

[0007] The exemplary embodiments of the present invention propose improved operations for solving at least these problems. Summary of the Invention

[0008] This section contains examples of possible implementations, but does not imply any limitations.

[0009] In another exemplary aspect of the invention, there is an apparatus, such as a user equipment side apparatus, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one non-transitory memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: receive a request to perform frequency hopping and report a carrier phase measurement having a center frequency of the combined frequency hopping; initiate frequency hopping in a communication network to perform at least one carrier phase measurement based on a downlink positioning reference signal, including the apparatus being caused to: perform at least one carrier phase measurement for at least one of the selected or used frequency hopping; and report information to a network node of the communication network, the information including the center frequency of the combined frequency hopping from at least one of the selected or used frequency hopping and the at least one carrier phase measurement.

[0010] In another example of the invention, there is a method comprising: receiving a request to perform frequency hopping and report a carrier phase measurement having a center frequency of the combined frequency hopping; initiating frequency hopping in a communication network to perform at least one carrier phase measurement based on a downlink positioning reference signal, including: performing at least one carrier phase measurement for at least one of the selected or used frequency hopping frequencies; and reporting information to a network node of the communication network, the information including the center frequency of the combined frequency hopping from at least one of the selected or used frequency hopping frequencies and the at least one carrier phase measurement.

[0011] Another example embodiment is an apparatus and method including the preceding paragraph, wherein at least one condition applied to at least one of the selected or used frequency hopping for at least one carrier phase measurement is reported to a network node; wherein the center frequency of at least one consecutive carrier phase measurement is further identified based on the specific condition as being different from at least one previous carrier phase measurement, wherein the at least one consecutive carrier phase measurement is obtained from at least one frequency hopping combination different from the frequency hopping combination used to obtain the previous carrier phase measurement, wherein the information includes a difference value between the current center frequency and the center frequency of the previous measurement; wherein the selected or used different frequency hopping combination is selected or used by the apparatus based on a positioning reference signal hopping conflict caused by at least one of other high-priority reference signals, channels, channel conditions, or specific metrics; wherein at least one indication is reported to the network node that at least one carrier phase difference measurement is obtained from a carrier phase measurement having a different center frequency or having the same center frequency; wherein at least one carrier phase difference measurement, the associated center frequency, and the conditions applied to the selected or used carrier phase measurement are reported to the network node. At least one condition for obtaining at least one carrier phase difference measurement via frequency hopping; wherein the device reports to the location management function of the communication network that it cannot implement the same center frequency for different carrier phase measurements of different network entities used to obtain the carrier phase difference measurement, and reports failure; wherein the device is a RedCap user equipment, and the network node is the location management function of the communication network; wherein it receives from the network node an instruction to use a specific criterion when determining the center frequency for carrier phase measurements for different network entities, wherein the device is instructed to use the center frequency of at least one selected or used frequency hopping for a specific network entity as the center frequency for carrier phase measurements obtained for other network entities of the communication network; and / or wherein, based on the network node not indicating a center frequency, it actively determines a criterion for determining the center frequency of the selected or used frequency hopping to obtain at least one carrier phase measurement based on the device's capability; and reports at least one carrier phase measurement and its corresponding center frequency based on the determined criterion; wherein the device is a RedCap user equipment or a typical user equipment, wherein the network node is the location management function of the communication network, and / or wherein the network entity is a base station.

[0012] A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing program code, which is executed by at least one processor to perform at least the methods described in the preceding paragraphs.

[0013] In another exemplary aspect of the invention, there is an apparatus comprising: receiving a request to perform frequency hopping and report a carrier phase measurement having a center frequency of a combined frequency hopping; initiating frequency hopping in a communication network to perform at least one carrier phase measurement based on a downlink positioning reference signal, including for performing at least one carrier phase measurement for at least one of selected or used frequency hopping; and a component for reporting information to network nodes of the communication network, the information including the center frequency of the combined frequency hopping from the at least one of the selected or used frequency hopping and the at least one carrier phase measurement.

[0014] According to the example embodiments described in the preceding paragraphs, at least the components for receiving, initiating, executing, and reporting include a network interface and computer program code stored on a computer-readable medium and executed by at least one processor.

[0015] In another exemplary aspect of the invention, there is an apparatus, such as a positioning reference unit apparatus, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one non-transitory memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the positioning reference unit apparatus to at least: receive a request to perform frequency hopping and report a carrier phase measurement having a center frequency of the combined frequency hopping; initiate frequency hopping in a communication network to perform at least one carrier phase measurement based on a downlink positioning reference signal, including the positioning reference unit being caused to: perform at least one carrier phase measurement for at least one of the selected or used frequency hopping; and report information to a network node of the communication network, the information including the center frequency of the combined frequency hopping from at least one of the selected or used frequency hopping and the at least one carrier phase measurement.

[0016] In another exemplary aspect of the invention, there is a method comprising: receiving a request to perform frequency hopping and report a carrier phase measurement having a center frequency of the combined frequency hopping; initiating frequency hopping in a communication network to perform at least one carrier phase measurement based on a downlink positioning reference signal, including the positioning reference unit being configured to: perform at least one carrier phase measurement for at least one of the selected or used frequency hopping frequencies; and reporting information to a network node of the communication network, the information including the center frequency of the combined frequency hopping from at least one of the selected or used frequency hopping frequencies and the at least one carrier phase measurement.

[0017] Another example embodiment is an apparatus and method that includes the apparatus and method described in the preceding paragraph, wherein a positioning reference unit is requested by a network node to perform frequency hopping and report carrier phase measurements using the same center frequency of the combined frequency hopping, and / or wherein a network node receives at least one carrier phase measurement and a corresponding center frequency of the combined frequency hopping from the positioning reference unit, and obtains a carrier phase difference measurement using the positioning reference unit carrier phase measurement and the apparatus carrier phase measurement having the center frequency of the combined frequency hopping.

[0018] A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing program code that is executed by at least one processor to perform at least the methods described in the preceding paragraphs.

[0019] In another exemplary aspect of the invention, there is an apparatus comprising: means for receiving a request to perform frequency hopping and report a carrier phase measurement having a center frequency of a combined frequency hopping; means for initiating frequency hopping in a communication network to perform at least one carrier phase measurement based on a downlink positioning reference signal, including a positioning reference unit such that at least one carrier phase measurement is performed for at least one of the selected or used frequency hopping; and means for reporting information to a network node of the communication network, the information including the center frequency of the combined frequency hopping from at least one of the selected or used frequency hopping and at least one carrier phase measurement.

[0020] According to the example embodiments described in the preceding paragraphs, at least the components for receiving, initiating, executing, and reporting include a network interface and computer program code stored on a computer-readable medium and executed by at least one processor.

[0021] In another example aspect of the invention, there is an apparatus, such as a network-side apparatus, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one non-transitory memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the network-side apparatus to at least: send a request to perform frequency hopping and report a carrier phase measurement having a center frequency of the combined frequency hopping; initiate frequency hopping in a communication network to perform at least one carrier phase measurement based on a downlink positioning reference signal; and include the apparatus such that: receive information from a user equipment, the information including the center frequency of the combined frequency hopping from at least one of the selected or used frequency hopping and the carrier phase measurement.

[0022] In another example aspect of the invention, there is a method comprising: sending a request to perform frequency hopping and report a carrier phase measurement having a center frequency of the combined frequency hopping; initiating frequency hopping in a communication network to perform at least one carrier phase measurement based on a downlink positioning reference signal, comprising: receiving information from a user equipment, the information including the center frequency of the combined frequency hopping from at least one of the selected or used frequency hopping and the carrier phase measurement.

[0023] Another example embodiment is an apparatus and method including the preceding paragraph, wherein, based on continuous carrier phase measurements, an identifier is received from a user equipment indicating that the center frequency of at least one continuous carrier phase measurement, based on specific conditions, is different from the center frequency of at least one previous carrier phase measurement, wherein the at least one continuous carrier phase measurement is obtained from at least one frequency hopping combination different from the frequency hopping combination used to obtain the previous carrier phase measurements; wherein the different frequency hopping combinations are at least one of selected or used combinations that result in different center frequencies, wherein the selected or used different frequency hopping combinations are selected or used based on a positioning reference signal hopping conflict, which is due to other This is caused by at least one of a high-priority signal, channel conditions, or a specific metric; wherein the information includes the difference between the current center frequency and the center frequency of a previous carrier phase measurement; wherein a user equipment in a communication network communicates with a condition or metric for selecting frequency hopping for a reference signal carrier phase measurement; wherein a network node receives a report from the user equipment including at least one number of frequency hoppings, at least one frequency hopping identifier (ID), and one or more conditions or metrics applied to select or use one or more frequency hoppings to obtain at least one carrier phase measurement; wherein the condition or metric includes: a frequency flatness check selected in the hopping, and a hopping that satisfies a specific flatness condition or probability.The carrier phase measurement is obtained by the user equipment (UE) by initiating frequency hopping to use or select at least one frequency hopping to perform at least one carrier phase measurement based on the downlink positioning reference signal and reporting one or more carrier phase measurements with the center frequency of the combined frequency hopping to the network node. This includes receiving different reference signal carrier phase measurements associated with the center frequency from the UE, and at least one condition applied to at least one selected or used different frequency hopping combination. This is used with more than one network node based on the same center frequency and communication network reference signal carrier phase measurements. The UE receives a report including a single center frequency with a reference signal carrier phase difference. During continuous frequency hopping aggregation condition estimation, the UE receives a report because certain conditions are met and the different frequency hopping combinations are one of the selected or used combinations resulting in different center frequencies. The report includes a difference value between the current center frequency and a previously measured center frequency with a reference signal carrier phase difference, wherein the report is received from the user equipment, including a reference signal carrier phase difference and a reference signal carrier phase difference measurement based on determined criteria, wherein a set of positioning reference signal frequency hopping is sent to the positioning reference unit, wherein each frequency hopping has its own center frequency, and the positioning reference unit is requested to perform at least one carrier phase measurement using an indicated frequency hopping configuration and its corresponding center frequency, wherein the report is received from the user equipment for an indication of a sidelink communication channel used with the positioning reference unit and the center frequency used, wherein based on the indication, the reference signal carrier phase difference between the user equipment and the positioning reference unit associated with the same center frequency being used is determined, and / or wherein the network node includes a location server with location management capabilities for the communication network.

[0024] A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing program code that is executed by at least one processor to perform at least the methods described in the preceding paragraphs.

[0025] In another exemplary aspect of the invention, there is an apparatus comprising: means for sending a request to perform frequency hopping and report a carrier phase measurement having a center frequency of a combined frequency hopping; and means for initiating frequency hopping in a communication network to perform at least one carrier phase measurement based on a downlink positioning reference signal, including: means for receiving information from a user equipment, the information including the center frequency of the combined frequency hopping from at least one of the selected or used frequency hopping and the carrier phase measurement.

[0026] According to the example embodiments described in the preceding paragraphs, at least the components for sending, initiating, and receiving include a network interface and computer program code stored on a computer-readable medium and executed by at least one processor.

[0027] A communication system includes a network-side device and a user equipment-side device that perform the operations described above. Attached image description: The above and other aspects, features, and benefits of various embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals are used to denote the same or equivalent elements. The drawings are illustrated to provide a better understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure and are not necessarily drawn to scale, wherein: Figure 1 An example of a downlink positioning reference signal (DL PRS) is shown; Figure 2 This demonstrates ranging using carrier phase; Figure 3 This illustrates the illustrative concept of carrier phase positioning; Figure 4 The signaling flow according to an example embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 5 Another signaling flow according to an example embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 6 Another signaling flow according to an example embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 7 A high-level block diagram of various devices for carrying out various aspects of the present invention is shown; and Figure 8A , Figure 8B and Figure 8C Each illustrates a method that can be performed by an apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Detailed Implementation

[0029] In exemplary embodiments of the invention, at least one method and apparatus for novel approaches and apparatus are provided to at least enhance the accuracy of UE-reported reference signal carrier phase (RSCP) and RSCPD measurements for RedCap positioning estimation at the LMF. The RedCap UE may support only a 20 MHz bandwidth for FR1 and 100 MHz for FR2. To overcome the bandwidth limitation, the RedCap UE performs frequency hopping to measure wideband PRS.

[0030] The standard used for NR positioning at the time of this application includes several enhancements, including UEs with RedCap capability. The WID for RedCap positioning is defined as: Specify support for frequency hopping (FH) exceeding the maximum RedCap UE bandwidth for receiving DL PRS and transmitting UL SRS: Note: The complexity of the corresponding capabilities for RedCap UEs should be addressed in order to introduce appropriate capabilities for RedCap UEs; Specify the RRM requirements for positioning, including RRM measurements and procedures for RedCap UEs with and without frequency hopping.

[0031] As noted in the WID section above, RedCap is a bandwidth-limited (BW) device. However, positioning accuracy is proportional to the positioning reference signal BW. Therefore, to address RedCap's BW limitation and improve positioning accuracy, frequency hopping strategies (e.g., such as...) are needed. Figure 1 The agreement (shown) has been made in the standards at the time of this application.

[0032] As such Figure 1 As shown in the PRS frequency splicing / frequency hopping section, the UE may need to align the phases of multiple frequency "blocks" (hops) to remove errors caused by phase offsets or positioning errors between blocks. This process can be accomplished by having overlapping frequency portions for concurrent blocks (or hops). As an example of the frequency hopping process, the UE receives the PRS over multiple hops. There may be overlapping RBs (resource blocks) between adjacent or consecutive hops, and the UE estimates the phase difference between the hops. When the UE combines multiple hops into a wideband PRS, the UE uses the estimated phase difference information. The UE obtains the CP measurement from the combined hops. This is similar to the UL case, where the gNB receives the SRS over multiple hops. There may be overlapping RBs (resource blocks) between adjacent or consecutive hops, and the gNB estimates the phase difference between the hops. When the gNB combines multiple hops into a wideband SRS, the gNB uses the estimated phase difference information.

[0033] The standards at the time of this application made the following agreement regarding "frequency hopping and measurement reporting": protocol: For DL ​​Rx transitions or UL Tx transitions, the following reports are supported by the UE or gNB: • Based on a single measurement received from multiple hops of DL PRS or UL SRS for positioning; • A measurement, wherein the measurement is associated with a received transition; •FFS: An indication of how many received transitions are used in the measurement report / which received transitions are used and where; • Note: No new measurement definitions have been introduced in RAN1; • FFS: The conditions under which the above measurements are reported, and whether the above measurements can be reported together.

[0034] Note that the above protocol indicates flexibility for the receiver in using the number of hops (not necessarily all) of positioning measurements that include two FFS points, which warrants investigation and also affects RedCap positioning accuracy.

[0035] According to RedCap WID, the use of specific positioning methods is unrestricted. Therefore, using NR carrier phase positioning (NRCPP) for high-accuracy RedCap positioning can also be a candidate solution for RedCap UEs.

[0036] Brief description of carrier phase positioning : Carrier phase measurement-based positioning is one of the promising techniques in GPS / GNSS for centimeter-level accuracy. For example... Figure 2 As shown, carrier phase measurement can be used to estimate the distance between the transmitter and receiver at the granularity of carrier wavelength.

[0037] from Figure 2 It can be seen that the range between the transmitter and receiver can be determined by using the carrier wavelength ( Fractions and multiples thereof (i.e.) To represent, in This refers to the carrier phase measured periodically. Note that in the ranging expression above, the receiver can only measure the fractional phase term. Integer value It cannot be directly measured. The integer part needs to be solved using some indirect methods, therefore This is known as integer ambiguity.

[0038] Using expression (1) and employing trilateration positioning methods, such as... Figure 3 As shown, NR CPP positioning is standardized for normal UEs.

[0039] For more details on the NR CPP method / protocol, the advanced concepts are briefly highlighted below.

[0040] For the PRS (Location Reference Signal) resources transmitted from the i-th gNB, and using expression (1), the phase measured by the k-th UE can be expressed as: (2) in This indicates a phase measurement in units of period. This represents the actual geographical distance between the k-th UE and the i-th gNB. It is the wavelength associated with the i-th gNB (e.g., the wavelength associated with the center frequency). (related) Integer ambiguity representing the propagation wavelength.

[0041] In expression (2), the symbol and symbols These are used to represent the phase offset due to the k-th UE and the i-th gNB, respectively. For example, the phase offset can be caused by time offset, frequency offset, initial phase of LO (local oscillator), etc. between the UE and gNB.

[0042] In order to use (2) to calculate the UE position, the phase offset needs to be removed. and This is accomplished using single-difference phase measurement and double-difference phase measurement.

[0043] a) Single-difference phase measurement: For this purpose, the k-th UE uses an additional gNB for measurement. Assuming the j-th gNB is used, the measured phase at the k-th UE for the PRS transmitted from the j-th gNB can be written as:

[0044] Assume that the i-th and j-th gNBs use the same center frequency (i.e., ), single-difference phase (i.e., from minus )as follows: (4) in , In single-difference phase, phase shift still exists due to gNB, which can be removed by calculating double-difference phase.

[0045] b) Double-difference phase measurement: For this, an additional reference UE (e.g., a positioning reference unit (PRU)) is used. Assume the p-th UE is a PRU. Under similar conditions, the single-difference phase measurement for the p-th PRU can be written as follows: (5) Note that under similar conditions (e.g., using the same center frequency), and They take the same value. They can be obtained from the following... Subtract To eliminate: (6) in , and

[0046] Here, (6) there is no phase offset between the UE and gNB. Therefore, the UE position can be estimated by using single-differential and double-differential phase in the CPP method to achieve target positioning accuracy (e.g., in the centimeter range).

[0047] To define the specific RF frequencies associated with CP measurements, an agreement has been reached to support the definition of DL RSCP / RSCPD and UL RSCP measurements.

[0048] In the standards of this application, in order to define the specific RF frequencies associated with CP measurements, RAN1 has agreed to support the following definitions for DL ​​RSCP / RSCPD and UL RSCP measurements, respectively: protocol: The specific RF frequency associated with DL carrier phase measurement is defined by default as the center frequency of the DL PFL: ● Note: If RAN1 agrees to introduce it, it remains to be discussed whether frequencies other than the center frequency of the DL PFL can be used as specific RF frequencies in non-default cases.

[0049] protocol: The specific RF frequency associated with UL carrier phase measurement is defined by default as the center frequency of the SRS transmission bandwidth used for positioning purposes: Note: If RAN1 agrees to introduce it, it remains to be discussed whether frequencies other than the center frequency of the UL carrier can be used as specific RF frequencies in non-default cases.

[0050] To limit DL RSCPD / RSCP reporting to only one Positioning Frequency Layer (PFL), RAN1 has agreed to the following: protocol: When DL RSCPD / RSCP measurements are reported together with DL RSTD / UE Rx-Tx time difference measurements, DL RSCPD / RSCP measurements are obtained from a single DL PFL.

[0051] Note: From RAN1's ​​perspective, the reporting of carrier phase measurements from one DL PFL has no effect on the reporting of DL RSTD and / or UE Rx-Tx time difference measurements from the same DL PFL or other DL PFLs.

[0052] Furthermore, RAN1 has agreed to require UEs supporting CPP in the RRC_INACTIVE / RRC_IDLE states to measure CP measurements from the entire DL PFL not only from the initial DL BWP (bandwidth portion), as follows: protocol: A UE capable of supporting CPP in the RRC_INACTIV / RRC_IDLE state should measure DL PRS from the entire DL PFL (i.e., not limited to its initial DL BWP). When the UE is in the RRC_INACTIVE / RRC_IDLE state, the RF frequencies associated with DL RSCP / RSCPD can be defined in the same way as UEs in the RRC_CONNECTED state.

[0053] To support UL Tx frequency hopping for different UE states, RAN1 has agreed to: protocol: For both RRC_CONNECTED and RRC_INACTIVE states, SRS Tx frequency hopping is supported.

[0054] protocol: For RedCap UEs, PRS Rx frequency hopping is supported for RRC_INACTIVE state and RRC_IDLE state.

[0055] In addition, in the standard of this application, RAN1 has agreed to support LMF for DL ​​PRS Rx frequency hopping auxiliary data in the following manner: protocol: For DL ​​PRS Rx frequency hopping, LMF supports including explicit requests for DL ​​PRS Rx frequency hopping measurements and reports in the location request signaling.

[0056] The location information request may also optionally include the total bandwidth of all hops.

[0057] However, RAN1 does not define a solution / signaling to remove / minimize positioning measurement errors caused by center frequency differences in RedCap frequency-hopping CPP. Furthermore, no method is proposed in the literature for aligning the center frequencies of positioning measurements between RedCap UEs and PRUs in RedCap frequency-hopping CPP.

[0058] However, note that no solution / signaling has yet been defined to avoid positioning errors caused by the center frequency difference between CP measurements and reference signal transmission in UL and DL CPP.

[0059] Furthermore, it should be noted that at the time of this application, no solution or signaling has been defined for avoiding positioning errors caused by the difference in center frequency between the CP measurement and the reference signal transmission in UL and DL CPP.

[0060] The exemplary embodiments of the present invention at least address these problems.

[0061] Before describing in detail the exemplary embodiments of the invention as disclosed herein, refer to Figure 7 Simplified block diagrams are provided to illustrate various electronic devices applicable to the practice of exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0062] Figure 7 A block diagram of one possible, non-limiting, exemplary system in which example embodiments of the invention can be practiced is shown. Figure 7 In this context, User Equipment (UE) 10 communicates wirelessly with Wireless Network 1 or Network 1, such as... Figure 7 As shown. Figure 7 The wireless network 1 or network 1 in the document may include a communication network, such as a mobile network, for example, mobile network 1 or a first mobile network as disclosed herein. This document refers to... Figure 7 Any reference to Wireless Network 1 in this document can be considered a reference to any wireless network as disclosed herein. Furthermore, as... Figure 7 The wireless network 1 in the RAN may also include hard-wired features that the communication network may require. The UE is wireless and is typically a mobile device that can access the wireless network. For example, the UE may be a mobile phone (or "cellular" phone) and / or a computer with mobile terminal capabilities. For example, the UE or mobile terminal may also be a portable, pocket, handheld, computer-embedded, or vehicle-mounted mobile device that performs voice signaling and / or data exchange with the RAN.

[0063] UE 10 includes one or more processors DP 10A, one or more memories MEM 10B, and one or more transceivers TRANS 10D interconnected via one or more buses. Each of the one or more transceivers TRANS 10D includes a receiver and a transmitter. The one or more buses may be address, data, or control buses and may include any interconnection mechanism, such as a series of lines on a motherboard or integrated circuit, fiber optic cables, or other optical communication devices. The one or more transceivers TRANS 10D may optionally be connected to one or more antennas to communicate with NN 12 and NN 13 respectively. The one or more memories MEM 10B include computer program code PROG 10C. UE 10 communicates with NN 12 and / or NN 13 via wireless links 11 or 16.

[0064] NN 12 (NR / 5G Node B, evolved NB, or LTE equipment) is related to, for example, NR / 5G Node B, evolved NB, or LTE equipment. Figure 7The NN 13 and UE 10 are network nodes that communicate with each other, such as primary or secondary base stations (e.g., for NR or LTE Long Term Evolution). The NN 12 provides access to wireless devices such as UE 10 to the wireless network 1. The NN 12 includes one or more processors DP 12A, one or more memories MEM 12B, and one or more transceivers TRANS 12D interconnected via one or more buses. According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, these TRANS 12Ds may include X2 and / or Xn interfaces for performing the exemplary embodiments. Each of the one or more transceivers TRANS 12Ds includes a receiver and a transmitter. The one or more transceivers TRANS 12Ds may optionally be connected to one or more antennas for communicating with UE 10 via at least link 11. One or more memories MEM 12B and computer program code PROG 12C are configured to cause the NN 12 to perform one or more operations as described herein using one or more processors DP 12A. The NN 12 may communicate with another gNB or eNB or a device such as the NN 13, for example, via link 16. Furthermore, Link 11, Link 16, and / or any other link can be wired, wireless, or both, and can implement, for example, an X2 or Xn interface. Additionally, Link 11 and / or Link 16 can be connected to other network devices, such as, but not limited to, […]. Figure 7 The NN 12 can perform the functions of an MME (Mobility Management Entity) or SGW (Serving Gateway), such as user plane functions, and / or access management functions for LTE and similar functions for 5G.

[0065] NN 13 can be used for WiFi or Bluetooth or other wireless devices associated with mobility function devices such as AMF or SMF. Furthermore, NN 13 may include NR / 5G Node B or possible evolved NB base stations, such as primary or secondary node base stations communicating with devices such as NN 12 and / or UE 10 and / or Wireless Network 1 (e.g., for NR or LTE Long Term Evolution). NN 13 includes one or more processors DP 13A, one or more memories MEM 13B, one or more network interfaces, and one or more transceivers TRANS 13D interconnected via one or more buses. According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, these network interfaces of NN 13 may include X2 and / or Xn interfaces for performing the exemplary embodiments. Each of the one or more transceivers TRANS 13D includes a receiver and a transmitter that may optionally be connected to one or more antennas. The one or more memories MEM 13B include computer program code PROG 13C. For example, one or more memory MEM 13B and computer program code PROG 13C are configured to enable NN 13 to perform one or more operations as described herein using one or more processors DP 13A. NN 13 can communicate with another mobility function device and / or eNB (such as NN 12 and UE 10 or any other device) using, for example, link 11 or link 16 or another link. Figure 7 Link 16 shown can be used to communicate with NN 12. These links can be wired, wireless, or both, and can implement, for example, an X2 or Xn interface. Furthermore, as described above, links 11 and / or 16 can be connected via other network devices, such as, but not limited to, NCE / MME / SGW devices, such as… Figure 7 NCE / MME / SGW / UDM / PCF / AMF / SMF / LMF 14.

[0066] Figure 7 One or more buses of the device can be address, data, or control buses, and can include any interconnection mechanism, such as a series of lines on a motherboard or integrated circuit, fiber optic or other optical communication devices, wireless channels, etc. For example, one or more transceivers TRANS 12D, TRANS 13D, and / or TRANS 10D can be implemented as remote radio heads (RRHs), other components of the NN 12 are physically located at a different location from the RRH, and these devices can include one or more buses that can be partially implemented as fiber optic cables to connect other components of the NN 12 to the RRH.

[0067] Note that, although Figure 7Network nodes such as NN 12 and NN 13 are shown, but any of these nodes can be merged or incorporated into eNodeBs, eNBs, or gNBs for LTE and NR, and can still be configured to perform the example embodiments.

[0068] It should also be noted that the description herein refers to a "cell" performing functions; however, it should be clear that the gNB and / or user equipment and / or mobility management function equipment that form the cell will perform the functions. Furthermore, a cell constitutes part of a gNB, and each gNB may have multiple cells.

[0069] Wireless Network 1, or any network that it may represent, may or may not include NCE / MME / SGW / UDM / PCF / AMF / SMF / LMF 14, which... 14 may include (NCE) network control element functions, MME (Mobility Management Entity) / SGW (Serving Gateway) functions, and / or Serving Gateway (SGW), and / or MME (Mobility Management Entity) and / or SGW (Serving Gateway) functions, and / or User Data Management (UDM) functions, and / or PCF (Policy Control) functions, and / or Access and Mobility Management (AMF) functions, and / or Session Management (SMF) functions, and / or Location Management (LMF) functions, and / or Authentication Server (AUSF) functions, and the NCE / MME / SGW / SGW / AMF / AMF / SMF / LMF can provide connectivity to another network (such as a telephone network and / or a data communication network (e.g., the Internet)), and the NCE / MME / SGW / SGW / SGW / AMF / SMF / LMF 14 can be configured to perform any 5G and / or NR operations to supplement or replace other standard operations at the time of this application. NCE / MME / SGW / UDM / PCF / AMF / SMF / LMF 14 can be configured to perform operations according to example embodiments of any of LTE, NR, 5G, and / or any standards-based communication technologies implemented or discussed at the time of this application. Furthermore, it should be noted that operations performed by NN 12 and / or NN 13 according to example embodiments can also be performed at NCE / MME / SGW / UDM / PCF / AMF / SMF / LMF 14.

[0070] NCE / MME / SGW / UDM / PCF / AMF / SMF / LMF 14 includes one or more processor DP 19A, one or more memory MEM 19B, and one or more network interfaces (N / WI / F) interconnected via one or more buses coupled to link 13 and / or link 16. According to an example embodiment, these network interfaces may include X2 and / or Xn interfaces for performing the example embodiment. One or more memory MEM 19B includes computer program code PROG 14C. The one or more memory MEM 19B and computer program code PROG 14C are configured, together with one or more processor DP 19A, to cause NCE / MME / SGW / UDM / PCF / AMF / SMF / LMF 14 to perform one or more operations that may be required to support the operation according to the example embodiment.

[0071] Note that NN 12 and / or NN 13 and / or UE 10 can be configured (e.g., based on standard implementations, etc.) to perform Location Management Function (LMF) functionality. LMF functionality can be embodied in any of these network devices or other devices associated with them. Furthermore, at least as described below, LMF (such as...) Figure 7 The MME / SGW / UDM / PCF / AMF / SMF / LMF14 LMF) can be co-located with UE 10, for example, with... Figure 7 NN 12 and / or NN 13 are separated for performing operations according to exemplary embodiments of the invention disclosed herein.

[0072] Wireless Network 1 can achieve network virtualization, which is the process of combining hardware and software network resources and network functions into a single software-based managed entity (virtual network). Network virtualization involves platform virtualization, often combined with resource virtualization. Network virtualization is categorized as either external, combining many networks or parts of a network into virtual units; or internal, providing network-like functionality to software containers on a single system. Note that the virtualized entities created by network virtualization are still implemented to some extent using hardware such as processors DP10, DP12A, DP13A and / or DP19A and memory MEM10B, MEM 12B, MEM 13B and / or MEM 19B, and such virtualized entities also produce technical effects.

[0073] Computer-readable storage devices MEM 12B, MEM 13B, and MEM 19B can be of any type suitable for the local technical environment and can be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, flash memory, magnetic storage devices and systems, optical storage devices and systems, fixed memory, and removable memory. Computer-readable storage devices MEM 12B, MEM 13B, and MEM 19B can be components for performing storage functions. As a non-limiting example, processors DP10, DP12A, DP13A, and DP19A can be of any type suitable for the local technical environment and can include one or more of general-purpose computers, special-purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), and processors based on multi-core processor architectures. Processors DP10, DP12A, DP13A, and DP19A can be components for performing functions, such as controlling UE 10, NN 12, NN 13, and other functions as described herein.

[0074] Typically, various embodiments of any of these devices may include, but are not limited to, cellular phones (such as smartphones), tablets, personal digital assistants (PDAs) with wireless communication capabilities, portable computers with wireless communication capabilities, image acquisition devices (such as digital cameras with wireless communication capabilities), gaming devices with wireless communication capabilities, music storage and playback devices with wireless communication capabilities, internet devices that allow wireless internet access and browsing, tablets with wireless communication capabilities, and portable units or terminals that include a combination of these functions.

[0075] Furthermore, various embodiments of any of these devices can be used with any other node of this type associated with a UE vehicle, an aerial platform station, or a ground network or any type of drone radio or aircraft or other air vehicle or vessel traveling on water (such as a ship).

[0076] In expression (6), note that under certain conditions, the double-difference phase has no phase offset deviation between the gNB and the target UE, which is crucial for enhancing positioning accuracy (e.g., within the centimeter range). The assumption is: ● Condition C1: The target UE for measuring carrier phase across gNB is associated with the same center frequency, in order to... Single-difference phase Bit The phase offset of the target UE is compensated during measurement (calculation). Single difference phase Also known as the Reference Signal Carrier Phase Difference (RSCPD). The RSCPD is calculated by the target UE in DL CPP (UE Assisted Mode) and then reported to the location server (e.g., Location Management Function (LMF)).

[0077] ● Condition C2: The PRU uses the same center frequency as the target UE across the gNB, in order to... Double-difference phase The phase shift of gNB is offset during measurement (calculation). Double-difference phase The RSCPD is calculated by LMF in DL CPP (UE Assisted Mode) using the RSCPD reported by the target UE and PRU.

[0078] ● Condition C3: If the center frequency used by the UE / PRU is different from the center frequency recommended by the LMF, the LMF knows the new center frequency used to estimate the target UE location, for example, by using the trilateration positioning method with expression (3).

[0079] The above three conditions assume that the gNB, target UE, and PRU are set to the same center frequency for measuring carrier phase (and that positioning accuracy may be compromised if any entity deviates). However, for the current protocol in frequency-hopping CPP for RedCap UEs, these conditions are not assumed / guaranteed / supported. For example: ● Due to the flexibility of the UE in using hop count for positioning measurements, the LMF may not know the center frequency of the aggregate hops associated with the phase measurement, as required by condition C3; ● The center frequency of the CP measurement relative to the gNB (reference gNB and other gNBs) can differ depending on which frequency hopping and how many frequency hopping the target UE uses for each gNB. This violates condition C1 above, where the target UE may need to use the same center frequency for all gNBs in order to calculate RSCPD; ● The PRU may not know the center frequency used by the target UE to satisfy condition C2.

[0080] The exemplary embodiments of the present invention at least address these problems.

[0081] The exemplary embodiments of the present invention address at least the aforementioned problems to enhance the accuracy of RedCap frequency hopping-based carrier phase positioning. Specifically, according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a method is provided to enhance the accuracy of UE-reported reference signal carrier phase (RSCP) and RSCPD measurements at the LMF for RedCap positioning estimation.

[0082] In short, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, at least the following is provided: The exemplary embodiments of the present invention address the problems described herein to enhance the accuracy of RedCap frequency hopping-based carrier phase positioning. Specifically, the present invention proposes a method to avoid discrepancies in the center frequency associated with the RSCP and RSCPD measurements used for UE positioning estimation reported by the UE to the LMF.

[0083] In short, exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide at least the following: ● RedCap: The UE reports the center frequency of the selected / used frequency hopping and the reference signal carrier phase (RSCP) measurement to the LMF. This is necessary for accurately estimating the UE's location using the RSCP measurements (performed by the UE) reported to the LMF; ● The accuracy of RSCPD measurements depends on the measurement of RSCP across gNBs with the same center frequency. This can be difficult to achieve because RedCap has the flexibility to “select / use” different frequency hopping to suit specific conditions, resulting in different center frequencies across gNBs. An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a method to prevent / eliminate RSCPD measurement errors due to the use of RSCP measurements associated with different center frequencies; ● Double-difference carrier phase with no phase error is crucial for high-accuracy positioning. This requires the PRU and target UE to use the same center frequency across the gNB. This can be difficult to achieve because RedCap UEs operate with an FH strategy (generating different carrier frequencies based on the “selected / used” frequency hopping) and the PRU operates with wideband reception. The method according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention works to enable the LMF to create double-difference CP measurements using RSCPD measurements with the same center frequency reported by the PRU and RedCap UE.

[0084] RedCap UEs report the center frequency of the selected / used frequency hopping and the reference signal carrier phase (RSCP) measurement to the LMF. This requires accurately representing the distance at the LMF from the RSCP measurement reported by the UE.

[0085] It should be noted that RedCap UE is used for ease of description and is not necessarily limited to RedCap UE. The problem and the solution provided apply to carrier phase positioning, which typically utilizes frequency hopping for any UE.

[0086] The following example embodiments of the present invention provide details on avoiding measurement errors due to center frequency differences in the following: A) RSCP measurements with FH reported by RedCap UE, B) RSCPD measurements with FH reported by RedCap UE, and C) double-difference phase measurements at LMF in RedCap frequency-hopping CPP.

[0087] A. Avoid measurement errors caused by center frequency differences in RSCP measurements with FH reported by RedCap UE.

[0088] The center frequency information (or wavelength) at the LMF needs to accurately represent the distance from the RSCP reported by the UE (see expression (1)). Therefore, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the following proposal exists: ● LMF instructs UE on the conditions / metrics for selecting FH for RSCP measurements; ● For example, the condition / metric could be (1) aggregating FH values ​​that satisfy frequency flatness within a certain threshold (see more details). Figures 4 to 7 (2) FH should be continuous (i.e., aggregated FH should be adjacent to each other), etc. ● The LMF requests the UE to report the RSCP measurements and associated center frequency; ● The UE performs RSCP measurements from the selected / used FH that meets specific conditions; ● The UE reports the center frequency of the selected / used frequency hopping and the reference signal carrier phase (RSCP) measurement to the LMF; Along with the RSCP report, the UE can also report the conditions applied to the selected / used FH for RSCP measurement. The UE can also report to the LMF the number of frequency hoppings, frequency hopping ID, and frequency hopping flatness checks / measurements already used to obtain RSCP measurements. In an additional embodiment, the UE may report to the LMF the difference between the center frequency of the current RSCP measurement and the center frequency of the previous RSCP measurement.

[0089] For example, if certain conditions are met, a different set of frequency hopping can be selected / used in RSCP measurement i than in RSCP measurement i-1, resulting in a different center frequency associated with RSCP measurement i (the center frequency associated with RSCP measurement i-1). The need to use / select different combinations of frequency hopping between different RSCP measurements may be due to PRS frequency hopping conflicts with other high-priority signals and / or channel conditions based on certain metrics (e.g., frequency flatness checks between frequency hopping, selection of frequency hopping that meets certain flatness conditions / probabilities, etc.).

[0090] Figure 4 The diagram shows an example signal flow chart based on the steps above.

[0091] like Figure 4 As shown in step 1, there is an identified signaling operation for initiating carrier phase positioning using frequency hopping, including indicating conditions for the selection of frequency hopping (FH) for RSCP measurements.

[0092] like Figure 4 As shown in step 2, the LMF can request the UE to report the RSCP and the associated center frequency.

[0093] like Figure 4 As shown in steps 4 and 5, the UE can perform FH measurement by repeatedly receiving DL PRS frequency hopping based on DL PRS sent by the gNB.

[0094] like Figure 4 As shown in step 6, there is a UE signaling operation that estimates the RSCP for at least one of the selected or used FHs based on the FH aggregation conditions.

[0095] like Figure 4 As shown in step 7, there is a signaling operation of the UE that reports the RSCP, the associated center frequency, and the conditions applied to at least one of the selected or used FH to the LMF.

[0096] like Figure 4 As shown in steps 9 and 10, the UE can perform FH measurement again by repeatedly receiving DLPRS frequency hopping based on the DL PRS sent by the gNB.

[0097] like Figure 4 As shown in step 11, there is a UE signaling operation, and based on the FH aggregation condition, the RSCP for at least one of the selected or used FHs is estimated again.

[0098] like Figure 4 As shown in step 12, there is a signaling operation of the UE that reports the RSCP, the associated center frequency (or reports the difference between the current center frequency and the previously measured center frequency) to the LMF, and the conditions applied to at least one of the selected or used FHs.

[0099] like Figure 4 As shown in step 13, the LMF can perform carrier phase-based ranging and / or positioning, at least in part, based on reporting signaling from the UE.

[0100] B. Avoid using FH Single difference phase Measurement error caused by differences in center frequency in the measurement (i.e., RSCPD).

[0101] Case 1: The initial phase offset is not sensitive to changes in the center frequency of the RSCP measurement (i.e., the initial phase offset may be mainly due to LO initial phase offset, timing offset, etc.), or the accuracy requirements are not strict. In this case, the UE is allowed to calculate the RSCPD measurement using RSCP measurements from different gNBs associated with different center frequencies (via (4)). However, the center frequency associated with each RSCP measurement (which is obtained by selecting a specific set of frequency hopping to meet specific conditions, as indicated / predefined by the LMF) needs to be reported to the LMF to accurately convert the phase value to distance.

[0102] In this context, based on the UE capabilities, an example embodiment of the present invention proposes: The UE reports the center frequency used to measure the RSCP for each gNB, along with an RSCPD report, to the LMF. If the UE uses the same center frequency with RSCP measurements for two gNBs, the UE reports a single center frequency with an RSCPD report to the LMF. The reason for this signaling is that the LMF needs center frequency (wavelength) information to express the RSCPD pseudorange in (4) (note that it is assumed that the same center frequency is used to simplify (4), which can be easily generalized). In an additional embodiment, the UE may report to the LMF the difference between the center frequency of the current RSCP measurement and the center frequency of the previous RSCP measurement; In all of the above signaling, the UE can also report to the LMF the number of frequency hoppings, frequency hopping ID, and frequency hopping flatness check / measurement that have been used to obtain RSCP measurements.

[0103] Case 2: The initial phase offset is sensitive to the use of different center frequencies for different RSCP measurements. Therefore, it is necessary to use the same center frequency for each gNB RSCP measurement in order to successfully calculate the RSCPD measurement (using (4)). If the same center frequency between gNB RSCP measurements is not possible, then the allowable difference in center frequency is indicated.

[0104] LMF instructs the UE to use a specific center frequency (and frequency hopping ID) for all gNB RSCP measurements.

[0105] In one embodiment, the LMF instructs the UE on specific criteria when determining the center frequency of the RSCP measurements for all gNBs.

[0106] For example, the UE can use the center frequency of the "selected / used" frequency hopping of the reference cell for all other gNBRSCP measurements.

[0107] Indicates that a specific gNB (e.g., reference cell) has the highest priority.

[0108] Assuming the UE can save / store the received measurement frequency hopping, it can be instructed to find the center frequency so that the number of "selected / used" frequency hopping frequencies that meet specific conditions (e.g., frequency flatness between frequency hopping, consecutive frequency hopping, etc.) can be maximized for all gNBs.

[0109] In another embodiment, if the LMF does not indicate a criterion for determining the center frequency of the UE, the UE can proactively determine the criterion based on its capabilities and report it along with RSCP / RSCPD measurements.

[0110] In another embodiment, the LMF can indicate to the UE the permissible center frequency difference between gNB RSCP measurements, which is acceptable for the calculation of RSCPD.

[0111] Based on the allowable difference in center frequency, the UE measures the RSCP of each gNB. The UE then reports the RSCPD measurement and the center frequency used to the LMF.

[0112] Note that in all the above cases, the UE reports to the LMF the center frequency of the “selected / used” frequency hopping associated with the RSCP of each gNB, as well as the RSCPD measurement.

[0113] Figure 5 An example signal flowchart of the above steps is shown in the figure.

[0114] like Figure 5 As shown in step 1, there is a signaling operation that initiates carrier phase positioning using frequency hopping, including indicating conditions regarding the selection of frequency hopping (FH) for RSCP measurements.

[0115] like Figure 5 As shown in step 2, there is an LMF signaling operation that can optionally indicate whether the RSCPD measurement can come from a different center frequency or whether the same center frequency should be enforced.

[0116] like Figure 5 As shown in step 4, there are additional operations of the LMF that may optionally instruct a request to report the RSCPD and the associated center frequency.

[0117] like Figure 5 As shown in step 5, there is also an operation of the UE to perform FH reception from the serving gNB and one or more neighboring gNBs.

[0118] like Figure 5 As shown in step 6, there is an operation of the UE that estimates RSCP for at least one of the selected or used FHs based on the FH aggregation conditions. Figure 5 As shown in step 7, there is an operation of the UE to estimate RSCPD based on the estimated RSCP of the serving gNB and one or more neighboring gNBs.

[0119] like Figure 5 As shown in step 8, there is a UE signaling operation that instructs the LMF to one or more of the following: the estimated RSCPD, the associated center frequency, and the conditions applied to the selected / used FH.

[0120] like Figure 5 As shown in step 10, there are also additional operations of the LMF, optionally indicating a request to report the RSCPD and the associated center frequency; and also as Figure 5 As shown in step 11, it indicates the specific center frequency to be used or which method the UE should use to implement the same center frequency.

[0121] like Figure 5 As shown in step 11, there is a signaling operation of LMF that instructs the UE to use a specific center frequency for RSCPD measurements with FH (or instructs the UE to implement the same center frequency).

[0122] like Figure 5 As shown in step 12, there is another operation by the UE, performing FH reception from the serving gNB and one or more neighboring gNBs.

[0123] like Figure 5 As shown in step 13, there exists a UE operation that estimates RSCP based on FH aggregation conditions from at least one of the selected or used FHs that implement the same center frequency for the serving cell and neighboring cells.

[0124] like Figure 5 As shown in step 14, there is an operation of the UE to estimate RSCPD from the RSCP of the serving cell or neighboring cells.

[0125] like Figure 5 As shown in step 15, there is a signaling operation by the UE that reports one or more of the following to the LMF: the estimated RSCPD, the associated center frequency, and the conditions applied to at least one of the selected or used FH.

[0126] like Figure 5 As shown in step 16, there is a UE signaling operation that instructs the LMF that the UE cannot implement the same center frequency and reports a failure. Step 16 can be taken in place of any or all of steps 10-15.

[0127] like Figure 5 As shown in step 17, the LMF can perform carrier phase-based ranging and / or positioning, at least in part, based on reporting signaling from the UE.

[0128] C. Avoid measurement errors caused by the difference in center frequency in double-difference phase measurements using FH.

[0129] The proposals in bullet points (A) and (B) above aim to avoid positioning errors caused by the difference in center frequency between RSCP and RSCPD measurements, thereby enabling the use of dual-difference phase measurements at the LMF to estimate the UE position.

[0130] However, these proposals do not guarantee that the dual-difference phase measurements (calculated by the LMF using RSCPD measurements from the PRU and the target UE) are free from phase offset. This is because the PRU does not need to utilize frequency hopping strategies for operation, and the RSCP / RSCPD measurements reported by the target UE may have a different center frequency than those reported by the PRU (associated with one or more selected / used frequency hopping frequencies). Therefore, a mismatch may exist between the center frequencies of each gNB used by the target UE and the PRU.

[0131] In this context, an exemplary embodiment of the present invention proposes: ● LMF requests that RedCap UE and PRU use the same center frequency for RSCP measurements per gNB: However, this may not guarantee the same center frequency between the PRU and the RedCap UE, as the RedCap UE has the flexibility to obtain RSCP measurements using one or more of the selected / used frequency hopping frequencies; ● The LMF provides the PRU with a set of PRS frequency hopping frequencies, where each frequency hopping frequency has its own center frequency, and requests RSCP measurements of all center frequencies in the set: ○ The LMF then calculates the PRU's RSCPD based on the center frequency reported by the target UE used for RSCPD measurement. This ensures that the PRU and target UE RSCPD measurements are associated with the same center frequency; In one embodiment, the LMF instructs the PRU to use a pool of frequency hopping IDs associated with a specific center frequency ID, which is separate from the center frequency ID of the frequency hopping used by the target RedCap UE within a specific configured / predefined threshold.

[0132] ● In another embodiment, the target UE may use a sidelink communication channel with the PRU and indicate the center frequency it is using: For example, the target UE can determine the center frequency as described above (see item B -> case 2) and report it to the PRU via the side link.

[0133] Figure 6 An example signal flowchart of the above steps is shown in the figure.

[0134] like Figure 6 As shown in step 1, there is a signaling operation that uses frequency hopping to initiate carrier phase positioning.

[0135] like Figure 6As shown in step 2, there is an LMF signaling operation that indicates all possible FH center frequencies to the PRU and requests a report of the RSCPD for all center frequencies.

[0136] like Figure 6 As shown in step 3, the following operations exist: receiving the FH of the PRS, estimating the RSCP from the selected / used FH, and calculating the RSCPD from the RSCP.

[0137] like Figure 6 As shown in step 4, there is a signaling operation by the UE to report the RSCPD and associated center frequency to the LMF. Figure 6 As shown in step 5, there is a PRU signaling operation that reports the RSCPD and the associated center frequency.

[0138] like Figure 6 As shown in step 6, there is an LMF operation that determines the RSCPD of UEs and PRUs associated with the same center frequency, and as... Figure 6 As shown in step 7, LMF can perform double-difference phase calculations.

[0139] As shown in step 8 of Figure 8, the LMF can perform ranging and / or positioning based on carrier phase.

[0140] Frequency flatness test of aggregated FH : There are several ways to test the flatness of the PRS frequency hopping channel (depending on the implementation). For example: a. Use of Delay Spread : i. Obtain the raw channel estimate for each PRS frequency hopping. Let Let represent the channel estimate of the j-th resource element (RE) for the i-th PRS frequency hopping. Let the estimated delay spread of the i-th PRS frequency hopping channel be . , ii. If PRS jumps (e.g., The delay spread is within a certain range, for example, for other hops. Then, jumps (i, i+1, i+2) are aggregated for RSCP estimation. This is because the coherent bandwidth can be approximated as the inverse of the delay spread; b. Gain using channel estimation per PRS hop : i. Obtain the gain of each RE channel for the i-th PRS hop (i.e., ); ii. Find The variance, such as variance ; iii. Its channel gain variance ( PRS jumps within a specific threshold are aggregated for use in RSCP measurements.

[0141] Figure 8A , Figure 8B and Figure 8C Each illustrates a method that can be performed by an apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0142] Figure 8A This illustrates that it can be made by devices (e.g., but not limited to, network devices, such as...) Figure 7 The operations performed by the device (UE 10) in the system. Figure 8A As shown in block 905, a request is received to perform frequency hopping and report carrier phase measurements with the center frequency of the combined frequency hopping. Figure 8A As shown in box 910, frequency hopping is initiated in the communication network to perform at least one carrier phase measurement based on the downlink positioning reference signal. Then, as... Figure 8A As shown in box 915, at least one carrier phase measurement is performed for at least one of the selected or used frequency hopping frequencies. Then, as... Figure 8A As shown in box 920, information is reported to network nodes of the communication network, including the center frequency of a combination of frequency hopping from at least one of the selected or used frequency hopping frequencies and at least one carrier phase measurement.

[0143] According to the exemplary embodiments of the invention described in the preceding paragraphs, at least one condition applied for at least one carrier phase measurement is reported to the network node for at least one of the selected or used frequency hopping methods.

[0144] According to the exemplary embodiments of the invention described in the preceding paragraphs, based on specific conditions, the center frequency of at least one continuous carrier phase measurement is further identified as different from at least one previous carrier phase measurement, wherein the at least one continuous carrier phase measurement is obtained from at least one frequency hopping combination different from the frequency hopping combination used to obtain the previous carrier phase measurement, and wherein the information includes the difference between the current center frequency and the center frequency of the previous measurement.

[0145] According to the exemplary embodiments of the invention described in the preceding paragraphs, the different frequency hopping combinations selected or used are chosen or used by the device based on positioning reference signal hopping conflicts caused by at least one of other high-priority signals, channel conditions, or specific metrics.

[0146] According to the exemplary embodiments of the invention described in the preceding paragraphs, at least one indication is reported to the network node: at least one carrier phase difference measurement is obtained from carrier phase measurements having different center frequencies or having the same center frequency.

[0147] According to the exemplary embodiments of the invention described in the preceding paragraphs, at least one carrier phase difference measurement, the associated center frequency, and at least one condition applied to the frequency hopping selected or used to obtain at least one carrier phase difference measurement are reported to the network node.

[0148] According to the example embodiments of the invention described in the preceding paragraphs, the location management function of the communication network reports that the device cannot implement the same center frequency for different carrier phase measurements of different network entities used to obtain carrier phase difference measurements, and reports a failure.

[0149] According to the exemplary embodiments of the invention described in the preceding paragraphs, the device is a RedCap user equipment.

[0150] According to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention described in the preceding paragraphs, the network node is a location management function of the communication network.

[0151] According to the exemplary embodiments of the invention described in the preceding paragraphs, an instruction is received from a network node to use a specific criterion when determining the center frequency of carrier phase measurements for different network entities, wherein the means is instructed to use at least one selected or used frequency hopping center frequency for a particular network entity as the center frequency of carrier phase measurements obtained for other network entities of the communication network.

[0152] According to the exemplary embodiments of the invention described in the preceding paragraphs, a criterion is actively determined based on the fact that the center frequency is not indicated by a network node to determine the center frequency of the selected or used frequency hopping to obtain at least one carrier phase measurement based on device capabilities; and at least one carrier phase measurement and the corresponding center frequency are reported based on the determined criterion.

[0153] According to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention described in the preceding paragraphs, the network entity is a base station.

[0154] Non-transitory computer-readable media (such as Figure 3 MEM 10B) stored program code (such as Figure 7 In PROG10C), the program code is generated by at least one processor (such as...). Figure 7 The DP 10A in the above section is executed to perform at least the operations described in the paragraphs above.

[0155] According to the exemplary embodiments of the invention described above, there exists an apparatus comprising: a component for receiving a request to perform frequency hopping and report a carrier phase measurement having a center frequency of combined frequency hopping (e.g., Figure 7 One or more transceivers 10D; MEM 10B; PROG 10C; and DP 10A) are used in communication networks (such as... Figure 7 In network 1), a component that initiates frequency hopping to perform at least one carrier phase measurement based on a downlink positioning reference signal (e.g., Figure 7 One or more transceivers 10D; MEM 10B; PROG 10C; and DP 10A in the above), including components for performing at least one carrier phase measurement for at least one of the selected or used frequency hopping frequencies (such as... Figure 7 One or more transceivers 10D; MEM 10B; PROG 10C; and DP 10A); and components for reporting information to network nodes of the communication network, including the center frequency of a combination of selected or used frequency hopping frequencies and at least one carrier phase measurement (e.g., ...). Figure 7 One or more transceivers 10D; MEM 10B; PROG 10C; and DP 10A are included.

[0156] In an exemplary aspect of the invention according to the foregoing paragraphs, the components for receiving, initiating, executing, and reporting include a non-transitory computer-readable medium [such as...]. Figure 7 [MEM 10B], whose encoding can be generated by at least one processor [e.g. Figure 7 The computer program executed by DP 10A in [e.g.] Figure 7 PROG 10C (in the file).

[0157] Figure 8B It is shown that it can be made by a device (e.g., but not limited to, a positioning reference unit device or a device (e.g., such as...) Figure 7 The operations performed by the devices (NN 12 and / or NN 13) in the NN series. For example... Figure 8B As shown in box 940, a request is received to perform frequency hopping and report carrier phase measurements with the center frequency of the combined frequency hopping. Figure 8B As shown in box 945, frequency hopping is initiated in the communication network to perform at least one carrier phase measurement based on the downlink positioning reference signal. Figure 8B As shown in box 950, at least one carrier phase measurement is performed for at least one of the selected or used frequency hopping frequencies. Then, as... Figure 8B As shown in box 855, information is reported to network nodes of the communication network, including center frequency and carrier phase measurements from at least one of the selected or used frequency hopping frequencies.

[0158] According to the exemplary embodiments of the invention described in the preceding paragraphs, a network node requests a positioning reference unit to perform frequency hopping and reports carrier phase measurements using the same center frequency of the combined frequency hopping.

[0159] According to the exemplary embodiments of the invention described in the preceding paragraphs, a network node receives at least one carrier phase measurement and a corresponding center frequency of combined frequency hopping from a positioning reference unit, and uses the positioning reference unit carrier phase measurement and device carrier phase measurement with the center frequency of combined frequency hopping to obtain a carrier phase difference measurement.

[0160] Non-transitory computer-readable media (such as Figure 7 The MEM 12B and / or MEM 13B in the memory store program code (such as...) Figure 7 In PROG 12C and / or PROG 13C, the program code is powered by at least one processor (such as...). Figure 7 The DP 12A and / or DP13A in the above section are executed to perform at least the operations described in the paragraphs above.

[0161] According to the exemplary embodiments of the invention described above, there exists an apparatus comprising: a component for receiving a request to perform frequency hopping and report a carrier phase measurement having a center frequency of combined frequency hopping (e.g., Figure 7 The components shown include one or more transceivers 12 and / or one or more transceivers 13D; MEM 12B and / or MEM 13B; PROG 12C and / or PROG 13C; and DP 12A and / or DP 13A); and components used to initiate frequency hopping in a communication network to perform at least one carrier phase measurement based on a downlink positioning reference signal (such as...). Figure 7 The one or more transceivers 12 and / or one or more transceivers 13D; MEM 12B and / or MEM 13B; PROG 12C and / or PROG 13C; and DP 12A and / or DP 13A shown include components for performing at least one carrier phase measurement for at least one of the selected or used frequency hopping frequencies (such as...). Figure 7 The transceiver 12 and / or one or more transceivers 13D shown; MEM 12B and / or MEM 13B; PROG 12C and / or PROG 13C; and DP 12A and / or DP 13A; and components for reporting information to network nodes of the communication network (such as...) Figure 7 The information includes center frequency and carrier phase measurements of a combined frequency hopping from at least one of the selected or used frequency hopping frequencies, and one or more transceivers 12 and / or one or more transceivers 13D; MEM 12B and / or MEM 13B; PROG 12C and / or PROG 13C; and DP 12A and / or DP 13A shown.

[0162] In an exemplary aspect of the invention according to the foregoing paragraphs, the components for receiving, initiating, executing, and reporting include a non-transitory computer-readable medium [such as...]. Figure 7 [MEM 12B and / or MEM 13B], whose encoding can be generated by at least one processor [e.g. Figure 7 The computer program executed by DP 12A and / or DP 13A in [e.g.] Figure 7 PROG 12C and / or PROG 13C in [the context of PROG 12C and / or PROG 13C].

[0163] Figure 8C This illustrates devices that can be made by means of devices (e.g., but not limited to, devices such as network node devices or devices such as gNBs). Figure 7 The operations performed by NN 12 and / or NN 13 in the code. For example... Figure 8C As shown in box 970, a request is sent to perform frequency hopping and report carrier phase measurements with the center frequency of the combined frequency hopping. Figure 8C As shown in box 975, frequency hopping is initiated in the communication network to perform at least one carrier phase measurement based on the downlink positioning reference signal. Then, as... Figure 8C As shown in box 980, information is received from the user equipment, which includes center frequency and carrier phase measurements from at least one of the selected or used frequency hopping frequencies.

[0164] According to the exemplary embodiments of the invention described in the preceding paragraphs, an identifier is received from a user equipment based on continuous carrier phase measurements, indicating that the center frequency of at least one continuous carrier phase measurement is different from the center frequency of at least one previous carrier phase measurement, wherein the at least one continuous carrier phase measurement is obtained from at least one frequency hopping combination different from the frequency hopping combination used to obtain the previous carrier phase measurements, wherein the different frequency hopping combination is at least one of the selected or used combinations that result in different center frequencies.

[0165] According to the exemplary embodiments of the invention described in the preceding paragraphs, the different frequency hopping combinations selected or used are selected or used based on positioning reference signal hopping conflicts caused by at least one of other high-priority signals, channel conditions, or specific metrics.

[0166] According to an example embodiment of the invention as described in the preceding paragraphs, the information includes the difference between the current center frequency and the center frequency of a previous measurement report with a reference signal carrier phase measurement.

[0167] According to the exemplary embodiments of the invention described in the preceding paragraphs, communication is made with user equipment of a communication network regarding conditions or measures for selecting frequency hopping for a reference signal carrier phase measurement.

[0168] According to the example embodiments of the invention described in the preceding paragraphs, a network node receives a report from a user equipment that includes at least one number of frequency hops, at least one frequency hop identifier (ID), and one or more conditions or metrics applied to select or use one or more frequency hops to obtain at least one carrier phase measurement.

[0169] According to the exemplary embodiments of the invention described in the preceding paragraphs, the conditions or metrics for the selection of frequency hopping are requested from the user equipment for at least one of the selected or used frequency hopping frequencies that satisfy at least one condition.

[0170] According to the exemplary embodiments of the invention described in the preceding paragraphs, the conditions or metrics include a frequency flatness check selected in the jumps, and jumps that satisfy a specific flatness condition or probability.

[0171] According to the exemplary embodiments of the invention described in the preceding paragraphs, the carrier phase measurement is obtained by the user equipment by initiating frequency hopping to use or select at least one frequency hopping to perform at least one carrier phase measurement based on the downlink positioning reference signal, and reporting one or more carrier phase measurements with the center frequency of the combined frequency hopping to the network node.

[0172] According to the exemplary embodiments of the invention described in the preceding paragraphs, different reference signal carrier phase measurements associated with a center frequency are received from a user equipment, along with at least one condition applied for at least one selected or used different frequency hopping combination.

[0173] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention as described in the preceding paragraphs, during continuous transmission of a carrier phase measurement performed by a user equipment, a difference value between the center frequency of the current carrier phase measurement and the center frequency of a previous carrier phase measurement is received, wherein the current carrier phase measurement is obtained from at least one frequency hopping combination different from the frequency hopping combination used to obtain the previous carrier phase measurement, and the center frequency of the current carrier phase measurement is different from the center frequency of the previous carrier phase measurement.

[0174] According to the exemplary embodiments of the invention described in the preceding paragraphs, a set of positioning reference signal frequency hopping is sent to the positioning reference unit, wherein each frequency hopping has its own center frequency, and the positioning reference unit is requested to perform at least one carrier phase measurement using the indicated frequency hopping configuration and its corresponding center frequency.

[0175] According to the exemplary embodiments of the invention described in the preceding paragraphs, an indication is sent to a user equipment to use a sidelink communication channel having one or more positioning reference units and at least one center frequency of at least one combined frequency hopping associated with at least one corresponding carrier phase measurement used.

[0176] According to the exemplary embodiments of the invention described in the preceding paragraphs, at least one carrier phase difference measurement is determined between at least one carrier phase measurement from the user equipment and at least one carrier phase measurement from the positioning reference unit associated with the corresponding center frequency of the combined frequency hopping being used, based on at least one carrier phase measurement received from the user equipment and at least one carrier phase measurement received from the positioning reference unit.

[0177] According to an example embodiment of the invention described in the preceding paragraphs, at least one positioning reference unit is instructed to use a pool of frequency hopping IDs associated with a specific center frequency ID, which is separate from the center frequency ID of frequency hopping used by the user equipment within a predefined, configured specific frequency threshold.

[0178] According to the exemplary embodiments of the invention described in the preceding paragraphs, a report is received from a user equipment based on the same center frequency used with more than one network node for measuring the phase of a reference signal carrier in the communication network. This report includes a single center frequency having a phase difference with the reference signal carrier.

[0179] According to the example embodiments of the invention described in the preceding paragraphs, during continuous frequency hopping aggregation condition estimation, a report is received from the user equipment, which includes a difference between the current center frequency and the center frequency of a previous measurement having a phase difference with the reference signal carrier, since certain conditions are met and different frequency hopping combinations are one of the selected or used combinations that result in different center frequencies.

[0180] According to the exemplary embodiments of the invention described in the preceding paragraphs, a report is received from a user equipment, the report including a reference signal carrier phase difference and a reference signal carrier phase difference measurement based on determined criteria.

[0181] According to the exemplary embodiments of the invention described in the preceding paragraphs, an instruction is sent to the user equipment comprising a set of positioning reference signal frequency hopping center frequencies for positioning reference units.

[0182] According to the exemplary embodiments of the invention described in the preceding paragraphs, a set of positioning reference signal frequency hopping is sent to the positioning reference unit, wherein each frequency hopping has its own center frequency, and the positioning reference unit is requested to perform at least one carrier phase measurement using the indicated frequency hopping configuration and its corresponding center frequency. According to the exemplary embodiments of the invention described in the preceding paragraphs, an indication is received from the user equipment regarding the use of a sidelink communication channel with a positioning reference unit and the center frequency used.

[0183] According to the exemplary embodiments of the invention described in the preceding paragraphs, the reference signal carrier phase difference between the user equipment and the positioning reference unit associated with the same center frequency being used is determined based on the indication.

[0184] According to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention described in the preceding paragraphs, the network node includes a location server having location management functions for a communication network.

[0185] Non-transitory computer-readable media (such as Figure 7 The MEM 12B and / or MEM 13B in the memory store program code (such as...) Figure 7 In PROG 12C and / or PROG 13C, the program code is powered by at least one processor (such as...). Figure 7 The DP 12A and / or DP13A in the above section are executed to perform at least the operations described in the paragraphs above.

[0186] According to the exemplary embodiments of the invention described above, there exists an apparatus comprising: a component for transmitting a request to perform frequency hopping and report a carrier phase measurement having a combined frequency hopping center frequency (e.g., Figure 7 One or more transceivers 12 and / or one or more transceivers 13D; MEM 12B and / or MEM 13B; PROG 12C and / or PROG 13C; and DP12A and / or DP 13A); components used to initiate frequency hopping in a communication network to perform at least one carrier phase measurement based on a downlink positioning reference signal (such as... Figure 7 One or more transceivers 12 and / or one or more transceivers 13D; MEM 12B and / or MEM 13B; PROG 12C and / or PROG 13C; and DP 12A and / or DP 13A); and components for receiving information from user equipment (such as... Figure 7 The information includes one or more transceivers 12 and / or one or more transceivers 13D; MEM 12B and / or MEM 13B; PROG 12C and / or PROG 13C; and DP 12A and / or DP 13A), and includes center frequency and carrier phase measurements of the combined frequency hopping from at least one of the selected or used frequency hopping frequencies.

[0187] In an exemplary aspect of the invention according to the foregoing paragraphs, the components for at least transmitting, initiating, and receiving include a non-transitory computer-readable medium [e.g., Figure 7 [MEM 12B and / or MEM 13B], whose encoding can be generated by at least one processor [e.g. Figure 7 The computer program executed by DP 12A and / or DP 13A in [e.g.] Figure 7PROG 12C and / or PROG13C in [the product name].

[0188] Furthermore, according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, there is circuitry for performing operations according to exemplary embodiments of the invention disclosed herein. This circuitry may include any type of circuitry, including content encoding circuitry, content decoding circuitry, processing circuitry, image generation circuitry, data analysis circuitry, etc. Furthermore, this circuitry may include discrete circuitry, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) and / or field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), as well as processors specifically configured by software to perform corresponding functions, or dual-core processors having software and corresponding digital signal processors, etc. Additionally, necessary inputs to the circuitry and necessary outputs from the circuitry, functions performed by the circuitry, and interconnections (possibly via inputs and outputs) between the circuitry and other components that may include other circuitry are provided to perform exemplary embodiments of the invention as disclosed herein.

[0189] According to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention disclosed in this application, the provided "circuit" may include at least one or more, or all of the following: (a) Hardware circuit implementation only (such as implementation in analog and / or digital circuits only); (b) A combination of hardware circuitry and software, such as (if applicable): (i) A combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuitry with software / firmware; and (ii) Any part of a hardware processor having software (including a digital signal processor, software, and memory that work together to enable a device such as a mobile phone or server to perform various functions, such as the functions or operations of exemplary embodiments of the invention disclosed herein); and (c) The operation requires software (e.g. firmware) for the operation of (multiple) hardware circuits and / or (multiple) processors, such as being (multiple) microprocessors or part of (multiple) microprocessors, but the software may not be present when the operation does not require the software.

[0190] According to exemplary embodiments of the invention, there exists sufficient circuitry for performing at least the novel operations of exemplary embodiments of the invention disclosed herein, and as used herein, “circuitry” refers to at least the following: (a) hardware circuitry implementations only (such as implementations in analog and / or digital circuitry only); and (b) combinations of circuitry and software (and / or firmware), such as (if applicable): (i) combinations of processors, or (ii) a portion of processor / software (including digital signal processors, software, and memory that work together to enable a device such as a mobile phone or server to perform various functions); and (c) circuitry that requires software or firmware for operation, such as (a plurality of) microprocessors or portions thereof, even if the software or firmware is not physically present.

[0191] This definition of "circuit" applies to all uses of the term in this application (including in any claim). As another example, as used in this application, the term "circuit" will also cover only the implementation of a processor (or processors) or a portion thereof and its accompanying software and / or firmware. The term "circuit" will also cover, for example and if applicable to a particular claim element, baseband integrated circuits or application processor integrated circuits for mobile phones, or similar integrated circuits in servers, cellular network devices, or other network devices.

[0192] Generally, various embodiments can be implemented in hardware or dedicated circuitry, software, logic, or any combination thereof. For example, some aspects may be implemented in hardware, while others may be implemented in firmware or software that can be executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device, but the invention is not limited thereto. While various aspects of the invention may be illustrated and described as block diagrams, flowcharts, or using some other graphical representation, it should be understood that these blocks, apparatuses, systems, techniques, or methods described herein may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, dedicated circuitry or logic, general-purpose hardware or controllers or other computing devices, or some combination thereof, as non-limiting examples.

[0193] Embodiments of the present invention can be practiced in various components such as integrated circuit modules. The design of integrated circuits is primarily a highly automated process. Complex and powerful software tools can be used to transform logic-level designs into semiconductor circuit designs ready for etching and formation on semiconductor substrates.

[0194] The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. All embodiments described in the specific embodiments are exemplary embodiments provided to enable those skilled in the art to make or use the invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

[0195] The foregoing description has provided a complete and informative description of the best methods and apparatus currently contemplated by the inventors for carrying out the invention, by way of exemplary and non-limiting examples. However, various modifications and adjustments may become apparent to those skilled in the art when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and appended claims, given the foregoing description. Nevertheless, all such and similar modifications to the teachings of the exemplary embodiments of the invention will still fall within the scope of the invention.

[0196] It should be noted that the terms “connection,” “coupling,” or any variation thereof mean any direct or indirect connection or coupling between two or more elements, and may encompass the presence of one or more intermediate elements between two elements that are “connected” or “coupled” together. The coupling or connection between elements can be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. As adopted herein, as several non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples, two elements may be considered “connected” or “coupled” together by using one or more wires, cables, and / or printed electrical connections, and by using electromagnetic energy, such as electromagnetic energy with wavelengths in the radio frequency region, microwave region, and optical (visible and invisible) region.

[0197] Furthermore, some features of the preferred embodiments of the invention can be used advantageously without the need for corresponding use of other features. Therefore, the foregoing description should be considered merely as an illustration of the principles of the invention, and not as a limitation thereof.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one non-transitory memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the device to at least: Receive a request to perform frequency hopping and report carrier phase measurements with the center frequency of the combined frequency hopping; Initiating frequency hopping in a communication network to perform at least one carrier phase measurement based on a downlink positioning reference signal, the means are made such that: Perform the at least one carrier phase measurement for at least one of the selected or used frequency hopping frequencies; and Report information to network nodes of the communication network, the information including the center frequency of the combined frequency hopping from at least one of the selected or used frequency hopping frequencies and the at least one carrier phase measurement.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: Report to the network node at least one condition applied for the at least one carrier phase measurement for the selected or used frequency hopping.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the different frequency hopping combinations selected or used are selected or used by the apparatus based on positioning reference signal hopping conflicts caused by at least one of other high-priority reference signals, channels, channel conditions, or specific metrics.

4. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: Based on specific conditions, it is further identified that the center frequency of at least one continuous carrier phase measurement differs from at least one previous carrier phase measurement, wherein the at least one continuous carrier phase measurement is obtained from at least one frequency hopping combination different from the frequency hopping combination used to obtain the previous carrier phase measurement, and The information includes the difference between the current center frequency and the previously measured center frequency.

5. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: Report at least one indication to the network node: at least one carrier phase difference measurement is obtained from carrier phase measurements with different center frequencies or with the same center frequency.

6. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the at least one non-transitory memory stores instructions, the instructions being executed by the at least one processor to cause the apparatus to: The network node reports at least one carrier phase difference measurement, the associated center frequency, and at least one condition applied to the frequency hopping selected or used to obtain at least one carrier phase difference measurement.

7. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: The device reports to the network nodes of the communication network that it cannot implement the same center frequency for different carrier phase measurements of different network entities used to obtain the at least one carrier phase difference measurement, and reports a failure.

8. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: The device receives an instruction from the network node to use a specific criterion when determining the center frequency of the carrier phase measurement for different network entities, wherein the device is instructed to use the center frequency of at least one selected or used frequency hopping for a particular network entity as the center frequency of the carrier phase measurement obtained for other network entities of the communication network.

9. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: Since the network node did not indicate a center frequency. Determine the criteria used to determine the center frequency of the selected or used frequency hopping to obtain at least one carrier phase measurement; and The at least one carrier phase measurement and the corresponding center frequency shall be reported based on the determined criteria.

10. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the apparatus is a RedCap user equipment, wherein the network node is a location management function of the communication network, and wherein the network entity is a base station.

11. A method comprising: Receive a request to perform frequency hopping and report carrier phase measurements with the center frequency of the combined frequency hopping; Initiating frequency hopping in a communication network to perform at least one carrier phase measurement based on a downlink positioning reference signal includes: The at least one carrier phase measurement is performed for at least one of the selected or used frequency hopping frequencies; as well as Report information to network nodes of the communication network, the information including the center frequency of the combined frequency hopping from at least one of the selected or used frequency hopping frequencies and the at least one carrier phase measurement.

12. A positioning reference element, comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one non-transitory memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the positioning reference unit to at least: Receive a request to perform frequency hopping and report carrier phase measurements with the center frequency of the combined frequency hopping; Initiating frequency hopping in a communication network to perform at least one carrier phase measurement based on a downlink positioning reference signal, including the positioning reference unit being made such that: Perform the at least one carrier phase measurement for at least one of the selected or used frequency hopping frequencies; and Report information to network nodes of the communication network, the information including the center frequency of the combined frequency hopping from at least one of the selected or used frequency hopping frequencies and at least one carrier phase measurement.

13. The positioning reference unit of claim 12, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the positioning reference unit to at least: The network node receives a request to perform frequency hopping and report carrier phase measurements using the same center frequency of the combined frequency hopping.

14. The positioning reference unit according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the positioning reference unit to at least: Send at least one carrier phase measurement and the corresponding center frequency of the combined frequency hopping to the network node.

15. A method comprising: Receive a request to perform frequency hopping and report carrier phase measurements with the center frequency of the combined frequency hopping; Initiating frequency hopping in a communication network to perform at least one carrier phase measurement based on a downlink positioning reference signal, including the positioning reference unit being made such that: Perform the at least one carrier phase measurement for at least one of the selected or used frequency hopping frequencies; and Report information to network nodes of the communication network, the information including the center frequency of the combined frequency hopping from at least one of the selected or used frequency hopping frequencies and at least one carrier phase measurement.

16. A network node, comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one non-transitory memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the network node to at least: Send a request to the user equipment to perform frequency hopping and report carrier phase measurements with the center frequency of the combined frequency hopping; Initiating frequency hopping in a communication network to perform at least one carrier phase measurement based on a downlink positioning reference signal; and Information is received from the user equipment, the information including the center frequency of a combination of frequency hopping from at least one of the selected or used frequency hopping frequencies and at least one carrier phase measurement.

17. The network node of claim 16, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the network node to at least: Based on continuous carrier phase measurements, the user equipment receives an identifier that the center frequency of at least one continuous carrier phase measurement is different from the center frequency of at least one previous carrier phase measurement based on specific conditions, wherein the at least one continuous carrier phase measurement is obtained from at least one frequency hopping combination that is different from the frequency hopping combination used to obtain the previous carrier phase measurements.

18. The network node of claim 16 or 17, wherein the different frequency hopping combinations selected or used are selected or used based on positioning reference signal hopping conflicts caused by at least one of other high-priority signals, channel conditions, or specific metrics.

19. The network node according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the information includes a difference between the current center frequency and the center frequency of a previous carrier phase measurement.

20. The network node according to any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the network node to at least: Provide the user equipment with one or more conditions or metrics for selecting frequency hopping based on at least one carrier phase measurement.

21. The network node according to any one of claims 16 to 20, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the network node to at least: A report is received from a user equipment, the report including at least one frequency hopping number, at least one frequency hopping identifier, and one or more conditions or metrics applied to select or use one or more frequency hopping to obtain at least one carrier phase measurement.

22. The network node of claim 21, wherein the condition or metric includes: Frequency flatness check selected from jumps, jump counts, and jump identifiers that meet specific flatness conditions or probabilities.

23. The network node according to any one of claims 16 to 20, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the network node to at least: Receive at least one carrier phase difference measurement and the corresponding center frequency from the user equipment, wherein the at least one carrier phase difference measurement is obtained from carrier phase measurements of different base stations having the same center frequency.

24. The network node according to any one of claims 16 to 20, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the network node to at least: Receive one or more carrier phase measurements with a center frequency of combined frequency hopping from the user equipment.

25. The network node according to any one of claims 16 to 20, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the network node to at least: During continuous transmission of carrier phase measurements performed by the user equipment, the difference between the center frequency of the current carrier phase measurement and the center frequency of the previous carrier phase measurement is received, wherein the current carrier phase measurement is obtained from at least one frequency hopping combination that is different from the frequency hopping combination used to obtain the previous carrier phase measurement, and the center frequency of the current carrier phase measurement is different from the center frequency of the previous carrier phase measurement.

26. The network node according to any one of claims 16 to 20, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the network node to at least: Reports are received from the user equipment based on the determined criteria, the reports including at least one carrier phase difference measurement and at least one carrier phase measurement.

27. The network node according to any one of claims 16 to 26, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the network node to at least: A set of positioning reference signal frequency hopping signals is sent to the positioning reference unit, wherein each frequency hopping signal has its own center frequency, and the positioning reference unit is requested to perform at least one carrier phase measurement using the indicated frequency hopping configuration and its corresponding center frequency.

28. The network node according to any one of claims 16 to 27, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the network node to at least: Receive from the user equipment an indication of at least one center frequency of at least one combined frequency hopping associated with at least one corresponding carrier phase measurement used, using a sidelink communication channel having one or more positioning reference units.

29. The network node according to any one of claims 16 to 28, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the network node to at least: Based on at least one carrier phase measurement received from the user equipment and at least one carrier phase measurement received from the positioning reference unit associated with the corresponding center frequency of the combined frequency hopping being used, at least one carrier phase difference measurement between at least one carrier phase measurement from the user equipment and at least one carrier phase measurement from the positioning reference unit is determined.

30. The network node according to any one of claims 16 to 29, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the network node to at least: Instruct at least one positioning reference unit to use a pool of frequency hopping IDs associated with a specific center frequency ID, which is separate from the center frequency ID of frequency hopping used by the user equipment within a predefined, configured specific frequency threshold.

31. The network node according to any one of claims 16 to 30, wherein the network node includes a location server having location management functions of the communication network.

32. A method comprising: Send a request to perform frequency hopping and report carrier phase measurements with the center frequency of the combined frequency hopping; Initiating frequency hopping in a communication network to perform at least one carrier phase measurement based on a downlink positioning reference signal includes: Information is received from the user equipment, the information including the center frequency of a combined frequency hopping from at least one of the selected or used frequency hopping frequencies and the carrier phase measurement.

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