Apparatus and method for measuring carrier phase measurement reports within a time window

Abstract

Various aspects of the present disclosure relate to techniques for measurement of carrier phase measurement reports within a time window. A network equipment (NE) is configured to transmit, to at least one user equipment (UE), a request for performing a carrier phase measurement with respect to a reference time within a time window, and receive, from the at least one UE, the carrier phase measurement performed with respect to the reference time within the time window.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to wireless communication, and more specifically, to techniques for reporting carrier phase measurements within a measurement time window. Background Technology

[0002] A wireless communication system may include one or more network communication devices (also referred to as network equipment (NE)) that support wireless communication for one or more user communication devices, which may be referred to as user equipment (UE) or other suitable terms. The wireless communication system may support wireless communication with one or more user communication devices by utilizing the resources of the wireless communication system (e.g., time resources (e.g., symbols, time slots, subframes, frames, etc.) or frequency resources (e.g., subcarriers, carriers, etc.)). Furthermore, the wireless communication system may support wireless communication across various radio access technologies, including third-generation (3G), fourth-generation (4G), fifth-generation (5G), and other suitable radio access technologies beyond 5G (e.g., sixth-generation (6G)). Summary of the Invention

[0003] The article “a” preceding an element is unrestricted and should be understood to refer to “at least one” or “one or more” of those elements. The terms “a,” “at least one,” “one or more,” and “at least one of one or more” are interchangeable. As used herein, the word “or,” as used in a list of items (e.g., a list of items beginning with phrases such as “at least one,” “one or more,” or “one or two”) indicates an inclusive list, such that a list of at least one of, for example, A, B, or C means A or B or C or AB or AC or BC or ABC (i.e., A and B and C). Furthermore, as used herein, the phrase “based on” should not be construed as referring to a closed set of conditions. For example, without departing from the scope of this disclosure, an example step described as “based on condition A” may be based on both condition A and condition B. In other words, as used herein, the phrase “based on” should be interpreted in the same manner as the phrase “at least partially based on.” Furthermore, as used herein, the term “set” may comprise one or more elements.

[0004] A newline device (NE) for wireless communication is described. The NE may be configured, enabled, or operable to perform one or more operations as described herein. For example, the NE may be configured, enabled, or operable to transmit a request to one or more UEs for performing a carrier phase measurement relative to a reference time within a time window, and to receive from the one or more UEs the carrier phase measurement performed within the time window relative to the reference time.

[0005] A method for wireless communication, performed by or potentially performed by a NE, is described. The method may include transmitting a request to one or more UEs for performing a carrier phase measurement relative to a reference time within a time window, and receiving from the one or more UEs the carrier phase measurement performed within the time window relative to the reference time.

[0006] A processor for wireless communication is described. The processor may be configured, enabled, or operable to perform one or more operations as described herein. For example, the processor may be configured, enabled, or operable to transmit a request to one or more UEs for performing a carrier phase measurement relative to a reference time within a time window, and to receive from the one or more UEs the carrier phase measurement performed relative to the reference time within the time window.

[0007] A UE for wireless communication is described. The UE may be configured, enabled, or operable to perform one or more operations as described herein. For example, the UE may be configured, enabled, or operable to receive a request to perform a carrier phase measurement relative to a reference time within a time window, perform the carrier phase measurement, and transmit the carrier phase measurement performed relative to the reference time within the time window.

[0008] A processor for wireless communication is described. The processor may be configured, enabled, or operable to perform one or more operations as described herein. For example, the processor may be configured, enabled, or operable to receive a request to perform a carrier phase measurement relative to a reference time within a time window, perform the carrier phase measurement, and transmit the carrier phase measurement performed relative to the reference time within the time window.

[0009] A method for wireless communication, performed by or potentially performed by a UE, is described. The method may include receiving a request to perform a carrier phase measurement relative to a reference time within a time window, performing the carrier phase measurement, and transmitting the carrier phase measurement performed relative to the reference time within the time window. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 Examples of wireless communication systems according to aspects of this disclosure are described.

[0012] Figure 2 Examples of an architecture for a new radio (NR) downlink (DL) based positioning measurement and reference signal (RS) are illustrated according to aspects of this disclosure.

[0013] Figure 3AThe diagram illustrates, according to aspects of this disclosure, the maximum phase error versus time (in symbols) between positioning RS (PRS) symbols from different transmit-receive points (TRPs).

[0014] Figure 3B The diagram illustrates the plotting of the maximum phase error versus the number of time slots measured by the Separate Positioning Reference Unit (PRU) and the UE, according to aspects of this disclosure.

[0015] Figure 4A This describes an example measurement window for performing carrier phase measurements in different subframes according to aspects of this disclosure.

[0016] Figure 4B This describes an example measurement window configured for performing carrier phase measurements according to aspects of this disclosure, using a reference measurement time window.

[0017] Figure 4C This describes an example measurement window configured according to aspects of this disclosure for performing carrier phase measurements using a reference measurement time window in different time slots.

[0018] Figure 5 This describes the process for UE-assisted positioning based on aspects of this disclosure.

[0019] Figure 6 Examples of a UE-based positioning process according to aspects of this disclosure are provided.

[0020] Figure 7 Examples of UEs based on aspects of this disclosure are described.

[0021] Figure 8 Examples of processors according to aspects of this disclosure are described.

[0022] Figure 9 Examples of NEs based on aspects of this disclosure are described.

[0023] Figure 10 A flowchart illustrating a method performed by a UE according to aspects of this disclosure.

[0024] Figure 11 A flowchart illustrating the method performed by NE according to aspects of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Carrier phase positioning is a high-precision positioning method used in global navigation satellite systems such as GPS and Galileo. This positioning technique involves measuring the phase transmitted by the satellite and comparing it with the received phase at the receiver's antenna. In some embodiments, carrier phase positioning specifications are implemented to supplement existing radio access technology (RAT) related measurements, such as DL reference signal time difference (DL-RSTD), uplink relative time of arrival (UL-RTOA), gNB receive (Rx)-transmit (Tx) time difference measurement, UE Rx-Tx time difference measurement, UL angle of arrival (AoA), and DL angle of departure (AoD).

[0026] This paper addresses the problem of correcting the carrier frequency offset between the TRP and the receivers of the UE and PRU. Even frequency errors within permissible tolerances can lead to significant carrier phase measurement errors because the transmitter phase difference measured by the PRU on one symbol will not be corrected when applied to later (different) symbols, resulting in substantial phase measurement errors. This issue needs to be addressed for carrier phase positioning to function. To enable the UE and PRU to perform joint measurements of RAT-related positioning measurements in time, including the DL and UL reference signal carrier phase (RSCP) and reference signal carrier phase difference (RSCPD), a time window is proposed to perform simultaneous measurements.

[0027] This disclosure proposes a solution for an enhanced configuration and reporting mechanism to mitigate carrier frequency offset of configured carrier phase measurements by enabling RSCP and RSCPD to measure the common reference time of both the target UE and PRU.

[0028] The aspects of this disclosure are described in the context of wireless communication systems.

[0029] Figure 1This describes an example of a wireless communication system 100 according to aspects of this disclosure. The wireless communication system 100 may include one or more NEs 102, one or more UEs 104, and a core network (CN) 106. The wireless communication system 100 may support various radio access technologies. In some embodiments, the wireless communication system 100 may be a 4G network, such as an LTE network or an LTE-A network. In some other embodiments, the wireless communication system 100 may be an NR network, such as a 5G network, a 5G-A network, or a 5G Ultra Wideband (5G-UWB) network. In other embodiments, the wireless communication system 100 may be a combination of 4G and 5G networks, or other suitable radio access technologies, including IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), and IEEE 802.20. The wireless communication system 100 may support radio access technologies beyond 5G, such as 6G. In addition, the wireless communication system 100 can support technologies such as Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), or Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA).

[0030] One or more NEs 102 may be distributed across a geographical area to form a wireless communication system 100. One or more of the NEs 102 described herein may be, include, or be referred to as a network node, base station, network element, network function, network entity, radio access network (RAN), NodeB, eNodeB (eNB), next-generation NodeB (gNB), or other suitable terms. NEs 102 and UEs 104 may communicate via a communication link, which may be a wireless or wired connection. For example, NEs 102 and UEs 104 may perform wireless communication (e.g., receive signaling, transmit signaling) via a Uu interface.

[0031] NE 102 can provide a geographic coverage area that supports services for one or more UEs 104 within that geographic coverage area. For example, NE 102 and UE 104 can support wireless communication of signals associated with services (e.g., voice, video, packet data, messaging, broadcasting, etc.) based on one or more radio access technologies. In some embodiments, NE 102 can be mobile, for example, a satellite associated with a non-terrestrial network (NTN). In some embodiments, different geographic coverage areas 112 associated with the same or different radio access technologies can overlap, but different geographic coverage areas can be associated with different NEs 102.

[0032] One or more UEs 104 may be distributed across a geographical area of ​​the wireless communication system 100. UE 104 may include or be referred to as a remote unit, mobile device, wireless device, remote device, subscriber device, transmitter device, receiver device, or some other suitable term. In some implementations, UE 104 may be referred to as a unit, station, terminal, or client, and other instances thereof. Additionally or alternatively, UE 104 may be referred to as an Internet of Things (IoT) device, an Internet of Everything (IoE) device, or a Machine Type Communication (MTC) device, and other instances thereof.

[0033] UE 104 may be able to support direct wireless communication with other UE 104 via a communication link. For example, UE 104 may support direct wireless communication with another UE 104 via a device-to-device (D2D) communication link. In some implementations, such as vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) deployments, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) deployments, or cellular-V2X deployments, communication link 114 may be referred to as a side link. For example, UE 104 may support direct wireless communication with another UE 104 via a PC5 interface.

[0034] NE 102 may support communication with CN 106 or with another NE 102 or both. For example, NE 102 may interface with other NE 102 or CN 106 via one or more backhaul links (e.g., S1, N2, N2, or network interfaces). In some embodiments, NE 102 may communicate directly with each other. In some other embodiments, NE 102 may communicate with each other or indirectly (e.g., via CN 106). In some embodiments, one or more NE 102 may include sub-components, such as access network entities, which may be instances of Access Node Controllers (ANCs). The ANC may communicate with one or more UE 104s via one or more other access network transmitting entities (which may be referred to as radio headends, smart radio headends, or TRPs).

[0035] CN 106 can support user authentication, access authorization, tracking, connectivity, and other access, routing, or mobility functions. CN 106 can be an evolved packet core (EPC) or a 5G core (5GC), which may include control plane entities that manage access and mobility (e.g., a mobility management entity (MME), access and mobility management functions (AMF)) and user plane entities that route or interconnect packets to external networks (e.g., a serving gateway (S-GW), a packet data network (PDN) gateway (P-GW), or a user plane function (UPF)). In some implementations, the control plane entities may manage non-access stratum (NAS) functions of one or more UEs 104 served by one or more NEs 102 associated with CN 106, such as mobility, authentication, and bearer management (e.g., data bearers, signaling bearers, etc.).

[0036] CN 106 can communicate with the packet data network via one or more backhaul links (e.g., via S1, N2, N2, or another network interface). The packet data network may contain an application server. In some implementations, one or more UEs 104 can communicate with the application server. UE 104 can establish a session (e.g., a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session, etc.) with CN 106 via NE 102. CN 106 can use the established session (e.g., an established PDU session) to route services (e.g., control information, data, etc.) between UE 104 and the application server. A PDU session may be an instance of a logical connection between UE 104 and CN 106 (e.g., one or more network functions of CN 106).

[0037] In the wireless communication system 100, NE 102 and UE 104 can use the resources of the wireless communication system 100 (e.g., time resources (e.g., symbols, time slots, subframes, frames, etc.) or frequency resources (e.g., subcarriers, carriers)) to perform various operations (e.g., wireless communication). In some embodiments, NE 102 and UE 104 may support different resource structures. For example, NE 102 and UE 104 may support different frame structures. In some embodiments, such as in 4G, NE 102 and UE 104 may support a single frame structure. In some other embodiments, such as in 5G and other suitable radio access technologies, NE 102 and UE 104 may support various frame structures (i.e., multiple frame structures). NE 102 and UE 104 may support various frame structures based on one or more parameter sets.

[0038] The wireless communication system 100 may support one or more parameter sets, and the parameter sets may include subcarrier spacing and cyclic prefixes. A first parameter set (e.g., μ=0) may be associated with a first subcarrier spacing (e.g., 15 kHz) and a regular cyclic prefix. In some embodiments, the first parameter set (e.g., μ=0) associated with the first subcarrier spacing (e.g., 15 kHz) may utilize one time slot per subframe. A second parameter set (e.g., μ=1) may be associated with a second subcarrier spacing (e.g., 30 kHz) and a regular cyclic prefix. A third parameter set (e.g., μ=2) may be associated with a third subcarrier spacing (e.g., 60 kHz) and a regular cyclic prefix or an extended cyclic prefix. A fourth parameter set (e.g., μ=3) may be associated with a fourth subcarrier spacing (e.g., 120 kHz) and a regular cyclic prefix. A fifth parameter set (e.g., μ=4) may be associated with a fifth subcarrier spacing (e.g., 240 kHz) and a regular cyclic prefix.

[0039] Time intervals for resources (e.g., communication resources) can be organized according to frames (also called radio frames). Each frame may have a duration, for example, 10 milliseconds (ms). In some embodiments, each frame may contain multiple subframes. For example, each frame may contain 10 subframes, and each subframe may have a duration, for example, 1 ms. In some embodiments, each frame may have the same duration. In some embodiments, each subframe of a frame may have the same duration.

[0040] Alternatively, the time intervals of resources (e.g., communication resources) can be organized according to time slots. For example, a subframe may contain a certain number (e.g., quantity) of time slots. The number of time slots in each subframe may also depend on one or more parameter sets supported in the wireless communication system 100. For example, the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth parameter sets (i.e., μ=0, μ=1, μ=2, μ=3, μ=4) associated with corresponding subcarrier intervals of 15 kHz, 30 kHz, 60 kHz, 120 kHz, and 240 kHz may utilize a single time slot per subframe, two time slots per subframe, four time slots per subframe, eight time slots per subframe, and 16 time slots per subframe, respectively. Each time slot may contain a certain number (e.g., quantity) of symbols (e.g., OFDM symbols). In some embodiments, the number (e.g., quantity) of time slots in a subframe may depend on the parameter set. For a conventional cyclic prefix, a time slot may contain 14 symbols. For an extended cyclic prefix (e.g., applicable to a 60 kHz subcarrier spacing), a time slot may contain 12 symbols. The relationship between the number of symbols per time slot for the regular cyclic prefix and the extended cyclic prefix, the number of time slots per subframe, and the number of time slots per frame may depend on the parameter set. It should be understood that references to the first parameter set (e.g., μ=0) associated with the first subcarrier spacing (e.g., 15 kHz) may be used interchangeably between subframes and time slots.

[0041] In the wireless communication system 100, the electromagnetic (EM) spectrum can be divided into various categories, frequency bands, channels, etc., based on frequency or wavelength. For example, the wireless communication system 100 may support one or more operating frequency bands, such as frequency range names FR1 (410 MHz to 7.125 GHz), FR2 (24.25 GHz to 52.6 GHz), FR3 (7.125 GHz to 24.25 GHz), FR4 (52.6 GHz to 114.25 GHz), FR4a or FR4-1 (52.6 GHz to 71 GHz), and FR5 (114.25 GHz to 300 GHz). In some embodiments, NE 102 and UE 104 may perform wireless communication on one or more of the operating frequency bands. In some embodiments, FR1 may be used by NE 102 and UE 104, as well as other equipment or devices, for cellular communication services (e.g., control information, data). In some implementations, FR2 can be used by NE 102 and UE 104, as well as other equipment or devices, for short-range, high data rate capabilities.

[0042] FR1 may be associated with one or more parameter sets (e.g., at least three parameter sets). For example, FR1 may be associated with a first parameter set containing a 15 kHz subcarrier spacing (e.g., μ=0); a second parameter set containing a 30 kHz subcarrier spacing (e.g., μ=1); and a third parameter set containing a 60 kHz subcarrier spacing (e.g., μ=2). FR2 may be associated with one or more parameter sets (e.g., at least two parameter sets). For example, FR2 may be associated with a third parameter set containing a 60 kHz subcarrier spacing (e.g., μ=2); and a fourth parameter set containing a 120 kHz subcarrier spacing (e.g., μ=3).

[0043] NR positioning based on NR Uu signals and stand-alone (SA) architectures (e.g., beam-based transmissions) is discussed in Rel-16. Target use cases include commercial and regulatory (emergency services) scenarios, as described in Rel-15. Performance requirements are presented in the following table, for example, from TR38.855 (incorporated herein by reference).

[0044]

[0045] 3GPP Rel-17 Positioning defines the positioning performance requirements for commercial and industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) use cases, as shown in the table below, for example, in TR 38.857 (which is incorporated herein by reference).

[0046]

[0047] Rel-16 supports various positioning technologies, which are listed in the table below:

[0048]

[0049]

[0050] Currently, standalone positioning techniques as indicated above can be configured and executed based on the requirements of the Location Management Function (LMF) and UE capabilities. The transmission of the Uu (uplink and downlink) PRS enables the UE to perform UE positioning-related measurements to calculate the UE's absolute position estimate, and is configured according to the TRP, which may contain one or more beams. A conceptual overview is provided in... Figure 2 The explanation is as follows.

[0051] Figure 2 This describes an example of an architecture 200 for measurement and RS based on NR DL positioning according to aspects of this disclosure. Figure 2 The diagram illustrates UE 202, gNBs 204 to 208, and LMF 210. In various embodiments, UE 202 represents a group of UEs 104 that interact with a set of NEs 102 (e.g., gNBs 204 to 208), and LMF 210 represents a network function (NF) in CN 106.

[0052] As depicted, the architecture 200 for NR-based DL positioning includes a UE 202 that can receive DL PRS from a first adjacent gNB / TRP (referred to as "gNB1-TRP1") 204, a second adjacent gNB (referred to as "gNB2-TRP1") 206, and also from a third gNB / TRP (referred to as "gNB3-TRP1") 208, the third gNB / TRP being a reference or serving gNB. The DL PRS can be transmitted by different base stations (e.g., the serving gNB and adjacent gNBs) using narrow beams in frequency range #1 ("FR1") (i.e., frequencies from 410 MHz to 7125 MHz) and frequency range #2 ("FR2") (i.e., frequencies from 24.25 GHz to 52.6 GHz), which is relatively different in NR compared to LTE, where PRS is transmitted across the entire cell.

[0053] Here, the DL PRS can be associated locally with the DL PRS resource identifier (“ID”) and resource set ID of the base station (i.e., TRP). In the depicted embodiment, each gNB 204, 206, 208 is configured with a first resource set ID (depicted as “resource set ID#0”) 212 and a second resource set ID (depicted as “resource set ID#1”) 214. As depicted, UE 202 receives DL PRS on the transmit beam; here, it receives DL PRS from gNB1-TRP1 204 on DL PRS resource ID#3 from the second resource set ID (“resource set ID#1”) 214, receives DL PRS from gNB2-TRP1 206 on DL PRS resource ID#3 from the first resource set ID (“resource set ID#0”) 212, and receives DL PRS from gNB3-TRP1 208 on DL PRS resource ID#1 from the second resource set ID (“resource set ID#1”) 214.

[0054] UE location measurements (e.g., Reference Signal Time Difference (RSTD) and PRS Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) measurements) can be performed between different beams (e.g., between a pair of different DL PRS resources or a set of DL PRS resources). The LMF 210 uses UE location measurements to determine the location (e.g., absolute location) of UE 202. Additionally, there are extra uplink (UL) location methods available for the network to use in calculating the location of the target UE 202.

[0055] RAT-related positioning technologies involve 3GPP RAT and core network entities to perform UE location estimation, which differs from RAT-independent positioning technologies that rely on GNSS, IMU sensors, WLAN and Bluetooth technologies to perform target device (UE) positioning.

[0056] Various RAT-related positioning techniques are supported in Rel-16 and Rel-17. The DL-TDOA positioning method utilizes the DL RSTD (and optionally DL PRS RSRP) of downlink signals received at the UE from multiple TPs. The UE uses auxiliary data received from the positioning server to measure the DL RSTD (and optionally DL PRS RSRP) of the received signals, and uses the resulting measurement, along with other configuration information, to position the UE relative to neighboring TPs.

[0057] The DL-AoD positioning method utilizes the measured DL PRSRSRP of downlink signals received at the UE from multiple TPs. The UE uses auxiliary data received from the positioning server to measure the DL PRSRSRP of the received signals, and uses the resulting measurement along with other configuration information to locate the UE relative to adjacent TPs.

[0058] The multi-RTT positioning method utilizes UE Rx-Tx measurements and the DL PRS RSRP of downlink signals received from multiple TRPs by the UE, and the measured gNB Rx-Tx measurements and the ULSRS-RSRP of uplink signals transmitted from the UE at multiple TRPs. The UE uses auxiliary data received from the positioning server to measure the UE Rx-Tx measurements (and optionally the DL PRS RSRP of the received signals), and the TRP uses auxiliary data received from the positioning service to measure the gNB Rx-Tx measurements (and optionally the ULSRS-RSRP of the received signals). The measurements are used to determine the RTT at the positioning server, and the RTT is used to estimate the UE's location. As mentioned above, multi-RTT may only be supported for UE-assisted / NG-RAN-assisted positioning technologies.

[0059] Enhanced Cell ID (E-CID) positioning method—The UE's location is estimated using knowledge of its serving ng-eNB, gNB, and cell, and is based on LTE signals. Information about the serving ng-eNB, gNB, and cell can be obtained through paging, registration, or other methods. NR Enhanced Cell ID (NR E-CID) positioning refers to a technique that uses additional UE measurements and / or NR radio resources and other measurements to improve UE location estimation using NR signals. Although NR E-CID positioning can utilize some of the same measurements as the measurement and control system in the RRC protocol, it is generally not expected that the UE will perform additional measurements solely for positioning purposes; that is, the positioning process does not supply measurement configuration or measurement control messages, and the UE reports its available measurements rather than being required to take additional measurement actions.

[0060] The UL TDOA positioning method utilizes the UL RTOA (and optionally UL SRS-RSRP) of the uplink signal transmitted from the UE at multiple RPs. The RP uses auxiliary data received from the positioning server to measure the UL RTOA (and optionally UL SRS-RSRP) of the received signal, and uses the resulting measurements together with other configuration information to estimate the UE's location.

[0061] The UL AoA positioning method utilizes the measured azimuth and vertex of the uplink signal transmitted from the UE at multiple RPs. The RP uses auxiliary data received from the positioning server to measure the A-AoA and Z-AoA of the received signal, and uses the resulting measurements together with other configuration information to estimate the UE's position.

[0062] In addition, there are different RAT-related positioning measurements, including DL PRS-RSRP, DL RSTD, and UE Rx-Tx time difference, which are described in more detail in the table below:

[0063]

[0064]

[0065]

[0066] The solution described in this paper involves carrier phase localization, including reference symbol carrier phase and reference symbol carrier phase difference localization. The problem addressed is how to correct the carrier frequency offset between the TRP and the receivers of the UE and PRU.

[0067] The carrier frequency tolerances for base stations (e.g., as defined in TS 38.104 (incorporated herein by reference)) are given in the following table:

[0068]

[0069]

[0070] Minimum frequency error requirement

[0071]

[0072] Minimum OTA frequency error requirement

[0073] In one embodiment, the UE's carrier frequency tolerance is defined for FR1 in TS 38.101-1 (incorporated herein by reference). Section 6.4.1 of TS 38.101-1 states that the UE's basic measurement interval for the modulated carrier frequency is one UL time slot. The average value of the basic measurement of the UE's modulated carrier frequency, compared to the carrier frequency received from NR node B, should be accurate to ±0.1 PPM observed within a 1 ms period of the cumulative measurement interval.

[0074] In one embodiment, the expected value of the carrier phase measurement error can be calculated as follows:

[0075]

[0076] Here, and These represent the phase rotation of the m-th TRP carrier relative to the UE and PRU on one symbol, respectively, where n is the difference in symbol indices between the two DL-PRS symbols. Figure 3A The maximum phase error versus time (in symbols) between DL-PRS symbols from different TRPs is shown in the figure.

[0077] Figure 3AA graph 300 illustrates, according to aspects of this disclosure, the maximum phase error versus time (in symbols) between PRS symbols from different TRPs. Figure 3A It is evident that the carrier frequency offset between the TRP transmitter and the UE and PRS receiver can lead to very large measurement errors, depending on both the time and distance between the PRS symbol and the carrier frequency.

[0078] Figure 3B A graph 350 illustrates the relationship between the maximum phase error and the number of time slots used for separating PRU and UE measurements, based on aspects of this disclosure. Figure 3A In this case, it is assumed that the PRU and UE are measured in the same DL-PRS time slot, such that N=0. Conversely, in Figure 3B In this context, it is assumed that symbol separation within a time slot results in n=1, and the number of time slots for separating PRU and UE DL-PRS measurements varies from N=0 to N=5. Figure 3A and 3B The demonstration shows that if the UE and PRU are measured in different time slots and these errors are not corrected, the maximum value of the average error will be very large.

[0079] In one embodiment, in order for the LMF to correct for carrier phase difference measurement errors attributable to carrier frequency offset, for each TRP measured, the carrier frequency offset should be measured by both the UE and the PRU, and these carrier frequency offsets should be reported to the LMF. Furthermore, if any carrier phase measurement or carrier phase difference measurement is reported by both the UE and the PRU, then the number of symbols of the measured DL-PRS separating any two TRPs can be reported to the LMF (see R4-2311991, incorporated herein by reference).

[0080] In one embodiment, errors attributable to carrier frequency offset can be removed by making the carrier phase measurements at the UE and PRU refer to a common reference time (see R4-2313577, incorporated herein by reference). In another embodiment, errors attributable to carrier frequency offset can be removed by defining a common reference time and by subtracting the phase rotation attributable to the carrier frequency offset in the time interval between the DL-PRS and the reference time for the carrier phase measurements from this reference time.

[0081] Figure 4A This describes an example measurement window 400 for performing carrier phase measurements in different subframes according to aspects of this disclosure. In some embodiments, the UE and PRU may not be able to perform measurements on the same DL-PRS subframe. Figure 4AIn this process, the PRU performs phase measurements on the DL-PRS from the l-th 402 and m-th 404 TRPs in the first time slot 406, while the UE performs measurements on these same DL-PRSs in the (N+1)-th time slot 408. In one embodiment, the average error attributable to carrier frequency offset for the carrier phase difference measurement between the two TRPs l 402 and m 404 (on the same subcarrier) is given by the following formula.

[0082]

[0083] Where N is the number of time slots for separation measurement, L is the number of symbols in each time slot, and n is the number of PRS symbols within the separation time slot.

[0084] Given that the frequency errors of TRP, UE, and PRU are all limited to ±0.1 ppm, and the maximum frequency difference between TRP and UE, and between TRP and PRU, is limited to 0.2 ppm, this average error term can be expressed in degrees when the UE receiver carrier frequency is at its minimum and the PRU receiver carrier frequency is at its maximum.

[0085]

[0086] Furthermore, if we assume that the transmitter frequency of the m-th TRP is at its maximum value and the transmitter frequency of the l-th TRP is at its minimum value, then it can be seen that...

[0087]

[0088] Make

[0089]

[0090] Where N is the number of time slots for separating PRU and UE measurements, L is the number of symbols in each time slot, and n is the number of symbols that separate the PRS symbol from the l-th and m-th TRPs (within the same time slot).

[0091] The solution presented in this paper involves mapping a common reference time to configured time windows defined for positioning measurements. These time windows can contain single time slots, multiple time slots, or periodic time slots.

[0092] According to one embodiment, the UE can be configured to perform downlink carrier phase measurements, including RSCP and RSCPD measurements, with reference to a common time associated with a received time window configuration. This measurement time window, configured by the location server / LMF to the target UE, for example, indicates a specific DL-PRS resource based on the DL-PRS resource ID, DL-PRS resource set, TRP ID, and Positioning Frequency Layer (PFL). RSCP and RSCPD measurements are jointly performed at both the target UE and the PRU UE from the DL-PRS resource ID, DL-PRS resource set, TRP, and PFL. Furthermore, this time window can be associated with various configuration parameters that can be signaled to the target UE.

[0093] The goal of a measurement time window is to enable the UE and PRU to perform the configured measurements for exactly the same duration specified by the measurement time window. It should be noted that this measurement time window is a best-effort configuration, and there may be situations where the UE or PRU is unable to perform the requested measurements within the measurement time due to other reasons (e.g., scheduling delays, prioritized data transmissions, RRM measurements, etc.).

[0094] In one embodiment, the configuration parameters include the indicated DL-PRS resource set / resource from which RSCP and RSCPD measurements are performed, the start system frame number (SFN) reference time indicating the initial start time of the measurement time window, a periodic parameter indicating the periodicity of the time window in the time slot configured for each DL-PRS resource set, the DL-PRS time slot offset relative to the SFN#0 time slot #0 of the TRP in which the DL-PRS resource set is configured, the time window duration indicating the total duration of the configured time window which may be specified based on the number of time slots and / or the number of Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) symbols, the number of time windows that may be configured to the target UE based on its UE capability (each time window may be associated with the above configuration parameters, which may be the same or different across different numbers of configured time windows), and / or a combination of the foregoing.

[0095] In one aspect of this embodiment, in the case of UE-assisted positioning where the location server / LMF calculates the location of the target UE, the location server / LMF may utilize an LPP RequestLocationInformation message or an LPPProvideAssistanceData message to request the target UE and PRU to perform RSCP and / or RSCPD measurements relative to a time window reference time, which may be implicitly or explicitly indicated by the time window. Since carrier frequency offset (CFO) can generally degrade the accuracy of RSCP / RSCPD measurements, it is proposed to mitigate the impact of carrier phase offset by establishing a common reference time relative to a given measurement window configuration. By defining the common reference time relative to a given measurement time window configuration for carrier phase measurements, carrier phase offset attributable to the carrier frequency offset in the time interval between the common reference time relative to the given measurement time window configuration and the DL-PRS measurement is removed from the carrier phase measurements.

[0096] Error! Reference source not found. Figure 4B This describes an example measurement window 450 configured according to aspects of this disclosure for performing carrier phase measurements using a reference measurement time window. Figure 4B In this context, the common reference time is the first symbol (symbol 0) of the time slot 452. Phase measurements of the positioning reference symbol are referenced to the reference time by removing the phase rotation caused by the TRP (Transmit Reference Symbol) relative to the carrier frequency offset of the UE during the time interval between the reference time and the time of the received reference symbol. The PRU can also perform the same measurement behavior as the UE relative to the common reference time (e.g., in the case of reference symbol 0). The reference time can be defined by default, or it can be signaled by the LMF, or it can be a pre-configured portion in both the UE and the PRU. In some examples, the reference time can be defined as the symbol closest to, at, or near the center of the time slot to minimize errors in the referenced phase measurements attributable to any errors in the estimation of the carrier frequency offset. Generally, it is beneficial to minimize the distance (measured in symbols) between the positioning reference symbol measuring its phase and the reference time.

[0097] When a time window contains multiple consecutive time slots, the reference time can be defined as the first symbol of the first time slot. Alternatively, the reference time can be defined as a symbol that is close to, within, or near the middle of multiple consecutive time slots. For example, if there are N consecutive time slots in the time window, then if N is odd, the reference time can be selected as a symbol within time slot (N+1) / 2, or if N is even, the reference time can be selected as a symbol within time slot N / 2 or N / 2+1. Similarly, selecting a symbol that is close to, within, or near the middle of multiple consecutive time slots minimizes errors in the referenced phase measurements attributable to any errors in the estimation of carrier frequency offset.

[0098] Figure 4C This describes an example measurement window configured according to aspects of this disclosure for performing carrier phase measurements in different time slots using a reference measurement time window. As discussed above, under normal circumstances, the UE and PRU may not be able to perform measurements on the same DL-PRS subframe. Figure 4C The symbol indices k 477 and k' 479 can be any integer, and are not limited to the number of symbols in each time slot, and are used to continuously number symbols across time slot boundaries.

[0099] exist Figure 4C In this context, the symbols within the time slot between the carrier phase measurement reference time slot 1481 and time slot N+1483 will be determined. Let k ref 485 indicates the symbol index that the measurement will reference. Typically, k... ref It will be the first symbol of the time slot.

[0100] As previously discussed, the UE and PRU are measured in the same time slot, making This represents the carrier phase measurement of the UE received from the l-th TRP in subcarrier i with symbol index k. The referenced carrier phase measurement of the UE is then given by the following formula.

[0101] .

[0102] Similarly, let This represents the carrier phase measurement of the PRU of the DL-PRS received from the l-th TRP in subcarrier i with symbol index k. The referenced carrier phase measurement of the PRU is then given by the following formula.

[0103] .

[0104] By using a referenced carrier phase measurement instead of a carrier phase measurement, the carrier phase difference measurement error attributed to the carrier frequency offset is removed. Consequently, the same proposal used to define the common reference time can be used to remove errors attributed to the carrier frequency offset.

[0105] Specifically, a common reference time is defined, and the DL-PRS carrier phase measurement is referenced to this reference time by subtracting the phase rotation attributable to the carrier frequency offset in the time interval between the DL-PRS and the reference time of the carrier phase measurement. The referenced carrier phase difference is defined as the difference between the referenced carrier phase measurements. The same common reference time is defined for both the UE and PRU. The UE and PRU report the referenced carrier phase measurement or the carrier phase difference measurement calculated using the referenced carrier phase measurement.

[0106] As used in this article, This indicates the frequency offset of the carrier of the l-th TRP relative to the carrier of the UE receiver, and This represents the frequency offset of the carrier of the l-th TRP relative to the carrier of the PRU receiver. Phase increment. Indicated by Within a given symbol period, the phase change of the carrier of the l-th TRP relative to the carrier of the UE is given, where T... s It is a symbol period.

[0107] Phase increment Indicated by Within a given symbol period, the phase change of the carrier of the first TRP relative to the carrier of the PRU is given by T... s It is a symbolic periodicity and This represents the frequency offset of the carrier of the m-th TRP relative to the carrier of the l-th TRP. Phase increment. It can also be expressed as Or equivalently expressed as .

[0108] In the case of periodic DL-PRS, a reference time is defined for each periodic time window. Generally, the reference time definition relative to the time window will be the same for each periodic time window. Since each periodic time window has its own reference time, carrier phase measurements or carrier phase difference measurements performed by the UE in one periodic time window should only be combined with PRU measurements performed in the same periodic time window. Otherwise, combining UE and PRS carrier phase measurements or carrier phase difference measurements performed in different periodic time windows may lead to large measurement errors.

[0109] Even when DL-PRS carrier phase (RSCP) or carrier phase difference (RSCPD) measurements are performed outside the time window, the reference time within the measurement reference time window can still be maintained. However, in this case, the measurement quality will be degraded due to the longer time interval between the DL-PRS measurement and the reference time, necessitating the extrapolation of carrier phase rotation attributable to carrier frequency offset. In this situation, the UE or PRU performing the referenced measurement can signal the degraded measurement quality, or alternatively, can indicate (at some granularity) the number of symbols or time slots between the carrier phase measurement and the time window or the reference time within the time window.

[0110] In another implementation, due to the effects of large measurement errors, DL-PRS symbols measured outside the measurement time window may be discarded, subsequently causing the requested (in the case of UE-assisted positioning) or desired (in the case of UE-based positioning) RSCP or RSCPD measurement to be discarded at the UE and / or PRU. The UE and / or PRU may notify the LMF or provide an indication that the RSCP / RSCPD measurement has been discarded or cannot be performed via, for example, an LPP error message. In other examples, such error messages may be signaled together with a DL-TDOA error cause message or a multi-RTT error cause message originating from the target UE or PRU.

[0111] Figure 5 The process 500 for UE-assisted positioning according to aspects of this disclosure is described. At point 1 (see message passing 502), in one embodiment, the location server / LMF 505 requests the target UE 503 and PRU UE 501 to perform RSCP / RSCPD measurements using a time window reference time (also referred to as a common reference time relative to the measurement time window).

[0112] At point 2 (see message 504), in one embodiment, target UE 503 and PRU UE 501 each perform RSCP / RSCPD measurements relative to a time window reference time and report these measurements to the location server according to the time window reference time. Before reporting the RSCP and / or RSCPD measurements to LMF 505, target UE 503 will have already identified and mitigated the carrier frequency offset errors of these measurements.

[0113] In one aspect of the embodiment, in the case of UE-based carrier phase positioning, where the target UE calculates its own location, the target UE may use an LPP RequestAssistanceData message to request the location server to instruct both the target UE and the PRU to perform RSCP and / or RSCPD measurements relative to a time window reference time, which may be implicitly or explicitly indicated by the time window. In the case of UE-based positioning, the LPP RequestLocationInformation described above for carrying time window information and a time window reference time indication is an optional message for the location server / LMF, and therefore it would be more appropriate to use an LPP ProvideAssistanceData message to signal the time window information and time window reference time indication for RSCP / RSCPD measurements. In other embodiments, the same process can be used to provide measurement time windows to both the UE and the PRU to correct timing-related errors, such as timing offsets, timing deviations, Tx / Rx timing error groups associated with one or more DL-RSTDs, UE Rx-Tx time difference measurements, or DL-AoD measurements, where supported by appropriate UE capabilities.

[0114] Figure 6 An example of a process 600 for UE-based positioning according to aspects of this disclosure is described. At point 1 (see message 602), in one embodiment, the target UE 603 ​​requests DL-PRS configuration information from a location server / LMF 605. In one embodiment, the configuration information may include instructions for performing 1) DL-RSTD measurement based on DL-TDOA positioning; 2) DL-TDOA positioning based on DL-RSTD measurement and carrier phase positioning using RSCPD measurement; or 3) carrier phase positioning using RSCPD measurement. In other embodiments, RSCP measurement may also be supported, provided that the UE is capable of performing such measurement, for example, signaled along with multiple RTT measurements when UE-based operation is supported. In one embodiment, the configuration information may include instructions for providing an implicit / explicit time window reference time, wherein each RSCPD measurement may reference this time window reference time. In one embodiment, the configuration information may include the following indication: the same DL-PRS auxiliary data may be provided to the PRU UE, i.e., given the same DL-PRS configuration of positioning frequency layer ID, resource set ID, DL-PRS resources, combination size, resource element (RE) offset, number of symbols, and DL-PRS periodicity, to perform simultaneous RAT-related positioning measurements, including, for example, DL-RSTD and DL RSCPD.

[0115] At point 2 (see message 604), in one embodiment, the location server / LMF 605 specifies that target UE 603 ​​and PRU UE 601 each perform RSCP / RSCPD measurements relative to a time window reference time, for example, using an LPP ProvideAssistanceData message. The LPP ProvideAssistanceData message to target UE 603 ​​may further instruct PRU UE 601 whether to perform 1) only DL-RSTD measurement; 2) only DL RSPD measurement; or 3) both DL-RSTD and DLRSCPD measurements. In other examples, the LMF may provide a set of pre-configured assistance data, including these measurement time window configurations and associated time window reference time configurations to be used in the future. The LMF may then explicitly or implicitly activate / deactivate these measurement time windows on demand via pre-configured assistance validity based on area validity including a cell list, wherein activation of a UE or PRU assuming a measurement time window is entered, and deactivation of a UE or PRU assuming a measurement time window is left. This pre-configured auxiliary data behavior can be applied to both UE-assisted and UE-based positioning.

[0116] In one embodiment, the same recommended DL-PRS auxiliary data may be applied to PRU UE 601, as indicated in request 1, or in other embodiments, a different set of DL-PRS auxiliary data may be provided to target UE 603. When the same DL-PRS auxiliary data is applied to both target UE 603 ​​and PRU UE 601, the same simultaneous measurement time window configuration and measurement time window reference time shall be applied to both target UE 603 ​​and PRU UE 601. It should be further specified that the same DL-PRS auxiliary data, the same simultaneous measurement time window configuration, and the same measurement time window reference time shall be applied to both target UE 603 ​​and PRU UE 601.

[0117] When different DL-PRS auxiliary data are applied to target UE 603 ​​and PRU UE 601, the same but different measurement time window configurations and different measurement time window reference times can be provided to target UE 603 ​​and PRU UE 601. Subsequently, the implementation scheme should strive to ensure that the measurement time window configurations and different measurement time window reference times are aligned as closely as possible to avoid reduced measurement accuracy for timing-based and carrier phase-based measurements.

[0118] At point 3 (see message 606), in one embodiment, since the target UE 603 ​​processes the measurements internally for UE-based positioning, it is not necessary to report the measurements to the LMF 605. However, the location server / LMF 605 may receive PRU reference measurements from the PRU UE 601, which include 1) both DL-RSTD and RSCPD measurements; 2) DL-RSTD measurements only; or 3) RSCPD measurements only. In other embodiments, the location server may also receive gNB Rx-Tx time difference measurements and / or UERx-Tx time difference measurements, provided that the UE supports UE-based multi-RTT positioning and has the associated capability.

[0119] At point 4 (see Message Passing 608), in one embodiment, the location server / LMF 605 uses the ProvideAssistanceData message to transmit DL-RSTD and / or RSCP / RSCPD measurements relative to a time window reference time. In the case of PRU measurements from multiple PRUs, the location server / LMF 605 can associate each of the provided measurements with a measurement ID, a temporary UE identifier, or any relevant unique identifier sequence, thereby allowing the target UE 603 ​​to distinguish different sets of DL-RSTD and / or RSCP / RSCPD measurements from different PRUs. It is important that the reference measurements provided by a specific PRU are aligned based on the same measurements performed across the same set of DL-PRS resources or DL-PRS resource sets.

[0120] In other implementations, the described measurement time window for simultaneous measurements performed by both target UE 603 ​​and PRU UE 601 may be further associated with an identifier to further distinguish multiple measurements that can be aligned based on the same measurement time window identifier. Instances of the measurement time window identifier may include a measurement time window ID, a temporary ID for a given measurement window, and / or the like.

[0121] For example, PRU UE 1 601 and target UE 603 ​​may be configured with measurement time window ID 1, while PRU UE 2 (not shown) and target UE 603 ​​may be configured with measurement time window ID 2, and so on. Furthermore, such measurement windows can be activated / deactivated based on the appropriate measurement time window ID. This will aid in tracking multiple measurements performed using multiple measurement windows. In another embodiment, target UE 603 ​​may receive a temporary PRU UE identifier along with the performed PRU measurements forwarded or provided by LMF 605. This also enables the association of measurements performed at multiple PRUs relative to multiple measurement time windows based on the (temporary) PRU UE identifier. The (temporary) PRU identifier may be self-assigned by the PRU or generated at AMF or LMF 605, and may also be provided to target UE 603 ​​along with DL-PRS auxiliary data. Therefore, LMF 605 can provide target UE 603 ​​with PRU measurements from multiple PRUs, which are distinguished based on PRU UE identifiers, which can be temporary or long-term / permanent IDs.

[0122] In other implementations, the described measurement time window for simultaneous measurements performed by target UE 603 ​​and PRU UE 601 may be applicable to conventional positioning, such as DL-RSTD, UE Rx-Tx time difference measurement, DL-AoD and other NR DLE-CID measurements, such as Channel State Information (CSI) - RS and Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) RSRP.

[0123] Figure 7 An example of a UE 700 according to aspects of this disclosure is described. UE 700 may include a processor 702, a memory 704, a controller 706, and a transceiver 708. The processor 702, memory 704, controller 706, or transceiver 708, or various combinations thereof, or various components thereof, may be examples of components for performing the various aspects of this disclosure as described herein. These components may be coupled via one or more interfaces (e.g., operatively ground, communicatively ground, functional ground, electronic ground, electrical ground).

[0124] Processor 702, memory 704, controller 706, or transceiver 708, or various combinations or components thereof, may be implemented in hardware (e.g., a circuit system). The hardware may be a processor, digital signal processor (DSP), application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or other programmable logic device, or any combination thereof configured or otherwise supporting components for performing the functions described in this disclosure.

[0125] Processor 702 may include intelligent hardware devices (e.g., a general-purpose processor, DSP, CPU, ASIC, FPGA, or any combination thereof). In some embodiments, processor 702 may be configured to operate memory 704. In some other embodiments, memory 704 may be integrated into processor 702. Processor 702 may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in memory 704 to cause UE 700 to perform various functions of this disclosure.

[0126] Memory 704 may comprise volatile or non-volatile memory. Memory 704 may store computer-readable, computer-executable code containing instructions that, when executed by processor 702, cause UE 700 to perform the various functions described herein. The code may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium, such as memory 704 or another type of memory. Computer-readable media includes both non-transitory computer storage media and communication media, wherein the communication media includes any medium that facilitates the transfer of a computer program from one place to another. Non-transitory storage media may be any available medium accessible by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer.

[0127] In some embodiments, processor 702 and memory 704 coupled to processor 702 may be configured to cause UE 700 to perform one or more of the functions described herein (e.g., instructions stored in memory 704 are executed by processor 702). For example, processor 702 may support wireless communication at UE 700 according to the examples disclosed herein. UE 700 may be configured to support a means for: receiving a request to perform a carrier phase measurement relative to a reference time within a time window, performing a carrier phase measurement, and transmitting the carrier phase measurement performed relative to the reference time within the time window.

[0128] In one embodiment, the UE 700 may be configured to support a component for transmitting a request for a positioning configuration that indicates a carrier phase measurement to be performed and a reference time within a time window. In one embodiment, carrier phase measurements performed outside the time window are discarded.

[0129] Controller 706 manages the input and output signals of UE 700. Controller 706 can also manage peripheral devices not integrated into UE 700. In some embodiments, controller 706 may utilize an operating system such as iOS®, ANDROID®, WINDOWS®, or other operating systems. In some embodiments, controller 706 may be implemented as part of processor 702.

[0130] In some embodiments, UE 700 may include at least one transceiver 708. In other embodiments, UE 700 may have more than one transceiver 708. Transceiver 708 may represent a wireless transceiver. Transceiver 708 may include one or more receiver chains 710, one or more transmitter chains 712, or a combination thereof.

[0131] Receiver chain 710 may be configured to receive signals (e.g., control information, data, packets) over a wireless medium. For example, receiver chain 710 may include one or more antennas for receiving signals over the air or a wireless medium. Receiver chain 710 may include at least one amplifier (e.g., a low-noise amplifier (LNA)) configured to amplify the received signal. Receiver chain 710 may include at least one demodulator configured to demodulate the received signal and obtain transmitted data by reversing the modulation technique applied during signal transmission. Receiver chain 710 may include at least one decoder for decoding the demodulated signal to receive the transmitted data.

[0132] Transmitter chain 712 can be configured to generate and transmit signals (e.g., control information, data, packets). Transmitter chain 712 may include at least one modulator for modulating data onto a carrier signal, preparing the signal for transmission over a wireless medium. The at least one modulator may be configured to support one or more techniques, such as amplitude modulation (AM), frequency modulation (FM), or digital modulation schemes like phase shift keying (PSK) or quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM). Transmitter chain 712 may also include at least one power amplifier configured to amplify the modulated signal to an appropriate power level suitable for transmission over a wireless medium. Transmitter chain 712 may also include one or more antennas for transmitting the amplified signal into the air or a wireless medium.

[0133] Figure 8 An example of a processor 800 according to aspects of this disclosure is described. Processor 800 may be an example of a processor configured to perform various operations according to the examples described herein. Processor 800 may include a controller 802 configured to perform various operations according to the examples described herein. Processor 800 may optionally include at least one memory 804, which may be, for example, an L1 / L2 / L3 cache. Additionally or alternatively, processor 800 may optionally include one or more arithmetic logic units (ALUs) 806. One or more of these components may be electronically communicated or otherwise coupled (e.g., operatively, communicatively, functionally, electronically, electrically) via one or more interfaces (e.g., buses).

[0134] Processor 800 may be a processor chipset and includes a protocol stack (e.g., a software stack) executed by the processor chipset to perform various operations (e.g., receive, acquire, retrieve, transmit, output, forward, store, determine, identify, access, write, read) according to the examples described herein. The processor chipset may include one or more cores, one or more caches (e.g., memory local to the processor chipset (e.g., processor 800) or included in the processor chipset (e.g., processor 800)) or other memory (e.g., random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM), static RAM (SRAM), ferroelectric RAM (FeRAM), magnetic RAM (MRAM), resistive RAM (RRAM), flash memory, phase-change memory (PCM), and others).

[0135] Controller 802 can be configured to manage and coordinate various operations of processor 800 (e.g., signaling, receiving, acquiring, retrieving, transmitting, outputting, forwarding, storing, determining, identifying, accessing, writing, and reading) to enable processor 800 to support various operations according to the examples described herein. For example, controller 802 can operate as a control unit of processor 800, generating control signals that manage the operation of various components of processor 800. These control signals include enabling or disabling functional units, selecting data paths, initiating memory accesses, and coordinating operation timing.

[0136] Controller 802 may be configured to fetch (e.g., fetch, retrieve, receive) instructions from memory 804 and determine subsequent instructions to be executed to enable processor 800 to support various operations according to the examples described herein. Controller 802 may be configured to track the memory addresses of instructions associated with memory 804. Controller 802 may be configured to decode instructions to determine the operations to be performed and the operands involved. For example, controller 802 may be configured to interpret instructions and determine control signals to be output to other components of processor 800 to enable processor 800 to support various operations according to the examples described herein. Alternatively or additionally, controller 802 may be configured to manage data flow within processor 800. Controller 802 may be configured to control data transfers between registers, arithmetic logic unit (ALU), and other functional units of processor 800.

[0137] Memory 804 may include one or more caches (e.g., memory local to processor 800 or included in processor 800) or other memories, such as RAM, ROM, DRAM, SDRAM, SRAM, MRAM, flash memory, etc. In some embodiments, memory 804 may reside within or on the processor chipset (e.g., local to processor 800). In some other embodiments, memory 804 may reside outside the processor chipset (e.g., remote from processor 800).

[0138] Memory 804 may store computer-readable, computer-executable code containing instructions that, when executed by processor 800, cause processor 800 to perform the various functions described herein. The code may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium, such as system memory or another type of memory. Controller 802 and / or processor 800 may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in memory 804 to cause processor 800 to perform various functions. For example, processor 800 and / or controller 802 may be coupled to or coupled to memory 804, and processor 800, controller 802, and memory 804 may be configured to perform the various functions described herein. In some instances, processor 800 may include multiple processors, and memory 804 may include multiple memories. One or more of the multiple processors may be coupled to one or more of the multiple memories, which may be individually or collectively configured to perform the various functions described herein.

[0139] One or more ALU 806s may be configured to support various operations according to the examples described herein. In some embodiments, one or more ALU 806s may reside within or on a processor chipset (e.g., processor 800). In some other embodiments, one or more ALU 806s may reside outside the processor chipset (e.g., processor 800). One or more ALU 806s may perform one or more calculations on data, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. For example, one or more ALU 806s may receive input operands and an opcode that determines the operation to be performed. One or more ALU 806s may be configured with various logic and arithmetic circuitry, including adders, subtractors, shifters, and logic gates, to process and manipulate data according to the operation. Alternatively, one or more ALU 806s may support logical operations such as AND, OR, XOR, NOR, and NAND, enabling one or more ALU 806s to handle conditional operations, comparisons, and bitwise operations.

[0140] Processor 800 may support wireless communication according to examples disclosed herein. Processor 800 may be configured or operable to support a component for: transmitting a request to one or more UEs for performing carrier phase measurements relative to a reference time within a time window, and receiving from one or more UEs carrier phase measurements performed relative to a reference time within a time window.

[0141] In one embodiment, at least one UE includes a target UE or a PRU UE, or both. In one embodiment, processor 800 may be configured or operable to support a component for requesting a location configuration from the target UE, the location configuration indicating a carrier phase measurement to be performed and a reference time within a time window.

[0142] In one embodiment, processor 800 may be configured or operable to support a component for receiving carrier phase measurements relative to a reference time within a time window from a PRU UE. In one embodiment, processor 800 may be configured or operable to support a component for transmitting received carrier phase measurements relative to a reference time to a target UE within a time window.

[0143] In one embodiment, the carrier phase measurement includes an RSCP measurement, an RSCPD measurement, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the time window includes a time slot. In one embodiment, the reference time includes a first symbol of the time slot. In one embodiment, the time window includes a plurality of consecutive time slots. In one embodiment, the reference time includes a symbol located in the middle of a plurality of consecutive time slots.

[0144] In one embodiment, the reference time is a default reference time. In one embodiment, the reference time is defined as the symbol at the center of the time slot. In one embodiment, the time window includes one of a plurality of periodic time windows. In one embodiment, each of the plurality of periodic time windows includes the reference time.

[0145] In one embodiment, processor 800 may be configured or operable to support a component for providing a set of pre-configured auxiliary data, wherein the pre-configured auxiliary data includes a carrier phase measurement time window configuration and an associated time window reference time configuration.

[0146] In one embodiment, a time window is associated with an identifier used to distinguish multiple different measurements aligned based on the same measurement time window identifier. In one embodiment, processor 800 may be configured or operable to support a component for providing a target UE with PRU measurements from multiple PRUs, the different PRU measurements being distinguished based on the PRU identifier.

[0147] In one embodiment, processor 800 may be configured or operable to support a component for: receiving a request to perform a carrier phase measurement relative to a reference time within a time window, performing the carrier phase measurement, and transmitting the carrier phase measurement performed relative to the reference time within the time window. In one embodiment, carrier phase measurements performed outside the time window are discarded.

[0148] Figure 9 An example of NE 900 according to aspects of this disclosure is described. NE 900 may include a processor 902, a memory 904, a controller 906, and a transceiver 908. The processor 902, memory 904, controller 906, or transceiver 908, or various combinations thereof, or various components thereof, may be examples of components for performing the various aspects of this disclosure as described herein. These components may be coupled via one or more interfaces (e.g., operatively ground, communicatively ground, functional ground, electronic ground, electrical ground).

[0149] Processor 902, memory 904, controller 906, or transceiver 908, or various combinations or components thereof, may be implemented in hardware (e.g., a circuit system). The hardware may be a processor, digital signal processor (DSP), application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or other programmable logic device, or any combination thereof configured or otherwise supporting components for performing the functions described in this disclosure.

[0150] Processor 902 may include intelligent hardware devices (e.g., a general-purpose processor, DSP, CPU, ASIC, FPGA, or any combination thereof). In some embodiments, processor 902 may be configured to operate memory 904. In some other embodiments, memory 904 may be integrated into processor 902. Processor 902 may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in memory 904 to cause NE 900 to perform various functions of this disclosure.

[0151] Memory 904 may comprise volatile or non-volatile memory. Memory 904 may store computer-readable, computer-executable code containing instructions that, when executed by processor 902, cause NE 900 to perform the various functions described herein. The code may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium, such as memory 904 or another type of memory. Computer-readable media includes both non-transitory computer storage media and communication media, wherein the communication media includes any medium that facilitates the transfer of a computer program from one place to another. Non-transitory storage media may be any available medium accessible by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer.

[0152] In some embodiments, processor 902 and memory 904 coupled to processor 902 may be configured to cause NE 900 to perform one or more of the functions described herein (e.g., processor 902 executing instructions stored in memory 904). For example, processor 902 may support wireless communication at NE 900 according to an example disclosed herein. NE 900 may be configured to support a means for: transmitting a request to one or more UEs for performing carrier phase measurements relative to a reference time within a time window, and receiving from one or more UEs carrier phase measurements performed relative to a reference time within the time window.

[0153] In one embodiment, one or more UEs include a target UE or a PRU UE, or both. In one embodiment, the NE900 may be configured to support a component for requesting a location configuration from the target UE, the location configuration indicating the carrier phase measurement to be performed and the reference time within the time window.

[0154] In one embodiment, the NE 900 may be configured to support a component for receiving carrier phase measurements relative to a reference time within a time window from a PRU UE. In another embodiment, the NE 900 may be configured to support a component for transmitting received carrier phase measurements relative to a reference time to a target UE within a time window.

[0155] In one embodiment, the carrier phase measurement includes an RSCP measurement, an RSCPD measurement, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the time window includes a time slot. In one embodiment, the reference time includes a first symbol of the time slot. In one embodiment, the time window includes a plurality of consecutive time slots. In one embodiment, the reference time includes a symbol located in the middle of a plurality of consecutive time slots.

[0156] In one embodiment, the reference time is a default reference time. In one embodiment, the reference time is defined as the symbol at the center of the time slot. In one embodiment, the time window includes one of a plurality of periodic time windows. In one embodiment, each of the plurality of periodic time windows includes the reference time.

[0157] In one embodiment, the NE 900 may be configured to support a component for providing a set of pre-configured auxiliary data, wherein the pre-configured auxiliary data includes a carrier phase measurement time window configuration and an associated time window reference time configuration.

[0158] In one embodiment, a time window is associated with an identifier used to distinguish multiple different measurements aligned based on the same measurement time window identifier. In one embodiment, the NE 900 may be configured to support a component for providing a target UE with PRU measurements from multiple PRUs, the different PRU measurements being distinguished based on the PRU identifier.

[0159] Controller 906 manages the input and output signals of NE 900. Controller 906 can also manage peripheral devices not integrated into NE 900. In some embodiments, controller 906 may utilize an operating system such as iOS®, ANDROID®, WINDOWS®, or other operating systems. In some embodiments, controller 906 may be implemented as part of processor 902.

[0160] In some embodiments, the NE 900 may include at least one transceiver 908. In other embodiments, the NE 900 may have more than one transceiver 908. The transceiver 908 may represent a wireless transceiver. The transceiver 908 may include one or more receiver chains 910, one or more transmitter chains 912, or a combination thereof.

[0161] Receiver chain 910 may be configured to receive signals (e.g., control information, data, packets) via a wireless medium. For example, receiver chain 910 may include one or more antennas for receiving signals over the air or via a wireless medium. Receiver chain 910 may include at least one amplifier (e.g., a low-noise amplifier (LNA)) configured to amplify the received signal. Receiver chain 910 may include at least one demodulator configured to demodulate the received signal and obtain transmitted data by reversing the modulation technique applied during signal transmission. Receiver chain 910 may include at least one decoder for decoding and processing the demodulated signal to receive transmitted data.

[0162] Transmitter chain 912 can be configured to generate and transmit signals (e.g., control information, data, packets). Transmitter chain 912 may include at least one modulator for modulating data onto a carrier signal, preparing the signal for transmission over a wireless medium. The at least one modulator may be configured to support one or more techniques, such as amplitude modulation (AM), frequency modulation (FM), or digital modulation schemes like phase shift keying (PSK) or quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM). Transmitter chain 912 may also include at least one power amplifier configured to amplify the modulated signal to an appropriate power level suitable for transmission over a wireless medium. Transmitter chain 912 may also include one or more antennas for transmitting the amplified signal into the air or a wireless medium.

[0163] Figure 10A flowchart illustrating a method according to an aspect of this disclosure is provided. The operation of the method can be implemented by a UE as described herein. In some embodiments, the UE can execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the UE to perform the described functions.

[0164] At 1002, the method may transmit a request to one or more UEs for performing carrier phase measurements relative to a reference time within a time window. The operation of 1002 may be performed according to the examples described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operation of 1002 may be determined by, as in the reference... Figure 10 The UE execution described.

[0165] At 1004, the method may receive carrier phase measurements performed relative to a reference time within a time window from one or more UEs. The operation of 1004 may be performed according to the examples described herein. In some embodiments, aspects of the operation of 1004 may be determined by, as in the reference... Figure 10 The UE execution described.

[0166] It should be noted that the method described herein describes one possible implementation, and the operation and steps may be rearranged or modified in other ways, and other implementations are possible.

[0167] Figure 11 A flowchart illustrating a method according to an aspect of this disclosure is provided. The operation of the method may be implemented by an NE as described herein. In some embodiments, the NE may execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the NE to perform the described functions.

[0168] At 1102, the method may receive a request to perform a carrier phase measurement relative to a reference time within a time window. The operation of 1102 may be performed according to the examples described herein. In some embodiments, aspects of the operation of 1102 may be determined by, as in the reference... Figure 11 The described NE execution.

[0169] At 1104, the method can perform carrier phase measurement. The operation of 1104 can be performed according to the examples described herein. In some embodiments, aspects of the operation of 1104 can be as described in references... Figure 11 The described NE execution.

[0170] At 1106, the method may transmit a carrier phase measurement performed relative to a reference time within a time window. The operation of 1106 may be performed according to the examples described herein. In some embodiments, aspects of the operation of 1106 may be determined by, as with the reference... Figure 11 The described NE execution.

[0171] It should be noted that the method described herein describes one possible implementation, and the operation and steps may be rearranged or modified in other ways, and other implementations are possible.

[0172] The description herein is provided to enable those skilled in the art to make or use this disclosure. Various modifications to this disclosure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other variations without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, this disclosure is not limited to the examples and designs described herein, but should be given the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A network device NE for wireless communication, comprising: At least one memory; and At least one processor, coupled to the at least one memory and configured to enable the NE: Transmit a request to one or more User Equipment (UEs) to perform carrier phase measurements relative to a reference time within a time window; and The carrier phase measurement performed relative to the reference time within the time window is received from one or more UEs.

2. The NE according to claim 1, wherein the one or more UEs include a target UE, a location reference unit (PRU) UE, or both.

3. The NE of claim 2, wherein the at least one processor is configured to receive a request for a positioning configuration from the target UE, the positioning configuration indicating the carrier phase measurement to be performed and the reference time within the time window.

4. The NE of claim 3, wherein the at least one processor is configured to enable the NE to receive from the PRUUE the carrier phase measurement relative to the reference time within the time window.

5. The NE of claim 4, wherein the at least one processor is configured to transmit to the target UE the received carrier phase measurement relative to the reference time within the time window.

6. The NE according to claim 1, wherein the carrier phase measurement includes a reference signal carrier phase RSCP measurement, an RSCP difference RSCPD measurement, or a combination thereof.

7. The NE according to claim 1, wherein the time window includes a time slot.

8. The NE of claim 7, wherein the reference time includes a first symbol of the time slot.

9. The NE according to claim 1, wherein the time window comprises a plurality of consecutive time slots.

10. The NE of claim 9, wherein the reference time includes a symbol located at the middle of the plurality of consecutive time slots.

11. The NE according to claim 1, wherein the reference time is a default reference time.

12. The NE according to claim 1, wherein the reference time is defined as the symbol at the center of the time slot.

13. The NE according to claim 1, wherein the time window includes one of a plurality of periodic time windows.

14. The NE of claim 13, wherein each of the plurality of periodic time windows includes a reference time.

15. The NE of claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is configured to enable the NE to provide a set of pre-configured auxiliary data, wherein the pre-configured auxiliary data includes a carrier phase measurement time window configuration and an associated time window reference time configuration.

16. The NE of claim 1, wherein the time window is associated with an identifier for distinguishing multiple different measurements aligned based on the same measurement time window identifier.

17. A processor for wireless communication, comprising: At least one controller, coupled to at least one memory and configured to enable the processor to: Transmit a request to at least one User Equipment (UE) for performing carrier phase measurement relative to a reference time within a time window; and The carrier phase measurement performed relative to the reference time within the time window is received from the at least one UE.

18. A method performed by a network equipment (NE), the method comprising: A request is sent to at least one user equipment (UE) to perform carrier phase measurement relative to a reference time within a time window; and The carrier phase measurement performed relative to the reference time within the time window is received from the at least one UE.

19. A user equipment (UE) for wireless communication, comprising: At least one memory; and At least one processor, coupled to and configured to enable the UE to: Receive a request to perform carrier phase measurement relative to a reference time within a time window; Perform the carrier phase measurement; and The carrier phase measurement is performed relative to the reference time within the time window.

20. The UE of claim 19, wherein carrier phase measurements performed outside the time window are discarded.

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