Sounding reference signal transmission with frequency hopping

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to solutions for sounding reference signal (SRS) transmission with frequency hopping. Specifically, it proposes the behavior of a UE performing autonomous timing adjustment based on downlink reception reference timing or uplink transmission timing when the UE transmits SRS with frequency hopping.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various exemplary embodiments of this disclosure generally relate to the telecommunications field, and more particularly to methods, apparatus, devices, and computer-readable storage media for detecting the transmission of reference signals (SRS). Background Technology

[0002] A frequency hopping technique is proposed. Specifically, frequency hopping is a mechanism for transmitting radio signals by rapidly switching carriers between different frequency channels. Frequency-hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) is a wireless technique that spreads signals across rapidly changing frequencies. Each frequency band is divided into sub-frequency bands, and the signal changes rapidly between these sub-frequency bands in a predetermined order (“hopping”). Furthermore, a sounding reference signal (SRS) is proposed. Specifically, the sounding reference signal is an uplink physical signal used by the user equipment (UE) for uplink channel sounding (including channel quality estimation and synchronization). Therefore, it is worthwhile to investigate the application of frequency hopping in SRS. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In a first aspect of this disclosure, a first apparatus is provided. The first apparatus includes: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first apparatus to: receive a configuration from a second apparatus, the configuration including conditions enabling the first apparatus to perform transmission of a probe reference signal with frequency hopping; obtain a timing difference between a first timing and a second timing, wherein the first timing and the second timing are associated with transmission timing to the second apparatus; and, based on the timing difference and the conditions, perform transmission of the probe reference signal or skip transmission of the probe reference signal at one or more configured frequency hopping points.

[0004] In a second aspect of this disclosure, a second apparatus is provided. The second apparatus includes: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the second apparatus to: transmit a configuration to a first apparatus, the configuration including conditions enabling the first apparatus to perform the transmission of a probe reference signal with frequency hopping; receive the probe reference signal from the first apparatus at one or more configured frequency hopping points; and obtain a positioning measurement by combining the probe reference signal at one or more frequency hopping points.

[0005] In a third aspect of this disclosure, a method is provided. The method includes: receiving configuration from a second device, the configuration including conditions enabling a first device to perform transmission of a probe reference signal with frequency hopping; obtaining a timing difference between a first timing and a second timing, wherein the first timing and the second timing are associated with transmission timing to the second device; and, based on the timing difference and the conditions, performing transmission of the probe reference signal or skipping transmission of the probe reference signal at one or more configured frequency hopping points.

[0006] In a fourth aspect of this disclosure, a method is provided. The method includes: transmitting a configuration to a first device, the configuration including conditions enabling the first device to perform the transmission of a probe reference signal with frequency hopping; receiving the probe reference signal from the first device at one or more configured frequency hops; and obtaining a positioning measurement by combining the probe reference signal at one or more frequency hops.

[0007] In a fifth aspect of this disclosure, a first apparatus is provided. The first apparatus includes: means for receiving configuration from a second apparatus, the configuration including conditions enabling the first apparatus to perform transmission of a probe reference signal with frequency hopping; means for obtaining a timing difference between a first timing and a second timing, wherein the first timing and the second timing are associated with transmission timing to the second apparatus; and means for performing transmission of the probe reference signal or skipping transmission of the probe reference signal at one or more configured frequency hopping points based on the timing difference and the conditions.

[0008] In a sixth aspect of this disclosure, a second apparatus is provided. The second apparatus includes: means for transmitting configuration to a first apparatus, the configuration including conditions enabling the first apparatus to perform transmission of a probe reference signal with frequency hopping; means for receiving the probe reference signal from the first apparatus at one or more configured frequency hopping points; and means for obtaining a positioning measurement by combining the probe reference signal at one or more frequency hopping points.

[0009] In a seventh aspect of this disclosure, a computer-readable medium is provided. The computer-readable medium includes instructions stored thereon for causing a device to at least execute the method according to a third aspect.

[0010] In an eighth aspect of this disclosure, a computer-readable medium is provided. The computer-readable medium includes instructions stored thereon for causing a device to at least execute the method according to the fourth aspect.

[0011] It should be understood that the summary portion is not intended to identify key or essential features of the embodiments of this disclosure, nor is it intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Other features of this disclosure will become readily apparent from the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Some exemplary embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 A schematic diagram of frequency hopping is shown; Figure 2 An example communication environment in which example embodiments of this disclosure may be implemented is shown; Figure 3 Signaling diagrams for communication according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure are shown; Figure 4 A schematic diagram of SRS transmission with frequency hopping according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown; Figure 5A and Figure 5B Schematic diagrams are shown of the timing difference between transmission and reception according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 6 A flowchart is shown illustrating a method implemented at a first device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 7 A flowchart illustrating a method implemented at a second device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown; Figure 8 A simplified block diagram of a device suitable for implementing example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown; and Figure 9 A block diagram of an example computer-readable medium according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0013] In all the accompanying drawings, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements. Detailed Implementation

[0014] The principles of this disclosure will now be described with reference to some exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are described for illustrative purposes only and to assist those skilled in the art in understanding and implementing this disclosure, and do not imply any limitation on the scope of this disclosure. The embodiments described herein can be implemented in various ways other than those described below.

[0015] In the following description and claims, unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains.

[0016] References to "an embodiment," "embodiment," "example embodiment," etc., in this disclosure indicate that the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment must include that particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Additionally, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is believed that incorporating other embodiments, whether explicitly described or not, to affect such a feature, structure, or characteristic is within the knowledge of those skilled in the art.

[0017] It should be understood that although terms such as "first," "second," etc., preceding nouns may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another, and they do not restrict the order of nouns. For example, without departing from the scope of the exemplary embodiments, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed terms.

[0018] As used herein, “at least one of the following: a list of two or more elements” and “at least one of the following: a list of two or more elements” and similar wording (where the list of two or more elements is connected by “and” or “or”) means at least any one of the elements, or at least any two or more of the elements, or at least all of the elements.

[0019] As used herein, unless explicitly stated otherwise, the execution step “in response to A” does not indicate that the step is performed immediately after “A” occurs, but may include one or more intermediate steps.

[0020] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that, when used herein, the terms “comprising,” “having,” and / or “including” specify the presence of the stated features, elements, and / or components, etc., but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0021] As used in this application, the term "circuit" may refer to one or more of the following: (a) Hardware circuit implementation only (such as implementation in analog and / or digital circuits only) and (b) A combination of hardware circuitry and software, such as (if applicable): (i) A combination of (multiple) analog and / or digital hardware circuits and software / firmware, and (ii) Any part of a hardware processor having software (including (multiple) 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) (Multiple) hardware circuits and / or (multiple) processors, such as (multiple) microprocessors or a portion thereof, which require software (e.g., firmware) to operate, but may not exist when the software is not required to operate.

[0022] 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" also covers only hardware circuitry or processors (or processors), or a portion of hardware circuitry or processors and their accompanying software and / or firmware implementations. The term "circuit" also covers (e.g., and if applicable to a particular claim element) baseband integrated circuits or processor integrated circuits for mobile devices or similar integrated circuits in servers, cellular network devices, or other computing or networking devices.

[0023] As used herein, the term "communication network" refers to a network that conforms to any suitable communication standard, such as New Radio (NR), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-A Advanced (LTE-A), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), High-Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), etc. Furthermore, communication between terminal devices and network devices in the communication network can be performed according to any suitable generation of communication protocol, including but not limited to first-generation (1G), second-generation (2G), 2.5G, 2.75G, third-generation (3G), fourth-generation (4G), 4.5G, fifth-generation (5G), sixth-generation (6G) communication protocols and / or any other currently known or future-developed protocols. Embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to a variety of communication systems. Given the rapid development of communications, there will certainly be future types of communication technologies and systems that embody the future types of this disclosure. The scope of this disclosure should not be construed as limited to the aforementioned systems.

[0024] As used herein, the term "network device" refers to a node in a communications network through which terminal devices access the network and receive services. Depending on the terminology and technology applied, a network device can refer to a base station (BS) or access point (AP), such as a Node B (NodeB or NB), an evolved Node B (eNodeB or eNB), an NR NB (also known as a gNB), a Remote Radio Unit (RRU), a Radio Head (RH), a Remote Radio Head (RRH), a relay, an Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) node, a low-power node (such as a femtosecond or picosecond), a non-terrestrial network (NTN) or non-land network device (such as a satellite network device), low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites and geostationary Earth orbit (GEO) satellites, spacecraft network devices, etc. In some example embodiments, the Radio Access Network (RAN) split architecture includes a centralized unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU) at the IAB donor node. An IAB node includes a mobile terminal (IAB-MT) portion that behaves similarly to a UE to its parent node, and a DU portion that behaves similarly to a base station to the next-hop IAB node.

[0025] The term "terminal device" refers to any terminal device capable of wireless communication. By way of example and not limitation, a terminal device may also be referred to as a communication device, user equipment (UE), subscriber station (SS), portable subscriber station, mobile station (MS), or access terminal (AT). Terminal devices may include, but are not limited to, mobile phones, cellular phones, smartphones, Voice over IP (VoIP) phones, wireless local loop phones, tablets, wearable terminal devices, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable computers, desktop computers, image capture terminal devices such as digital cameras, gaming terminal devices, music storage and playback devices, in-vehicle wireless terminal devices, wireless endpoints, mobile stations, laptop embedded devices (LEEs), laptop mounted devices (LMEs), USB dongles, smart devices, wireless customer premises equipment (CPEs), Internet of Things (IoT) devices, watches or other wearable devices, head-mounted displays (HMDs), vehicles, drones, medical devices and applications (e.g., remote surgery), industrial devices and applications (e.g., robots and / or other wireless devices operating in industrial and / or automated processing chain environments), consumer electronics devices, devices operating on commercial and / or industrial wireless networks, etc. The terminal equipment may also correspond to the mobile termination (MT) portion of an IAB node (e.g., a relay node). In the following description, the terms "terminal equipment," "communication equipment," "terminal," "user equipment," and "UE" are used interchangeably.

[0026] As used herein, the terms “resource,” “transmission resource,” “resource block,” “physical resource block” (PRB), “uplink resource,” or “downlink resource” can refer to any resource used to perform communication, such as communication between a terminal device and a network device, including resources in the time domain, frequency domain, spatial domain, code domain, or any other combination of time, frequency, spatial, and / or code domain resources used to enable communication. In the following, unless explicitly stated otherwise, resources in the frequency and time domains will be used as examples of transmission resources used to describe some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. Note that the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are equally applicable to other resources in other domains.

[0027] As used herein, the term "frequency hopping" can refer to a mechanism for transmitting radio signals by rapidly switching carriers between different frequency channels. The terms "frequency hopping" / "hopping" as used herein can refer to a set of time-domain and frequency-domain resources used in frequency hopping. The term "sound reference signal (SRS)" as used herein can refer to an uplink signal used for uplink channel sounding, including channel quality estimation, localization, and synchronization. The term "RedCap UE" as used herein can refer to a UE type where the UE has reduced capabilities relative to a non-RedCap UE. Reduced capabilities involve the RedCap UE's communication bandwidth, receive branch, multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) layer, modulation order, and / or duplex operation. The terms "RedCap UE" and "UE" are used interchangeably.

[0028] In some solutions, when the RedCap UE is performing positioning, the total bandwidth (BW) allowed for SRS transmission can be wider than the RedCap UE's BW to use frequency hopping (FH). The RedCap UE can transmit one transition of SRS occupying 20MHz, and then transmit five transitions consecutively. The gNB can then combine the received SRS over those five transitions. Figure 1 The five transitions 1010-1, 1010-2, 1010-3, 1010-4, and 1010-5 are shown to be used to transmit the Total Position Reference Signal (PRS) BW to the RedCap UE.

[0029] In addition, frequency hopping for SRS transmission is introduced for positioning purposes. The UE can transmit a portion of the SRS resources at a frequency transition. Furthermore, one cycle of SRS frequency hopping is not limited to a time slot. The duration of a single hop can be up to 12 symbols. Therefore, one cycle of SRS frequency hopping can be up to 6 time slots.

[0030] In some solutions, for DL ​​receive (Rx) transitions or UL transmit (Tx) transitions, the UE or gNB can report a single measurement based on multiple received DL PRS or UL SRS transitions used for positioning. The measurement can be associated with a single received transition. To determine the UL timing for transmitting the SRS used for positioning by a UE in the RRC_INACTIVE state within the SRS positioning effective area, the DL reference timing can follow the DL timing of the currently camped cell. Furthermore, by default, the UE can maintain the TA from the last serving cell. Additionally, the UE can adjust its UL timing based on changes in the DL reference timing. If configured by the network, the UE can autonomously adjust its TA when a cell reselection occurs, depending on its capabilities. If a cell reselection occurs, the UE can be expected to be configured by the network to update its TA.

[0031] In New Radio (NR) systems, the UE can perform autonomous timing advance (TA) adjustments without instruction from the network. Downlink receive reference timing may fluctuate, causing fluctuations in UL transmission timing. The intention of this behavior is to ensure that the arrival timing of the UL signal is consistent at the gNB. This is useful for data communication as it can help avoid interference, but it is problematic for frequency hopping of SRS transmissions used for positioning. To combine SRS received from multiple UL frequency transitions, the UL SRS transmission timing can remain consistent. Otherwise, the measurement accuracy of the combined SRS cannot be guaranteed because the gNB is unaware of the transmission timing of the different SRS at each transition. Therefore, a solution with frequency hopping for SRS transmission is proposed.

[0032] According to an example embodiment of this disclosure, when a UE transmits SRS with frequency hopping, a behavior is introduced whereby the UE performs autonomous timing adjustments based on downlink receive reference timing or uplink transmission timing. Specifically, the network configures conditions under which the UE can transmit SRS with frequency hopping. The network can configure the conditions for SRS transmission within one cycle of SRS frequency hopping or across multiple cycles. When the network (e.g., a network device) periodically transmits a DL reference signal, the UE can measure the DL reference timing and determine whether to transmit the configured SRS transmission with frequency hopping. If the transmission timing fluctuation is less than a certain level, the UE can transmit SRS at one or more frequency hops. The UE can transmit a report to the network indicating whether the UL SRS transmission with frequency hopping has been stopped or how to resume SRS transmission. In this way, it ensures the accuracy of the combined SRS.

[0033] Figure 2 An example communication environment 100 in which exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented is shown. In the communication environment 100, there are a first device 110 and a second device 120. The communication environment 100 may also include a third device 130. The third device 130 may be a core network device, such as a location management function (LMF).

[0034] In the following description, for illustrative purposes, some example embodiments are described in which the first device 110 operates as a terminal device and the second device 120 operates as a network device. However, in some example embodiments, the operations described in connection with the terminal device can be implemented at the network device or other devices, and the operations described in connection with the network device can be implemented at the terminal device or other devices.

[0035] In some example embodiments, if the first device 110 is a terminal device and the second device 120 is a network device, the link from the second device 120 to the first device 110 is referred to as a downlink (DL), and the link from the first device 110 to the second device 120 is referred to as an uplink (UL). In the DL, the second device 120 is a transmit (TX) device (or transmitter), and the first device 110 is a receive (RX) device (or receiver). In the UL, the first device 110 is a TX device (or transmitter), and the second device 120 is an RX device (or receiver).

[0036] Communication in communication environment 100 can be implemented according to any suitable communication protocol, including but not limited to cellular communication protocols such as first-generation (1G), second-generation (2G), third-generation (3G), fourth-generation (4G), fifth-generation (5G), and sixth-generation (6G), wireless local network communication protocols such as IEEE 802.11, and / or any other currently known or future-developed protocols. Furthermore, communication can utilize any suitable wireless communication technology, including but not limited to: Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Duplex (FDD), Time Division Duplex (TDD), Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDM), Discrete Fourier Transform Extended OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM), and / or any other currently known or future-developed technologies.

[0037] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 3 This illustrates signaling diagram 300 for communication according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. For example... Figure 3 As shown, signaling diagram 300 relates to device 310 (also referred to as "first device 310") and device 320 (also referred to as "second device 320"). First device 310 may be implemented at first device 110, or may be first device 110. For example, second device 320 may be implemented at second device 120, or may be second device 120. Second device 320 may be implemented at third device 130, or may be third device 130.

[0038] The first device 310 may be configured with an SRS transmission switch. For example, the second device 320 may transmit the SRS configuration to the first device 310.

[0039] For example, the SRS configuration can indicate the transition bandwidth shared across all transitions. For instance, the Cell Detection Reference Signal (C_SRS) can be used to indicate the transition bandwidth; for example, when B_SRS equals 0, the maximum bandwidth for 15, 30, 60, and 120 kHz can be 104 PRBs, 48 ​​PRBs, 132 PRBs, and 64 PRBs, respectively. This is just one example. Figure 4 As shown, the SRS configuration can indicate the hopping bandwidth 450 shared by frequency hopping 410-1, 410-2, 410-3, 410-4 in the cycle of frequency hopping 440-1 and frequency hopping 420-1, 420-2, 420-3, 420-4 in the cycle of frequency hopping 440-2.

[0040] Furthermore, the SRS configuration can also indicate the starting RB of the first transition in the time domain. For example, the information element (IE). freqDomainShift This can be used to indicate the starting RB, where the range can be {0, 268} RBs. For example, as... Figure 4 As shown, the SRS configuration can indicate the starting RB for the frequency transition 410-1 as the first transition.

[0041] In some other example embodiments, the SRS configuration can indicate a single overlap between adjacent transitions shared by all transitions of the SRS resource; for example, the signal overlap value can be 0, 1, 2, or 4 RBs. For example, as... Figure 4 As shown, the SRS configuration can indicate an overlap 460 between frequency hops 410-1 and 410-2, with all frequency hops 410-1, 410-2, 410-3, and 410-4 in the period of frequency hop 440-1 and frequency hops 420-1, 420-2, 420-3, and 420-4 in the period of frequency hop 440-2 sharing the overlap 460.

[0042] The SRS configuration can also indicate the starting slot offset and starting symbol for an SRS resource with a Tx transition (i.e., the first transition in the time domain). For example, for the slot offset, the value range can be {0, 1, 2, ..., the number of slots in the periodicity}. Furthermore, the starting symbol can be {0, 1, 2, ..., 13} symbols. In some example embodiments, IE SRS- PeriodicityAndOffset It can be reused to indicate the start time slot. The start symbol can be reused in IE. resourceMapping The starting position in the time frame. In some example embodiments, the SRS configuration may indicate the starting slot offset and symbol for each transition after the first transition.

[0043] In addition, the SRS configuration can include the number of consecutive symbols in a hop that is shared across all hops. For example, the number of consecutive symbols can be one of 1, 2, 4, 8, or 12. IEs in resource mappings can be reused. nrofsymbol This indicates the number of consecutive symbols in the transition. The SRS configuration can indicate the number of transitions; for example, the number of transitions can be one of the following: 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6. For example, as... Figure 4 As shown, the SRS configuration can indicate the number of consecutive symbols in frequency hopping 410-1, which is shared for all frequency hopping 410-1, 410-2, 410-3, 410-4 in the cycle of frequency hopping 440-1 and frequency hopping 420-1, 420-2, 420-3, 420-4 in the cycle of frequency hopping 440-2.

[0044] The second device 320 transmits (3005) the configuration to the first device 310. That is, the first device 310 receives (3005) the configuration from the second device 320. In some example embodiments, the configuration may be part of an SRS configuration. Alternatively, the configuration may be transmitted via separate signaling.

[0045] This configuration includes conditions that enable the first device 310 to perform SRS transmissions with frequency hopping. For example, the configuration may include threshold information. In some example embodiments, the threshold information may be a transmission timing error. Alternatively, the threshold information may be a TA expiration period. As an example, the configuration may indicate a duration threshold.

[0046] In some example embodiments, this condition can be used for SRS transmissions within a frequency hopping cycle. For example, the condition can be for SRS transmissions within frequency hopping cycle 440-1. A frequency hopping cycle can include all configured frequency hops such that a single SRS resource can be transmitted at least once.

[0047] In some example embodiments, the condition may indicate that the same probe reference signal transmission timing is applied to frequency hopping during the frequency hopping cycle, regardless of the timing difference.

[0048] For example, the condition may indicate that even if the DL receive timing fluctuates, the first device 310 maintains the same uplink SRS transmission timing across all transitions in an SRS frequency hopping cycle. Alternatively, the condition may indicate that if the first device 310 changes the uplink SRS transmission timing within a duration threshold before transmitting SRS at the k-th frequency transition, the first device 310 skips transmitting SRS for the remaining transitions including the k-th frequency transition, where k is an integer. In some other example embodiments, the condition may indicate that the first device 310 is allowed to transmit SRS at configured frequency transitions (e.g., frequency transitions 410-1, 410-2, 410-3, and 410-4), and if the first device 310 changes the uplink SRS transmission timing within a duration threshold before transmitting SRS at the k-th frequency transition, a timing change event at the k-th frequency transition is reported. Furthermore, the condition may indicate that the first device needs to report how much timing has been adjusted. Alternatively, the condition may be for SRS transmissions across multiple frequency hopping cycles. For example, this condition could be for SRS transmissions across hopping cycles 440-1 and 440-2. In some example embodiments, this condition could instruct the first device 310 to maintain the same uplink SRS transmission across all frequency hops across SRS hopping cycles (i.e., different times), even if the DL receive timing fluctuates between SRS hopping cycles. In some other example embodiments, this condition could instruct the first device 310 to report this information if it changes the UL SRS transmission timing within a duration threshold before transmitting SRS at a specific period / time of an SRS frequency hop. Example embodiments of how this condition is applied are described later.

[0049] The second device 320 can transmit (3010) one or more DL reference signals to the first device 310. That is, the first device 310 can receive (3010) one or more DL reference signals from the second device 320. The DL reference signals can include any suitable type of reference signal, such as a positioning reference signal.

[0050] The first device 310 obtains (3015) the timing difference between the first timing and the second timing. The first and second timings are associated with the transmission timing to the second device 320.

[0051] In some example embodiments, the first timing may be the original uplink transmission timing, and the second timing may be the updated uplink transmission timing. That is, the first device 310 can determine the SRS transmission timing fluctuation of the SRS transmission timing. For example, as... Figure 5A As shown, the first device 310 can determine the timing difference 530 between the original uplink transmission timing 510 and the updated uplink transmission timing 520.

[0052] Alternatively, the first timing can be the original downlink reference timing, and the second timing can be an updated downlink reference timing. That is, the first device 310 can determine the DL receive timing fluctuation of the DL reference signal receive timing. For example, the first device 310 can measure the DL reference signal to measure the DL reference timing. For example, as... Figure 5B As shown, the first device 310 can determine the timing difference 531 between the original downlink reference timing 511 and the updated downlink reference timing 521.

[0053] The first device 310 can determine (3020) whether to perform or skip the transmission of the frequency-hopping SRS based on timing differences and conditions. In some example embodiments, the first device 310 can perform (3025) the SRS transmission at one or more configured frequency transitions based on timing differences and conditions. Alternatively, the first device 310 can skip (3026) the SRS transmission at one or more configured frequency transitions based on timing differences and conditions. In this way, the accuracy of combining SRS can be improved.

[0054] In some example embodiments, if the condition indicates that the same SRS transmission timing applies across frequency hopping cycles regardless of the timing difference, then the first device 310 can perform SRS transmission based on the same SRS transmission timing across frequency hopping cycles. For example, as Figure 4 As shown, the first device 310 can perform SRS transmission based on the same SRS transmission timing across frequency hopping 410-1, 410-2, 410-3 and 410-4.

[0055] Alternatively, the first device 310 can determine whether the timing difference exceeds a duration threshold indicated in the condition. In this case, in some example embodiments, if the timing difference does not exceed the duration threshold, the first device 310 can perform the SRS transmission at the current frequency transition in the current frequency hopping cycle. For example, before frequency transition 410-2, the first device 310 can determine... Figure 5B The timing difference 531 shown does not exceed the duration threshold 541, and the first device 310 can transmit SRS at the frequency jump 410-2 in the frequency hopping period 440-1.

[0056] Alternatively, if the timing difference exceeds a duration threshold, the first device 310 may skip the SRS transmission at least at the current frequency transition in the current frequency hopping cycle. For example, before frequency transition 410-3, the first device 310 may determine Figure 5A If the timing difference 530 shown exceeds the duration threshold 540, the first device 310 can skip the transmission SRS at least at the frequency transition 410-3 in the frequency hopping cycle 440-1.

[0057] In some example embodiments, if the condition is not met before the current frequency hop, the first device 310 may skip the transmission of SRS at a set of subsequent frequency hops including the current frequency hop. For example, if the condition is not met before the current frequency hop 410-3, the first device 310 may skip the transmission of SRS at frequency hops 410-3 and 410-4 in the frequency hopping period 440-1.

[0058] In some example embodiments, if a condition indicates that the first device 310 is permitted to perform SRS transmission across frequency hopping cycles, then the first device 310 can perform SRS transmission across frequency hopping cycles. Furthermore, if the timing difference exceeds a duration threshold, the first device 310 can transmit (3050) information to the second device indicating an event indicating a change in transmission timing. For example, this information may also indicate an adjusted timing value between the first and second timings. In this way, SRS can be combined more accurately.

[0059] Alternatively, if the condition is not met before the current frequency transition, the first device 310 may obtain (3035) another timing difference between the third and fourth timings. The third and fourth timings may be associated with the transmission timing to the second device 320. For example, as Figure 3 As shown, the second device 320 can transmit (3030) one or more DL reference signals to the first device 310. That is, the first device 310 can receive (3030) one or more DL reference signals from the second device 320. For example, the first device 310 can measure the received (3030) DL reference signals to measure DL reference timing used to obtain (3035) other timing differences. In some example embodiments, the third timing may be the original downlink reference timing, and the fourth timing may be an updated downlink reference timing. That is, the first device 310 can determine another DL receive timing fluctuation in the DL reference signal receive timing.

[0060] The first device 310 can determine (3040) whether to resume or skip the transmission of the frequency-hopping SRS. For example, the first device 310 can determine (3040) whether to resume or skip the transmission of the frequency-hopping SRS based on another timing difference and duration threshold. In this case, if the other timing difference does not exceed the duration threshold, it can be assumed that the condition is met. Then, the first device 310 can resume (3045) the transmission of the SRS for a subsequent hopping. As an example, such as Figure 4As shown, if the UL transmission timing fluctuation exceeds a duration threshold after the SRS transmission at frequency transition 410-2, the first device can discard the SRS transmission at frequency transition 410-3. Furthermore, if the UL SRS transmission timing returns to the original transmission timing after frequency transition 410-3, the first device 310 can resume SRS transmission from frequency transition 410-4. In this way, SRS can be combined more appropriately.

[0061] In some example embodiments, the condition may indicate a duration threshold and a duration. For example, the duration may be a TA maintenance period. In some embodiments, as described above, the first device 310 may determine (3035) another timing difference between the third and fourth timings. In this case, the other timing may be determined (3035) after the duration indicated in the configuration. For example, if the timing difference decreases as the future DL receive timing changes, the first device 310 may still be able to adjust the transmission timing. Therefore, the first device 310 may continue to check the amount of change in the SRS transmission timing while maintaining the currently configured timing. After waiting for the duration configured by the second device 320 (i.e., the TA maintenance period), the first device 310 may determine whether the other timing difference is greater than the duration threshold. If the other timing difference does not exceed the duration threshold, the first device 310 may perform SRS transmission at one or more subsequent frequency transitions. Alternatively, if the other timing difference exceeds the duration threshold, the first device 310 may skip SRS transmission at one or more subsequent frequency transitions. Furthermore, in this case, the first device 310 may not be able to maintain the configured TA. Depending on the SRS transmission priority, this behavior of the first device 310 may be unrelated to the current suspension or cessation of SRS transmission. The first device 310 may transmit (3050) information indicating an event of a change in transmission timing. For example, the information may also indicate an adjusted timing value between a first timing and a second timing.

[0062] Alternatively, if the condition indicates that the same SRS transmission timing is applied across multiple frequency hopping cycles, the first device 310 may perform SRS transmission based on the same SRS transmission timing across multiple frequency hopping cycles. During the current cycle (or timing) of frequency hopping, the first device may maintain a similar UL SRS transmission timing that satisfies a duration threshold. For example, at the beginning of the current frequency hopping cycle, the given values ​​of the DL Rx reference timing and / or UL SRS transmission timing may differ from the given values ​​of the previous cycle. The first device 310 may still maintain the UL Tx timing of the previous frequency hopping cycle. Alternatively, the first device 310 may be allowed to adjust the UL SRS transmission timing such that the difference between the updated (i.e., new) UL transmission timing and the original (i.e., old) UL transmission timing is less than the duration threshold. As an example, if the SRS frequency hopping cycle is 10 time slots, the cycle of frequency hopping 440-1 may be at time slot #0, while the cycle of frequency hopping 440-2 may be at time slot #10.

[0063] In some example embodiments, the first device 110 may determine whether a timing difference exceeds a duration threshold indicated in the conditions before a target cycle in multiple frequency hopping cycles. In this case, if the timing difference exceeds the duration threshold, the first device 110 may transmit (3055) information to the second device 120 indicating an event indicating a change in transmission timing. For example, if the first device 310 does not maintain a UL SRS transmission timing similar to that of a previous frequency hopping cycle (or timing), the first device 310 may report the event (i.e., not maintaining similar UL transmission timing). Alternatively, the first device 310 may request the second device 320 not to combine the positioning measurements(s) obtained in the current SRS frequency hopping cycle with the positioning measurements(s) obtained in previous SRS frequency hopping cycles.

[0064] The first device 310 can transmit (3055) a report to the second device 310. That is, the second device 320 can receive the report from the first device 310. For example, the report may include one or more of the following: skipping a transmission of a frequency-hopping SRS, resuming a transmission of a frequency-hopping SRS using the same set of probe reference signals, or resuming a transmission of a frequency-hopping SRS using a different set of probe reference signals. For example, the first device 310 may instruct that a frequency-hopping UL SRS transmission is stopped. Alternatively, the first device 310 may instruct how to resume the SRS transmission by continuing to transmit the same set of probe reference signals. In some other example embodiments, the first device 310 may instruct how to resume the SRS transmission by transmitting a new set of probe reference signals.

[0065] The second device 320 obtains (3060) a positioning measurement by combining SRS at one or more frequency transitions. For example, if SRS is received at frequency transitions 310-1, 310-2, and 310-4, the second device 320 can obtain a positioning measurement by combining SRS at frequency transitions 310-1, 310-2, and 310-4. Alternatively, if SRS is received at frequency transitions 310-1, 310-2, 310-3, and 310-4, and information indicating an event of a change in transmission timing at frequency transition 310-3 is included, the second device 320 can obtain a positioning measurement by combining SRS at frequency transitions 310-1, 310-2, and 310-4.

[0066] The second device 320 may transmit (3065) updated positioning assistance data to the first device 310. For example, the updated positioning assistance data may include an updated SRS configuration for requested frequency hopping that the first device has not transmitted.

[0067] Figure 6 A flowchart of an example method 600 implemented at a first device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. For the purposes of discussion, [the following will be discussed]. Figure 2 The angle description method of the first device 110 in the 600.

[0068] At block 610, the first device receives a configuration from the second device, the configuration including conditions that enable the first device to perform the transmission of a probe reference signal with frequency hopping.

[0069] At box 620, the first device obtains the timing difference between the first timing and the second timing. The first timing and the second timing are associated with the transmission timing to the second device.

[0070] At block 630, the first device performs the transmission of a probe reference signal or skips the transmission of a probe reference signal at one or more configured frequency transitions based on timing differences and conditions.

[0071] In some example embodiments, the condition is used for probe reference signal transmission during a frequency hopping cycle, or the condition is used for probe reference signal transmission across multiple frequency hopping cycles.

[0072] In some example embodiments, method 600 further includes: based on a determined condition indication: regardless of the timing difference, applying the same probe reference signal transmission timing across frequency hopping cycles, and performing probe reference signal transmission based on the same probe reference signal transmission timing across frequency hopping cycles.

[0073] In some example embodiments, the first device is instructed to perform the transmission of the probe reference signal based on the same probe reference signal transmission timing applied across multiple frequency hopping cycles, determined by the condition.

[0074] In some example embodiments, the first device is configured to: determine whether the timing difference exceeds a duration threshold indicated in the condition; determine that the condition is satisfied based on the determination that the timing difference does not exceed the duration threshold; and perform the transmission of a probe reference signal at the current frequency transition in the current frequency hopping cycle.

[0075] In some example embodiments, the first device is configured to: determine whether the timing difference exceeds a duration threshold indicated in the condition; determine that the condition is not met based on the determination that the timing difference exceeds the duration threshold; and skip the transmission of the probe reference signal at least at the current frequency transition in the current frequency hopping cycle.

[0076] In some example embodiments, method 600 further includes: skipping the transmission of a probe reference signal for a set of subsequent frequency hops, including the current frequency hop in the current frequency hopping cycle, based on the determination that the condition was not met before the current frequency hop.

[0077] In some example embodiments, method 600 further includes: skipping the transmission of the probe reference signal at the current frequency transition based on determining that the condition was not met before the current frequency transition; obtaining another timing difference between a third timing and a fourth timing, wherein the third timing and the fourth timing are associated with the transmission timing to the second device; determining that the condition is met based on determining that the other timing difference does not exceed a duration threshold; and resuming the transmission of the probe reference signal for subsequent frequency transitions.

[0078] In some example embodiments, method 600 further includes: determining a condition indicating that a first device is permitted to perform the transmission of a probe reference signal across frequency hopping cycles, and performing the transmission of the probe reference signal across frequency hopping cycles; determining whether a timing difference exceeds a duration threshold indicated in the condition; and based on determining that the timing difference exceeds the duration threshold, transmitting information indicating an event of a change in transmission timing to a second device.

[0079] In some example embodiments, the information also indicates an adjusted timing value between the first timing and the second timing.

[0080] In some example embodiments, a condition indicates a duration threshold and a duration, and determines whether a timing difference exceeds the duration threshold indicated in the condition; based on the determination that the timing difference exceeds the duration threshold, another timing difference is obtained between a third timing and a fourth timing after the duration, wherein the third timing and the fourth timing are associated with the transmission timing to the second device; and based on the determination that the other timing difference does not exceed the duration threshold, transmission of a probe reference signal is performed at one or more configured frequency transitions.

[0081] In some example embodiments, method 600 further includes skipping the transmission of the probe reference signal at one or more configured frequency transitions in the frequency hopping cycle based on determining that another timing difference exceeds a duration threshold.

[0082] In some example embodiments, method 600 further includes: transmitting information indicating an event of transmission timing change to a second device based on determining that the timing difference exceeds a duration threshold.

[0083] In some example embodiments, the information also indicates an adjusted timing value between the first timing and the second timing.

[0084] In some example embodiments, method 600 further includes: determining, before a target period in a plurality of frequency hopping periods, whether a timing difference exceeds a duration threshold indicated in a condition; and, based on the determination that the timing difference exceeds the duration threshold, transmitting information indicating an event of a change in transmission timing to a second device.

[0085] In some example embodiments, method 600 further includes transmitting to the second device a report indicating at least one of the following: skipping a transmission of a frequency-hopping probe reference signal, resuming a transmission of a frequency-hopping probe reference signal using the same set of probe reference signals, or resuming a transmission of a frequency-hopping probe reference signal using a different set of probe reference signals.

[0086] In some example embodiments, the first timing is the original downlink reference timing, and the second timing is the updated downlink reference timing; or the first timing is the original uplink transmission timing, and the second timing is the updated uplink transmission timing.

[0087] In some example embodiments, the first device is a terminal device, and the second device is a network device.

[0088] Figure 7 A flowchart of an example method 700 implemented at a second device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. For the purposes of discussion, [the following will be discussed]. Figure 2 The second device 120 in the method of angle description 700.

[0089] In block 710, the second device transmits a configuration to the first device, which includes conditions that enable the first device to perform the transmission of a probe reference signal with frequency hopping.

[0090] At frame 720, the second device receives a probe reference signal from the first device at one or more configured frequency transitions.

[0091] At frame 730, the second device obtains positioning measurements by combining probe reference signals at one or more frequency transitions.

[0092] In some example embodiments, the condition is used for the transmission of the probe reference signal during a frequency hopping cycle, or the condition is used for the transmission of the probe reference signal across multiple frequency hopping cycles.

[0093] In some example embodiments, the condition indicates that the same probe reference signal transmission timing is applied to frequency hopping within the frequency hopping cycle, regardless of the timing difference.

[0094] In some example embodiments, the condition indicates a duration threshold.

[0095] In some example embodiments, the second device is configured to receive transmission information from the first device indicating an event of a change in transmission timing; and to detect a reference signal based on the information using one or more configured frequency hopping combinations.

[0096] In some example embodiments, the information also indicates an adjusted timing value between the first timing and the second timing.

[0097] In some example embodiments, method 700 further includes receiving from the first device a report indicating at least one of the following: skipping a transmission of a frequency-hopping probe reference signal, resuming a transmission of a frequency-hopping probe reference signal using the same set of probe reference signals, or resuming a transmission of a frequency-hopping probe reference signal using a different set of probe reference signals.

[0098] In some example embodiments, the first device is a terminal device, and the second device is a network device.

[0099] In some example embodiments, a first device capable of performing any method 600 (e.g., Figure 2 The first device 110 may include a component for performing the corresponding operation of method 600. This component may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the component may be implemented in a circuit or software module. The first device may be implemented as or included in... Figure 2 The first device 110 in the middle.

[0100] In some example embodiments, the first device includes: means for receiving configuration from the second device, the configuration including conditions that enable the first device to perform transmission of a probe reference signal with frequency hopping; means for obtaining a timing difference between a first timing and a second timing, wherein the first timing and the second timing are associated with transmission timing to the second device; and means for performing transmission of the probe reference signal or skipping transmission of the probe reference signal at one or more configured frequency hopping points based on the timing difference and the conditions.

[0101] In some example embodiments, the condition is used for the transmission of the probe reference signal during a frequency hopping cycle, or the condition is used for the transmission of the probe reference signal across multiple frequency hopping cycles.

[0102] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus further includes a component for performing the transmission of a probe reference signal based on a determined condition indicating that the same probe reference signal transmission timing is applied across frequency hopping cycles, regardless of the timing difference.

[0103] In some example embodiments, the first device is configured to perform the transmission of a probe reference signal based on determining that the condition indicates that the same probe reference signal transmission timing is applied across multiple frequency hopping cycles.

[0104] In some example embodiments, the first device is configured to include: a component for determining whether the timing difference exceeds a duration threshold indicated in the condition; a component for determining that the condition is satisfied based on the determination that the timing difference does not exceed the duration threshold; and a component for performing the transmission of a probe reference signal at the current frequency transition in the current frequency hopping cycle.

[0105] In some example embodiments, the first device is configured to include: a component for determining whether the timing difference exceeds a duration threshold indicated in the condition; a component for determining that the condition is not met based on the determination that the timing difference exceeds the duration threshold; and a component for skipping the transmission of the probe reference signal at least at the current frequency transition in the current frequency hopping cycle.

[0106] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus further includes: a component for skipping the transmission of a probe reference signal for a set of subsequent frequency hoppings, including the current frequency hopping in the current frequency hopping cycle, based on the determination that a condition has not been met prior to the current frequency hopping.

[0107] In some example embodiments, the first device further includes: means for skipping the transmission of the probe reference signal at the current frequency transition based on determining that the condition was not met before the current frequency transition; means for obtaining another timing difference between a third timing and a fourth timing, wherein the third timing and the fourth timing are associated with the transmission timing to the second device; means for determining that the condition was met based on determining that the other timing difference did not exceed a duration threshold; and means for resuming the transmission of the probe reference signal for subsequent frequency transitions.

[0108] In some example embodiments, the first device further includes: a component for instructing the first device to be permitted to perform the transmission of a probe reference signal across frequency hopping cycles based on a determined condition; a component for determining whether a timing difference exceeds a duration threshold indicated in the condition; and a component for transmitting information indicating an event of a change in transmission timing to the second device based on the determination that the timing difference exceeds the duration threshold.

[0109] In some example embodiments, the information also indicates an adjusted timing value between the first timing and the second timing.

[0110] In some example embodiments, the condition indicates a duration threshold and a duration, and includes components for determining whether the timing difference exceeds the duration threshold indicated in the condition; components for obtaining another timing difference between a third timing and a fourth timing after the duration based on the determination that the timing difference exceeds the duration threshold, wherein the third timing and the fourth timing are associated with the transmission timing to the second device; and components for performing the transmission of a probe reference signal in one or more configured frequency hopping based on the determination that the other timing difference does not exceed the duration threshold.

[0111] In some example embodiments, the first device further includes a component for skipping the transmission of the probe reference signal at one or more configured frequency transitions in the frequency hopping cycle based on determining that another timing difference exceeds a duration threshold.

[0112] In some example embodiments, the first device further includes a component for transmitting information indicating an event of a change in transmission timing to the second device based on determining that the timing difference exceeds a duration threshold.

[0113] In some example embodiments, the information also indicates an adjusted timing value between the first timing and the second timing.

[0114] In some example embodiments, the first device further includes: a component for determining whether a timing difference exceeds a duration threshold indicated in a condition before a target period in a plurality of frequency hopping periods; and a component for transmitting information indicating an event of transmission timing change to a second device based on the determination that the timing difference exceeds the duration threshold.

[0115] In some example embodiments, the first device further includes: a component for transmitting a report to the second device indicating at least one of the following: skipping a transmission of a frequency-hopping probe reference signal, resuming a transmission of a frequency-hopping probe reference signal using the same set of probe reference signals, or resuming a transmission of a frequency-hopping probe reference signal using a different set of probe reference signals.

[0116] In some example embodiments, the first timing is the original downlink reference timing, and the second timing is the updated downlink reference timing; or the first timing is the original uplink transmission timing, and the second timing is the updated uplink transmission timing.

[0117] In some example embodiments, the first device is a terminal device, and the second device is a network device.

[0118] In some example embodiments, the first device further includes components for performing other operations in some example embodiments of method 600 or the first device 110. In some example embodiments, the components include: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first device to perform.

[0119] In some example embodiments, any method 700 can be performed (e.g., Figure 2 The second device (either the second device 120 or the third device 130) may include a component for performing the corresponding operation of method 700. This component may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the device may be implemented in a circuit or software module. The second device may be implemented as or included in... Figure 2 In the second device 120 or the third device 130.

[0120] In some example embodiments, the second device includes: means for transmitting a configuration to the first device, the configuration including conditions that enable the first device to perform the transmission of a probe reference signal with frequency hopping; means for receiving the probe reference signal from the first device at one or more configured frequency hopping points; and means for obtaining a positioning measurement by combining the probe reference signal at one or more frequency hopping points.

[0121] In some example embodiments, the condition is used for probe reference signal transmission during a frequency hopping cycle, or the condition is used for probe reference signal transmission across multiple frequency hopping cycles.

[0122] In some example embodiments, the condition indicates that the same probe reference signal transmission timing is applied to frequency hopping within the frequency hopping cycle, regardless of the timing difference.

[0123] In some example embodiments, the condition indicates a duration threshold.

[0124] In some example embodiments, the second means is configured to: receive from the first means information indicating an event of transmission timing change; and combine a probe reference signal at one or more configured frequency transitions based on the information.

[0125] In some example embodiments, the information also indicates an adjusted timing value between the first timing and the second timing.

[0126] In some example embodiments, the second device further includes a component for receiving from the first device an instruction for at least one of the following: skipping a transmission of a frequency-hopping probe reference signal, restoring a transmission of a frequency-hopping probe reference signal using the same set of probe reference signals, or restoring a transmission of a frequency-hopping probe reference signal using a different set of probe reference signals.

[0127] In some example embodiments, the first device is a terminal device, and the second device is a network device.

[0128] In some example embodiments, the second device further includes components for performing additional operations in some example embodiments of method 700, second device 120, or third device 130. In some example embodiments, the components include: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the execution of the second device.

[0129] Figure 8 This is a simplified block diagram of a device 800 suitable for implementing exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. The device 800 can be provided to implement a communication device, such as... Figure 2 The first device 110 or the second device 120 shown. As shown, device 800 includes one or more processors 810, one or more memories 820 coupled to processor 810, and one or more communication modules 840 coupled to processor 810.

[0130] Communication module 840 is used for bidirectional communication. Communication module 840 has one or more communication interfaces to facilitate communication with one or more other modules or devices. The communication interface can represent any interface required for communication with other network elements. In some example embodiments, communication module 840 may include at least one antenna.

[0131] As a non-limiting example, processor 810 can be any type suitable for a local technology network and can include one or more of the following: general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, microprocessor, digital signal processor (DSP), and processor based on a multi-core processor architecture. Device 800 can have multiple processors, such as application-specific integrated circuit chips that are time-dependent on a clock synchronized with a main processor.

[0132] Memory 820 may include one or more non-volatile memories and one or more volatile memories. Examples of non-volatile memories include, but are not limited to, read-only memory (ROM) 824, electrically programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, hard disk, optical disc (CD), digital video disc (DVD), optical disc, laser disc, and other magnetic and / or optical storage. Examples of volatile memories include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM) 822 and other volatile memories that will not persist during power-off periods.

[0133] Computer program 830 includes computer-executable instructions that are executed by an associated processor 810. The instructions of program 830 may include instructions for performing operations / actions of some example embodiments of this disclosure. Program 830 may be stored in memory (e.g., ROM 824). Processor 810 can perform any suitable actions and processes by loading program 830 into RAM 822.

[0134] Example embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented by program 830, enabling device 800 to perform as described in the reference. Figures 2 to 7 Any process discussed in this disclosure. Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure may also be implemented by hardware or by a combination of software and hardware.

[0135] In some example embodiments, program 830 may be tangibly included in a computer-readable medium, which may be included in a device 800 (such as memory 820) or other storage device accessible by device 800. Device 800 may load program 830 from the computer-readable medium into RAM 822 for execution. In some example embodiments, the computer-readable medium may include any type of non-transitory storage medium, such as ROM, EPROM, flash memory, hard disk, CD, DVD, etc. As used herein, the term "non-transitory" is a limitation on the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not tactile), rather than a limitation on the persistence of data storage (e.g., RAM and ROM).

[0136] Figure 9 An example of a computer-readable medium 900 is shown, which may be in the form of a CD, DVD, or other optical storage disc. A program 830 is stored on the computer-readable medium 900.

[0137] Generally, the various embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented in hardware or dedicated circuitry, software, logic, or any combination thereof. Some aspects can be implemented in hardware, while others can be implemented in firmware or software that can be executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device. Although various aspects of the embodiments of this disclosure are illustrated and described as block diagrams, flowcharts, or using some other graphical representation, it should be understood that, as non-limiting examples, the blocks, apparatuses, systems, techniques, or methods described herein can be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, dedicated circuitry or logic, general-purpose hardware or controllers or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

[0138] Some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure also provide at least one computer program product tangibly stored on a computer-readable medium, such as a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The computer program product includes computer-executable instructions that execute in a device on a target physical or virtual processor, such as those included in a program module, to perform any of the methods described above. Typically, a program module includes routines, programs, libraries, objects, classes, components, data structures, etc., that perform a particular task or implement a particular abstract data type. In various embodiments, the functionality of a program module can be combined or split among program modules as needed. The machine-executable instructions for a program module can execute within a local or distributed device. In a distributed device, the program module can reside in both local and remote storage media.

[0139] Program code used to perform the methods of this disclosure may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. The program code may be provided to a processor or controller of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus, such that when executed by the processor or controller, the program code causes the functions / operations specified in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams to be implemented. The program code may be executed entirely on a machine, partially on a machine, as a stand-alone software package, partially on a machine and partially on a remote machine, or entirely on a remote machine or server.

[0140] In the context of this disclosure, computer program code or related data may be carried by any suitable carrier to enable a device, apparatus, or processor to perform the various processes and operations described above. Examples of carriers include signals, computer-readable media, etc.

[0141] Computer-readable media can be computer-readable signal media or computer-readable storage media. Computer-readable media can include, but is not limited to, electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, apparatuses, or devices, or any suitable combination thereof. More specific examples of computer-readable storage media will include electrical connections having one or more wires, portable computer disks, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), optical fibers, portable optical disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, or any suitable combination thereof.

[0142] Furthermore, although operations are described in a specific order, this should not be construed as requiring that such operations be performed in the specific order shown or sequentially, or that all shown operations be performed to achieve the desired result. In some cases, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Similarly, although several specific implementation details are included in the discussion above, these details should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to particular embodiments. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, certain features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, unless explicitly stated otherwise, various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented individually or in any suitable sub-combination in multiple embodiments.

[0143] Although this disclosure has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological actions, it should be understood that the disclosure as defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or actions described above. Rather, the specific features and actions described above are disclosed as exemplary forms for implementing the claims.

Claims

1. A first device, comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory, the at least one memory storing instructions, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first device to: The first device receives a configuration from the second device, the configuration including conditions that enable the first device to perform the transmission of a probe reference signal with frequency hopping; Obtain the timing difference between a first timing and a second timing, wherein the first timing and the second timing are associated with the transmission timing to the second device; as well as Based on the timing difference and the conditions, the transmission of the probe reference signal is performed or skipped at one or more configured frequency transitions.

2. The first apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the condition is used for the transmission of a detection reference signal during a frequency hopping cycle, or The conditions described therein are used for the transmission of the probe reference signal across multiple frequency hopping cycles.

3. The first device according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein the first device is configured to: Based on the determination of the condition indication: regardless of the timing difference, the same probe reference signal transmission timing is applied across frequency hopping cycles during the frequency hopping period, and the transmission of the probe reference signal is performed based on the same probe reference signal transmission timing across the frequency hopping.

4. The first device according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein the first device is configured to: Based on the determination of the condition indicating that the same probe reference signal transmission timing is applied across multiple frequency hopping cycles, the transmission of the probe reference signal is performed based on the same probe reference signal transmission timing across multiple frequency hopping cycles.

5. The first device according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein the first device is configured to: Determine whether the timing difference exceeds the duration threshold indicated in the condition; Based on the determination that the timing difference does not exceed the duration threshold, it is determined that the condition is met; as well as The transmission of the probe reference signal is performed at the current frequency transition in the current frequency hopping cycle.

6. The first device according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein the first device is configured to: Determine whether the timing difference exceeds the duration threshold indicated in the condition; Based on determining that the timing difference exceeds the duration threshold, it is determined that the condition is not met; and The transmission of the probe reference signal is skipped at least at the current frequency transition in the current frequency hopping cycle.

7. The first device according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein the first device is configured to: Based on the determination that the conditions were not met before the current frequency hopping, the transmission of the probe reference signal for a set of subsequent frequency hoppings is skipped, the set of subsequent frequency hoppings including the current frequency hopping in the current frequency hopping cycle.

8. The first device according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein the first device is configured to: Based on the determination that the conditions were not met before the current frequency transition, the transmission of the probe reference signal at the current frequency transition is skipped; Obtain another timing difference between a third timing and a fourth timing, wherein the third timing and the fourth timing are associated with the transmission timing to the second device; Based on the determination that the other timing difference does not exceed the duration threshold, it is determined that the condition is satisfied; as well as Resume the transmission of the probe reference signal in response to subsequent frequency jumps.

9. The first device according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the first device is configured to: Based on the determination of the conditions, the first device is permitted to perform the transmission of the probe reference signal across frequency hopping cycles, and the transmission of the probe reference signal across the frequency hopping cycles is performed. Determine whether the timing difference exceeds the duration threshold indicated in the condition; as well as Based on determining that the timing difference exceeds the duration threshold, information indicating an event indicating a change in transmission timing is transmitted to the second device.

10. The first apparatus of claim 9, wherein the information further indicates an adjusted timing value between the first timing and the second timing.

11. The first device according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein the condition indicates a duration threshold and a duration, and The first device is configured such that: Determine whether the timing difference exceeds the duration threshold indicated in the condition; Based on determining that the timing difference exceeds the duration threshold, another timing difference is obtained between a third timing and a fourth timing after the duration, wherein the third timing and the fourth timing are associated with the transmission timing to the second device; and Based on determining that the other timing difference does not exceed the duration threshold, the transmission of the probe reference signal is performed at one or more subsequent frequency transitions.

12. The first device according to claim 11, wherein the first device is configured to: Based on determining that the other timing difference exceeds the duration threshold, the transmission of the probe reference signal is skipped at one or more configured frequency transitions in the frequency hopping cycle.

13. The first device according to claim 11, wherein the first device is configured to: Based on determining that the timing difference exceeds the duration threshold, information indicating an event indicating a change in transmission timing is transmitted to the second device.

14. The first apparatus of claim 13, wherein the information further indicates an adjusted timing value between the first timing and the second timing.

15. The first device according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein the first device is configured to: Before the target period in multiple frequency hopping cycles, determine whether the timing difference exceeds the duration threshold indicated in the condition; and Based on determining that the timing difference exceeds the duration threshold, information indicating an event indicating a change in transmission timing is transmitted to the second device.

16. The first device according to any one of claims 1-15, wherein the first device is configured to: Transmit a report to the second device instructing at least one of the following: Skipping the transmission of the probe reference signal with frequency hopping, Recovery of the transmission of the probe reference signal with the same set of probe reference signals and the frequency hopping, or Recovery of the transmission of the probe reference signal with the frequency hopping, using another set of probe reference signals.

17. The first apparatus according to any one of claims 1-16, wherein the first timing is an original downlink reference timing, and the second timing is an updated downlink reference timing; or The first timing is the original uplink transmission timing, and the second timing is the updated uplink transmission timing.

18. The first device according to any one of claims 1-17, wherein the first device is a terminal device and the second device is a network device.

19. A second device, comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory, the at least one memory storing instructions, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the second device to: A configuration is transmitted to a first device, the configuration including conditions that enable the first device to perform the transmission of a probe reference signal with frequency hopping; as well as The detection reference signal is received from the first device at one or more configured frequency transitions; as well as Positioning measurements are obtained by combining the detection reference signals at one or more frequency transitions.

20. The second apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the condition is used for the transmission of a detection reference signal during a frequency hopping cycle, or The conditions described therein are used for the transmission of the probe reference signal across multiple frequency hopping cycles.

21. The second apparatus according to any one of claims 19-20, wherein the condition indicates that the same probe reference signal transmission timing is applied to cross-frequency hopping during the frequency hopping period, regardless of the timing difference.

22. The second device according to any one of claims 19-20, wherein the condition indicates a duration threshold.

23. The second device according to any one of claims 19-22, wherein the second device is configured such that: Receive information from the first device indicating an event that the transmission timing has changed; and Based on the information, the detection reference signal is combined at one or more configured frequency transitions.

24. The second apparatus of claim 23, wherein the information further indicates an adjusted timing value between the first timing and the second timing.

25. The second device according to any one of claims 19-24, wherein the second device is configured to: Receive a report from the first device indicating at least one of the following: Skipping the transmission of the probe reference signal with frequency hopping, Recovery of the transmission of the probe reference signal with the same set of probe reference signals and the frequency hopping, or Recovery of the transmission of the probe reference signal with the frequency hopping, using another set of probe reference signals.

26. The second apparatus according to any one of claims 19-25, wherein the first apparatus is a terminal device and the second apparatus is a network device.

27. A method comprising: The configuration is received from the second device at the first device, the configuration including conditions that enable the first device to perform the transmission of a probe reference signal with frequency hopping; Obtain the timing difference between a first timing and a second timing, wherein the first timing and the second timing are associated with the transmission timing to the second device; as well as Based on the timing difference and the conditions, the transmission of the probe reference signal is performed or skipped at one or more configured frequency transitions.

28. A method comprising: The configuration is transmitted from the second device to the first device, the configuration including conditions that enable the first device to perform the transmission of a probe reference signal with frequency hopping; as well as The detection reference signal is received from the first device at one or more configured frequency transitions; as well as Positioning measurements are obtained by combining the detection reference signals at one or more frequency transitions.

29. A first device, comprising: Components for receiving configuration from a second device, the configuration including conditions that enable the first device to perform the transmission of a probe reference signal with frequency hopping; A component for obtaining a timing difference between a first timing and a second timing, wherein the first timing and the second timing are associated with a transmission timing to the second device; as well as A component for performing the transmission of the probe reference signal or skipping the transmission of the probe reference signal at one or more configured frequency transitions based on the timing difference and the conditions.

30. A second device, comprising: Components for transmitting configuration to a first device, the configuration including conditions that enable the first device to perform the transmission of a probe reference signal with frequency hopping; as well as Components for receiving the probe reference signal from the first device at one or more configured frequency transitions; as well as A component for obtaining positioning measurements by combining the probe reference signals at one or more frequency transitions.

31. A computer-readable medium comprising instructions stored thereon for causing a device to perform at least the method according to claim 27 or 28.

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