Conditional positioning

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to conditional positioning. In one aspect, a terminal device monitors at least one signal from a first network device. The terminal device evaluates, based on the monitoring, whether at least one condition for initiation of a positioning session is satisfied. Based on a determination that the at least one condition is satisfied, the terminal device sends, to the first network device or a second network device, an indication to initiate the positioning session. In this way, a conditional positioning scheme is proposed, thereby reducing network energy consumption, UE power consumption, and resource overhead for positioning measurements.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various example embodiments relate to the telecommunications field, and particularly to terminal devices, network devices, methods, apparatuses, and computer-readable media for conditional positioning. Background Technology

[0002] A communication network can be viewed as a facility that enables communication between two or more communication devices or provides communication devices with access to a data network. Mobile or wireless communication networks are an example of communication networks.

[0003] Such communication networks operate according to standards such as those issued by 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) or ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute). Examples of such standards include the so-called 5G (fifth generation) standard or other standards issued by 3GPP. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Overall, the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure provide a solution for conditional positioning.

[0005] In a first aspect, a terminal device is provided. The terminal device includes at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions. When executed by the at least one processor, the instructions cause the terminal device to at least: monitor at least one signal from a first network device; evaluate, based on the monitoring, whether at least one condition for initiating a location session is met; and, based on determining that at least one condition is met, send an instruction to either the first network device or a second network device to initiate a location session. In this way, location session initiation can be triggered based on a conditional evaluation of the received signal. By minimizing unnecessary location measurements, network power consumption and UE power consumption can be reduced. Resource overhead for location measurements can also be reduced.

[0006] In a second aspect, a first network device is provided. The first network device includes at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions. When executed by the at least one processor, the instructions cause the first network device to at least: send a configuration associated with at least one condition for initiating a location session to a terminal device; send at least one signal to the terminal device for evaluating the at least one condition; and receive an instruction from the terminal device to initiate a location session.

[0007] In a third aspect, a second network device is provided. The second network device includes at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions. When executed by the at least one processor, the instructions cause the second network device to at least: send to or receive from a first network device or a terminal device a configuration associated with at least one condition for initiating a location session based on signal monitoring of at least one signal; and receive from the first network device or the terminal device an instruction to initiate a location session with the terminal device.

[0008] In a fourth aspect, a method performed by a terminal device is provided. The method includes: monitoring at least one signal from a first network device; evaluating, based on the monitoring, whether at least one condition for initiating a location session is met; and, based on determining that at least one condition is met, sending an instruction to the first network device or a second network device to initiate a location session.

[0009] In a fifth aspect, a method performed by a network device is provided. The method includes: sending to a terminal device a configuration associated with at least one condition for initiating a location session; sending to the terminal device at least one signal for evaluating the at least one condition; and receiving from the terminal device an indication to initiate a location session.

[0010] In a sixth aspect, a method performed by a network device is provided. The method includes: sending to or receiving from a first network device or a terminal device a configuration associated with at least one condition for initiating a location session based on signal monitoring of at least one signal; and receiving from the first network device or the terminal device an instruction to initiate a location session with the terminal device.

[0011] In a seventh aspect, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes components for monitoring at least one signal from a first network device; components for evaluating, based on the monitoring, whether at least one condition for initiating a location session is met; and components for sending an instruction to either the first network device or a second network device to initiate a location session based on determining that at least one condition is met.

[0012] In an eighth aspect, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes components for transmitting to a terminal device a configuration associated with at least one condition for initiating a location session; components for transmitting to the terminal device at least one signal for evaluating the at least one condition; and components for receiving from the terminal device an indication to initiate a location session.

[0013] In a ninth aspect, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes components for sending to or receiving from a first network device or terminal device a configuration associated with at least one condition for initiating a location session based on signal monitoring of at least one signal; and components for receiving from the first network device or terminal device an instruction to initiate a location session with the terminal device.

[0014] In a tenth aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium including program instructions is provided for causing an apparatus to perform at least the method according to any one of the fourth to sixth aspects described above.

[0015] In the eleventh aspect, a computer program product including program instructions is provided for at least performing the method according to any one of the fourth to sixth aspects above.

[0016] In a twelfth aspect, a computer program including instructions is provided, which, when executed by a device, cause the device to perform at least the method according to any one of the fourth to sixth aspects described above.

[0017] 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

[0018] Some exemplary embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0019] Figure 1A An example communication system in which embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented is illustrated;

[0020] Figure 1B The diagram illustrates example power distributions of the UE in Discontinuous Reception (DRX) and Wake-up Signal (WUS) schemes.

[0021] Figure 1C The illustration shows a schematic diagram of an example architecture in which embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented;

[0022] Figure 2 The illustration shows an example signaling diagram of an example process according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 3 The diagram illustrates a signaling diagram of an example conditional location process according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 4 The illustration shows a schematic diagram of a method implemented at a terminal device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 5 The illustration shows a schematic diagram of a method implemented at a first network device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 6 The illustration shows a schematic diagram of a method implemented at a second network device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 7 A simplified block diagram of an apparatus suitable for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated; and

[0028] Figure 8 A block diagram of an example computer-readable medium according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0029] Throughout the accompanying drawings, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The principles of this disclosure will now be described with reference to some exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are described for illustrative purposes only and to help those skilled in the art to understand and implement this disclosure, and do not constitute any limitation on the scope of this disclosure. The disclosure described herein can be implemented in various other ways besides those described below.

[0031] 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.

[0032] In this disclosure, references to "an embodiment," "embodiment," and "example embodiment," etc., indicate that the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment must include that particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Moreover, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, those skilled in the art will understand that, whether explicitly described or not, combining it with other embodiments to affect such a feature, structure, or characteristic is within the knowledge of those skilled in the art.

[0033] It is understood that although terms such as “first” and “second” may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the exemplary embodiments, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed terms.

[0034] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” used herein also include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Further understanding, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “has,” “having,” “includes,” and / or “including”, when used herein, specify the presence of the stated features, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof. As used herein, “at least one of the following: ” and “<at least one of a list of two or more elements>” and similar wording (where a list of two or more elements is connected by “and” or “or”) means at least any one of these elements, or at least any two or more of these elements, or at least all of these elements.

[0035] As used in this application, the term "circuit system" may refer to one or more or all of the following: (a) Pure hardware circuit implementation (such as implementation using only analog and / or digital circuit systems), and (b) A combination of hardware circuitry and software, such as (if applicable): (i) A combination of (multiple) analog and / or digital hardware circuits and software / firmware, and (ii) Any part of a hardware processor (including multiple digital signal processors), software, and memory (multiple processors) that works 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 be absent when operation is not required.

[0036] The definition of "circuit system" 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 system" also covers only hardware circuitry or a processor (or processors) or a portion of hardware circuitry or a processor and its accompanying software and / or firmware. For example, if applicable to a particular claim element, the term "circuit system" also covers baseband integrated circuits or processor integrated circuits for mobile devices, or similar integrated circuits in servers, cellular network devices, or other computing or network devices.

[0037] As used herein, the term "communication network" refers to a network that conforms to any suitable communication standard, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-A Advanced (LTE-A), New Radio (NR), Wideband Code Division Multiplexing (WCDMA), High-Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), etc. Furthermore, communication between terminal devices and network devices in a communication network can be performed according to any suitable generation of communication 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), future sixth-generation (6G) communication protocols, and / or any other currently known or future-developed protocols. Embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to various communication systems. Given the rapid development of communications, there will naturally be communication technologies and systems that can be used to embody future types of communication technologies and systems. This should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure to the systems described above.

[0038] As used herein, the term "network device" refers to a node in a communication network through which terminal devices access the network and receive services. Depending on the terminology and technology used, 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 header (RH), a remote radio header (RRH), a relay, a low-power node (such as a femtosecond or picosecond), etc.

[0039] The term "terminal device" refers to any terminal device capable of wireless communication. As an example and not a limitation, a terminal device may also be referred to as a communication device, user equipment (UE), subscriber station (SS), portable subscriber station, mobile station (MS), station (STA), or station equipment, or access terminal (AT). Terminal devices can include, but are not limited to, mobile phones, cellular phones, smartphones, Voice over IP (VoIP) phones, wireless local loop phones, tablets, wearable terminal devices, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable computers, desktop computers, image 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 (LEE), laptop mounted devices (LME), USB dongles, smart devices, wireless customer premises equipment (CPE), Internet of Things (IoT) devices, watches or other wearable devices, head-mounted displays (HMDs), vehicles, drones, medical devices and applications (e.g., remote surgery), industrial devices and applications (e.g., robots and / or other wireless devices operating in industrial and / or automated processing chain environments), consumer electronics devices, devices operating on commercial and / or industrial wireless networks, etc. In the following description, the terms "terminal equipment", "communication equipment", "terminal", "user equipment" and "UE" are used interchangeably.

[0040] The principles and embodiments of this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, refer to... Figure 1A The illustration depicts an example communication system 100A in which embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented. Figure 1A As shown, the communication environment 100A (also known as the communication network 100A or the communication system 100A) includes access network equipment 110, core network 140 and terminal equipment 120.

[0041] Access network device 110 can be a gNB, network (NW), or TRP, scheduling a first bandwidth portion (BWP) or a first cell 130. When terminal device 120 is located within the corresponding cell (e.g., first cell 130) of access network device 110, terminal device 120 can connect and communicate with access network device 110 in the UL or DL. Access network device 110 can support communication with core network 140 or another network entity (…). Figure 1A (not shown in the diagram) or communication between the two. The core network 140 may include multiple network entities, such as at least one Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), at least one Location Management Function (LMF), at least one Policy Control Function (PCF), at least one Unified Data Management Function (UDM), etc.

[0042] In a communication system, UL refers to the link from terminal device 120 to access network device 110, while DL refers to the link from access network device 110 to terminal device 120. Access network device 110 can send scheduling information to terminal device 120 for scheduling uplink transmissions, and terminal device 120 can send uplink transmissions or multiple repetitions of uplink transmissions to access network device 110.

[0043] Communication in the communication system 100A can be implemented according to any suitable communication protocol(s), including but not limited to cellular communication protocols of the first generation (1G), second generation (2G), third generation (3G), fourth generation (4G), fifth generation (5G) and sixth generation (6G), wireless local area network communication protocols such as IEEE 802.11, and / or any other protocols currently known or to be developed in the future. 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 Multiplexing (OFDM), Discrete Fourier Transform Spread Spectrum OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM), and / or any other technologies currently known or to be developed in the future.

[0044] It should be understood that Figure 1A The number, connection relationships, and types of the devices shown (i.e., terminal device 120 and access network device 110) are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent any limitation. For example, communication system 100A may include any suitable number of devices suitable for implementing embodiments of this disclosure. For example, although Figure 1A Terminal device 120 is described as a mobile phone, but terminal device 120 can be any type of user equipment.

[0045] Passive Internet of Things (IoT) and Reduced Capability (RedCap) devices can rely on energy harvesting to power their operation. Energy harvesting allows the UE to collect and store a limited amount of energy from available sources such as light, radio frequency (RF) signals, and vibration. Solar-powered sensors are increasingly popular, especially for small sensors deployed outdoors for monitoring applications. Due to their small battery size or lack of batteries, the maximum transmit (Tx) power of these passive IoT and RedCap devices can be very low. Typically, they are used in latency-tolerant IoT applications such as reporting temperature, business conditions, etc.

[0046] The demand for IoT solutions is growing, offering better coverage (e.g., approximately 30 meters indoors and up to 100 meters outdoors) and supporting increased device density at ultra-low cost and power consumption. Solutions such as Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, limited to coverage of approximately 10 meters, cannot meet these needs. The use of passive IoT devices (without batteries or requiring no battery replacement for their entire lifespan) is being investigated within the 3GPP framework. Compared to Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) and enhanced machine-type communication (eMTC) technologies, passive IoT devices are expected to have lower complexity, lower data rates, lower coverage, lower cost, and lower power consumption. Potential use cases include identification, tracking, monitoring, sensing, logistics, supply chain management, transportation, manufacturing (factory automation), healthcare, energy, agriculture, smart cities, environmental monitoring, and operation in extreme or hazardous conditions where battery-powered devices are not feasible.

[0047] The design goals for passive IoT devices are as follows: enhanced link budget compared to existing RFID solutions; compatibility with global frequency bands; ultra-low cost; elimination of battery charging or replacement, enabling low maintenance and long lifespan; ultra-low power consumption (e.g., less than 100 microwatts) to support operation via backscattering or energy harvesting; small device size and form factor; positioning accuracy in the range of 3 to 5 meters; data rates between 10 kbps and 100 kbps; energy consumption, including backscattering for purely passive devices and energy harvesting for semi-passive devices, or minimal battery usage (e.g., less than 100 mAh); and data for both motion initiation and motion termination.

[0048] To support passive IoT devices, enhancements are needed in the following areas: simplified and adaptive processes for intermittent power availability and interrupted connectivity, such as random access (RA) procedures and radio resource control (RRC) protocols / state handling; lightweight protocols optimized for ultra-low power consumption; and energy-neutral and sustainable operations to extend device lifespan.

[0049] Currently, UEs in DRX mode are periodically woken up once per DRX cycle, which dominates power consumption. One method to reduce power consumption involves waking the UE only when triggered, such as by paging. This can be achieved by using a separate wake-up receiver (WURx) with ultra-low power consumption to monitor the wake-up signal (WUS) to activate the main radio. The power consumption associated with monitoring the WUS depends on the design of the WUS and the hardware modules of the WURx used for signal detection and processing.

[0050] The main operating principle of WUS is that during each wake-up cycle (w cycle), WURx monitors a designated set of subcarriers for a short period to detect the presence of a wake-up indicator (WI). Through the WI, the network notifies the UE to decode the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) after a predefined time offset (w offset). After WURx successfully detects the WI, the UE's baseband processor (BBP) is turned on. The BBP then decodes PDCCH messages in an active state for a pre-configured on duration and then initiates its inactivity timer. After the inactivity timer is initiated, and if a new PDCCH message is received before the timer expires, the BBP re-initiates its inactivity timer. If an additional PDCCH message is not received before the timer expires, the UE enters a sleep state, and WURx resumes operation according to its w cycle. This mechanism ensures efficient power management while maintaining connectivity and responsiveness.

[0051] Figure 1B The illustration shows example power distributions of the UE in the Discontinuous Reception (DRX) scheme and the Wake-up Signal (WUS) scheme, respectively.

[0052] like Figure 1B As shown, in the DRX scheme ( Figure 1B In the top section, the UE periodically wakes up a predefined "on duration timer" to monitor the PDCCH. If a packet arrives at the gNB, the UE processes the data and starts an "inactive timer" to remain active until more data is received or the timer expires. If no new PDCCH message arrives before the inactive timer expires, the UE enters a sleep state until the next DRX cycle begins.

[0053] In the WUS scheme ( Figure 1B At the bottom of the UE, the UE operates using WURx, which monitors for a wake-up indicator (WI) from the gNB during a short "WURx on-duration" of the "w cycle". Upon receiving the WI, WURx triggers a primary radio wake-up after a specified "w offset". The UE then monitors the PDCCH to decode the data.

[0054] Compared to the DRX scheme, the WUS scheme reduces unnecessary UE power consumption by avoiding periodic decoding of unscheduled PDCCHs and waking up the main radio only when needed. Furthermore, the shorter w-cycle reduces buffer latency without significantly increasing power consumption compared to the DRX scheme. As used herein, the term "main radio (MR)" refers to the Tx / Rx module that operates for NR signals / channels other than those associated with low-power wake-up. The terms "LP-WUR (LR)" or "WURx" refer to the Rx module used for receiving / processing signals / channels associated with low-power wake-up.

[0055] Positioning functionality in passive IoT devices involves using a Position Reference Signal (PRS) in the downlink (DL) and a Sound Reference Signal (SRS) in the uplink (UL) to obtain positioning measurements. Positioning measurements are taken at the physical layer. Depending on whether DL or UL is used, the UE's baseband modem or gNB's baseband modem supports positioning measurements using either PRS or SRS.

[0056] Positioning methods can be categorized into timing-based methods, angle-based methods, and hybrid timing-angle methods. Timing-based techniques (such as DL / UL Time Difference of Arrival (DL / UL-TDOA) and multi-round-trip time (multi-RTT)) rely on the propagation delay of the RF carrier to estimate the distance between the gNB and the UE, and utilize trilateration based on multiple gNBs to estimate the UE's position. Angle-based techniques (such as DL Departure Angle (DL-AoD) and UL Arrival Angle (UL-AoA)) use trilateration to determine the azimuth and zenith angles between the transmitter and receiver pairs by employing knowledge of the signal's transmit beamforming and / or the phase difference between the receive antenna elements.

[0057] Figure 1C The illustration shows a schematic diagram of an example architecture 100c in which embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented. Architecture 100c may include a UE 120, an ng-eNB 110-1, a gNB 110-2, an LMF 140-1, and an AMF 140-2. Architecture 100c can be implemented as... Figure 1A This is part of the communication system 100A shown. UE 120 can be... Figure 1A A specific example of terminal device 120 in the example. The ng-eNB 110-1 and gNB 110-2 in the Next Generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN) can be... Figure 1A Specific examples of access network equipment 110 in the example. LMF 140-1 and AMF 140-2 can be... Figure 1A The network entity in the core network 140.

[0058] The LMF 140-1 is a key component in the 5G positioning architecture. The LMF 140-1 receives measurement and assistance information from the NG-RAN (e.g., ng-eNB 110-1 or gNB 110-2) and mobile devices (e.g., UE 120) via the NL interface through the AMF 140-2 to calculate the location of UE 120. Due to the next-generation interface between the NG-RAN and the core network, the NR Positioning Protocol A (NRPPa) is introduced to carry positioning information between the NG-RAN and the LMF 140-1 via the next-generation control plane interface (NG-C). These new features in the 5G architecture provide the framework for 5G positioning. The LMF 140-1 configures UE 120 using the LTE Positioning Protocol (LPP) via the AMF 140-2. The NG RAN configures UE 120 using the Radio Resource Control (RRC) protocol via LTE-Uu and NR-Uu.

[0059] Depending on the specific use case of the device, location sessions can be initiated by the UE or the network. Some applications may require frequent location sessions; however, initiating or tracking such location sessions when the UE is stationary can be inefficient in terms of power consumption. Similarly, when the UE operates using WURx, the UE can enter a sleep state while WURx evaluates whether to wake the UE. In this scenario, frequent location sessions may lead to excessive UE wake-ups, resulting in increased power consumption.

[0060] Therefore, this can lead to inefficient location decision-making, such as initiating location sessions when unnecessary or failing to do so when location updates are appropriate. Thus, in addition to assessing location needs based on Radio Resource Control (RRC) status (e.g., CONNECTED, INACTIVE, or IDLE), it is advantageous to combine location need assessment with WUS-based monitoring. This approach is particularly beneficial for low-power UE types that move slowly (almost stationary but not fixed).

[0061] In view of the above, embodiments of this disclosure provide a scheme for initiating conditional location sessions. This scheme uses WUS (Wide-based System for Localization) to continuously monitor the conditions for initiating a location session and dynamically adjusts location decisions. This allows for more efficient location updates, reduces unnecessary power consumption, and maintains the accuracy and reliability of the location process.

[0062] It should be understood that although the embodiments of this disclosure are described with respect to a UE equipped with WURx, the embodiments of this disclosure are also applicable to UEs that do not include WURx. Reference will be made below. Figures 2 to 6 The embodiments of this disclosure are described in detail.

[0063] Figure 2The illustration shows a signaling diagram of an example process 200 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Process 200 may relate to terminal device 220 and first network device 210. In some embodiments, process 200 may also relate to a second network device 240. For discussion purposes, reference will be made to... Figure 1A or Figure 1C Description process 200. Terminal device 220 can be implemented as follows: Figure 1A Terminal device 120 or Figure 1C UE 120 in the middle. The first network device 210 can be implemented as Figure 1A Access network equipment 110 or Figure 1C The ng-eNB 110-1 or gNB 110-2 in the network. The second network device 240 can be implemented as... Figure 1A The core network of the middle 140 or Figure 1C The core network entity in LMF 140-1. It should be understood that, although in Figure 1A Communication environment 100A or Figure 1C The process 200 is described in the architecture 100C, but this process can also be applied to other communication scenarios.

[0064] like Figure 2 As shown, the first network device 210 sends (208) at least one signal 209 to the terminal device 220. The terminal device 220 monitors (211) the at least one signal 209 from the first network device 210. Based on the monitoring 211, the terminal device 220 evaluates (212) whether at least one condition for initiating a location session is met. In some implementations, if the terminal device 220 determines that at least one condition is met, the terminal device 220 may send (213) an instruction 214 to initiate a location session to the first network device 210. For example, the first network device 210 may receive (215) the instruction 214 to initiate a location session from the terminal device 220 and send (216) the instruction 214 to initiate a location session to the second network device 240. Therefore, the second network device 240 may receive (217) the instruction 214 to initiate a location session from the first network device 210. Alternatively, if terminal device 220 determines that at least one condition is met, terminal device 220 may send an instruction 214 (218) to initiate a location session to second network device 240. Therefore, second network device 240 can receive the instruction 214 (219) to initiate a location session from terminal device 220. In this way, location session initiation can be triggered based on conditional evaluation of the received signal. By minimizing unnecessary location measurements, network power consumption and UE power consumption can be reduced. Location performance can be optimized by detecting location needs without significantly increasing resource overhead.

[0065] In some implementations, at least one signal 209 may include at least one WUS. Alternatively or additionally, at least one signal 209 may include at least one WUS beacon. Alternatively or additionally, at least one signal 209 may include one or more signals other than WUS and WUS beacons. In this way, a location session initiation can be triggered based on a conditional evaluation of (multiple) WUS and / or (multiple) WUS beacons and / or (multiple) other signals. In some implementations, at least one signal 209 may be a specific signal used for state evaluation. Alternatively, at least one signal 209 may not be specific to conditional evaluation.

[0066] In some embodiments, the first network device 210 may send (206) a configuration 202 associated with at least one condition to the terminal device 220. Therefore, the terminal device 220 may receive (207) the configuration 202 from the first network device 210. For example, the first network device 210 may determine the configuration 202 and send it to the terminal device 220. The first network device 210 may also send the configuration 202 to a second network device 240. In another example, the second network device 240 may send (204) the configuration 202 to the first network device 210, and the first network device 210 may receive (205) the configuration 202 from the second network device 240 and send (206) the configuration 202 to the terminal device 220. Alternatively, the second network device 240 may send (201) the configuration 202 associated with at least one condition to the terminal device 220. Therefore, the terminal device 220 may receive (203) the configuration 202 from the first network device 210. In some implementations, configuration 202 can be sent via broadcast system information. Alternatively, configuration 202 can be sent to terminal device 220 via a dedicated message. For example, this dedicated message could be a Positioning Protocol (PP) message, such as a Long Term Evolution (LTE) PP (LPP) message, an NR PP message, a 6G PP message, or other types of PP messages. For instance, second network device 240 can communicate directly with terminal device 220 via an LPP protocol transparent to first network device 210. Alternatively, second network device 240 can communicate with terminal device 220 via first network device 210 using the NRPPa protocol.

[0067] In some embodiments, configuration 202 may include resource configuration for at least one signal. Terminal device 220 may monitor at least one signal based on the resource configuration.

[0068] Alternatively or additionally, configuration 202 may include a period associated with the evaluation. For example, terminal device 220 may periodically evaluate whether at least one condition is met, for example, based on the configured period. Alternatively, terminal device 220 may non-periodically evaluate whether at least one condition is met.

[0069] Alternatively or additionally, configuration 202 may include a time window for monitoring at least one signal. For example, terminal device 220 may assess whether at least one condition is met based on signal monitoring within the time window. Alternatively or additionally, configuration 202 may include at least one threshold associated with at least one condition.

[0070] Alternatively or additionally, configuration 202 may include at least one candidate threshold for at least one condition. Terminal device 220 may select at least one threshold associated with at least one condition from the at least one candidate threshold. In some implementations, terminal device 220 may also send the selected at least one threshold to a first network device 210 or a second network device 240. In some implementations, terminal device 220 may send the selected at least one threshold to the first network device 210, and the first network device 210 may send the selected at least one threshold to the second network device 240.

[0071] In some embodiments, terminal device 220 may determine at least one threshold associated with at least one condition. In some implementations, terminal device 220 may also send the determined at least one threshold to first network device 210 or second network device 240. In some implementations, terminal device 220 may send the determined at least one threshold to first network device 210, and first network device 210 may send the determined at least one threshold to second network device 240.

[0072] In some embodiments, in order to assess whether at least one condition is met, the terminal device 220 may compare a measurement of at least one signal with at least one threshold associated with at least one condition.

[0073] Alternatively or additionally, to assess whether at least one condition is met, terminal device 220 may compare the difference between a measurement of at least one signal and an initial signal measurement with at least one threshold associated with at least one condition. In some implementations, the initial signal measurement may be associated with WUS. For example, before terminal device 220 transitions from an active state to an inactive or idle state, terminal device 220 may acquire the initial signal measurement based on signal measurements of WUS received from first network device 210. Alternatively or additionally, the initial signal measurement may be associated with a WUS beacon. For example, before terminal device 220 transitions from an active state to an inactive or idle state, terminal device 220 may acquire the initial signal measurement based on signal measurements of WUS beacons received from first network device 210. Alternatively or additionally, the initial signal measurement may be associated with a positioning reference signal. For example, before terminal device 220 transitions from an active state to an inactive or idle state, terminal device 220 may acquire the initial signal measurement based on signal measurements of a positioning reference signal received from first network device 210.

[0074] In some implementations, at least one threshold may include a path loss threshold. Alternatively or additionally, at least one threshold may include a signal strength threshold, such as a reference signal received power (RSRP). Alternatively or additionally, at least one threshold may include an angle of arrival (AoA) threshold. Alternatively or additionally, at least one threshold may include a direction of arrival (DoA) threshold. If a measurement of at least one signal reaches at least one threshold, then terminal device 220 may determine that at least one condition is met.

[0075] Alternatively or additionally, at least one threshold may include a threshold for changes in path loss. Alternatively or additionally, at least one threshold may include a threshold for changes in signal strength. Alternatively or additionally, at least one threshold may include a threshold for changes in angle of arrival. Alternatively or additionally, at least one threshold may include a threshold for changes in direction of arrival. Alternatively or additionally, at least one threshold may include a threshold for the number of failures in decoding one or more of the at least one monitored signals. For example, if the difference between a measurement of at least one signal and an initial signal measurement reaches at least one threshold, then terminal device 220 may determine that at least one condition is met.

[0076] Alternatively or additionally, at least one threshold may also include a threshold for the number of failures in decoding one or more of the at least one monitored signal. In some implementations, terminal device 220 may determine failures in decoding one or more of the at least one monitored signal. If the number of signals in one or more signals reaches a threshold associated with at least one condition, terminal device 220 may determine that at least one condition is met.

[0077] In some embodiments, the terminal device 220 may evaluate whether at least one condition is met before a pre-configured location session. The second network device 240 may monitor for an indication of whether to initiate a location session with the terminal device 220 before the pre-configured location session. In some implementations, the indication of whether to initiate a location session may be implemented as an indication of whether the conditions for initiating a location session are met.

[0078] In some implementations, if at least one condition is not met, terminal device 220 may omit sending an instruction to initiate a location session. Based on the determination that an instruction to initiate a location session does not exist, second network device 240 may omit initiating a pre-configured location session, and the location result of terminal device 220 in the previously initiated location session remains valid.

[0079] In some implementations, if at least one condition is not met, terminal device 220 may send an indication not to initiate a location session to first network device 210 or second network device 240. For example, after receiving the indication not to initiate a location session from terminal device 220, first network device 210 may send the same indication to second network device 240. Based on the received indication not to initiate a location session, second network device 240 may omit initiating a pre-configured location session, and the location results of terminal device 220 in the previously initiated location session remain valid.

[0080] In some embodiments, the terminal device 220 may monitor at least one signal in a first state. Based on determining that at least one condition is met, the terminal device 220 may transition from the first state to a second state. Based on determining that at least one condition is not met, the terminal device 220 may remain in the first state. In some embodiments, in order to evaluate whether at least one condition is met based on measurements of at least one signal and initial signal measurements, the terminal device 220 may acquire initial signal measurements in the second state.

[0081] In some embodiments, the first state may include an idle state or an inactive state, and the second state may include a connected state. Terminal device 220 may include a main radio (MR) and a low-power wake-up receiver (LP-WUR). Monitoring 211 may be performed by the LP-WUR. Based on determining that at least one condition is met, terminal device 220 may activate the MR. Based on determining that at least one condition is not met, terminal device 220 may keep the MR deactivated.

[0082] In some embodiments, terminal device 220 may be a UE without LP-WUR. Terminal device 220 may determine whether a location session needs to be initiated based on condition evaluation prior to a pre-configured location session. By minimizing unnecessary location measurements, network power consumption can be reduced.

[0083] In some embodiments, the first network device 210 is an access network device, and the second network device 240 is a core network device.

[0084] Figure 3 The illustration shows a signaling diagram of an example conditional location process 300 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Process 300 may involve UE 320, gNB 310, and LMF 340. Process 300 can be considered as Figure 2 A specific example of process 200. UE 320 can be considered a specific example of terminal device 220. UE 320 can be an NR device, RedCap device, IoT device, or energy harvesting device (i.e., environmental IoT), etc. In some implementations, UE 320 may include WURx 330. gNB 310 can be considered a specific example of first network device 210. LMF 340 can be considered a specific example of second network device 240.

[0085] In process 300, at step 301, UE 320 can be configured with conditional positioning criteria.

[0086] In some examples, conditional positioning criteria may be associated with "WUS / WUS beacons". For example, UE 320 may be configured to monitor each WUS and / or each WUS beacon to determine whether the conditional positioning criteria are met. In some examples, conditional positioning criteria may be associated with "WUS / WUS beacons and traditional positioning evaluation period". For example, UE 320 may be configured with a positioning evaluation period, and UE 320 may utilize the positioning evaluation period to monitor WUS and / or WUS beacons. In some examples, the positioning evaluation period may be associated with the movement speed of UE 320.

[0087] The configuration at step 301 can be performed using broadcast signaling (e.g., system information) and / or dedicated signaling (e.g., LPP if LMF 340 is directly involved in the configuration).

[0088] Conditional positioning criteria may include additional information elements used to trigger positioning assessments, such as WUS path loss thresholds, WUS RSRP thresholds, WUS AoA change thresholds, and a "WUS positioning assessment window." In some implementations, this information element may be derived by the network based on measurements acquired, for example, in RRC-CONNECTED (e.g., collected statistics or measurements acquired before the UE transitions to sleep mode). The acquired measurements are then compared with WUS acquired in sleep mode.

[0089] At step 302, the WURx 330 monitors and receives WUS and / or WUS beacons. At step 303, the WURx 330 performs a WUS or WUS beacon measurement.

[0090] At step 304, UE 320 determines whether the conditional positioning criteria are met based on the configuration in step 301. In some implementations, the WUS criteria are evaluated based on WUS monitoring and WUS measurement before each positioning evaluation cycle of a conventional configuration. In some implementations, low-power WUS from gNB 310 to UE 320 is used to dynamically adjust UE decisions regarding positioning in the event of a (sudden) drop in path loss, RSRP, AOA, DOA, etc.

[0091] In one example, WUS path loss can be estimated at WURx 330. When the path loss exceeds a predefined threshold, location initiation can be triggered by UE 320.

[0092] In one example, if the signal strength of WUS (e.g., RSRP) is higher than a threshold, UE 320 is not allowed to initiate a location session. In another example, if the signal strength of WUS (e.g., RSRP) is constant, i.e., no change is observed in the measurement results, or the change in the measurement results is small enough, such as less than a threshold, UE 320 is not allowed to initiate a location session.

[0093] In one example, to allow a location session to be initiated, the WURx 330 should receive a certain number of WUS within a specific time period. In step 301, at least one "WUS location assessment window" can be determined based on this configuration. In each "WUS location assessment window," WUS are collected, and the UE 320 decides whether to initiate a location session. For frequent location assessment needs, the "WUS location assessment window" may be small, or it may depend on each use case.

[0094] In one example, if WURx 330 fails to decode WUS multiple times (e.g., once, twice, or a configurable number of times within the WUS location assessment window), UE 320 initiates a location session based on the indicated conventional location assessment period.

[0095] In some embodiments, AoA estimation can be used to locate demand assessments. WURx 330 can be an advanced WURx type.

[0096] In Case 1, at step 305, the conditional positioning criteria are not met. Then at step 306, UE 320 will not trigger a positioning session and will remain in sleep mode. In this case, the network uses the previous positioning estimate (which is still valid) until UE 320 indicates a positioning need (see step 309).

[0097] In scenario 2, at step 307, the conditional positioning criteria are met. At step 308, UE 320 indicates to the network (e.g., to LMF 340) that a positioning session needs to be started before the traditional positioning session. At step 309, the positioning session is initiated. In the example case, WURx 330 in each traditional positioning evaluation cycle... X The system evaluates conditional location criteria beforehand so that the UE 320 can indicate to the network in advance whether the conditions for initiating a location session are met. Without early indication, the network (e.g., LMF 340) can assume that previous location results are used for the current session. This saves network resources.

[0098] In some specific examples, at least one of path loss, RSRP, or AoA change is available at WURx 330 of UE 320. WURx 330 can measure path loss, RSRP, or AoA change from the received WUS. UE 320 can know the WUS transmit power. In some examples, WUS can be transmitted in each wake-up cycle (i.e., w cycle).

[0099] Before transitioning to sleep mode, the UE 320 can send an indication to the WURx 330 that the positioning standard is enabled. The WURx 330 can then calculate... N The path loss of one received WUS is used to obtain the average path loss. ),Right now, After switching to sleep mode, the WURx330 can be considered as a last resort. N The current path loss is calculated by averaging two measurements. ),Right now, The measurements of the first received WUS to the Nth received WUS are averaged to filter out outliers that may be due to measurement errors.

[0100] WURx 330 can calculate path loss offset ,Right now, And check if the path loss offset is higher than a specified threshold. .if Then WURx 330 can send to UE 320 To initiate a location session, a threshold is set to indicate how much path loss variation is acceptable (i.e., 5 dB, 10 dB, etc.). If the path loss variation is within the specified threshold, the location session will not be initiated.

[0101] In some implementations, the network can indicate the threshold. Alternatively, the UE 320 can control the threshold setting and notify the network of the threshold setting. Alternatively, the network can configure a general auxiliary value for the threshold so that each UE can set a customized threshold suitable for its specific circumstances.

[0102] In some examples, before transitioning to sleep mode, UE 320 can monitor other reference signals (e.g., Positioning Reference Signal (PRS)) to estimate path loss or RSRP in RRC-CONNECTED. UE 320 can send the calculated PRSRSRP (calculated during the connected state) to WURx 330 for evaluation. For example, the PRS RSRP (calculated during the connected state) and WUS RSRP (calculated during the sleep state) can be compared. WURx 330 can then compare the difference between the PRS RSRP and WUS RSRP against a threshold.

[0103] In some implementations, UE 320 may not include WURx, and UE 320 may monitor and measure WUS and / or WUS beacons to determine whether a location session needs to be initiated. In some implementations, the conditional assessment for location session initiation may be performed based on any signals received by UE 320 or its WURx.

[0104] In this way, a conditional positioning procedure is proposed, which continuously monitors the positioning criterion based on WUS / WUS beacons or a set of WUS or WUS beacons. After configuring the WUS positioning criterion, monitoring and evaluation of the criterion can begin. Low-power WUS / WUS beacons from the gNB to the UE are used to dynamically adjust UE decisions regarding positioning session initiation in response to a (sudden) drop in path loss, RSRP, or angle of arrival (AoA) indicating WUS. Specifically, the WUS path loss is estimated at WURx, and when the path loss exceeds a predefined threshold (… When a location session is initiated, it is triggered on the UE side. In one example scenario, The accuracy can be high for IoT-related use cases (e.g., where positioning accuracy requirements are low), and low for NR devices. After meeting the conditional positioning criteria, the UE can indicate to the network (e.g., LMF) that a positioning session needs to be started.

[0105] The UE should receive a certain number of WUS signals within a specific time period to assess the need for a new positioning session. A WUS positioning assessment window can be defined or configured. If the UE fails to decode the WUS multiple times (e.g., once, twice, or a configurable number of times within the WUS positioning assessment window), the UE can revert to the traditional positioning process.

[0106] Using some embodiments of this disclosure, network energy efficiency can be improved by reducing unnecessary location measurements. Location performance can be improved by detecting location needs. UE power consumption can be saved by reducing unnecessary location measurements.

[0107] Figure 4 The illustration shows a schematic diagram of a method 400 implemented at a terminal device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. For the purposes of discussion, it will be explained from the following perspectives. Figure 2 The angle description method 400 for the terminal device 220 shown.

[0108] like Figure 4 As shown, in block 410, terminal device 220 monitors at least one signal from the first network device. In block 420, terminal device 220 evaluates whether at least one condition for initiating a location session is met based on the monitoring. In block 430, based on determining that at least one condition is met, terminal device 220 sends an instruction to initiate a location session to either the first network device or the second network device.

[0109] In some embodiments, at least one signal includes at least one of the following: at least one wake-up signal (WUS); at least one WUS beacon; or one or more signals other than WUS and WUS beacon.

[0110] In some embodiments, the terminal device may receive a configuration associated with at least one condition from a first network device or a second network device. In some embodiments, the configuration is received via broadcast system information. In some embodiments, the configuration is received via a dedicated message, wherein the dedicated message is a Location Protocol (PP) message.

[0111] In some embodiments, the configuration includes at least one of the following: at least one threshold associated with at least one condition; at least one candidate threshold for at least one condition; resource configuration for at least one signal; period associated with evaluation; or time window for monitoring at least one signal.

[0112] In some embodiments, the terminal device may select at least one threshold associated with at least one condition from at least one candidate threshold; and send the selected at least one threshold to a first network device or a second network device.

[0113] In some embodiments, the terminal device may determine at least one threshold associated with at least one condition. In some embodiments, the terminal device may send the determined at least one threshold to a first network device or a second network device.

[0114] In some embodiments, the terminal device may evaluate whether at least one condition is met by: comparing a measurement of at least one signal with at least one threshold associated with at least one condition; or comparing the difference between a measurement of at least one signal and an initial signal measurement with at least one threshold associated with at least one condition.

[0115] In some embodiments, the initial signal measurement is associated with at least one of the following: WUS, WUS beacon, or positioning reference signal.

[0116] In some embodiments, at least one threshold includes at least one of the following: a threshold for path loss, a threshold for signal strength, a threshold for angle of arrival, a threshold for direction of arrival, a threshold for path loss change, a threshold for signal strength change, a threshold for angle of arrival change, a threshold for direction of arrival change, or a threshold for the number of failures in decoding one or more of the at least one monitored signal.

[0117] In some embodiments, the terminal device may determine that at least one condition is met by: determining that decoding one or more of the monitored signals has failed, wherein the number of signals in the one or more signals reaches a threshold associated with at least one condition.

[0118] In some embodiments, the terminal device may evaluate whether at least one condition is met before a pre-configured location session. In some embodiments, the terminal device may evaluate whether at least one condition is met periodically or non-periodically.

[0119] In some embodiments, based on the determination that at least one condition is not met, the terminal device may omit sending an instruction to initiate a location session. In some embodiments, based on the determination that at least one condition is not met, the terminal device may send an instruction not to initiate a location session to a first network device or a second network device.

[0120] In some embodiments, the terminal device can monitor at least one signal in a first state. Based on determining that at least one condition is met, the terminal device can transition from the first state to a second state.

[0121] In some embodiments, the terminal device may monitor at least one signal in a first state. Based on the determination that at least one condition is not met, the terminal device may remain in the first state.

[0122] In some embodiments, the terminal device may acquire initial signal measurements in a second state. In some embodiments, the first state includes either an idle state or an inactive state, and the second state includes a connected state.

[0123] In some embodiments, the terminal device includes a main radio (MR) and a low-power wake-up receiver (LP-WUR). Monitoring is performed by the LP-WUR. Based on determining that at least one condition is met, the terminal device may activate the MR. Based on determining that at least one condition is not met, the terminal device may keep the MR deactivated. In some embodiments, the first network device is an access network device, and the second network device is a core network device.

[0124] Figure 5 The illustration shows a schematic diagram of a method 500 implemented at a first network device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. For the purposes of discussion, it will be explained from the following... Figure 2 The angle description method 500 for the first network device 210 shown.

[0125] like Figure 5 As shown, at block 510, the first network device 210 sends a configuration associated with at least one condition for initiating a location session to the terminal device. At block 520, the first network device 210 sends at least one signal to the terminal device for evaluating at least one condition. At block 530, the first network device 210 receives an instruction from the terminal device to initiate a location session.

[0126] In some embodiments, at least one signal includes at least one of the following: at least one wake-up signal (WUS); at least one WUS beacon; or one or more signals other than WUS and WUS beacon.

[0127] In some embodiments, the first network device may receive the configuration from the second network device. In some embodiments, the first network device may send the configuration to the second network device.

[0128] In some embodiments, the configuration is sent to the terminal device via broadcast system information. In some embodiments, the configuration is sent to the terminal device via a dedicated message, wherein the dedicated message is a Location Protocol (PP) message.

[0129] In some embodiments, the configuration includes at least one of the following: at least one threshold associated with at least one condition; at least one candidate threshold for at least one condition; a period associated with the evaluation of at least one condition; or a time window for monitoring at least one signal.

[0130] In some embodiments, the first network device may receive from the terminal device at least one threshold associated with at least one condition from at least one candidate threshold.

[0131] In some embodiments, at least one threshold includes at least one of the following: a threshold for path loss, a threshold for signal strength, a threshold for angle of arrival, a threshold for direction of arrival, a threshold for path loss change, a threshold for signal strength change, a threshold for angle of arrival change, a threshold for direction of arrival change, or a threshold for the number of failures to decode one or more of at least one signal.

[0132] In some embodiments, the first network device may send an instruction to the second network device to initiate a location session.

[0133] In some embodiments, the first network device may receive an instruction from the terminal device not to initiate a location session; and send an instruction not to initiate a location session to the second network device. In some embodiments, the first network device is an access network device, and the second network device is a core network device.

[0134] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a method 600 implemented at a second network device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated. For the purposes of discussion, it will be explained from the following... Figure 2 The angle description method 600 for the second network device 240 shown.

[0135] like Figure 6 As shown, at block 610, the second network device 240 sends or receives from the first network device or terminal device a configuration associated with at least one condition for initiating a location session based on signal monitoring of at least one signal. At block 620, the second network device 240 receives from the first network device or terminal device an instruction to initiate a location session with the terminal device.

[0136] In some embodiments, at least one signal includes at least one of the following: at least one wake-up signal (WUS); at least one WUS beacon; or one or more signals other than WUS and WUS beacon.

[0137] In some embodiments, the configuration includes at least one of the following: at least one threshold associated with at least one condition; at least one candidate threshold for at least one condition; a period associated with the evaluation of at least one condition; or a time window for monitoring at least one signal.

[0138] In some embodiments, the second network device may receive from the first network device or the terminal device at least one threshold associated with at least one condition from at least one candidate threshold.

[0139] In some embodiments, at least one threshold includes at least one of the following: a threshold for path loss, a threshold for signal strength, a threshold for angle of arrival, a threshold for direction of arrival, a threshold for path loss change, a threshold for signal strength change, a threshold for angle of arrival change, a threshold for direction of arrival change, or a threshold for the number of failures in decoding one or more of at least one signal.

[0140] In some embodiments, the second network device may monitor for an indication to initiate a location session with the terminal device before a pre-configured location session; and based on determining that an indication to initiate a location session does not exist, or based on receiving an indication not to initiate a location session, the initiation of the pre-configured location session is omitted, wherein the location result of the terminal device in the previously initiated location session is valid. In some embodiments, the first network device is an access network device, and the second network device is a core network device.

[0141] In some embodiments, an apparatus capable of performing any of the methods 400 (e.g., terminal device 220) may include components for performing the corresponding steps of method 400. These components may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the components may be implemented in a circuit system or a software module.

[0142] In some embodiments, the apparatus may include: components for monitoring at least one signal from a first network device; components for evaluating, based on the monitoring, whether at least one condition for initiating a location session is met; and components for sending an indication to the first network device or a second network device to initiate a location session based on determining that at least one condition is met.

[0143] In some embodiments, at least one signal includes at least one of the following: at least one wake-up signal (WUS); at least one WUS beacon; or one or more signals other than WUS and WUS beacon.

[0144] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include components for receiving configurations associated with at least one condition from a first network device or a second network device.

[0145] In some embodiments, the configuration is received via broadcast system information. In some embodiments, the configuration is received via a dedicated message, wherein the dedicated message is a Location Protocol (PP) message.

[0146] In some embodiments, the configuration includes at least one of the following: at least one threshold associated with at least one condition; at least one candidate threshold for at least one condition; resource configuration for at least one signal; period associated with evaluation; or time window for monitoring at least one signal.

[0147] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include components for selecting at least one threshold associated with at least one condition from at least one candidate threshold; and components for sending the selected at least one threshold to a first network device or a second network device.

[0148] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include components for determining at least one threshold associated with at least one condition. In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include components for transmitting the determined at least one threshold to a first network device or a second network device.

[0149] In some embodiments, the component for evaluating whether at least one condition is met may include at least one of the following: a component for comparing a measurement of at least one signal with at least one threshold associated with at least one condition; or a component for comparing the difference between a measurement of at least one signal and an initial signal measurement with at least one threshold associated with at least one condition. In some embodiments, the initial signal measurement is associated with at least one of the following: WUS, a WUS beacon, or a positioning reference signal.

[0150] In some embodiments, at least one threshold includes at least one of the following: a threshold for path loss, a threshold for signal strength, a threshold for angle of arrival, a threshold for direction of arrival, a threshold for path loss change, a threshold for signal strength change, a threshold for angle of arrival change, a threshold for direction of arrival change, or a threshold for the number of failures in decoding one or more of the at least one monitored signal.

[0151] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include components for determining whether at least one condition is met. The components for determining whether at least one condition is met may include components for determining a failure to decode one or more of the at least one monitored signal, wherein the number of signals among the one or more signals reaches a threshold associated with the at least one condition.

[0152] In some embodiments, the component for evaluating whether at least one condition is met may include a component for evaluating whether at least one condition is met prior to a pre-configured location session. In some embodiments, the component for evaluating whether at least one condition is met may include a component for periodically or non-periodically evaluating whether at least one condition is met.

[0153] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include components for omitting the sending of an indication to initiate a location session based on the determination that at least one condition is not met. In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include components for sending an indication not to initiate a location session to a first network device or a second network device based on the determination that at least one condition is not met.

[0154] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include components for monitoring at least one signal in a first state; and components for transitioning from the first state to a second state based on determining that at least one condition is met. In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include components for monitoring at least one signal in the first state; and components for remaining in the first state based on determining that at least one condition is not met.

[0155] In some embodiments, the device may further include components for acquiring initial signal measurements in the second state. In some embodiments, the first state includes either an idle state or an inactive state, and the second state includes a connected state.

[0156] In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a master radio (MR) and a low-power wake-up receiver (LP-WUR). Monitoring is performed by the LP-WUR. The apparatus may also include components for activating the MR based on determining that at least one condition is met; or for keeping the MR deactivated based on determining that at least one condition is not met. In some embodiments, the first network device is an access network device, and the second network device is a core network device.

[0157] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include components for performing additional steps of some embodiments of method 400. In some embodiments, the components may include at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured, together with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to execute.

[0158] In some embodiments, an apparatus capable of performing any of the methods 500 (e.g., the first network device 210) may include components for performing the corresponding steps of method 500. These components may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the components may be implemented in a circuit system or a software module.

[0159] In some embodiments, the apparatus may include: a component for sending to a terminal device a configuration associated with at least one condition for initiating a location session; a component for sending to the terminal device at least one signal for evaluating at least one condition; and a component for receiving from the terminal device an indication to initiate a location session.

[0160] In some embodiments, at least one signal includes at least one of the following: at least one wake-up signal (WUS); at least one WUS beacon; or one or more signals other than WUS and WUS beacon.

[0161] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include components for receiving the configuration from the second network device. In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include components for sending the configuration to the second network device.

[0162] In some embodiments, the configuration is sent to the terminal device via broadcast system information. In some embodiments, the configuration is sent to the terminal device via a dedicated message, wherein the dedicated message is a Location Protocol (PP) message.

[0163] In some embodiments, the configuration includes at least one of the following: at least one threshold associated with at least one condition; at least one candidate threshold for at least one condition; a period associated with the evaluation of at least one condition; or a time window for monitoring at least one signal.

[0164] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include components for receiving from a terminal device at least one threshold associated with at least one condition from at least one candidate threshold. In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include components for receiving from a terminal device at least one threshold associated with at least one condition.

[0165] In some embodiments, at least one threshold includes at least one of the following: a threshold for path loss, a threshold for signal strength, a threshold for angle of arrival, a threshold for direction of arrival, a threshold for path loss change, a threshold for signal strength change, a threshold for angle of arrival change, a threshold for direction of arrival change, or a threshold for the number of failures in decoding one or more of at least one signal.

[0166] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include a component for sending an instruction to a second network device to initiate a location session.

[0167] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include components for receiving an indication from a terminal device not to initiate a location session; and components for sending an indication not to initiate a location session to a second network device. In some embodiments, the first network device is an access network device, and the second network device is a core network device.

[0168] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include components for performing additional steps of some embodiments of method 500. In some embodiments, the components may include at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured, together with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to execute.

[0169] In some embodiments, an apparatus capable of performing any of the methods 600 (e.g., the second network device 240) may include components for performing the corresponding steps of method 600. These components may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the components may be implemented in a circuit system or a software module.

[0170] In some embodiments, the apparatus may include: a component for sending to or receiving from a first network device or terminal device a configuration associated with at least one condition for initiating a location session based on signal monitoring of at least one signal; and a component for receiving from the first network device or terminal device an indication for initiating a location session with the terminal device.

[0171] In some embodiments, at least one signal includes at least one of the following: at least one wake-up signal (WUS); at least one WUS beacon; or one or more signals other than WUS and WUS beacon.

[0172] In some embodiments, the configuration includes at least one of the following: at least one threshold associated with at least one condition; at least one candidate threshold for at least one condition; a period associated with the evaluation of at least one condition; or a time window for monitoring at least one signal.

[0173] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include a component for receiving from a first network device or a terminal device at least one threshold associated with at least one condition from at least one candidate threshold.

[0174] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include a component for receiving from a first network device or terminal device at least one threshold associated with at least one condition.

[0175] In some embodiments, at least one threshold includes at least one of the following: a threshold for path loss, a threshold for signal strength, a threshold for angle of arrival, a threshold for direction of arrival, a threshold for path loss change, a threshold for signal strength change, a threshold for angle of arrival change, a threshold for direction of arrival change, or a threshold for the number of failures in decoding one or more of at least one signal.

[0176] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include components for monitoring an indication to initiate a location session with a terminal device prior to a pre-configured location session; and components for omitting the initiation of a pre-configured location session based on determining that an indication to initiate a location session does not exist, or based on receiving an indication not to initiate a location session, wherein the location result of the terminal device in a previously initiated location session is valid. In some embodiments, the first network device is an access network device, and the second network device is a core network device.

[0177] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include components for performing additional steps of some embodiments of method 600. In some embodiments, the components may include at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured, together with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to execute.

[0178] Figure 7 This is a simplified block diagram of a device 700 suitable for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure. The device 700 can be provided to implement a communication device, for example, as... Figure 1A The network entity shown is in the terminal device 120, access network device 110, or core network 140. As shown, device 700 includes one or more processors 710, one or more memories 720 coupled to processor 710, and one or more communication modules 740 coupled to processor 710.

[0179] The communication module 740 is used for bidirectional communication. The communication module 740 has at least one antenna to facilitate communication. The communication interface can represent any interface required for communication with other network elements.

[0180] Processor 710 can be of any type suitable for a local technology network, and by way of non-limiting example, can include one or more of the following: general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, microprocessor, digital signal processor (DSP), and processor based on a multi-core processor architecture. Device 700 can have multiple processors, such as application-specific integrated circuit chips that are time-dependent on a clock synchronized with the main processor.

[0181] Memory 720 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) 724, electrically programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, hard disk, compact disc (CD), digital video disc (DVD), and other magnetic and / or optical storage devices. Examples of volatile memories include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM) 722 and other volatile memories that do not persist during power outages.

[0182] Computer program 730 includes computer-executable instructions that are executed by an associated processor 710. Program 730 may be stored in ROM 724. Processor 710 may perform any suitable actions and processes by loading program 730 into RAM 722.

[0183] The embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented via program 730, enabling device 700 to execute reference... Figures 2 to 6 Any process discussed in this disclosure. Embodiments of this disclosure may also be implemented by hardware or by a combination of software and hardware.

[0184] In some embodiments, program 730 may be tangibly contained in a computer-readable medium, which may be included in device 700 (such as memory 720) or other storage device accessible to device 700. Device 700 may load program 730 from the computer-readable medium into RAM 722 for execution. The computer-readable medium may include any type of tangible non-volatile memory, such as ROM, EPROM, flash memory, hard disk, CD, DVD, etc. Figure 8 An example of a computer-readable medium 800 in the form of a CD or DVD is shown. A program 730 is stored on the computer-readable medium.

[0185] Generally, the various embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented using hardware or dedicated circuitry, software, logic, or any combination thereof. Some aspects can be implemented using hardware, while others can be implemented using firmware or software that can be executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device. Although various aspects of the embodiments of this disclosure are illustrated and described as block diagrams, flowcharts, or using some other graphical representation, it should be understood that, as non-limiting examples, the blocks, apparatuses, systems, techniques, or methods described herein can be implemented using hardware, software, firmware, dedicated circuitry or logic, general-purpose hardware or controllers or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

[0186] This disclosure also provides at least one computer program product tangibly stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The computer program product includes computer-executable instructions, such as instructions included in a program module, which execute in a device on a target real or virtual processor to perform the above-mentioned... Figures 4-6 The method described is 400 or 600. Typically, a program module includes routines, programs, libraries, objects, classes, components, data structures, etc., that perform specific tasks or implement specific abstract data types. In various embodiments, the functionality of a program module can be combined or split among program modules as needed. The machine-executable instructions of a program module can be executed on a local or distributed device. In a distributed device, a program module can reside on both local and remote storage media.

[0187] Program code used to perform the methods of this disclosure may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. This program code may be provided to a processor or controller of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus, such that when executed by the processor or controller, the program code causes the functions / operations specified in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams to be implemented. The program code may be executed entirely on a machine, partially on a machine, as a stand-alone software package, partially on a machine and partially on a remote machine, or entirely on a remote machine or server.

[0188] 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.

[0189] 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 of the foregoing. More specific examples of computer-readable storage media will include electrical connections having one or more wires, portable computer floppy disks, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), optical fiber, portable optical disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. The term "non-transient" as used herein is a limitation on the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not signaling), not a limitation on the persistence of data storage (e.g., RAM and ROM).

[0190] Furthermore, although operations are described in a specific order, this should not be construed as requiring the operations to be performed in the specific order shown or sequentially, or to perform all of the shown operations to obtain the desired result. In some cases, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Similarly, while several specific implementation details are included in the foregoing discussion, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to particular embodiments. Certain features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, the various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented individually or in any suitable sub-combination in multiple embodiments.

[0191] 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 or actions described above are disclosed as exemplary forms of implementing the claims.

Claims

1. A terminal device, comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the terminal device to at least: Monitor at least one signal from the first network device; Based on the monitoring, assess whether at least one condition initiated for the location session is met; and Based on the determination that at least one condition is met, an instruction to initiate a location session is sent to the first network device or the second network device.

2. The terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one signal comprises at least one of the following: At least one wake-up signal (WUS). At least one WUS beacon, or One or more signals that are different from WUS and WUS beacons.

3. The terminal device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the terminal device is further configured to: Receive configuration associated with the at least one condition from the first network device or the second network device.

4. The terminal device according to claim 3, wherein at least one of the following: The configuration is received via broadcast system information; or The configuration is received via a dedicated message, wherein the dedicated message is a Positioning Protocol (PP) message.

5. The terminal device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the configuration includes at least one of the following: At least one threshold associated with the at least one condition; At least one candidate threshold for the at least one condition; Resource configuration for the at least one of the signals; The period associated with the assessment; or A time window for monitoring the at least one signal.

6. The terminal device according to claim 5, wherein the terminal device is further configured to: Select at least one threshold associated with the at least one condition from the at least one candidate threshold; and Send the selected at least one threshold to the first network device.

7. The terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the terminal device is further configured to: Determine at least one threshold associated with the at least one condition.

8. The terminal device according to claim 7, wherein the terminal device is further configured to: The determined threshold is sent to the first network device or the second network device.

9. The terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the terminal device is configured to evaluate whether the at least one condition is satisfied by at least one of the following: The measurement of the at least one signal is compared with at least one threshold associated with the at least one condition; or The difference between the measurement of the at least one signal and the initial signal measurement is compared with at least one threshold associated with the at least one condition.

10. The terminal device of claim 9, wherein the initial signal measurement is associated with at least one of the following: WUS WUS beacon, or Positioning reference signal.

11. The terminal device according to any one of claims 5 to 10, wherein the at least one threshold comprises at least one of the following: Regarding the threshold for path loss, Regarding the threshold for signal strength, Regarding the threshold for the angle of arrival, For the threshold of the arrival direction, Threshold for changes in path loss Threshold for changes in signal strength Threshold for changes in the angle of arrival, Threshold for changes in arrival direction, or A threshold for the number of failures of one or more of the at least one signal monitored during decoding.

12. The terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the terminal device is configured to determine that the at least one condition is satisfied by: Determine the failure of decoding one or more of the at least one monitored signal, wherein the number of the one or more signals reaches a threshold associated with the at least one condition.

13. The terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the terminal device is configured to: evaluate whether the at least one condition is satisfied before a pre-configured location session.

14. The terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the terminal device is configured to periodically or non-periodically evaluate whether the at least one condition is satisfied.

15. The terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the terminal device is further configured to: Based on the determination that at least one of the conditions is not met, the instruction to initiate a location session is omitted; or Based on the determination that at least one condition is not met, an indication not to initiate a location session is sent to the first network device or the second network device.

16. The terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the terminal device is configured to monitor the at least one signal in a first state, and the terminal device is further configured to: Based on the determination that at least one condition is met, the state transitions from the first state to the second state; or Based on the determination that at least one of the conditions is not met, the state remains in the first state.

17. The terminal device according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the terminal device is further configured to: The initial signal measurement is obtained in the second state.

18. The terminal device according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the first state includes either an idle state or an inactive state, and the second state includes a connected state.

19. The terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the terminal device comprises a main radio (MR) and a low-power wake-up receiver (LP-WUR), the monitoring being performed by the LP-WUR, and wherein the terminal device is further configured to: The MR is activated based on the determination that at least one of the conditions is met; or Based on the determination that at least one of the conditions is not met, the MR remains deactivated.

20. The terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the first network device is an access network device and the second network device is a core network device.

21. A first network device, comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first network device to at least: Send the configuration associated with at least one condition initiated for the location session to the terminal device; Sending at least one signal to the terminal device for evaluating the at least one condition; and Receive an instruction to initiate a location session from the terminal device.

22. The first network device of claim 21, wherein the at least one signal comprises at least one of the following: At least one wake-up signal (WUS); At least one WUS beacon; or One or more signals that are different from WUS and WUS beacons.

23. The first network device according to claim 21 or 22, wherein the first network device is further configured to: Receive the configuration from the second network device; or Send the configuration to the second network device.

24. The first network device according to any one of claims 21 to 23, wherein at least one of the following: The configuration is sent to the terminal device via broadcast system information; or The configuration is sent to the terminal device via a dedicated message, wherein the dedicated message is a Location Protocol (PP) message.

25. The first network device according to any one of claims 21 to 24, wherein the configuration includes at least one of the following: At least one threshold associated with the at least one condition; At least one candidate threshold for the at least one condition; The period associated with the evaluation of at least one of the conditions; or A time window for monitoring the at least one signal.

26. The first network device according to claim 25, wherein the first network device is further configured to: Receive from the terminal device at least one threshold associated with the at least one condition from the at least one candidate threshold.

27. The first network device according to any one of claims 21 to 25, wherein the first network device is further configured to: Receive at least one threshold associated with the at least one condition from the terminal device.

28. The first network device according to any one of claims 25 to 27, wherein the at least one threshold comprises at least one of the following: Regarding the threshold for path loss, Regarding the threshold for signal strength, Regarding the threshold for the angle of arrival, For the threshold of the arrival direction, Threshold for changes in path loss Threshold for changes in signal strength Threshold for changes in the angle of arrival, Threshold for changes in arrival direction, or A threshold for the number of failures in decoding one or more of the at least one signal.

29. The first network device according to any one of claims 21 to 28, wherein the first network device is further configured to: Send the instruction to the second network device to initiate the location session.

30. The first network device according to any one of claims 21 to 28, wherein the first network device is further configured to: Receive an instruction from the terminal device not to initiate a location session; and Send the instruction to the second network device not to initiate the location session.

31. The first network device according to any one of claims 23, 29 or 30, wherein the first network device is an access network device and the second network device is a core network device.

32. A second network device, comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the second network device to at least: Sending to or receiving from a first network device or terminal device a configuration associated with at least one condition, the at least one condition being used to initiate a location session based on signal monitoring of at least one signal; as well as Receive an instruction from the first network device or the terminal device to initiate a location session with the terminal device.

33. The second network device of claim 32, wherein the at least one signal comprises at least one of the following: At least one wake-up signal (WUS); At least one WUS beacon; or One or more signals that are different from WUS and WUS beacons.

34. The second network device according to claim 32 or 33, wherein the configuration includes at least one of the following: At least one threshold associated with the at least one condition; At least one candidate threshold for the at least one condition; The period associated with the evaluation of at least one of the conditions; or A time window for monitoring the at least one signal.

35. The second network device according to claim 34, wherein the second network device is further configured to: Receive at least one threshold associated with the at least one condition from the at least one candidate threshold from the first network device or the terminal device.

36. The second network device according to any one of claims 32 to 34, wherein the second network device is further configured to: Receive at least one threshold associated with the at least one condition from the first network device or the terminal device.

37. The second network device according to any one of claims 34 to 36, wherein the at least one threshold comprises at least one of the following: Regarding the threshold for path loss, Regarding the threshold for signal strength, Regarding the threshold for the angle of arrival, For the threshold of the arrival direction, Threshold for changes in path loss Threshold for changes in signal strength Threshold for changes in the angle of arrival, Threshold for changes in arrival direction, or A threshold for the number of failures in decoding one or more of the at least one signal.

38. The second network device according to any one of claims 32 to 37, wherein the second network device is further configured to: Before a pre-configured location session, monitor for an indication to initiate a location session with the terminal device; and The initiation of the pre-configured location session is omitted based on the determination that an indication to initiate a location session does not exist, or based on the receipt of an indication not to initiate a location session, wherein the location result of the terminal device in the previously initiated location session is valid.

39. The second network device according to any one of claims 32 to 38, wherein the first network device is an access network device and the second network device is a core network device.

40. A method executed by a terminal device, comprising: Monitor at least one signal from the first network device; Based on the monitoring, it is assessed whether at least one condition initiated for the location session is met; as well as Based on the determination that at least one condition is met, an instruction to initiate a location session is sent to the first network device or the second network device.

41. A method performed by a first network device, comprising: Send the configuration associated with at least one condition initiated for the location session to the terminal device; Sending at least one signal to the terminal device for evaluating the at least one condition; and Receive an instruction to initiate a location session from the terminal device.

42. A method performed by a second network device, comprising: Sending to or receiving from a first network device or terminal device a configuration associated with at least one condition, the at least one condition being used to initiate a location session based on signal monitoring of at least one signal; as well as Receive an instruction from the first network device or the terminal device to initiate a location session with the terminal device.

43. A communication apparatus, comprising: Components used to monitor at least one signal from a first network device; A component for evaluating, based on the monitoring, whether at least one condition initiated for a location session is met; as well as A component for sending an indication to initiate a location session to the first network device or the second network device based on determining that at least one condition is met.

44. An apparatus for communication, comprising: A component for sending configurations associated with at least one condition initiated for a location session to a terminal device; A component for sending at least one signal to the terminal device for evaluating the at least one condition; as well as A component for receiving an instruction to initiate a location session from the terminal device.

45. A communication apparatus, comprising: Components for sending to or receiving from a first network device or terminal device a configuration associated with at least one condition, said at least one condition for initiating a location session based on signal monitoring of at least one signal; as well as A component for receiving an indication from the first network device or the terminal device to initiate a location session with the terminal device.

46. ​​A computer-readable medium comprising program instructions that, when executed by a device, cause the device to perform at least one of the methods according to claims 40 to 42.

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