Positioning method, apparatus, storage medium, and program product

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a positioning method, device, storage medium and program product, relates to the technical field of communication, and is used for improving the reliability of communication. The method comprises the following steps: a terminal device acquires first information, the first information is used for assisting the terminal device in performing reference signal measurement; and the terminal device measures a reference signal from a network node according to the first information to obtain signal measurement information; wherein the signal measurement information is used for determining positioning information of the terminal device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a positioning method, apparatus, storage medium, and program product. Background Technology

[0002] Non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) refer to ubiquitous, three-dimensional communication networks that utilize non-terrestrial communication infrastructure such as satellites and high-altitude platforms (e.g., drones, stratospheric balloons). Currently, user equipment (UEs) in NTN scenarios are typically pre-configured with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) capabilities. For example, they can acquire geographic location information through GNSS measurements and, in conjunction with auxiliary data such as satellite ephemeris and common timing advance (TA), complete uplink transmission timing advance compensation and Doppler shift pre-correction.

[0003] However, GNSS systems and communication systems are independent of each other in terms of physical layer, network architecture, and service availability. In some scenarios (such as electromagnetic interference, GNSS signal controlled areas, etc.), there may be situations where NTN communication links are available, but the UE loses its access capability because it cannot obtain GNSS positioning information. This will severely restrict the reliability of NTN communication and its coverage capability in multiple scenarios. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This disclosure provides a positioning method, apparatus, storage medium, and program product for improving the reliability of communication.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present disclosure adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] In a first aspect, this disclosure provides a positioning method applied to a terminal device, the method comprising:

[0007] Acquire first information, which is used to assist the terminal device in measuring reference signals;

[0008] Based on the first information, reference signals from network nodes are measured to obtain signal measurement information; wherein, the signal measurement information is used to determine the positioning information of the terminal device.

[0009] Secondly, this disclosure also provides a communication device, comprising:

[0010] The acquisition module is used to acquire first information, which is used to assist the terminal device in measuring reference signals.

[0011] The measurement module is used to measure reference signals from network nodes based on first information to obtain signal measurement information; wherein, the signal measurement information is used to determine the positioning information of the terminal device.

[0012] Thirdly, a communication device is provided, comprising: a processor and a memory; the memory storing processor-executable instructions; when the processor is configured to execute the instructions, causing the communication device to implement any of the methods provided in the first aspect above.

[0013] Fourthly, a computer-readable storage medium is provided that stores computer instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform any of the methods provided in the first aspect.

[0014] Fifthly, a computer program product comprising computer instructions is provided, which, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform any of the methods provided in the first aspect.

[0015] Based on the technical solution provided in this disclosure, reference signal measurement can be performed in conjunction with the first information to obtain positioning information and achieve positioning based on the terminal device. Thus, without relying on GNSS, the terminal device can still perform positioning even when it lacks GNSS capability or GNSS is temporarily unavailable, thereby ensuring communication of the terminal device (e.g., NTNT communication) and improving communication reliability. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The accompanying drawings are provided to further understand the technical solutions of this disclosure and constitute a part of the specification. They are used together with the embodiments of this disclosure to explain the technical solutions of this disclosure and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions of this disclosure.

[0017] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an NTN architecture provided in this disclosure embodiment;

[0018] Figure 2 A schematic diagram illustrating the coverage area of ​​a satellite according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a positioning system provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of another positioning system provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating a positioning method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0022] Figure 6A schematic diagram illustrating time-related information corresponding to different satellites, provided as an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0023] Figure 7 A schematic diagram illustrating time-related information corresponding to another different satellite as provided in this embodiment of the disclosure;

[0024] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a multi-cycle provided for an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0025] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of a time window provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0026] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of another time window provided for an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0027] Figure 11 A schematic diagram of yet another time window provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0028] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of yet another time window provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0029] Figure 13 A schematic diagram of yet another time window provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0030] Figure 14 A schematic diagram of yet another time window provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0031] Figure 15 A schematic diagram of yet another time window provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0032] Figure 16 A schematic diagram of yet another time window provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0033] Figure 17 A waveform diagram provided for an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0034] Figure 18 A schematic diagram illustrating measurement times for different satellites, provided as an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0035] Figure 19 A schematic diagram of a reference signal measurement process provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0036] Figure 20 A schematic diagram illustrating a resource conflict provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0037] Figure 21 A schematic diagram illustrating another resource conflict provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0038] Figure 22A schematic diagram illustrating a solution to the problem of overlapping different satellite signals provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0039] Figure 23 This is a schematic diagram of the composition of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0040] Figure 24 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0041] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this disclosure, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0042] Unless the context otherwise requires, throughout the specification and claims, the term "comprise" and its other forms, such as the third-person singular "comprises" and the present participle "comprising," are interpreted as open-ended and encompassing, meaning "including, but not limited to." In the description of the specification, terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "exemplary embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., are intended to indicate that a particular feature, structure, material, or characteristic associated with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this disclosure. The illustrative representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics mentioned may be included in any suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0043] The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this disclosure, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0044] In this disclosure, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design described as "exemplary" or "for example" in this disclosure should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Specifically, the use of terms such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0045] In addition, the use of “based on” implies openness and inclusivity, because processes, steps, calculations or other actions “based on” one or more of the stated conditions or values ​​may in practice be based on additional conditions or values ​​beyond those stated.

[0046] To improve the reliability and multi-scenario coverage of NTN communication, this disclosure provides a positioning method. Based on this method, a terminal device can acquire first information to assist in reference signal measurement, and then measure reference signals from network nodes according to the first information to obtain signal measurement information. The signal measurement information is used to determine the positioning information of the terminal device. In this way, the first information can be combined with reference signal measurement to obtain positioning information, achieving positioning based on the terminal device. Thus, without relying on GNSS, the terminal device can still perform positioning even when it lacks GNSS capability or GNSS is temporarily unavailable, thereby ensuring communication and improving communication reliability.

[0047] The technical solutions provided in this disclosure can be applied to various communication systems, such as: Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, Advanced Long Term Evolution (LTE-A) systems, LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) systems, LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD) systems, Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) systems, next-generation communication systems (e.g., fifth-generation (5G) systems), converged systems of multiple access systems, or evolved systems; the three major application scenarios of 5G mobile communication systems: enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC), various machine-type communication (MTC) systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems (e.g., vehicle-to-everything (V2X) systems), or new communication systems that will emerge in the future. The technical solutions provided in this disclosure can also be applied to future communication systems, such as sixth-generation mobile communication systems. This disclosure does not limit these applications.

[0048] In practical network deployments, terrestrial networks cannot cover all areas, especially sparsely populated regions such as deserts, oceans, and the Arctic and Antarctic. Non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) offer wide coverage and are more likely to provide coverage in sparsely populated areas, making them suitable for deployment in such locations. The embodiments disclosed herein can also be applied to NTN network communications.

[0049] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an NTN architecture provided in this disclosure. Figure 1 As shown, the NTN architecture includes a satellite, UE1, UEx, and access network equipment. UE1 and UEx can be in the same cell.

[0050] In this context, satellites can also be referred to as satellite nodes, network nodes, communication satellites, etc. Satellites can be geostationary Earth orbit (GEO) satellites or non-geostationary orbit (NGEO) satellites. They can also be high-orbit satellites, medium-orbit satellites, low-orbit satellites, high-altitude platform stations, etc. In the NTN architecture, satellites can act as airborne base stations or relay stations, used to receive signals from ground UEs or gateway stations, and to forward or process them.

[0051] User equipment (e.g., UE1, UEx) can be a device with wireless transceiver capabilities, which can be deployed on land, such as indoors or outdoors; on water (e.g., on ships); or in the air (e.g., on airplanes, balloons, satellites, drones, etc.). The terminal can be a mobile phone, tablet, computer with wireless transceiver capabilities, virtual reality (VR) terminal, augmented reality (AR) terminal, wireless terminal in industrial control, wireless terminal in self-driving, wireless terminal in remote medical care, wireless terminal in smart grid, wireless terminal in transportation safety, wireless terminal in smart city, wireless terminal in smart home, etc. The embodiments of this disclosure do not limit the application scenarios. User equipment may also be referred to as a terminal, terminal device, UE unit, UE station, mobile station, mobile device, UE agent, or UE device, etc., and the embodiments of this disclosure do not limit this. In this disclosure, the user equipment may also have the ability to communicate with a satellite, for example, the user equipment supports satellite communication protocols.

[0052] Access network equipment, also known as NTN base stations or ground equipment, can be installed on the Earth's surface (including on ships or aircraft) and is capable of satellite communication. Examples include information observation stations, gateway stations, and ground stations, enabling data exchange between the satellite and the ground core network. Specifically, access network equipment can transmit signaling and service data with the satellite.

[0053] The link between the UE and the satellite is a service link, while the link between access network equipment (such as base stations and gateways) and the satellite is a feeder link. For all UEs within the same cell (such as...), Figure 1 For UE1 and UEx shown in the figure, the feeder link can be common.

[0054] In NTN systems, pre-compensation techniques can be used during uplink synchronization. The UE can geometrically calculate and estimate the timing advance (TA) of the service link based on its location (e.g., obtained via GNSS positioning) and the satellite's location (e.g., obtained from satellite ephemeris and epoch time indicated by the network side), and perform pre-compensation accordingly. For the common TA of the feeder link, the UE can also estimate it using common TA parameters indicated by the network side (e.g., common TA, common TA rate of change, common TA second-order rate of change) and epoch time, and perform corresponding pre-compensation. Furthermore, the UE can derive and pre-compensate for the Doppler shift of the service link based on its location, velocity, satellite location, and satellite velocity. In summary, when the UE knows its own location and velocity (e.g., obtained from GNSS) and obtains auxiliary information indicated by the network side (e.g., ephemeris, common TA, epoch time), the UE can estimate and pre-compensate for TA and Doppler shift. This reduces the residual TA and Doppler effects that require network-side processing, narrowing the difference from traditional terrestrial networks and keeping them within the tolerance range of the Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) preamble format.

[0055] In NTN systems, beam skipping is a technique that can extend the service range of a satellite. Due to their high orbits, a single satellite can cover a large area of ​​the Earth's surface. However, limited by the satellite's hardware capabilities, the number of beams a single satellite can simultaneously fire is limited. This means that a satellite cannot provide service to all areas within its coverage area at the same time; the coverage range of a satellite can be limited as follows: Figure 2 As shown, there are simultaneously served wave positions. Therefore, to improve satellite coverage, beam hopping technology can be used. Specifically, beam hopping technology allows a satellite to adjust the direction of its beam over time, serving different wave positions in a time-division manner. In this way, the number of wave positions that a satellite can serve is increased, thereby expanding its service range. Thus, the number of wave positions a satellite can serve can be increased, i.e., the service range can be improved.

[0056] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the architecture of a positioning system provided in this disclosure is shown, such as... Figure 3As shown, the UE is within the coverage area of ​​anchor points 31, 32, 33, and 34. The time delays between these four anchor points and the UE are delays 31, 32, 33, and 34, respectively. The UE's location can be determined by combining these time delays between the four anchor points and the UE. In this disclosure, an anchor point can be a network node / aircraft / satellite / base station / transmission reception point (TRP) / UE, or it can refer to the location of a network node / aircraft / satellite / base station / TRP / UE at a certain point in time. This disclosure primarily uses the case where the anchor point is a satellite as an example, but the technical solutions and methods involved can also be applied to cases where the anchor point refers to other concepts.

[0057] It should be noted that satellites may be mobile. Therefore, when performing positioning, in addition to treating different satellites (positions) as different anchor points, the position of the same satellite at different points in time can also be treated as different anchor points, such as... Figure 4 As shown, the UE is within the coverage area of ​​anchor points 41, 42, 43, and 44. The time delays between these four anchor points and the UE are time delay 41, time delay 42, time delay 43, and time delay 44, respectively. Among them, anchor point 41 is the position of satellite 1 at time T0, anchor point 42 is the position of satellite 1 at time T1, anchor point 43 is the position of satellite 2 at time T0, and anchor point 44 is the position of satellite 2 at time T1.

[0058] It should be noted that the above-provided diagrams are merely exemplary architecture diagrams. The number of devices included in the diagrams and the names of each device are not limited. In addition to the devices shown in the diagrams, other devices, such as relay nodes, may also be included.

[0059] The application scenarios of the embodiments disclosed herein are not limited. The system architecture and business scenarios described in the embodiments of this disclosure are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this disclosure. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0060] The embodiments provided in this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0061] like Figure 5 As shown, this disclosure provides a positioning method, which is applied to a terminal device and includes:

[0062] S101, Obtain first information.

[0063] The first information is used to assist the terminal device in measuring the reference signal. For example, the first information may be a set of configuration parameters or indication information to assist in completing the reference signal measurement. It can provide the terminal device with the reference or auxiliary information required for measuring the reference signal, thereby reducing measurement complexity, improving measurement accuracy, and ultimately supporting the positioning calculation of the terminal device. In some embodiments, the first information may be provided to the terminal device by the network-side device.

[0064] In this disclosure, the first information may also be referred to as auxiliary information, positioning auxiliary information, measurement reference information, second information, or other possible names, and this disclosure does not specifically limit it.

[0065] In this disclosure, network-side equipment may include satellite gateways, access network equipment such as base stations, gateway stations, terrestrial core network equipment, or other possible equipment.

[0066] In some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0067] The transmission information of the reference signal, the time information of the network node, the time domain information of the reference signal, the frequency domain information of the reference signal, the spatial domain information of the reference signal, the code domain information of the reference signal, the polarization information of the reference signal, the frequency domain resource information used by the network node during communication, the spatial domain resource information used by the network node during communication, the code domain resource information used by the network node during communication, and the polarization domain resource information used by the network node during communication.

[0068] The following sections provide detailed information on each item:

[0069] (1) Transmission information of reference signal

[0070] In some embodiments, the reference signals provided in this disclosure include, but are not limited to, one of the following: primary synchronization signal (PSS), secondary synchronization signal (SSS), demodulation reference signal (DMRS), synchronization signal block (SSB), positioning reference signal (PRS), sounding reference signal (SRS), cell reference signal (CRS), channel status information reference signal (CSI-RS), tracking reference signal (TRS), phase tracking reference signal (PTRS), random access preamble, monitoring or wake-up signals such as signals indicating coverage, or signals sent by other network-side devices or terminal devices.

[0071] In some embodiments, the transmission information of the reference signal includes at least one of the following:

[0072] The transmission period of the reference signal;

[0073] The start transmission time of the reference signal;

[0074] The number of times the reference signal is transmitted;

[0075] When there are multiple network nodes, the transmission order of reference signals from multiple network nodes;

[0076] The time interval between the transmission times of reference signals from different network nodes.

[0077] The transmission period of the reference signal refers to the time interval between the periodic repetition of the reference signal. For example, if the reference signal is sent once every 10ms, the transmission period of the reference signal is 10ms.

[0078] The start transmission time of the reference signal can be the time when the reference signal is first transmitted. It should be understood that based on the start transmission time of the reference signal, the terminal device can capture the reference signal more accurately. In some embodiments, the initial transmission information of the reference signal also includes the offset time of the reference signal, which can be the offset of the time when the reference signal is first transmitted relative to the system time.

[0079] The number of times a reference signal is transmitted refers to the number of times the same reference signal is repeatedly transmitted within a short period of time.

[0080] In some embodiments, the network nodes in this disclosure include at least one of the following: satellite, high-altitude platform, drone, aircraft, transceiver point, base station, gateway, synchronization reference point, cell, beam, and wave position.

[0081] In some embodiments, a network node includes at least one of a current network node, a location network node, a serving network node, and neighboring network nodes. Taking a satellite as an example, the transmission information of the aforementioned reference signal may include the transmission information of reference signals of at least one of the current satellite, serving satellite, neighboring satellite, and location satellite of the terminal device, which may also be referred to as relevant information of the reference signal.

[0082] Taking satellites as an example, when there are multiple network nodes, the transmission order of reference signals from multiple network nodes can be understood as the timing rules for multiple satellites (such as the current satellite, serving satellite, neighboring satellites, and positioning satellites) to send reference signals to the same terminal device area.

[0083] For example, the transmission order of reference signals from multiple network nodes can include the time sequence of all satellites that transmit reference signals to the area / band / beam / cell where the terminal device is located or the current area / band / beam / cell. For example... Figure 6 The diagram shows the UE's position / location / region, and the activation time / service time / measurement time / measurement interval / measurement timing / reference signal transmission time for satellites 1, 2, and 3. It can be seen that the transmission order of reference signals from multiple network nodes (satellite 1, satellite 2, and satellite 3) can be 2->3->1. In some embodiments, this transmission order can be indicated by the network-side device.

[0084] Alternatively, the transmission order of reference signals from multiple network nodes may include the next satellite to send a reference signal to the area / position / beam / cell where the terminal device is located or the current area / position / beam / cell. For example... Figure 6 As shown, when the satellite 2 service terminal equipment is located in the region / wavelength / beam / cell or the current region / wavelength / beam / cell, the network-side equipment can indicate that the next satellite is satellite 3 through the first information.

[0085] The time interval between transmission times of reference signals from different network nodes refers to the time difference / time interval / offset between reference signals transmitted by multiple satellites. Figure 6 For example, the network-side device can use the first information to indicate the time interval / offset between satellite 2 and satellite 3 transmitting reference signals, the time interval / offset between satellite 3 and satellite 1, the time interval / offset between satellite 1 and satellite 2, etc. When the time offset of the reference signals from different satellites is the same, the network-side device can also indicate only a general time interval / offset.

[0086] Alternatively, the time interval between transmissions of reference signals from different network nodes may also include the time interval between the next satellite transmitting a reference signal to the area / position / beam / cell where the terminal device is located or the current satellite transmitting a reference signal to the area / position / beam / cell where the terminal device is located or the current satellite transmitting a reference signal to the area / position / beam / cell where the terminal device is located or the current satellite transmitting a reference signal to the current satellite. Figure 6 For example, the network-side device can use the first information to indicate the area / wavelength / beam / cell where the satellite 2 service terminal device is located or the current area / wavelength / beam / cell, and then indicate the time interval / offset between the next satellite and the reference signal sent by satellite 2.

[0087] (2) Time information of network nodes

[0088] The time information of the network node includes the activation time and / or service time of the network node.

[0089] In some embodiments, the time information of a network node includes at least one of the following:

[0090] The period of time information of network nodes;

[0091] The start time of the network node's time information;

[0092] Duration of time information from network nodes;

[0093] When there are multiple network nodes, the order of time information of the multiple network nodes;

[0094] The time interval between time information of different network nodes.

[0095] The period of time information of network nodes refers to the time interval between the periodic entry of network nodes into active state / service state.

[0096] The start time of the network node's time information refers to the network node's first activation time and / or the network node's first service time. In some embodiments, the start time of the network node's time information may also include the offset time of the network node's time information, which may indicate the absolute time when the satellite began service or the offset relative to system time.

[0097] The duration of the time information of a network node can indicate the duration of continuous satellite service after a single activation.

[0098] For example, when there are multiple network nodes, the order of the time information of the multiple network nodes can include the time order of activation / service times of all satellites that cover the area / band / beam / cell where the terminal device is located or the current area / band / beam / cell. Figure 6 For example, the network-side device can indicate the sequence 2->3->1 through the first information.

[0099] Alternatively, when there are multiple network nodes, the order of the time information of the multiple network nodes can include the next satellite covering the area / band / beam / cell where the terminal device is located or the current area / band / beam / cell. Figure 6 For example, when the satellite 2 service terminal equipment is located in the region / wavelength / beam / cell or the current region / wavelength / beam / cell, the network-side equipment can indicate that the next satellite is satellite 3 through the first information.

[0100] For example, the time interval between time information from different network nodes can include the activation / service time interval / offset of all satellites covering the area / band / beam / cell where the terminal device is located or the current area / band / beam / cell. Figure 6 For example, the network-side device can indicate the time interval / offset of the activation / service time of satellite 2 and satellite 3, the time interval / offset of satellite 3 and satellite 1, the time interval / offset of satellite 1 and satellite 2, etc., through the first information. In some embodiments, when the time interval / offset of the activation / service time of different satellites is the same, the network-side device can also indicate only a common time interval / offset.

[0101] Alternatively, the time interval between time information from different network nodes can include the time interval / offset between the activation / service time of the satellites in the area / band / beam / cell where the next covering terminal device is located or the current area / band / beam / cell and the satellites in the area / band / beam / cell where the currently serving terminal device is located or the current area / band / beam / cell. Figure 6For example, when the satellite 2 service terminal equipment is located in the region / wavelength / beam / cell or the current region / wavelength / beam / cell, the network-side equipment can use the first information to indicate the time interval / offset between the activation / service time of the next satellite and satellite 2.

[0102] (3) Time-domain information of the reference signal

[0103] In some embodiments, the time-domain information of the reference signal is used to indicate the measurement time of the reference signal, and the measurement time includes at least one of a measurement time window, a measurement interval, or a measurement opportunity.

[0104] For example, taking a satellite as a network node, the time-domain information of the reference information may include measurement time windows, measurement intervals, and measurement timing information related to the current satellite / serving satellite / neighboring satellite / positioning satellite.

[0105] In some embodiments, the time-domain information includes at least one of the following:

[0106] The period of the measurement time of the reference signal;

[0107] The start time of the measurement time of the reference signal;

[0108] The length of the measurement time of the reference signal;

[0109] When there are multiple network nodes, the measurement time sequence of reference signals from multiple network nodes;

[0110] The time interval between measurements at different network nodes.

[0111] The period of the measurement time of the reference signal may include the period of the measurement time window / measurement interval / measurement timing of the reference signal.

[0112] The start time of the measurement time of the reference signal may include the measurement time window / measurement interval / measurement timing offset time or start time of the reference signal.

[0113] The length of the measurement time for the reference signal can include the length of the measurement time window / measurement interval / measurement timing of the reference signal.

[0114] When there are multiple network nodes, the measurement time sequence of reference signals from multiple network nodes can include the order of measurement time windows / measurement intervals / measurement timings of different satellites.

[0115] For example, the time interval between measurements at different network nodes can include all satellites that cover the area / wavelength / beam / cell where the terminal device is located or the current area / wavelength / beam / cell, and the order of measurement time windows / measurement intervals / measurement opportunities.

[0116] Alternatively, the time interval between measurements at different network nodes can include the sequence of measurement time windows / intervals / timings between the satellites of the area / position / beam / cell where the next covered terminal device is located or the satellites of the current area / position / beam / cell and the satellites of the area / position / beam / cell where the currently serving terminal device is located or the satellites of the current area / position / beam / cell.

[0117] The time interval between measurements at different network nodes can include the measurement time windows / measurement intervals / measurement timing intervals / offsets of different satellites.

[0118] For example, the time interval between measurements at different network nodes can include all satellites that cover the area / wavelength / beam / cell where the terminal device is located or the current area / wavelength / beam / cell, as well as the time interval / offset of the measurement time window / measurement interval / measurement timing.

[0119] Alternatively, the time interval between measurements at different network nodes may include the time interval / offset of measurement time window / measurement interval / measurement timing between the satellites of the area / wavelength / beam / cell where the next covered terminal device is located or the current area / wavelength / beam / cell and the satellites of the area / wavelength / beam / cell where the currently serving terminal device is located or the current area / wavelength / beam / cell.

[0120] In some embodiments, such as Figure 7 As shown, the above time interval / offset can be the interval / offset between start times, the interval / offset between end times, or the interval / offset between end times.

[0121] In some embodiments, the type of time information in the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0122] Timestamp, boundary of time resource, period, duration, time offset, time interval.

[0123] In some embodiments, the time-related information in this disclosure, such as the start transmission time of the reference signal, the time interval between transmission times of reference signals from different network nodes, the time information of the network nodes, and the time-domain information of the reference signal, can be indicated in at least the following possible ways:

[0124] Method 11: Timestamp. For example, (network-side equipment) can use a timestamp to indicate the transmission time / start time / end time of a reference signal, or the start / end time of service time / activation time / measurement time window / measurement interval / measurement timing. A timestamp can refer to absolute time, or it can refer to the time at a specific reference point, such as the time it takes for a signal to pass through an uplink synchronization reference point / satellite / gateway / base station / beam reference point / cell reference point / wavelength reference point, etc.

[0125] The timestamp can be represented by Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). In some embodiments, the granularity / unit of the timestamp may be year, month, day, hour, minute, second, millisecond, microsecond, nanosecond, etc., or a corresponding level (e.g., N milliseconds, 1 / N milliseconds, etc., where N may be any positive integer).

[0126] Method 12, Boundaries of Time Resources. For example, the above time-related information can be indicated by the start or end time of a superframe / frame / subframe / slot / symbol, or the start or end time of a time window (e.g., system message window, SI window) or interval (e.g., measurement gap), or the start or end time of the resources occupied by a message / channel (e.g., the time resources occupied by the PDSCH corresponding to a SIB).

[0127] For example, network-side devices can indicate the index number of a superframe / frame / subframe / time slot / symbol, and through the start or end time of the corresponding resource, indicate the transmission time / start time / end time of the reference signal, or the start / end time of the service time / activation time / measurement time window / measurement interval / measurement timing. The indicated time can be logical time, without a specific reference point. Alternatively, the indicated time can be absolute time, in which case it can indicate the time when the boundary of the time resource passes through an uplink synchronization reference point / satellite / gateway / base station / beam reference point / cell reference point / wavelength reference point, etc.

[0128] Method 13: Period / Length / Time Offset / Interval. For example, network-side devices can indicate the period / length / time offset / interval using a time length / size.

[0129] The granularity / unit of time length may be year, month, day, hour, minute, second, millisecond, microsecond, nanosecond, etc., or a corresponding level (e.g., 1 / N milliseconds, N microseconds, etc., where N can be any positive integer). Alternatively, the granularity / unit of time length may also be the granularity of time resources, such as superframes / frames / subframes / time slots / symbols, etc., and the granularity of such time resources can also be indicated by related parameters such as subcarrier spacing. Or, the granularity / unit of time length may also be the period / length of other channels / signals / detection / information, such as the PDCCH detection period.

[0130] For example, regarding time offset / interval indications, the reference point for the offset / interval might be the start time of a superframe / frame / subframe / slot / symbol, or the transmission time / start time / end time of the previous / previous satellite / current reference signal / measurement time window / measurement interval / measurement timing / service time / activation time. Network-side devices can directly indicate the time length, such as X subframes. Alternatively, (in relevant protocols) multiple predefined alternative time lengths can be used, and network-side devices can indicate the time length by indicating the tag / index corresponding to the alternative time length.

[0131] In some embodiments, when there are multiple network nodes, the order information among the multiple network nodes is indicated by at least one of the following:

[0132] A sequence consisting of the identifiers of multiple network nodes;

[0133] The identifier of the network node corresponding to the reference signal for the next measurement;

[0134] A list of relevant information for multiple network nodes.

[0135] For example, multiple parameters can be used to jointly indicate the period / length / time offset / interval. For instance, the protocol predefines multiple alternative periods, and the network-side device indicates the period of the reference signal through corresponding tags / indexes. Under this period, the network-side device can also indicate the time offset of the reference signal transmission time relative to subframe 0.

[0136] It should be noted that, without contradiction, the methods corresponding to the above examples can be combined. For example, network-side devices can use time resource boundaries or timestamps to indicate the transmission time and period of the reference signal.

[0137] In some embodiments, the sequence-related information in this disclosure, such as the transmission order of reference signals from multiple network nodes, the order of time information from multiple network nodes, and the measurement time order of reference signals from multiple network nodes, can be indicated in at least the following possible ways:

[0138] Method 21: A sequence composed of identifiers from multiple network nodes. Each network node is associated with an identifier (ID). Taking satellites as an example, the network-side equipment can indicate a sequence where each element is a satellite ID. The order of satellite IDs in the sequence may refer to the order of the current area / band / beam / cell served by the corresponding satellite or the area / band / beam / cell where the terminal equipment is located. For example, the signaling used to indicate this sequence might look like this:

[0139]

[0140] For example, with Figure 6 For example, the network-side device can indicate satelliteList = (2, 3, 1), representing the order as satellite 2 -> satellite 3 -> satellite 1. The order indicated by the network-side device can also be a complete cycle, meaning the satellite service order may cyclically follow the indicated order, such as satellite 2 -> satellite 3 -> satellite 1 -> satellite 2 -> satellite 3 -> satellite 1.

[0141] It should be noted that the order indicated in this disclosure may be based on a certain reference time. That is, it indicates the order in which different satellites transmit signals or serve the corresponding areas after that reference time. For example, taking the start time of superframe 0 / frame 0 / subframe 0 / slot 0 / symbol 0 as the reference time, the ID of the first satellite to transmit a signal or serve the area after that time is listed first in the indicated sequence, the ID of the second satellite to transmit a signal or serve the area is listed second in the sequence, and so on (until one cycle is completed).

[0142] Alternatively, the order indicated in this disclosure may also be based on currently serving satellites. Figure 6 For example, if the current serving satellite is satellite 2, the indicated order can be (2, 3, 1); while if the current serving satellite is satellite 3, the indicated order is (3, 1, 2), and so on.

[0143] Method 22: Identification of the network node corresponding to the reference signal of the next measurement. Each network node is associated with an ID. Taking a satellite as an example, the network-side device can indicate the ID of the next satellite, or the IDs of N satellites after the current satellite. When indicating more than one satellite ID (e.g., N), a sequence can be indicated, similar to the sequence provided in Method 21 above. However, compared to Method 21, this embodiment focuses on indicating one or more satellites that will transmit / receive / transmit signals / connect to the current satellite, and does not necessarily need to indicate the order of all satellites that will transmit reference signals or serve the current area, or in other words, it does not necessarily need to indicate a complete cycle. Figure 6 For example, when the current service satellite is satellite 2, it can indicate (3) or (3, 1).

[0144] Method 23: The order of network nodes is included in the relevant information of the positioning network node / serving network node / neighboring network nodes. For example, taking satellites as network nodes, the serving satellite can broadcast auxiliary information such as ephemeris from the positioning satellite / serving satellite / neighboring satellites. In this case, the order of the satellites can be included as information in the auxiliary information indication, as shown below:

[0145]

[0146]

[0147] Method 24: A list of relevant information for multiple network nodes. For example, the order of the network nodes is implicitly indicated by the order of the list of relevant information for the positioning network node / serving network node / neighboring network node. For instance, taking satellites as network nodes, a serving satellite can broadcast auxiliary information for the positioning satellite / serving satellite / neighboring satellites. This information is typically indicated by a list. The order of the satellites is implicitly indicated by their order in the auxiliary information list; for example, the satellite with the first relevant information in the list corresponds to a satellite with an order of 1, the second to 2, and so on.

[0148] In some embodiments, the aforementioned measurement duration includes multiple measurement times.

[0149] For example, a terminal device may only need to perform positioning once within a certain period. If the network-side device continuously transmits reference signals, or the terminal device continuously measures the positioning reference signals, it may result in a waste of resources or energy. Therefore, this disclosure can also provide multi-layered measurements. For example, the information mentioned above (such as period / offset / start time / length / sequence, etc.) can be configured in one or more ways. In some embodiments, to avoid the waste of resources and energy caused by continuous measurement, a short-period-long-period nested measurement strategy can be adopted. Specifically, multiple intensive measurements are integrated into a measurement burst window: during the period when positioning is required, the network-side device transmits reference signals at a high frequency with a short period (e.g., 10ms), and the terminal device simultaneously performs multi-node signal measurements (e.g., RTT of multiple satellites) to quickly complete positioning; while during non-positioning periods, it switches to a long-period (e.g., 1 hour) sleep mode, suspending signal transmission or reception to save resources. Figure 8As shown, N (N is an integer of 1 or greater than 1) measurement opportunities can be considered as a whole / pattern / burst. Measurement opportunities within each whole / pattern / burst use a short period and a corresponding offset, while long periods and corresponding offsets are used between wholes / patterns / bursts. The network-side device may additionally indicate the number of measurement opportunities (using short periods) corresponding to each (long) period, or the number of measurement opportunities within each whole / pattern / burst, or the number of measurements or reference signal transmissions before entering a long period (based on the short period). The short period may be zero, or the measurement opportunities may be continuous time-domain resources (e.g., frames, subframes, time slots, symbols, etc.). In this way, relatively frequent measurements can be performed within a certain period (i.e., within a whole / pattern / burst) to complete the positioning. After positioning is completed, the transmission or measurement of reference signals can be avoided for a longer period of time to reduce the waste of resources or energy.

[0150] For example, this disclosure may introduce the concept of a positioning / measurement related duration / window, i.e., the aforementioned measurement duration, where one measurement duration includes multiple measurement times. The network-side device may transmit a reference signal only within the duration / window. Figure 9 As shown, reference signals, such as reference signal 1, reference signal 2, and reference signal 3, are transmitted only within positioning / measurement time window 1 or positioning / measurement time window 2. Alternatively, the terminal device may measure the reference signals only within the duration / time window. Figure 10 As shown, reference signals can be measured only within positioning / measurement time window 1 or positioning / measurement time window 2, for example, measuring reference signal 1, reference signal 2, and reference signal 3. Since a single positioning operation typically requires multiple measurements (e.g., measuring the RTT for multiple satellites), there may be multiple of the aforementioned measurement time windows / measurement intervals / measurement opportunities / service times / activation times within each time window, enabling the terminal device to complete positioning or (the measurements required for positioning) within the duration / time window. Figure 10 Each positioning / measurement time window may contain multiple measurement opportunities, and the measurement order of different satellites may differ within each positioning / measurement time window. The terminal device can also complete multiple measurements within the time window to achieve positioning, while outside the time window, no measurements are taken of the reference signal or the satellite does not transmit (positioning) reference signals, thereby avoiding the consumption of additional resources.

[0151] In this disclosure, the measurement duration may also be referred to as duration, measurement period, measurement time window, or other possible names, and this disclosure does not specifically limit it.

[0152] In some embodiments, the time-domain information of the reference signal further includes at least one of the following:

[0153] The length of the measurement duration;

[0154] The period for measuring duration;

[0155] The start time of the measurement duration;

[0156] The correspondence between measurement duration or measurement time window and network nodes;

[0157] The number of measurement times included within the measurement duration;

[0158] The time interval between the start time of the measurement duration and the first measurement time within the measurement duration;

[0159] The number of measurement times within each cycle of the measurement duration;

[0160] The correspondence between measurement time and network nodes within the measurement duration.

[0161] The length of the measurement duration can refer to the total duration of a single measurement time window, or it can be called the duration or the length of the time window.

[0162] The period of measurement duration can refer to the time interval between periodic triggering of the measurement window, or it can be called the duration or the period of the time window.

[0163] The start time of the measurement duration can refer to the absolute time or relative offset of the start of the measurement window, or it can be called the duration, the offset time of the time window, or the start time.

[0164] The correspondence between measurement duration or measurement time window and network nodes can be defined as the network nodes (such as base stations or satellites) associated with a specified time window, specifying which nodes send or receive signals within that window. It can also be referred to as the correspondence / mapping relationship between duration or time window and satellite.

[0165] The number of measurement times included within a measurement duration can refer to the number of independent measurement opportunities divided within a single time window, or it can refer to the number of durations or time windows corresponding / mapped by different network nodes each time. Taking satellites as an example, each satellite may correspond / map to / map N consecutive durations or time windows (N is an integer of 1 or greater than 1). Alternatively, each duration or time window may correspond to / map to / map N (N is an integer of 1 or greater than 1) satellites. For example, the first satellite may correspond / map to / map 2 consecutive time windows, then the second satellite may correspond / map to / map 2 consecutive time windows, and so on. The number of times each satellite corresponds / maps may be different (which may require separate configuration).

[0166] The time interval between the start time of the measurement duration and the first measurement time within the measurement duration can refer to the delay from the start of the time window to the first actual measurement. This can include the duration or the time offset between the start time of the time window and the first measurement time window / measurement interval / measurement timing / service time / activation time. For example... Figure 11 As shown, taking a satellite as an example, the offset may refer to the offset of the first measurement time window / measurement interval / measurement timing / service time / activation time of each satellite, such as the offset of the first measurement timing of the satellite corresponding to reference signal 3, or the offset of the first measurement time window / measurement interval / measurement timing / service time / activation time among all satellites.

[0167] The number of measurement times within each period of the measurement duration can refer to the number of measurement windows contained within a single period in periodic measurements. It can also be referred to as the number of measurement time windows / measurement intervals / measurement opportunities / service times / activation times within the duration or time window. For example... Figure 12 As shown, this number can refer to the number of measurement time windows / measurement intervals / measurement opportunities / service times / activation times for each satellite, or the total number.

[0168] The correspondence between measurement times and network nodes within the measurement duration can refer to the correspondence / mapping relationship between the measurement time window / measurement interval / measurement opportunity / service time / activation time and satellites within the duration or time window. For example, information such as the length / period / offset time / start time of the measurement time window / measurement interval / measurement opportunity / service time / activation time may be configured for all satellites. In this case, the correspondence / mapping relationship between the measurement time window / measurement interval / measurement opportunity / service time / activation time and satellites may need to be determined to help the terminal device determine how to perform the measurement. The measurement time window / measurement interval / measurement opportunity / service time / activation time within the duration or time window may have multiple correspondences with satellites. For example, every N consecutive measurement opportunities (N is an integer of 1 or greater than 1) may correspond to one satellite, or each measurement opportunity may correspond to N (N is an integer of 1 or greater than 1) satellites. In some embodiments, the value of N corresponding to different satellites may be different. When all satellites have been corresponded / mapped to measurement opportunities, and there are still remaining measurement opportunities within the time window, it is possible to restart the correspondence / mapping from the first satellite. That is, satellites are cyclically mapped to measurement opportunities in a fixed order. It's possible that all measurement opportunities correspond to a single satellite. Network-side equipment may indicate at least one of the following:

[0169] The order of measurement time windows / intervals / measurement opportunities / service times / activation times for different satellites. Please refer to the above descriptions regarding activation / service times. Figure 10As shown, when indicating the sequence, the reference time may be the duration or the start time of a time window. The order of different durations or time windows may be different (each may need to be configured separately).

[0170] The measurement time window / interval / measurement timing / service time / activation time interval / offset for different satellites. An example is similar to the activation / service time mentioned earlier. The measurement time window / interval / measurement timing / service time / activation time interval / offset may differ for different durations or time windows (each may require separate configuration).

[0171] The measurement time window / measurement interval / measurement opportunity / service time / number / time of activation times for each mapping of different satellites. For example, the first satellite corresponds to / maps two measurement opportunities consecutively, then the second satellite corresponds to / maps two measurement opportunities consecutively, and so on. Figure 13 As shown. The number of satellites mapped / occupied may vary (in which case, it can be configured separately).

[0172] In some embodiments, information such as the measurement time window / measurement interval / measurement timing / service time / activation time length / cycle / offset time / start time, etc., may also be included within the measurement duration (duration or time window). This information may be configured separately for each satellite or may be configured commonly for all satellites. For example, such as Figure 14 As shown, the period of measurement timing can be configured for a specific satellite / reference signal, or it can be configured for all measurement timings.

[0173] It should be noted that the measurement duration (duration or time window) information, including the measurement time window / measurement interval / measurement timing / service time / activation time, may contain a combination of various information or be configured with multiple sets of information (e.g., for different satellites or scenarios). For example, each satellite may transmit multiple reference signals or include multiple measurement timings within its service time. In this case, a time window may be configured with information related to N service times and information related to M measurement timings, such as... Figure 15 As shown. For example, there can also be two types of positioning / measurement time windows: one for single-satellite positioning, where each measurement opportunity within the window corresponds to one satellite; and the other for multi-satellite positioning, where each measurement opportunity within the window corresponds sequentially to multiple satellites, such as... Figure 16 As shown. At this time, the network-side device may be configured with two sets of positioning / measurement time windows and internal measurement timing-related parameters. Therefore, the above information is not mutually exclusive and may be combined, or multiple sets of parameters may be configured.

[0174] In some embodiments, the information provided in this disclosure may introduce one or more sets of parameters, or the network-side device may be configured with one or more sets of parameters, or the terminal device may have one or more corresponding capabilities (to correspond to different situations).

[0175] For example, multiple alternative values ​​may be introduced for the duration / time window of positioning / measurement to correspond to different terminal device capabilities. When the terminal device has strong capabilities, such as high receiving antenna gain, it can complete positioning with fewer reference signal measurements, corresponding to a shorter positioning time. Therefore, the terminal device may determine / select / report a positioning / measurement duration / time window based on its own capabilities, or directly define the capabilities related to the positioning / measurement duration / time window. After receiving the terminal device's capabilities, the network-side device may configure the parameters of the positioning / measurement duration / time window.

[0176] For example, multiple alternative values ​​may be introduced for the duration / time window of positioning / measurement to meet different needs. When the terminal device requires higher positioning accuracy (e.g., the physical random access channel (PRACH) format configured by the network-side device has low tolerance for time-frequency offset), a longer positioning time may be needed to improve positioning accuracy. Therefore, the terminal device may (based on requirements / implementation) determine / select / require / report a positioning / measurement duration / time window. After receiving the terminal device's request / report, the network-side device may configure the parameters of the positioning / measurement duration / time window.

[0177] For example, multiple alternative values ​​may be introduced for the duration / time window of positioning / measurement to correspond to different network configurations / scenarios. When the number of satellites is small or the geometric distribution is poor, a longer positioning time may be required to achieve the target accuracy. Therefore, network-side devices can configure the parameters of the duration / time window of positioning / measurement (according to requirements / implementation / network conditions).

[0178] Furthermore, regarding the aforementioned periods / lengths / time offsets / intervals, the network-side device may indicate a time length / size. The granularity / unit of the time length may be as described previously (for service time, etc.). Alternatively, the network-side device may indicate the time length by the number of measurement time windows / measurement intervals / measurement opportunities / service time / activation time. For example, the network-side device may indicate that the length of the positioning / measurement time window is N (N may be 0, 1, or an integer greater than 1) measurement opportunities, or the period of N measurement opportunities, etc.

[0179] (4) Time-domain information of the reference signal

[0180] For example, taking a satellite as a network node, the time-domain information of the reference signal can include the time-domain information of the reference signals of the current satellite / serving satellite / neighboring satellite / positioning satellite. For example, the time-related information mentioned above.

[0181] (5) Frequency domain information of the reference signal

[0182] For example, taking a satellite as a network node, the time-domain information of the reference signal can include the frequency-domain information of the reference signal of the current satellite / serving satellite / neighboring satellite / positioning satellite. This includes, for example, the frequency-domain position offset / starting position and the frequency-domain width. The unit of this information can be a subcarrier, a resource block, or N subcarriers / resource blocks, etc. When indicating a starting position or offset, the reference point can be subcarrier 0, the center subcarrier, or the starting position of the corresponding BWP, or the starting position of the corresponding CORESET (such as CORESET0, or the CORESET of the PDCCH that schedules the PDSCH containing the aforementioned information).

[0183] (6) Spatial information of the reference signal

[0184] For example, taking a satellite as a network node, the time-domain information of the reference signal can include the spatial-domain information of the reference signals of the current satellite / serving satellite / neighboring satellite / positioning satellite. This includes, for example, antenna port information and TCI status.

[0185] (7) Code field information of the reference signal

[0186] For example, taking a satellite as a network node, the code domain information of the reference signal can include the code domain information of the reference signals of the current satellite / serving satellite / neighboring satellite / positioning satellite. This includes parameters such as the sequence, index, root, and cyclic shift of the reference signal.

[0187] (8) Polarization information of the reference signal

[0188] For example, taking a network node as a satellite, this involves the polarization information of the reference signals of the current satellite / serving satellite / neighboring satellite / positioning satellite. For instance, the reference signal transmission might use parameters such as left-hand circular polarization, right-hand circular polarization, linear polarization, or cross-polarization.

[0189] (9) Frequency domain resource information used during network node communication

[0190] For example, taking a network node as a satellite, the frequency domain resource information used by the network node for communication may include the frequency domain resource information of the current satellite / serving satellite / neighboring satellite / positioning satellite for communication.

[0191] (10) Spatial resource information used during network node communication

[0192] For example, taking a satellite as a network node, the airspace resource information used by the network node for communication may include the airspace resource information for communication between the current satellite, the serving satellite, the neighboring satellites, and the positioning satellite.

[0193] (11) Code domain resource information used during network node communication

[0194] For example, taking a satellite as a network node, the code domain resource information used by the network node for communication may include the code domain resource information for communication between the current satellite, the serving satellite, the neighboring satellites, and the positioning satellite.

[0195] (12) Polarization domain resource information used when network nodes communicate.

[0196] For example, taking a satellite as a network node, the polarization domain resource information used by the network node for communication may include the polarization domain resource information of the current satellite / serving satellite / neighboring satellite / positioning satellite for communication.

[0197] In some embodiments, the first information can be indicated or configured by the following signaling: system information broadcast, MIB, PBCH, SIBx (x may be any positive integer), public PDCCH / PDSCH, multicast PDCCH / PDSCH, other broadcast channels or cell-level signals or beam-level signals.

[0198] It should be noted that, in order to utilize the positioning results for uplink pre-compensation during initial access, the terminal device may need to measure the reference signal in an idle / inactive state. Before the terminal device completes initial access, the network-side equipment cannot configure dedicated resources or signals for it. Therefore, the terminal device needs to perform blind detection of the reference signal or obtain configuration or auxiliary information related to the reference signal from broadcast information. In this case, the network-side equipment can indicate or configure auxiliary information through the following channels: system information broadcast, master information block (MIB), physical broadcast channel (PBCH), system information block SIBx (x may be any positive integer), common physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) / common physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH), multicast PDCCH / PDSCH, other broadcast channels, cell-level signals, or beam-level signals. The auxiliary information indicated by the network-side equipment may include at least one of the current satellite, serving satellite, neighboring satellite, or positioning satellite.

[0199] In some embodiments, the first information may also be indicated or configured via the following signaling: radio resource control (RRC) signaling, medium access control (MAC) signaling (such as MAC CE, MAC header), downlink control information (DCI), or other dedicated channels or signals. For example, the first signaling may be indicated or configured via dedicated signaling.

[0200] It should be noted that after entering the connected / inactive state, the network-side device may indicate / configure auxiliary information for the UE via proprietary signaling: RRC signaling, MAC signaling (such as MAC CE, MAC header), DCI, and other dedicated channels or signals. The network-side device may reconfigure broadcast information, such as modifying the reference signal used for positioning or modifying the period of the reference signal. The auxiliary information indicated by the network-side device may include at least one of the current satellite, serving satellite, neighboring satellite, or positioning satellite.

[0201] Therefore, when the terminal device can know the service time of the positioning satellite or the transmission time of the corresponding reference signal, the terminal device can effectively avoid meaningless blind search / blind detection, thereby reducing the complexity of the terminal device's measurement / positioning or speeding up the measurement / positioning speed of the terminal device.

[0202] In some embodiments, the information indicated by the various network-side devices provided in this disclosure, such as first information, may also satisfy at least one of the following:

[0203] This information is predefined. For example, the length of the duration / time window for positioning / measurement or other similar information is predefined in the protocol. Alternatively, the protocol predefines multiple alternative values, indicated by the network-side device. Or, the protocol predefines one or more alternative values, associated with different factors / scenarios / values ​​(e.g., UE capabilities, positioning accuracy, signal strength, number of satellites, satellite geometry, etc.). For example, if only one satellite is available for positioning, a longer positioning / measurement duration / time window is used; if multiple satellites are available for positioning, a shorter positioning / measurement duration / time window is used. Alternatively, the network-side device configures one or more alternative values ​​and further configures one of them. For example, the network-side device broadcasts multiple alternative values ​​for the positioning / measurement duration / time window (e.g., corresponding to different UE capabilities, positioning accuracy, number of satellites, etc.) via MIB / SIB / PBCH, and then configures one of the values ​​(e.g., configuring different values ​​based on the capabilities reported by the UE) via dedicated DCI / MAC CE / MAC header / RRC signaling.

[0204] This information is determined based on the terminal device's capabilities; that is, it is implemented / determined by the terminal device. For example, the terminal device may report relevant capabilities or information to the network-side device. For instance, the duration / time window of positioning / measurement may be determined by the terminal device based on its own capabilities (e.g., N measurements, or N measurement opportunities). The terminal device may report capabilities related to this time window so that the network-side device can perform appropriate scheduling.

[0205] This information is determined by multiple factors (such as protocol predefined values, terminal device capabilities, and two or more factors in network configuration). For example, the duration / time window of positioning / measurement is determined by the terminal device's implementation / capabilities, which then reports its minimum / maximum value to the network-side device. The value / alternative value reported by the terminal device may be predefined by the protocol. The network-side device can also configure the duration / time window of positioning / measurement. When configuring the time window, the network-side device may need to set a value greater than or equal to the value reported by the UE. The value / alternative value configured by the network-side device may be predefined by the protocol. If the network-side device does not configure it, the value may be the one reported by the terminal device.

[0206] In some embodiments, this information can also be configured for network nodes.

[0207] It should be understood that the information listed above is merely illustrative, and the methods provided in the above embodiments are also applicable to other possible information / parameters of this disclosure.

[0208] S102. Measure the reference signal from the network node based on the first information to obtain signal measurement information.

[0209] Among them, signal measurement information is used to determine the positioning information of the terminal device.

[0210] For example, in the case of locating a terminal device, the terminal device or network-side device (e.g., access node or core network node) may need to measure or estimate at least one of the following: transmission delay (round trip, downlink, or uplink), transmission delay difference (round trip, downlink, or uplink), time difference of arrival (downlink or uplink), transmission angle (downlink or uplink), angle of arrival (downlink or uplink), etc., and thereby locate the terminal device based on the measurement or estimation results. In order to perform the above measurements or estimations, the terminal device or network-side device may need to measure reference signals (e.g., at least one of the above reference signals). For example, in the case of satellite-based positioning, reference signals in the communication system can be used for measurement.

[0211] For example, a terminal device can measure reference signals corresponding to multiple network nodes (e.g., satellites) and perform positioning based on the measurement results. To reduce the complexity of the terminal device receiving or transmitting signals, signals from different satellites should ideally use orthogonal resources. For example, different satellites could use frequency domain resources or different time domain resources. Figure 17 As shown, multiple satellites (e.g., satellite 1, satellite 2, satellite 3) support beam hopping, serving the region / wavelength of the terminal equipment at different times (e.g., times T1, T2, T3). In this case, as... Figure 6 As shown, the terminal equipment can perform reference signal measurements in different satellite service regions / positions.

[0212] In some embodiments, taking satellites as examples of network nodes, various network architectures may exist when using multiple satellites for positioning. For instance, the multiple satellites used for positioning may provide complete communication services to the area where the terminal device is located, or they may only be used to transmit reference signals for positioning, and the communication signals may use the same resources or orthogonal resources (time division / frequency division / space division / code division / polarization division, etc.). Exemplary implementations may include, but are not limited to, one of the following:

[0213] Multiple satellite time-division services are available for the UE's location / band. For example... Figure 17 As shown, multiple satellites support beam hopping, meaning they can direct their beams towards the area / position / beam / cell where the terminal device is located at different times. In this case, the terminal device can be served by different satellites at different times, or measure / receive / transmit reference signals corresponding to different satellites. Because different satellites provide time-division services to the area where the UE is located, the signals will not interfere with each other.

[0214] Multiple satellite frequency division multiplexing (FDM) services are used to serve the same UE / region / band. For example, multiple satellites may use different frequency domain resources to serve the user (terminal device). The terminal device can be served by different satellites on different frequency domain resources, or it may measure / receive / transmit reference signals corresponding to different satellites. Multiple satellites serving the same UE / region / band through different frequency domain resources may be achieved through carrier aggregation (CA) or dual-link DC.

[0215] The region / position where multiple satellite space division service terminal equipment is located. For example, the terminal equipment has multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) or beamforming capabilities, and can be served by different satellites through different antenna ports or beams, or measure / receive / transmit reference signals corresponding to different satellites.

[0216] The region / band of multiple satellite code division service terminal devices. For example, different satellite signals or channels correspond to different codes. Terminal devices can use the corresponding codes to transmit and receive signals or channels corresponding to different satellites, or to measure / receive / transmit reference signals corresponding to different satellites.

[0217] Multiple satellites use polarimetric analysis to serve the region / wavelength of the terminal equipment. For example, different satellites' signals or channels correspond to different polarizations. The terminal equipment can use the corresponding polarization to transmit and receive signals or channels corresponding to different satellites, or to measure / receive / transmit reference signals corresponding to different satellites.

[0218] Only one satellite provides service to the area / band where the terminal device is located, while other satellites only transmit or receive reference signals to or from the area where the terminal device is located. The configuration of the reference signal may be indicated by the serving satellite. The reference signals of other satellites may be time-division / frequency-division / space-division / code-division / polarization-division of the serving satellite's signal. Alternatively, the reference signals of other satellites may use the same resources (e.g., frequency domain resources) as the serving satellite. When the reference signals of other satellites conflict with the signals or channels of the serving satellite, the signals / channels of the serving satellite or the reference signals of other satellites may be discarded / ignored / not transmitted. For example, the reference signals of other satellites are considered high priority, and the signals / channels of the serving satellite that overlap with the reference signals of other satellites are discarded / ignored / not transmitted.

[0219] In some embodiments, the above examples can be combined without contradicting each other. For example, multiple satellites may employ time-frequency orthogonal resources. Furthermore, the above examples may be used only for downlink, only for uplink, or simultaneously for both downlink and uplink. For instance, multiple satellites may provide downlink time-division multiplexing services to the area / band / beam / cell where the terminal device is located, but can simultaneously receive uplink signals transmitted by the terminal device.

[0220] In one possible implementation, the terminal device can determine the transmission delay information of multiple network nodes, and determine the measurement time of the reference signal from the multiple network nodes based on the transmission delay information of the multiple network nodes, thereby measuring the reference signal from the multiple network nodes based on the first information and the measurement time of the reference signal from the multiple network nodes.

[0221] In some embodiments, the transmission delay information of the plurality of network nodes includes at least one of the transmission delay of the plurality of network nodes, the minimum transmission delay, and the maximum transmission delay, or at least one of the transmission delay difference, the minimum transmission delay difference, and the maximum transmission delay difference between different network nodes.

[0222] For example, the transmission latency between different network nodes and terminal devices may differ. For instance, the terminal device might maliciously estimate the transmission latency / minimum transmission latency / maximum transmission latency / transmission latency difference / minimum transmission latency difference / maximum transmission latency difference with different satellites, and then adjust the detection time / time offset / time interval of the reference signal (on the UE side), or adjust the start time / time offset / time interval of the activation / service time, or adjust the start time / time offset / time interval of the measurement time window / measurement interval / measurement timing.

[0223] For example, network-side equipment can indicate / calculate / estimate / obtain the aforementioned time interval / offset based on the times of different satellites at their respective uplink synchronization reference points / satellites / gateways / base stations. Terminal equipment estimates the transmission delay / minimum transmission delay / maximum transmission delay / transmission delay difference / minimum delay difference / maximum delay difference with different satellites based on the ephemeris / position / track or beam / cell reference point / center point position of different satellites. Then, based on the transmission delay difference between different satellites, the terminal equipment can adjust the time interval / offset indicated by the network-side equipment and then perform measurements / signal reception / signal transmission, etc., for example. Figure 18 As shown, for example, the time interval / offset between satellite 3 and satellite 2 indicated by the network-side device, and the time interval / offset between satellite 3 and satellite 1 indicated by the network-side device. Here, only the interval / offset between start times is considered. The network-side device may also indicate the interval / offset between start time and end time, or the interval / offset between end time, in a similar manner, which will not be elaborated here.

[0224] Alternatively, network-side equipment can instruct / calculate / estimate / obtain one or more of the aforementioned parameters such as period, start time, offset time, time length, and sequence based on the time of different satellites at their respective corresponding uplink synchronization reference points / satellites / gateways / base stations. The terminal equipment adjusts the information indicated by the network-side equipment based on the estimated transmission delay / minimum transmission delay / maximum transmission delay / transmission delay difference / minimum transmission delay difference / maximum transmission delay difference, and then performs measurements / signal reception / signal transmission, etc. For example... Figure 18 As shown, the terminal device may adjust the start or end time of satellite reference signal measurement, or adjust the length of satellite reference signal measurement time window / measurement interval / measurement timing, etc., according to the minimum or maximum delay corresponding to the satellite. For example, the UE adjusts / uses the time interval / offset between satellite 3 and satellite 2, and the UE adjusts / uses the time interval / offset between satellite 3 and satellite 1.

[0225] In another possible implementation, the terminal device can receive adjusted first information, which is determined based on transmission delay information between network nodes and the terminal device or a reference point. The adjusted first information is then used to measure reference signals from multiple network nodes.

[0226] For example, the transmission delay between different network nodes and terminal devices may differ. For instance, network-side devices can estimate the transmission delay / minimum transmission delay / maximum transmission delay / transmission delay difference / minimum transmission delay difference / maximum transmission delay difference of different satellites and terminal devices in their respective regions / wavelengths / beams / cells or in the current region / wavelength / beam / cell, and then adjust the indicated auxiliary information, such as the period, offset time, start time, length, sequence, time interval / offset, etc.

[0227] For example, network-side equipment can estimate the transmission delay / minimum transmission delay / maximum transmission delay / transmission delay difference / minimum transmission delay difference / maximum transmission delay difference based on the ephemeris / position / track or the reference point / center point of the beam / cell for different satellites and the location of the terminal equipment in the corresponding region / position / beam / cell. Based on the time of different satellites at their respective uplink synchronization reference points / satellites / gateways / base stations, and the aforementioned delays, the network-side equipment instructs / calculates / estimates / obtains the aforementioned time interval / offset. That is, the network-side equipment autonomously adjusts the information to be indicated based on the estimated delays. Figure 18 The terminal device adjustment process shown is implemented through network-side equipment. The terminal device performs measurement / receive signal / transmit signal according to the instructions of the network-side equipment.

[0228] Alternatively, network-side equipment can estimate the transmission delay / minimum transmission delay / maximum transmission delay / transmission delay difference / minimum transmission delay difference / maximum transmission delay difference based on the ephemeris / position / trajectory or the reference point / center point position of different satellites / beams / cells in the region / position / beam / cell where the terminal equipment is located. Based on the time of different satellites at their respective uplink synchronization reference points / satellites / gateways / base stations, and the aforementioned delays, the network-side equipment instructs / calculates / estimates / obtains one or more of the aforementioned parameters such as period, start time, offset time, time length, and sequence. That is, the network-side equipment autonomously adjusts the information to be indicated based on the estimated delays; the terminal equipment adjustment process in the above example is implemented through the network side. For example... Figure 18 As shown, the network-side equipment may adjust the start or end time of the indicated satellite reference signal measurement, or adjust the length of the indicated satellite reference signal measurement time window / measurement interval / measurement timing, etc., according to the minimum or maximum latency corresponding to the satellite.

[0229] In some embodiments, the terminal device may also receive second information. The second information is determined based on transmission delay information between the network node and the terminal device or reference point. The first information is adjusted according to the second information to obtain adjusted first information.

[0230] For example, the transmission delay between different network nodes and terminal devices may differ. For instance, the network-side device can estimate the transmission delay / minimum transmission delay / maximum transmission delay / transmission delay difference / minimum transmission delay difference / maximum transmission delay difference for different satellites and the terminal device's location / band / beam / cell, or the current location / band / beam / cell, and indicate this to the terminal device. Simultaneously, the network-side device will also indicate auxiliary information such as the aforementioned period, offset time, start time, length, sequence, and time interval / offset. Then, the terminal device adjusts the auxiliary information indicated by the network-side device based on the delay-related information. Finally, the terminal device performs signal measurement / received signal / transmitted signal based on the adjusted auxiliary information. The delay-related information is estimated by the network-side device and then indicated to the terminal device for adjustment.

[0231] The aforementioned delay difference may be positive, negative, or zero, and may also be an absolute value. The minimum delay difference may refer to the minimum absolute value, or it may be the minimum value considering both positive and negative values. The maximum delay difference may refer to the maximum absolute value, or it may be the maximum value considering both positive and negative values.

[0232] In some embodiments, the terminal device can also determine its location information based on signal measurement information. Alternatively, the terminal device can send the signal measurement information to a network-side device, which then determines the terminal device's location information based on the signal measurement information.

[0233] For example, the reference signal measurement process provided in this disclosure can also be as follows: Figure 19 As shown, auxiliary information (i.e., the first information) can be indicated by signaling such as MIB / SIB / PBCH / RRC / MAC, which can be used for information indication. This auxiliary information may also include reference signal-related information, activation time-related information, and measurement timing-related information, involving information such as period, offset / start time, number of reference signals (number of transmissions), duration, different satellite sequences, and different satellite intervals. Satellite delay difference processing can also be performed; for example, the UE can autonomously estimate and adjust the reception / measurement time, the network can estimate and adjust the indicated auxiliary information (i.e., the adjusted first information), or the network can estimate and additionally determine delay-related information (such as the aforementioned second information).

[0234] Furthermore, this disclosure also provides methods for time indication, sequence indication, positioning time windows, and auxiliary information determination. For example, time indication methods include indication of time points and indication of time length. Time point indications include timestamps and time resource boundaries, while time length indications include granularity based on absolute time units, time resource length, and other information periods. Sequence indication methods can include sequential sequences of satellite IDs, indication of the next satellite ID, including satellite sequence in the corresponding satellite information, and implicit indication through a list of satellite information. Positioning time windows can include an architecture where a longer time window contains multiple shorter measurement opportunities, and positioning time window related information includes length, period, offset / start time, and satellite mapping relationship; measurement opportunity related information within the time window includes the number, offset from the time window start time, the aforementioned measurement opportunity related information, and satellite mapping relationship. Auxiliary information determination involves network-side configuration, protocol pre-definition, UE capability / implementation-based methods, hybrid decisions, UE reporting capabilities, and then network-side configuration.

[0235] Based on the technical solution provided in this disclosure, reference signal measurement can be performed in conjunction with the first information to obtain positioning information and achieve positioning based on the terminal device. Thus, without relying on GNSS, the terminal device can still perform positioning even when it lacks GNSS capability or GNSS is temporarily unavailable, thereby ensuring communication of the terminal device and improving communication reliability.

[0236] In some embodiments, when there are multiple network nodes, resource conflicts may occur between the multiple network nodes. In some embodiments, resource conflicts include overlap or collision on at least one of time domain resources, frequency domain resources, spatial domain resources, code domain resources, or polarization resources.

[0237] In some embodiments, before measuring the reference signal from the network node based on the first information to obtain signal measurement information, the terminal device may also determine whether a resource conflict has occurred between the multiple network nodes based on the transmission delay information of the multiple network nodes.

[0238] For example, resource conflicts between multiple network nodes can be determined based on the transmission delay or delay difference between different network nodes. In this case, how to handle the impact of transmission delay can refer to the content provided in the example above. For instance, taking satellites as an example, the different delays between the current satellite / serving satellite and neighboring satellites / positioning satellites can be estimated. Resources that may overlap / collide / conflict after taking into account the delay effect can be determined as having overlapped / collided / conflicted. Figure 20As shown, resources n and n+1 represent resources that may overlap, collide, or conflict. Since the location of the terminal device is unknown before positioning, the network-side equipment or terminal device can only know the time delay range of the area where the satellite and the terminal device are located, but cannot determine the precise time delay difference. Therefore, the network-side or terminal device can also estimate the minimum and maximum time delay differences to determine resources that may overlap, collide, or conflict, such as... Figure 21 The diagram shows the timing of the serving satellite signal received by the UE based on the maximum or minimum delay difference, where resource n, resource n+1, and resource n+2 are resources where overlap / collision / conflict occur. Furthermore, the following processing methods, such as discarding / cancellation / blank / delay / interference cancellation, can also be applied to resources that may overlap / collision / conflict (or can be directly determined as overlapping / collision / conflict occurring on these possible resources).

[0239] In some embodiments, the plurality of network nodes includes a first network node and a second network node. In the event of a resource conflict between the first network node and the second network node, the terminal device may perform any of the following:

[0240] Stop receiving or transmitting signals or channels from the first network node;

[0241] Stop receiving or transmitting reference signals from the second network node, or,

[0242] The reference signal from the second network node was identified as an interference signal.

[0243] In some embodiments, the first network node is the current network node or the serving network node, and the second network node is the location network node or the adjacent network node.

[0244] In one example, taking a satellite as a network node, when the reference signal of a second network node (a neighboring satellite or a positioning satellite) conflicts with the signal or channel of a first network node (the current satellite or a serving satellite) in terms of resource conflict (e.g., overlap or collision in time domain / frequency domain / spatial domain / code domain / polarization resources), the network-side device or terminal device can stop (or discard, cancel, omit, delay, etc.) the transmission or reception of the first network node's signal or channel. Alternatively, the network-side device or terminal device can include the first network node's signal or channel resources in the resource mapping but not transmit or receive them. The aforementioned stopping (or discarding, canceling, omitting, delaying, etc.) of transmission or reception may apply to the entire signal or channel of the first network node, or only to the portion where the resource conflict occurs (e.g., overlapping sampling points / symbols / time slots / subframes, etc.). For example, in the case of delaying the transmission / reception of a signal or channel, it can be delayed to the first time domain resource (e.g., time slot / subframe, etc.) after the second network node's reference signal ends.

[0245] In another example, taking satellites as network nodes, when the reference signal of the second network node (a neighboring satellite or a positioning satellite) and the signal of the first network node (the current satellite or a serving satellite) experience resource conflicts (e.g., overlap or collision in time domain / frequency domain / spatial domain / code domain / polarization resources), the network-side device or terminal device can discard / cancel / blank / delay the transmission or reception of the second network node's reference signal. Alternatively, the network-side device or terminal device can include the reference signal in the resource mapping but not transmit / receive it. The aforementioned discarding / cancel / blank / delay can apply to the entire reference signal or only to the overlapping / colliding portions (e.g., overlapping sampling points / time slots / subframes, etc.). For example, in the case of delaying the transmission / reception of the reference signal, it can be delayed to the first time domain resource (e.g., symbol / time slot / subframe, etc.) after the first network node's signal ends.

[0246] In another example, taking a satellite as a network node, when the reference signal of the second network node (neighboring satellite or positioning satellite) and the signal of the first network node (current satellite or serving satellite) have resource conflicts (e.g., overlap or collision in time domain / frequency domain / spatial domain / code domain / polarization resources), the network-side equipment or terminal equipment can treat the overlapping signals as interference and measure or receive the reference signal of the neighboring satellite or positioning satellite and the signal of the current satellite or serving satellite of the first network node.

[0247] For example, in the event of a resource conflict between a first network node and a second network node among multiple network nodes, reference signals from other network nodes excluding the second network node can be measured based on the first information to obtain signal measurement information.

[0248] In another example, taking a satellite as a network node, when the reference signal of the second network node (neighboring satellite or positioning satellite) and the signal of the first network node (current satellite or serving satellite) have resource conflicts (e.g., overlap or collision in time domain / frequency domain / spatial domain / code domain / polarization resources), the network-side equipment or terminal equipment can use the serial interference cancellation (SIC) method to receive multiple signals.

[0249] In some embodiments, the network nodes include multiple network nodes, including a first network node and a third network node. The terminal device can also perform signal measurement on reference signals from other network nodes excluding the third network node according to first information when a resource conflict occurs between the first network node and the third network node, and the priority of the first network node is higher than that of the third network node, to obtain signal measurement information.

[0250] In this context, both the first network node and the third network node are either current network nodes or service network nodes.

[0251] For example, when reference signals from multiple adjacent satellites / positioning satellites conflict (i.e., resource conflict between the first network node and the third network node), the conflict can be resolved by using the processing methods described in the example above (e.g., discarding / cancelling / blank / delaying / interference cancellation, etc.) according to a certain priority. For instance, if the reference signals of two adjacent satellites / positioning satellites conflict with the signal / channel of the current satellite / serving satellite, the network-side device or terminal device can discard / cancel / blank / delay the signal / channel of the current satellite / serving satellite and the reference signals of adjacent satellites / positioning satellites with lower priority (e.g., the third network node).

[0252] In some embodiments, the priority of the network nodes can be configured by the network-side device, determined autonomously by the terminal device, or predefined by the protocol. For example, the priority of the network nodes can be configured by the network-side device, which can indicate it through dedicated explicit signaling or through the indication method of sequence-related information provided in this disclosure. As another example, the priority of the network nodes can be determined autonomously by the terminal device. The terminal device can determine the priority of the network nodes based on the received signal strength (e.g., RSRP, RSRQ, etc.), or based on the distance between the beam / wavelength / cell reference point and the satellite, or randomly.

[0253] It should be noted that the resource conflict handling methods provided in this disclosure can coexist in the system. Terminal devices can report their own capability information to the network-side device, which can then determine whether the terminal device supports it and which conflict handling method it supports based on this capability information.

[0254] For example, the solution to the problem of overlapping different satellite signals provided in this disclosure can also be as follows: Figure 22 As shown, the processing methods include canceling serving satellite signals that overlap with the reference signal, canceling other satellite signals that overlap with the serving satellite signal, treating signals other than the target satellite as interference, directly detecting the target signal, and detecting overlapping signals through methods such as serial interference cancellation. Furthermore, the processing method can be determined by priority, which can be predefined by the protocol, configured on the network side, or determined autonomously by the UE. Moreover, to address the time delay ambiguity issue, the overlap processing method is applied to all resources that may overlap, or it is assumed that overlap occurs on all resources that may conflict.

[0255] It should be noted that when different satellites transmit or receive signals on the same resources, they may interfere with each other, leading to a decrease in signal detection / demodulation performance. However, when locating a terminal device using multiple satellites, multiple satellites need to transmit reference signals to the terminal device. One solution is for different satellites to use orthogonal resources, but this imposes significant constraints on network deployment and scheduling, making implementation complex. Furthermore, in an architecture where a single satellite provides long-term service to the area where the terminal device is located, allocating large measurement time windows / intervals / opportunities to other satellites may result in lower spectral efficiency. Based on the technical solution provided in this disclosure, reference signal resources from other positioning satellites can be configured, allowing the serving satellite to communicate with the terminal device as usual. It also resolves conflicts arising from resource conflicts among multiple satellites using the aforementioned method, offering simplicity, efficiency, and reduced interference.

[0256] The foregoing primarily describes the solutions provided in this disclosure from the perspective of interaction between various devices or network nodes. It is understood that each device or network node, in order to achieve the aforementioned functions, includes corresponding hardware structures and / or software modules for executing each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, based on the algorithmic steps of the examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein, this disclosure can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this disclosure.

[0257] Figure 23 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 23 As shown, the communication device 2300 includes an acquisition module 2301 and a measurement module 2302. In some embodiments, it also includes a determination module 2303.

[0258] The acquisition module 2301 is used to acquire first information, which is used to assist the terminal device in measuring reference signals.

[0259] The measurement module 2302 is used to measure the reference signal from the network node according to the first information to obtain signal measurement information; wherein, the signal measurement information is used to determine the positioning information of the terminal device.

[0260] In some embodiments, the determining module 2303 is used to determine the positioning information of the terminal device based on signal measurement information.

[0261] In some embodiments, network nodes include at least one of the following: satellite, high-altitude platform, drone, aircraft, transceiver point, base station, gateway, synchronization reference point, cell, beam, and spool.

[0262] In some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0263] The transmission information of the reference signal, the time information of the network node, the time domain information of the reference signal, the frequency domain information of the reference signal, the spatial domain information of the reference signal, the code domain information of the reference signal, the polarization information of the reference signal, the frequency domain resource information used by the network node during communication, the spatial domain resource information used by the network node during communication, the code domain resource information used by the network node during communication, and the polarization domain resource information used by the network node during communication.

[0264] The time information of the network node includes the activation time and / or service time of the network node.

[0265] In some embodiments, the transmission information of the reference signal includes at least one of the following:

[0266] The transmission period of the reference signal;

[0267] The start transmission time of the reference signal;

[0268] The number of times the reference signal is transmitted;

[0269] When there are multiple network nodes, the transmission order of reference signals from multiple network nodes;

[0270] The time interval between the transmission times of reference signals from different network nodes.

[0271] In some embodiments, the time information of a network node includes at least one of the following:

[0272] The period of time information of network nodes;

[0273] The start time of the network node's time information;

[0274] Duration of time information from network nodes;

[0275] When there are multiple network nodes, the order of time information of the multiple network nodes;

[0276] The time interval between time information of different network nodes.

[0277] In some embodiments, the time-domain information of the reference signal is used to indicate the measurement time of the reference signal, and the measurement time includes at least one of a measurement time window, a measurement interval, or a measurement opportunity.

[0278] Time-domain information includes at least one of the following:

[0279] The period of the measurement time of the reference signal;

[0280] The start time of the measurement time of the reference signal;

[0281] The length of the measurement time of the reference signal;

[0282] When there are multiple network nodes, the measurement time sequence of reference signals from multiple network nodes;

[0283] The time interval between measurements at different network nodes.

[0284] In some embodiments, a measurement duration includes multiple measurement times.

[0285] In some embodiments, the time-domain information of the reference signal further includes at least one of the following:

[0286] The length of the measurement duration;

[0287] The period for measuring duration;

[0288] The start time of the measurement duration;

[0289] The correspondence between measurement duration or measurement time window and network nodes;

[0290] The number of measurement times included within the measurement duration;

[0291] The time interval between the start time of the measurement duration and the first measurement time within the measurement duration;

[0292] The number of measurement times within each cycle of the measurement duration;

[0293] The correspondence between measurement time and network nodes within the measurement duration.

[0294] In some embodiments, the type of time information in the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0295] Timestamp, boundary of time resource, period, duration, time offset, time interval.

[0296] In some embodiments, when there are multiple network nodes, the order information among the multiple network nodes is indicated by at least one of the following:

[0297] A sequence consisting of the identifiers of multiple network nodes;

[0298] The identifier of the network node corresponding to the reference signal for the next measurement;

[0299] A list of relevant information for multiple network nodes.

[0300] In some embodiments, a network node includes at least one of a current network node, a location network node, a service network node, and a neighboring network node.

[0301] In some embodiments, the determining module 2303 is further configured to determine the transmission delay information of multiple network nodes; and determine the measurement time of the reference signal from the multiple network nodes based on the transmission delay information of the multiple network nodes; the measuring module 2302 is specifically configured to measure the reference signal from the multiple network nodes based on the first information and the measurement time of the reference signal from the multiple network nodes.

[0302] In some embodiments, the transmission delay information of multiple network nodes includes at least one of the transmission delay of multiple network nodes, minimum transmission delay, and maximum transmission delay, or at least one of the transmission delay difference, minimum transmission delay difference, and maximum transmission delay difference between different network nodes.

[0303] In some embodiments, the acquisition module 2301 is further configured to receive adjusted first information, the adjusted first information being determined based on transmission delay information between the network node and the terminal device or reference point; the measurement module 2302 is further configured to measure reference signals from multiple network nodes according to the adjusted first information.

[0304] In some embodiments, the acquisition module 2301 is further configured to receive second information; the second information is determined based on transmission delay information between the network node and the terminal device or reference point. The determination module 2303 is further configured to adjust the first information according to the second information to obtain the adjusted first information.

[0305] In some embodiments, the first information is determined by at least one of the following methods:

[0306] Pre-set;

[0307] Network node configuration;

[0308] It is determined based on the capability information of the terminal device.

[0309] In some embodiments, the network nodes include a plurality of network nodes, including a first network node and a second network node. The determining module 2303 is further configured to, in the event of a resource conflict between the first network node and the second network node, perform any of the following: stop receiving or transmitting signals or channels from the first network node; stop receiving or transmitting reference signals from the second network node; or determine the reference signals from the second network node as interference signals.

[0310] In some embodiments, the network nodes include multiple network nodes, including a first network node and a second network node. The measurement module 2302 is specifically used to measure reference signals from other network nodes excluding the second network node according to first information in the event of a resource conflict between the first network node and the second network node among the multiple network nodes, thereby obtaining signal measurement information.

[0311] In some embodiments, the first network node is the current network node or the serving network node, and the second network node is the location network node or the adjacent network node.

[0312] In some embodiments, the network nodes include multiple network nodes, including a first network node and a third network node. The measurement module 2302 is specifically used to measure the reference signals from other network nodes excluding the third network node according to first information when a resource conflict occurs between the first network node and the third network node among the multiple network nodes, and the priority of the first network node is higher than that of the third network node, thereby obtaining signal measurement information.

[0313] In some embodiments, both the first network node and the third network node are current network nodes or service network nodes.

[0314] In some embodiments, resource conflicts include overlap or collision on at least one of time domain resources, frequency domain resources, spatial domain resources, code domain resources, or polarization resources.

[0315] In some embodiments, before measuring the reference signal from the network node based on the first information to obtain signal measurement information, the determining module 2303 is further configured to determine whether a resource conflict occurs between the multiple network nodes based on the transmission delay information of the multiple network nodes.

[0316] For a more detailed description of the acquisition module 2301, measurement module 2302, and determination module 2303, as well as a more detailed description of each technical feature therein and a description of the beneficial effects, please refer to the corresponding method embodiment section above, which will not be repeated here.

[0317] It should be noted that, Figure 23 Modules in a module can also be called units; for example, an acquisition module can be called an acquisition unit. Additionally, in... Figure 23 In the embodiments shown, the names of the modules may not be the same as those shown in the figures. For example, the acquisition module may also be called the receiving module.

[0318] Figure 23If the various units or modules in the present disclosure are implemented as software functional modules and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure, in essence, or the parts that contribute to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solutions, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) or processor to execute all or part of the steps of the methods of the various embodiments of this disclosure. Storage media for storing computer software products include: USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, optical disks, and other media capable of storing program code.

[0319] In the case where the functions of the integrated modules described above are implemented in hardware, this disclosure provides a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device. For example... Figure 24 As shown, the communication device 2400 includes: a processor 2402, a communication interface 2403, and a bus 2404. Optionally, the communication device 2400 may also include a memory 2401.

[0320] Processor 2402 may implement or execute the various illustrative logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in connection with this disclosure. Processor 2402 may be a central processing unit, a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. It may implement or execute the various illustrative logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in connection with this disclosure. Processor 2402 may also be a combination that implements computational functions, such as a combination of one or more microprocessors, a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, etc.

[0321] The communication interface 2403 is used to connect to other devices via a communication network. This communication network can be Ethernet, wireless access network, wireless local area network (WLAN), etc.

[0322] The memory 2401 may be a read-only memory (ROM) or other type of static storage device capable of storing static information and instructions, random access memory (RAM) or other type of dynamic storage device capable of storing information and instructions, or electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), disk storage media or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and accessible by a computer, but is not limited thereto.

[0323] In one possible implementation, the memory 2401 can exist independently of the processor 2402. The memory 2401 can be connected to the processor 2402 via a bus 2404 and is used to store instructions or program code. When the processor 2402 calls and executes the instructions or program code stored in the memory 2401, it can implement the method provided in the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0324] In another possible implementation, the memory 2401 can also be integrated with the processor 2402.

[0325] The 2404 bus can be an extended industry standard architecture (EISA) bus, etc. The 2404 bus can be divided into address bus, data bus, control bus, etc. For ease of representation, Figure 24 The bus is represented by a single thick line, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0326] Through the above description of the implementation methods, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, only the division of the above functional modules is used as an example. In actual applications, the above functions can be assigned to different functional modules as needed, that is, the internal structure of the equipment or device can be divided into different functional modules to complete all or part of the functions described above.

[0327] This disclosure also provides a computer-readable storage medium. All or part of the processes in the above method embodiments can be executed by computer instructions instructing related hardware. The program can be stored in the computer-readable storage medium, and when executed, it can include the processes of the above method embodiments. The computer-readable storage medium can be any of the foregoing embodiments or memory. The computer-readable storage medium can also be an external storage device for the above-described device or apparatus, such as a plug-in hard drive, smart media card (SMC), secure digital (SD) card, flash card, etc., equipped on the above-described device or apparatus. Further, the computer-readable storage medium can include both internal storage units and external storage devices of the above-described device or apparatus. The computer-readable storage medium is used to store the above-described computer program and other programs and data required by the above-described device or apparatus. The computer-readable storage medium can also be used to temporarily store data that has been output or will be output.

[0328] This disclosure also provides a computer program product comprising a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the methods provided in the above embodiments.

[0329] Although this disclosure has been described herein in conjunction with various embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand and implement other variations of the disclosed embodiments by reviewing the accompanying drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims in carrying out the claimed disclosure. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other components or steps, and "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit can implement several functions listed in the claims. While different dependent claims may recite certain measures, this does not mean that these measures cannot be combined to produce a good effect.

[0330] Although this disclosure has been described in conjunction with specific features and embodiments, it will be apparent that various modifications and combinations can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Accordingly, this specification and drawings are merely exemplary illustrations of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and are to be considered as covering any and all modifications, variations, combinations, or equivalents within the scope of this disclosure. It is obvious that those skilled in the art can make various alterations and modifications to this disclosure without departing from its spirit and scope. Thus, this disclosure is also intended to include any such modifications and modifications that fall within the scope of the claims of this disclosure and their equivalents.

[0331] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this disclosure, but the scope of protection of this disclosure is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this disclosure should be included within the scope of protection of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection of this disclosure should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A positioning method, characterized in that, Applied to a terminal device, the method includes: Acquire first information, which is used to assist the terminal device in measuring reference signals; Based on the first information, reference signals from network nodes are measured to obtain signal measurement information; wherein, the signal measurement information is used to determine the positioning information of the terminal device.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: Based on the signal measurement information, the positioning information of the terminal device is determined.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The network nodes include at least one of the following: satellite, high-altitude platform, drone, aircraft, transceiver point, base station, gateway, synchronization reference point, cell, beam, and wave position.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first information includes at least one of the following: The transmission information of the reference signal, the time information of the network node, the time domain information of the reference signal, the frequency domain information of the reference signal, the spatial domain information of the reference signal, the code domain information of the reference signal, the polarization information of the reference signal, the frequency domain resource information used by the network node during communication, the spatial domain resource information used by the network node during communication, the code domain resource information used by the network node during communication, and the polarization domain resource information used by the network node during communication. The time information of the network node includes the activation time and / or service time of the network node.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The transmission information of the reference signal includes at least one of the following: The transmission period of the reference signal; The start transmission time of the reference signal; The number of times the reference signal is transmitted; When there are multiple network nodes, the transmission order of reference signals from the multiple network nodes; The time interval between the transmission times of reference signals from different network nodes.

6. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The time information of the network node includes at least one of the following: The period of the time information of the network node; The start time of the time information of the network node; The duration of the time information of the network node; When there are multiple network nodes, the order of the time information of the multiple network nodes; The time interval between time information of different network nodes.

7. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The time-domain information of the reference signal is used to indicate the measurement time of the reference signal, and the measurement time includes at least one of a measurement time window, a measurement interval, or a measurement opportunity. The time-domain information includes at least one of the following: The period of the measurement time of the reference signal; The start time of the measurement time of the reference signal; The length of the measurement time of the reference signal; When there are multiple network nodes, the measurement time sequence of the reference signals from the multiple network nodes; The time interval between measurements at different network nodes.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, A measurement duration includes multiple measurement times.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The time-domain information of the reference signal also includes at least one of the following: The length of the measurement duration; The period of the measurement duration; The start time of the measurement duration; The correspondence between the measurement duration or the measurement time window and the network node; The number of measurement times included within the measurement duration; The time interval between the start time of the measurement duration and the first measurement time within the measurement duration; The number of measurement times within each cycle of the measurement duration; The correspondence between the measurement time within the measurement duration and the network nodes.

10. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The time information in the first information includes at least one of the following types: Timestamp, boundary of time resource, period, duration, time offset, time interval.

11. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, When there are multiple network nodes, the order information among the multiple network nodes is indicated by at least one of the following: The sequence consisting of the identifiers of the multiple network nodes; The identifier of the network node corresponding to the reference signal for the next measurement; A list of relevant information for the multiple network nodes.

12. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The network node includes at least one of the following: current network node, location network node, service network node, and neighboring network node.

13. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Measuring the reference signal from the network node based on the first information includes: Determine the transmission delay information of multiple network nodes; Based on the transmission delay information of the multiple network nodes, the measurement time of the reference signal from the multiple network nodes is determined; Based on the first information and the measurement time of the reference signals from the multiple network nodes, the reference signals from the multiple network nodes are measured.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The transmission delay information of the multiple network nodes includes at least one of the transmission delay of the multiple network nodes, the minimum transmission delay, and the maximum transmission delay, or at least one of the transmission delay difference, the minimum transmission delay difference, and the maximum transmission delay difference between different network nodes.

15. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive the adjusted first information, which is determined based on the transmission delay information between the network node and the terminal device or reference point; The signal is measured based on the adjusted first information, using reference signals from multiple network nodes.

16. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive second information; the second information is determined based on the transmission delay information between the network node and the terminal device or reference point. The first information is adjusted based on the second information to obtain the adjusted first information.

17. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first information is determined by at least one of the following methods: Pre-set; Network node configuration; It is determined based on the capability information of the terminal device.

18. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The network nodes include multiple nodes, and the multiple network nodes include a first network node and a second network node. The method further includes: In the event of a resource conflict between the first network node and the second network node, perform any of the following: Stop receiving or transmitting signals or channels from the first network node; Stop receiving or transmitting the reference signal from the second network node, or, The reference signal from the second network node is identified as an interference signal.

19. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The network nodes include multiple nodes, including a first network node and a second network node. The step of measuring reference signals from the network nodes based on the first information to obtain signal measurement information includes: In the event of a resource conflict between the first network node and the second network node among the plurality of network nodes, reference signals from other network nodes excluding the second network node are measured based on the first information to obtain signal measurement information.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that, The first network node is either the current network node or the serving network node. The second network node is a location network node or an adjacent network node.

21. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The network nodes include multiple nodes, including a first network node and a third network node. The step of measuring reference signals from the multiple network nodes based on the first information to obtain signal measurement information includes: If a resource conflict occurs between the first network node and the third network node among the plurality of network nodes, and the priority of the first network node is higher than that of the third network node, the reference signals from the other network nodes excluding the third network node are measured according to the first information to obtain signal measurement information.

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that, Both the first network node and the third network node are current network nodes or service network nodes.

23. The method according to any one of claims 18-21, characterized in that, The resource conflict includes an overlap or collision on at least one of the following resources: time domain resources, frequency domain resources, spatial domain resources, code domain resources, or polarization resources.

24. The method according to any one of claims 18-21, characterized in that, Before measuring the reference signal from the network node based on the first information to obtain signal measurement information, the method further includes: Based on the transmission delay information of the multiple network nodes, determine whether a resource conflict occurs between the multiple network nodes.

25. A communication device, characterized in that, include: Memory and processor; Memory and processor are coupled; The memory is used to store instructions that can be executed by the processor; When the processor executes the instructions, it performs the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 24.

26. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 24.

27. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes computer instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 24.

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