System and apparatus for reporting measurement in a network and a method in association thereto

Abstract

System (100), apparatus (102), device (104) and a method (300) for reporting measurement in a network are disclosed. The method (300) includes analyzing information relating to sidelink (SL) positioning, the information including at least one configuration for one or more dedicated resource pools; determining a resource pool configuration for a user device based on the information; generating a control signal based on the resource pool configuration; and communicating the control signal to the user device for reporting measurement.

Description

SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR REPORTING MEASUREMENT IN A NETWORK AND A METHOD IN ASSOCIATION THERETOField Of Invention

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to one or both of a system and a device for reporting measurement in a network and in association with, for example, a User Equipment (UE) and / or a base station, usable for communication. The present disclosure further relates a method which can be associated with the system and / or the device.Background of Invention

[0002] Generally, wireless networks provide network connectivity through radio interfaces to mobile communication devices or user equipment (UE), such as smart phones. Congestion control and latency reduction during sidelink (SL) positioning and communication can be helpful in communication networks, for example, a 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) 5G (fifth generation) New Radio (NR) standard-based telecommunications network.

[0003] In current techniques, when a UE is transmitting or receiving SL Positioning Reference Signals (PRS) to perform SL positioning measurements in a dedicated resource pool (RP), it may not send measurement reports in the same RP due to the absence of physical sidelink shared channel (PSSCH). Instead, the UE needs to use an associated SL communication RP or a SL shared RP (meant for both communication and positioning) in order to send these measurement reports. However, if a UE is left to select this SL communication RP or SL shared RP on its own, it may lead to many UEs selecting the same RP. This can lead to congestion within the network and delays in receiving the reports. Thus, the current techniques may not facilitate controlling congestion and reducing latency in an optimal manner.

[0004] The present disclosure contemplates that it would be helpful to address or at least mitigate one or more issues in relation to conventional techniques for facilitatingcongestion control and latency reduction. Specifically, the present disclosure contemplates a method of indicating which shared RP or SL communication RP the UE can use to send measurement reports and other data related to the SL positioning operation in the dedicated RP.Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for reporting measurement in a network, the method comprising analyzing information relating to sidelink (SL) positioning, the information including at least one configuration for one or more dedicated resource pools; determining a resource pool configuration for a user device based on the information; generating a control signal based on the resource pool configuration; and communicating the control signal to the user device for reporting measurement.

[0006] Advantageously, the method as described herein can enable smooth signaling of measurement reports as the receiving user equipment (UE) or sidelink (SL) positioning server UE knows where the measurement report will be received. This can avoid congestion in resource pools (RPs), which may occur if UEs are allowed to choose a RP by themselves.

[0007] In an embodiment, determining the resource pool configuration includes generating a mapping between each of the one or more dedicated resource pool and a) at least one shared resource pool and / or b) a sidelink communication resource pool.

[0008] In an embodiment, determining the resource pool configuration includes determining an association between each of the one or more dedicated resource pools and a) at least one shared resource pool and / or b) a sidelink communication resource pool, if the number of shared resource pools is greater than the number of dedicated resource pools.

[0009] In an embodiment, determining the resource pool configuration includes determining an association between each of the at least one shared resource pool or a sidelink communication resource pool and the one or more dedicated resource pools, if the number of dedicated resource pools is greater than the number of shared resource pools.

[0010] In an embodiment, determining the resource pool configuration includes determining a specific shared resource pool among the at least one shared resource pool or a specific sidelink communication resource pool.

[0011] In an embodiment, determining a specific shared resource pool or a specific sidelink communication resource pool includes determining a mapping between a priority level of the sidelink positioning and a) the at least one shared resource pool and / or b) the sidelink communication resource pool.

[0012] In an embodiment, determining a specific shared resource pool or a specific sidelink communication resource pool includes determining a mapping between a sidelink positioning reference signal (SL PRS) resource identity and a) the at least one shared resource pool and / or b) the sidelink communication resource pool.

[0013] In an embodiment, the method further includes selecting a resource pool for reporting measurement based on the control signal.

[0014] In an embodiment, there is provided a computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method according to the first aspect.

[0015] In an embodiment, there is provided a computer readable storage medium having data stored therein representing software executable by a computer, the software including instructions, when executed by the computer, to carry out the method according to the first aspect.

[0016] In an embodiment, there is provided a device for reporting measurement in a network comprising: a first module configured to analyze information relating to sidelink (SL) positioning, the information including at least one configuration for one or more dedicated resource pools; a second module configured to at least one of process and facilitate the method of the first aspect to generate at least one output signal; and a third module configured to communicate at least one output signal, wherein the output signal corresponds to a control signal for reporting measurement by a user device.

[0017] In an embodiment, the device corresponds to a base station communicable with an apparatus corresponding to a User Equipment (UE), and wherein the base station corresponds to a Next generation Node B (gNB) configured to communicate the at least one output signal to the UE.

[0018] In an embodiment, there is provided a system comprising: at least one apparatus(es); and at least one device(s), wherein the apparatus(es) and the device(s) are capable of being coupled via at least one of wired coupling and wireless coupling.

[0019] Advantageously, the system as disclosed herein can reduce overhead signaling, avoid delays in measurement reports and avoid congestion in a resource pool. Thus, congestion control and latency reduction in a network can be realized when the UE selects the resource pool for reporting measurements.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] Embodiments of the disclosure are described hereinafter with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0021] Fig. 1A shows a schematic diagram illustrating a system for reporting measurements in a network which can include at least one device, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0022] Fig. 1 B to 1 D show example scenarios in association with the system of Fig. 1A, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0023] Fig. 2 shows a schematic diagram illustrating the device of Fig. 1A in further detail, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0024] Fig. 3 shows a method in association with the system of Fig. 1A, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0025] Fig. 4A to Fig. 4F show schematic diagrams illustrating example scenarios in association with the method of Fig. 3, according to an embodiment of the invention.Detailed Description

[0026] The present specification discloses apparatus for performing the operations of the methods. Such apparatus may be specially constructed for the required purposes, or may comprise a computer or other device selectively activated or reconfigured by a computer program stored in the computer. The algorithms and displays presented herein are not inherently related to any particular computer or other apparatus. Various machines may be used with programs in accordance with the teachings herein. Alternatively, the construction of more specialized apparatus to perform the required method steps may be appropriate. The structure of a computer will appear from the description below.

[0027] In addition, the present specification also implicitly discloses a computer program, in that it would be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the individual steps of the method described herein may be put into effect by computer code. The computer program is not intended to be limited to any particular programming language and implementation thereof. It will be appreciated that a variety of programming languages and coding thereof may be used to implement the teachings of the disclosure contained herein. Moreover, the computer program is not intended to be limited to any particular control flow. There are many other variants ofthe computer program, which can use different control flows without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure.

[0028] Furthermore, one or more of the steps of the computer program may be performed in parallel rather than sequentially. Such a computer program may be stored on any computer readable medium. The computer readable medium may include storage devices such as magnetic or optical disks, memory chips, or other storage devices suitable for interfacing with a computer. The computer readable medium may also include a hard-wired medium such as exemplified in the Internet system, or wireless medium such as exemplified in the mobile telephone system. The computer program when loaded and executed on such a computer effectively results in an apparatus that implements the steps of the preferred method.

[0029] In some embodiments, the non-limiting term user equipment (UE) or wireless device or user device may be used and may refer to any type of wireless device communicating with a network node and / or with another UE in a cellular or mobile communication system. Examples of UE are target device, device to device (D2D) UE, machine type UE or UE capable of machine to machine (M2M) communication, PDA, PAD, Tablet, mobile terminals, smart phone, laptop embedded equipped (LEE), laptop mounted equipment (LME), USB dongles, UE category Ml, UE category M2, ProSe UE, V2V UE, V2X UE, etc.

[0030] In some embodiments, a more general term “network node” may be used and may correspond to any type of radio network node or any network node, which communicates with a user equipment (directly or via another node) and / or with another network node. Examples of network nodes are NodeB, MeNB, ENB, a network node belonging to MCG or SCG, base station (BS), multi-standard radio (MSR) radio node such as MSR BS, eNodeB, gNodeB, network controller, radio network controller (RNC), base station controller (BSC), relay, donor node controlling relay, base transceiver station (BTS), access point (AP), transmission points, transmission nodes, RRU, RRH, nodes in distributed antenna system (DAS), core network node (e.g. Mobile Switching Center (MSC), Mobility Management Entity(MME), etc), Operations & Maintenance (O&M), Operations Support System (OSS), Self Optimized Network (SON), positioning node (e.g. Evolved- Serving Mobile Location Centre (E-SMLC)), Minimization of Drive Tests (MDT), test equipment (physical node or software), etc.

[0031] Additionally, terminologies such as base station / gNodeB and UE should be considered non-limiting and do in particular not imply a certain hierarchical relation between the two; in general, “gNodeB” could be considered as device 1 and “UE” could be considered as device 2 and these two devices communicate with each other over some radio channel. And in the following the transmitter or receiver could be either gNodeB (gNB), or UE.

[0032] Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the embodiments may be combined in any suitable manner. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of programming, software modules, user selections, network transactions, database queries, database structures, hardware modules, hardware circuits, hardware chips, etc., to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that embodiments may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of an embodiment. Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment, but mean “one or more but not all embodiments” unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “including,” “comprising,” “having,” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to,” unless expressly specified otherwise. An enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of the itemsare mutually exclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a,” “an, and “the” also refer to “one or more” unless expressly specified otherwise.

[0033] The present disclosure contemplates that in SL positioning resource allocation, either dedicated resource pool(s) (RPs) and / or a shared resource pool(s) with sidelink (SL) communication can be (pre-)configured for SL Positioning Reference Signals (PRS). The present disclosure further contemplates the design may not be the same for both types of resources pools and that shared resources pool(s) can be supported with backward compatibility.

[0034] The present disclosure contemplates the possibility that in SL-PRS transmission, either dedicated resource pool(s) or shared resource pool(s) or both can be (pre-)configured in the only SL bandwidth part (BWP) of a carrier. The present disclosure also contemplates that a user equipment (UE) can be (preconfigured with one or more dedicated SL resource pools and that a UE can be (pre-) configured with one or more shared SL resource pools.

[0035] The present disclosure contemplates in SL positioning, the dedicated RP can only be used to transmit SL PRS signals and their associated physical SL control channels (PSCCHs). The present disclosure also contemplates that SL positioning may involve transmission and reception of measurement reports and other data, which cannot be transmitted within the dedicated RP due to the absence of a data channel i.e. , the physical SL shared channel (PSSCH) in a dedicated RP. Thus, the present disclosure contemplates a dedicated RP may need to be associated with at least one shared RP or SL communication RP.

[0036] The present disclosure contemplates that if a UE has a dedicated RP, the UE behavior to select an associated shared RP or SL communication RP may be specified to ensure that relevant UEs participating in an SL positioning session are using the same RPs for exchanging measurement reports and congestion on a particular RP, which may occur if all UEs select the same shared RP or SL communication RP, can be prevented.

[0037] The present disclosure contemplates that in the absence of any indication, the UE may transmit the measurement reports in any shared RP or SL communication RP allocated to it, which may cause delays in reception of the report by another UE (e.g., a server UE) as the UE will need to first ensure that the intended receiver UE is also using the same RP. The UE selecting the shared RP or SL communication RP by itself can also lead to congestion in that RP if other UEs also select the same RP, as measurement reports carry significant payload. The present disclosure thus contemplates that the UE can select the shared RP or SL communication RP for measurement reporting in a principled way.

[0038] The present disclosure contemplates that when a dedicated RP is assigned to a UE, it may be necessary to define which RP can be used for measurement reporting. In the above manner, a method can be provided for a UE to select the resource pool (RP) over which to send measurement reports corresponding to the SL PRSs transmitted in a dedicated resource pool (RP), in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Congestion control and latency reduction can therefore possibly be facilitated in the network, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0039] The foregoing will be discussed in further detail with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 4 hereinafter.

[0040] Referring to Fig. 1A, a schematic diagram illustrating a system 100 for reporting measurement in a network is shown, according to an embodiment of the invention. The system 100 can, for example, be suitable for controlling congestion and reducing latency, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0041] As shown, the system 100 can include one or more apparatuses 102, at least one device 104 and, optionally, a communication network 106, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0042] The apparatus(es) 102 can be coupled to the device(s) 104. Specifically, the apparatus(es) 102 can, for example, be coupled to the device(s) 104 via the communication network 106, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0043] In one embodiment, the apparatus(es) 102 can be coupled to the communication network 106 and the device(s) 104 can be coupled to the communication network 106. Coupling can be by manner of one or both of wired coupling and wireless coupling. The apparatus(es) 102 can, in general, be configured to communicate with the device(s) 104 via the communication network 106, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0044] The apparatus(es) 102 can, for example, be associated with or correspond to or include one or more user equipment (UE) which can carry one or more computers, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. For example, an apparatus 102 can correspond to a UE carrying at least one computer (e.g. an electronic device or module having computing capabilities such as an electronic mobile device which can be carried into a vehicle or an electronic module which can be installed in a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention) which can be configured to perform one or more processing tasks in association with adaptive / dynamic / gradual control, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0045] The device(s) 104 can, for example, be associated with / correspond to at least one base station, where the at least one base station can be a Next Generation Node B (gNB). Moreover, the device(s) 104 can, for example, be configured to carry / be associated with / include one or more computers (e.g., an electronic device / module having computing capabilities) which can, for example, be configured to perform one or more processing tasks in association with the base station. The device(s) 104 can be configured to receive one or more input signals which can be communicated from the apparatus(es) 102, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The device(s) 104 can, for example, perform one or more processing tasks in association with dynamic / adaptive / gradual control on the input signal(s) in a manner so as to generate at least one output signal. This will be discussed later infurther detail in the context of an example scenario, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0046] The input signal can be associated with information relating to sidelink (SL) positioning of a user device (or UE), the information including at least one configuration for one or more dedicated resource pools. As a possible option, the output signal(s) can, for example, be communicated from the device(s) 104, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The output signal may correspond to a control signal for reporting measurements by the user device (or UE) in a network. The apparatus(es) 102 and device(s) 104 will be discussed later in further detail with reference to Fig. 2, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0047] The communication network 106 can, for example, correspond to an Internet communication network, a cellular-based communication network, a wired-based communication network, a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) based communication network, a wireless-based communication network, or any combination thereof. Communication (e.g., between the apparatuses 102 and / or between the apparatus(es) 102 and the device(s) 104) via the communication network 106 can be by manner of one or both of wired communication and wireless communication.

[0048] The apparatus(es) 102 can, for example, be configured to generate at least one input signal and the device(s) 104 can perform at least one processing task in association with dynamic / adaptive / gradual control on the input signal(s) in a manner so as to generate at least one output signal. Moreover, the device(s) 104 can, for example, be configured to generate (and communicate) the output signal(s) to the apparatus(es) 102, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Accordingly, the device(s) 104 can generate a control signal for reporting measurements to the apparatus(es) 102. This will be discussed, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, in the context of example scenarios with reference to Fig. 1 B to Fig. 1 D, hereinafter.

[0049] Fig. 1 B to 1 D show example scenarios in association with the system of Fig. 1A, according to an embodiment of the invention. Specifically, Fig. 1 B shows two examples of a sidelink (SL) slot structure. As shown in the Figure, the normal slot structure contains physical sidelink control channel (PSCCH), physical sidelink shared channel (PSSCH) and possibly physical sidelink feedback channel (PSFCH). The sidelink synchronization signal block (S-SSB) may contain sidelink synchronization signals (S-SS) and physical sidelink broadcast channel (PSBCH).

[0050] Fig. 1 C shows an example of a sidelink (SL) positioning slot structure in a dedicated resource pool. In a dedicated resource pool for SL positioning, a sidelink positioning reference signal (SL PRS) may not be transmitted in a slot without associated PSCCH as PSCCH may be necessary to indicate the characteristics of the SL PRS signal in the slot.

[0051] Fig. 1 D shows an example of a SL positioning slot structure in the shared RP. In shared resource pools, only time division multiplexing (TDM) is supported with regards to PSCCH and SL-PRS multiplexing. In a shared resource pool, SL-PRS, associated PSCCH and PSSCH scheduled by the PSCCH are included in the same slot with regards to PSSCH and SL-PRS multiplexing, only TDM is supported for the comb sizes 1 , 2, 4. In yet another embodiment, in a shared resource pool, SL-PRS, associated PSCCH and PSSCH scheduled by the PSCCH are included in the same slot. The PSSCH in this embodiment may be used for second sidelink control information (SCI) and sidelink shared channel (SL-SCH) and the UE (or user device) may not have data available for transmission.

[0052] The dedicated resource pool (RP) thus can only be used to transmit SL PRS signals and their associated PSCCHs in SL positioning. However, SL positioning may involve transmission and reception of measurement reports and other data, which cannot be transmitted within the dedicated RP. Therefore, a dedicated RP may be associated with at least one shared RP or SL communication RP for such transmission and reception, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0053] The above-described aspect(s) of the system 100 of the present invention can also apply analogously (all) the aspect(s) of a below described apparatus 102 and device 104 of the present invention. Likewise, all below described aspect(s) of the apparatus 102 and device 104 of the invention can also apply analogously (all) the aspect(s) of above-described system 100 of the invention.

[0054] The aforementioned device(s) 104 or base station (e.g. gNB) will be discussed in further detail with reference to Fig. 2 hereinafter.

[0055] Referring to Fig. 2, a schematic diagram illustrating a device 104 is shown in further detail in the context of an example implementation 200, according to an embodiment of the invention. In the example implementation 200, the device 104 may correspond to an electronic module 200a that may be installed in a base station (or gNB).

[0056] It is contemplated that the electronic module 200a can be capable of performing one or more processing tasks in association with adaptive / dynamic / gradual control related processing, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0057] The electronic module 200a can, for example, include a casing 200b. Moreover, the electronic module 200a can, for example, carry any one of a first module 202, a second module 204, a third module 206, or any combination thereof.

[0058] In one embodiment, the electronic module 200a can carry a first module 202, a second module 204 and / or a third module 206. In a specific example, the electronic module 200a can carry a first module 202, a second module 204 and a third module 206, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0059] In this regard, it is appreciable that, in one embodiment, the casing 200b can be shaped and dimensioned to carry any one of the first module 202, the second module 204 and the third module 206, or any combination thereof.

[0060] The first module 202 can be coupled to one or both of the second module 204 and the third module 206. The second module 204 can be coupled to one or both of the first module 202 and the third module 206. The third module 206 can be coupled to one or both of the first module 202 and the second module 204. In one example, the first module 202 can be coupled to the second module 204 and the second module 204 can be coupled to the third module 206, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Coupling between the first module 202, the second module 204 and / or the third module 206 can, for example, be by manner of one or both of wired coupling and wireless coupling. Each of the first module 202, the second module 204 and the third module 206 can correspond to one or both of a hardware-based module and a software-based module, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0061] In one example, the first module 202 can correspond to a hardware-based receiver which can be configured to receive one or more input signals. The input signal(s) can, for example, be communicated from the apparatus(es) 102 (or user device or UE), in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0062] The second module 204 can, for example, correspond to a hardware-based processor which can be configured to perform one or more processing tasks (e.g., in a manner so as to generate one or more output signals) as will be discussed later in further detail with reference to Fig. 3, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0063] The third module 206 can correspond to a hardware-based transmitter which can be configured to communicate one or more output signals from the electronic module 200a. The output signal(s) can, for example, include one or more instructions / commands / control signals in association with the aforementioned dynamic / adaptive / gradual control configuration / determination strategy so as to facilitate efficiency (e.g., controlling congestion, reducing latency and / or communication efficiency), in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. For example, the output signal(s) can be a control signal(s) to report measurements in a specified resource pool by a user device (or user equipment UE).

[0064] The present disclosure contemplates the possibility that the first and second modules 202, 204 can be an integrated software-hardware based module, for example, an electronic part which can carry a software program or algorithm in association with receiving and processing functions or an electronic module programmed to perform the functions of receiving and processing. The present disclosure further contemplates the possibility that the first and third modules 202, 206 can be an integrated software-hardware based module, for example an electronic part which can carry a software program or algorithm in association with receiving and transmitting functions or an electronic module programmed to perform the functions of receiving and transmitting. The present disclosure yet further contemplates the possibility that the first and third modules 202, 206 can be an integrated hardware module, for example a hardware-based transceiver, capable of performing the functions of receiving and transmitting.

[0065] The device 104 (or base station) can, for example, be further configured to process the input signal(s), as will be discussed later in further detail with reference to Fig. 3, in a manner so as to generate one or more output signals in a manner so as to facilitate efficiency, for example power efficiency or energy efficiency, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In one specific example, the output signal(s) can include one or more control signals to facilitate some form of dynamic / adaptive / gradual control configuration / determination strategy so as to facilitate efficiency, for example power efficiency or energy efficiency, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. For example, the output signal(s) can be a control signal(s) for reporting measurements by the user device (or UE).

[0066] In an alternative embodiment, the schematic diagram of Fig. 2 may illustrate an apparatus 102 in the context of the example implementation 200, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0067] In particular, the apparatus(es) 102 can correspond to the electronic module 200a. The electronic module 200a together with the casing 200b, the first module202, the second module 204 and the third module 206 can, in one example, correspond to a mobile device which can, for example, be carried into the vehicle by a user, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In another example, the electronic module 200a can correspond to an electronic device which can be installed / mounted in the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In this regard, the electronic module 200a can be considered to be carried by the vehicle (e.g., either carried into the vehicle by a user or installed / mounted in the vehicle).

[0068] The above-described aspect(s) of the apparatus 102 and device 104 of the present invention can also apply analogously (all) the aspect(s) of a below described processing / communication method of the present invention. Likewise, all below described aspect(s) of the method of the invention can also apply analogously (all) the aspect(s) of above described apparatus 102 and device 104 of the invention. It is to be appreciated that these remarks apply analogously to the earlier discussed system 100 of the present disclosure.

[0069] Referring to Fig. 3, a method 300 (or a communication method) for reporting measurements in association with the system 100 is shown, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0070] The method 300 can, for example, be suitable for controlling congestion, network optimization and reducing latency in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0071] The method 300 can include any one of an input step 302, a processing step 304 and an output step 306, or any combination thereof, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0072] In an embodiment, the processing method 300 can include the input step 302. In another embodiment, the processing method 300 can include the input step 302 and the processing step 304. In another embodiment, the processing method 300can include the input step 302, the processing step 304 and the output step 306. In yet another embodiment, the processing method 300 can include the processing step 304 and one or both of the input step 302 and the output step 306. In yet a further embodiment, the processing method 300 can include the input step 302, the processing step 304 and the output step 306. In yet a further additional embodiment, the processing method 300 can include the processing step 304. In yet another further additional embodiment, the processing method 300 can include any one of or any combination of the input step 302, the processing step 304 and the output step 306 (i.e. , the input step 302, the processing step 304 and / or the output step 306).

[0073] With regard to the input step 302, one or more input signal(s) can be received. For example, the input signal(s) can be communicated from the apparatus 102 and can be received by the device 104, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In an alternative embodiment, the input signal(s) can be received by the apparatus 102.

[0074] The input step 302 can include analyzing information relating to sidelink (SL) positioning, the information including at least one configuration for one or more dedicated resource pools. In an embodiment, the input signal(s) may be generated by the apparatus 102 and transmitted from the apparatus 102 to the device 104. Alternatively, the input signal(s) may be generated and received by the apparatus 102 to advance to the processing step 304. For example, the input signal(s) may be generated by a transmitting UE (or user device) and received by a receiving UE (or user device).

[0075] With regard to the processing step 304, at least a processing task can be performed in association with the received input signal(s) in a manner so as to generate one or more output signals, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0076] The processing step 304 may include at least one of: determining a resource pool configuration for a user device based on the information; generating a controlsignal based on the resource pool configuration; communicating the control signal to the user device for reporting measurement and generating a mapping between each of the one or more dedicated resource pool and a) at least one shared resource pool and / or b) a sidelink communication resource pool.

[0077] Determining the resource pool configuration may include determining an association between each of the one or more dedicated resource pools and a) at least one shared resource pool and / or b) a sidelink communication resource pool, if the number of shared resource pools is greater than the number of dedicated resource pools. In addition, determining the resource pool configuration may also include determining an association between each of the at least one shared resource pool or a sidelink communication resource pool and the one or more dedicated resource pools, if the number of dedicated resource pools is greater than the number of shared resource pools. Determining the resource pool configuration may further include determining a specific shared resource pool among the at least one shared resource pool or a specific sidelink communication resource pool.

[0078] The processing step 304 may further include at least one of: determining a mapping between a priority level of the sidelink positioning and a) the at least one shared resource pool and / or b) the sidelink communication resource pool; determining a specific shared resource pool or a specific sidelink communication resource pool comprises determining a mapping between a sidelink positioning reference signal (SL PRS) resource identity and a) the at least one shared resource pool and / or b) the sidelink communication resource pool; and selecting a resource pool for reporting measurement based on the control signal.

[0079] With regards to the output step 306, the output signal(s) can, for example, be communicated, as an option, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. For example, the output signal(s) can correspond to a control signal for reporting measurements and can be communicated from the device 104. In a more specific example, the output signal(s) can optionally be communicated from the device 104 to one or both of at least apparatus 102, in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention. The apparatus 102 (or UE or user device) may also perform the input step 302, the processing step 304 and the output step 306, in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention.

[0080] The present disclosure further contemplates a computer program (not shown) which can include instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer (not shown), cause the computer to carry out the input step 302, the processing step 304 and / or the output step 306 as discussed with reference to the method 300. For example, the computer program can include instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the input step 302 and / or the processing step 304, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0081] The present disclosure yet further contemplates a computer readable storage medium (not shown) having data stored therein representing software executable by a computer (not shown), the software including instructions, when executed by the computer, to carry out the input step 302, the processing step 304 and / or the output step 306 as discussed with reference to the method 300. For example, the computer readable storage medium can have data stored therein representing software executable by a computer, the software including instructions, when executed by the computer, cause the computer to carry out the input step 302 and / or the processing step 304, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0082] Further in view of the foregoing, it is appreciable that the present disclosure generally contemplates an apparatus 102 and / or a device 104 for reporting measurement in a network which can include a first module 202, a second module 204 and / or a third module 206.

[0083] The first module 202 can be configured to receive one or more input signals. The input signal(s) can, for example, be information relating to sidelink (SL) positioning, including at least one configuration for one or more dedicated resource pools.

[0084] The second module 204 can be configured to process and / or facilitate processing of the input signal(s) according to the method 300 as discussed earlier to generate one or more output signals.

[0085] The third module 206 can be configured to communicate one or more output signals. The output signal(s) can, for example, correspond to one or more control signals for reporting measurement by the user device.

[0086] In one embodiment, the apparatus 102 can correspond to a User Equipment (UE) which can communicate with a device 104 corresponding to a base station. The base station can, for example, correspond to a Next generation Node B (gNB) which can be configured to communicate one or more signals (e.g., output signal(s)) to the UE.

[0087] Yet further in view of the foregoing, it is appreciable that the present disclosure generally contemplates a system 100 which can include one or more apparatuses 102 and one or more devices 104. The apparatus(es) 102 and the device(s) 104 can, for example, be capable of being coupled via wired coupling and / or wireless coupling.

[0088] It should be appreciated that the embodiments described above can be combined in any manner as appropriate (e.g., one or more embodiments as discussed in the “Detailed Description” section can be combined with one or more embodiments as described in the “Summary of the Invention” section).

[0089] It should be further appreciated by the person skilled in the art that variations and combinations of embodiments described above, not being alternatives or substitutes, may be combined to form yet further embodiments.

[0090] In one example, the possibility of the output signal(s) being communicated from the device(s) 104 was discussed. It is appreciable that the output signal(s) need not necessarily be communicated to the apparatus(es) 102. Specifically, the possibility that the output signal(s) need not necessarily be communicated outside ofthe apparatus(es) 102 is contemplated, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. More specifically, the output signal(s) can, for example, correspond to internal command(s) / instruction(s) (e.g., communicated only within an apparatus 102) for adaptively controlling operational configuration of an apparatus 102, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0091] Fig. 4A to Fig. 4F show schematic diagrams illustrating example scenarios in association with the method of Fig. 3, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0092] The present disclosure contemplates that in sidelink (SL) positioning, both dedicated and shared resource pools (RPs) may be used. However, in a dedicated RP, there is no physical SL shared channel (PSSCH) which may be used for data exchange related to SL positioning. Accordingly, only SL positioning reference signals (SL PRSs) and the associated physical SL control channel (PSCCH) may be transmitted in a dedicated RP.

[0093] The present disclosure further contemplates that if a UE has multiple SL shared RPs and / or SL communication RPs assigned to it, a systematic method may be advantageous for the UE to select an associated SL shared RP or SL communication RP for exchange of data related to the SL PRS transmissions in its dedicated RPs.

[0094] The present disclosure also contemplates that the network can provide an indication with a mapping between the dedicated RPs and the shared RPs and / or SL communication RPs assigned to a UE (or user device). Additionally, if the initial association provides multiple shared RPs and / or SL communication RPs to any single dedicated RP, the network can provide further indications via a mapping between the priority of a SL positioning operation within the dedicated RP and the associated shared RP or SL communication RP and / or a mapping between the SL PRS resource ID within a dedicated RP and the associated shared RP or SL communication RP.

[0095] The present disclosure contemplates when the UE (or user device) is assigned a dedicated RP for SL positioning, at least one shared RP or SL communication RP may also be assigned to it. If the UE (or user device) is assigned multiple shared and / or SL communication RPs, it may be provided with an indication of an associated RP to be used for measurement reporting and related procedures. Such an indication can be provided by network (pre-)configuration along with the resource pool configuration.

[0096] Fig. 4A shows an example illustrating basic indication mapping. Specifically, the figure shows a proposed basic mapping indication where each dedicated resource pool (RP) is associated with a shared RP or sidelink (SL) communication RP. The RP to be used for measurement reporting may be selected by the UE (or user device) based on an indication provided by the network (or base station). The basic indication may define an implicit indication of the shared RP or SL communication RP to be used for all measurement reports associated with the SL PRS transmissions / receptions in a particular dedicated RP may be provided by the network (or base station). Such an indication can include a mapping between each dedicated RP and one shared RP(s) / SL communication RP(s) and each dedicated RP can be associated with at least one shared RP or SL communication RP. Multiple dedicated RPs may be associated with the same shared RP or SL communication RP.

[0097] Fig. 4B shows an example of a first option mapping, where the associated shared RP(s) or SL communication RP(s) are provided along with the configuration of the dedicated RP and describes a signaling option. The first option can include an example embodiment when a UE (or user device) has more shared RPs than dedicated RPs, the indication may be provided along with the dedicated RP assignment. In other words, for each dedicated RP, the associated shared RP(s) and / or SL communication RP(s) are indicated. This may save signaling overhead when compared to indicating the mapping for each shared RP and / or SL communication RP.

[0098] Fig. 4C shows an example of a second option mapping, where the associated dedicated RP(s) is provided along with the configuration of the shared RP(s) or SL communication RP(s) and describes an alternate signaling option. The second option can include an example embodiment when a UE (or user device) has more dedicated RPs than shared RPs, the indication may be provided along with the assignment of the shared RP or the SL communication RP. In other words, for each shared RP or SL communication RP, the dedicated RPs for which it will carry the measurement reports are indicated. This may save signaling overhead when there are more dedicated RPs than shared RPs.

[0099] Fig. 4D shows an example of the basic indication where each dedicated RP is associated with one or more shared RP(s) or SL communication RP(s). In this example embodiment as shown in the Figure, UEs (or user devices) A, B, C and D can perform SL ranging and / or SL absolute positioning among themselves using dedicated RP 1 for SL PRS transmissions or receptions and shared RP 1 for measurement report exchanges. In an embodiment, UEs (or user devices) B and D can perform ranging among them using dedicated RP 2 for SL PRS transmissions or receptions and Shared RP 1 for measurement report exchanges. In an embodiment, UEs (or user devices) B and C can perform ranging among them using dedicated RP 1 for SL PRS transmissions or receptions and both Shared RP 1 and SL communication.

[0100] Figs. 4E and 4F show examples illustrating a further indication to the UE (or user device) for reporting measurement. In particular, the Figures illustrate further differentiation within a dedicated RP based on the priority of the positioning services, and each priority is associated with one shared RP or SL communication RP. In an embodiment, if more than one shared RP or SL communication RP is associated with any dedicated RP in the basic indication, an additional indication may be provided to the UE (or user device) to choose a particular shared RP or SL communication RP among the ones associated with a particular dedicated RP. Such an indication may be provided using a mapping between the priority level of the SL positioning operation and the shared RP(s) and / or SL communication RP(s)available at the UE (or user device), according to an example embodiment as shown in Fig. 4E. In another example embodiment as shown in Fig. 4F, the indication may be provided using a mapping between the SL PRS resource ID and the shared RP(s) and / or SL communication RP(s) available at the UE (or user device). The UE (or user device) may choose the appropriate shared or SL communication RP to transmit or receive the measurement reports based on the indication in the tables depicted previously in Figs. 4B and 4C.

[0101] In the foregoing manner, various embodiments of the disclosure are described for addressing at least one of the foregoing disadvantages. Such embodiments are intended to be encompassed by the following claims and are not to be limited to specific forms or arrangements of parts so described and it will be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of this disclosure that numerous changes and / or modification can be made, which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.Abbreviations:ACK: acknowledgementAGC: automatic gain controlBSR: buffer status reportBWP: bandwidth partCG: configured grantCS-RNTI: configured scheduling radio network temporary identifierDCI: downlink control informationGP: guard periodHARQ: hybrid automatic repeat requestNACK: negative acknowledgementNDI: new data indicatorNR: new radioOFDM: orthogonal frequency-division multiplexingPRB: physical resource blockPRS: positioning reference signalPSBCH: physical SL broadcast channelPSCCH: physical SL control channelPSFCH: physical SL feedback channelPSSCH: physical SL shared channelRAN: radio access networkRB: resource blockRP: resource poolRRC: radio resource controlSCI: sidelink control informationSL: sidelinkSPCI: SL positioning Control InformationS-PSS: SL primary synchronization signalSR: scheduling requestS-SS: SL synchronization signalsS-SSB: SL synchronization signal blockS-SSS: SL secondary synchronization signalSL-RNTI: sidelink radio network temporary identifierSL-SCH: sidelink shared channelTB: transmission blockTDM: time division multiplexing UE: user equipmentUL: uplinkWID: work item description

Claims

Claim(s)1. A method (300) for reporting measurement in a network, the method comprising: analyzing information relating to sidelink (SL) positioning, the information including at least one configuration for one or more dedicated resource pools; determining a resource pool configuration for a user device based on the information; generating a control signal based on the resource pool configuration; and communicating the control signal to the user device for reporting measurement.

2. The method (300) according to claim 1 , wherein determining the resource pool configuration comprises generating a mapping between each of the one or more dedicated resource pool and a) at least one shared resource pool and / or b) a sidelink communication resource pool.

3. The method (300) according to claim 1 , wherein determining the resource pool configuration comprises determining an association between each of the one or more dedicated resource pools and a) at least one shared resource pool and / or b) a sidelink communication resource pool, if the number of shared resource pools is greater than the number of dedicated resource pools.

4. The method (300) according to claim 1 , wherein determining the resource pool configuration comprises determining an association between each of the at least one shared resource pool or a sidelink communication resource pool and the one or more dedicated resource pools, if the number of dedicated resource pools is greater than the number of shared resource pools.

5. The method (300) according to claim 2, wherein determining the resource pool configuration comprises determining a specific shared resource pool among the at least one shared resource pool or a specific sidelink communication resource pool associated with a dedicated resource pool.

6. The method (300) according to claim 5, wherein determining a specific shared resource pool or a specific sidelink communication resource pool comprises determining a mapping between a priority level of the sidelink positioning and a) the at least one shared resource pool and / or b) the sidelink communication resource pool.

7. The method (300) according to claim 5, wherein determining a specific shared resource pool or a specific sidelink communication resource pool comprises determining a mapping between a sidelink positioning reference signal (SL PRS) resource identity and a) the at least one shared resource pool and / or b) the sidelink communication resource pool.

8. The method (300) according to claim 1 , further comprising selecting a resource pool for reporting measurement based on the control signal.

9. A computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method (300) according to any of the preceding claims.

10. A computer readable storage medium having data stored therein representing software executable by a computer, the software including instructions, when executed by the computer, to carry out the method (300) according to any one of claims 1-8.

11. A device (104) for reporting measurement in a network comprising: a first module (202) configured to analyze information relating to sidelink (SL) positioning, the information including at least one configuration for one or more dedicated resource pools; a second module (204) configured to at least one of process and facilitate the method (300) of claim 1 to claim 8 to generate at least one output signal; and a third module (206) configured to communicate at least one output signal,wherein the output signal corresponds to a control signal for reporting measurement by a user device.

12. The device (104) according to claim 11 , wherein the device (104) corresponds to a base station communicable with an apparatus (102) corresponding to a User Equipment (UE), and wherein the base station corresponds to a Next generation Node B (gNB) configured to communicate the at least one output signal to the UE.

13. A system (100) comprising: at least one device (104) according to any of claims 11 and 12; and at least one apparatus (102) according to claim 12, wherein the apparatus (102) and the device (104) are capable of being coupled via at least one of wired coupling and wireless coupling.

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