Selection of sidelink (SL) positioning resources for joint sl / uu positioning sessions

Abstract

In an aspect, a user equipment (UE) may determine a first sensing configuration for selecting sidelink (SL) resources for transmission of SL data. The UE may determine a second sensing configuration that is different than the first sensing configuration for selecting SL resources for transmission of SL positioning reference signals (SL-PRS). The UE may transmit SL data on a first resource within a first resource selection window that is based on the first sensing configuration. The UE may transmit SL-PRS on a second resource within a second resource selection window that is based on the second sensing configuration.

Description

Qualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO SELECTION OF SIDELINK (SL) POSITIONING RESOURCES FOR JOINT SL / UU POSITIONING SESSIONS BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 1. Field of the Disclosure

[0001] Aspects of the disclosure relate generally to wireless communications. Description of the Related Art

[0002] Wireless communication systems have developed through various generations, including a first-generation analog wireless phone service (1G), a second-generation (2G) digital wireless phone service (including interim 2.5G and 2.75G networks), a third-generation (3G) high speed data, Internet-capable wireless service and a fourth-generation (4G) service (e.g., Long Term Evolution (LTE) or WiMax). There are presently many different types of wireless communication systems in use, including cellular and personal communications service (PCS) systems. Examples of known cellular systems include the cellular analog advanced mobile phone system (AMPS), and digital cellular systems based on code division multiple access (CDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), the Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), etc.

[0003] A fifth generation (5G) wireless standard, referred to as New Radio (NR), enables higher data transfer speeds, greater numbers of connections, and better coverage, among other improvements. The 5G standard, according to the Next Generation Mobile Networks Alliance, is designed to provide higher data rates as compared to previous standards, more accurate positioning (e.g., based on reference signals for positioning (RS-P), such as downlink, uplink, or sidelink positioning reference signals (PRS)) and other technical enhancements.

[0004] Leveraging the increased data rates and decreased latency of 5G, among other things, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication technologies are being implemented to support autonomous driving applications, such as wireless communications between vehicles, between vehicles and the roadside infrastructure, between vehicles and pedestrians, etc. 1 QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO SUMMARY

[0005] The following presents a simplified summary relating to one or more aspects disclosed herein. Thus, the following summary should not be considered an extensive overview relating to all contemplated aspects, nor should the following summary be considered to identify key or critical elements relating to all contemplated aspects or to delineate the scope associated with any particular aspect. Accordingly, the following summary has the sole purpose to present certain concepts relating to one or more aspects relating to the mechanisms disclosed herein in a simplified form to precede the detailed description presented below.

[0006] In an aspect, a method of wireless communication performed by a user equipment (UE) includes determining a first sensing configuration for selecting sidelink (SL) resources for transmission of SL data; determining a second sensing configuration that is different than the first sensing configuration for selecting SL resources for transmission of SL positioning reference signals (SL-PRS); transmitting SL data on a first resource within a first resource selection window that is based on the first sensing configuration; and transmitting SL-PRS on a second resource within a second resource selection window that is based on the second sensing configuration.

[0007] In an aspect, a method of communication performed by a network server includes transmitting, to a UE, a sensing configuration for selecting sidelink (SL) resources for transmission of SL positioning reference signals (SL-PRS), wherein the sensing configuration includes an indication of parameters for a resource selection window that is aligned with one or more downlink positioning reference signals (DL-PRS) transmitted by one or more base stations; and transmitting, to the UE, a further sensing configuration for selecting SL resources for transmission of SL data by the UE, wherein the further sensing configuration is different than the sensing configuration.

[0008] In an aspect, a user equipment (UE) includes one or more memories; one or more transceivers; and one or more processors communicatively coupled to the one or more memories and the one or more transceivers, the one or more processors, either alone or in combination, configured to: determine a first sensing configuration for selecting sidelink (SL) resources for transmission of SL data; determine a second sensing configuration that is different than the first sensing configuration for selecting SL resources for transmission of SL positioning reference signals (SL-PRS); transmit, via the one or more transceivers, QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO SL data on a first resource within a first resource selection window that is based on the first sensing configuration; and transmit, via the one or more transceivers, SL-PRS on a second resource within a second resource selection window that is based on the second sensing configuration.

[0009] In an aspect, a network server includes one or more memories; one or more transceivers; and one or more processors communicatively coupled to the one or more memories and the one or more transceivers, the one or more processors, either alone or in combination, configured to: transmit, via the one or more transceivers, to a UE, a sensing configuration for selecting sidelink (SL) resources for transmission of SL positioning reference signals (SL-PRS), wherein the sensing configuration includes an indication of parameters for a resource selection window that is aligned with one or more downlink positioning reference signals (DL-PRS) transmitted by one or more base stations; and transmit, via the one or more transceivers, to the UE, a further sensing configuration for selecting SL resources for transmission of SL data by the UE, wherein the further sensing configuration is different than the sensing configuration.

[0010] In an aspect, a user equipment (UE) includes means for determining a first sensing configuration for selecting sidelink (SL) resources for transmission of SL data; means for determining a second sensing configuration that is different than the first sensing configuration for selecting SL resources for transmission of SL positioning reference signals (SL-PRS); means for transmitting SL data on a first resource within a first resource selection window that is based on the first sensing configuration; and means for transmitting SL-PRS on a second resource within a second resource selection window that is based on the second sensing configuration.

[0011] In an aspect, a network server includes means for transmitting, to a UE, a sensing configuration for selecting sidelink (SL) resources for transmission of SL positioning reference signals (SL-PRS), wherein the sensing configuration includes an indication of parameters for a resource selection window that is aligned with one or more downlink positioning reference signals (DL-PRS) transmitted by one or more base stations; and means for transmitting, to the UE, a further sensing configuration for selecting SL resources for transmission of SL data by the UE, wherein the further sensing configuration is different than the sensing configuration. QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO

[0012] In an aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium stores computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a user equipment (UE), cause the UE to: determine a first sensing configuration for selecting sidelink (SL) resources for transmission of SL data; determine a second sensing configuration that is different than the first sensing configuration for selecting SL resources for transmission of SL positioning reference signals (SL-PRS); transmit SL data on a first resource within a first resource selection window that is based on the first sensing configuration; and transmit SL-PRS on a second resource within a second resource selection window that is based on the second sensing configuration.

[0013] In an aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium stores computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a network server, cause the network server to: transmit, to a UE, a sensing configuration for selecting sidelink (SL) resources for transmission of SL positioning reference signals (SL-PRS), wherein the sensing configuration includes an indication of parameters for a resource selection window that is aligned with one or more downlink positioning reference signals (DL-PRS) transmitted by one or more base stations; and transmit, to the UE, a further sensing configuration for selecting SL resources for transmission of SL data by the UE, wherein the further sensing configuration is different than the sensing configuration.

[0014] Other objects and advantages associated with the aspects disclosed herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art based on the accompanying drawings and detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The accompanying drawings are presented to aid in the description of various aspects of the disclosure and are provided solely for illustration of the aspects and not limitation thereof.

[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates an example wireless communications system, according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0017] FIGS.2A, 2B, and 2C illustrate example wireless network structures, according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0018] FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C are simplified block diagrams of several sample aspects of components that may be employed in a user equipment (UE), a base station, and a network entity, respectively, and configured to support communications as taught herein. 4 QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO

[0019] FIG.4 illustrates an example Long-Term Evolution (LTE) positioning protocol (LPP) call flow between a UE and a location server for performing positioning operations.

[0020] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating various downlink channels within an example downlink slot, according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 6 shows three UE deployment scenarios in accordance with certain aspects of the disclosure.

[0022] FIGS. 7A and 7B are diagrams of example sidelink slot structures with and without feedback resources, according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0023] FIG.8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a resource pool for positioning configured within a sidelink resource pool for communication, according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0024] FIG.9 is a timing diagram showing an example of how SL resources may be allocated in accordance with certain aspects of the disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 10A is a timing diagram showing an example of a random selection scheme, according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0026] FIG.10B is a timing diagram showing an example of a contiguous partial sensing (CPS) scheme, according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 10C is a timing diagram showing an example of a periodic-based partial sensing (PPS) scheme, according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0028] FIG.11 is a timing diagram showing an example of different CPS configurations that may be used for data and positioning resource selection, according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0029] FIG.12 is a timing diagram showing an example of different CPS configurations that may be used for data and positioning resource selection, according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 13 shows an example joint SL / Uu positioning scenario, according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 14 depicts an example scenario for application of rule-based selection of candidate resources for transmission of SL-PRS, according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0032] FIG.15 illustrates an example method of wireless communication that may be performed by a UE, according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0033] FIG.16 illustrates an example method of wireless communication that may be performed by a network server. QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Aspects of the disclosure are provided in the following description and related drawings directed to various examples provided for illustration purposes. Alternate aspects may be devised without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Additionally, well-known elements of the disclosure will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of the disclosure.

[0035] Various aspects relate generally to sensing configurations for sensing sidelink (SL) for SL communications and positioning. Some aspects more specifically relate to the use of sensing configurations for selecting sidelink resources for transmission of SL positioning reference signals (SL-PRS) that are different from sensing configurations for selecting SL resources for transmission of SL data communication. In some examples, the durations of the sensing windows used for positioning resource selection (hereinafter “positioning resource sensing windows”) may be different than the durations of the sensing windows used for SL data communication resource selection (hereinafter “data resource sensing windows”). In some examples, the positioning resource sensing window has a longer duration than the data resource sensing window.

[0036] Particular aspects of the foregoing subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented to realize one or more of the following potential advantages. In some examples, by using separate positioning and data sensing configurations, the described techniques can be used to individually optimize SL-PRS resource allocation and data resource allocation. In some examples, the use of separate sensing configurations may be used to prioritize data communication resource selection over positioning resource selection or vice versa.

[0037] In some examples, the position sensing windows may be aligned with downlink PRS (DL- PRS) transmitted by one or more transmission-reception-points (TRPs). In some examples, the determination of a positioning resource sensing window that is aligned with the DL-PRS is made by a network server (e.g., a location server, a Location Management Function (LMF), an anchor user equipment (UE), etc.) and may be indicated to a network device (e.g., a SL-UE) that is tasked with the transmission of SL-PRS. In some examples, the SL-UE may align its positioning resource sensing window based on a DL- PRS configuration received from a network server (e.g., anchor UE, location server, LMF, etc.) In some examples, which of the available SL resources detected during the 6 QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO positioning resource sensing window are used for SL-PRS transmission may be further based on a set of one or more resource selection rules. In some examples, the resource selection rules may be based on priorities associated with the available resources and the DL-PRS transmissions. In some examples, only available resources within a threshold time of a DL-PRS may be selected for SL-PRS transmissions. In some examples, this threshold time may be indicated through resource exclusion rules that exclude the selection of available resources for SL-PRS transmission that are not within the threshold time of the DL-PRS transmission.

[0038] Particular aspects of the foregoing subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented to realize one or more of the following potential advantages. In some examples, by aligning the positioning resource sensing window with the DL-PRS, the described techniques can be used to optimize the timing of SL-PRS measurements and DL-PRS measurements made by SL-UE devices during joint SL / Uu positioning sessions.

[0039] The words “exemplary” and / or “example” are used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any aspect described herein as “exemplary” and / or “example” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects. Likewise, the term “aspects of the disclosure” does not require that all aspects of the disclosure include the discussed feature, advantage or mode of operation.

[0040] Those of skill in the art will appreciate that the information and signals described below may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be referenced throughout the description below may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof, depending in part on the particular application, in part on the desired design, in part on the corresponding technology, etc.

[0041] Further, many aspects are described in terms of sequences of actions to be performed by, for example, elements of a computing device. It will be recognized that various actions described herein can be performed by specific circuits (e.g., application specific integrated circuits (ASICs)), by program instructions being executed by one or more processors, or by a combination of both. Additionally, the sequence(s) of actions described herein can be considered to be embodied entirely within any form of non- transitory computer-readable storage medium having stored therein a corresponding set QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO of computer instructions that, upon execution, would cause or instruct an associated processor of a device to perform the functionality described herein. Thus, the various aspects of the disclosure may be embodied in a number of different forms, all of which have been contemplated to be within the scope of the claimed subject matter. In addition, for each of the aspects described herein, the corresponding form of any such aspects may be described herein as, for example, “logic configured to” perform the described action.

[0042] As used herein, the terms “user equipment” (UE), “vehicle UE” (V-UE), “pedestrian UE” (P-UE), and “base station” are not intended to be specific or otherwise limited to any particular radio access technology (RAT), unless otherwise noted. In general, a UE may be any wireless communication device (e.g., vehicle on-board computer, vehicle navigation device, mobile phone, router, tablet computer, laptop computer, asset locating device, wearable (e.g., smartwatch, glasses, augmented reality (AR) / virtual reality (VR) headset, etc.), vehicle (e.g., automobile, motorcycle, bicycle, etc.), Internet of Things (IoT) device, etc.) used by a user to communicate over a wireless communications network. A UE may be mobile or may (e.g., at certain times) be stationary, and may communicate with a radio access network (RAN). As used herein, the term “UE” may be referred to interchangeably as a “mobile device,” an “access terminal” or “AT,” a “client device,” a “wireless device,” a “subscriber device,” a “subscriber terminal,” a “subscriber station,” a “user terminal” or UT, a “mobile terminal,” a “mobile station,” or variations thereof.

[0043] A V-UE is a type of UE and may be any in-vehicle wireless communication device, such as a navigation system, a warning system, a heads-up display (HUD), an on-board computer, an in-vehicle infotainment system, an automated driving system (ADS), an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS), etc. Alternatively, a V-UE may be a portable wireless communication device (e.g., a cell phone, tablet computer, etc.) that is carried by the driver of the vehicle or a passenger in the vehicle. The term “V-UE” may refer to the in-vehicle wireless communication device or the vehicle itself, depending on the context. A P-UE is a type of UE and may be a portable wireless communication device that is carried by a pedestrian (i.e., a user that is not driving or riding in a vehicle). Generally, UEs can communicate with a core network via a RAN, and through the core network the UEs can be connected with external networks such as the Internet and with other UEs. Of course, other mechanisms of connecting to the core network and / or the 8 QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO Internet are also possible for the UEs, such as over wired access networks, wireless local area network (WLAN) networks (e.g., based on Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11, etc.) and so on.

[0044] A base station may operate according to one of several RATs in communication with UEs depending on the network in which it is deployed, and may be alternatively referred to as an access point (AP), a network node, a NodeB, an evolved NodeB (eNB), a next generation eNB (ng-eNB), a New Radio (NR) Node B (also referred to as a gNB or gNodeB), etc. A base station may be used primarily to support wireless access by UEs including supporting data, voice and / or signaling connections for the supported UEs. In some systems a base station may provide purely edge node signaling functions while in other systems it may provide additional control and / or network management functions. A communication link through which UEs can send signals to a base station is called an uplink (UL) channel (e.g., a reverse traffic channel, a reverse control channel, an access channel, etc.). A communication link through which the base station can send signals to UEs is called a downlink (DL) or forward link channel (e.g., a paging channel, a control channel, a broadcast channel, a forward traffic channel, etc.). As used herein the term traffic channel (TCH) can refer to either an UL / reverse or DL / forward traffic channel.

[0045] The term “base station” may refer to a single physical transmission-reception point (TRP) or to multiple physical TRPs that may or may not be co-located. For example, where the term “base station” refers to a single physical TRP, the physical TRP may be an antenna of the base station corresponding to a cell (or several cell sectors) of the base station. Where the term “base station” refers to multiple co-located physical TRPs, the physical TRPs may be an array of antennas (e.g., as in a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) system or where the base station employs beamforming) of the base station. Where the term “base station” refers to multiple non-co-located physical TRPs, the physical TRPs may be a distributed antenna system (DAS) (a network of spatially separated antennas connected to a common source via a transport medium) or a remote radio head (RRH) (a remote base station connected to a serving base station). Alternatively, the non-co-located physical TRPs may be the serving base station receiving the measurement report from the UE and a neighbor base station whose reference radio frequency (RF) signals the UE is measuring. Because a TRP is the point from which a base station transmits and receives 9 QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO wireless signals, as used herein, references to transmission from or reception at a base station are to be understood as referring to a particular TRP of the base station.

[0046] In some implementations that support positioning of UEs, a base station may not support wireless access by UEs (e.g., may not support data, voice, and / or signaling connections for UEs), but may instead transmit reference RF signals to UEs to be measured by the UEs and / or may receive and measure signals transmitted by the UEs. Such base stations may be referred to as positioning beacons (e.g., when transmitting RF signals to UEs) and / or as location measurement units (e.g., when receiving and measuring RF signals from UEs).

[0047] An “RF signal” comprises an electromagnetic wave of a given frequency that transports information through the space between a transmitter and a receiver. As used herein, a transmitter may transmit a single “RF signal” or multiple “RF signals” to a receiver. However, the receiver may receive multiple “RF signals” corresponding to each transmitted RF signal due to the propagation characteristics of RF signals through multipath channels. The same transmitted RF signal on different paths between the transmitter and receiver may be referred to as a “multipath” RF signal. As used herein, an RF signal may also be referred to as a “wireless signal” or simply a “signal” where it is clear from the context that the term “signal” refers to a wireless signal or an RF signal.

[0048] FIG.1 illustrates an example wireless communications system 100, according to aspects of the disclosure. The wireless communications system 100 (which may also be referred to as a wireless wide area network (WWAN)) may include various base stations 102 (labelled “BS”) and various UEs 104. The base stations 102 may include macro cell base stations (high power cellular base stations) and / or small cell base stations (low power cellular base stations). In an aspect, the macro cell base stations 102 may include eNBs and / or ng-eNBs where the wireless communications system 100 corresponds to an LTE network, or gNBs where the wireless communications system 100 corresponds to a NR network, or a combination of both, and the small cell base stations may include femtocells, picocells, microcells, etc.

[0049] The base stations 102 may collectively form a RAN and interface with a core network 170 (e.g., an evolved packet core (EPC) or 5G core (5GC)) through backhaul links 122, and through the core network 170 to one or more location servers 172 (e.g., a location management function (LMF) or a secure user plane location (SUPL) location platform QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO (SLP)). The location server(s) 172 may be part of core network 170 or may be external to core network 170. A location server 172 may be integrated with a base station 102. A UE 104 may communicate with a location server 172 directly or indirectly. For example, a UE 104 may communicate with a location server 172 via the base station 102 that is currently serving that UE 104. A UE 104 may also communicate with a location server 172 through another path, such as via an application server (not shown), via another network, such as via a wireless local area network (WLAN) access point (AP) (e.g., AP 150 described below), and so on. For signaling purposes, communication between a UE 104 and a location server 172 may be represented as an indirect connection (e.g., through the core network 170, etc.) or a direct connection (e.g., as shown via direct connection 128), with the intervening nodes (if any) omitted from a signaling diagram for clarity.

[0050] In addition to other functions, the base stations 102 may perform functions that relate to one or more of transferring user data, radio channel ciphering and deciphering, integrity protection, header compression, mobility control functions (e.g., handover, dual connectivity), inter-cell interference coordination, connection setup and release, load balancing, distribution for non-access stratum (NAS) messages, NAS node selection, synchronization, RAN sharing, multimedia broadcast multicast service (MBMS), subscriber and equipment trace, RAN information management (RIM), paging, positioning, and delivery of warning messages. The base stations 102 may communicate with each other directly or indirectly (e.g., through the EPC / 5GC) over backhaul links 134, which may be wired or wireless.

[0051] The base stations 102 may wirelessly communicate with the UEs 104. Each of the base stations 102 may provide communication coverage for a respective geographic coverage area 110. In an aspect, one or more cells may be supported by a base station 102 in each geographic coverage area 110. A “cell” is a logical communication entity used for communication with a base station (e.g., over some frequency resource, referred to as a carrier frequency, component carrier, carrier, band, or the like), and may be associated with an identifier (e.g., a physical cell identifier (PCI), an enhanced cell identifier (ECI), a virtual cell identifier (VCI), a cell global identifier (CGI), etc.) for distinguishing cells operating via the same or a different carrier frequency. In some cases, different cells may be configured according to different protocol types (e.g., machine-type communication (MTC), narrowband IoT (NB-IoT), enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), or others) that QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO may provide access for different types of UEs. Because a cell is supported by a specific base station, the term “cell” may refer to either or both the logical communication entity and the base station that supports it, depending on the context. In some cases, the term “cell” may also refer to a geographic coverage area of a base station (e.g., a sector), insofar as a carrier frequency can be detected and used for communication within some portion of geographic coverage areas 110.

[0052] While neighboring macro cell base station 102 geographic coverage areas 110 may partially overlap (e.g., in a handover region), some of the geographic coverage areas 110 may be substantially overlapped by a larger geographic coverage area 110. For example, a small cell base station 102' (labelled “SC” for “small cell”) may have a geographic coverage area 110' that substantially overlaps with the geographic coverage area 110 of one or more macro cell base stations 102. A network that includes both small cell and macro cell base stations may be known as a heterogeneous network. A heterogeneous network may also include home eNBs (HeNBs), which may provide service to a restricted group known as a closed subscriber group (CSG).

[0053] The communication links 120 between the base stations 102 and the UEs 104 may include uplink (also referred to as reverse link) transmissions from a UE 104 to a base station 102 and / or downlink (DL) (also referred to as forward link) transmissions from a base station 102 to a UE 104. The communication links 120 may use MIMO antenna technology, including spatial multiplexing, beamforming, and / or transmit diversity. The communication links 120 may be through one or more carrier frequencies. Allocation of carriers may be asymmetric with respect to downlink and uplink (e.g., more or less carriers may be allocated for downlink than for uplink).

[0054] The wireless communications system 100 may further include a wireless local area network (WLAN) access point (AP) 150 in communication with WLAN stations (STAs) 152 via communication links 154 in an unlicensed frequency spectrum (e.g., 5 GHz). When communicating in an unlicensed frequency spectrum, the WLAN STAs 152 and / or the WLAN AP 150 may perform a clear channel assessment (CCA) or listen before talk (LBT) procedure prior to communicating in order to determine whether the channel is available.

[0055] The small cell base station 102' may operate in a licensed and / or an unlicensed frequency spectrum. When operating in an unlicensed frequency spectrum, the small cell base QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO station 102' may employ LTE or NR technology and use the same 5 GHz unlicensed frequency spectrum as used by the WLAN AP 150. The small cell base station 102', employing LTE / 5G in an unlicensed frequency spectrum, may boost coverage to and / or increase capacity of the access network. NR in unlicensed spectrum may be referred to as NR-U. LTE in an unlicensed spectrum may be referred to as LTE-U, licensed assisted access (LAA), or MULTEFIRE®.

[0056] The wireless communications system 100 may further include a mmW base station 180 that may operate in millimeter wave (mmW) frequencies and / or near mmW frequencies in communication with a UE 182. Extremely high frequency (EHF) is part of the RF in the electromagnetic spectrum. EHF has a range of 30 GHz to 300 GHz and a wavelength between 1 millimeter and 10 millimeters. Radio waves in this band may be referred to as a millimeter wave. Near mmW may extend down to a frequency of 3 GHz with a wavelength of 100 millimeters. The super high frequency (SHF) band extends between 3 GHz and 30 GHz, also referred to as centimeter wave. Communications using the mmW / near mmW radio frequency band have high path loss and a relatively short range. The mmW base station 180 and the UE 182 may utilize beamforming (transmit and / or receive) over a mmW communication link 184 to compensate for the extremely high path loss and short range. Further, it will be appreciated that in alternative configurations, one or more base stations 102 may also transmit using mmW or near mmW and beamforming. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the foregoing illustrations are merely examples and should not be construed to limit the various aspects disclosed herein.

[0057] Transmit beamforming is a technique for focusing an RF signal in a specific direction. Traditionally, when a network node (e.g., a base station) broadcasts an RF signal, it broadcasts the signal in all directions (omni-directionally). With transmit beamforming, the network node determines where a given target device (e.g., a UE) is located (relative to the transmitting network node) and projects a stronger downlink RF signal in that specific direction, thereby providing a faster (in terms of data rate) and stronger RF signal for the receiving device(s). To change the directionality of the RF signal when transmitting, a network node can control the phase and relative amplitude of the RF signal at each of the one or more transmitters that are broadcasting the RF signal. For example, a network node may use an array of antennas (referred to as a “phased array” or an “antenna array”) that creates a beam of RF waves that can be “steered” to point in different QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO directions, without actually moving the antennas. Specifically, the RF current from the transmitter is fed to the individual antennas with the correct phase relationship so that the radio waves from the separate antennas add together to increase the radiation in a desired direction, while cancelling to suppress radiation in undesired directions.

[0058] Transmit beams may be quasi-co-located, meaning that they appear to the receiver (e.g., a UE) as having the same parameters, regardless of whether or not the transmitting antennas of the network node themselves are physically co-located. In NR, there are four types of quasi-co-location (QCL) relations. Specifically, a QCL relation of a given type means that certain parameters about a second reference RF signal on a second beam can be derived from information about a source reference RF signal on a source beam. Thus, if the source reference RF signal is QCL Type A, the receiver can use the source reference RF signal to estimate the Doppler shift, Doppler spread, average delay, and delay spread of a second reference RF signal transmitted on the same channel. If the source reference RF signal is QCL Type B, the receiver can use the source reference RF signal to estimate the Doppler shift and Doppler spread of a second reference RF signal transmitted on the same channel. If the source reference RF signal is QCL Type C, the receiver can use the source reference RF signal to estimate the Doppler shift and average delay of a second reference RF signal transmitted on the same channel. If the source reference RF signal is QCL Type D, the receiver can use the source reference RF signal to estimate the spatial receive parameter of a second reference RF signal transmitted on the same channel.

[0059] In receive beamforming, the receiver uses a receive beam to amplify RF signals detected on a given channel. For example, the receiver can increase the gain setting and / or adjust the phase setting of an array of antennas in a particular direction to amplify (e.g., to increase the gain level of) the RF signals received from that direction. Thus, when a receiver is said to beamform in a certain direction, it means the beam gain in that direction is high relative to the beam gain along other directions, or the beam gain in that direction is the highest compared to the beam gain in that direction of all other receive beams available to the receiver. This results in a stronger received signal strength (e.g., reference signal received power (RSRP), reference signal received quality (RSRQ), signal-to- interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR), etc.) of the RF signals received from that direction.

[0060] Transmit and receive beams may be spatially related. A spatial relation means that parameters for a second beam (e.g., a transmit or receive beam) for a second reference QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO signal can be derived from information about a first beam (e.g., a receive beam or a transmit beam) for a first reference signal. For example, a UE may use a particular receive beam to receive a reference downlink reference signal (e.g., synchronization signal block (SSB)) from a base station. The UE can then form a transmit beam for sending an uplink reference signal (e.g., sounding reference signal (SRS)) to that base station based on the parameters of the receive beam.

[0061] Note that a “downlink” beam may be either a transmit beam or a receive beam, depending on the entity forming it. For example, if a base station is forming the downlink beam to transmit a reference signal to a UE, the downlink beam is a transmit beam. If the UE is forming the downlink beam, however, it is a receive beam to receive the downlink reference signal. Similarly, an “uplink” beam may be either a transmit beam or a receive beam, depending on the entity forming it. For example, if a base station is forming the uplink beam, it is an uplink receive beam, and if a UE is forming the uplink beam, it is an uplink transmit beam.

[0062] The electromagnetic spectrum is often subdivided, based on frequency / wavelength, into various classes, bands, channels, etc. In 5G NR two initial operating bands have been identified as frequency range designations FR1 (410 MHz – 7.125 GHz) and FR2 (24.25 GHz – 52.6 GHz). It should be understood that although a portion of FR1 is greater than 6 GHz, FR1 is often referred to (interchangeably) as a “Sub-6 GHz” band in various documents and articles. A similar nomenclature issue sometimes occurs with regard to FR2, which is often referred to (interchangeably) as a “millimeter wave” band in documents and articles, despite being different from the extremely high frequency (EHF) band (30 GHz – 300 GHz) which is identified by the INTERNATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATION UNION® as a “millimeter wave” band.

[0063] The frequencies between FR1 and FR2 are often referred to as mid-band frequencies. Recent 5G NR studies have identified an operating band for these mid-band frequencies as frequency range designation FR3 (7.125 GHz – 24.25 GHz). Frequency bands falling within FR3 may inherit FR1 characteristics and / or FR2 characteristics, and thus may effectively extend features of FR1 and / or FR2 into mid-band frequencies. In addition, higher frequency bands are currently being explored to extend 5G NR operation beyond 52.6 GHz. For example, three higher operating bands have been identified as frequency range designations FR4a or FR4-1 (52.6 GHz – 71 GHz), FR4 (52.6 GHz – 114.25 GHz), QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO and FR5 (114.25 GHz – 300 GHz). Each of these higher frequency bands falls within the EHF band.

[0064] With the above aspects in mind, unless specifically stated otherwise, it should be understood that the term “sub-6 GHz” or the like if used herein may broadly represent frequencies that may be less than 6 GHz, may be within FR1, or may include mid-band frequencies. Further, unless specifically stated otherwise, it should be understood that the term “millimeter wave” or the like if used herein may broadly represent frequencies that may include mid-band frequencies, may be within FR2, FR4, FR4-a or FR4-1, and / or FR5, or may be within the EHF band.

[0065] In a multi-carrier system, such as 5G, one of the carrier frequencies is referred to as the “primary carrier” or “anchor carrier” or “primary serving cell” or “PCell,” and the remaining carrier frequencies are referred to as “secondary carriers” or “secondary serving cells” or “SCells.” In carrier aggregation, the anchor carrier is the carrier operating on the primary frequency (e.g., FR1) utilized by a UE 104 / 182 and the cell in which the UE 104 / 182 either performs the initial radio resource control (RRC) connection establishment procedure or initiates the RRC connection re-establishment procedure. The primary carrier carries all common and UE-specific control channels, and may be a carrier in a licensed frequency (however, this is not always the case). A secondary carrier is a carrier operating on a second frequency (e.g., FR2) that may be configured once the RRC connection is established between the UE 104 and the anchor carrier and that may be used to provide additional radio resources. In some cases, the secondary carrier may be a carrier in an unlicensed frequency. The secondary carrier may contain only necessary signaling information and signals, for example, those that are UE-specific may not be present in the secondary carrier, since both primary uplink and downlink carriers are typically UE-specific. This means that different UEs 104 / 182 in a cell may have different downlink primary carriers. The same is true for the uplink primary carriers. The network is able to change the primary carrier of any UE 104 / 182 at any time. This is done, for example, to balance the load on different carriers. Because a “serving cell” (whether a PCell or an SCell) corresponds to a carrier frequency / component carrier over which some base station is communicating, the term “cell,” “serving cell,” “component carrier,” “carrier frequency,” and the like can be used interchangeably. QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO

[0066] For example, still referring to FIG. 1, one of the frequencies utilized by the macro cell base stations 102 may be an anchor carrier (or “PCell”) and other frequencies utilized by the macro cell base stations 102 and / or the mmW base station 180 may be secondary carriers (“SCells”). The simultaneous transmission and / or reception of multiple carriers enables the UE 104 / 182 to significantly increase its data transmission and / or reception rates. For example, two 20 MHz aggregated carriers in a multi-carrier system would theoretically lead to a two-fold increase in data rate (i.e., 40 MHz), compared to that attained by a single 20 MHz carrier.

[0067] In the example of FIG.1, any of the illustrated UEs (shown in FIG.1 as a single UE 104 for simplicity) may receive signals 124 from one or more Earth orbiting space vehicles (SVs) 112 (e.g., satellites). In an aspect, the SVs 112 may be part of a satellite positioning system that a UE 104 can use as an independent source of location information. A satellite positioning system typically includes a system of transmitters (e.g., SVs 112) positioned to enable receivers (e.g., UEs 104) to determine their location on or above the Earth based, at least in part, on positioning signals (e.g., signals 124) received from the transmitters. Such a transmitter typically transmits a signal marked with a repeating pseudo-random noise (PN) code of a set number of chips. While typically located in SVs 112, transmitters may sometimes be located on ground-based control stations, base stations 102, and / or other UEs 104. A UE 104 may include one or more dedicated receivers specifically designed to receive signals 124 for deriving geo location information from the SVs 112.

[0068] In a satellite positioning system, the use of signals 124 can be augmented by various satellite-based augmentation systems (SBAS) that may be associated with or otherwise enabled for use with one or more global and / or regional navigation satellite systems. For example an SBAS may include an augmentation system(s) that provides integrity information, differential corrections, etc., such as the Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS), the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS), the Multi- functional Satellite Augmentation System (MSAS), the Global Positioning System (GPS) Aided Geo Augmented Navigation or GPS and Geo Augmented Navigation system (GAGAN), and / or the like. Thus, as used herein, a satellite positioning system may include any combination of one or more global and / or regional navigation satellites associated with such one or more satellite positioning systems. QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO

[0069] In an aspect, SVs 112 may additionally or alternatively be part of one or more non- terrestrial networks (NTNs). In an NTN, an SV 112 is connected to an earth station (also referred to as a ground station, NTN gateway, or gateway), which in turn is connected to an element in a 5G network, such as a modified base station 102 (without a terrestrial antenna) or a network node in a 5GC. This element would in turn provide access to other elements in the 5G network and ultimately to entities external to the 5G network, such as Internet web servers and other user devices. In that way, a UE 104 may receive communication signals (e.g., signals 124) from an SV 112 instead of, or in addition to, communication signals from a terrestrial base station 102.

[0070] Leveraging the increased data rates and decreased latency of NR, among other things, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication technologies are being implemented to support intelligent transportation systems (ITS) applications, such as wireless communications between vehicles (vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V)), between vehicles and the roadside infrastructure (vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I)), and between vehicles and pedestrians (vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P)). The goal is for vehicles to be able to sense the environment around them and communicate that information to other vehicles, infrastructure, and personal mobile devices. Such vehicle communication will enable safety, mobility, and environmental advancements that current technologies are unable to provide. Once fully implemented, the technology is expected to reduce unimpaired vehicle crashes by 80%.

[0071] Still referring to FIG. 1, the wireless communications system 100 may include multiple V-UEs 160 that may communicate with base stations 102 over communication links 120 using the Uu interface (i.e., the air interface between a UE and a base station). V-UEs 160 may also communicate directly with each other over a wireless sidelink 162, with a roadside unit (RSU) 164 (a roadside access point) over a wireless sidelink 166, or with sidelink-capable UEs 104 over a wireless sidelink 168 using the PC5 interface (i.e., the air interface between sidelink-capable UEs). A wireless sidelink (or just “sidelink”) is an adaptation of the core cellular (e.g., LTE, NR) standard that allows direct communication between two or more UEs without the communication needing to go through a base station. Sidelink communication may be unicast or multicast, and may be used for device- to-device (D2D) media-sharing, V2V communication, V2X communication (e.g., cellular V2X (cV2X) communication, enhanced V2X (eV2X) communication, etc.), emergency QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO rescue applications, etc. One or more of a group of V-UEs 160 utilizing sidelink communications may be within the geographic coverage area 110 of a base station 102. Other V-UEs 160 in such a group may be outside the geographic coverage area 110 of a base station 102 or be otherwise unable to receive transmissions from a base station 102. In some cases, groups of V-UEs 160 communicating via sidelink communications may utilize a one-to-many (1:M) system in which each V-UE 160 transmits to every other V- UE 160 in the group. In some cases, a base station 102 facilitates the scheduling of resources for sidelink communications. In other cases, sidelink communications are carried out between V-UEs 160 without the involvement of a base station 102.

[0072] In an aspect, the sidelinks 162, 166, 168 may operate over a wireless communication medium of interest, which may be shared with other wireless communications between other vehicles and / or infrastructure access points, as well as other RATs. A “medium” may be composed of one or more time, frequency, and / or space communication resources (e.g., encompassing one or more channels across one or more carriers) associated with wireless communication between one or more transmitter / receiver pairs.

[0073] In an aspect, the sidelinks 162, 166, 168 may be cV2X links. A first generation of cV2X has been standardized in LTE, and the next generation is expected to be defined in NR. cV2X is a cellular technology that also enables device-to-device communications. In the U.S. and Europe, cV2X is expected to operate in the licensed ITS band in sub-6GHz. Other bands may be allocated in other countries. Thus, as a particular example, the medium of interest utilized by sidelinks 162, 166, 168 may correspond to at least a portion of the licensed ITS frequency band of sub-6GHz. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this frequency band or cellular technology.

[0074] In an aspect, the sidelinks 162, 166, 168 may be dedicated short-range communications (DSRC) links. DSRC is a one-way or two-way short-range to medium-range wireless communication protocol that uses the wireless access for vehicular environments (WAVE) protocol, also known as IEEE 802.11p, for V2V, V2I, and V2P communications. IEEE 802.11p is an approved amendment to the IEEE 802.11 standard and operates in the licensed ITS band of 5.9 GHz (5.85-5.925 GHz) in the U.S. In Europe, IEEE 802.11p operates in the ITS G5A band (5.875 – 5.905 MHz). Other bands may be allocated in other countries. The V2V communications briefly described above occur on the Safety Channel, which in the U.S. is typically a 10 MHz channel that is dedicated to QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO 20 the purpose of safety. The remainder of the DSRC band (the total bandwidth is 75 MHz) is intended for other services of interest to drivers, such as road rules, tolling, parking automation, etc. Thus, as a particular example, the mediums of interest utilized by sidelinks 162, 166, 168 may correspond to at least a portion of the licensed ITS frequency band of 5.9 GHz.

[0075] Alternatively, the medium of interest may correspond to at least a portion of an unlicensed frequency band shared among various RATs. Although different licensed frequency bands have been reserved for certain communication systems (e.g., by a government entity such as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the United States), these systems, in particular those employing small cell access points, have recently extended operation into unlicensed frequency bands such as the Unlicensed National Information Infrastructure (U-NII) band used by wireless local area network (WLAN) technologies, most notably IEEE 802.11x WLAN technologies generally referred to as “Wi-Fi.” Example systems of this type include different variants of CDMA systems, TDMA systems, FDMA systems, orthogonal FDMA (OFDMA) systems, single-carrier FDMA (SC-FDMA) systems, and so on.

[0076] Communications between the V-UEs 160 are referred to as V2V communications, communications between the V-UEs 160 and the one or more RSUs 164 are referred to as V2I communications, and communications between the V-UEs 160 and one or more UEs 104 (where the UEs 104 are P-UEs) are referred to as V2P communications. The V2V communications between V-UEs 160 may include, for example, information about the position, speed, acceleration, heading, and other vehicle data of the V-UEs 160. The V2I information received at a V-UE 160 from the one or more RSUs 164 may include, for example, road rules, parking automation information, etc. The V2P communications between a V-UE 160 and a UE 104 may include information about, for example, the position, speed, acceleration, and heading of the V-UE 160 and the position, speed (e.g., where the UE 104 is carried by a user on a bicycle), and heading of the UE 104.

[0077] Note that although FIG.1 only illustrates two of the UEs as V-UEs (V-UEs 160), any of the illustrated UEs (e.g., UEs 104, 152, 182, 190) may be V-UEs. In addition, while only the V-UEs 160 and a single UE 104 have been illustrated as being connected over a sidelink, any of the UEs illustrated in FIG.1, whether V-UEs, P-UEs, etc., may be capable of sidelink communication. Further, although only UE 182 was described as being QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO capable of beam forming, any of the illustrated UEs, including V-UEs 160, may be capable of beam forming. Where V-UEs 160 are capable of beam forming, they may beam form towards each other (i.e., towards other V-UEs 160), towards RSUs 164, towards other UEs (e.g., UEs 104, 152, 182, 190), etc. Thus, in some cases, V-UEs 160 may utilize beamforming over sidelinks 162, 166, and 168.

[0078] The wireless communications system 100 may further include one or more UEs, such as UE 190, that connects indirectly to one or more communication networks via one or more device-to-device (D2D) peer-to-peer (P2P) links. In the example of FIG. 1, UE 190 has a D2D P2P link 192 with one of the UEs 104 connected to one of the base stations 102 (e.g., through which UE 190 may indirectly obtain cellular connectivity) and a D2D P2P link 194 with WLAN STA 152 connected to the WLAN AP 150 (through which UE 190 may indirectly obtain WLAN-based Internet connectivity). In an example, the D2D P2P links 192 and 194 may be supported with any well-known D2D RAT, such as LTE Direct (LTE-D), WI-FI DIRECT®, BLUETOOTH®, and so on. As another example, the D2D P2P links 192 and 194 may be sidelinks, as described above with reference to sidelinks 162, 166, and 168.

[0079] FIG.2A illustrates an example wireless network structure 200. For example, a 5GC 210 (also referred to as a Next Generation Core (NGC)) can be viewed functionally as control plane (C-plane) functions 214 (e.g., UE registration, authentication, network access, gateway selection, etc.) and user plane (U-plane) functions 212, (e.g., UE gateway function, access to data networks, IP routing, etc.) which operate cooperatively to form the core network. User plane interface (NG-U) 213 and control plane interface (NG-C) 215 connect the gNB 222 to the 5GC 210 and specifically to the user plane functions 212 and control plane functions 214, respectively. In an additional configuration, an ng-eNB 224 may also be connected to the 5GC 210 via NG-C 215 to the control plane functions 214 and NG-U 213 to user plane functions 212. Further, ng-eNB 224 may directly communicate with gNB 222 via a backhaul connection 223. In some configurations, a Next Generation RAN (NG-RAN) 220 may have one or more gNBs 222, while other configurations include one or more of both ng-eNBs 224 and gNBs 222. Either (or both) gNB 222 or ng-eNB 224 may communicate with one or more UEs 204 (e.g., any of the UEs described herein). QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO

[0080] Another optional aspect may include a location server 230, which may be in communication with the 5GC 210 to provide location assistance for UE(s) 204. The location server 230 can be implemented as a plurality of separate servers (e.g., physically separate servers, different software modules on a single server, different software modules spread across multiple physical servers, etc.), or alternately may each correspond to a single server. The location server 230 can be configured to support one or more location services for UEs 204 that can connect to the location server 230 via the core network, 5GC 210, and / or via the Internet (not illustrated). Further, the location server 230 may be integrated into a component of the core network, or alternatively may be external to the core network (e.g., a third party server, such as an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) server or service server).

[0081] FIG.2B illustrates another example wireless network structure 240. A 5GC 260 (which may correspond to 5GC 210 in FIG. 2A) can be viewed functionally as control plane functions, provided by an access and mobility management function (AMF) 264, and user plane functions, provided by a user plane function (UPF) 262, which operate cooperatively to form the core network (i.e., 5GC 260). The functions of the AMF 264 include registration management, connection management, reachability management, mobility management, lawful interception, transport for session management (SM) messages between one or more UEs 204 (e.g., any of the UEs described herein) and a session management function (SMF) 266, transparent proxy services for routing SM messages, access authentication and access authorization, transport for short message service (SMS) messages between the UE 204 and the short message service function (SMSF) (not shown), and security anchor functionality (SEAF). The AMF 264 also interacts with an authentication server function (AUSF) (not shown) and the UE 204, and receives the intermediate key that was established as a result of the UE 204 authentication process. In the case of authentication based on a UMTS (universal mobile telecommunications system) subscriber identity module (USIM), the AMF 264 retrieves the security material from the AUSF. The functions of the AMF 264 also include security context management (SCM). The SCM receives a key from the SEAF that it uses to derive access-network specific keys. The functionality of the AMF 264 also includes location services management for regulatory services, transport for location services messages between the UE 204 and a location management function (LMF) 270 (which acts as a QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO 23 location server 230), transport for location services messages between the NG-RAN 220 and the LMF 270, evolved packet system (EPS) bearer identifier allocation for interworking with the EPS, and UE 204 mobility event notification. In addition, the AMF 264 also supports functionalities for non-3GPP® (Third Generation Partnership Project) access networks.

[0082] Functions of the UPF 262 include acting as an anchor point for intra / inter-RAT mobility (when applicable), acting as an external protocol data unit (PDU) session point of interconnect to a data network (not shown), providing packet routing and forwarding, packet inspection, user plane policy rule enforcement (e.g., gating, redirection, traffic steering), lawful interception (user plane collection), traffic usage reporting, quality of service (QoS) handling for the user plane (e.g., uplink / downlink rate enforcement, reflective QoS marking in the downlink), uplink traffic verification (service data flow (SDF) to QoS flow mapping), transport level packet marking in the uplink and downlink, downlink packet buffering and downlink data notification triggering, and sending and forwarding of one or more “end markers” to the source RAN node. The UPF 262 may also support transfer of location services messages over a user plane between the UE 204 and a location server, such as an SLP 272.

[0083] The functions of the SMF 266 include session management, UE Internet protocol (IP) address allocation and management, selection and control of user plane functions, configuration of traffic steering at the UPF 262 to route traffic to the proper destination, control of part of policy enforcement and QoS, and downlink data notification. The interface over which the SMF 266 communicates with the AMF 264 is referred to as the N11 interface.

[0084] Another optional aspect may include an LMF 270, which may be in communication with the 5GC 260 to provide location assistance for UEs 204. The LMF 270 can be implemented as a plurality of separate servers (e.g., physically separate servers, different software modules on a single server, different software modules spread across multiple physical servers, etc.), or alternately may each correspond to a single server. The LMF 270 can be configured to support one or more location services for UEs 204 that can connect to the LMF 270 via the core network, 5GC 260, and / or via the Internet (not illustrated). The SLP 272 may support similar functions to the LMF 270, but whereas the LMF 270 may communicate with the AMF 264, NG-RAN 220, and UEs 204 over a QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO 24 control plane (e.g., using interfaces and protocols intended to convey signaling messages and not voice or data), the SLP 272 may communicate with UEs 204 and external clients (e.g., third-party server 274) over a user plane (e.g., using protocols intended to carry voice and / or data like the transmission control protocol (TCP) and / or IP).

[0085] Yet another optional aspect may include a third-party server 274, which may be in communication with the LMF 270, the SLP 272, the 5GC 260 (e.g., via the AMF 264 and / or the UPF 262), the NG-RAN 220, and / or the UE 204 to obtain location information (e.g., a location estimate) for the UE 204. As such, in some cases, the third-party server 274 may be referred to as a location services (LCS) client or an external client. The third- party server 274 can be implemented as a plurality of separate servers (e.g., physically separate servers, different software modules on a single server, different software modules spread across multiple physical servers, etc.), or alternately may each correspond to a single server.

[0086] User plane interface 263 and control plane interface 265 connect the 5GC 260, and specifically the UPF 262 and AMF 264, respectively, to one or more gNBs 222 and / or ng-eNBs 224 in the NG-RAN 220. The interface between gNB(s) 222 and / or ng-eNB(s) 224 and the AMF 264 is referred to as the “N2” interface, and the interface between gNB(s) 222 and / or ng-eNB(s) 224 and the UPF 262 is referred to as the “N3” interface. The gNB(s) 222 and / or ng-eNB(s) 224 of the NG-RAN 220 may communicate directly with each other via backhaul connections 223, referred to as the “Xn-C” interface. One or more of gNBs 222 and / or ng-eNBs 224 may communicate with one or more UEs 204 over a wireless interface, referred to as the “Uu” interface.

[0087] The functionality of a gNB 222 may be divided between a gNB central unit (gNB-CU) 226, one or more gNB distributed units (gNB-DUs) 228, and one or more gNB radio units (gNB-RUs) 229. A gNB-CU 226 is a logical node that includes the base station functions of transferring user data, mobility control, radio access network sharing, positioning, session management, and the like, except for those functions allocated exclusively to the gNB-DU(s) 228. More specifically, the gNB-CU 226 generally host the radio resource control (RRC), service data adaptation protocol (SDAP), and packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) protocols of the gNB 222. A gNB-DU 228 is a logical node that generally hosts the radio link control (RLC) and medium access control (MAC) layer of the gNB 222. Its operation is controlled by the gNB-CU 226. One gNB-DU 228 can QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO support one or more cells, and one cell is supported by only one gNB-DU 228. The interface 232 between the gNB-CU 226 and the one or more gNB-DUs 228 is referred to as the “F1” interface. The physical (PHY) layer functionality of a gNB 222 is generally hosted by one or more standalone gNB-RUs 229 that perform functions such as power amplification and signal transmission / reception. The interface between a gNB-DU 228 and a gNB-RU 229 is referred to as the “Fx” interface. Thus, a UE 204 communicates with the gNB-CU 226 via the RRC, SDAP, and PDCP layers, with a gNB-DU 228 via the RLC and MAC layers, and with a gNB-RU 229 via the PHY layer.

[0088] Deployment of communication systems, such as 5G NR systems, may be arranged in multiple manners with various components or constituent parts. In a 5G NR system, or network, a network node, a network entity, a mobility element of a network, a RAN node, a core network node, a network element, or a network equipment, such as a base station, or one or more units (or one or more components) performing base station functionality, may be implemented in an aggregated or disaggregated architecture. For example, a base station (such as a Node B (NB), evolved NB (eNB), NR base station, 5G NB, AP, TRP, cell, etc.) may be implemented as an aggregated base station (also known as a standalone base station or a monolithic base station) or a disaggregated base station.

[0089] An aggregated base station may be configured to utilize a radio protocol stack that is physically or logically integrated within a single RAN node. A disaggregated base station may be configured to utilize a protocol stack that is physically or logically distributed among two or more units (such as one or more central or centralized units (CUs), one or more distributed units (DUs), or one or more radio units (RUs)). In some aspects, a CU may be implemented within a RAN node, and one or more DUs may be co-located with the CU, or alternatively, may be geographically or virtually distributed throughout one or multiple other RAN nodes. The DUs may be implemented to communicate with one or more RUs. Each of the CU, DU and RU also can be implemented as virtual units, i.e., a virtual central unit (VCU), a virtual distributed unit (VDU), or a virtual radio unit (VRU).

[0090] Base station-type operation or network design may consider aggregation characteristics of base station functionality. For example, disaggregated base stations may be utilized in an integrated access backhaul (IAB) network, an open radio access network (O-RAN (such as the network configuration sponsored by the O-RAN ALLIANCE®)), or a virtualized radio access network (vRAN, also known as a cloud radio access network (C- QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO RAN)). Disaggregation may include distributing functionality across two or more units at various physical locations, as well as distributing functionality for at least one unit virtually, which can enable flexibility in network design. The various units of the disaggregated base station, or disaggregated RAN architecture, can be configured for wired or wireless communication with at least one other unit.

[0091] FIG. 2C illustrates an example disaggregated base station architecture 250, according to aspects of the disclosure. The disaggregated base station architecture 250 may include one or more central units (CUs) 280 (e.g., gNB-CU 226) that can communicate directly with a core network 267 (e.g., 5GC 210, 5GC 260) via a backhaul link, or indirectly with the core network 267 through one or more disaggregated base station units (such as a Near-Real Time (Near-RT) RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) 259 via an E2 link, or a Non-Real Time (Non-RT) RIC 257 associated with a Service Management and Orchestration (SMO) Framework 255, or both). A CU 280 may communicate with one or more DUs 285 (e.g., gNB-DUs 228) via respective midhaul links, such as an F1 interface. The DUs 285 may communicate with one or more radio units (RUs) 287 (e.g., gNB-RUs 229) via respective fronthaul links. The RUs 287 may communicate with respective UEs 204 via one or more radio frequency (RF) access links. In some implementations, the UE 204 may be simultaneously served by multiple RUs 287.

[0092] Each of the units, i.e., the CUs 280, the DUs 285, the RUs 287, as well as the Near-RT RICs 259, the Non-RT RICs 257 and the SMO Framework 255, may include one or more interfaces or be coupled to one or more interfaces configured to receive or transmit signals, data, or information (collectively, signals) via a wired or wireless transmission medium. Each of the units, or an associated processor or controller providing instructions to the communication interfaces of the units, can be configured to communicate with one or more of the other units via the transmission medium. For example, the units can include a wired interface configured to receive or transmit signals over a wired transmission medium to one or more of the other units. Additionally, the units can include a wireless interface, which may include a receiver, a transmitter or transceiver (such as a RF transceiver), configured to receive or transmit signals, or both, over a wireless transmission medium to one or more of the other units.

[0093] In some aspects, the CU 280 may host one or more higher layer control functions. Such control functions can include RRC, PDCP, service data adaptation protocol (SDAP), or QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO 27 the like. Each control function can be implemented with an interface configured to communicate signals with other control functions hosted by the CU 280. The CU 280 may be configured to handle user plane functionality (i.e., Central Unit – User Plane (CU- UP)), control plane functionality (i.e., Central Unit – Control Plane (CU-CP)), or a combination thereof. In some implementations, the CU 280 can be logically split into one or more CU-UP units and one or more CU-CP units. The CU-UP unit can communicate bidirectionally with the CU-CP unit via an interface, such as the E1 interface when implemented in an O-RAN configuration. The CU 280 can be implemented to communicate with the DU 285, as necessary, for network control and signaling.

[0094] The DU 285 may correspond to a logical unit that includes one or more base station functions to control the operation of one or more RUs 287. In some aspects, the DU 285 may host one or more of a RLC layer, a MAC layer, and one or more high PHY layers (such as modules for forward error correction (FEC) encoding and decoding, scrambling, modulation and demodulation, or the like) depending, at least in part, on a functional split, such as those defined by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP®). In some aspects, the DU 285 may further host one or more low PHY layers. Each layer (or module) can be implemented with an interface configured to communicate signals with other layers (and modules) hosted by the DU 285, or with the control functions hosted by the CU 280.

[0095] Lower-layer functionality can be implemented by one or more RUs 287. In some deployments, an RU 287, controlled by a DU 285, may correspond to a logical node that hosts RF processing functions, or low-PHY layer functions (such as performing fast Fourier transform (FFT), inverse FFT (iFFT), digital beamforming, physical random access channel (PRACH) extraction and filtering, or the like), or both, based at least in part on the functional split, such as a lower layer functional split. In such an architecture, the RU(s) 287 can be implemented to handle over the air (OTA) communication with one or more UEs 204. In some implementations, real-time and non-real-time aspects of control and user plane communication with the RU(s) 287 can be controlled by the corresponding DU 285. In some scenarios, this configuration can enable the DU(s) 285 and the CU 280 to be implemented in a cloud-based RAN architecture, such as a vRAN architecture. QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO 28

[0096] The SMO Framework 255 may be configured to support RAN deployment and provisioning of non-virtualized and virtualized network elements. For non-virtualized network elements, the SMO Framework 255 may be configured to support the deployment of dedicated physical resources for RAN coverage requirements which may be managed via an operations and maintenance interface (such as an O1 interface). For virtualized network elements, the SMO Framework 255 may be configured to interact with a cloud computing platform (such as an open cloud (O-Cloud) 269) to perform network element life cycle management (such as to instantiate virtualized network elements) via a cloud computing platform interface (such as an O2 interface). Such virtualized network elements can include, but are not limited to, CUs 280, DUs 285, RUs 287 and Near-RT RICs 259. In some implementations, the SMO Framework 255 can communicate with a hardware aspect of a 4G RAN, such as an open eNB (O-eNB) 261, via an O1 interface. Additionally, in some implementations, the SMO Framework 255 can communicate directly with one or more RUs 287 via an O1 interface. The SMO Framework 255 also may include a Non-RT RIC 257 configured to support functionality of the SMO Framework 255.

[0097] The Non-RT RIC 257 may be configured to include a logical function that enables non- real-time control and optimization of RAN elements and resources, artificial intelligence / machine learning (AI / ML) workflows including model training and updates, or policy-based guidance of applications / features in the Near-RT RIC 259. The Non-RT RIC 257 may be coupled to or communicate with (such as via an A1 interface) the Near- RT RIC 259. The Near-RT RIC 259 may be configured to include a logical function that enables near-real-time control and optimization of RAN elements and resources via data collection and actions over an interface (such as via an E2 interface) connecting one or more CUs 280, one or more DUs 285, or both, as well as an O-eNB, with the Near-RT RIC 259.

[0098] In some implementations, to generate AI / ML models to be deployed in the Near-RT RIC 259, the Non-RT RIC 257 may receive parameters or external enrichment information from external servers. Such information may be utilized by the Near-RT RIC 259 and may be received at the SMO Framework 255 or the Non-RT RIC 257 from non-network data sources or from network functions. In some examples, the Non-RT RIC 257 or the Near-RT RIC 259 may be configured to tune RAN behavior or performance. For QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO example, the Non-RT RIC 257 may monitor long-term trends and patterns for performance and employ AI / ML models to perform corrective actions through the SMO Framework 255 (such as reconfiguration via O1) or via creation of RAN management policies (such as A1 policies).

[0099] FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C illustrate several example components (represented by corresponding blocks) that may be incorporated into a UE 302 (which may correspond to any of the UEs described herein), a base station 304 (which may correspond to any of the base stations described herein), and a network entity 306 (which may correspond to or embody any of the network functions described herein, including the location server 230 and the LMF 270, or alternatively may be independent from the NG-RAN 220 and / or 5GC 210 / 260 infrastructure depicted in FIGS. 2A and 2B, such as a private network) to support the operations described herein. It will be appreciated that these components may be implemented in different types of apparatuses in different implementations (e.g., in an ASIC, in a system-on-chip (SoC), etc.). The illustrated components may also be incorporated into other apparatuses in a communication system. For example, other apparatuses in a system may include components similar to those described to provide similar functionality. Also, a given apparatus may contain one or more of the components. For example, an apparatus may include multiple transceiver components that enable the apparatus to operate on multiple carriers and / or communicate via different technologies.

[0100] The UE 302 and the base station 304 each include one or more wireless wide area network (WWAN) transceivers 310 and 350, respectively, providing means for communicating (e.g., means for transmitting, means for receiving, means for measuring, means for tuning, means for refraining from transmitting, etc.) via one or more wireless communication networks (not shown), such as an NR network, an LTE network, a GSM network, and / or the like. The WWAN transceivers 310 and 350 may each be connected to one or more antennas 316 and 356, respectively, for communicating with other network nodes, such as other UEs, access points, base stations (e.g., eNBs, gNBs), etc., via at least one designated RAT (e.g., NR, LTE, GSM, etc.) over a wireless communication medium of interest (e.g., some set of time / frequency resources in a particular frequency spectrum). The WWAN transceivers 310 and 350 may be variously configured for transmitting and encoding signals 318 and 358 (e.g., messages, indications, information, and so on), respectively, and, conversely, for receiving and decoding signals 318 and 358 (e.g., QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO messages, indications, information, pilots, and so on), respectively, in accordance with the designated RAT. Specifically, the WWAN transceivers 310 and 350 include one or more transmitters 314 and 354, respectively, for transmitting and encoding signals 318 and 358, respectively, and one or more receivers 312 and 352, respectively, for receiving and decoding signals 318 and 358, respectively.

[0101] The UE 302 and the base station 304 each also include, at least in some cases, one or more short-range wireless transceivers 320 and 360, respectively. The short-range wireless transceivers 320 and 360 may be connected to one or more antennas 326 and 366, respectively, and provide means for communicating (e.g., means for transmitting, means for receiving, means for measuring, means for tuning, means for refraining from transmitting, etc.) with other network nodes, such as other UEs, access points, base stations, etc., via at least one designated RAT (e.g., Wi-Fi, LTE Direct, BLUETOOTH®, ZIGBEE®, Z-WAVE®, PC5, dedicated short-range communications (DSRC), wireless access for vehicular environments (WAVE), near-field communication (NFC), ultra- wideband (UWB), etc.) over a wireless communication medium of interest. The short- range wireless transceivers 320 and 360 may be variously configured for transmitting and encoding signals 328 and 368 (e.g., messages, indications, information, and so on), respectively, and, conversely, for receiving and decoding signals 328 and 368 (e.g., messages, indications, information, pilots, and so on), respectively, in accordance with the designated RAT. Specifically, the short-range wireless transceivers 320 and 360 include one or more transmitters 324 and 364, respectively, for transmitting and encoding signals 328 and 368, respectively, and one or more receivers 322 and 362, respectively, for receiving and decoding signals 328 and 368, respectively. As specific examples, the short-range wireless transceivers 320 and 360 may be Wi-Fi transceivers, BLUETOOTH® transceivers, ZIGBEE® and / or Z-WAVE® transceivers, NFC transceivers, UWB transceivers, or vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and / or vehicle-to- everything (V2X) transceivers.

[0102] The UE 302 and the base station 304 also include, at least in some cases, satellite signal receivers 330 and 370. The satellite signal receivers 330 and 370 may be connected to one or more antennas 336 and 376, respectively, and may provide means for receiving and / or measuring satellite positioning / communication signals 338 and 378, respectively. Where the satellite signal receivers 330 and 370 are satellite positioning system receivers, QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO the satellite positioning / communication signals 338 and 378 may be global positioning system (GPS) signals, global navigation satellite system (GLONASS®) signals, Galileo signals, Beidou signals, Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (NAVIC), Quasi- Zenith Satellite System (QZSS), etc. Where the satellite signal receivers 330 and 370 are non-terrestrial network (NTN) receivers, the satellite positioning / communication signals 338 and 378 may be communication signals (e.g., carrying control and / or user data) originating from a 5G network. The satellite signal receivers 330 and 370 may comprise any suitable hardware and / or software for receiving and processing satellite positioning / communication signals 338 and 378, respectively. The satellite signal receivers 330 and 370 may request information and operations as appropriate from the other systems, and, at least in some cases, perform calculations to determine locations of the UE 302 and the base station 304, respectively, using measurements obtained by any suitable satellite positioning system algorithm.

[0103] The base station 304 and the network entity 306 each include one or more network transceivers 380 and 390, respectively, providing means for communicating (e.g., means for transmitting, means for receiving, etc.) with other network entities (e.g., other base stations 304, other network entities 306). For example, the base station 304 may employ the one or more network transceivers 380 to communicate with other base stations 304 or network entities 306 over one or more wired or wireless backhaul links. As another example, the network entity 306 may employ the one or more network transceivers 390 to communicate with one or more base station 304 over one or more wired or wireless backhaul links, or with other network entities 306 over one or more wired or wireless core network interfaces.

[0104] A transceiver may be configured to communicate over a wired or wireless link. A transceiver (whether a wired transceiver or a wireless transceiver) includes transmitter circuitry (e.g., transmitters 314, 324, 354, 364) and receiver circuitry (e.g., receivers 312, 322, 352, 362). A transceiver may be an integrated device (e.g., embodying transmitter circuitry and receiver circuitry in a single device) in some implementations, may comprise separate transmitter circuitry and separate receiver circuitry in some implementations, or may be embodied in other ways in other implementations. The transmitter circuitry and receiver circuitry of a wired transceiver (e.g., network transceivers 380 and 390 in some implementations) may be coupled to one or more wired network interface ports. Wireless QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO transmitter circuitry (e.g., transmitters 314, 324, 354, 364) may include or be coupled to a plurality of antennas (e.g., antennas 316, 326, 356, 366), such as an antenna array, that permits the respective apparatus (e.g., UE 302, base station 304) to perform transmit “beamforming,” as described herein. Similarly, wireless receiver circuitry (e.g., receivers 312, 322, 352, 362) may include or be coupled to a plurality of antennas (e.g., antennas 316, 326, 356, 366), such as an antenna array, that permits the respective apparatus (e.g., UE 302, base station 304) to perform receive beamforming, as described herein. In an aspect, the transmitter circuitry and receiver circuitry may share the same plurality of antennas (e.g., antennas 316, 326, 356, 366), such that the respective apparatus can only receive or transmit at a given time, not both at the same time. A wireless transceiver (e.g., WWAN transceivers 310 and 350, short-range wireless transceivers 320 and 360) may also include a network listen module (NLM) or the like for performing various measurements.

[0105] As used herein, the various wireless transceivers (e.g., transceivers 310, 320, 350, and 360, and network transceivers 380 and 390 in some implementations) and wired transceivers (e.g., network transceivers 380 and 390 in some implementations) may generally be characterized as “a transceiver,” “at least one transceiver,” or “one or more transceivers.” As such, whether a particular transceiver is a wired or wireless transceiver may be inferred from the type of communication performed. For example, backhaul communication between network devices or servers will generally relate to signaling via a wired transceiver, whereas wireless communication between a UE (e.g., UE 302) and a base station (e.g., base station 304) will generally relate to signaling via a wireless transceiver.

[0106] The UE 302, the base station 304, and the network entity 306 also include other components that may be used in conjunction with the operations as disclosed herein. The UE 302, the base station 304, and the network entity 306 include one or more processors 332, 384, and 394, respectively, for providing functionality relating to, for example, wireless communication, and for providing other processing functionality. The processors 332, 384, and 394 may therefore provide means for processing, such as means for determining, means for calculating, means for receiving, means for transmitting, means for indicating, etc. In an aspect, the processors 332, 384, and 394 may include, for example, one or more general purpose processors, multi-core processors, central QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO processing units (CPUs), ASICs, digital signal processors (DSPs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), other programmable logic devices or processing circuitry, or various combinations thereof.

[0107] The UE 302, the base station 304, and the network entity 306 include memory circuitry implementing memories 340, 386, and 396 (e.g., each including a memory device), respectively, for maintaining information (e.g., information indicative of reserved resources, thresholds, parameters, and so on). The memories 340, 386, and 396 may therefore provide means for storing, means for retrieving, means for maintaining, etc. In some cases, the UE 302, the base station 304, and the network entity 306 may include positioning component 342, 388, and 398, respectively. The positioning component 342, 388, and 398 may be hardware circuits that are part of or coupled to the processors 332, 384, and 394, respectively, that, when executed, cause the UE 302, the base station 304, and the network entity 306 to perform the functionality described herein. In other aspects, the positioning component 342, 388, and 398 may be external to the processors 332, 384, and 394 (e.g., part of a modem processing system, integrated with another processing system, etc.). Alternatively, the positioning component 342, 388, and 398 may be memory modules stored in the memories 340, 386, and 396, respectively, that, when executed by the processors 332, 384, and 394 (or a modem processing system, another processing system, etc.), cause the UE 302, the base station 304, and the network entity 306 to perform the functionality described herein. FIG. 3A illustrates possible locations of the positioning component 342, which may be, for example, part of the one or more WWAN transceivers 310, the memory 340, the one or more processors 332, or any combination thereof, or may be a standalone component. FIG.3B illustrates possible locations of the positioning component 388, which may be, for example, part of the one or more WWAN transceivers 350, the memory 386, the one or more processors 384, or any combination thereof, or may be a standalone component. FIG.3C illustrates possible locations of the positioning component 398, which may be, for example, part of the one or more network transceivers 390, the memory 396, the one or more processors 394, or any combination thereof, or may be a standalone component.

[0108] The UE 302 may include one or more sensors 344 coupled to the one or more processors 332 to provide means for sensing or detecting movement and / or orientation information that is independent of motion data derived from signals received by the one or more QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO WWAN transceivers 310, the one or more short-range wireless transceivers 320, and / or the satellite signal receiver 330. By way of example, the sensor(s) 344 may include an accelerometer (e.g., a micro-electrical mechanical systems (MEMS) device), a gyroscope, a geomagnetic sensor (e.g., a compass), an altimeter (e.g., a barometric pressure altimeter), and / or any other type of movement detection sensor. Moreover, the sensor(s) 344 may include a plurality of different types of devices and combine their outputs in order to provide motion information. For example, the sensor(s) 344 may use a combination of a multi-axis accelerometer and orientation sensors to provide the ability to compute positions in two-dimensional (2D) and / or three-dimensional (3D) coordinate systems.

[0109] In addition, the UE 302 includes a user interface 346 providing means for providing indications (e.g., audible and / or visual indications) to a user and / or for receiving user input (e.g., upon user actuation of a sensing device such a keypad, a touch screen, a microphone, and so on). Although not shown, the base station 304 and the network entity 306 may also include user interfaces.

[0110] Referring to the one or more processors 384 in more detail, in the downlink, IP packets from the network entity 306 may be provided to the processor 384. The one or more processors 384 may implement functionality for an RRC layer, a packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, a radio link control (RLC) layer, and a medium access control (MAC) layer. The one or more processors 384 may provide RRC layer functionality associated with broadcasting of system information (e.g., master information block (MIB), system information blocks (SIBs)), RRC connection control (e.g., RRC connection paging, RRC connection establishment, RRC connection modification, and RRC connection release), inter-RAT mobility, and measurement configuration for UE measurement reporting; PDCP layer functionality associated with header compression / decompression, security (ciphering, deciphering, integrity protection, integrity verification), and handover support functions; RLC layer functionality associated with the transfer of upper layer PDUs, error correction through automatic repeat request (ARQ), concatenation, segmentation, and reassembly of RLC service data units (SDUs), re-segmentation of RLC data PDUs, and reordering of RLC data PDUs; and MAC layer functionality associated with mapping between logical channels and QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO transport channels, scheduling information reporting, error correction, priority handling, and logical channel prioritization.

[0111] The transmitter 354 and the receiver 352 may implement Layer-1 (L1) functionality associated with various signal processing functions. Layer-1, which includes a physical (PHY) layer, may include error detection on the transport channels, forward error correction (FEC) coding / decoding of the transport channels, interleaving, rate matching, mapping onto physical channels, modulation / demodulation of physical channels, and MIMO antenna processing. The transmitter 354 handles mapping to signal constellations based on various modulation schemes (e.g., binary phase-shift keying (BPSK), quadrature phase-shift keying (QPSK), M-phase-shift keying (M-PSK), M-quadrature amplitude modulation (M-QAM)). The coded and modulated symbols may then be split into parallel streams. Each stream may then be mapped to an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) subcarrier, multiplexed with a reference signal (e.g., pilot) in the time and / or frequency domain, and then combined together using an inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) to produce a physical channel carrying a time domain OFDM symbol stream. The OFDM symbol stream is spatially precoded to produce multiple spatial streams. Channel estimates from a channel estimator may be used to determine the coding and modulation scheme, as well as for spatial processing. The channel estimate may be derived from a reference signal and / or channel condition feedback transmitted by the UE 302. Each spatial stream may then be provided to one or more different antennas 356. The transmitter 354 may modulate an RF carrier with a respective spatial stream for transmission.

[0112] At the UE 302, the receiver 312 receives a signal through its respective antenna(s) 316. The receiver 312 recovers information modulated onto an RF carrier and provides the information to the one or more processors 332. The transmitter 314 and the receiver 312 implement Layer-1 functionality associated with various signal processing functions. The receiver 312 may perform spatial processing on the information to recover any spatial streams destined for the UE 302. If multiple spatial streams are destined for the UE 302, they may be combined by the receiver 312 into a single OFDM symbol stream. The receiver 312 then converts the OFDM symbol stream from the time-domain to the frequency domain using a fast Fourier transform (FFT). The frequency domain signal comprises a separate OFDM symbol stream for each subcarrier of the OFDM signal. The QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO symbols on each subcarrier, and the reference signal, are recovered and demodulated by determining the most likely signal constellation points transmitted by the base station 304. These soft decisions may be based on channel estimates computed by a channel estimator. The soft decisions are then decoded and de-interleaved to recover the data and control signals that were originally transmitted by the base station 304 on the physical channel. The data and control signals are then provided to the one or more processors 332, which implements Layer-3 (L3) and Layer-2 (L2) functionality.

[0113] In the downlink, the one or more processors 332 provides demultiplexing between transport and logical channels, packet reassembly, deciphering, header decompression, and control signal processing to recover IP packets from the core network. The one or more processors 332 are also responsible for error detection.

[0114] Similar to the functionality described in connection with the downlink transmission by the base station 304, the one or more processors 332 provides RRC layer functionality associated with system information (e.g., MIB, SIBs) acquisition, RRC connections, and measurement reporting; PDCP layer functionality associated with header compression / decompression, and security (ciphering, deciphering, integrity protection, integrity verification); RLC layer functionality associated with the transfer of upper layer PDUs, error correction through ARQ, concatenation, segmentation, and reassembly of RLC SDUs, re-segmentation of RLC data PDUs, and reordering of RLC data PDUs; and MAC layer functionality associated with mapping between logical channels and transport channels, multiplexing of MAC SDUs onto transport blocks (TBs), demultiplexing of MAC SDUs from TBs, scheduling information reporting, error correction through hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ), priority handling, and logical channel prioritization.

[0115] Channel estimates derived by the channel estimator from a reference signal or feedback transmitted by the base station 304 may be used by the transmitter 314 to select the appropriate coding and modulation schemes, and to facilitate spatial processing. The spatial streams generated by the transmitter 314 may be provided to different antenna(s) 316. The transmitter 314 may modulate an RF carrier with a respective spatial stream for transmission.

[0116] The uplink transmission is processed at the base station 304 in a manner similar to that described in connection with the receiver function at the UE 302. The receiver 352 receives a signal through its respective antenna(s) 356. The receiver 352 recovers QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO information modulated onto an RF carrier and provides the information to the one or more processors 384.

[0117] In the uplink, the one or more processors 384 provides demultiplexing between transport and logical channels, packet reassembly, deciphering, header decompression, control signal processing to recover IP packets from the UE 302. IP packets from the one or more processors 384 may be provided to the core network. The one or more processors 384 are also responsible for error detection.

[0118] For convenience, the UE 302, the base station 304, and / or the network entity 306 are shown in FIGS.3A, 3B, and 3C as including various components that may be configured according to the various examples described herein. It will be appreciated, however, that the illustrated components may have different functionality in different designs. In particular, various components in FIGS. 3A to 3C are optional in alternative configurations and the various aspects include configurations that may vary due to design choice, costs, use of the device, or other considerations. For example, in case of FIG.3A, a particular implementation of UE 302 may omit the WWAN transceiver(s) 310 (e.g., a wearable device or tablet computer or personal computer (PC) or laptop may have Wi-Fi and / or BLUETOOTH® capability without cellular capability), or may omit the short- range wireless transceiver(s) 320 (e.g., cellular-only, etc.), or may omit the satellite signal receiver 330, or may omit the sensor(s) 344, and so on. In another example, in case of FIG. 3B, a particular implementation of the base station 304 may omit the WWAN transceiver(s) 350 (e.g., a Wi-Fi “hotspot” access point without cellular capability), or may omit the short-range wireless transceiver(s) 360 (e.g., cellular-only, etc.), or may omit the satellite signal receiver 370, and so on. For brevity, illustration of the various alternative configurations is not provided herein, but would be readily understandable to one skilled in the art.

[0119] The various components of the UE 302, the base station 304, and the network entity 306 may be communicatively coupled to each other over data buses 334, 382, and 392, respectively. In an aspect, the data buses 334, 382, and 392 may form, or be part of, a communication interface of the UE 302, the base station 304, and the network entity 306, respectively. For example, where different logical entities are embodied in the same device (e.g., gNB and location server functionality incorporated into the same base station 304), the data buses 334, 382, and 392 may provide communication between them. QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO

[0120] The components of FIGS.3A, 3B, and 3C may be implemented in various ways. In some implementations, the components of FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C may be implemented in one or more circuits such as, for example, one or more processors and / or one or more ASICs (which may include one or more processors). Here, each circuit may use and / or incorporate at least one memory component for storing information or executable code used by the circuit to provide this functionality. For example, some or all of the functionality represented by blocks 310 to 346 may be implemented by processor and memory component(s) of the UE 302 (e.g., by execution of appropriate code and / or by appropriate configuration of processor components). Similarly, some or all of the functionality represented by blocks 350 to 388 may be implemented by processor and memory component(s) of the base station 304 (e.g., by execution of appropriate code and / or by appropriate configuration of processor components). Also, some or all of the functionality represented by blocks 390 to 398 may be implemented by processor and memory component(s) of the network entity 306 (e.g., by execution of appropriate code and / or by appropriate configuration of processor components). For simplicity, various operations, acts, and / or functions are described herein as being performed “by a UE,” “by a base station,” “by a network entity,” etc. However, as will be appreciated, such operations, acts, and / or functions may actually be performed by specific components or combinations of components of the UE 302, base station 304, network entity 306, etc., such as the processors 332, 384, 394, the transceivers 310, 320, 350, and 360, the memories 340, 386, and 396, the positioning component 342, 388, and 398, etc.

[0121] In some designs, the network entity 306 may be implemented as a core network component. In other designs, the network entity 306 may be distinct from a network operator or operation of the cellular network infrastructure (e.g., NG RAN 220 and / or 5GC 210 / 260). For example, the network entity 306 may be a component of a private network that may be configured to communicate with the UE 302 via the base station 304 or independently from the base station 304 (e.g., over a non-cellular communication link, such as Wi-Fi).

[0122] FIG. 4 illustrates an example Long-Term Evolution (LTE) positioning protocol (LPP) procedure 400 between a UE 404 and a location server (illustrated as a location management function (LMF) 470) for performing positioning operations. As illustrated in FIG. 4, positioning of the UE 404 is supported via an exchange of LPP messages QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO between the UE 404 and the LMF 470. The LPP messages may be exchanged between UE 404 and the LMF 470 via the UE’s 404 serving base station (illustrated as a serving gNB 402) and a core network (not shown). The LPP procedure 400 may be used to position the UE 404 in order to support various location-related services, such as navigation for UE 404 (or for the user of UE 404), or for routing, or for provision of an accurate location to a public safety answering point (PSAP) in association with an emergency call from UE 404 to a PSAP, or for some other reason. The LPP procedure 400 may also be referred to as a positioning session, and there may be multiple positioning sessions for different types of positioning methods (e.g., downlink time difference of arrival (DL-TDOA), round-trip-time (RTT), enhanced cell identity (E-CID), etc.).

[0123] Initially, the UE 404 may receive a request for its positioning capabilities from the LMF 470 at stage 410 (e.g., an LPP Request Capabilities message). At stage 420, the UE 404 provides its positioning capabilities to the LMF 470 relative to the LPP protocol by sending an LPP Provide Capabilities message to LMF 470 indicating the position methods and features of these position methods that are supported by the UE 404 using LPP. The capabilities indicated in the LPP Provide Capabilities message may, in some aspects, indicate the type of positioning the UE 404 supports (e.g., DL-TDOA, RTT, E- CID, etc.) and may indicate the capabilities of the UE 404 to support those types of positioning.

[0124] Upon reception of the LPP Provide Capabilities message, at stage 420, the LMF 470 determines to use a particular type of positioning method (e.g., DL-TDOA, RTT, E-CID, etc.) based on the indicated type(s) of positioning the UE 404 supports and determines a set of one or more transmission-reception points (TRPs) from which the UE 404 is to measure downlink positioning reference signals or towards which the UE 404 is to transmit uplink positioning reference signals. At stage 430, the LMF 470 sends an LPP Provide Assistance Data message to the UE 404 identifying the set of TRPs.

[0125] In some implementations, the LPP Provide Assistance Data message at stage 430 may be sent by the LMF 470 to the UE 404 in response to an LPP Request Assistance Data message sent by the UE 404 to the LMF 470 (not shown in FIG. 4). An LPP Request Assistance Data message may include an identifier of the UE’s 404 serving TRP and a request for the positioning reference signal (PRS) configuration of neighboring TRPs. QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO

[0126] At stage 440, the LMF 470 sends a request for location information to the UE 404. The request may be an LPP Request Location Information message. This message usually includes information elements defining the location information type, desired accuracy of the location estimate, and response time (i.e., desired latency). Note that a low latency requirement allows for a longer response time while a high latency requirement requires a shorter response time. However, a long response time is referred to as high latency and a short response time is referred to as low latency.

[0127] Note that in some implementations, the LPP Provide Assistance Data message sent at stage 430 may be sent after the LPP Request Location Information message at 440 if, for example, the UE 404 sends a request for assistance data to LMF 470 (e.g., in an LPP Request Assistance Data message, not shown in FIG. 4) after receiving the request for location information at stage 440.

[0128] At stage 450, the UE 404 utilizes the assistance information received at stage 430 and any additional data (e.g., a desired location accuracy or a maximum response time) received at stage 440 to perform positioning operations (e.g., measurements of DL-PRS, transmission of UL-PRS, etc.) for the selected positioning method.

[0129] At stage 460, the UE 404 may send an LPP Provide Location Information message to the LMF 470 conveying the results of any measurements that were obtained at stage 450 (e.g., time of arrival (ToA), reference signal time difference (RSTD), reception-to-transmission (Rx-Tx), etc.) and before or when any maximum response time has expired (e.g., a maximum response time provided by the LMF 470 at stage 440). The LPP Provide Location Information message at stage 460 may also include the time (or times) at which the positioning measurements were obtained and the identity of the TRP(s) from which the positioning measurements were obtained. Note that the time between the request for location information at 440 and the response at 460 is the “response time” and indicates the latency of the positioning session.

[0130] The LMF 470 computes an estimated location of the UE 404 using the appropriate positioning techniques (e.g., DL-TDOA, RTT, E-CID, etc.) based, at least in part, on measurements received in the LPP Provide Location Information message at stage 460.

[0131] FIG. 5 is a diagram 500 illustrating various downlink channels within an example downlink slot. In FIG. 5, time is represented horizontally (on the X axis) with time increasing from left to right, while frequency is represented vertically (on the Y axis) with QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO frequency increasing (or decreasing) from bottom to top. In the example of FIG. 5, a numerology of 15 kHz is used. Thus, in the time domain, the illustrated slot is one millisecond (ms) in length, divided into 14 symbols.

[0132] In NR, the channel bandwidth, or system bandwidth, is divided into multiple bandwidth parts (BWPs). A BWP is a contiguous set of RBs selected from a contiguous subset of the common RBs for a given numerology on a given carrier. Generally, a maximum of four BWPs can be specified in the downlink and uplink. That is, a UE can be configured with up to four BWPs on the downlink, and up to four BWPs on the uplink. Only one BWP (uplink or downlink) may be active at a given time, meaning the UE may only receive or transmit over one BWP at a time. On the downlink, the bandwidth of each BWP should be equal to or greater than the bandwidth of the SSB, but it may or may not contain the SSB.

[0133] Referring to FIG.5, a primary synchronization signal (PSS) is used by a UE to determine subframe / symbol timing and a physical layer identity. A secondary synchronization signal (SSS) is used by a UE to determine a physical layer cell identity group number and radio frame timing. Based on the physical layer identity and the physical layer cell identity group number, the UE can determine a PCI. Based on the PCI, the UE can determine the locations of the aforementioned DL-RS. The physical broadcast channel (PBCH), which carries a master information block (MIB), may be logically grouped with the PSS and SSS to form an SSB (also referred to as an SS / PBCH). The MIB provides a number of RBs in the downlink system bandwidth and a system frame number (SFN). The physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) carries user data, broadcast system information not transmitted through the PBCH, such as system information blocks (SIBs), and paging messages.

[0134] The physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) carries downlink control information (DCI) within one or more control channel elements (CCEs), each CCE including one or more RE group (REG) bundles (which may span multiple symbols in the time domain), each REG bundle including one or more REGs, each REG corresponding to 12 resource elements (one resource block) in the frequency domain and one OFDM symbol in the time domain. The set of physical resources used to carry the PDCCH / DCI is referred to in NR as the control resource set (CORESET). In NR, a PDCCH is confined to a single 41 QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO CORESET and is transmitted with its own DMRS. This enables UE-specific beamforming for the PDCCH.

[0135] In the example of FIG. 5, there is one CORESET per BWP, and the CORESET spans three symbols (although it may be only one or two symbols) in the time domain. Unlike LTE control channels, which occupy the entire system bandwidth, in NR, PDCCH channels are localized to a specific region in the frequency domain (i.e., a CORESET). Thus, the frequency component of the PDCCH shown in FIG.5 is illustrated as less than a single BWP in the frequency domain. Note that although the illustrated CORESET is contiguous in the frequency domain, it need not be. In addition, the CORESET may span less than three symbols in the time domain.

[0136] The DCI within the PDCCH carries information about uplink resource allocation (persistent and non-persistent) and descriptions about downlink data transmitted to the UE, referred to as uplink and downlink grants, respectively. More specifically, the DCI indicates the resources scheduled for the downlink data channel (e.g., PDSCH) and the uplink data channel (e.g., physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH)). Multiple (e.g., up to eight) DCIs can be configured in the PDCCH, and these DCIs can have one of multiple formats. For example, there are different DCI formats for uplink scheduling, for downlink scheduling, for uplink transmit power control (TPC), etc. A PDCCH may be transported by 1, 2, 4, 8, or 16 CCEs in order to accommodate different DCI payload sizes or coding rates.

[0137] A collection of resource elements (REs) that are used for transmission of PRS is referred to as a “PRS resource.” The collection of resource elements can span multiple PRBs in the frequency domain and ‘N’ (such as 1 or more) consecutive symbol(s) within a slot in the time domain. In a given OFDM symbol in the time domain, a PRS resource occupies consecutive PRBs in the frequency domain.

[0138] The transmission of a PRS resource within a given PRB has a particular comb size (also referred to as the “comb density”). A comb size ‘N’ represents the subcarrier spacing (or frequency / tone spacing) within each symbol of a PRS resource configuration. Specifically, for a comb size ‘N,’ PRS are transmitted in every Nth subcarrier of a symbol of a PRB. For example, for comb-4, for each symbol of the PRS resource configuration, REs corresponding to every fourth subcarrier (such as subcarriers 0, 4, 8) are used to transmit PRS of the PRS resource. Currently, comb sizes of comb-2, comb-4, comb-6, QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO and comb-12 are supported for DL-PRS. FIG. 5 illustrates an example PRS resource configuration for comb-4 (which spans four symbols). That is, the locations of the shaded REs (labeled “R”) indicate a comb-4 PRS resource configuration.

[0139] Currently, a DL-PRS resource may span 2, 4, 6, or 12 consecutive symbols within a slot with a fully frequency-domain staggered pattern. A DL-PRS resource can be configured in any higher layer configured downlink or flexible (FL) symbol of a slot. There may be a constant energy per resource element (EPRE) for all REs of a given DL-PRS resource. The following are the frequency offsets from symbol to symbol for comb sizes 2, 4, 6, and 12 over 2, 4, 6, and 12 symbols. 2-symbol comb-2: {0, 1}; 4-symbol comb-2: {0, 1, 0, 1}; 6-symbol comb-2: {0, 1, 0, 1, 0, 1}; 12-symbol comb-2: {0, 1, 0, 1, 0, 1, 0, 1, 0, 1, 0, 1}; 4-symbol comb-4: {0, 2, 1, 3} (as in the example of FIG. 5); 12-symbol comb-4: {0, 2, 1, 3, 0, 2, 1, 3, 0, 2, 1, 3}; 6-symbol comb-6: {0, 3, 1, 4, 2, 5}; 12-symbol comb-6: {0, 3, 1, 4, 2, 5, 0, 3, 1, 4, 2, 5}; and 12-symbol comb-12: {0, 6, 3, 9, 1, 7, 4, 10, 2, 8, 5, 11}.

[0140] A “PRS resource set” is a set of PRS resources used for the transmission of PRS signals, where each PRS resource has a PRS resource ID. In addition, the PRS resources in a PRS resource set are associated with the same TRP. A PRS resource set is identified by a PRS resource set ID and is associated with a particular TRP (identified by a TRP ID). In addition, the PRS resources in a PRS resource set have the same periodicity, a common muting pattern configuration, and the same repetition factor (such as “PRS- ResourceRepetitionFactor”) across slots. The periodicity is the time from the first repetition of the first PRS resource of a first PRS instance to the same first repetition of the same first PRS resource of the next PRS instance. The periodicity may have a length selected from 2^μ*{4, 5, 8, 10, 16, 20, 32, 40, 64, 80, 160, 320, 640, 1280, 2560, 5120, 10240} slots, with μ = 0, 1, 2, 3. The repetition factor may have a length selected from {1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 16, 32} slots.

[0141] A PRS resource ID in a PRS resource set is associated with a single beam (or beam ID) transmitted from a single TRP (where a TRP may transmit one or more beams). That is, each PRS resource of a PRS resource set may be transmitted on a different beam, and as such, a “PRS resource,” or simply “resource,” also can be referred to as a “beam.” Note that this does not have any implications on whether the TRPs and the beams on which PRS are transmitted are known to the UE. QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO

[0142] A “PRS instance” or “PRS occasion” is one instance of a periodically repeated time window (such as a group of one or more consecutive slots) where PRS are expected to be transmitted. A PRS occasion also may be referred to as a “PRS positioning occasion,” a “PRS positioning instance, a “positioning occasion,” “a positioning instance,” a “positioning repetition,” or simply an “occasion,” an “instance,” or a “repetition.”

[0143] A “positioning frequency layer” (also referred to simply as a “frequency layer”) is a collection of one or more PRS resource sets across one or more TRPs that have the same values for certain parameters. Specifically, the collection of PRS resource sets has the same subcarrier spacing and cyclic prefix (CP) type (meaning all numerologies supported for the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) are also supported for PRS), the same Point A, the same value of the downlink PRS bandwidth, the same start PRB (and center frequency), and the same comb-size. The Point A parameter takes the value of the parameter “ARFCN-ValueNR” (where “ARFCN” stands for “absolute radio-frequency channel number”) and is an identifier / code that specifies a pair of physical radio channel used for transmission and reception. The downlink PRS bandwidth may have a granularity of four PRBs, with a minimum of 24 PRBs and a maximum of 272 PRBs. Currently, up to four frequency layers have been defined, and up to two PRS resource sets may be configured per TRP per frequency layer.

[0144] The concept of a frequency layer is somewhat like the concept of component carriers and bandwidth parts (BWPs), but different in that component carriers and BWPs are used by one base station (or a macro cell base station and a small cell base station) to transmit data channels, while frequency layers are used by several (usually three or more) base stations to transmit PRS. A UE may indicate the number of frequency layers it can support when it sends the network its positioning capabilities, such as during an LTE positioning protocol (LPP) session. For example, a UE may indicate whether it can support one or four positioning frequency layers.

[0145] Note that the terms “positioning reference signal” and “PRS” generally refer to specific reference signals that are used for positioning in NR and LTE systems. However, as used herein, the terms “positioning reference signal” and “PRS” may also refer to any type of reference signal that can be used for positioning, such as but not limited to, PRS as defined in LTE and NR, TRS, PTRS, CRS, CSI-RS, should DMRS, PSS, SSS, SSB, SRS, UL- PRS, etc. In addition, the terms “positioning reference signal” and “PRS” may refer to 44 QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO downlink, uplink, or sidelink positioning reference signals, unless otherwise indicated by the context. If needed to further distinguish the type of PRS, a downlink positioning reference signal may be referred to as a “DL-PRS,” an uplink positioning reference signal (e.g., an SRS-for-positioning, PTRS) may be referred to as an “UL-PRS,” and a sidelink positioning reference signal may be referred to as an “SL-PRS.” In addition, for signals that may be transmitted in the downlink, uplink, and / or sidelink (e.g., DMRS), the signals may be prepended with “DL,” “UL,” or “SL” to distinguish the direction. For example, “UL-DMRS” is different from “DL-DMRS.”

[0146] NR supports a number of cellular network-based positioning technologies, including downlink-based, uplink-based, and downlink-and-uplink-based positioning methods. Downlink-based positioning methods include observed time difference of arrival (OTDOA) in LTE, downlink time difference of arrival (DL-TDOA) in NR, and downlink angle-of-departure (DL-AoD) in NR. In an OTDOA or DL-TDOA positioning procedure, a UE measures the differences between the times of arrival (ToAs) of reference signals (e.g., positioning reference signals (PRS)) received from pairs of base stations, referred to as reference signal time difference (RSTD) or time difference of arrival (TDOA) measurements, and reports them to a positioning entity. More specifically, the UE receives the identifiers (IDs) of a reference base station (e.g., a serving base station) and multiple non-reference base stations in assistance data. The UE then measures the RSTD between the reference base station and each of the non-reference base stations. Based on the known locations of the involved base stations and the RSTD measurements, the positioning entity (e.g., the UE for UE-based positioning or a location server for UE- assisted positioning) can estimate the UE’s location.

[0147] For DL-AoD positioning, the positioning entity uses a measurement report from the UE of received signal strength measurements of multiple downlink transmit beams to determine the angle(s) between the UE and the transmitting base station(s). The positioning entity can then estimate the location of the UE based on the determined angle(s) and the known location(s) of the transmitting base station(s).

[0148] Uplink-based positioning methods include uplink time difference of arrival (UL-TDOA) and uplink angle-of-arrival (UL-AoA). UL-TDOA is similar to DL-TDOA, but is based on uplink reference signals (e.g., sounding reference signals (SRS)) transmitted by the UE to multiple base stations. Specifically, a UE transmits one or more uplink reference QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO signals that are measured by a reference base station and a plurality of non-reference base stations. Each base station then reports the reception time (referred to as the relative time of arrival (RTOA)) of the reference signal(s) to a positioning entity (e.g., a location server) that knows the locations and relative timing of the involved base stations. Based on the reception-to-reception (Rx-Rx) time difference between the reported RTOA of the reference base station and the reported RTOA of each non-reference base station, the known locations of the base stations, and their known timing offsets, the positioning entity can estimate the location of the UE using TDOA.

[0149] For UL-AoA positioning, one or more base stations measure the received signal strength of one or more uplink reference signals (e.g., SRS) received from a UE on one or more uplink receive beams. The positioning entity uses the signal strength measurements and the angle(s) of the receive beam(s) to determine the angle(s) between the UE and the base station(s). Based on the determined angle(s) and the known location(s) of the base station(s), the positioning entity can then estimate the location of the UE.

[0150] Downlink-and-uplink-based positioning methods include enhanced cell-ID (E-CID) positioning and multi-round-trip-time (RTT) positioning (also referred to as “multi-cell RTT” and “multi-RTT”). In an RTT procedure, a first entity (e.g., a base station or a UE) transmits a first RTT-related signal (e.g., a PRS or SRS) to a second entity (e.g., a UE or base station), which transmits a second RTT-related signal (e.g., an SRS or PRS) back to the first entity. Each entity measures the time difference between the time of arrival (ToA) of the received RTT-related signal and the transmission time of the transmitted RTT-related signal. This time difference is referred to as a reception-to-transmission (Rx- Tx) time difference. The Rx-Tx time difference measurement may be made, or may be adjusted, to include only a time difference between nearest slot boundaries for the received and transmitted signals. Both entities may then send their Rx-Tx time difference measurement to a location server (e.g., an LMF 270), which calculates the round trip propagation time (i.e., RTT) between the two entities from the two Rx-Tx time difference measurements (e.g., as the sum of the two Rx-Tx time difference measurements). Alternatively, one entity may send its Rx-Tx time difference measurement to the other entity, which then calculates the RTT. The distance between the two entities can be determined from the RTT and the known signal speed (e.g., the speed of light). For multi- RTT positioning, a first entity (e.g., a UE or base station) performs an RTT positioning 46 QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO procedure with multiple second entities (e.g., multiple base stations or UEs) to enable the location of the first entity to be determined (e.g., using multilateration) based on distances to, and the known locations of, the second entities. RTT and multi-RTT methods can be combined with other positioning techniques, such as UL-AoA and DL-AoD, to improve location accuracy.

[0151] The E-CID positioning method is based on radio resource management (RRM) measurements. In E-CID, the UE reports the serving cell ID, the timing advance (TA), and the identifiers, estimated timing, and signal strength of detected neighbor base stations. The location of the UE is then estimated based on this information and the known locations of the base station(s).

[0152] To assist positioning operations, a location server (e.g., location server 230, LMF 270, SLP 272) may provide assistance data to the UE. For example, the assistance data may include identifiers of the base stations (or the cells / TRPs of the base stations) from which to measure reference signals, the reference signal configuration parameters (e.g., the number of consecutive slots including PRS, periodicity of the consecutive slots including PRS, muting sequence, frequency hopping sequence, reference signal identifier, reference signal bandwidth, etc.), and / or other parameters applicable to the particular positioning method. Alternatively, the assistance data may originate directly from the base stations themselves (e.g., in periodically broadcasted overhead messages, etc.). In some cases, the UE may be able to detect neighbor network nodes itself without the use of assistance data.

[0153] In the case of an OTDOA or DL-TDOA positioning procedure, the assistance data may further include an expected RSTD value and an associated uncertainty, or search window, around the expected RSTD. In some cases, the value range of the expected RSTD may be + / - 500 microseconds (μs). In some cases, when any of the resources used for the positioning measurement are in FR1, the value range for the uncertainty of the expected RSTD may be + / - 32 μs. In other cases, when all of the resources used for the positioning measurement(s) are in FR2, the value range for the uncertainty of the expected RSTD may be + / - 8 μs.

[0154] A location estimate may be referred to by other names, such as a position estimate, location, position, position fix, fix, or the like. A location estimate may be geodetic and comprise coordinates (e.g., latitude, longitude, and possibly altitude) or may be civic and comprise a street address, postal address, or some other verbal description of a location. QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO A location estimate may further be defined relative to some other known location or defined in absolute terms (e.g., using latitude, longitude, and possibly altitude). A location estimate may include an expected error or uncertainty (e.g., by including an area or volume within which the location is expected to be included with some specified or default level of confidence).

[0155] Generally, there are three deployment scenarios for NR sidelink communication in terms of the relation between the sidelink communication and an overlaid cellular network. FIG. 6 shows three such deployment scenarios in accordance with certain aspects of the disclosure. Deployment scenario 600 shows an in-coverage scenario in which both UE 606-1 and UE 606-2 are within the coverage 602 of a base station 604 and communicate with the base station 604 via Uu links. In deployment scenario 600, the UEs 606-1 and 606-2 communicate with one another via a PC5 link. To a smaller or larger extent, depending on the exact mode-of-operation of the UEs 606-1 and 606-2, the base station 604 may control the sidelink communications. Deployment scenario 608 shows a partial coverage scenario in which UE 606-1 is within coverage 602 and communicates with the base station 604 over a Uu link. In deployment scenario 608, the UEs 606-1 and 606-2 are within the communication range of one another and communicate via a PC5 link. In an aspect, UE 606-1 may act as a relay for communications between base station 604 and UE 606-2. Deployment scenario 610 shows out-of-coverage operation in which neither UE 606-1 nor UE 606-2 are within coverage 602 but are nevertheless within communication range of one another over a PC5 link.

[0156] Similar to downlink and uplink transmissions that take place over a Uu link, sidelink transmissions take place over a set of physical channels on to which a transport channel is mapped and / or which carry different types of L1 / L2 control signaling. The physical channels include 1) a physical sidelink shared channel (PSSCH), 2) a physical sidelink control channel (PSCCH), 3) a physical sidelink broadcast channel (PSBCH), and 4) the physical sidelink feedback channel (PSFCH). The PSCCH carries control information in the sidelink. The PSSCH carries data payload in the sidelink and additional control information.

[0157] Sidelink communication takes place in transmission or reception resource pools. In the frequency domain, the minimum resource allocation unit is a sub-channel (e.g., a collection of consecutive PRBs in the frequency domain). In the time domain, resource QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO allocation is in one slot intervals. However, some slots are not available for sidelink, and some slots contain feedback resources. In addition, sidelink resources can be (pre)configured to occupy fewer than the 14 symbols of a slot.

[0158] Sidelink resources are configured at the radio resource control (RRC) layer. The RRC configuration can be by pre-configuration (e.g., preloaded on the UE) or configuration (e.g., from a serving base station).

[0159] NR sidelinks support hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) retransmission. FIG. 7A is a diagram 700 of an example slot structure without feedback resources, according to aspects of the disclosure. In the example of FIG.7A, time is represented horizontally and frequency is represented vertically. In the time domain, the length of each block is one orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbol, and the 14 symbols make up a slot. In the frequency domain, the height of each block is one sub-channel. Currently, the (pre)configured sub-channel size can be selected from the set of {10, 15, 20, 25, 50, 75, 100} physical resource blocks (PRBs).

[0160] For a sidelink slot, the first symbol is a repetition of the preceding symbol and is used for automatic gain control (AGC) setting. This is illustrated in FIG. 7A by the vertical and horizontal hashing. As shown in FIG. 7A, for sidelink, the physical sidelink control channel (PSCCH) and the physical sidelink shared channel (PSSCH) are transmitted in the same slot. Similar to the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), the PSCCH carries control information about sidelink resource allocation and descriptions about sidelink data transmitted to the UE. Likewise, similar to the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH), the PSSCH carries user data for the UE. In the example of FIG.7A, the PSCCH occupies half the bandwidth of the sub-channel and only three symbols. Finally, a gap symbol is present after the PSSCH.

[0161] FIG.7B is a diagram 750 of an example slot structure with feedback resources, according to aspects of the disclosure. In the example of FIG.7B, time is represented horizontally and frequency is represented vertically. In the time domain, the length of each block is one OFDM symbol, and the 14 symbols make up a slot. In the frequency domain, the height of each block is one sub-channel.

[0162] The slot structure illustrated in FIG. 7B is similar to the slot structure illustrated in FIG. 7A, except that the slot structure illustrated in FIG. 7B includes feedback resources. Specifically, two symbols at the end of the slot have been dedicated to the physical QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO sidelink feedback channel (PSFCH). The first PSFCH symbol is a repetition of the second PSFCH symbol for AGC setting. In addition to the gap symbol after the PSSCH, there is a gap symbol after the two PSFCH symbols. Currently, resources for the PSFCH can be configured with a periodicity selected from the set of {0, 1, 2, 4} slots.

[0163] In NR, only certain time and frequency resources are (pre-)configured to accommodate SL transmissions. The subset of the available SL resources is (pre-)configured to be used by several UEs for their SL transmissions. This subset of available SL resources is referred to as a resource pool.

[0164] FIG.8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a resource pool for positioning configured within a sidelink resource pool for communication, according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0165] The first 13 symbols of a slot in the time domain and the allocated subchannel(s) in the frequency domain form a sidelink resource pool. A sidelink resource pool may include resources for sidelink communication (transmission and / or reception), sidelink positioning (referred to as a resource pool for positioning (RP-P)), or both communication and positioning. A resource pool configured for both communication and positioning is referred to as a “shared” resource pool. In a shared resource pool, the RP-P is indicated by an offset, periodicity, number of consecutive symbols within a slot (e.g., as few as one symbol), and / or the bandwidth within a component carrier (or the bandwidth across multiple component carriers). In addition, the RP-P can be associated with a zone or a distance from a reference location.

[0166] A base station (or a UE, depending on the resource allocation mode) can assign, to another UE, one or more resource configurations from the RP-Ps. Additionally or alternatively, a UE (e.g., a relay or a remote UE) can request one or more RP-P configurations, and it can include in the request one or more of the following: (1) its location information (or zone identifier), (2) periodicity, (3) bandwidth, (4) offset, (5) number of symbols, and (6) whether a configuration with “low interference” is needed (which can be determined through an assigned quality of service (QoS) or priority).

[0167] A base station or a UE can configure / assign rate matching resources or RP-P for rate matching and / or muting to a sidelink UE such that when a collision exists between the assigned resources and another resource pool that contains data (PSSCH) and / or control (PSCCH), the sidelink UE is expected to rate match, mute, and / or puncture the data, DMRS, and / or CSI-RS within the colliding resources. This would enable QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO orthogonalization between positioning and data transmissions for increased coverage of PRS signals.

[0168] FIG. 8 is a diagram 800 illustrating an example of a resource pool for positioning configured within a sidelink resource pool for communication (i.e., a shared resource pool), according to aspects of the disclosure. In the example of FIG.8, time is represented horizontally and frequency is represented vertically. In the time domain, the length of each block is an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbol, and the 14 symbols make up a slot. In the frequency domain, the height of each block is a sub- channel.

[0169] In the example of FIG. 8, the entire slot (except for the first and last symbols) can be a resource pool for sidelink communication. That is, any of the symbols other than the first and last can be allocated for sidelink communication. However, an RP-P is allocated in the last four pre-gap symbols of the slot. As such, non-sidelink positioning data, such as user data (PSSCH), CSI-RS, and control information, can only be transmitted in the first eight post-AGC symbols and not in the last four pre-gap symbols to prevent a collision with the configured RP-P. The non-sidelink positioning data that would otherwise be transmitted in the last four pre-gap symbols can be punctured or muted, or the non- sidelink data that would normally span more than the eight post-AGC symbols can be rate matched to fit into the eight post-AGC symbols.

[0170] Sidelink positioning reference signals (SL-PRS) have been defined to enable sidelink positioning procedures among UEs. Like a downlink PRS (DL-PRS), an SL-PRS resource is composed of one or more resource elements (i.e., one OFDM symbol in the time domain and one subcarrier in the frequency domain). SL-PRS resources have been designed with a comb-based pattern to enable fast Fourier transform (FFT)-based processing at the receiver. SL-PRS resources are composed of unstaggered, or only partially staggered, resource elements in the frequency domain to provide small time of arrival (TOA) uncertainty and reduced overhead of each SL-PRS resource. SL-PRS may also be associated with specific RP-Ps (e.g., certain SL-PRS may be allocated in certain RP-Ps). SL-PRS have also been defined with intra-slot repetition (not shown in FIG. 8) to allow for combining gains (if needed). There may also be inter-UE coordination of RP-Ps to provide for dynamic SL-PRS and data multiplexing while minimizing SL-PRS collisions. QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO

[0171] NR defines two resource allocation modes for sidelink communications, one centralized (Mode 1) and one distributed (Mode 2). In Mode 1, the base station (e.g., gNB) schedules sidelink resources to be used by the UE for sidelink transmissions. However, in Mode 2, the UE autonomously determines which sidelink resources of a resource pool the UE will use for transmissions.

[0172] FIG.9 is a timing diagram 900 showing an example of how SL resources may be allocated in accordance with certain aspects of the disclosure. In Mode 2, the UEs autonomously select their SL resources from a resource pool and can operate without network coverage, such as shown in the example deployments scenario 610 of FIG 6. The resource pool used by the UEs can be (pre-)configured by a gNB or eNB when the UE is in network coverage or pre-configured as part of the UE design.

[0173] Mode 2 uses sensing-based semi-persistent scheduling SPS for periodic traffic. The sensing procedure takes advantage of the periodic and predictable nature of basic sidelink service messages. In sensing-based SPS, the UEs reserve sub-channels in the frequency domain for a random number of consecutive periodic transmissions in the time domain. The number of slots for transmission and retransmissions within each periodic resource reservation period depends on the resource selection procedure. The number of reserved sub-channels per slot depends on the size of data to be transmitted.

[0174] The sensing-based resource selection procedure is composed of two stages: 1) a sensing procedure and 2) a resource selection procedure. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the procedures are executed in response to a trigger event 902. The trigger event 902 may coincide with a number of different event types. In certain aspects, the trigger event 902 may occur on a configurable periodic basis. In certain aspects, the trigger event 902 occurs when a particular task is executed by the UE, such as a positioning operation executed by the UE. A UE can also select new SL resources in response to a re-evaluation or pre- emption condition. For purposes of the following discussion, the resource allocation process originates at slot n 905, shown here as the first slot after the trigger event 902.

[0175] The sensing procedure is used to identify the resources which are candidates for resource selection and is based on the decoding of the 1st-stage-SCI received from the surrounding UEs and on sidelink power measurements in terms of RSRP. The sensing procedure is performed during a sensing window 904, which is defined by a pre-configured parameter T0 and a specific parameter Tproc,0. The specific parameter Tproc,0 accounts for the QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO time required by the UE to complete decoding the SCIs from other UEs and perform measurements on DMRS of signals transmitted on resources of the other UEs. As shown in FIG. 9, with respect to slot n 905, the UE will consider the sidelink RSRP measurements performed during the interval n-T0906 to n-Tproc,0908. Sidelink RSRP measurements can be computed using the power spectral density of the signal received in the PSCCH or in the PSSCH, for which the UE has successfully decoded the 1st-stage- SCI. PSCCH RSRP and PSSCH RSRP are determined as the linear average over the power contributions (in Watts) of the resource elements that carry the DMRS associated with PSCCH and PSSCH, respectively.

[0176] Based on the information extracted from the sensing operations, the resource selection procedure determines the resource(s) that the UE may use sidelink transmissions. For that purpose, another interval known as the resource selection window 910 is defined. The resource selection window 910 is defined by the interval n+T1912 and n+T2914, where T1 and T2 are two parameters that are determined by the UE implementation. In certain aspects, the value of T2 depends on a packet delay budget (PDB) and on an RRC pre- configured parameter called T2,min. In the case that PDB > T2,min, T2 is determined by the UE implementation and must meet the following condition: T2,min ^ T2 ^ PDB. In the case that PDB ^ T2,min, then T2 = PDB. T1 is selected so that Tproc,1 ^ T1, where Tproc,1 is the time required to identify the candidate resources and reserve a subset of resources for sidelink transmission.

[0177] The resource selection procedure is composed of two steps. First, the candidate resources within the resource selection window 910 are identified. A resource is indicated as a non- candidate if an SCI is received on that slot or the corresponding slot is reserved by a previous SCI, and the associated sidelink RSRP measurement is above a sidelink RSRP threshold. The resulting set of candidate resources within the resource selection window 910 should be at least X % of the total resources within the resource selection window 910 to proceed with the second step of the resource selection process. The value of X is configured by RRC and, in certain aspects, can be 20 %, 35 % or 50 %. If this condition is not met, the RSRP threshold may be increased by a predetermined amount, such as 3 dB, and the procedure is repeated. Second, the transmitting UE performs the resource selection from the identified candidate resources by reserving the selected resources in its SCI transmission. This allows the UE to exclude resources from the candidate pool based QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO on sidelink measurements in previous slots, the resource reservation period (which is transmitted by the UEs in the 1st-stage-SCI) is introduced. As only the periodicity of transmissions can be extracted from the SCI, the UE that performs the resource selection uses this periodicity (if included in the decoded SCI) and assumes that the UE(s) that transmitted the SCI will do periodic transmissions with such a periodicity, during Q periods. This allows the UE to identify and exclude the non-candidate resources of the resource selection window 910. In accordance with certain aspects of the disclosure, Q=[Tscal / Prsvp], where Prsvp refers to the resource reservation period decoded from the SCI, and Tscal corresponds to T2 converted to units of milliseconds(ms).

[0178] A sidelink resource, such as sidelink resource 918, is defined by one slot in time and LPSSCH contiguous sub-channels in frequency. LPSSCH is an integer in the range 1 ^ LPSSCH ^ max(LPSSCH), where max(LPSSCH) is the total number of sub-channels per slot in the resource selection window 910. However, in certain aspects, the value of max(LPSSCH) can be modified by a congestion control process.

[0179] In the example resource allocation process of FIG.9, T0 = 20 slots, Tproc,0 = 2 slots, T1 = 2 slots, and T2 =16 slots. Once the resource selection is triggered at slot n, based on the measurements in the sensing window 904, the UE reserves sidelink resources within the resource selection window 910 for its own transmissions. Visual indicia corresponding to whether a sidelink resource is available, unavailable, or selected (e.g., reserved) in the example are shown in legend 916.

[0180] In accordance with certain aspects of the disclosure, the UE may reserve sidelink resources for itself as well as for other UEs. In certain aspects, the UE transmits one or more signals to other UEs indicating that the UE has reserved specific resources on behalf of the other UEs. In an aspect, other UEs would also monitor the resource pool and decode the PSCCH sent by the UE for the reservation. In accordance with certain aspects of the disclosure, the UE may reserve sidelink resources for transmitting its own PRS and request that other UEs transmit PRS using the sidelink resources reserved by the UE on behalf of the other UEs. In such instances, the UE effectively schedules the PRS resources that are to be used in positioning operations.

[0181] In accordance with the foregoing sensing and resource selection scheme, the UE continuously senses resources until such time as it receives a resource selection trigger. In an aspect, the resource selection trigger may be asynchronous. However, certain QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO aspects of the disclosure may employ other types of resource sensing and selection schemes.

[0182] In accordance with certain aspects of the disclosure, the resource selection may be made without reference to measurements obtained during a sensing window. As such, the resources used for transmission are randomly selected (e.g., random selection scheme). FIG. 10A is a timing diagram 1000 showing an example of a random selection scheme, according to aspects of the disclosure. In this example, the SL-UE does not perform resource sensing prior to receiving a resource selection trigger 1002 and performing random resource selection 1004. A random resource selection scheme may be implemented by an SL-UE under various circumstances. In an aspect, a random resource selection scheme may be used by an SL-UE that is not capable of performing resource sensing operations. In certain aspects, a random resource selection scheme may be employed when the SL-UE cannot perform resource sensing for the full duration of the sensing window.

[0183] In accordance with certain aspects of the disclosure, random selection without sensing may be limited to resources included in an exceptional resource pool. In certain aspects, the maximum distance between 2 consecutive selected resources is 32 logical slots. Such random selection can apply to both periodic and aperiodic transmissions and may support HARQ feedback and re-transmission. In certain aspects, the randomly selected resources must be at least a minimum distance apart. In certain aspects, random resource selection may be enabled in a resource pool by (pre-) configuration without further restrictions.

[0184] FIG. 10B is a timing diagram 1006 showing an example of a contiguous partial sensing (CPS) scheme, according to aspects of the disclosure. In this example, the SL-UE receives a resource selection trigger 1008, which initiates a sensing and selection sequence. Here, the SL-UE responds to the resource selection trigger 1008 by sensing resources during a sensing window 1010 that is configured as part of the CPS scheme. Based on the availability of resources detected during the sensing window 1010, the SL- UE executes a resource selection operation 1012 and subsequently uses the selected resources for SL transmissions.

[0185] FIG. 10C is a timing diagram 1014 showing an example of a periodic-based partial sensing (PPS) scheme, according to aspects of the disclosure. In this example, the SL- UE performs periodic resource sensing during periodic sensing windows 1016. The QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO periodicity and duration of the periodic sensing windows 1016 may be indicated in a PPS configuration. Here, the SL-UE receives a resource selection trigger 1008. Based on the availability of resources detected during one or more of the periodic sensing windows 1016, the SL-UE executes a resource selection operation 1020 and subsequently uses the selected resources for SL transmissions.

[0186] In accordance with legacy resource selection schemes, the same resource selection scheme is used to sense and select resources for all types of SL transmissions. By using a single resource selection scheme for all SL signal transmission types, no differentiation is made based between SL transmissions that are associated with data transmissions and SL transmissions that are associated with SL-PRS transmissions. Certain aspects of the disclosure are implemented with a recognition that using the same resource selection scheme and / or the same resource selection configuration for both data use cases and positioning use cases may limit the potential for separately optimizing the schemes and / or configurations for such different use cases.

[0187] In accordance with certain aspects of the disclosure, a separate sensing configuration and / or selection scheme is employed in positioning use cases than employed in data use cases. In an aspect, data resources and positioning resources may be selected from a common SL resource pool.

[0188] In an aspect, the positioning use cases and data use cases may employ different resource selection schemes. For example, a random selection scheme, partial sensing scheme, or a full sensing scheme may be enabled for positioning use cases, while a different resource selection scheme is enabled for data use cases. In certain aspects, both positioning and data use cases may employ the same resource selection scheme while employing different sensing and / or selection configurations for the same scheme. As an example, partial sensing schemes may be implemented for both the data and positioning use cases but have different partial sensing configurations (e.g., different sensing windows, different sensing window durations, different resource selection criteria, etc.) In accordance with certain aspects of the disclosure, the different resource selection schemes and / or sensing configurations may be independently configured and / or enabled by extending the higher layer signaling (e.g., RRC messaging, inter-UE configuration messaging, etc.) currently available in NR. In certain aspects, new messaging schemes may be implemented in NR for configuring such resource selection schemes and / or sensing configurations. QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO

[0189] In accordance with certain aspects of the disclosure, multiple resource selection schemes may be available at the SL-UE for positioning use cases. In an aspect, the SL-UE may use a random resource selection scheme or partial sensing scheme (CPS or PPS) to schedule positioning resources to optimize power saving at the SL-UE. As an example, the SL-UE may use the random selection scheme if the available SL-UE power falls below a first power threshold, the partial sensing scheme if the available SL-UE power is between the first power threshold and a second power threshold, and the continuous sensing scheme if the available SL-UE power is above the second power threshold. Which of the partial sensing schemes (CPS or PPS) are used by the SL-UE may also be based on power thresholds.

[0190] In an aspect, the SL-UE may determine which resource selection scheme is used in positioning use cases based on a priority assigned to the individual resource selection schemes. In an example, the full sensing scheme may have the highest priority, followed by lower priorities for the partial sensing schemes (CPS and / or PPS), with random selection schemes having the lowest priority. In an aspect, the SL-UE may default to a random selection scheme if the SL-UE is unable to execute a full sensing or partial sensing scheme.

[0191] Similar power threshold and / or prioritization schemes may be used by the SL-UE to determine which resource selection scheme the SL-UE employees for data use cases. In an aspect, the SL-UE may be configured to default to the use of full sensing for data use cases. In an aspect, such a default configuration may be used to prioritize data use cases over positioning use cases.

[0192] In certain scenarios, the SL-UE may receive a resource selection trigger during a sensing window and may be unable to complete sensing for the remaining sensing window duration. In an aspect, the SL-UE may combine the sensing that occurred during a prior sensing window with the incomplete sensing for the current sensing window to provide sensing results that may be used for resource selection.

[0193] Certain aspects of the disclosure are implemented with a recognition that a given resource allocation occasion may only be used for either data resource allocations or SL-PRS allocations. To this end, the determination as to whether the given resource allocation occasion is used by the SL-UE for data or SL-PRS allocations may be based on a fixed prioritization of data use cases and positioning use cases, a dynamic prioritization of the QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO data use case and positioning use case (e.g., session prioritization), power threshold determinations, etc.

[0194] Certain aspects of the disclosure are implemented with a recognition that using different resource selection schemes and / or resource sensing configurations for the same SL resource pool may result in a determination that the same SL resource is available for data transmissions and SL-PRS transmissions. For example, the different resource selection schemes and / or resource sensing configurations may result in the selection of the same symbol / slot for data and SL-PRS transmissions. In an aspect, data use cases and positioning use cases may be associated with different fixed priorities to resolve this conflict (e.g., data transmissions always have a higher priority than SL-PRS transmissions or vice versa). In an aspect, the priorities for the data use cases and positioning use cases may be dynamically determined based on various criteria (e.g., a priority assigned to a given communication session and a priority assigned to a given positioning session). Prioritization may also be based on power thresholds. In accordance with certain aspects of the disclosure, such resource reservation conflicts may be resolved by the SL-UE based on its own selection criterion or criterion received from another network device.

[0195] Whether the SL-UE is capable of using independent resource selection schemes and / or resource sensing configurations for positioning and data use cases may be based on the capabilities of the SL-UE. Certain considerations of the SL-UE capabilities may include: 1) the capability of the SL-UE to support positioning on shared resources; 2) the capability of the SL-UE to support independent sending schemes for data and positioning on time division multiplexed resources (e.g., may be indicated by the SL-UE as TRUE or FALSE capability); 3) the capability of the SL-UE to support independent sending schemes for data and positioning on frequency division multiplexed resources (e.g., may be indicated by the SL-UE as a TRUE or FALSE capability); 4) the capability of the SL-UE to support a set of sensing schemes for positioning within a given resource pool (e.g., may be indicated by the SL-UE by a bitmap); 5) the capability of the SL-UE to support full, partial, or random resource selection schemes; 6) a maximum number of parallel sensing schemes supported by the SL-UE within a resource pool (e.g., total number of data and positioning sensing schemes that may be conducted by the SL-UE at the same time); 7) a maximum number of parallel sensing schemes supported by the SL-UE within a resource pool for positioning; or 8) any combination thereof. QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO

[0196] FIG. 11 is a timing diagram 1100 showing an example of different contiguous partial sensing (CPS) configurations that may be used for data and positioning resource selection, according to aspects of the disclosure. In this example, two sensing / selection occasions 1102 and 1104 are depicted. Here, sensing / selection occasion 1102 is used for resource sensing and selection to allocate resources for the transmission of SL data while sensing / selection occasion 1104 is used for resource sensing and selection to allocate resources for the transmission of SL-PRS. As shown, the operations conducted during the sensing / selection occasion 1102 may be instantiated by a resource selection trigger 1106. In an aspect, the decision to execute data resource sensing and data resource selection during the sensing / selection occasion 1102 as opposed to positioning resource sensing and positioning resource selection may be based on criteria applied by the SL- UE. In response to the resource selection trigger 1106, the SL-UE monitors the resources of the SL resource pool during a data resource sensing window 1108 to identify candidate resources for data transmission. Based on the candidate resources identified during the data resource sensing window 1108, the SL-UE selects the resources that will be used to transmit data at a data resource selection operation 1110. The selected resources are then allocated and used for transmitting SL data.

[0197] The SL-UE receives another resource selection trigger 1112 that initiates the resource sensing / selection occasion 1104. Here, the SL-UE has determined that the resource sensing / selection occasion 1104 will be used for allocating resources for DL-PRS transmission. To this end, the SL-UE monitors the SL resources of the resource pool during a positioning resource sensing window 1114. Based on the candidate resources identified during the positioning resource sensing window 1114, the SL-UE selects the resource(s) that will be used to transmit SL-PRS during a positioning resource selection operation 1116. The selected resource(s) are then allocated and used for transmitting SL- PRS.

[0198] In accordance with certain aspects of the disclosure, the time duration of the data resource sensing window 1108 may be different than the time duration of the positioning resource sensing window 1114. In FIG. 11, the data resource sensing window 1108 has a first duration of M logical slots (e.g., 32 logical slots) while the positioning resource sensing window 1114 has a second, longer duration of M + x slots. In an aspect, the first duration for the data resource sensing window 1108 may be indicated to the SL-UE as a number QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO M of logical slots while the positioning resource sensing window 1114 may be indicated as a number x of logical slots that are to be added to the number M and used by the SL- UE to generate the data resource sensing window 1108. In an aspect, indications for the durations for the data resource sensing window 1108 and positioning resource sensing window 1114 may be separately indicated to the SL-UE using higher level signaling (e.g., RRC messaging). In an aspect, the duration of the positioning resource sensing window may be extended over the data resource sensing window through the provision of a new delay budget for the PDB.

[0199] Although the same type of resource selection trigger may be used to instantiate each of the sensing / selection occasions 1102 and 1104, it will be recognized that different types of resource selection triggers may be used to direct the SL-UE to use the sensing / selection occasion for a particular purpose. In an aspect, the resource selection trigger 1106 may be a type of trigger that is dedicated to instantiating data resource sensing and selection while the resource selection trigger 1112 may be a type of trigger that is dedicated to instantiating DL-PRS resource sensing and the resource selection trigger. In such instances, whether the resource sensing / selection occasion is used by the SL-UE for data or SL-PRS purposes is determined by the trigger type.

[0200] FIG. 12 is a timing diagram 1200 showing an example of different CPS configurations that may be used for data and positioning resource selection, according to aspects of the disclosure. In this example, a single resource sensing / selection occasion 1202 is used for both data resource allocation and SL-PRS resource allocation. However, although the resource allocations occur during the same resource sensing / selection occasion 1202, the resource selection configurations are different.

[0201] In FIG. 12, the resource sensing / selection occasion 1202 is instantiated by a resource selection trigger 1204. In response to the resource selection trigger 1204, the SL-UE monitors the resources of the SL resource pool during data resource sensing window 1206. Based on the candidate resources identified during the sensing operation, the SL- UE executes a data resource selection operation 1208 in which the resources that are to be used for data transmissions are selected and allocated. After the data resource selection operation 1208, the SL-UE monitors the resources of the SL resource pool during a positioning resource sensing window 1210. Based on the candidate resources identified during the sensing operations associated with the positioning resource sensing window QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO 1210, the SL-UE executes a resource selection operation 1212 in which the resource(s) that are to be used for the transmission of SL-PRS are selected and allocated.

[0202] As shown in FIG. 12, the resource selection configuration for sensing and allocating resources for the data transmissions is different than the resource selection configuration used for sensing and allocating resources for the DL-PRS transmissions. In this example, the durations of the data resource sensing window 1206 and positioning resource sensing window 1210 are different. In an aspect, the criteria for selecting which of the candidate resources are used for the particular type of transmission may be based on different criteria. For example, the criteria applied for data resource selection 1208 may be different than the criteria applied for the positioning resource selection 1212. Additionally, the resource sensing and selection operations occur during different portions of the resource sensing / selection occasion 1202. Here, data resource selection is prioritized over positioning resource selection since the data resource selection operations occur prior to the positioning resource selection operations. However, it will be recognized that positioning resource selection may be prioritized over data resource selection by switching the sequence in which the operations are executed.

[0203] Certain aspects of the disclosure are implemented based on a recognition that positioning resource selection in joint SL / Uu positioning scenarios may be optimized by aligning the positioning resource sensing window with DL-PRS transmitted in the Uu link. FIG. 13 shows an example joint SL / Uu positioning scenario 1300, according to aspects of the disclosure. Scenario 1300 includes four SL-UEs, labeled UE 1 through UE 4, and a plurality of TRPs, labeled TRP 1 through TRP 3. In this example, UE 1 is an anchor UE and communicates with the TRPs, TRP 1 through TRP 3, via Uu links and with the UEs, UE 2 through UE 4, via PC5 links. For positioning, the TRPs transmit DL-PRS that are configured by, for example, a location server (e.g., LMF). SL-PRS are transmitted by one or more of the UEs in the PC5 links. As will be described in further detail herein, the position sensing configuration for selecting resources for transmission of the SL-PRS employs a positioning resource sensing window that is aligned with one or more of the DL-PRS so that the SL-PRS and DL-PRS are transmitted in close time proximity with one another.

[0204] The positioning resource sensing window used by an SL-UE may be aligned with the DL- PRS in various manners. In an aspect, the SL-UE may receive a positioning resource QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO sensing window configuration that aligns with the DL-PRS from a location server (e.g., LMF). In such scenarios, the location server is already aware of the DL-PRS configuration and may configure the SL-UE with a positioning resource sensing window that aligns with the DL-PRS via, for example, higher layer messaging (e.g., RRC). In an aspect, the location server may transmit the positioning resource sensing window configuration to an SL-UE server, which may communicate the positioning resource sensing window configuration to other SL-UEs for use in positioning resource selection. In an aspect, the SL-UE may receive the positioning resource sensing window configuration from another SL-UE (e.g., an anchor UE), which defines the sensing and selection window such that the SL-UE may select SL resources for transmission of SL- PRS that occur within a time threshold (e.g., z msec) of a DL-PRS resource. In an aspect, the location server (e.g., LMF) and / or server UE may provide the appropriate selection window for the SL resources (e.g., through SLPP signaling). An LMF or a UE may provide a configuration of a time-domain window, that a UE may use to make a decision of which resources within that window should be transmitted. An example of such a signaling is through the SLPP protocol.

[0205] In an aspect, the SL-UE may receive the PRS configuration for the DL-PRS and use the PRS configuration at the SL-UE as a basis for configuring a positioning resource sensing window that aligns with the DL-PRS. In an aspect, the PRS configuration may be received from a location server (via LPP messaging) and / or an SL-UE server / anchor (via IUC messaging). In accordance with certain aspects of the disclosure, the SL-UE may be provided with the PRS configuration along with the duration (e.g., y msec, y logical slots, etc.) of the positioning resource sensing window that is to be configured by the SL-UE.

[0206] Although the PRS configuration for the DL-PRS does not change frequently, there are instances in which the PRS configuration is changed thereby resulting in a misalignment between the positioning resource sensing window and the DL-PRS. In such instances, the positioning resource sensing window may be reconfigured in response to the change in the PRS configuration.

[0207] Once the SL-UE identifies candidate resources for transmission of the SL-PRS, the SL- UE selects which candidate resource(s) will be used for SL-PRS transmission(s). In accordance with certain aspects of the disclosure, the candidate resources that are selected for transmission of the SL-PRS may be selected by the SL-UE based on a set of one or QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO more selection rules. In an aspect, the set of one or more selection rules may be based on the selection of the position of the candidate resources relative to the one or more DL- PRS. In an aspect, the candidate resource that is closest to a DL-PRS may be selected for the SL-PRS transmission. In an aspect, only candidate resources within a time threshold of a DL-PRS may be selected for the SL-PRS transmission. In an aspect, the candidate resources available for the SL-PRS may include only those candidate resources that are within a threshold time of a DL-PRS thereby excluding resources outside of the time threshold from selection.

[0208] FIG. 14 depicts an example scenario 1400 for application of a rule-based selection of candidate resources for transmission of SL-PRS, according to aspects of the disclosure. Timeline 1402 shows example operations that may take place at the SL-UE, while timeline 1404 shows example DL-PRS transmissions. In this example, the SL-UE receives a resource selection trigger 1406 and monitors the SL resources of the SL resource pool for resource availability during a positioning resource sensing window 1408. In this example, the positioning resource sensing window 1408 is aligned to coincide with multiple DL-PRS, labeled DL-PRS 1 and DL-PRS 2. The SL-UE has detected two candidate resources, labeled Candidate 1 and Candidate 2, that are available within the positioning resource sensing window 1408.

[0209] The SL-UE may apply a set of selection rules to select the candidate resources that will be used for the SL-PRS transmission(s). In the example shown in FIG. 14, the SL-UE selects the candidate resources based on the time distance between the candidate resources and the DL-PRS. Here, Candidate 1 is spaced from DL-PRS 1 by a time interval t1. Candidate 2 is spaced from DL-PRS 2 by a time interval t2. In certain scenarios, the SL-UE may only be required to transmit SL-PRS on a single resource. In such instances, the selection rules may direct the SL-UE to select the candidate resource that is closest to a DL-PRS. In this example, t1 < t2 and the SL-UE selects Candidate 1 for the SL-PRS transmission.

[0210] Based on a different set of selection rules, the SL-UE may be required to select a candidate resource for the SL-PRS transmission only if the candidate resources is within a threshold time of a DL-PRS. Applying such a set of selection rules to the example shown in FIG. 14, Candidate 1 is only available for selection if t1 is less than or equal to the threshold time. Similarly, Candidate 2 may only be available for selection if t2 is less than or equal QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO to the threshold time. In an aspect, if both t1 and t2 are less than or equal to the threshold time, the SL-UE may select either candidate resource for SL-PRS transmission(s). In scenarios in which the SL-UE is to transmit multiple SL-PRS, both Candidate 1 and Candidate 2 may be selected for transmission of the SL-PRS. In scenarios in which the SL-UE is only required to transmit SL-PRS using a single resource, the SL-UE may select the candidate resource meeting a further selection criterion or may randomly select which of the candidate resources it will use.

[0211] Certain aspects of the disclosure are implemented with a recognition that the only resources available to the SL-UE for SL-PRS transmissions may result in a conflict with the DL-PRS transmissions. In accordance with certain aspects of the disclosure, the SL- UE may apply one or more priority rule(s) to resolve the conflict. In an aspect, the transmission of the SL-PRS may be given priority in a joint SL / Uu positioning session since there are likely to be fewer resources ultimately available for SL-PRS transmissions than those used for DL-PRS transmissions. In accordance with certain aspects of the disclosure, different SL-PRS resources within an SL resource pool may be associated with different priorities. In such instances, SL-UE may be allowed to bump the priority associated with SL-PRS transmissions that are in close proximity to DL-PRS transmissions. In an aspect, the SL-UE may be provided with rules that determine whether the priority for the SL-PRS transmissions may be bumped and, if so, by how much. In an aspect, the rules for such prioritization may be provided by higher layers.

[0212] As disclosed herein, information used to ensure alignment of the positioning resource sensing window with the DL-PRS may be communicated to the SL-UE as part of the IUC messages. In an aspect, a “Uu PRS configuration,” a “selection window,” or a “DL-PRS time window” message may be added to the IUC messages for such purposes. In an aspect, a new information element (IE) may be defined in the IUC messaging. In an aspect, sl-UuConfigCoordInfo-r18 in SL-InterUE-CoordinationConfig-r17 may be modified to include the following: sl-UuConfigCoordInfo-r18 ENUMERATED {enabled, disabled} If sl-UuConfigCoordInfo-r18 is enabled for an additional information is provided in sl- UuConfigList-r18. In an aspect, the SL-UE may use the sl-UuConfigList-r18, to determine which resources should be selected for SL-PRS transmissions. QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO

[0213] FIG. 15 illustrates an example method 1500 of wireless communication that may be performed by a UE, according to aspects of the disclosure. At operation 1502, the UE determines a first sensing configuration for selecting sidelink (SL) resources for transmission of SL data. In an aspect, operation 1502 may be performed by the one or more WWAN transceivers 310, the one or more processors 332, memory 340, and / or positioning component 342, any or all of which may be considered means for performing this operation.

[0214] At operation 1504, the UE determines a second sensing configuration that is different than the first sensing configuration for selecting SL resources for transmission of SL positioning reference signals (SL-PRS). In an aspect, operation 1504 may be performed by the one or more WWAN transceivers 310, the one or more processors 332, memory 340, and / or positioning component 342, any or all of which may be considered means for performing this operation.

[0215] At operation 1506, the UE transmits SL data on a first resource within a first resource selection window that is based on the first sensing configuration. In an aspect, operation 1506 may be performed by the one or more WWAN transceivers 310, the one or more processors 332, memory 340, and / or positioning component 342, any or all of which may be considered means for performing this operation.

[0216] At operation 1508, the UE transmits SL-PRS on a second resource within a second resource selection window that is based on the second sensing configuration. In an aspect, operation 1506 may be performed by the one or more WWAN transceivers 310, the one or more processors 332, memory 340, and / or positioning component 342, any or all of which may be considered means for performing this operation.

[0217] In some aspects, the second sensing configuration is indicated via radio resource control (RRC) messaging.

[0218] In some aspects, the second sensing configuration is based on a selection scheme including a random selection scheme for selecting the SL resources for transmission of SL-PRS, a contiguous partial selection scheme for selecting the SL resources for transmission of the SL-PRS based on one or more contiguous partial resource selection windows, a periodic-based partial selection scheme for selecting the SL resources for transmission of the SL-PRS based on one or more periodic-based partial resource selection windows, or any combination thereof. QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO

[0219] In some aspects, the second sensing configuration is based on a plurality of different selection schemes, wherein each selection scheme of the plurality of different selection schemes are associated with a selection scheme priority; and the method further comprising using a given selection scheme of the plurality of different selection schemes based on the selection scheme priority associated with the given selection scheme.

[0220] In some aspects, the method includes receiving signaling that enables and / or disables the random selection scheme.

[0221] In some aspects, the SL resources for transmission of the SL data and the SL resources for transmission of the SL-PRS are selected from a common SL resource pool.

[0222] In some aspects, the first resource selection window has a first duration; and the second resource selection window has a second duration.

[0223] In some aspects, the first duration is indicated in the first sensing configuration as a first number of logical slots, wherein the first number of logical slots correspond to the first duration; and the second duration is indicated in the second sensing configuration as a second number of logical slots that are to be added to the first number of logical slots, wherein a sum of the first number of logical slots and the second number of logical slots correspond to the second duration.

[0224] In some aspects, the method includes receiving, during the first resource selection window, a resource selection signal triggering selection of the SL resources for transmitting the SL-PRS; and transmitting the SL-PRS based on a combined sensing of the SL resources during the first resource selection window and sensing of the SL resources during a prior occurrence of the second resource selection window.

[0225] In some aspects, the first duration is associated with a first packet delay budget; and the second number of logical slots are indicated as a second packet delay budget that is different from the first packet delay budget.

[0226] In some aspects, the second duration is greater than the first duration.

[0227] In some aspects, the second duration is indicated in the second sensing configuration as a duration that is to be added to the first duration.

[0228] In some aspects, the second resource selection window is aligned with one or more downlink PRS (DL-PRS) transmitted by one or more base stations.

[0229] In some aspects, the second resource selection window is indicated to the UE via inter- UE coordination (IUC) messaging. QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO

[0230] In some aspects, the method includes receiving a PRS configuration for the one or more DL-PRS; and aligning the second resource selection window with the one or more DL- PRS based on the PRS configuration.

[0231] In some aspects, the PRS configuration is indicated via inter-UE coordination (IUC) messaging.

[0232] In some aspects, the SL resources for transmission of the SL-PRS are selected by the UE based on a set of one or more selection rules, wherein the set of one or more selection rules is based on selection of the SL resources for transmission of the SL-PRS relative to the one or more DL-PRS.

[0233] In some aspects, the set of one or more selection rules is based on selecting SL resources for transmission of the SL-PRS that occur within a time threshold of the one or more DL- PRS.

[0234] In some aspects, the set of one or more selection rules is based on selecting SL resources for transmission of the SL-PRS that occur closest in time to the one or more DL-PRS.

[0235] In some aspects, the set of one or more selection rules is indicated by the second sensing configuration.

[0236] In some aspects, a given SL resource is available for transmitting the SL-PRS based on the second sensing configuration, and the given SL resource coincides with a DL-PRS of the one or more DL-PRS; and the method further comprises transmitting the SL-PRS using the given SL resource based on a set of one or more prioritization rules associated with the SL-PRS relative to the DL-PRS.

[0237] In some aspects, the method includes modifying the set of one or more prioritization rules at the UE.

[0238] In some aspects, the UE modifies the set of one or more prioritization rules based on modification limits.

[0239] In some aspects, the set of one or more prioritization rules are based on an indication that a positioning session is a joint SL / Uu positioning session.

[0240] In some aspects, a given SL resource is available for transmitting the SL data based on the first sensing configuration and also available for transmitting the SL-PRS based on the second sensing configuration; and the method further comprises transmitting the SL- PRS using the given SL resource based on a set of one or more prioritization rules associated with the SL-PRS relative to the DL-PRS. QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO

[0241] In some aspects, the set of one or more resource allocation rules is based on priorities associated with the SL data and the SL-PRS.

[0242] As will be appreciated, a technical advantage of the method 1500 is that the method allows individualized optimization of data resource selection and positioning resource selection for SL positioning.

[0243] FIG. 16 illustrates an example method 1600 of wireless communication that may be performed by a network server. At operation 1602, the network server transmits, to a UE, a sensing configuration for selecting sidelink (SL) resources for transmission of SL positioning reference signals (SL-PRS), wherein the sensing configuration includes an indication of parameters for a resource selection window that is aligned with one or more downlink positioning reference signals (DL-PRS) transmitted by one or more base stations. In an aspect, operation 1602 may be performed by the one or more network transceivers 398, the one or more processors 394, memory 396, and / or positioning component 398, any or all of which may be considered means for performing this operation.

[0244] At operation 1604, the network server transmits, to the UE, a further sensing configuration for selecting SL resources for transmission of SL data by the UE, wherein the further sensing configuration is different than the sensing configuration. In an aspect, operation 1604 may be performed by the one or more network transceivers 398, the one or more processors 394, memory 396, and / or positioning component 398, any or all of which may be considered means for performing this operation.

[0245] In some aspects, the sensing configuration includes an indication of parameters for a further resource selection window.

[0246] In some aspects, the resource selection window has a first duration; the further resource selection window has a second duration; and the first duration is greater than the second duration.

[0247] In some aspects, the further resource selection window is indicated by the further sensing configuration as a first number of logical slots corresponding to the second duration; and the first duration is indicated in the sensing configuration as a second number of logical slots that are to be added to the first number of logical slots, wherein a sum of the first number of logical slots and the second number of logical slots correspond to the first duration. QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO

[0248] In some aspects, the second duration is associated with a packet delay budget; and the first number of logical slots are indicated as a further packet delay budget that is different from the packet delay budget.

[0249] In some aspects, the method includes configuring the UE for participation in a positioning session that employs joint SL / Uu positioning operations.

[0250] In some aspects, the sensing configuration is transmitted via radio resource control (RRC) messaging.

[0251] As will be appreciated, a technical advantage of the method 1600 is that the method allows individualized optimization of data resource selection and positioning resource selection for SL positioning.

[0252] In the detailed description above, it can be seen that different features are grouped together in examples. This manner of disclosure should not be understood as an intention that the example clauses have more features than are explicitly mentioned in each clause. Rather, the various aspects of the disclosure may include fewer than all features of an individual example clause disclosed. Therefore, the following clauses should hereby be deemed to be incorporated in the description, wherein each clause by itself can stand as a separate example. Although each dependent clause can refer in the clauses to a specific combination with one of the other clauses, the aspect(s) of that dependent clause are not limited to the specific combination. It will be appreciated that other example clauses can also include a combination of the dependent clause aspect(s) with the subject matter of any other dependent clause or independent clause or a combination of any feature with other dependent and independent clauses. The various aspects disclosed herein expressly include these combinations, unless it is explicitly expressed or can be readily inferred that a specific combination is not intended (e.g., contradictory aspects, such as defining an element as both an electrical insulator and an electrical conductor). Furthermore, it is also intended that aspects of a clause can be included in any other independent clause, even if the clause is not directly dependent on the independent clause.

[0253] Implementation examples are described in the following numbered clauses:

[0254] Clause 1. A method of wireless communication performed by a user equipment (UE), comprising: determining a first sensing configuration for selecting sidelink (SL) resources for transmission of SL data; determining a second sensing configuration that is different than the first sensing configuration for selecting SL resources for transmission of SL QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO positioning reference signals (SL-PRS); transmitting SL data on a first resource within a first resource selection window that is based on the first sensing configuration; and transmitting SL-PRS on a second resource within a second resource selection window that is based on the second sensing configuration.

[0255] Clause 2. The method of clause 1, wherein: the second sensing configuration is indicated via radio resource control (RRC) messaging.

[0256] Clause 3. The method of any of clauses 1 to 2, wherein: the second sensing configuration is based on a selection scheme including a random selection scheme for selecting the SL resources for transmission of SL-PRS, a contiguous partial selection scheme for selecting the SL resources for transmission of the SL-PRS based on one or more contiguous partial resource selection windows, a periodic-based partial selection scheme for selecting the SL resources for transmission of the SL-PRS based on one or more periodic-based partial resource selection windows, or any combination thereof.

[0257] Clause 4. The method of any of clauses 1 to 3, wherein: the second sensing configuration is based on a plurality of different selection schemes, wherein each selection scheme of the plurality of different selection schemes are associated with a selection scheme priority; and the method further comprising using a given selection scheme of the plurality of different selection schemes based on the selection scheme priority associated with the given selection scheme.

[0258] Clause 5. The method of any of clauses 3 to 4, further comprising: receiving signaling that enables and / or disables the random selection scheme.

[0259] Clause 6. The method of any of clauses 1 to 5, wherein: the SL resources for transmission of the SL data and the SL resources for transmission of the SL-PRS are selected from a common SL resource pool.

[0260] Clause 7. The method of any of clauses 1 to 6, wherein: the first resource selection window has a first duration; and the second resource selection window has a second duration.

[0261] Clause 8. The method of clause 7, wherein: the first duration is indicated in the first sensing configuration as a first number of logical slots, wherein the first number of logical slots correspond to the first duration; and the second duration is indicated in the second sensing configuration as a second number of logical slots that are to be added to the first QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO number of logical slots, wherein a sum of the first number of logical slots and the second number of logical slots correspond to the second duration.

[0262] Clause 9. The method of any of clauses 7 to 8, further comprising: receiving, during the first resource selection window, a resource selection signal triggering selection of the SL resources for transmitting the SL-PRS; and transmitting the SL-PRS based on a combined sensing of the SL resources during the first resource selection window and sensing of the SL resources during a prior occurrence of the second resource selection window.

[0263] Clause 10. The method of any of clauses 8 to 9, wherein: the first duration is associated with a first packet delay budget; and the second number of logical slots are indicated as a second packet delay budget that is different from the first packet delay budget.

[0264] Clause 11. The method of any of clauses 7 to 10, wherein: the second duration is greater than the first duration.

[0265] Clause 12. The method of clause 11, wherein: the second duration is indicated in the second sensing configuration as a duration that is to be added to the first duration.

[0266] Clause 13. The method of any of clauses 7 to 12, wherein: the second resource selection window is aligned with one or more downlink PRS (DL-PRS) transmitted by one or more base stations.

[0267] Clause 14. The method of clause 13, wherein: the second resource selection window is indicated to the UE via inter-UE coordination (IUC) messaging.

[0268] Clause 15. The method of any of clauses 13 to 14, further comprising: receiving a PRS configuration for the one or more DL-PRS; and aligning the second resource selection window with the one or more DL-PRS based on the PRS configuration.

[0269] Clause 16. The method of clause 15, wherein: the PRS configuration is indicated via inter- UE coordination (IUC) messaging.

[0270] Clause 17. The method of any of clauses 13 to 16, wherein: the SL resources for transmission of the SL-PRS are selected by the UE based on a set of one or more selection rules, wherein the set of one or more selection rules is based on selection of the SL resources for transmission of the SL-PRS relative to the one or more DL-PRS.

[0271] Clause 18. The method of clause 17, wherein: the set of one or more selection rules is based on selecting SL resources for transmission of the SL-PRS that occur within a time threshold of the one or more DL-PRS. QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO

[0272] Clause 19. The method of any of clauses 17 to 18, wherein: the set of one or more selection rules is based on selecting SL resources for transmission of the SL-PRS that occur closest in time to the one or more DL-PRS.

[0273] Clause 20. The method of any of clauses 17 to 19, wherein: the set of one or more selection rules is indicated by the second sensing configuration.

[0274] Clause 21. The method of any of clauses 15 to 20, wherein: a given SL resource is available for transmitting the SL-PRS based on the second sensing configuration, and the given SL resource coincides with a DL-PRS of the one or more DL-PRS; and the method further comprises transmitting the SL-PRS using the given SL resource based on a set of one or more prioritization rules associated with the SL-PRS relative to the DL-PRS.

[0275] Clause 22. The method of clause 21, further comprising: modifying the set of one or more prioritization rules at the UE.

[0276] Clause 23. The method of clause 22, wherein: the UE modifies the set of one or more prioritization rules based on modification limits.

[0277] Clause 24. The method of any of clauses 21 to 23, wherein: the set of one or more prioritization rules are based on an indication that a positioning session is a joint SL / Uu positioning session.

[0278] Clause 25. The method of any of clauses 1 to 24, wherein: a given SL resource is available for transmitting the SL data based on the first sensing configuration and also available for transmitting the SL-PRS based on the second sensing configuration; and the method further comprises transmitting the SL data or the SL-PRS using the given SL resource based on a set of one or more resource allocation rules.

[0279] Clause 26. The method of clause 25, wherein: the set of one or more resource allocation rules is based on priorities associated with the SL data and the SL-PRS.

[0280] Clause 27. The method of any of clauses 1 to 26, wherein: the first sensing configuration is associated with a first priority; the second sensing configuration is associated with a second priority; and the method further comprising performing, during a given time period, a first set of sensing operations associated with the first sensing configuration or a second set of sensing operations associated with the second sensing configuration based on the first priority and the second priority.

[0281] Clause 28. A method of communication performed by a network server, comprising: transmitting, to a UE, a sensing configuration for selecting sidelink (SL) resources for QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO transmission of SL positioning reference signals (SL-PRS), wherein the sensing configuration includes an indication of parameters for a resource selection window that is aligned with one or more downlink positioning reference signals (DL-PRS) transmitted by one or more base stations; and transmitting, to the UE, a further sensing configuration for selecting SL resources for transmission of SL data by the UE, wherein the further sensing configuration is different than the sensing configuration.

[0282] Clause 29. The method of clause 28, wherein: the sensing configuration includes an indication of parameters for a further resource selection window.

[0283] Clause 30. The method of clause 29, wherein: the resource selection window has a first duration; the further resource selection window has a second duration; and the first duration is greater than the second duration.

[0284] Clause 31. The method of clause 30, wherein: the further resource selection window is indicated by the further sensing configuration as a first number of logical slots corresponding to the second duration; and the first duration is indicated in the sensing configuration as a second number of logical slots that are to be added to the first number of logical slots, wherein a sum of the first number of logical slots and the second number of logical slots correspond to the first duration.

[0285] Clause 32. The method of clause 31, wherein: the second duration is associated with a packet delay budget; and the first number of logical slots are indicated as a further packet delay budget that is different from the packet delay budget.

[0286] Clause 33. The method of any of clauses 28 to 32, further comprising: configuring the UE for participation in a positioning session that employs joint SL / Uu positioning operations.

[0287] Clause 34. The method of any of clauses 28 to 33, wherein: the sensing configuration is transmitted via radio resource control (RRC) messaging.

[0288] Clause 35. A user equipment (UE), comprising: one or more memories; one or more transceivers; and one or more processors communicatively coupled to the one or more memories and the one or more transceivers, the one or more processors, either alone or in combination, configured to: determine a first sensing configuration for selecting sidelink (SL) resources for transmission of SL data; determine a second sensing configuration that is different than the first sensing configuration for selecting SL resources for transmission of SL positioning reference signals (SL-PRS); transmit, via the one or more transceivers, QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO SL data on a first resource within a first resource selection window that is based on the first sensing configuration; and transmit, via the one or more transceivers, SL-PRS on a second resource within a second resource selection window that is based on the second sensing configuration.

[0289] Clause 36. The UE of clause 35, wherein: the second sensing configuration is indicated via radio resource control (RRC) messaging.

[0290] Clause 37. The UE of any of clauses 35 to 36, wherein: the second sensing configuration is based on a selection scheme including a random selection scheme for selecting the SL resources for transmission of SL-PRS, a contiguous partial selection scheme for selecting the SL resources for transmission of the SL-PRS based on one or more contiguous partial resource selection windows, a periodic-based partial selection scheme for selecting the SL resources for transmission of the SL-PRS based on one or more periodic-based partial resource selection windows, or any combination thereof.

[0291] Clause 38. The UE of any of clauses 35 to 37, wherein: the second sensing configuration is based on a plurality of different selection schemes, wherein each selection scheme of the plurality of different selection schemes are associated with a selection scheme priority; and the one or more processors, either alone or in combination, are further configured to use a given selection scheme of the plurality of different selection schemes based on the selection scheme priority associated with the given selection scheme.

[0292] Clause 39. The UE of any of clauses 37 to 38, wherein the one or more processors, either alone or in combination, are further configured to: receive, via the one or more transceivers, signaling that enables and / or disables the random selection scheme.

[0293] Clause 40. The UE of any of clauses 35 to 39, wherein: the SL resources for transmission of the SL data and the SL resources for transmission of the SL-PRS are selected from a common SL resource pool.

[0294] Clause 41. The UE of any of clauses 35 to 40, wherein: the first resource selection window has a first duration; and the second resource selection window has a second duration.

[0295] Clause 42. The UE of clause 41, wherein: the first duration is indicated in the first sensing configuration as a first number of logical slots, wherein the first number of logical slots correspond to the first duration; and the second duration is indicated in the second sensing configuration as a second number of logical slots that are to be added to the first number QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO of logical slots, wherein a sum of the first number of logical slots and the second number of logical slots correspond to the second duration.

[0296] Clause 43. The UE of any of clauses 41 to 42, wherein the one or more processors, either alone or in combination, are further configured to: receive, via the one or more transceivers, during the first resource selection window, a resource selection signal triggering selection of the SL resources for transmitting the SL-PRS; and transmit, via the one or more transceivers, the SL-PRS based on a combined sensing of the SL resources during the first resource selection window and sensing of the SL resources during a prior occurrence of the second resource selection window.

[0297] Clause 44. The UE of any of clauses 42 to 43, wherein: the first duration is associated with a first packet delay budget; and the second number of logical slots are indicated as a second packet delay budget that is different from the first packet delay budget.

[0298] Clause 45. The UE of any of clauses 41 to 44, wherein: the second duration is greater than the first duration.

[0299] Clause 46. The UE of clause 45, wherein: the second duration is indicated in the second sensing configuration as a duration that is to be added to the first duration.

[0300] Clause 47. The UE of any of clauses 41 to 46, wherein: the second resource selection window is aligned with one or more downlink PRS (DL-PRS) transmitted by one or more base stations.

[0301] Clause 48. The UE of clause 47, wherein: the second resource selection window is indicated to the UE via inter-UE coordination (IUC) messaging.

[0302] Clause 49. The UE of any of clauses 47 to 48, wherein the one or more processors, either alone or in combination, are further configured to: receive, via the one or more transceivers, a PRS configuration for the one or more DL-PRS; and align the second resource selection window with the one or more DL-PRS based on the PRS configuration.

[0303] Clause 50. The UE of clause 49, wherein: the PRS configuration is indicated via inter-UE coordination (IUC) messaging.

[0304] Clause 51. The UE of any of clauses 47 to 50, wherein: the SL resources for transmission of the SL-PRS are selected by the UE based on a set of one or more selection rules, wherein the set of one or more selection rules is based on selection of the SL resources for transmission of the SL-PRS relative to the one or more DL-PRS. QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO

[0305] Clause 52. The UE of clause 51, wherein: the set of one or more selection rules is based on selecting SL resources for transmission of the SL-PRS that occur within a time threshold of the one or more DL-PRS.

[0306] Clause 53. The UE of any of clauses 51 to 52, wherein: the set of one or more selection rules is based on selecting SL resources for transmission of the SL-PRS that occur closest in time to the one or more DL-PRS.

[0307] Clause 54. The UE of any of clauses 51 to 53, wherein: the set of one or more selection rules is indicated by the second sensing configuration.

[0308] Clause 55. The UE of any of clauses 49 to 54, wherein: a given SL resource is available for transmitting the SL-PRS based on the second sensing configuration, and the given SL resource coincides with a DL-PRS of the one or more DL-PRS; and the one or more processors, either alone or in combination, are further configured to transmit, via the one or more transceivers, the SL-PRS using the given SL resource based on a set of one or more prioritization rules associated with the SL-PRS relative to the DL-PRS.

[0309] Clause 56. The UE of clause 55, wherein the one or more processors, either alone or in combination, are further configured to: modify the set of one or more prioritization rules at the UE.

[0310] Clause 57. The UE of clause 56, wherein: the UE modifies the set of one or more prioritization rules based on modification limits.

[0311] Clause 58. The UE of any of clauses 55 to 57, wherein: the set of one or more prioritization rules are based on an indication that a positioning session is a joint SL / Uu positioning session.

[0312] Clause 59. The UE of any of clauses 35 to 58, wherein: a given SL resource is available for transmitting the SL data based on the first sensing configuration and also available for transmitting the SL-PRS based on the second sensing configuration; and the one or more processors, either alone or in combination, are further configured to transmit, via the one or more transceivers, the SL data or the SL-PRS using the given SL resource based on a set of one or more resource allocation rules.

[0313] Clause 60. The UE of clause 59, wherein: the set of one or more resource allocation rules is based on priorities associated with the SL data and the SL-PRS.

[0314] Clause 61. The UE of any of clauses 35 to 60, wherein: the first sensing configuration is associated with a first priority; the second sensing configuration is associated with a QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO second priority; and the one or more processors, either alone or in combination, are further configured to perform, during a given time period, a first set of sensing operations associated with the first sensing configuration or a second set of sensing operations associated with the second sensing configuration based on the first priority and the second priority.

[0315] Clause 62. A network server, comprising: one or more memories; one or more transceivers; and one or more processors communicatively coupled to the one or more memories and the one or more transceivers, the one or more processors, either alone or in combination, configured to: transmit, via the one or more transceivers, to a UE, a sensing configuration for selecting sidelink (SL) resources for transmission of SL positioning reference signals (SL-PRS), wherein the sensing configuration includes an indication of parameters for a resource selection window that is aligned with one or more downlink positioning reference signals (DL-PRS) transmitted by one or more base stations; and transmit, via the one or more transceivers, to the UE, a further sensing configuration for selecting SL resources for transmission of SL data by the UE, wherein the further sensing configuration is different than the sensing configuration.

[0316] Clause 63. The network server of clause 62, wherein: the sensing configuration includes an indication of parameters for a further resource selection window.

[0317] Clause 64. The network server of clause 63, wherein: the resource selection window has a first duration; the further resource selection window has a second duration; and the first duration is greater than the second duration.

[0318] Clause 65. The network server of clause 64, wherein: the further resource selection window is indicated by the further sensing configuration as a first number of logical slots corresponding to the second duration; and the first duration is indicated in the sensing configuration as a second number of logical slots that are to be added to the first number of logical slots, wherein a sum of the first number of logical slots and the second number of logical slots correspond to the first duration.

[0319] Clause 66. The network server of clause 65, wherein: the second duration is associated with a packet delay budget; and the first number of logical slots are indicated as a further packet delay budget that is different from the packet delay budget. QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO

[0320] Clause 67. The network server of any of clauses 62 to 66, wherein the one or more processors, either alone or in combination, are further configured to: configure the UE for participation in a positioning session that employs joint SL / Uu positioning operations.

[0321] Clause 68. The network server of any of clauses 62 to 67, wherein: the sensing configuration is transmitted via radio resource control (RRC) messaging.

[0322] Clause 69. A user equipment (UE), comprising: means for determining a first sensing configuration for selecting sidelink (SL) resources for transmission of SL data; means for determining a second sensing configuration that is different than the first sensing configuration for selecting SL resources for transmission of SL positioning reference signals (SL-PRS); means for transmitting SL data on a first resource within a first resource selection window that is based on the first sensing configuration; and means for transmitting SL-PRS on a second resource within a second resource selection window that is based on the second sensing configuration.

[0323] Clause 70. The UE of clause 69, wherein: the second sensing configuration is indicated via radio resource control (RRC) messaging.

[0324] Clause 71. The UE of any of clauses 69 to 70, wherein: the second sensing configuration is based on a selection scheme including a random selection scheme for selecting the SL resources for transmission of SL-PRS, a contiguous partial selection scheme for selecting the SL resources for transmission of the SL-PRS based on one or more contiguous partial resource selection windows, a periodic-based partial selection scheme for selecting the SL resources for transmission of the SL-PRS based on one or more periodic-based partial resource selection windows, or any combination thereof.

[0325] Clause 72. The UE of any of clauses 69 to 71, wherein: the second sensing configuration is based on a plurality of different selection schemes, wherein each selection scheme of the plurality of different selection schemes are associated with a selection scheme priority; and the UE further comprises means for using a given selection scheme of the plurality of different selection schemes based on the selection scheme priority associated with the given selection scheme.

[0326] Clause 73. The UE of any of clauses 71 to 72, further comprising: means for receiving signaling that enables and / or disables the random selection scheme. QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO

[0327] Clause 74. The UE of any of clauses 69 to 73, wherein: the SL resources for transmission of the SL data and the SL resources for transmission of the SL-PRS are selected from a common SL resource pool.

[0328] Clause 75. The UE of any of clauses 69 to 74, wherein: the first resource selection window has a first duration; and the second resource selection window has a second duration.

[0329] Clause 76. The UE of clause 75, wherein: the first duration is indicated in the first sensing configuration as a first number of logical slots, wherein the first number of logical slots correspond to the first duration; and the second duration is indicated in the second sensing configuration as a second number of logical slots that are to be added to the first number of logical slots, wherein a sum of the first number of logical slots and the second number of logical slots correspond to the second duration.

[0330] Clause 77. The UE of any of clauses 75 to 76, further comprising: means for receiving, during the first resource selection window, a resource selection signal triggering selection of the SL resources for transmitting the SL-PRS; and means for transmitting the SL-PRS based on a combined sensing of the SL resources during the first resource selection window and sensing of the SL resources during a prior occurrence of the second resource selection window.

[0331] Clause 78. The UE of any of clauses 76 to 77, wherein: the first duration is associated with a first packet delay budget; and the second number of logical slots are indicated as a second packet delay budget that is different from the first packet delay budget.

[0332] Clause 79. The UE of any of clauses 75 to 78, wherein: the second duration is greater than the first duration.

[0333] Clause 80. The UE of clause 79, wherein: the second duration is indicated in the second sensing configuration as a duration that is to be added to the first duration.

[0334] Clause 81. The UE of any of clauses 75 to 80, wherein: the second resource selection window is aligned with one or more downlink PRS (DL-PRS) transmitted by one or more base stations.

[0335] Clause 82. The UE of clause 81, wherein: the second resource selection window is indicated to the UE via inter-UE coordination (IUC) messaging.

[0336] Clause 83. The UE of any of clauses 81 to 82, further comprising: means for receiving a PRS configuration for the one or more DL-PRS; and means for aligning the second resource selection window with the one or more DL-PRS based on the PRS configuration. QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO

[0337] Clause 84. The UE of clause 83, wherein: the PRS configuration is indicated via inter-UE coordination (IUC) messaging.

[0338] Clause 85. The UE of any of clauses 81 to 84, wherein: the SL resources for transmission of the SL-PRS are selected by the UE based on a set of one or more selection rules, wherein the set of one or more selection rules is based on selection of the SL resources for transmission of the SL-PRS relative to the one or more DL-PRS.

[0339] Clause 86. The UE of clause 85, wherein: the set of one or more selection rules is based on selecting SL resources for transmission of the SL-PRS that occur within a time threshold of the one or more DL-PRS.

[0340] Clause 87. The UE of any of clauses 85 to 86, wherein: the set of one or more selection rules is based on selecting SL resources for transmission of the SL-PRS that occur closest in time to the one or more DL-PRS.

[0341] Clause 88. The UE of any of clauses 85 to 87, wherein: the set of one or more selection rules is indicated by the second sensing configuration.

[0342] Clause 89. The UE of any of clauses 83 to 88, wherein: a given SL resource is available for transmitting the SL-PRS based on the second sensing configuration, and the given SL resource coincides with a DL-PRS of the one or more DL-PRS; and the UE further comprises means for transmitting the SL-PRS using the given SL resource based on a set of one or more prioritization rules associated with the SL-PRS relative to the DL-PRS.

[0343] Clause 90. The UE of clause 89, further comprising: means for modifying the set of one or more prioritization rules at the UE.

[0344] Clause 91. The UE of clause 90, wherein: the UE modifies the set of one or more prioritization rules based on modification limits.

[0345] Clause 92. The UE of any of clauses 89 to 91, wherein: the set of one or more prioritization rules are based on an indication that a positioning session is a joint SL / Uu positioning session.

[0346] Clause 93. The UE of any of clauses 69 to 92, wherein: a given SL resource is available for transmitting the SL data based on the first sensing configuration and also available for transmitting the SL-PRS based on the second sensing configuration; and the UE further comprises means for transmitting the SL data or the SL-PRS using the given SL resource based on a set of one or more resource allocation rules. QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO

[0347] Clause 94. The UE of clause 93, wherein: the set of one or more resource allocation rules is based on priorities associated with the SL data and the SL-PRS.

[0348] Clause 95. The UE of any of clauses 69 to 94, wherein: the first sensing configuration is associated with a first priority; the second sensing configuration is associated with a second priority; and the UE further comprises means for performing, during a given time period, a first set of sensing operations associated with the first sensing configuration or a second set of sensing operations associated with the second sensing configuration based on the first priority and the second priority.

[0349] Clause 96. A network server, comprising: means for transmitting, to a UE, a sensing configuration for selecting sidelink (SL) resources for transmission of SL positioning reference signals (SL-PRS), wherein the sensing configuration includes an indication of parameters for a resource selection window that is aligned with one or more downlink positioning reference signals (DL-PRS) transmitted by one or more base stations; and means for transmitting, to the UE, a further sensing configuration for selecting SL resources for transmission of SL data by the UE, wherein the further sensing configuration is different than the sensing configuration.

[0350] Clause 97. The network server of clause 96, wherein: the sensing configuration includes an indication of parameters for a further resource selection window.

[0351] Clause 98. The network server of clause 97, wherein: the resource selection window has a first duration; the further resource selection window has a second duration; and the first duration is greater than the second duration.

[0352] Clause 99. The network server of clause 98, wherein: the further resource selection window is indicated by the further sensing configuration as a first number of logical slots corresponding to the second duration; and the first duration is indicated in the sensing configuration as a second number of logical slots that are to be added to the first number of logical slots, wherein a sum of the first number of logical slots and the second number of logical slots correspond to the first duration.

[0353] Clause 100. The network server of clause 99, wherein: the second duration is associated with a packet delay budget; and the first number of logical slots are indicated as a further packet delay budget that is different from the packet delay budget. QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO

[0354] Clause 101. The network server of any of clauses 96 to 100, further comprising: means for configuring the UE for participation in a positioning session that employs joint SL / Uu positioning operations.

[0355] Clause 102. The network server of any of clauses 96 to 101, wherein: the sensing configuration is transmitted via radio resource control (RRC) messaging.

[0356] Clause 103. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a user equipment (UE), cause the UE to: determine a first sensing configuration for selecting sidelink (SL) resources for transmission of SL data; determine a second sensing configuration that is different than the first sensing configuration for selecting SL resources for transmission of SL positioning reference signals (SL-PRS); transmit SL data on a first resource within a first resource selection window that is based on the first sensing configuration; and transmit SL-PRS on a second resource within a second resource selection window that is based on the second sensing configuration.

[0357] Clause 104. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of clause 103, wherein: the second sensing configuration is indicated via radio resource control (RRC) messaging.

[0358] Clause 105. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of any of clauses 103 to 104, wherein: the second sensing configuration is based on a selection scheme including a random selection scheme for selecting the SL resources for transmission of SL-PRS, a contiguous partial selection scheme for selecting the SL resources for transmission of the SL-PRS based on one or more contiguous partial resource selection windows, a periodic- based partial selection scheme for selecting the SL resources for transmission of the SL- PRS based on one or more periodic-based partial resource selection windows, or any combination thereof.

[0359] Clause 106. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of any of clauses 103 to 105, wherein: the second sensing configuration is based on a plurality of different selection schemes, wherein each selection scheme of the plurality of different selection schemes are associated with a selection scheme priority; and the computer-executable instructions, when executed by a user equipment (UE), further cause the UE to use a given selection scheme of the plurality of different selection schemes based on the selection scheme priority associated with the given selection scheme. QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO

[0360] Clause 107. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of any of clauses 105 to 106, further comprising computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the UE, cause the UE to: receive signaling that enables and / or disables the random selection scheme.

[0361] Clause 108. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of any of clauses 103 to 107, wherein: the SL resources for transmission of the SL data and the SL resources for transmission of the SL-PRS are selected from a common SL resource pool.

[0362] Clause 109. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of any of clauses 103 to 108, wherein: the first resource selection window has a first duration; and the second resource selection window has a second duration.

[0363] Clause 110. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of clause 109, wherein: the first duration is indicated in the first sensing configuration as a first number of logical slots, wherein the first number of logical slots correspond to the first duration; and the second duration is indicated in the second sensing configuration as a second number of logical slots that are to be added to the first number of logical slots, wherein a sum of the first number of logical slots and the second number of logical slots correspond to the second duration.

[0364] Clause 111. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of any of clauses 109 to 110, further comprising computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the UE, cause the UE to: receive, during the first resource selection window, a resource selection signal triggering selection of the SL resources for transmitting the SL-PRS; and transmit the SL-PRS based on a combined sensing of the SL resources during the first resource selection window and sensing of the SL resources during a prior occurrence of the second resource selection window.

[0365] Clause 112. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of any of clauses 110 to 111, wherein: the first duration is associated with a first packet delay budget; and the second number of logical slots are indicated as a second packet delay budget that is different from the first packet delay budget.

[0366] Clause 113. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of any of clauses 109 to 112, wherein: the second duration is greater than the first duration. QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO

[0367] Clause 114. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of clause 113, wherein: the second duration is indicated in the second sensing configuration as a duration that is to be added to the first duration.

[0368] Clause 115. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of any of clauses 109 to 114, wherein: the second resource selection window is aligned with one or more downlink PRS (DL-PRS) transmitted by one or more base stations.

[0369] Clause 116. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of clause 115, wherein: the second resource selection window is indicated to the UE via inter-UE coordination (IUC) messaging.

[0370] Clause 117. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of any of clauses 115 to 116, further comprising computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the UE, cause the UE to: receive a PRS configuration for the one or more DL-PRS; and align the second resource selection window with the one or more DL-PRS based on the PRS configuration.

[0371] Clause 118. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of clause 117, wherein: the PRS configuration is indicated via inter-UE coordination (IUC) messaging.

[0372] Clause 119. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of any of clauses 115 to 118, wherein: the SL resources for transmission of the SL-PRS are selected by the UE based on a set of one or more selection rules, wherein the set of one or more selection rules is based on selection of the SL resources for transmission of the SL-PRS relative to the one or more DL-PRS.

[0373] Clause 120. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of clause 119, wherein: the set of one or more selection rules is based on selecting SL resources for transmission of the SL-PRS that occur within a time threshold of the one or more DL-PRS.

[0374] Clause 121. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of any of clauses 119 to 120, wherein: the set of one or more selection rules is based on selecting SL resources for transmission of the SL-PRS that occur closest in time to the one or more DL-PRS.

[0375] Clause 122. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of any of clauses 119 to 121, wherein: the set of one or more selection rules is indicated by the second sensing configuration.

[0376] Clause 123. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of any of clauses 117 to 122, wherein: a given SL resource is available for transmitting the SL-PRS based on the second QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO sensing configuration, and the given SL resource coincides with a DL-PRS of the one or more DL-PRS; and the computer-executable instructions, when executed by a user equipment (UE), further cause the UE to transmit the SL-PRS using the given SL resource based on a set of one or more prioritization rules associated with the SL-PRS relative to the DL-PRS.

[0377] Clause 124. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of clause 123, further comprising computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the UE, cause the UE to: modify the set of one or more prioritization rules at the UE.

[0378] Clause 125. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of clause 124, wherein: the UE modifies the set of one or more prioritization rules based on modification limits.

[0379] Clause 126. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of any of clauses 123 to 125, wherein: the set of one or more prioritization rules are based on an indication that a positioning session is a joint SL / Uu positioning session.

[0380] Clause 127. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of any of clauses 103 to 126, wherein: a given SL resource is available for transmitting the SL data based on the first sensing configuration and also available for transmitting the SL-PRS based on the second sensing configuration; and the computer-executable instructions, when executed by a user equipment (UE), further cause the UE to transmit the SL data or the SL-PRS using the given SL resource based on a set of one or more resource allocation rules.

[0381] Clause 128. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of clause 127, wherein: the set of one or more resource allocation rules is based on priorities associated with the SL data and the SL-PRS.

[0382] Clause 129. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of any of clauses 103 to 128, wherein: the first sensing configuration is associated with a first priority; the second sensing configuration is associated with a second priority; and the computer-executable instructions, when executed by a user equipment (UE), further cause the UE to perform, during a given time period, a first set of sensing operations associated with the first sensing configuration or a second set of sensing operations associated with the second sensing configuration based on the first priority and the second priority.

[0383] Clause 130. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a network server, cause the network server to: transmit, to a UE, a sensing configuration for selecting sidelink (SL) resources for QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO transmission of SL positioning reference signals (SL-PRS), wherein the sensing configuration includes an indication of parameters for a resource selection window that is aligned with one or more downlink positioning reference signals (DL-PRS) transmitted by one or more base stations; and transmit, to the UE, a further sensing configuration for selecting SL resources for transmission of SL data by the UE, wherein the further sensing configuration is different than the sensing configuration.

[0384] Clause 131. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of clause 130, wherein: the sensing configuration includes an indication of parameters for a further resource selection window.

[0385] Clause 132. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of clause 131, wherein: the resource selection window has a first duration; the further resource selection window has a second duration; and the first duration is greater than the second duration.

[0386] Clause 133. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of clause 132, wherein: the further resource selection window is indicated by the further sensing configuration as a first number of logical slots corresponding to the second duration; and the first duration is indicated in the sensing configuration as a second number of logical slots that are to be added to the first number of logical slots, wherein a sum of the first number of logical slots and the second number of logical slots correspond to the first duration.

[0387] Clause 134. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of clause 133, wherein: the second duration is associated with a packet delay budget; and the first number of logical slots are indicated as a further packet delay budget that is different from the packet delay budget.

[0388] Clause 135. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of any of clauses 130 to 134, further comprising computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the network server, cause the network server to: configure the UE for participation in a positioning session that employs joint SL / Uu positioning operations.

[0389] Clause 136. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of any of clauses 130 to 135, wherein: the sensing configuration is transmitted via radio resource control (RRC) messaging.

[0390] Those of skill in the art will appreciate that information and signals may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO referenced throughout the above description may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof.

[0391] Further, those of skill in the art will appreciate that the various illustrative logical blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithm steps described in connection with the aspects disclosed herein may be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or combinations of both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been described above generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. Skilled artisans may implement the described functionality in varying ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0392] The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, and circuits described in connection with the aspects disclosed herein may be implemented or performed with a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an ASIC, a field-programable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, for example, a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration.

[0393] The methods, sequences and / or algorithms described in connection with the aspects disclosed herein may be embodied directly in hardware, in a software module executed by a processor, or in a combination of the two. A software module may reside in random access memory (RAM), flash memory, read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), registers, hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An example storage medium is coupled to the processor such that the QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO processor can read information from, and write information to, the storage medium. In the alternative, the storage medium may be integral to the processor. The processor and the storage medium may reside in an ASIC. The ASIC may reside in a user terminal (e.g., UE). In the alternative, the processor and the storage medium may reside as discrete components in a user terminal.

[0394] In one or more example aspects, the functions described may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, the functions may be stored on or transmitted over as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media includes both computer storage media and communication media including any medium that facilitates transfer of a computer program from one place to another. A storage media may be any available media that can be accessed by a computer. By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer. Also, any connection is properly termed a computer-readable medium. For example, if the software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using a coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave, then the coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave are included in the definition of medium. Disk and disc, as used herein, includes compact disc (CD), laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk and Blu-ray disc where disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0395] While the foregoing disclosure shows illustrative aspects of the disclosure, it should be noted that various changes and modifications could be made herein without departing from the scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims. For example, the functions, steps and / or actions of the method claims in accordance with the aspects of the disclosure described herein need not be performed in any particular order. Further, no component, function, action, or instruction described or claimed herein should be QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO construed as critical or essential unless explicitly described as such. Furthermore, as used herein, the terms “set,” “group,” and the like are intended to include one or more of the stated elements. Also, as used herein, the terms “has,” “have,” “having,” “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” and the like does not preclude the presence of one or more additional elements (e.g., an element “having” A may also have B). Further, the phrase “based on” is intended to mean “based, at least in part, on” unless explicitly stated otherwise. Also, as used herein, the term “or” is intended to be inclusive when used in a series and may be used interchangeably with “and / or,” unless explicitly stated otherwise (e.g., if used in combination with “either” or “only one of”) or the alternatives are mutually exclusive (e.g., “one or more” should not be interpreted as “one and more”). Furthermore, although components, functions, actions, and instructions may be described or claimed in the singular, the plural is contemplated unless limitation to the singular is explicitly stated. Accordingly, as used herein, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “said” are intended to include one or more of the stated elements. Additionally, as used herein, the terms “at least one” and “one or more” encompass “one” component, function, action, or instruction performing or capable of performing a described or claimed functionality and also “two or more” components, functions, actions, or instructions performing or capable of performing a described or claimed functionality in combination. QC2305719WO

Claims

Qualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A method of wireless communication performed by a user equipment (UE), comprising: determining a first sensing configuration for selecting sidelink (SL) resources for transmission of SL data; determining a second sensing configuration that is different than the first sensing configuration for selecting SL resources for transmission of SL positioning reference signals (SL-PRS); transmitting SL data on a first resource within a first resource selection window that is based on the first sensing configuration; and transmitting SL-PRS on a second resource within a second resource selection window that is based on the second sensing configuration.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein: the second sensing configuration is indicated via radio resource control (RRC) messaging.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein: the second sensing configuration is based on a selection scheme including a random selection scheme for selecting the SL resources for transmission of SL-PRS, a contiguous partial selection scheme for selecting the SL resources for transmission of the SL-PRS based on one or more contiguous partial resource selection windows, a periodic-based partial selection scheme for selecting the SL resources for transmission of the SL-PRS based on one or more periodic-based partial resource selection windows, or any combination thereof.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein: QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO the second sensing configuration is based on a plurality of different selection schemes, wherein each selection scheme of the plurality of different selection schemes are associated with a selection scheme priority; and the method further comprising using a given selection scheme of the plurality of different selection schemes based on the selection scheme priority associated with the given selection scheme.

5. The method of claim 3, further comprising: receiving signaling that enables and / or disables the random selection scheme.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein: the SL resources for transmission of the SL data and the SL resources for transmission of the SL-PRS are selected from a common SL resource pool.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein: the first resource selection window has a first duration; and the second resource selection window has a second duration.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein: the first duration is indicated in the first sensing configuration as a first number of logical slots, wherein the first number of logical slots correspond to the first duration; and the second duration is indicated in the second sensing configuration as a second number of logical slots that are to be added to the first number of logical slots, wherein a sum of the first number of logical slots and the second number of logical slots correspond to the second duration.

9. The method of claim 7, further comprising: receiving, during the first resource selection window, a resource selection signal triggering selection of the SL resources for transmitting the SL-PRS; and transmitting the SL-PRS based on a combined sensing of the SL resources during the first resource selection window and sensing of the SL resources during a prior occurrence of the second resource selection window. QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO 10. The method of claim 8, wherein: the first duration is associated with a first packet delay budget; and the second number of logical slots are indicated as a second packet delay budget that is different from the first packet delay budget.

11. The method of claim 7, wherein: the second duration is greater than the first duration.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein: the second duration is indicated in the second sensing configuration as a duration that is to be added to the first duration.

13. The method of claim 7, wherein: the second resource selection window is aligned with one or more downlink PRS (DL-PRS) transmitted by one or more base stations.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein: the second resource selection window is indicated to the UE via inter-UE coordination (IUC) messaging.

15. The method of claim 13, further comprising: receiving a PRS configuration for the one or more DL-PRS; and aligning the second resource selection window with the one or more DL-PRS based on the PRS configuration.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein: the PRS configuration is indicated via inter-UE coordination (IUC) messaging.

17. The method of claim 13, wherein: the SL resources for transmission of the SL-PRS are selected by the UE based on a set of one or more selection rules, wherein the set of one or more selection rules is based on selection of the SL resources for transmission of the SL-PRS relative to the one or more DL-PRS.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein: QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO the set of one or more selection rules is based on selecting SL resources for transmission of the SL-PRS that occur within a time threshold of the one or more DL- PRS.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein: the set of one or more selection rules is based on selecting SL resources for transmission of the SL-PRS that occur closest in time to the one or more DL-PRS.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein: the set of one or more selection rules is indicated by the second sensing configuration.

21. The method of claim 15, wherein: a given SL resource is available for transmitting the SL-PRS based on the second sensing configuration, and the given SL resource coincides with a DL-PRS of the one or more DL-PRS; and the method further comprises transmitting the SL-PRS using the given SL resource based on a set of one or more prioritization rules associated with the SL-PRS relative to the DL- PRS.

22. The method of claim 21, further comprising: modifying the set of one or more prioritization rules at the UE.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein: the UE modifies the set of one or more prioritization rules based on modification limits.

24. The method of claim 21, wherein: the set of one or more prioritization rules are based on an indication that a positioning session is a joint SL / Uu positioning session.

25. The method of claim 1, wherein: QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO a given SL resource is available for transmitting the SL data based on the first sensing configuration and also available for transmitting the SL-PRS based on the second sensing configuration; and the method further comprises transmitting the SL data or the SL-PRS using the given SL resource based on a set of one or more resource allocation rules.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein: the set of one or more resource allocation rules is based on priorities associated with the SL data and the SL-PRS.

27. The method of claim 1, wherein: the first sensing configuration is associated with a first priority; the second sensing configuration is associated with a second priority; and the method further comprising performing, during a given time period, a first set of sensing operations associated with the first sensing configuration or a second set of sensing operations associated with the second sensing configuration based on the first priority and the second priority.

28. A method of communication performed by a network server, comprising: transmitting, to a UE, a sensing configuration for selecting sidelink (SL) resources for transmission of SL positioning reference signals (SL-PRS), wherein the sensing configuration includes an indication of parameters for a resource selection window that is aligned with one or more downlink positioning reference signals (DL- PRS) transmitted by one or more base stations; and transmitting, to the UE, a further sensing configuration for selecting SL resources for transmission of SL data by the UE, wherein the further sensing configuration is different than the sensing configuration.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein: the sensing configuration includes an indication of parameters for a further resource selection window.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein: QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO the resource selection window has a first duration; the further resource selection window has a second duration; and the first duration is greater than the second duration.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein: the further resource selection window is indicated by the further sensing configuration as a first number of logical slots corresponding to the second duration; and the first duration is indicated in the sensing configuration as a second number of logical slots that are to be added to the first number of logical slots, wherein a sum of the first number of logical slots and the second number of logical slots correspond to the first duration.

32. The method of claim 31, wherein: the second duration is associated with a packet delay budget; and the first number of logical slots are indicated as a further packet delay budget that is different from the packet delay budget.

33. The method of claim 28, further comprising: configuring the UE for participation in a positioning session that employs joint SL / Uu positioning operations.

34. The method of claim 28, wherein: the sensing configuration is transmitted via radio resource control (RRC) messaging.

35. A user equipment (UE), comprising: one or more memories; one or more transceivers; and one or more processors communicatively coupled to the one or more memories and the one or more transceivers, the one or more processors, either alone or in combination, configured to: determine a first sensing configuration for selecting sidelink (SL) resources for transmission of SL data; QC2305719WOQualcomm Ref. No.2305719WO determine a second sensing configuration that is different than the first sensing configuration for selecting SL resources for transmission of SL positioning reference signals (SL-PRS); transmit, via the one or more transceivers, SL data on a first resource within a first resource selection window that is based on the first sensing configuration; and transmit, via the one or more transceivers, SL-PRS on a second resource within a second resource selection window that is based on the second sensing configuration.

36. A network server, comprising: one or more memories; one or more transceivers; and one or more processors communicatively coupled to the one or more memories and the one or more transceivers, the one or more processors, either alone or in combination, configured to: transmit, via the one or more transceivers, to a UE, a sensing configuration for selecting sidelink (SL) resources for transmission of SL positioning reference signals (SL-PRS), wherein the sensing configuration includes an indication of parameters for a resource selection window that is aligned with one or more downlink positioning reference signals (DL-PRS) transmitted by one or more base stations; and transmit, via the one or more transceivers, to the UE, a further sensing configuration for selecting SL resources for transmission of SL data by the UE, wherein the further sensing configuration is different than the sensing configuration. QC2305719WO

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