Transmission of positioning reference signal for sidelink communication

Abstract

To provide a positioning method in sidelink communication, a method, and a non-transitory computer-readable medium.SOLUTION: A method includes detecting, by an RSU / anchor 102A communicating with other user equipment (UE) 104A, 104B, at least one second UE communicating with the other UE, sending a notification regarding the at least one second UE to a network infrastructure 108, and receiving from the network infrastructure information regarding at least one additional anchor 102B, 102C identified by the network infrastructure based on the notification. The at least one anchor transmits, receives, or transmits and receives a positioning reference signal to and from the at least one second UE.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for positioning in sidelink communications, an apparatus for positioning in sidelink communications, and a non-transitory computer-readable medium. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally described, computing devices and communication networks can be used to exchange information. In a typical application, a computing device can request / send data to another computing device over a communication network. More specifically, computing devices can use wireless communication networks to exchange information or establish communication channels.

[0003] A wireless communication network may include a variety of devices that include components for accessing or have access to the wireless communication network. Such devices utilize the wireless communication network to facilitate interaction with other devices that can access the wireless communication network, or to facilitate interaction with devices that utilize other communication networks via the wireless communication network. Additionally or alternatively, devices may sometimes or always communicate directly with each other without going through or utilizing a wireless communication network.

[0004] With respect to vehicles or other mobile devices, the communication network can provide communication between vehicles (or their internal components) equipped with a wireless interface. There are many approaches to implementing such wireless communication networks, such as the 802.xx wireless interfaces promulgated by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers ("IEEE"). Other approaches to such wireless communication networks correspond to cellular-based communication networks, specifically the ability to support new radio (NR) and sidelink (SL) communications. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a method for positioning in sidelink communications, the method comprising: an anchor component in sidelink communications detecting a presence of at least one user equipment in the sidelink communications; and in response to the detected presence of the at least one user equipment, initiating transmission of a positioning reference signal to the at least one user equipment for positioning.

[0006] In a second aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus for positioning in sidelink communications, the apparatus comprising: a memory storing instructions; and a processor executing the instructions stored in the memory to detect a presence of at least one user equipment in sidelink communications and, in response to the detected presence of the at least one user equipment, initiate transmission of a positioning reference signal to the at least one user equipment.

[0007] In a third aspect, the present invention provides a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions executable by one or more processors of a device for performing a method for positioning in sidelink communications, the method comprising: an anchor component in sidelink communications detecting a presence of at least one user equipment in the sidelink communications; and in response to the detected presence of the at least one user equipment, initiating transmission of a positioning reference signal to the user equipment for positioning. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] Various features will be described with reference to the following drawings. Throughout the drawings, reference numerals are reused to indicate correspondence between referenced elements. The drawings are provided to illustrate examples described herein and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a communication system, consistent with some embodiments of the present application. [Figure 2A]FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of an exemplary Roadside Unit (RSU) architecture for implementing one or more aspects of the present application. [Figure 2B] FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of an exemplary user equipment (UE) architecture for implementing one or more aspects of the present application. [Figure 2C] FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of an example next generation Node B (gNB) architecture for implementing one or more aspects of the present application. [Figure 3] 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of activation / deactivation of a positioning reference signal (PRS) in the communication system of FIG. 1, according to some embodiments of the present application. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating an example of a PRS transmission activation and management routine performed by an RSU, consistent with some embodiments of the present application. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram illustrating an example of a PRS transmission activation and management routine performed by a gNB, consistent with some embodiments of the present application. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram illustrating an example method for a UE in sidelink communication, consistent with some embodiments of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to systems and methods for exchanging positioning information and / or signals. Generally stated, one approach for exchanging positioning information and / or signals involves deploying a set of one or more devices along a road or other transmission area that can communicate with a mobile UE. For example, devices transmitting positioning reference signals (PRS) may correspond to one or more devices generally referred to as roadside units ("RSUs"), "anchors," or "UEs." References to RSUs or anchors throughout this application are not intended to limit the configuration or functionality of any particular device and should be considered interchangeable unless explicitly stated. For example, RSUs are not considered inherently mobile (e.g., permanent or semi-permanent locations), and their locations can be easily obtained. Positioning employing either timing-based (e.g., time difference of arrival (TDOA) or round trip transmission (RTT)) or angle-based methods requires transmission of positioning reference signals (PRS) from the RSUs or / and UEs to position the associated measurements.

[0010] To achieve positioning over the SL air interface, a UE needs to transmit and receive specific reference signals for positioning, distinct from SL communication data, commonly referred to as “SL Positioning Reference Signals” (SL PRS). The UE makes specific measurements (e.g., time of arrival, angle of arrival, etc.) on the transmitted reference signals, which are used to calculate an individual position estimate. For illustrative purposes, a component or entity that assists in positioning the UE, e.g., by transmitting / receiving an SL PRS, is referred to as an anchor. Aspects of the present application are described with respect to an anchor, which is a specific computing device at least partially configured to provide positioning signals such as an SL PRS. Furthermore, other UEs or devices or network entities that support SL functionality can also serve as anchors for positioning purposes. An SL PRS may be configured with various parameters, including time-frequency resources such as bandwidth and periodicity, directivity-related parameters such as beam direction, beam width, and number of beams, and transmit power.

[0011] UEs periodically exchange information about their status (speed, direction, heading, etc.) Vehicles can inform each other about their presence and movement, as well as specific road conditions. Such information is transmitted via the Cooperative Awareness Message (CAM) and Decentralized Environmental Notification Message (DENM) defined by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) and the Basic Safety Message (BSM) defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). While CAMs must be broadcast periodically by all vehicles, for example, every 100 ms, DENMs are rather event-triggered messages that signal specific events, such as when a collision occurs on the road. Upon receiving such messages, vehicles can adjust their maneuvers and effectively cooperate for safer and more efficient road traffic. In Long Term Evolution (LTE) vehicle-to-everything (V2X) PC5 and New Radio (NR) V2X PC5, CAMs and DENMs and other V2X application messages can be transmitted over the SL (in addition to the uplink (UL) and downlink (DL)) to support a variety of use cases ranging from enhanced sensors to cooperative automated driving, from basic safety to vehicle platooning.

[0012] Compared to existing UL / DL positioning methods, SL positioning has the advantage of working outside of network coverage (or in partial network coverage) in addition to in-coverage conditions where network-based positioning is not applicable or cannot meet positioning Quality of Service (QoS) requirements (e.g., due to a small number of available anchor gNB nodes), or when the UE is in an area beyond the reach of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and / or network coverage (e.g., in a tunnel).

[0013] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to systems and methods for exchanging positioning signals. More specifically, one or more aspects of the present application relate to dynamically activating an anchor or network node with SL capability and / or dynamically activating PRS transmission based on UE detection. One or more aspects of the present application further relate to proactively configuring additional RSUs / anchors with geographical regions / paths. For example, an initial anchor detects the presence of one or more UEs (e.g., vehicles) based on its / their SL transmissions. The detecting RSU / anchor responsively activates SL PRS transmissions based on the presence and mobility information of the detected UE(s) obtained via their SL transmissions. The detecting RSU / anchor can then send a notification about the detected UE(s) to infrastructure equipment, such as a core network element. For simplicity, the terms “infrastructure equipment” and “network,” “network infrastructure,” and “core network element” are used interchangeably in this application.

[0014] Based on the detected UEs, the network or anchor can proactively configure the SL PRS transmissions to be activated. In one example, proactive configuration can be based on UE density, directivity, etc., or any other information conveyed by the SL transmissions of the detected UE(s). In another example, proactive configuration can be based on receiving a message explicitly indicating a positioning request for one or more UEs. Proactive configuration illustratively includes configuring additional anchor(s) along the future predicted trajectory of the detected UE.

[0015] The detecting anchor may also send SL PRS configurations to one or more detected UEs so that the UEs are aware of the activation of SL PRS transmissions. This may include two or more SL PRS configurations as part of a list sent by the detecting RSU / anchor to the UE. The receiving UE may measure the SL PRS transmissions and utilize the list of SL PRS configurations to process the SL PRS transmission information. The ordering information is used to The information may include a priority order of two or more configurations for performing measurements or activation, and a threshold (based on time, signal power, signal quality, distance, etc.) for the UE to switch measurements or activation between different PRS configurations along its trajectory. Additionally, the information may include information to the UE about currently inactive SL PRS configurations so that the UE can later request them, for example, based on changing positioning quality of service (QoS) requirements, based on radio conditions, or if the UE enters an RSU / anchor area where PRS transmission is not currently activated.

[0016] The anchor or network may further stop SL PRS transmissions based on not receiving a message for a certain timeout threshold since last receiving a CAM from the lost vehicle, e.g., target UE, and / or based on the SL reference signal received power (RSRP) and / or SL received strength signal indicator (RSSI) and / or signal quality dropping below a certain threshold for a certain timeout threshold. The timeout threshold and signal threshold may be pre-configured or configured.

[0017] Although aspects of the present application are described with reference to exemplary network components, interactions, and routines, those skilled in the art will understand that one or more aspects of the present application may be implemented in accordance with various environments, system architectures, computing device architectures, and the like. Similarly, references to specific devices, such as an RSU, a UE, or a gNB, may be considered general references and not intended to provide additional meaning or configuration to individual computing devices. In further embodiments, in addition to vehicle / pedestrian / cyclist UEs, the UE may be an Internet of Things (IoT) or commercial device with SL capabilities that needs to be positioned via SL, given the many different use cases that SL positioning needs to support. Furthermore, references to any particular type of data type, structure, or interface are also for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. Accordingly, all examples are intended to be illustrative in nature and should not be construed as limiting.

[0018] 1 illustrates a block diagram of an example communication system (environment) 100 for implementing one or more aspects of the present application. The environment 100 may include a first set of devices 102 (e.g., 102A, 102B) corresponding to RSUs located at fixed locations, such as defined locations along a transit area 106 (e.g., a road or a route). The environment 100 may include a second set of devices 104 (e.g., 104A, 104B) corresponding to UEs configured to dynamically move along the transit area 106. In some embodiments, the RSUs The RSU 102 and UE 104 may be in wireless communication with a gNB 110 of the infrastructure equipment 108; e.g., the RSU 102 and UE 104 may be within a full or partial coverage area of ​​a wireless signal from the gNB 110. In some embodiments, the RSU 102 and UE 104 may not be in wireless communication with the gNB 110; e.g., the RSU 102 and UE 104 may be outside the coverage area of ​​a wireless signal from the gNB 110. The RSU 102 and UE 104 may also be in wireless communication with the gNB 110 and one or more additional components 112 of the infrastructure equipment 108 that can offload processing of information or functions related to the wireless network, such as a location services (LCS) server (not shown). The gNB and LCS server may be connected to the one or more additional components 112.

[0019] The communication between the gNB 110, the RSU 102, and the UE 104 may correspond to a radio access network (RAN), such as a Next Generation RAN (NG-RAN). Other examples of RANs and core networks may be implemented without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Other examples of ANs include the Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (EUTRAN), the Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN), and additional variations or alternatives including 3GPP 6G RAN.

[0020] The RAN illustratively implements a radio access technology (RAT) such as New Radio (NR), Long Term Evolution (LTE), also known as Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (EUTRA), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), etc. The RAT of the exemplary environment system 100 may illustratively be NR. For example, different names may be used for RAN nodes depending on the RAT used for the RAN. In the example mobile communication system 100 in FIG. 1 , the nodes of the NG-RAN 105 may be either Next Generation Node Bs (gNBs) 110 or Next Generation Evolved Node Bs (ng-eNBs). In other applications, the RAN nodes may be referred to as Node Bs (NBs) in a RAN using the UMTS RAT. The RAN nodes may be referred to as Evolved Node Bs (eNBs) in a RAN using the LTE / EUTRA RAT. However, as noted above, the terms base station, RAN node, gNB, eNB, and ng-eNB may be used interchangeably. Additionally, references to infrastructure equipment 108 may be used to refer to RAN nodes and additional core network equipment corresponding to the wireless network.

[0021] Illustratively, various aspects related to the infrastructure equipment 108 (gNB 110) may be implemented as one or more components associated with one or more functions or services. The components may correspond to software modules implemented by one or more computing devices, which may be separate, standalone computing devices.

[0022] Thus, the components of gNB 110 should be considered logical representations of services and do not require any particular implementation on one or more computing devices. Additionally, infrastructure equipment (including any additional equipment not shown) may be maintained by an operator, such as a mobile network operator (MNO), a private network operator, a multi-system operator (MSO), an Internet of Things (IoT) network operator, etc., and may provide services such as voice, data (e.g., wireless Internet access), messaging, vehicle communication services such as vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication services, safety services, mission-critical services, IoT, Industrial IoT (IIOT), and other services in residential, commercial, or industrial environments.

[0023] Continuing with reference to FIG. 1 , illustratively, the RSU 102 and the UE 104 can exchange information and / or signals, such as positioning signals, according to a sidelink communication channel. Illustratively, the sidelink communication channel may correspond to the NR SL, a physical layer consisting of several physical channels and signals. The SL physical channel is a set of resource elements carrying information for higher layers of the protocol stack. The SL physical channel may include a Physical Sidelink Broadcast Channel (PSBCH) carrying an SL-BCH transport channel, over which a Master Information Block (MIB) for SL, containing system information for communication between UEs or between a UE and an RSU, is periodically transmitted. The PSBCH is transmitted together with a Sidelink Primary Synchronization Signal / Sidelink Secondary Synchronization Signal (S-PSS / SSS) in an S-SSB (Synchronization Signal Block) signal. The SL physical channel may further include a Physical Sidelink Feedback Channel (PSFCH) used to transmit HARQ feedback from a receiving UE / RSU to a transmitting UE over the SL for unicast or groupcast communication. The SL physical channel also includes the Physical Sidelink Shared Channel (PSSCH) and the Physical Sidelink The PSCCH may include a PSCCH.

[0024] Each PSSCH contains a transport block associated with the PSCCH. The PSCCH is transmitted in the same slot as the PSSCH and contains control information for the shared channel. The sidelink control information (SCI) is divided into two stages: the first stage is transmitted on the PSCCH associated with the PSSCH, and the second stage is transmitted on the corresponding PSSCH. A demodulation reference signal (DMRS) is used for the PSCCH, PSSCH, and PSBCH as a reference signal for demodulation of messages at the receiver.

[0025] The UE 104 may include wireless transmission and reception components for communicating with one or more nodes in a RAN, one or more relay nodes, or one or more anchors, or one or more other UEs, etc. Examples of a UE include, but are not limited to, a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop, a computer, a wireless transmitting and / or receiving unit in a vehicle, a V2X or vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) device, a wireless sensor, an Internet of Things (IoT) device, an Industrial Internet of Things (IIOT) device, etc. Other names may be used for a UE, such as a mobile station (MS), a mobile equipment (ME), terminal equipment, an end node, a client device, a mobile device, etc.

[0026] Additionally, the UE 104 may also include components or subcomponents integrated into other devices, such as vehicles, to provide wireless communication functionality with nodes in the RAN, other UEs, RSUs, satellite communications, etc., as described herein. Such other devices may have other functionality or functions in addition to wireless communication. Thus, references to a UE may include individual components that facilitate wireless communication, as well as entire devices incorporating components for facilitating wireless communication.

[0027] 2A illustrates one embodiment of an example architecture of an RSU 102 (or other anchor) for implementing one or more aspects of the present application as described. The general architecture of the RSU 102 illustrated in FIG. 2A includes a configuration of computer hardware and software components that may be used to implement aspects of the present disclosure. As previously discussed, the components of the RSU 102 may include physical hardware components, one or more virtualized components, or a combination thereof. Furthermore, the components of the RSU 102 or functionality attributed to the RSU 102 may be implemented in a virtualized environment.

[0028] Such a virtualization environment may be provided by the manufacturer or by a third party entity such as a computing service provider that can instantiate software modules that may be permanent or temporary in nature for the purpose of implementing the functionality shown in the exemplary architecture of RSU 102.

[0029] As shown, the RSU 102 includes a processing unit 202, a network interface 204, a computer-readable media drive 206, and an input / output interface 208, all of which can communicate with each other via a communication bus. The components of 102 may be physical hardware components or may be implemented in a virtualized environment.

[0030] The network interface 204 may provide a connection to one or more networks or computing systems, such as the wireless network shown in FIG. 1. Thus, the processing unit 202 may receive information and instructions from other computing systems or services via the network. The processing unit 202 also communicates with memory 210 and may further provide output information via the input / output interface 208, such as via SL physical and wireless communication channels. In an embodiment, the RSU 102 may include more (or fewer) components than those shown in FIG. 2A, including one or more antennas to facilitate transmission and reception of wireless signals.

[0031] The memory 210 may include computer program instructions that the processing unit 202 executes to implement one or more embodiments. The memory 210 typically includes RAM, ROM, or other persistent or non-transitory memory. The memory 210 may store an operating system 214 that provides computer program instructions used by the processing unit 202 in the general management and operation of the RSU 102. The memory 210 may further include computer program instructions and other information for implementing aspects of the present disclosure. For example, in one embodiment, the memory 210 includes a radio interface component 216 for processing radio signals from the radio network 108, the UE 104, or other RSUs 102. The memory 210 includes a PRS information component 218 that provides PRS information to one or more UEs, as described herein. The memory 210 may also include a PRS signal prediction component 220 that predicts PRS signals. FIG. 2B illustrates one embodiment of an example architecture of a UE 104 for implementing one or more aspects of the present application as described. The general architecture of the UE 104 illustrated in FIG. 2B includes a configuration of computer hardware and software components that can be used to implement aspects of the present disclosure. As previously described, the components of the UE 104 may include physical hardware components, one or more virtualized components, or a combination thereof. Additionally, the components of the UE 104 or the functionality possessed by the UE 104 may be implemented in a virtualized environment. Such a virtualized environment may be provided by a manufacturer or by a third-party entity, such as a computing service provider, that can instantiate software modules, which may be permanent or temporary in nature, for the purpose of implementing the functionality illustrated in the example architecture of the UE 104.

[0032] As illustrated, the UE 104 includes a processing unit 222, a network interface 224, a computer-readable medium drive 226, and an input / output interface 228, all of which may communicate with each other via a communication bus. The components of the feedback UE 104 may be physical hardware components or may be implemented in a virtualized environment.

[0033] The network interface 224 may provide connectivity to one or more networks or computing systems, such as the wireless network shown in FIG. 1. Thus, the processing unit 222 may receive information and instructions from other computing systems or services over the network. The processing unit 222 also communicates with memory 230 and may further provide output information via the input / output interface 228, such as over an SL physical channel. In some embodiments, the UE 104 may include more (or fewer) components than those shown in FIG. 2B. The memory 230 may include computer program instructions that the processing unit 202 executes to implement one or more embodiments. The memory 230 generally includes RAM, ROM, or other persistent or non-transitory memory. The memory 230 may store an operating system 234 that provides computer program instructions for use by the processing unit 222 in the general management and operation of the UE 104. The memory 230 may further include computer program instructions and other information for implementing aspects of the present disclosure. For example, in one embodiment, the memory 230 includes a wireless interface component 236 for processing wireless signals from the wireless network 108, other UEs 104, or the RSU 102. The memory 230 also includes a wireless interface component 236 for processing wireless signals from the wireless network 108, other UEs 104, or the RSU 102. The memory 230 may also include a wireless interface component 236 for processing wireless signals from the wireless network 108, other UEs 104, or the RSU 102. The PSR information component 238 includes a PSR information component 238 that requests PSR information from one or more RSUs 102 so as to

[0034] FIG. 2C illustrates one embodiment of an example architecture of a gNB 110 for implementing one or more aspects of the present application as described. The general architecture of the gNB 110 illustrated in FIG. 2C includes an arrangement of computer hardware and software components that may be used to implement aspects of the present disclosure. As previously discussed, the components of the gNB 110 may include physical hardware components, one or more virtualized components, or a combination thereof. Additionally, the components of the gNB 110 or the functionality possessed by the gNB 110 may be implemented in a virtualized environment. Such a virtualized environment may be provided by a manufacturer or by a third-party entity, such as a computing service provider, that can instantiate software modules, which may be permanent or temporary in nature, for the purpose of implementing the functionality illustrated in the example architecture of the gNB 110.

[0035] As shown, gNB 110 includes a processing unit 242, a network interface 244, a computer-readable medium drive 246, and an input / output interface 248, all of which may communicate with each other via a communication bus. The components of feedback gNB 110 may be physical hardware components or may be implemented in a virtualized environment including one or more antennas to facilitate the transmission and reception of wireless signals.

[0036] The network interface 244 may provide connectivity to one or more networks or computing systems, such as the wireless network shown in FIG. 1. Thus, the processing unit 242 may receive information and instructions from other computing systems or services over the network. The processing unit 242 also communicates with the memory 250 and may further provide output information via the input / output interface 248. In some embodiments, the gNB 110 may include more (or fewer) components than those shown in FIG. 2C.

[0037] The memory 250 may include computer program instructions that the processing unit 242 executes to implement one or more embodiments. The memory 250 generally includes RAM, ROM, or other persistent or non-transitory memory. The memory 250 may store an operating system 254 that provides computer program instructions used by the processing unit 242 in the general management and operation of the gNB 110. The memory 250 may include an air interface component 256. The memory 250 may further include computer program instructions and other information for implementing aspects of the present disclosure. For example, in one embodiment, the memory 250 includes a PRS signal processing component 258 that provides PRS configuration information to one or more UEs 104 and one or more RSUs 102, as described herein. The memory 250 may also include a PRS signal prediction component 260 that predicts PRS signals.

[0038] 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of activation / deactivation of a PRS signal in the communication system of FIG. 1 according to some embodiments of the present application. Referring to FIG. 3, in step (1), the RSU / anchor 102A detects the presence of a UE 104A (e.g., a vehicle) based on an SL transmission from the UE 104A. The RSU / anchor 102A may detect the presence of multiple UEs (e.g., 104A and 104B) based on the SL transmission from the UE. For example, the RSU / anchor 102A may detect the presence of the UE 104A by decoding an SL control message or data message received from the UE 104A. The message may be a V2 control message or a V3 control message transmitted via CAM or DENM. The message may be in the form of X data. The RSU / anchor 102A may also detect the presence of the UE 104A by measuring received power on the SL, such as, for example, the SL signal received power (SL RSRP), signal reception quality, received strength signal indicator (RSSI), and / or signal-to-noise ratio (SINR). For example, the RSU / anchor 102A may determine the presence of the UE 104A based on determining that the received power is greater than a predetermined threshold. In some embodiments, the message may be in the form of an SL data payload including an SL SCI, information in a PFSCH, a MAC control element (CE), or a request from the UE 104A, such as, for example, a positioning request from the UE 104A. In some embodiments, the RSU / anchor 102A may detect the presence of the UE 104A locally, for example, in a road tunnel or underground parking lot, without communicating with the infrastructure equipment 108. In other embodiments, the RSU / anchor 102A may detect the presence of the UE 104A using communication with the infrastructure equipment 108.

[0039] In step (2), the RSU / anchor 102A may activate SL PRS transmission based on the presence and / or mobility information of the UE 104A. In some embodiments, the RSU / anchor 102A may not be connected to or controlled by the infrastructure equipment 108 when activating the SL PRS transmission. The RSU / anchor 102A may locally activate any pre-configured SL PRS itself. Such an approach is particularly beneficial in terms of reduced latency and signaling overhead. The (pre-)configuration of the SL PRS may be performed by the infrastructure equipment 108 or by other means, such as pre-configuration in the USIM via a SIM tool code.

[0040] In some embodiments, the infrastructure equipment 108 may pre-configure the SL PRS based on the UE's SL positioning capabilities. The infrastructure equipment 108 may collect UE capability information related to SL positioning during or beforehand the positioning session. Existing LPP procedures over UL / DL can be used for this purpose, but the UE can also indicate their capability information via MAC CE over SL along with other SL transmissions such as CAM indicating a positioning request.

[0041] In some embodiments, infrastructure equipment 108 may proactively pre-configure SL PRSs based on UE mobility and other SL information (implementations). Infrastructure equipment 108 may obtain information regarding SL PRS configuration from UE SL transmissions, such as CAM / DENM, which indicate the UE's speed, direction, etc. For example, for high-speed vehicles, infrastructure equipment 108 may configure SL PRSs with a high repetition rate, or the SL PRSs may be transmitted on antenna beams that match the UE mobility parameters. Similarly, infrastructure equipment 108 may determine SL PRS configuration based on the reliability of UE location information contained in the CAM.

[0042] For example, for a UE with low accuracy reliability, the network may configure a wider bandwidth SL PRS transmission for more accurate positioning. In some embodiments, the infrastructure equipment 108 may pre-configure the SL PRS based on an explicit request to the UE. The UE may indicate its positioning QoS requirements along with its positioning request to help the infrastructure equipment 108 determine the SL PRS configuration.

[0043] In some embodiments, the infrastructure equipment 108 may pre-configure the SL PRS regardless of any positioning session, for example, by determining the PRS transmission based on the past history and statistical characteristics of the QoS. For example, vehicular UEs in a particular area at a particular time have similar capabilities and require similar positioning QoS, and the network may pre-configure the SL PRS. RSUs in this area can be pre-configured with SL PRSs that match the condition of

[0044] In some embodiments, the infrastructure equipment 108 may provide a "default" SL PRS configuration for RSUs in an area that allows at least coarse positioning of the UE (e.g., with low accuracy and a fixed initial location). In some embodiments, the infrastructure equipment 108 may proactively determine PRS transmissions on demand or dynamically (e.g., during a positioning session), such that such configuration better suits the individual needs of the UE or changing environmental conditions. To this end, additional information, such as specific positioning QoS requirements, may be indicated by the UE to the infrastructure equipment 108.

[0045] In other embodiments, the configuration and / or activation may be determined by a central entity, such as the gNB 110, which is infrastructure equipment 108, or a Location Management Function (LMF), which is a central location management server in a core network to which multiple RSUs are connected, thereby enabling better coordination across different RSUs. In this case, the RSU / anchor 102A may notify a central positioning entity regarding information of the detected UE 104A. For example, the RSU / anchor 102A may send notifications according to the LTE Positioning Protocol (LPP) protocol or the NR Positioning Protocol (NRPP) protocol to communicate with the central positioning entity. The RSU / anchor 102A may notify the LMF about an approaching vehicle at a particular speed and direction (e.g., obtained via a CAM transmitted in the SL). The LMF then configures and / or activates the RSU / anchor 102A.

[0046] In step (3), the RSU / anchor 102A may identify one or more additional RSUs along the future predicted trajectory of the detected UE 104A and activate one or more additional SL PRS transmissions. In doing so, the RSU / anchor 102A may not be connected to or controlled by the infrastructure equipment 108. The RSU / anchor 102A can activate any pre-configured SL PRS locally by itself, thereby reducing delay and signaling overhead. In some embodiments, the infrastructure equipment 108 or the LMF, instead of the RSU / anchor 102A, may identify one or more additional RSUs along the future predicted trajectory of the detected UE 104A and activate one or more additional SL PRS signals.

[0047] In step (4), the RSU / anchor 102A may transmit the SL PRS configurations transmitted by different RSUs / anchor to the detected UE 104A so that the UE 104A can recognize the initiated SL PRS transmissions and perform PRS measurements. The UE 104A may utilize a list of SL PRS configurations to process the SL PRS transmission information. The SL PRS transmission information may include a priority order of two or more configurations for performing measurements. The SL PRS transmission information may also include thresholds (based on time, signal power, signal quality, distance, etc.) for the UE 104A to switch to different PRS configurations for measurements along its trajectory.

[0048] Additionally, the infrastructure equipment 108 may inform the UE 104A about currently inactive SL PRS configurations so that the UE 104A can request them later, for example, based on changing positioning QoS requirements, based on radio conditions, or if the UE 104A enters an RSU area where PRS transmission is not currently activated.

[0049] In step (5), the RSU / anchor 102A may stop transmitting the SL PRS based on the determination of the loss of the UE 104A. The RSU / anchor 102A may determine the loss of the UE 104A based on the absence of a received message for a specific (pre-)configured timeout threshold since previously receiving a CAM from the UE. The RSU / anchor 102A may also determine the loss of the UE 104A based on the SL RSRP and / or SL RSSI and / or signal quality falling below a specific (pre-)configured threshold for a specific (pre-)configured timeout threshold.

[0050] In some embodiments, the stopping of SL PRS transmission is performed by the infrastructure equipment 108. In FIG. 3 above, the infrastructure equipment 108 is shown as radio equipment including the gNB 110. However, the application is not so limited. The infrastructure equipment 108 may also be GNSS that communicates with the RSU / anchor 102A and / or the UE 104A using satellite signals. Also, for simplicity, the above description of FIG. 3 used an example in which the RSU / anchor 102A detects the UE 104A. However, the application is not so limited. The RSU / anchor 102A may detect multiple UEs simultaneously or sequentially.

[0051] 4 is a flow diagram illustrating an example of a routine for PRS transmission activation and management performed by an RSU, consistent with certain embodiments of the present application. Referring to FIG. 4, a positioning reference signal activation routine begins at block 400. Aspects of the routine may be performed by an RSU, such as the RSU 102 of FIG. 1, or a combination of the RSU 102 and infrastructure equipment 108 of FIG. 1. The routine begins with the assumption that one or more RSUs are in a PRS transmission deactivation state and that a UE (e.g., UE 104A of FIG. 1) is within wireless communication range to receive the PRS transmission.

[0052] In block 402, the initial RSU / anchor detects the presence of a UE (e.g., a vehicle) based on its / their SL transmissions. For example, the RSU or another network entity may sense or receive the SL transmissions. For example, the RSU 102 may detect the presence of the UE 104, for example, by decoding a received SL control or data message. The message may be in the form of V2X data (e.g., transmitted via CAM / DENM).

[0053] The message may also be in the form of a measurement or detection of received power on the SL, such as SL signal received power (SL RSRP), received signal quality, received strength signal indicator (RSSI) information, and / or signal to noise ratio (SINR), above / below one or more pre-configured thresholds for activating / deactivating the SL PRS.

[0054] Furthermore, the message may be in the form of SL control information (SCI), information in the PSFCH, MAC CE, or part of the SL data payload, and may indicate a UE request, for example a positioning request.

[0055] In block 404, the detecting RSU / anchor 102 responsively initiates SL PRS transmissions based on the UE presence and mobility information obtained via their SL transmissions.

[0056] In block 406, the detecting RSU / anchor 102A may then generate a notification regarding the detected UE and transmit the notification to infrastructure equipment (core network component), such as the infrastructure equipment 108 of Figure 1. Illustratively, the detecting UE 102A may transmit the notification / information according to the LTE Positioning Protocol (LPP) protocol or the NR Positioning Protocol (NRPP) protocol.

[0057] The RSU receives information identifying the SL PRS transmissions to be activated at block 408. In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 3A, the RSU 102 may process the information to identify the additional PRS transmissions.

[0058] 3B, the RSU may receive information identifying additional PRS transmissions, for example, from infrastructure equipment 108. In one example, proactive configuration may be based on UE density, directivity, etc., or any other information conveyed via SL transmissions of detected UEs.

[0059] In another example, the proactive configuration may be based on receiving a message that explicitly indicates a positioning request of the UE. The proactive configuration illustratively includes additional RSUs along the vehicle's predicted future trajectory.

[0060] In some embodiments, the RSU does not need to be connected to or controlled by a network and thus locally activates / deactivates any pre-configured SL PRS itself. Such an approach is particularly beneficial in terms of reduced delay and signaling overhead. Further details regarding proactive identification of PRS transmissions are described with respect to routine 500 (FIG. 5).

[0061] In an embodiment in which the RSU determines the additional PRS transmission, the RSU may signal the infrastructure equipment performing the detection regarding the identified PRS transmission. Illustratively, the detecting UE 102A may receive notification / information according to the LTE Positioning Protocol (LPP) protocol or the NR Positioning Protocol (NRPP) protocol.

[0062] In block 410, the detecting RSU / anchor 102A may also transmit an SL PRS configuration to the detected UE 104A, so that the UE can Recognize PRS transmissions. The receiving UE may utilize a structured list of SL PRS configurations to measure SL PRS transmissions and process the SL PRS transmission information. The ordered information may also include a priority order of two or more configurations for performing measurements and / or one or more thresholds (based on time, signal power, signal quality, signal-to-noise ratio, and / or distance, etc.) for the UE to switch measurements between different PRS configurations along its trajectory.

[0063] Additionally, the information may include information UE about currently inactive SL PRS configurations so that the UE can request them later, e.g., based on changing positioning QoS requirements, based on radio conditions, and / or when entering an RSU area where PRS transmission is not currently active.

[0064] Illustratively, in order for the UE to recognize and measure activated SL PRS transmissions, the RSU / network proactively provides the UE with activated SL PRS configurations or a list of activated SL PRS configurations (e.g., belonging to different RSUs).

[0065] In some embodiments, the list may correspond to a structured list with an associated priority order between the PRS configurations measured by the UE and / or an indication of thresholds (e.g., in terms of received SL PRS power, distance, etc.) that allow the UE to switch measurements to different PRS configurations, e.g., along its trajectory.

[0066] Given that the UE already knows the active SL PRS configurations, it shall measure them with respect to the indicated priority and select them based on the provided thresholds. In this way, additional signaling for requesting, delivering, and switching off SL PRS configurations, which may cause additional delays, is avoided. In one embodiment, the UE may be configured with different sets of SL PRS configurations, each set configuration having an index. Activation / deactivation of a particular SL PRS configuration from the RSU / network, as well as requests for SL PRS configuration from the UE, indicate the corresponding index.

[0067] Illustratively, the infrastructure equipment 108 can provide this information to the UE via an RSU / anchor on the SL, e.g., using an SL data payload. Alternatively, the gNB 110 or TRP can provide this information via the DL, e.g., via an RRC message (e.g., an SIB message). Specifically, the provision of information can be performed periodically or upon the occurrence of a specific condition / event, e.g., when the network detects the presence of a vehicle or its positioning request. Furthermore, the information can be broadcast to all vehicles in a specific area, groupcast to a specific group of vehicles (e.g., a vehicle platoon), or unicast to a single vehicle that has requested positioning. In addition, the RSU / network can also provide inactive SL PRS configurations to UEs that will be activated in the future, e.g., based on their changing positioning QoS requirements.

[0068] At decision block 412, the RSU determines whether one or more UEs are still detectable. If so, routine 400 may return to block 406. In one embodiment, activation or deactivation is based at least on the presence of a UE. The presence of a UE can be checked by an RSU or other network entity with SL capability based on detecting or receiving an SL transmission. In one embodiment, this can be done simply by detecting or measuring a received SL signal-to-noise ratio, SL quality, or SL power, e.g., SL RSRP and / or RSSI, above / below one or more (pre-)configured thresholds.

[0069] In another embodiment, the RSU / network determines the SL PRS configuration to activate based on further information obtained from the UE's SL transmission, such as by decoding data including received SL control or V2X data (e.g., transmitted via CAM / DENM) indicating mobility information such as vehicle speed and direction. Alternatively, in block 414, the RSU / network can further stop SL PRS transmission based on, for example, not receiving a message for a certain configured timeout threshold since the last receipt of a CAM from the target UE and / or a lost vehicle due to the SL signal-to-noise and / or SL RSRP and / or SL RSSI and / or signal quality falling below one or more pre-set thresholds, for example, for a certain configured timeout threshold. Routine 416 ends at block 416.

[0070] 5 is a flow diagram illustrating an example of a routine for initiating and managing PRS transmissions performed by a gNB, consistent with certain embodiments of the present application. Referring to FIG. 5, a routine for proactively identifying PRS transmissions according to various aspects of the present application begins at block 500. The routine is executed by a network infrastructure (also referred to as a network), such as infrastructure equipment 108 of FIGS. 1 and 3.

[0071] In some embodiments, other network devices that support SL functionality, such as UE-type Positioning Reference Units (PRUs), or UEs that relay from the UE to the network, besides the RSU, can be utilized with the same proposed functionality of this application. The network may (pre)configure SL PRS transmission based on at least one of the following information:

[0072] In one example, the RSU / network may collect UE capability information relevant to SL positioning during or beforehand a positioning session. While existing LPP procedures over UL / DL can be used for this purpose, the UE may also indicate its capability information via SCI, RRC, or MAC CE over SL along with other SL transmissions such as CAM or other V2X messages indicating a positioning request, which is more efficient in terms of latency.

[0073] In another example, the network can proactively decide on PRS transmission based on UE mobility and other SL information (embodiments). From the UE's SL transmissions, such as CAM / DENM, which indicate the UE's speed, direction, etc., the network can obtain relevant information for configuring the SL PRS. For example, for high-speed vehicles, the network can configure the SL PRS with a high repetition rate, or transmit the SL PRS on an antenna beam that matches the UE mobility parameters.

[0074] Similarly, the network can determine the SL PRS configuration based on the reliability of the UE location information contained in the CAM or other V2X messages. For example, for a UE with low accuracy reliability, the network may choose a wider bandwidth SL PRS for more accurate positioning. PRS transmission can be configured.

[0075] The network can proactively determine PRS transmission based on positioning QoS requirements before the UE's positioning request to help the network determine the SL PRS configuration. For example, the network can determine PRS transmission before the positioning session, such as based on past history and statistical characteristics of any collected information.

[0076] For example, UEs in a certain area at a certain time have similar capabilities and require similar positioning QoS, and the network can pre-configure RSUs in this area with SL PRSs that match these conditions. Similarly, the network can provide a "default" SL PRS configuration for RSUs in the area that allows at least coarse positioning of the UE (e.g., with low accuracy if the initial location is fixed).

[0077] Furthermore, the network can proactively determine PRS transmissions on demand or dynamically (e.g., during a positioning session), such that such configuration better suits the individual needs of the UE or changing environmental conditions. To this end, additional information, such as specific positioning QoS requirements, can be explicitly indicated by the UE to the network.

[0078] 5, the network obtains notification of the detection of a UE in block 502. As mentioned above, in one embodiment, the initial RSU / anchor detects the presence of a UE (e.g., a vehicle) based on the SL transmission.

[0079] Illustratively, an RSU or other network entity / entities may detect or receive SL transmissions. For example, the RSU 102 may detect the presence of the UE 104, such as by decoding a received SL control or data message. The message may be in the form of V2X data (e.g., transmitted via CAM / DENM).

[0080] The message may also include, for example, the SL signal-to-noise ratio, the SL signal received power (SL) above / below one or more pre-configured thresholds for activating / deactivating the SL PRS. This may be in the form of measurements or detection of reception quality and / or power over the SL, such as RSRP (Reception Rate Profile), and / or Receiver Strength Signal Indicator (RSSI) information.

[0081] Furthermore, the message may be in the form of SL control information (SCI), information in the PSFCH, MAC CE, or part of the SL data payload indicating the UE's positioning request. The detecting RSU / anchor 102A may then generate and send a notification about the detected UE to infrastructure equipment, core network components.

[0082] Illustratively, the detecting UE 102A may transmit notification / information according to the LTE Positioning Protocol (LPP) protocol and / or the NR Positioning Protocol (NRPP) protocol.

[0083] At block 504, the network 108 identifies PRS transmission information. Illustratively, the network may proactively identify PRS transmissions. Proactive identification of PRS transmissions may be utilized according to any number of processes. In some embodiments, the network may implement machine learning algorithms or techniques, including various machine learning algorithms. Such machine learning algorithms may include machine learning algorithms that can be trained / configured according to supervised, semi-supervised, or unsupervised models. Additional feedback / penalty models may be incorporated.

[0084] In block 506, the network transmits identification information of the additional RSU to the UE. In some embodiments, the network may also transmit the identification information to the RSU. The network may transmit the identification information using the LPP protocol and / or the NRPP protocol.

[0085] In block 508, the network infrastructure may wake up the identified one or more additional RSUs so that the RSUs begin SL PRS transmission. In some embodiments, the network may proactively determine the additional SL PRS transmissions based on UE mobility and other SL information. For example, from the UE's SL transmissions, such as CAM / DENM, which indicate the UE's speed and / or direction, the network can obtain relevant information for configuring the SL PRS.

[0086] For example, for high speed vehicles, the network may configure the SL PRS with a high repetition rate, or may transmit the SL PRS on an antenna beam that matches the UE mobility parameters.

[0087] Similarly, the network may determine the SL PRS configuration based on the reliability of the UE location information contained in the CAM. For example, for UEs with low accuracy reliability, the network may configure SL PRS transmissions with wider bandwidths to position them more accurately. In some embodiments, the network may proactively determine additional PRS transmissions based on positioning QoS requirements along with the positioning request to help the network determine the SL PRS configuration. At block 510, the routine ends.

[0088] 6 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for a UE in sidelink communication according to some embodiments of the present application. Referring to FIG. 6, in block 602, the UE of FIG. A UE, such as 104A, transmits a first signal to an anchor component, such as anchor component 102A of FIG. 1, in a sidelink communication.

[0089] In some embodiments, the first signal transmitted to the anchor component may include at least one of a CAM, a DENM, or a BSM. In some embodiments, the first signal transmitted to the anchor component may include at least one of a speed attribute or a direction attribute of the UE. In some embodiments, the first signal transmitted to the anchor component may include a request transmitted by the UE to activate a positioning reference signal.

[0090] In block 604, the UE receives a positioning reference signal from the anchor component in response to transmitting the first signal. The positioning reference signal may be used by the UE to determine a position of the UE.

[0091] In some embodiments, the transmission of the positioning reference signal is initiated by the anchor component based on the detection of the presence of the user equipment.

[0092] The UE receives information regarding the at least one additional anchor component at block 606. In some embodiments, the information regarding the at least one additional anchor component is identified by the anchor component based on detecting the presence of the UE, and the UE receives information regarding the at least one additional anchor component from the anchor component.

[0093] In some embodiments, information regarding the at least one additional anchor component is identified by a base station, such as gNB 110 of FIG. 1, based on detecting the presence of the UE, and the UE receives information regarding the at least one additional anchor component from the base station.

[0094] In block 608, the UE determines a location of the UE based on the positioning reference signals received from the anchor component. In some embodiments, the UE determines a location of the UE based on multiple positioning reference signals received from multiple activated anchor components, including the anchor component.

[0095] In some embodiments, the UE uses the received positioning reference signals to determine its position by using either a timing-based method (e.g., time difference of arrival (TDOA) or round trip transmission (RTT)) or an angle-based method.

[0096] In some embodiments, the operations of blocks 606 and 608 may be interchanged. In some embodiments, either of the operations of blocks 606 and 608 may be optional. Any of the embodiments described in this disclosure (two or more) may be used in combination. This combination may utilize a logical "union," "intersection," and / or "exclusive or" between any of the embodiments.

[0097] Although the example of 5G NR has been used in this disclosure, other radio access technologies or networks are possible, such as LTE or 3GPP 6G, as well as other systems such as IEEE 802.11 and its derivatives, Wi-Fi, WiMAX, etc.

[0098] Attachment 1: A method for positioning in sidelink communications, comprising: an anchor component in the sidelink communication, detecting the presence of at least one user equipment in the sidelink communication; and In response to the detected presence of the at least one user equipment, initiating transmission of a positioning reference signal to at least one user equipment for positioning; A method comprising:

[0099] Appendix 2: The anchor component identifying at least one additional anchor component based on the detected presence of the at least one user equipment; transmitting information about the identified at least one additional anchor component to the detected at least one user equipment; further comprising: The method described in Appendix 1.

[0100] sending a notification to a network infrastructure corresponding to the detected presence of the at least one user equipment; receiving, from the network infrastructure, information regarding at least one additional anchor component identified by the network infrastructure based on the notification; further comprising: The method described in Appendix 1.

[0101] Appendix 4: The anchor component, determining whether the at least one user equipment is still present; and in response to determining that the at least one user equipment is not present, stopping transmission of the positioning reference signal; further comprising: The method described in Appendix 1.

[0102] Clause 5: The anchor component detects the presence of the at least one user equipment based on receiving a signal transmitted by the at least one user equipment. The method described in Appendix 1.

[0103] Clause 6. The signal transmitted by the at least one user equipment includes at least one of a Cooperative Awareness Message (CAM), a Decentralized Environmental Notification Message (DENM), or a Basic Safety Message (BSM). The method described in Appendix 5.

[0104] 7. The method of claim 5, wherein the anchor component detects the presence of the at least one user equipment based on a received power level of the signal being greater than a first predetermined threshold.

[0105] Claim 8: The anchor component detects the presence of the at least one user equipment based on content obtained by decoding the signal transmitted by the at least one user equipment. The method described in Appendix 5.

[0106] 9. The anchor component sets at least one parameter of a positioning reference signal based on at least one of a location attribute, a location confidence attribute, a positioning capability attribute, a velocity attribute, or a direction attribute of the at least one user equipment included in the signal transmitted by the at least one user equipment. The method described in Appendix 5.

[0107] 10. The method of claim 10, wherein the anchor component detects the presence of the at least one user equipment based on a request for positioning reference signal activation indicated by the at least one user equipment. The method described in Appendix 1.

[0108] 11. The positioning reference signal activation request is included in at least one of a CAM, a DENM, a BSM, a sidelink control information (SCI) transmission, a physical sidelink feedback channel (PSFCH) transmission, a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) transmission, or a sidelink data payload. The method described in Appendix 1.

[0109] 12. The method of Claim 2, wherein the anchor component identifies the at least one additional anchor component based on at least one of a location attribute, a location confidence attribute, a positioning capability attribute, a velocity attribute, or a direction attribute of the at least one user equipment.

[0110] Supplementary Note 13: Transmitting the information about the identified at least one additional anchor component to the detected at least one user equipment comprises: transmitting a list identifying a plurality of additional anchor components including the at least one additional anchor component. The method described in Appendix 2.

[0111] 14. The method of claim 1, wherein the list identifying the plurality of additional anchor components includes at least one of priority information or positioning reference signal parameter information associated with each of the plurality of additional anchor components. The method described in Appendix 13.

[0112] 15. The method of claim 1, wherein the determination of the absence of the at least one user equipment is made based on signals received from the at least one user equipment. The method described in Appendix 5.

[0113] 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the determination of the absence of the at least one user equipment is based on a received power level of a signal transmitted by the at least one user equipment being less than a second predetermined threshold. The method described in Appendix 15.

[0114] 17. An apparatus for positioning in sidelink communications comprising: a memory for storing instructions; Executing the instructions stored in the memory, detecting the presence of at least one user equipment in the sidelink communication; and In response to the detected presence of the at least one user equipment, initiating transmission of a positioning reference signal to the at least one user equipment; a processor that executes An apparatus comprising:

[0115] Clause 18: The processor; identifying at least one additional device in the presence of the detected at least one user equipment; transmitting information about the identified at least one additional device to the detected at least one user equipment; Further implementation of 18. The apparatus of claim 17.

[0116] 19. The processor of claim 1, sending a notification to a network infrastructure regarding the presence of the detected at least one user equipment; receiving from the network infrastructure information regarding at least one additional device identified by the network infrastructure based on the detected presence of the at least one user equipment; Further implementation of 18. The apparatus of claim 17.

[0117] Claim 20: The processor: determining whether the at least one user equipment is still present; and in response to determining that the at least one user equipment is not present, stopping the transmission of the positioning reference signal; Further implementation of 18. The apparatus of claim 17.

[0118] 21. A non-transitory computer-readable medium executable by one or more processors of a device and storing instructions for performing a method for positioning in sidelink communications, the method comprising: an anchor component in the sidelink communication, detecting the presence of at least one user equipment in the sidelink communication; and In response to the detected presence of the at least one user equipment, initiating transmission of a positioning reference signal to the user equipment for positioning; 1. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising:

[0119] Clause 22: The method, wherein the anchor component comprises: identifying at least one additional anchor component based on the detected presence of the at least one user equipment; and transmitting information regarding the identified at least one additional anchor component to the at least one detected user equipment; further comprising: 22. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 21.

[0120] Appendix 23 The method is transmitting a notification to a network infrastructure corresponding to the detected presence of the at least one user equipment; receiving from the network infrastructure information regarding at least one additional anchor component identified by the network infrastructure based on the detected presence of the at least one user equipment; further comprising: 22. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 21.

[0121] Clause 24: The method, wherein the anchor component comprises: determining whether the at least one user equipment is still present; and in response to determining that the at least one user equipment is not present, stopping the transmission of the positioning reference signal; further comprising: 22. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 21.

[0122] 25. A method for user equipment in sidelink communication, comprising: The user equipment: transmitting a first signal to an anchor component in the sidelink communication; receiving, in response to the transmission of the first signal, from the anchor component a positioning reference signal used by the user equipment to determine a position of the user equipment; the transmission of the positioning reference signal is initiated by the anchor component based on detection of the presence of the user equipment. method.

[0123] 26. The method of claim 25, wherein said first signal transmitted to said anchor component comprises at least one of a Cooperative Awareness Message (CAM), a Decentralized Environmental Notification Message (DENM), or a Basic Safety Message (BSM). The method described in Appendix 25.

[0124] 27. The method of claim 27, wherein the first signal transmitted to the anchor component includes at least one of a location attribute, a location confidence attribute, a positioning capability attribute, a velocity attribute, or a direction attribute of the user equipment. The method described in Appendix 25.

[0125] 28. The method of claim 27, wherein said first signal transmitted to said anchor component comprises a request for activation of a positioning reference signal transmitted by said user equipment. The method described in Appendix 25.

[0126] 29. The method of claim 29, further comprising receiving from said anchor component information regarding at least one additional anchor component identified by said anchor component based on detecting said presence of said user equipment. The method described in Appendix 25.

[0127] 30. The method of claim 30, further comprising receiving from the network infrastructure information regarding at least one additional anchor component identified by the network infrastructure based on detecting the presence of the user equipment. The method described in Appendix 25.

[0128] 31. The method of claim 31 further comprising determining a position of the user equipment based on the received positioning reference signals using at least one of a time difference of arrival (TDOA) method, a round trip transmission method, or an angle-based method. The method described in Appendix 25.

[0129] Supplementary Note 32. An apparatus (user equipment) for sidelink communication, the user equipment comprising: a memory for storing instructions; Executing the instructions stored in the memory, transmitting a first signal in the sidelink communication to an anchor component; receiving, in response to transmitting the first signal, from the anchor component a positioning reference signal used by the user equipment to determine a position of the user equipment; a processor that executes the Equipped with the transmission of the positioning reference signal is initiated by the anchor component based on detection of the presence of the user equipment. Device.

[0130] Attachment 33. A non-transitory computer-readable medium executable by one or more processors of a user equipment and storing instructions for positioning in sidelink communications, the method comprising: The user equipment: transmitting a first signal to an anchor component in the sidelink communication; receiving, in response to the transmission of the first signal, from the anchor component a positioning reference signal used by the user equipment to determine a position of the user equipment; the transmission of the positioning reference signal is initiated by the anchor component based on detection of the presence of the user equipment. Non-transitory computer-readable medium.

[0131] It is to be understood that not necessarily all objectives or advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment described herein. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that a particular embodiment may be configured to operate to achieve or optimize one advantage or advantages taught herein without necessarily achieving other objectives or advantages that may be taught or suggested herein.

[0132] All of the processes described herein can be fully automated through software code modules containing one or more specific computer-executable instructions executed by a computing system. The computing system can include one or more computers or processors. The code modules can be stored in any type of non-transitory computer-readable medium or other computer storage device. Some or all of the methods can be implemented in dedicated computer hardware.

[0133] Many other variations beyond those described herein will be apparent from this disclosure. For example, depending on the embodiment, certain operations, events, or functions of any of the algorithms described herein may be performed in a different order, added, merged, or omitted entirely (e.g., not all acts or events described may be necessary to implement an algorithm). Furthermore, in certain embodiments, operations or events may be performed simultaneously rather than sequentially, for example, via multithreading, interrupt processing, or multiple processors or processor cores, or on other parallel architectures. Furthermore, different tasks or processes may be performed by different machines and / or computing systems that can function together.

[0134] The various illustrative logic blocks and modules described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented or performed by a machine, such as a processing unit or processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable 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.

[0135] The processor may be a microprocessor, but in alternative examples, the processor may be a controller, microcontroller, or state machine, combinations thereof, etc. The processor may include electrical circuitry configured to process computer-executable instructions. In another embodiment, the processor may be an FPGA or other programmable device that performs logical operations without processing computer-executable instructions. Includes vise.

[0136] A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in combination with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. Although described herein primarily with reference to digital technology, a processor may also include primarily analog components. The computing environment may include any type of computer system, including, but not limited to, a computer system based on a computational engine within a microprocessor, a mainframe computer, a digital signal processor, a portable computing device, a device controller, or an appliance, to name a few.

[0137] In particular, conditional language such as "can," "could," "might," or "may" is understood otherwise within the context in which it is generally used to convey that certain embodiments include certain features, elements, and / or steps, while other embodiments do not, unless otherwise specified. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, and / or steps are somehow required by one or more embodiments, or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for determining whether those features, elements, and / or steps should be included in or performed in any particular embodiment, with or without user input or prompting.

[0138] Disjunctive language, such as the phrase "at least one of X, Y, or Z," is understood in its commonly used context, unless otherwise indicated, to indicate that an item, term, etc. can be either X, Y, or Z, or any combination thereof (e.g., X, Y, and / or Z). Thus, such disjunctive language generally does not and should not imply that a particular embodiment requires at least one of X, at least one of Y, or at least one of Z, respectively, to be present.

[0139] Any process description, element, or block in the flow diagrams described in this specification and / or shown in the accompanying drawings should be understood as potentially representing a module, segment, or portion of code that includes one or more executable instructions for implementing a particular logical function or element in the process.

[0140] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, alternative implementations in which elements or functions may be omitted, performed, or described in an order different from that shown or described, including substantially simultaneously or in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved, are included within the scope of the embodiments described herein.

[0141] Unless otherwise specified, articles such as "a" or "an" should generally be construed to include one or more listed items. Thus, phrases such as "a device configured to" are intended to include one or more of the listed devices. Such one or more listed devices may also be collectively configured to perform the stated enumeration. For example, "a processor configured to perform enumerations A, B, and C" may include a first processor configured to perform enumeration A working in conjunction with a second processor configured to perform enumerations B and C.

[0142] This application is a joint venture of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 335,622, filed April 27, 2022, entitled "EVENT-DRIVEN ACTIVATION OF ANCHORS No. 63 / 335,622, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 335,622 entitled "A Method and Apparatus for Sidelink Positioning," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Claims

1. 1. A method for positioning in sidelink communications, comprising: an anchor component in the sidelink communication, detecting the presence of at least one user equipment in the sidelink communication; and In response to the detected presence of the at least one user equipment, initiating transmission of a positioning reference signal to the at least one user equipment for positioning; A method comprising:

2. the anchor component identifying at least one additional anchor component based on the detected presence of the at least one user equipment; transmitting information about the identified at least one additional anchor component to the detected at least one user equipment; further comprising: The method of claim 1.

3. sending a notification to a network infrastructure regarding the presence of the detected at least one user equipment; receiving information from the network infrastructure regarding at least one additional anchor component identified by the network infrastructure based on the notification; further comprising: The method of claim 1.

4. the anchor component determining whether the at least one user equipment is still present; and in response to determining that the at least one user equipment is not present, stopping the transmission of the positioning reference signal; further comprising: The method of claim 1.

5. the anchor component detecting the presence of the at least one user equipment based on receiving a signal transmitted by the at least one user equipment; The method of claim 1.

6. the signal transmitted by the at least one user equipment includes at least one of a Cooperative Awareness Message (CAM), a Decentralized Environmental Notification Message (DENM), or a Basic Safety Message (BSM); The method of claim 5.

7. the anchor component detects the presence of the at least one user equipment based on a received power level of the signal transmitted by the at least one user equipment being greater than a first predetermined threshold. The method of claim 5.

8. the anchor component detects the presence of the at least one user equipment based on content obtained by decoding the signal transmitted by the at least one user equipment. The method of claim 5.

9. the anchor component sets at least one parameter of a positioning reference signal based on at least one of a location attribute, a location reliability attribute, a positioning capability attribute, a speed attribute, or a direction attribute of the at least one user equipment included in the signal transmitted by the at least one user equipment; The method of claim 5.

10. the anchor component detects the presence of the at least one user equipment based on a request for activation of a positioning reference signal indicated by the at least one user equipment; The method of claim 1.

11. the request for activation of the positioning reference signal is included in at least one of a CAM, a DENM, a BSM, a sidelink control information (SCI) transmission, a physical sidelink feedback channel (PSFCH) transmission, a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) transmission, or a sidelink data payload. The method of claim 10.

12. the anchor component identifying the at least one additional anchor component based on at least one of a location attribute, a location confidence attribute, a positioning capability attribute, a speed attribute, or a direction attribute of the at least one user equipment; The method of claim 2.

13. transmitting the information regarding the identified at least one additional anchor component to the detected at least one user equipment; transmitting a list identifying a plurality of additional anchor components including the at least one additional anchor component. The method of claim 2.

14. the list identifying the plurality of additional anchor components includes at least one of priority information or positioning reference signal parameter information associated with each of the plurality of additional anchor components. The method of claim 13.

15. the determination that the at least one user equipment is not present is made based on a signal received from the at least one user equipment. The method of claim 5.

16. the determination that the at least one user equipment is not present is made based on a received power level of the signal received from the at least one user equipment being less than a second predetermined threshold.

16. The method of claim 15.

17. 1. An apparatus for positioning in sidelink communication, comprising: a memory for storing instructions; Executing the instructions stored in the memory, detecting the presence of at least one user equipment in the sidelink communication; and in response to the detected presence of the at least one user equipment, triggering transmission of a positioning reference signal to the at least one user equipment; a processor that executes An apparatus comprising:

18. The processor: identifying at least one additional device based on the detected presence of the at least one user equipment; and transmitting information about the identified at least one additional device to the detected at least one user equipment; Further implementation of 18. The apparatus of claim 17.

19. The processor: sending a notification to a network infrastructure regarding the presence of the detected at least one user equipment; receiving information from the network infrastructure regarding at least one additional device identified by the network infrastructure based on the detected presence of the at least one user equipment; Further implementation of 18. The apparatus of claim 17.

20. The processor: determining whether the at least one user equipment is still present; and in response to determining that the at least one user equipment is not present, stopping the transmission of the positioning reference signal; Further implementation of 18. The apparatus of claim 17.

21. 1. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions executable by one or more processors of a device to perform a method for positioning in sidelink communications, the method comprising: an anchor component in the sidelink communication, detecting the presence of at least one user equipment in the sidelink communication; and In response to the detected presence of the at least one user equipment, triggering transmission of a positioning reference signal to the user equipment for positioning; 1. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising:

22. The method further comprises the step of: identifying at least one additional anchor component based on the detected presence of the at least one user equipment; transmitting information about the identified at least one additional anchor component to the detected at least one user equipment; further comprising:

22. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 21.

23. The method comprises: transmitting a notification to a network infrastructure corresponding to the detected presence of the at least one user equipment; receiving from the network infrastructure information regarding at least one additional anchor component identified by the network infrastructure based on the detected presence of the at least one user equipment; further comprising:

22. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 21.

24. The method further comprises the step of: determining whether the at least one user equipment is still present; and in response to determining that the at least one user equipment is not present, stopping the transmission of the positioning reference signal; further comprising:

22. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 21.

25. 1. A method for user equipment in sidelink communication, comprising: The user equipment: transmitting a first signal to an anchor component in the sidelink communication; receiving, in response to the transmission of the first signal, from the anchor component a positioning reference signal used by the user equipment to determine a position of the user equipment; the transmission of the positioning reference signal is initiated by the anchor component based on detection of the presence of the user equipment. method.

26. the first signal transmitted to the anchor component includes at least one of a Cooperative Awareness Message (CAM), a Decentralized Environmental Notification Message (DENM), or a Basic Safety Message (BSM); 26. The method of claim 25.

27. the first signal transmitted to the anchor component includes at least one of a location attribute, a location confidence attribute, a positioning capability attribute, a speed attribute, or a direction attribute of the user equipment; 26. The method of claim 25.

28. the first signal transmitted to the anchor component includes a request to activate a positioning reference signal transmitted by the user equipment.

26. The method of claim 25.

29. receiving, from the anchor component, information regarding at least one additional anchor component identified by the anchor component based on the detection of the presence of the user equipment.

26. The method of claim 25.

30. receiving, from the network infrastructure, information regarding at least one additional anchor component identified by the network infrastructure based on the detection of the presence of the user equipment.

26. The method of claim 25.

31. determining a position of the user equipment based on the received positioning reference signals using at least one of a time difference of arrival (TDOA) method, a round trip transmission method, or an angle-based method.

26. The method of claim 25.

32. 1. A user equipment in sidelink communication, comprising: a memory for storing instructions; Executing the instructions stored in the memory, transmitting a first signal in the sidelink communication to an anchor component; receiving, in response to the transmission of the first signal, from the anchor component a positioning reference signal used by the user equipment to determine a position of the user equipment; a processor that executes Equipped with the transmission of the positioning reference signal is initiated by the anchor component based on detection of the presence of the user equipment. User equipment.

33. 1. A non-transitory computer-readable medium executable by one or more processors of a user equipment and storing instructions for positioning in sidelink communications, the method comprising: The user equipment: transmitting a first signal to an anchor component in the sidelink communication; receiving, in response to the transmission of the first signal, from the anchor component a positioning reference signal used by the user equipment to determine a position of the user equipment; Including, the transmission of the positioning reference signal is initiated by the anchor component based on detection of the presence of the user equipment. Non-transitory computer-readable medium.

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