Apparatus, method, and computer program relating to positioning reference signal

Abstract

A method is disclosed that includes receiving priority information indicating a priority status of at least one positioning reference signal, receiving time window information that sets a time window that is outside a measurement gap, and receiving one or more positioning reference signals during the time window using one or more buffer symbols based on the priority information and the time window information.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to communications, and more particularly to apparatus, methods, and computer programs in wireless communication systems. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to positioning of user equipment. [Background technology]

[0002] A communication system may be considered as a facility that enables communication between two or more devices, such as user terminals, machine-type terminals, base stations, and / or other nodes, by providing a communication channel for conveying information between the communication devices. A communication system may be provided, for example, by a communication network and one or more compatible communication devices. The communication may include, for example, voice, electronic mail (email), text messages, data communication for conveying multimedia data, and / or content data communication. Non-limiting examples of services provided include two-way or multi-way calls, data communication or multimedia services, and access to a data network system such as the Internet.

[0003] In wireless systems, at least some of the communication takes place over an air interface. Examples of wireless systems include public land mobile networks (PLMNs), satellite-based communication systems, and various wireless local networks, such as wireless local area networks (WLANs). Local area wireless network technologies that allow devices to connect to data networks are known under the trademark WiFi (or Wi-Fi). WiFi is often used synonymously with WLANs. Wireless systems are often referred to as cellular systems because they can be divided into cells. A base station provides at least one cell.

[0004] A user may access a communication system by means of a suitable communication device or terminal that can communicate with a base station. Thus, a node such as a base station is often referred to as an access point. A user's communication device is often referred to as a user equipment (UE). The communication device is provided with suitable signal transmission / reception equipment to enable communication, e.g. with a base station and / or directly with other user devices. A communication device may communicate on a suitable channel, e.g. by listening to a channel on which a station such as a cell's base station transmits.

[0005] A communication system and related devices usually operate according to a given standard or specification that specifies the permitted operations of various entities associated with the system and how they are performed. The communication protocols and / or parameters used for the connection are also usually defined. Non-limiting examples of standardized radio access technologies include GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications), EDGE (Evolution of GSM High-speed Data) Radio Access Network (GERAN), Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN), and Evolution UTRAN (E-UTRAN). An exemplary communication system architecture is the Long Term Evolution (LTE) of Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) radio access technology. LTE is standardized by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). LTE employs Evolution Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN) access and its further evolution, the latter sometimes referred to as LTE Advanced (LTE-A).

[0006] Since the introduction of fourth-generation (4G) services, there has been growing interest in the next, or fifth-generation (5G) standard, which may also be referred to as New Radio (NR) networks.

[0007] To support native positioning for UE in New Radio (NR), 3GPP has implemented Release 16 (Rel-16) work items. Summary of the Invention

[0008] According to a first aspect, an apparatus is provided comprising at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to cause, using the at least one processor, the apparatus to at least perform the following: receive priority information indicating a priority state of at least one positioning reference signal; receive time window information setting a time window outside the measurement gap; and receive one or more positioning reference signals during the time window using one or more buffer symbols based on the priority information and the time window information.

[0009] According to some embodiments, the at least one memory and computer program code are configured to cause the device, using the at least one processor, to at least set the device to a priority state.

[0010] According to some embodiments, the at least one memory and computer program code are configured to cause the apparatus, using the at least one processor, to at least perform the following: receive a configuration of one or more buffer symbols.

[0011] According to some embodiments, the configuration of the buffer symbols is received from one or more of a base station and / or a network.

[0012] According to some embodiments, using the one or more buffer symbols is based on a received configuration of the one or more buffer symbols.

[0013] According to some embodiments, the use of one or more buffer symbols provides the device with sufficient time to perform beam switching for reception of one or more positioning reference signals.

[0014] According to some embodiments, one or more buffer symbols are used to provide a device with sufficient time to process received downlink control information.

[0015] According to some embodiments, one or more buffer symbols are located at the beginning of a time window.

[0016] According to some embodiments, at least one of the one or more buffer symbols is located before the start of the time window.

[0017] According to some embodiments, the priority information indicates one of a first priority state, a second priority state, and a third priority state.

[0018] According to some embodiments, the first priority state comprises a high priority state of one or more positioning reference signals, the second priority state comprises a medium priority state of one or more positioning reference signals, and the third priority state comprises a low priority state of one or more positioning reference signals.

[0019] According to some embodiments, when the priority information indicates a first priority state, the device is configured to prioritize the one or more positioning reference signals relative to the physical downlink shared channel, such that the physical downlink shared channel is dropped in favor of the one or more positioning reference signals during at least a portion of a time window.

[0020] According to some embodiments, when the priority information indicates a second priority state, the apparatus is configured to prioritize low latency traffic on the physical downlink shared channel with respect to the one or more positioning reference signals.

[0021] According to some embodiments, when the priority information indicates a second priority state, the apparatus is configured to drop at least one of the one or more positioning reference signals for at least one of the one or more buffered symbols.

[0022] According to some embodiments, the at least one memory and computer program code are configured to cause the device, using the at least one processor, to at least perform the following: perform positioning reference signal measurements based on partial positioning reference resources by dropping at least one of the one or more positioning reference signal symbols, and / or send an indication indicating that the positioning reference signal measurements performed by the device are based on the partial positioning reference signal resources.

[0023] According to some embodiments, the indication is transmitted to a network.

[0024] According to some embodiments, when the priority information indicates a third priority state, the device is configured to consider the priority of one or more positioning reference signals to be lower than the priority of the physical downlink control channel and / or the physical downlink shared channel.

[0025] According to some embodiments, the length of the one or more buffer symbols is determined based on at least one of the maximum time it takes to switch beams and the maximum time it takes to complete decoding of downlink control information.

[0026] According to some embodiments, the apparatus comprises a user equipment.

[0027] According to a second aspect, an apparatus is provided comprising means for receiving priority information indicating a priority state of at least one positioning reference signal, receiving time window information setting a time window outside a measurement gap, and receiving one or more positioning reference signals during the time window using one or more buffer symbols based on the priority information and the time window information.

[0028] According to some embodiments, the means is further configured to perform setting the device to the priority state.

[0029] According to some embodiments, the means is further configured to perform receiving one or more buffer symbol configurations.

[0030] According to some embodiments, the configuration of the buffer symbols is received from one or more of a base station and / or a network.

[0031] According to some embodiments, using the one or more buffer symbols is based on a received configuration of the one or more buffer symbols.

[0032] According to some embodiments, the use of one or more buffer symbols provides the device with sufficient time to perform beam switching for reception of one or more positioning reference signals.

[0033] According to some embodiments, one or more buffer symbols are used to provide a device with sufficient time to process received downlink control information.

[0034] According to some embodiments, one or more buffer symbols are located at the beginning of a time window.

[0035] According to some embodiments, at least one of the one or more buffer symbols is located before the start of the time window.

[0036] According to some embodiments, the priority information indicates one of a first priority state, a second priority state, and a third priority state.

[0037] According to some embodiments, the first priority state comprises a high priority state of one or more positioning reference signals, the second priority state comprises a medium priority state of one or more positioning reference signals, and the third priority state comprises a low priority state of one or more positioning reference signals.

[0038] According to some embodiments, when the priority information indicates a first priority state, the device is configured to prioritize the one or more positioning reference signals relative to the physical downlink shared channel, such that the physical downlink shared channel is dropped in favor of the one or more positioning reference signals during at least a portion of a time window.

[0039] According to some embodiments, when the priority information indicates a second priority state, the apparatus is configured to prioritize low latency traffic on the physical downlink shared channel with respect to the one or more positioning reference signals.

[0040] According to some embodiments, when the priority information indicates a second priority state, the apparatus is configured to drop at least one of the one or more positioning reference signals for at least one of the one or more buffered symbols.

[0041] According to some embodiments, the means is further configured to perform positioning reference signal measurements based on partial positioning reference resources by dropping at least one of the one or more positioning reference signal symbols, and / or to transmit an indication indicating that the positioning reference signal measurements performed by the device are based on the partial positioning reference signal resources.

[0042] According to some embodiments, the indication is transmitted to a network.

[0043] According to some embodiments, when the priority information indicates a third priority state, the device is configured to consider the priority of one or more positioning reference signals to be lower than the priority of the physical downlink control channel and / or the physical downlink shared channel.

[0044] According to some embodiments, the length of the one or more buffer symbols is determined based on at least one of the maximum time it takes to switch beams and the maximum time it takes to complete decoding of downlink control information.

[0045] According to some embodiments, the apparatus comprises a user equipment.

[0046] According to a third aspect, an apparatus is provided that includes accepting circuitry for receiving priority information indicative of a priority status of at least one positioning reference signal, receiving time window information setting a time window that is outside a measurement gap, and receiving one or more positioning reference signals during the time window using one or more buffer symbols based on the priority information and the time window information.

[0047] According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a method comprising: receiving priority information indicating a priority status of at least one positioning reference signal; receiving time window information setting a time window outside a measurement gap; and receiving one or more positioning reference signals during the time window using one or more buffer symbols based on the priority information and the time window information.

[0048] According to some embodiments, a method includes setting a device to a priority state.

[0049] According to some embodiments, a method includes receiving one or more buffer symbol configurations.

[0050] According to some embodiments, the configuration of the buffer symbols is received from one or more of a base station and / or a network.

[0051] According to some embodiments, using the one or more buffer symbols is based on a received configuration of the one or more buffer symbols.

[0052] According to some embodiments, the use of one or more buffer symbols provides the device with sufficient time to perform beam switching for reception of one or more positioning reference signals.

[0053] According to some embodiments, one or more buffer symbols are used to provide a device with sufficient time to process received downlink control information.

[0054] According to some embodiments, one or more buffer symbols are located at the beginning of a time window.

[0055] According to some embodiments, at least one of the one or more buffer symbols is located before the start of the time window.

[0056] According to some embodiments, the priority information indicates one of a first priority state, a second priority state, and a third priority state.

[0057] According to some embodiments, the first priority state comprises a high priority state of one or more positioning reference signals, the second priority state comprises a medium priority state of one or more positioning reference signals, and the third priority state comprises a low priority state of one or more positioning reference signals.

[0058] According to some embodiments, when the priority information indicates a first priority state, the method includes prioritizing the one or more positioning reference signals relative to a physical downlink shared channel such that the physical downlink shared channel is dropped in favor of the one or more positioning reference signals during at least a portion of a time window.

[0059] According to some embodiments, when the priority information indicates a second priority state, the method includes prioritizing low latency traffic on the physical downlink shared channel relative to the one or more positioning reference signals.

[0060] According to some embodiments, when the priority information indicates a second priority state, the method includes dropping at least one of the one or more positioning reference signals for at least one of the one or more buffered symbols.

[0061] According to some embodiments, the method includes performing a positioning reference signal measurement based on a partial positioning reference resource by dropping at least one of one or more positioning reference signal symbols, and / or transmitting an indication indicating that the positioning reference signal measurement performed by the device is based on the partial positioning reference signal resource.

[0062] According to some embodiments, the indication is transmitted to a network.

[0063] According to some embodiments, when the priority information indicates a third priority state, the method includes considering the priority of the one or more positioning reference signals to be lower than the physical downlink control channel and / or the physical downlink shared channel.

[0064] According to some embodiments, the length of the one or more buffer symbols is determined based on at least one of the maximum time it takes to switch beams and the maximum time it takes to complete decoding of downlink control information.

[0065] According to some embodiments, the apparatus comprises a user equipment.

[0066] According to a fifth aspect, a computer program is provided, the computer program including instructions causing an apparatus to at least perform the following: receive priority information indicating a priority status of at least one positioning reference signal; receive time window information setting a time window outside a measurement gap; and receive one or more positioning reference signals during the time window using one or more buffer symbols based on the priority information and the time window information.

[0067] According to a sixth aspect, there is provided a computer program having instructions stored thereon for at least performing the following: receiving priority information indicative of a priority state of at least one positioning reference signal; receiving time window information setting a time window outside the measurement gap; and receiving one or more positioning reference signals during the time window using one or more buffer symbols based on the priority information and the time window information.

[0068] According to a seventh aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided that includes program instructions that cause an apparatus to at least perform the following: receive priority information indicating a priority state of at least one positioning reference signal; receive time window information that sets a time window that is outside a measurement gap; and receive one or more positioning reference signals during the time window using one or more buffer symbols based on the priority information and the time window information.

[0069] According to an eighth aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium having program instructions stored thereon is provided, the program instructions being for at least performing the following: receiving priority information indicative of a priority state of at least one positioning reference signal; receiving time window information setting a time window that is outside the measurement gap; and receiving one or more positioning reference signals during the time window using one or more buffer symbols based on the priority information and the time window information.

[0070] According to a ninth aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to cause the apparatus, using the at least one processor, to at least perform the following: transmitting priority information to a user device indicating a priority state of a positioning reference signal; transmitting time window information to the user device for setting a time window outside the measurement gap; and transmitting to the user device a buffer symbol configuration for use by the user device when receiving one or more positioning reference signals.

[0071] According to some embodiments, the at least one memory and computer program code are configured to cause the apparatus, using the at least one processor, to at least perform cross-slot scheduling when transmitting priority information.

[0072] According to some embodiments, an apparatus includes a base station.

[0073] According to a tenth aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising means for transmitting, to a user device, priority information indicating a priority state of a positioning reference signal; transmitting, to the user device, time window information for setting a time window outside a measurement gap; and transmitting, to the user device, a buffer symbol configuration for use by the user device when receiving one or more positioning reference signals.

[0074] According to some embodiments, the means is further configured to perform cross-slot scheduling when transmitting the priority information.

[0075] According to some embodiments, an apparatus includes a base station.

[0076] According to an eleventh aspect, an apparatus is provided that includes circuitry for transmitting priority information to a user device indicating a priority status of a positioning reference signal, transmitting time window information to the user device for setting a time window outside a measurement gap, and transmitting to the user device a buffer symbol configuration for use by the user device when receiving one or more positioning reference signals.

[0077] According to a twelfth aspect, there is provided a method including transmitting priority information to a user device indicating a priority status of a positioning reference signal, transmitting time window information to the user device for setting a time window outside a measurement gap, and transmitting to the user device a buffer symbol configuration for use by the user device when receiving one or more positioning reference signals.

[0078] According to some embodiments, the method includes performing cross-slot scheduling when transmitting priority information.

[0079] According to a thirteenth aspect, a computer program including instructions is provided that causes an apparatus to at least perform the following: transmitting priority information to a user device indicating a priority status of a positioning reference signal; transmitting time window information to the user device for setting a time window outside a measurement gap; and transmitting to the user device a buffer symbol configuration for use by the user device when receiving one or more positioning reference signals.

[0080] According to a fourteenth aspect, there is provided a computer program having instructions stored thereon for at least performing the following: transmitting priority information to a user device indicating a priority state of a positioning reference signal; transmitting time window information to the user device for setting a time window outside a measurement gap; and transmitting to the user device a buffer symbol configuration for use by the user device when receiving one or more positioning reference signals.

[0081] According to a fifteenth aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided that includes program instructions that cause an apparatus to at least perform the following: transmitting priority information to a user device indicating a priority status of a positioning reference signal; transmitting time window information to the user device for setting a time window outside a measurement gap; and transmitting a buffer symbol configuration to the user device for use when the user device receives one or more positioning reference signals.

[0082] According to a sixteenth aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium having program instructions stored thereon is provided, the program instructions being for performing at least the following: transmitting priority information to a user device indicating a priority state of a positioning reference signal; transmitting time window information to the user device for setting a time window outside a measurement gap; and transmitting a buffer symbol configuration to the user device for use when the user device receives one or more positioning reference signals.

[0083] The invention will now be described in further detail, by way of example only, with reference to the following examples and the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0084] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a conventional embodiment of a UE receiving a positioning reference signal; [Diagram 2] 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of a UE receiving a positioning reference signal according to an embodiment; [Diagram 3] 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of a UE receiving a positioning reference signal according to an embodiment; [Figure 4] 1 illustrates a schematic flow chart of a method according to an embodiment; [Diagram 5] 1 illustrates a schematic flow chart of a method according to an embodiment; [Figure 6] 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a user equipment; [Figure 7] 1 illustrates a schematic representation of an embodiment of a control device. [Figure 8] 1 is a flowchart of a method according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] 1 is a flowchart of a method according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a non-volatile memory medium that stores instructions that, when executed by a processor, enable the processor to perform one or more of the steps of the methods of some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0085] NR Rel-16 specified the following positioning solutions: -Downlink Time Difference of Arrival (DL-TDOA) -Uplink Time Difference of Arrival (UL-TDOA) -Downlink Angle of Dispersion (DL-AoD) -Uplink reception angle (UL-AoA) - Multi-cell round trip time (Multi-RTT)

[0086] In Rel-17, 3GPP started the NR positioning enhancements work [RP-210897, "Revised WID on NR Positioning Enhancements"], building on the Rel-16 solutions with a focus on improving accuracy, reducing latency, and improving efficiency (reduced complexity, reduced power consumption, reduced overhead).

[0087] As part of the work to reduce latency, a new feature has been introduced that allows the UE to measure Positioning Reference Signals (PRS) outside of Measurement Gaps (MG).

[0088] Depending on the UE capabilities, PRS measurements outside the MG but within the PRS processing window, and UE measurements within an active Downlink Bandwidth Partition (DL BWP) are supported, and the PRS has the same numerology as the active DL BWP. · The following UE capabilities are supported depending on the UE's determination that the DL PRS has higher priority within the PRS Processing Window (PPW): · Capability 1: Prioritize the PRS over all other DL signals / channels for all symbols within the PRS processing window. · Capability 1A: Affects DL signals / channels from all DL CCs (per UE). · Capability 1B: Only affects DL signals / channels from a specific band / CC. · Capability 2: Prioritize the PRS over other DL signals / channels only on PRS symbols within the PRS processing window. ·The UE shall be able to declare its PRS processing capability outside the MG. For this function, PRS-related conditions are expected to be specified, narrowing down to the following: · Option 1: Applicable only to the PRS of the serving cell. · Option 2: Applicable to all PRS, subject to the condition that it is a PRS of a non-serving cell.

[0089] If the UE determines that other DL signals / channels have higher priority than PRS measurement / processing, then the UE is not expected to measure / process a DL PRS even if all of the above capability options apply.

[0090] When PRS measurements are outside the MG, the following options are supported depending on the UE capabilities regarding PRS priority handling: · Option 1: The UE may indicate support for two priority states. · State 1: The PRS has higher priority than all PDCCH / PDSCH / CSI-RS. · State 2: The PRS has lower priority than all PDCCH / PDSCH / CSI-RS. · Option 2: The UE may indicate support for three priority states. State 1: The PRS has higher priority than all PDCCH / PDSCH / CSI-RS. · State 2: The PRS has lower priority than the PDCCH and URLLC PDSCH, and higher priority than other PDSCH / CSI-RS. · Note: The URLLC channel corresponds to a dynamically scheduled PDSCH where the PUCCH resources for transmitting ACK / NAK are indicated as high priority. · State 3: The PRS has lower priority than all PDCCH / PDSCH / CSI-RS.

[0091] According to some embodiments, state 1 is considered to be a high priority state for the PRS, state 2 is considered to be a medium or moderate priority state for the PRS, and state 3 is considered to be a low priority state for the PRS. · Option 3: The UE may indicate support for a single priority state. · State 1: The PRS has higher priority than all PDCCH / PDSCH / CSI-RS.

[0092] From the above, it can be seen that in "Capability 2", the UE will only prioritize a PRS in symbols that are within the PRS Processing Window (PPW) in which the PRS is configured, i.e., for other symbols in the window, the normal priority rules apply.

[0093] It can also be seen that in the PRS priority option in option 2 and state 2, the PRS must have a lower priority than the Ultra Reliable Low Latency Communication (URLLC) PDSCH. That is, the UE needs to decode the downlink control information (DCI) carried by the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) to determine whether a given physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) has a higher or lower priority than the PRS. It is identified in the present disclosure that this may cause problems. This is because the UE may also need to receive the PDCCH in a symbol before the PRS, and then, if the UE is performing beamforming, the UE may not have enough time to switch beams to receive the PRS. For example, the UE may need to switch beams to receive the PRS from multiple cells (e.g., the serving cell and one or more neighbor cells). This is shown diagrammatically in FIG. 1, which shows a PPW starting at time t0. In the example of FIG. 1, the PDCCH 102 is received before the PPW starts, and the PDSCH 104 is received once the PPW starts. A Positioning Reference Signal (PRS) is shown diagrammatically at 106. As shown in Figure 1, the UE receives the PDCCH and identifies the PRS priority (e.g., from the DCI, which includes information indicating the priority of the PDSCH), but may not have time to switch beams for PRS reception. Thus, the PRS may be dropped. However, the current specification assumes that the UE has received the PRS.

[0094] Additionally, this disclosure identifies another possible problem, where the UE is expected to always measure the PRS if there is a PDCCH in the symbol before the high priority PRS (e.g., state 1 for any of the PRS priority options). However, even if the UE does not need to decode the DCI to determine the priority for the PDSCH, the UE may still not have time to switch beams to receive the PRS, since it must first complete reception of the PDCCH, which is outside the PRS processing window (or within the PRS processing window but before the PRS symbol).

[0095] The issue of how the Working Assumption's "Capability 2" interacts with the Agreement's "Option 2" is not believed to have been considered prior to this disclosure.

[0096] With the above considerations in mind, this disclosure proposes how a UE may handle PRS priority when a PRS is received outside a measurement gap (MG) but within a PPW.

[0097] According to an embodiment, the UE is configured with a positioning processing window (PPW) for receiving a positioning reference signal (PRS) outside a measurement gap (MG). Additionally, the UE supports "Capability 2" for receiving a PRS outside the MG. As mentioned above, Capability 2 prioritizes the PRS over other DL signals / channels only in PRS symbols within the PPW. As part of this configuration, a PRS priority state is indicated to the UE, and the UE prioritizes the PRS in symbols where the PRS is configured according to current 3GPP standards.

[0098] The UE is then pre-configured to determine, or interpret, that the PRS in the PPW immediately follows the PDCCH symbol that the UE needs to monitor.

[0099] In an embodiment, the UE uses buffered symbols to support receiving the PRS outside the MG. According to an embodiment, the buffered symbols may be used according to any of the following options depending on the requirements: The buffer symbol may be placed at the start of the PPW. The buffer symbols are placed in the PPW, but before the PRS symbols in the PPW.

[0100] It should also be noted that the number of required buffer symbol(s) may vary depending on the capabilities of the UE and / or the network system. For example, the number of required buffer symbol(s) may vary depending on one or more of the following: UE beam switching capability, UE DCI decoding capability. In some cases, multiple buffer symbols may be required. In some embodiments, the size of the buffer period includes one or more symbols. For example, the buffer period may be considered as the length of time of the buffer symbol(s). In some embodiments, the symbol includes an OFDM (orthogonal frequency division multiplexing) symbol. In one specific embodiment, the buffer period consists of one OFDM symbol. According to some embodiments, the UE specifies the number of buffer symbols required. For example, the UE may require X milliseconds for beam switching and Y milliseconds for DCI decoding. Thus, the UE requires a total buffer symbol time that exceeds the maximum [X, Y]. If the length of the OFDM symbol (determined by the SCS) is not sufficient, multiple symbols are required.

[0101] Thus, based on the received priority information (e.g., information of a configured priority state) and the received time window (e.g., PPW) information, the UE may be deemed to use one or more buffered symbols to receive one or more positioning reference signals during the time window. In some embodiments, the buffered symbols are deemed to assist the UE in receiving one or more positioning reference signals.

[0102] In an embodiment, a buffer symbol may be considered as a gap in time during which the UE may take certain actions and during which the UE is not expected to receive some signals / channels.

[0103] During the buffer symbol(s), the UE may take one or more of the following actions: Drop the PRS and receive the PDCCH so that the UE can decode the DCI and identify the PRS priority; If the PRS has higher priority than the PDSCH, drop the PDSCH and use that time to switch the receiving beam to receive the PRS, and / or The UE may drop the PRS and use the gained time to switch receive beams.

[0104] After the buffered symbol(s), the UE receives the PRS as usual according to the identified PRS priority. If some PRS symbols are dropped due to the buffered symbol(s), the UE may do one or more of the following: PRS measurements based on partial PRS resources (e.g., using 5 of 6 configured PRS symbols within a PRS resource), and / or Wait until PRS measurements are available on the complete PRS resource (i.e. drop the PRS resource received at the UE if some symbols are dropped due to buffering). In this case, the UE may optionally indicate such an event to the gNB / LMF in the measurement report.

[0105] If the UE performs PRS measurements based on partial PRS resources, then in some embodiments the UE transmits an indication to the network indicating that the positioning reference signal measurements performed by the device are based on the partial positioning reference signal resources.

[0106] Some embodiments will now be described in more detail with reference to Figures 2 and 3.

[0107] 2 illustrates diagrammatically the behavior of a UE according to some embodiments, where the UE is configured in capability 2, priority state 1, i.e. the PRS has higher priority than all PDCCH / PDSCH / CSI-RS. The PPW starts at time t0, the PDCCH is represented diagrammatically at 202 and the PDSCH is represented diagrammatically at 204.

[0108] The first case, Case 1, is shown generally at 210. In Case 1, the UE receives the PDCCH before the start of the PPW and / or buffer symbols. DCI is received on the PDCCH. However, since the UE was set to priority state 1, the UE knows that the PRS has the highest priority over the PDSCH and does not need to decode the DCI to identify the relative priority of the PRS and the PDSCH. The UE then uses the first symbol of the PPW, shown at 212, as a buffer symbol. The UE may then use the time provided by the buffer symbol to switch beams (if necessary) to receive one or more PRSs. The UE may then receive one or more PRS signals, as shown generally at 214 and 216. During the buffer symbols 212 and the PRS signals 214 and 216, the UE drops reception of the PDSCH according to the priority state. In some embodiments, a base station (gNB) communicating with the UE instructs the UE to start the PPW one symbol before the start of the PRS symbol to accommodate the buffered symbols.

[0109] The second case, Case 2, is shown diagrammatically at 220. In Case 2, the UE uses the previous symbol of the PPW as the buffer symbol 222. The UE may use the period of the buffer symbol 222 to perform beam switching if necessary. This allows the first PRS signal 224 to start at the first symbol of the PPW. In other words, in Case 2, the buffer symbol is outside the PPW. In the example of FIG. 2, the buffer symbol 222 and the PDCCH 202 overlap, so PDCCH symbols need to be dropped to accommodate the buffer symbol 222. However, in some scenarios, this may be considered a worthwhile trade-off in order to start receiving the PRS 224 and 226 as soon as possible in the PPW. Thus, from a priority perspective, the UE may be considered to consider the buffer symbol as an analog of the PRS (PRS has priority over PDCCH and PDSCH in the priority state of FIG. 2).

[0110] FIG. 3 illustrates generally the behavior of a UE according to some embodiments, where the UE is configured in configuration 2, priority state 2, i.e. the PRS has lower priority than the PDCCH and URLLC PDSCH, and the PRS has higher priority than other PDSCH / CSI-RS.

[0111] In FIG. 3, the PDCCH is shown generally at 302 and the PDSCH is shown generally at 304. The PPW starts at t0. In an embodiment, the DCI is received on the PDCCH before the PPW. Note that in other embodiments, the DCI may be received during the PPW (e.g., when the PDCCH is within the PPW). In an embodiment, in Configuration 2, Priority State 2, the UE must complete decoding of the DCI before it can ascertain whether the PRS or the PDSCH takes priority in the PPW (as some, but not all, PDSCHs take priority over the PRS). Thus, in the embodiment of FIG. 3, the buffer symbol(s) may be used to provide the UE with sufficient time to complete decoding of the DCI and / or accommodate beam switching if necessary.

[0112] The first case, Case 1, is shown diagrammatically at 310. The first case 310 is the same as the first case 210 of Figure 2 and will not be described in further detail here.

[0113] The second case, i.e., case 2, is shown diagrammatically at 320. In the second case 320, at the start of the PPW, the UE is configured to the PRS, but first needs to complete decoding of the DCI and, optionally, change beam to receive the PRS (if the decoded DCI indicates a preference for the PRS). Thus, in case 2, the first symbol 324 of the PPW is a buffer symbol instead of a PRS symbol. In other words, the PRS symbol is replaced by the buffer symbol. The buffer symbol at 324 gives the UE enough time to complete decoding of the DCI and switch beams if necessary. Of course, in some cases, the DCI may indicate a preference for the PRS, so that the next available symbol 326 may be a PRS signal. In other cases, the decoded DCI may indicate a preference for low latency traffic (e.g., URLLC traffic) over the PRS, in which case the next available symbol slot after the buffer 324 may be reserved for the PDSCH 304.

[0114] A third case, Case 3, is shown diagrammatically at 330. In Case 3, the start of the PPW is shifted back relative to Cases 1 and 2 of FIG. 3. As shown in Case 3, the PPW and the period during which the PDCCH is scheduled overlap. In some embodiments, during this overlap period, the UE drops B / PRS symbols (e.g., 332 and / or 334) in favor of the PDCCH since the PDCCH takes priority over the PRS. As in Case 2, the UE uses one or more buffer symbols to allow the UE time to complete decoding of the DCI and / or switch beams if deemed necessary. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, two buffer symbols 332 and 334 are used (as a non-limiting example). If the DCI indicates a preference for the PRS over the PDSCH, then the next available symbol 336 may be reserved for PRS reception. On the other hand, if the DCI indicates a preference for the PDSCH (e.g., URLLC traffic), then the next available symbol may be reserved for the PDSCH. Thus, in case 3, two (or more) buffer symbols may be used since the UE still needs to receive the PDCCH in the first buffer symbol 332.

[0115] In some embodiments, if the PPW is before the PDCCH, a buffer symbol may be provided at the end of the PPW to ensure that the UE can switch beams and properly receive the PDCCH.

[0116] A signaling diagram further illustrating the disclosed concepts is shown in Figure 4. Figure 4 shows communication between a Location Management Function (LMF) 440, a base station or gNB 450, and a UE 460.

[0117] In S401, the LMF 440 sets the UE 460 for PRS measurement.

[0118] At S402, the gNB 450 configures the PPW and PRS priority to the UE 460. For example, the gNB 450 transmits priority information and / or time window information by transmitting a higher layer signal. More specifically, the gNB may configure a start time of the PPW. The gNB may also configure a duration of the PPW. The PRS priority information may indicate, for example, "capability 2, state 1" or "capability 2, state 2". In some embodiments, the PRS priority information indicates high priority, medium priority, or low priority. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the DCI may be used to indicate the PRS priority.

[0119] In some embodiments, the PPW is configured using any one or more of RRC signaling, MAC CE, and DCI.

[0120] At S403, the gNB 450 configures one or more buffer symbols for the UE 460. For example, the gNB may configure the buffer symbols for the UE as shown in the embodiments of Figures 2 and 3. In some embodiments, the one or more buffer symbols are implicitly allocated. For example, the one or more symbols may be allocated before or after the start of a PPW outside the measurement gap so that the UE can receive a PRS or decode a DCI. Alternatively, the one or more buffer symbols are configured as a PRS.

[0121] At S404, the UE 460 decodes the DCI to identify the PRS priority (eg, priority for the PDSCH).

[0122] At S405, the UE 460 applies one or more buffered symbols. For example, the UE 460 may apply one or more buffered symbols for DCI decoding and / or receive beam (Rx beam) switching.

[0123] Next, at S406, the UE 460 receives one or more PRSs.

[0124] At S407, the UE 460 reports the PRS measurements to the LMF 440.

[0125] If any PRS symbols are dropped, the UE 460 may inform the LMF of this at S408.

[0126] In a further embodiment, if the base station (gNB) is aware of a PRS opportunity (or if the gNB assumes that a PRS is configured during the PPW), the gNB may use cross-slot scheduling. With cross-slot scheduling, the UE may already decode the DCI in the previous slot so that the priority of the PDSCH vs. PRS in the "current" slot is known. In such an embodiment, the gNB may use cross-slot scheduling for PDSCHs that overlap with a PRS. This allows the gNB to transmit the DCI earlier, allowing more time for decoding / beam switching. However, this is not always possible for the gNB due to scheduling constraints or soon-arriving URLLC traffic, and due to QoS requirements, it may not be able to wait until a later slot is scheduled. Figure 5 is a flow chart that illustrates this process with cross-slot scheduling in a simplified manner.

[0127] Referring to FIG. 5, S501 and S502 are the same as S401 and S402 in FIG.

[0128] At S503, the gNB 550 provides an early alert to the UE 560 regarding the PDSCH using cross-slot scheduling.

[0129] Next, at S504, the gNB 550 configures one or more buffer symbols for the UE (e.g., as shown in the examples of Figure 2 or Figure 3).

[0130] At S505, the UE 560 decodes the DCI to identify the PRS priority (eg, the PRS priority for the PDSCH).

[0131] At S506, the UE 560 applies one or more buffered symbols according to the configuration provided at S6. For example, the UE 560 may use the buffered symbols to assist in decoding DCI and / or switching Rx beams.

[0132] At S507, the UE receives the PRS.

[0133] At S508, the UE 560 reports the PRS measurements to the LMF 540.

[0134] If any PRS symbols are dropped, the UE 560 may notify the LMF 540 of this at S509.

[0135] A possible wireless communication device will now be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 6, which shows a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a communication device 600. For example, such a communication device may be a UE as described with respect to FIGS. 2-5. Such a communication device is often referred to as a user equipment (UE), user device, or terminal. For example, the UE(s) described in this application may comprise one or more of the functions of the communication device 600. A suitable mobile communication device may be provided by any device capable of transmitting and receiving wireless signals. Non-limiting examples include mobile stations (MS) or mobile devices, such as mobile phones or "smartphones", computers equipped with wireless interface cards or other wireless interface facilities (e.g. USB dongles), personal data assistants (PDAs) or tablets equipped with wireless communication capabilities, or any combination thereof. A mobile communication device may provide data communication, for example, for conveying communications such as voice, electronic mail (email), text messages, and multimedia. Thus, a number of services may be offered and provided to a user via his or her communication device. Non-limiting examples of these services include two-way or multi-way calls, data communication or multimedia services, or simply access to a data communication network system such as the Internet. Broadcast or multicast data may also be provided to users. Non-limiting examples of content include downloads, television and radio programs, videos, advertisements, various alerts, and other information.

[0136] A wireless communication device may be, for example, a mobile device, i.e., a device that is not fixed to a particular location, or may be a fixed device. A wireless device may require human interaction to communicate, or may not require human interaction to communicate. In the present teachings, the term UE or "user equipment" is used to refer to any type of wireless communication device.

[0137] The wireless device 600 may receive signals via suitable equipment for reception and may transmit signals via suitable equipment for transmission of wireless signals via an air or wireless interface 607. In Fig. 6, a transceiver is indicated diagrammatically by block 606. The transceiver 606 may be provided, for example, by a radio component and an associated antenna arrangement. The antenna arrangement may be located inside or outside the wireless device.

[0138] A wireless device is typically provided with at least one data processing entity 601, at least one memory 602, and other possible components 603 for use in executing tasks by software and hardware designed to perform said tasks including controlling access and communication with access systems and other communication devices. Data processing, storage, and other related control devices may be provided on a suitable circuit board and / or in a chipset. This feature is indicated with reference numeral 604. A user may control the operation of the wireless device by means of a suitable user interface such as a keypad 605, voice commands, a touch-sensitive screen or pad, or a combination thereof. A display 608, a speaker, and a microphone may also be provided. Furthermore, the wireless communication device may comprise suitable connectors (wired or wireless) to other devices and / or for connecting external accessories, such as, for example, hands-free equipment, to the wireless communication device.

[0139] FIG. 7 shows an example of a control device 700 of a communication system, for example connected to and / or controlling stations of an access system such as RAN nodes, for example base stations, i.e. gNBs, central devices of a cloud architecture or nodes of a core network such as MME or S-GW, scheduling entities such as spectrum management entities, or servers or hosts. The control device may be integrated with a node or module of the core network or RAN, or may be external thereto. In some embodiments, the base station comprises a separate control device unit or module. In other embodiments, the control device may be another network element such as a radio network controller or a spectrum controller. In some embodiments, each base station may have such a control device, as well as a control device provided in a radio network controller. For example, the control device may be a base station, i.e. a gNB, as described with respect to FIGS. 2-5. The control device 700 may be arranged to control communications within a coverage area of ​​the system. The control device 700 comprises at least one memory 701, at least one data processing unit 702, 703, and an input / output interface 704. Via an interface, the control device may be connected to a receiver and a transmitter of the base station. The receiver and / or transmitter may be implemented as a radio front end or a remote radio head. For example, the controller 700 or processor 701 may be configured to execute suitable software code to provide the control functionality.

[0140] 8 is a flowchart of a method according to an embodiment. The flowchart in FIG. 8 is from the perspective of an apparatus. For example, the apparatus may be a user equipment (or user device).

[0141] At S801, the method includes receiving priority information indicating a priority status of at least one positioning reference signal.

[0142] At S802, the method includes receiving time window information that sets a time window that is outside a measurement gap.

[0143] At S803, the method includes receiving, based on the priority information and the time window information, one or more positioning reference signals during the time window using the one or more buffered symbols.

[0144] The apparatus of FIG. 8 may further perform the actions of the UE (460, 560) described in FIG. 4 and FIG.

[0145] 9 is a flowchart of a method according to an embodiment. The flowchart in FIG. 9 is from the perspective of an apparatus. For example, the apparatus may be a base station, such as a gNB.

[0146] At S901, the method includes transmitting priority information indicating a priority status of the positioning reference signal to a user device, where the user device is configured based on the priority information.

[0147] At S902, the method includes transmitting, to the user device, time window information for setting a time window outside the measurement gap at the user device.

[0148] At S903, the method includes transmitting, to the user device, a buffer symbol configuration for use by the user device in receiving one or more positioning reference signals.

[0149] The apparatus of FIG. 9 may further perform the actions of a gNB (450, 550) and / or an LMF (440, 540).

[0150] FIG. 10 shows a schematic diagram of non-volatile memory media 1000a (e.g., a computer disk (CD) or digital versatile disk (DVD)) and 1000b (e.g., a universal serial bus (USB) memory stick) storing instructions and / or parameters 1002 which, when executed by a processor, enable the processor to perform one or more of the method steps of FIGS. 8-9.

[0151] Typically, various embodiments may be implemented in hardware or dedicated circuits, software, logic, or any combination thereof. Some aspects of the invention may be implemented in hardware, while other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software that may be executed on a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device, but the invention is not limited thereto. Although various aspects of the invention may be illustrated and described as block diagrams, flow charts, or using some other graphical representation, it will be appreciated that the blocks, apparatus, systems, techniques, or methods described herein may be implemented in, as non-limiting examples, hardware, software, firmware, dedicated circuits or logic, general-purpose hardware or controller or other computing device, or some combination thereof.

[0152] The term "circuitry" as used in this application may refer to one or more or all of the following: (a) a hardware-only circuit implementation (such as an implementation with only analog and / or digital circuitry); and (b) a combination of hardware circuitry and software, such as (where applicable): (i) a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuitry(s) and software / firmware; and (ii) any portion of hardware processor(s) and software (including digital signal processor(s), software, and memory(s) that cooperate to cause a device such as a mobile phone or server to perform various functions); and (c) hardware circuit(s) and / or processor(s), such as microprocessor(s) or part of microprocessor(s), that require software (e.g., firmware) to operate but may not have software if not necessary for operation. This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of the term in this application, including any claims. As a further example, the term circuitry as used in this application encompasses implementations of just a hardware circuit or processor (or processors), or of portions of a hardware circuit or processor together with its (or their) associated software and / or firmware. The term circuitry also encompasses, for example, baseband or processor integrated circuits of a mobile device, or similar integrated circuits in a server, cellular network device, or other computing or network device, if applicable to certain claim elements.

[0153] The embodiments of the present invention may be implemented by computer software executable by a data processor of a mobile device, such as in a processor entity, or by hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware. Computer software or programs, also referred to as program products, including software routines, applets, and / or macros, may be stored on any device-readable data storage medium and comprise program instructions for performing certain tasks. A computer program product may comprise one or more computer-executable components configured to perform an embodiment when the program is executed. The one or more computer-executable components may be at least one software code or portions thereof.

[0154] Further, in this regard, it should be noted that any block of logic flow in the diagrams may represent program steps or interconnected logic circuits, blocks, and functions, or a combination of program steps and logic circuits, blocks, and functions. Software may be stored on physical media, such as memory chips or blocks implemented within a processor, magnetic media, such as a hard disk or floppy disk, and optical media, such as DVDs and data variants thereof, CDs. Physical media are non-transitory media.

[0155] The memory may be of any type suitable for the local technology environment and may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory, and removable memory. The data processor may be of any type suitable for the local technology environment and may comprise, by way of non-limiting examples, one or more of a general purpose computer, a special purpose computer, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an FPGA, a gate level circuit, and a processor based on a multi-core processor architecture.

[0156] Embodiments of the present invention may be implemented in a variety of components, such as integrated circuit modules. The design of integrated circuits is generally a highly automated process. Complex and powerful software tools are available to convert logic level designs into semiconductor circuit designs ready to be etched into semiconductor substrates.

[0157] The above description provides a complete and informative description of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention as a non-limiting example. However, in light of the above description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims, various modifications and adaptations may become apparent to those skilled in the art. However, all such modifications and similar modifications of the teachings of the present invention will still fall within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims. Indeed, there are further embodiments that include a combination of one or more of the embodiments with any of the other embodiments described above.

Claims

1. At least one processor; at least one memory containing computer program code; wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, using the at least one processor, receiving priority information indicative of a priority status of at least one positioning reference signal; receiving time window information that sets a time window that is outside a measurement gap; receiving one or more positioning reference signals during the time window using one or more buffered symbols based on the priority information and the time window information; The apparatus is configured to cause the apparatus to execute at least the following:

2. The at least one memory and the computer program code are adapted to, using the at least one processor, receiving a configuration of the one or more buffer symbols; The apparatus of claim 1 , configured to cause the apparatus to perform at least the following:

3. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein using the one or more buffered symbols is based on the received configuration of the one or more buffered symbols.

4. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein using the one or more buffered symbols provides the apparatus with sufficient time to perform beam switching for reception of the one or more positioning reference signals.

5. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein using the one or more buffered symbols provides the apparatus with sufficient time to process received downlink control information.

6. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the one or more buffer symbols are located at a start of the time window.

7. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the one or more buffer symbols is located before a start of the time window.

8. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the priority information indicates one of a first priority state, a second priority state, and a third priority state.

9. 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein when the priority information indicates the first priority state, the apparatus is configured to prioritize the one or more positioning reference signals relative to the physical downlink shared channel such that a physical downlink shared channel is dropped in favor of the one or more positioning reference signals during at least a portion of the time window.

10. 10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein when the priority information indicates the second priority state, the apparatus is configured to prioritize low latency traffic on a physical downlink shared channel for the one or more positioning reference signals.

11. 10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein when the priority information indicates the second priority state, the apparatus is configured to drop at least one of the one or more positioning reference signals for at least one of the one or more buffered symbols.

12. The at least one memory and the computer program code are adapted to, using the at least one processor, performing positioning reference signal measurements based on partial positioning reference resources resulting from the dropping of the at least one of the one or more positioning reference signal symbols; and / or transmitting an indication that the positioning reference signal measurements made by the device are based on the partial positioning reference signal resource; The apparatus of claim 11 , configured to cause the apparatus to perform at least the following:

13. 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein when the priority information indicates the third priority state, the apparatus is configured to consider the one or more positioning reference signals to be of lower priority than a physical downlink control channel and / or a physical downlink shared channel.

14. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the length of the one or more buffer symbols is determined based on at least one of a maximum time required for beam switching, and a maximum time required for completing decoding of downlink control information.

15. At least one processor; at least one memory containing computer program code; wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, using the at least one processor, transmitting priority information to a user device, the priority information indicating a priority status of the positioning reference signal; transmitting time window information to the user device for setting a time window outside a measurement gap; transmitting to the user device a buffer symbol configuration for use by the user device in receiving one or more positioning reference signals; The apparatus is configured to cause the apparatus to execute at least the following:

16. The at least one memory and the computer program code are adapted to, using the at least one processor, performing cross-slot scheduling when transmitting the priority information; The apparatus of claim 15 , configured to cause the apparatus to perform at least the following:

17. receiving priority information indicative of a priority status of at least one positioning reference signal; receiving time window information that sets a time window that is outside a measurement gap; receiving one or more positioning reference signals during the time window using one or more buffered symbols based on the priority information and the time window information; A method comprising:

18. transmitting priority information to a user device, the priority information indicating a priority status of the positioning reference signal; transmitting time window information to the user device for setting a time window outside a measurement gap; transmitting to the user device a buffer symbol configuration for use by the user device in receiving one or more positioning reference signals; A method comprising:

19. A computer program comprising instructions, the instructions comprising: receiving priority information indicative of a priority status of at least one positioning reference signal; receiving time window information that sets a time window that is outside a measurement gap; receiving one or more positioning reference signals during the time window using one or more buffered symbols based on the priority information and the time window information; The computer program causes an apparatus to execute at least the above.

20. A computer program comprising instructions, the instructions comprising: transmitting priority information to a user device, the priority information indicating a priority status of the positioning reference signal; transmitting time window information to the user device for setting a time window outside a measurement gap; transmitting to the user device a buffer symbol configuration for use by the user device in receiving one or more positioning reference signals; The computer program causes an apparatus to execute at least the above.

Images