Management of Positioning Reference Signals for Sidelink Communication

Abstract

A method for managing positioning reference signals in sidelink communication. The method includes the network infrastructure obtaining, from an anchor component, a notification regarding the presence of at least one user equipment (UE) in sidelink communication, determining at least one additional anchor component based on the notification, and transmitting information regarding the identified at least one additional anchor component to at least one UE.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for managing positioning reference signals in sidelink communication, an apparatus for wireless communication, and a non-transitory computer-readable medium.

Background Art

[0002] Generally speaking, information can be exchanged using computing devices and communication networks. In general applications, a computing device can request / send data to other computing devices via a communication network. More specifically, a computing device can use a wireless communication network to exchange information or establish a communication channel.

[0003] A wireless communication network can include or access various devices including components for accessing the wireless communication network. Such devices can use the wireless communication network to facilitate interaction with other devices that can access the wireless communication network, or to facilitate interaction with devices that use other communication networks via the wireless communication network. In addition to, or instead of, this, devices can communicate directly with each other sometimes or always, without or without using the wireless communication network.

[0004] Regarding vehicles or other mobile devices, the communication network can provide communication between vehicles (or built-in components) with a wireless interface. There are many methods for implementing such wireless communication networks, such as the 802.xx wireless interface published by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). Other methods for such wireless communication networks correspond to functions that support cellular-based communication networks, specifically, New Radio (NR) and sidelink (SL) communication.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a method for managing positioning reference signals in sidelink communication, the method including: a network infrastructure obtaining, from an anchor component, a notification regarding the presence of at least one user equipment (UE) in sidelink communication; determining, based on the notification, at least one additional anchor component; and transmitting, to at least one UE, information regarding the identified at least one additional anchor component.

[0006] In a second aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus for wireless communication, the apparatus including: a memory storing instructions; and a processor executing the instructions stored in the memory to obtain, from an anchor component, a notification regarding the presence of at least one user equipment (UE), determine at least one additional anchor component based on the notification, and transmit, to at least one UE, information regarding the identified at least one additional anchor component.

[0007] In a third aspect, the present invention provides a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions executable by one or more processors of an apparatus to perform a method for managing positioning reference signals in sidelink communication, the method including: obtaining, from an anchor component, a notification regarding the presence of at least one user equipment (UE) in sidelink communication; determining, based on the notification, at least one additional anchor component; and transmitting, to at least one UE, information regarding the identified at least one additional anchor component. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] ​With reference to the following drawings, various features will be described. Throughout the drawings, reference numerals may be reused to indicate corresponding relationships between the elements being referenced. The drawings are provided to illustrate the examples described in this specification and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

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[0009] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to systems and methods for exchanging positioning information and / or signals. Generally speaking, one approach for exchanging positioning information and / or signals involves deploying a set of one or more devices capable of communicating with a mobile UE along a road or other transmission area. For example, devices that transmit positioning reference signals (PRS) can generally correspond to one or more devices referred to as roadside units ( "RSUs"), "anchors", or "UEs". References to RSUs or anchors throughout this application are not intended to be limiting to any particular device configuration or functional differences and should be considered interchangeable unless explicitly stated otherwise. For example, RSUs are not considered to be inherently mobile (e.g., in a permanent or semi-permanent position), and their positions can be easily obtained This can be achieved. In positioning that employs either a timing-based method (e.g., time difference of arrival (TDOA) or round-trip transmission (RTT)) or an angle-based method, the transmission of positioning reference signals (PRS) from RSU or / and UE is required to measure the relevant measurement values for positioning.

[0010] To achieve positioning via the SL radio interface, the UE generally needs to transmit and receive a specific reference signal for positioning, which is generally called the "SL positioning reference signal" (SL PRS), different from the SL communication data. The UE makes specific measurements (e.g., time of arrival, angle of arrival, etc.) on the transmitted reference signal, and the specific measurements are used to calculate individual position estimates. For illustrative purposes, a component or entity that assists in positioning the UE, for example, by transmitting / receiving the SL PRS, is called an anchor. Aspects of the present application are described with respect to an anchor, which is a specific computing device that is at least partially configured to provide a positioning signal such as the SL PRS. Additionally, other UEs or devices or network entities that support the SL function can also function as an anchor for positioning purposes. The SL PRS can be configured with various parameters including time-frequency resources such as bandwidth and periodicity, directivity-related parameters such as beam direction, beam width, number of beams, and transmission power.

[0011] UEs can periodically exchange information about their status (such as speed, direction, and heading) to notify each other of their presence and movement, as well as specific road conditions. Such information is transmitted via Cooperative Awareness Messages (CAMs) and Decentralized Environmental Notification Messages (DENMs) defined by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI), and Basic Safety Messages (BSMs) defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). CAMs need to be periodically broadcast by all vehicles, for example, every 100 ms, while DENMs are rather event-triggered messages that notify specific events, such as being broadcast during a road collision. When 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 are transmitted via SL (in addition to uplink (UL) and downlink (DL)), enabling support for a variety of use cases ranging from extended sensors to cooperative automated driving and from basic safety to vehicle platooning.

[0012] Compared with existing UL / DL positioning methods, SL positioning has the advantage of functioning outside (or in partial network coverage of) network coverage in addition to in-coverage scenarios where network-based positioning is not applicable or cannot meet positioning service quality of service (QoS) requirements (e.g., due to few available anchor gNB nodes) or when the UE is in an area not covered by the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and / or the network (e.g., inside 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 the dynamic activation of an anchor or network node having an SL function and / or the dynamic activation of PRS transmission based on UE detection. One or more aspects of the present application further relate to pre-setting additional RSU / anchors having geographical regions / paths. For example, an initial anchor detects the presence of one or more UEs (e.g., vehicles) based on SL transmissions by it / them. The RSU / anchor that performs the detection responds by activating SL PRS transmission based on the presence and mobility information of the detected one or more UEs obtained via their SL transmissions. Thereafter, the RSU / anchor that performs the detection can send a notification regarding the detected one or more UEs to infrastructure devices such as, for example, core network components. For simplicity, the terms "infrastructure device" as well as the terms "network", "network infrastructure", and "core network component" are used interchangeably in the present application.

[0014] Based on the detected UEs, the network or anchor can pre-set the SL PRS transmissions to be activated. In one example, the pre-setting can be based on UE density, directivity, etc., or any other information transmitted by the SL transmissions of the detected one or more UEs. In other examples, the pre-setting can be based on the receipt of a message explicitly indicating the positioning requirements of one or more UEs. The pre-setting illustratively includes the setting of additional anchor(s) along the future predicted trajectory of the detected UEs.

[0015] The anchor that performs the detection can also send the SL PRS configuration to one or more detected UEs so that the UE can recognize the activation of SL PRS transmission. This may include two or more SL PRS configurations as part of the list sent to the UE by the RSU / anchor that performs the detection. The receiving UE may measure the SL PRS transmission and utilize the list of SL PRS configurations to process the SL PRS transmission information. The order information can include the priority order of two or more configurations for performing the measurement and the thresholds (based on time, signal power, signal quality, distance, etc.) for the UE to switch measurements or activations between different PRS configurations along its trajectory. Further, the information can include information regarding the currently inactive SL PRS configurations to the UE, such that the UE can request them later, for example, based on a change in positioning service quality (QoS) requirements, based on radio conditions, or when the UE enters an RSU / anchor area where PRS transmission is not currently active.

[0016] The anchor or network can further stop the SL PRS transmission based on, for example, the disappearance of a vehicle, i.e., not receiving a message from the target UE for a specific (pre - configured) timeout threshold since the last reception of a CAM, and / or the SL reference signal received power (RSRP) and / or the SL received signal strength indicator (RSSI) and / or the signal quality falling below a specific or pre - set threshold for a specific timeout threshold.

[0017] Aspects of the present application are described with respect to exemplary network components, interactions, and routines, but those skilled in the art will understand that one or more aspects of the present application can be implemented according to various environments, system architectures, computing device architectures, and the like. Similarly, references to specific devices such as RSU, UE, gNB, etc. are general references and are 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 a commercial device with IoT or SL capabilities that needs to be positioned via SL, considering the many different use cases that SL positioning needs to support. Further, references to any particular type of data type, structure, or interface are also for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. Thus, all examples are intended to be illustrative in nature and should not be construed as limiting.

[0018] FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of an example of a communication system (environment) 100 for implementing one or more aspects of the present application. The environment 100 can include a first set of devices 102 (e.g., 102A, 120B) corresponding to RSU located at fixed positions such as determined positions along a passing area 106 (e.g., a road or route). The environment 100 can include, for example, a second set of devices 104 (e.g., 104A, 104B) corresponding to UEs configured to move dynamically along the passing area 106. In some embodiments, the RSU RSU 102 and UE 104 may wirelessly communicate with gNB 110 of infrastructure device 108. For example, RSU 102 and UE 104 may be within the full coverage or partial coverage area of the wireless signal from gNB 110. In some embodiments, RSU 102 and UE 104 may not wirelessly communicate with gNB 110. For example, RSU 102 and UE 104 may be outside the coverage area of the wireless signal from gNB 110. RSU 102 and UE 104 may also wirelessly communicate with one or more additional components 112 of infrastructure device 108 that can offload the processing of information or functions related to a wireless network such as gNB 110 and a location service (LCS) server (not shown). The gNB and the LCS server can be connected to one or more additional components 112.

[0019] The communication between gNB 110, RSU 102, and UE 104 may correspond to a radio access network (RAN) such as a next-generation RAN (NG-RAN) or 6G RAN. Without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, other examples of RANs and core networks may be implemented. Other examples of RANs include evolved universal terrestrial radio access network (EUTRAN), universal terrestrial radio access network (UTRAN), and additional variations or alternatives.

[0020] The RAN implements radio access technologies (RATs) such as, by way of example, New Radio (NR), Long Term Evolution (LTE) also known as Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (EUTRA), Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), etc. The RAT of the exemplary environmental system 100 may be, by way of example, NR. For example, different names may be used for the RAN nodes depending on the RAT used for the RAN. In an example of the mobile communication system 100 in FIG. 1, the nodes of the NG-RAN 105 may be either a next-generation Node B (gNB) 110 or a next-generation evolved Node B (ng-eNB). In other applications, the RAN nodes may be referred to as Node B (NB) in a RAN using the UMTS RAT. The RAN nodes may be referred to as evolved Node B (eNB) in a RAN using the LTE / EUTRA RAT. However, as described above, the terms base station, RAN node, gNB, and ng-eNB may be used interchangeably. Further, referring to the infrastructure device 108 may be used to refer to the RAN nodes corresponding to the radio network and additional core network devices.

[0021] Exemplarily, various aspects related to the infrastructure device 108 (gNB 110) can be implemented as one or more components related to one or more functions or services. The components may correspond to software modules implemented by one or more computing devices, which may be separate stand-alone computing devices. Thus, the components of the gNB 110 should be regarded as a logical representation of the service, and no specific implementation on one or more computing devices is required. Further, the infrastructure device (including any additional devices 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, security services, mission-critical services, services in residential, commercial, or industrial environments such as IoT, industrial IoT (IIoT), etc.

[0022] Continuing to refer to FIG. 1, illustratively, the RSU 102 and the UE 104 can exchange information and / or signals such as positioning signals according to the sidelink communication channel. Illustratively, the sidelink communication channel can correspond to NR SL, which is a physical layer composed of several physical channels and signals. The SL physical channel is a set of resource elements that carry information of the upper layers of the protocol stack. The SL physical channel can include a physical sidelink broadcast channel (PSBCH) that carries an SL-BCH transport channel on which an SL master information block (MIB) including system information for communication between UEs or between a UE and an RSU is periodically transmitted. The PSBCH is transmitted together with the sidelink primary synchronization signal / sidelink secondary synchronization signal (S-PSS / SSS) in the S-SSB (synchronization signal block signal). The SL physical channel can further include a physical sidelink feedback channel (PSFCH) that is used to transmit HARQ feedback from the receiving UE / RSU to the transmitting UE on the SL for unicast or groupcast communication. The SL physical channel can also include a physical sidelink shared channel (PSSCH) and a physical sidelink control channel (PSCCH). Each individual PSSCH includes a transport block associated with the PSCCH. The PSCCH is transmitted in the same slot as the PSSCH and includes control information regarding 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. The demodulation reference signal (DMRS) is used for the PSCCH, PSSCH, and PSBCH as a reference signal for demodulation of the message at the receiver.

[0023] UE 104 may include a wireless transceiver component for communicating with one or more nodes within the RAN, one or more relay nodes, or one or more anchors, or one or more other UEs, etc. Examples of UEs include, but are not limited to, smartphones, tablets, laptops, computers, wireless transmission and / or reception units in vehicles, V2X or vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) devices, wireless sensors, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) devices, etc. Other names such as mobile station (MS), mobile equipment (ME), terminal equipment, terminal node, client device, mobile device, etc. may be used for UEs. Further, UE 104 may also include components or sub-components integrated into other devices such as vehicles to provide wireless communication capabilities with the RAN, other UEs, RSUs, nodes in satellite communication, etc., as described herein. Such other devices may have other functions or multiple functions in addition to wireless communication. Therefore, when referring to a UE, it may include individual components that facilitate wireless communication, as well as the entire device incorporating components for facilitating wireless communication.

[0024] FIG. 2A shows an embodiment of the architecture of an example 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 shown in FIG. 2A includes the configuration of computer hardware and software components that can be used to implement aspects of the present disclosure. As described above, the components of the RSU 102 may include physical hardware components, one or more virtualized components, or combinations thereof. Further, the components of the RSU 102 or the functions resulting from the RSU 102 may be implemented in a virtualized environment. Such a virtualized environment may be provided by a third-party entity such as a computing service provider that can instantiate software modules that may be essentially permanent or temporary for the purpose of implementing the functions shown in the exemplary architecture of the RSU 102, either by the manufacturer or otherwise.

[0025] As shown, the RSU 102 includes a processing unit 202, a network interface 204, a computer-readable medium drive 206, and an input / output interface 208, all of which can communicate with each other via a communication bus. The components of the RSU 102 may be physical hardware components or may be implemented in a virtualized environment.

[0026] 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 may also communicate with the memory 210 and may further provide output information via the input / output interface 208, such as via the SL physical channel and the wireless communication channel. In some embodiments, the RSU 102 may include more (or fewer) components than those shown in FIG. 2A, including one or more antennas to facilitate the transmission and reception of wireless signals.

[0027] Memory 210 may include computer program instructions that the processing unit 202 executes to implement one or more embodiments. Memory 210 generally includes RAM, ROM, or other persistent or non-transitory memory. 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 RSU 102. Memory 210 may further include computer program instructions and other information for implementing aspects of the present disclosure. For example, in one embodiment, memory 210 includes a wireless interface component 216 for processing wireless signals from wireless network 108, UE 104, or other RSU 102. Memory 210 includes a PRS information component 218 that provides PRS information to one or more UEs as described herein. Memory 210 may also include a PRS signal prediction component 220 configured to predict PRS signals.

[0028] FIG. 2B shows an embodiment of the architecture of an example of UE 104 for implementing one or more aspects of the present application as described. The general architecture of UE 104 shown in FIG. 2B includes the configuration of computer hardware and software components that can be used to implement aspects of the present disclosure. As described above, the components of UE 104 may include physical hardware components, one or more virtualized components, or a combination thereof. Also, the components of UE 104 or the functions of UE 104 may be implemented in a virtualized environment. Such a virtualized environment may be provided by a third-party entity, such as a computing service provider, that can instantiate software modules that may be essentially persistent or transient, either by a manufacturer or for the purpose of implementing the functions shown in the exemplary architecture of UE 104.

[0029] As illustrated, UE 104 includes a processing unit 222, a network interface 224, a computer-readable media drive 226, and an input / output interface 228, all of which may communicate with each other via a communication bus. The components of feedback UE 104 may be physical hardware components or may be implemented in a virtualized environment.

[0030] Network interface 224 may provide a connection to one or more networks or computing systems, such as the wireless network shown in FIG. 1. Thus, processing unit 222 may receive information and instructions from other computing systems or services via the network. Processing unit 222 may also communicate with memory 230 and may further provide output information via input / output interface 228, such as via an SL physical channel. In some embodiments, UE 104 may include more (or fewer) components than those shown in FIG. 2B. Memory 230 may include computer program instructions that are executed by processing unit 202 to implement one or more embodiments. Memory 230 generally includes RAM, ROM, or other persistent or non-transitory memory. Memory 230 may store an operating system 234 that provides computer program instructions for use by processing unit 222 in the general management and operation of UE 104. Memory 230 may further include computer program instructions and other information for implementing aspects of the present disclosure. For example, in one embodiment, memory 230 includes a wireless interface component 236 for processing wireless signals from wireless network 108, other UEs 104, or RSU 102. Memory 230 also includes a PRS information component 238 for requesting PRS information from one or more RSUs 102, as described herein.

[0031]

[0032] ​Figure 2C shows an embodiment of the architecture of an example of gNB 110 for implementing one or more aspects of the present application as described. The general architecture of gNB 110 shown in Figure 2C includes the configuration of computer hardware and software components that can be used to implement the aspects of the present disclosure. As described above, the components of gNB 110 may include physical hardware components, one or more virtualized components, or a combination thereof. Also, the components of gNB 110 or the functions that gNB 110 has may be implemented in a virtualized environment. Such a virtualized environment can be provided by a third-party entity such as a computing service provider that can instantiate software modules that can be essentially permanent or temporary for the purpose of implementing the functions shown in the exemplary architecture of gNB 110 by a manufacturer.

[0033] As shown, gNB 110 includes a processing unit 242, a network interface 244, a computer-readable media drive 246, and an input / output interface 248, all of which may communicate with each other via a communication bus. The components of gNB 110 may be physical hardware components or may be implemented in a virtualized environment that includes one or more antennas to facilitate the transmission and reception of wireless signals.

[0034] Network interface 244 may provide a connection to one or more networks or computing systems, such as the wireless network shown in Figure 1. Thus, processing unit 242 may receive information and instructions from other computing systems or services via the network. Processing unit 242 may also communicate with memory 250 and further provide output information via input / output interface 248. In some embodiments, gNB 110 may include more (or fewer) components than those shown in the configuration of Figure 2C.

[0035] Memory 250 may include computer program instructions that are executed by processing unit 242 to implement one or more embodiments. Memory 250 generally includes RAM, ROM, or other persistent or non-transitory memory. Memory 250 may store an operating system 254 that provides computer program instructions used by processing unit 242 in the general management and operation of gNB 110. Memory 250 may include a radio interface component 256. Memory 250 may further include computer program instructions and other information for implementing the aspects of the present disclosure. For example, in one embodiment, 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. Memory 250 may also include a PRS signal prediction component 260 that predicts PRS signals.

[0036] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of activation and 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), RSU / anchor 102A detects the presence of UE 104A (e.g., a vehicle) based on the SL transmission from UE 104A. RSU / anchor 102A may detect the presence of a plurality of UEs (e.g., 104A and 104B) based on the SL transmission from the UE. For example, RSU / anchor 102A may detect the presence of UE 104A by decoding an SL control message or a data message received from UE 104A.

[0037] The message may be in the form of V2X data transmitted via CAM or DENM. The RSU / Anchor 102A may also detect the presence of the UE 104A by measuring the received power on the SL, such as, for example, the SL signal received power (SL RSRP), signal reception quality, signal-to-noise ratio, and / or received signal strength indicator (RSSI). For example, the RSU / Anchor 102A may determine the presence of the UE 104A based on a determination 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 the 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 locally detect the presence of the UE 104A without communicating with the infrastructure device 108, for example, in a road tunnel or an underground parking lot. In other embodiments, the RSU / Anchor 102A may detect the presence of the UE 104A using communication with the infrastructure device 108.

[0038] In step (2), the RSU / Anchor 102A may initiate SL PRS transmission based on the presence and / or mobility information of the UE 104A. In some embodiments, when initiating SL PRS transmission, the RSU / Anchor 102A may not be connected to or controlled by the infrastructure device 108. The RSU / Anchor 102A may locally initiate any pre-set SL PRS by itself. Such an approach is particularly beneficial in terms of reducing latency and signaling overhead. SL The pre - configuration of the PRS is performed by the infrastructure device 108. In some embodiments, the infrastructure device 108 may pre - configure the SL PRS based on the SL positioning capabilities of the UE. The infrastructure device 108 may collect the UE's capability information related to SL positioning during or before the positioning session. Existing LPP procedures via UL / DL can be used for this purpose, but the UE can also indicate those capability information via MAC CE on the SL together with other SL transmissions such as a CAM indicating a positioning request.

[0039] In some embodiments, the infrastructure device 108 may actively pre - configure the SL PRS based on UE mobility and other SL information (embodiments). The infrastructure device 108 may obtain information related to the setting of the SL PRS from the UE's SL transmissions such as CAM / DENM indicating UE speed and / or direction, etc. For example, in the case of a high - speed vehicle, the infrastructure device 108 can set the SL PRS at a high repetition rate, or the SL PRS can be transmitted on an antenna beam that matches the UE mobility parameters. Similarly, the infrastructure device 1 08 may determine the SL PRS setting based on the reliability of the UE location information included in the CAM. For example, for a UE with low reliability of accuracy, the network may set a wider - bandwidth SL PRS transmission for more accurate positioning.

[0040] In some embodiments, the infrastructure device 108 may pre-configure the SL PRS based on an explicit request from the UE. The UE may indicate positioning QoS requirements along with the positioning request to assist the infrastructure device 108 in determining the SL PRS configuration. In some embodiments, the infrastructure device 108 may determine PRS transmission and pre-configure the SL PRS based on, for example, the past history of QoS and statistical characteristics, regardless of any positioning session. For example, vehicle UEs at a specific time within a specific area have similar capabilities, require similar positioning QoS, and the network can pre-configure the RSUs within this area with SL PRS that meets these conditions. In some embodiments, the infrastructure device 108 may provide a "default" SL PRS configuration for the RSUs within an area that enables at least rough positioning of the UE (e.g., with low accuracy and an initial fixed position).

[0041] In some embodiments, the infrastructure device 108 may proactively determine PRS transmission on demand or dynamically (e.g., during a positioning session), and such configuration may better adapt to the individual needs of the UE or changing environmental conditions. For this purpose, additional information such as specific positioning QoS requirements may be indicated to the infrastructure device 108 by the UE.

[0042] In other embodiments, the configuration and / or activation may be determined by a central entity such as the gNB 110, which is an infrastructure device 108, or a Location Management Function (LMF), which is a central location management server in the core network to which a plurality of RSU are connected, thereby enabling better coordination across different RSU. In this case, the RSU / Anchor 102A may notify the central positioning entity regarding the information of the detected UE 104A. For example, the RSU / Anchor 102A may send a notification according to the LTE Positioning Protocol (LPP) protocol and / or the NR Positioning Protocol (NRPP) protocol to communicate with the central positioning entity. The RSU / Anchor 102A may notify the LMF about vehicles approaching at a specific speed and direction (e.g., obtained via the CAM sent in SL). Next, the LMF configures and / or activates the RSU / Anchor 102A.

[0043] In step (3), the RSU / Anchor 102A may identify one or more additional RSU along the future predicted trajectory of the detected UE 104A and initiate one or more additional SL PRS transmissions. By doing so, the RSU / Anchor 102A may not need to be connected to or controlled by the infrastructure device 108. The RSU / Anchor 102A can locally initiate any pre-configured SL PRS by itself, thereby reducing latency and signaling overhead. In some embodiments, instead of the RSU / Anchor 102A, the infrastructure device 108 or the LMF may identify one or more additional RSU along the future predicted trajectory of the detected UE 104A and initiate one or more additional SL PRS signals.

[0044] In step (4), so that UE 104A can recognize the activated SL PRS transmission and perform PRS measurements, RSU / Anchor 102A may send the SL PRS settings transmitted by different RSU / Anchors to the detected UE 104A. UE 104A may utilize a list of SL PRS settings to process the SL PRS transmission information. The SL PRS transmission information may include the priority order of two or more settings. The SL PRS transmission information may also include one or more thresholds (based on time, signal power, signal quality, and / or distance, etc.) for UE 104A to switch to different PRS settings for measurements along its trajectory. Further, Infrastructure Device 108 may notify UE 104A about currently inactive SL PRS settings so that UE 104A can request them later, for example, based on a change in positioning QoS requirements, based on radio conditions, or when entering an RSU area where PRS transmission is not currently activated.

[0045] In step (5), RSU / Anchor 102A may stop the SL PRS transmission based on the determination of the disappearance of UE 104A. RSU / Anchor 102A may determine the disappearance of UE 104A based on the absence of received messages from the target UE within a specific (pre-)set timeout threshold after previously receiving a CAM from the target UE. RSU / Anchor 102A may also determine the disappearance of UE 104A based on the SL RSRP and / or SL RSSI and / or signal quality and / or signal-to-noise ratio falling below one or more thresholds. These / These thresholds can be (pre-)set. They can be applied to a specific (pre-)set timeout threshold.

[0046] In some embodiments, the stopping of the SL PRS transmission is performed by Infrastructure Device 108. In FIG. 3 above, infrastructure device 108 is shown as a wireless device including gNB 110. However, the present application is not limited thereto. Infrastructure device 108 may be a GNSS that communicates with RSU / anchor 102A and / or UE 104A using satellite signals. Also, for simplicity, in the above description of FIG. 3, an example where RSU / anchor 102A detects UE 104A was used. However, the present application is not limited thereto. RSU / anchor 102A may detect a plurality of UEs simultaneously or sequentially.

[0047] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a routine for starting and managing PRS transmission performed by an RSU according to some embodiments of the present application. Referring to FIG. 4, at block 400, a routine for starting a positioning reference signal is started. The manner of the routine may be implemented by an RSU such as RSU 102 in FIG. 1, or a combination of RSU 102 and infrastructure device 108 in FIG. 1. This routine starts from the assumption that one or more RSUs are in a state of stopping PRS transmission and a UE (for example, UE 104A in FIG. 1) is within a wireless communication range where it can receive PRS transmission.

[0048] In block 402, the initial RSU / anchor detects the presence of a UE (e.g., a vehicle) based on its SL transmission. For example, an RSU or other network entity / entities can detect or receive the SL transmission. For example, RSU 102 can detect the presence of UE 104, e.g., by decoding a received SL control message or data message. The message can be in the form of V2X data (e.g., transmitted via CAM / DENM). The message can also be in the form of, for example, measurements and / or detections of received power on the SL, such as SL signal received power (SL RSRP) and / or received signal quality and / or received signal strength indicator (RSSI) information and / or received signal-to-noise ratio, that exceed or fall below one or more pre-set thresholds for starting / stopping the SL PRS. Further, the message can be in the form of SL control information (SCI), information in the PSFCH, MAC CE, or part of the SL data payload, and can indicate a UE request, e.g., a positioning request.

[0049] In block 404, the RSU / anchor 102 that performs the detection responsive starts the SL PRS transmission based on the presence and mobility information of the UE obtained via its SL transmission.

[0050] In block 406, the RSU / anchor 102A that performs the detection can then generate a notification regarding the detected UE and send the notification to an infrastructure device (core network component), such as infrastructure device 108 in FIG. 1. Exemplarily, the UE 102A that performs the detection can send the notification / information according to the LTE positioning protocol (LPP) protocol and / or the NR positioning protocol (NRPP) protocol.

[0051] At block 408, the RSU receives information identifying the SL PRS transmissions to be initiated. In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 3A, the RSU 102 may process information to identify additional PRS transmissions. In other embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 3B, the RSU may receive information identifying additional PRS transmissions, for example, from the infrastructure device 108.

[0052] In one example, the look-ahead setting can be based on UE density, directivity, etc., or any other information carried via the detected UE's SL transmissions. In other examples, the look-ahead setting can be based on the receipt of a message explicitly indicating the UE's positioning request. The look-ahead setting illustratively includes additional RSUs along the predicted future trajectory of the vehicle.

[0053] In some embodiments, the RSU is connected to or does not need to be controlled by the network and thus can locally start / stop any pre-configured SL PRS on its own. Such an approach is particularly beneficial in terms of reducing latency and signaling overhead. Further details regarding the identification of look-ahead of PRS transmissions are described with respect to routine 500 (FIG. 5).

[0054] In embodiments where the RSU determines additional PRS transmissions, the RSU can signal to the infrastructure device that performs the detection for the identified PRS transmissions. Illustratively, the UE 102A that performs the detection can receive notifications / information according to the LTE Positioning Protocol (LPP) protocol and / or the NR Positioning Protocol (NRPP) protocol.

[0055] At block 410, the RSU / anchor 102A that performs the detection can also transmit the SL PRS configuration to the detected UE 104A, as a result of which the UE can initiate the SL Recognize the SL PRS transmission. The receiving UE may measure the SL PRS transmission and utilize a structured list of SL PRS configurations to process the SL PRS transmission information. The ordered information may also include the priority order of two or more configurations for performing the measurement, and / or one or more thresholds (based on, for example, time, signal power, signal quality, signal-to-noise ratio, and / or distance) for the UE to switch measurements between different PRS configurations along its trajectory. Further, the information may include information about SL PRS configurations that are currently inactive for the UE, such that the UE can later request it, for example, based on a change in positioning QoS requirements, based on the radio state, or when entering an RSU area where the PRS transmission is not currently active.

[0056] Exemplarily, to enable the UE to recognize and measure the SL PRS transmission that it has initiated, the RSU / network actively provides the UE with the SL PRS configuration that it has initiated, or a list of SL PRS configurations that it has initiated (e.g., belonging to different RSUs). In some embodiments, the list corresponds to a structured list with the relevant priority order between the PRS configurations measured by the UE, and / or or instructions for one or more thresholds (e.g., regarding the received SL PRS power and / or distance, etc.) that enable the UE to switch measurements to different PRS configurations, for example, along its trajectory.

[0057] Considering that the UE already knows the active SL PRS configuration, the UE can perform measurements on it / them according to the indicated priority and switch them based on the provided thresholds. In this way, additional signaling for requests, distribution, and switching off of the SL PRS configuration, which may cause additional delays, is avoided. In one embodiment, the UE may be configured with different sets of SL PRS configurations, and each set of configurations has an index. The activation / and stop of a specific SL PRS configuration from the RSU / network, as well as the request for an SL PRS configuration from the UE, can indicate the corresponding index.

[0058] Exemplarily, the infrastructure device 108 can provide this information to the UE via the RSU / anchor on the SL, for example, using the SL data payload. Alternatively, the gNB 110 or the TRP can provide this information via the DL, for example, via an RRC message (e.g., an SIB message). The provision of information can be specifically performed periodically or at the occurrence of specific conditions / events, such as when the network detects the presence of the vehicle or its positioning request. Furthermore, the information can be broadcast to all vehicles within a specific area, group-cast to a specific group of vehicles (e.g., a vehicle convoy), or unicast to a single vehicle that has requested positioning. In addition, the RSU / network can also provide an inactive SL PRS configuration to UEs to be activated in the future, for example, based on their changing positioning QoS requirements.

[0059] In determination block 412, the RSU determines whether one or more UEs are still detectable. If so, routine 400 can return to block 406. In one embodiment, start-up or stop is based at least on the presence of the UE. The presence of the UE can be checked by an RSU or other network entity with SL capabilities based on detection or reception of SL transmissions. In one embodiment, this can be easily done by detecting or measuring received SL quality and / or SL power, such as SL RSRP, signal-to-noise ratio, and / or RSSI, that exceed / fall below one or more (pre-)set thresholds. In other embodiments, the RSU / network determines the configuration of the SL PRS to be started based on further information obtained from the SL transmissions of the UE, such as by decoding received SL control or data containing V2X data (e.g., transmitted via CAM / DENM) indicating mobility information such as the speed and / or direction of the vehicle. Alternatively, in block 414, the RSU / network can further stop SL PRS transmission based on, for example, the disappearance of a vehicle due to not receiving a message between a pre-set specific timeout threshold since the previous reception of a CAM from the target UE and / or the SL RSRP and / or SL RSSI and / or signal quality falling below one or more thresholds between, for example, specific pre-set or set timeout thresholds. Routine 416 ends at block 416.

[0060] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a routine for starting and managing PRS transmission implemented by a gNB according to some embodiments of the present application. Referring to Figure 5, at block 500, a routine for actively identifying PRS transmission according to various aspects of the present application is started. This routine is executed by a network infrastructure (also called a network), such as the infrastructure device 108 of Figures 1 and 3. In some embodiments, in addition to the RSU, other networks that support the SL function A work device, for example, a positioning reference unit (PRU) of the UE type, or a UE that relays from the UE to the network, can be utilized with the same proposed features of this application. The network can pre-configure SL PRS transmission based on at least one of the following information.

[0061] In one example, the RSU / network can collect UE capability information related to SL positioning during or prior to a positioning session. While existing LPP procedures via UL / DL can be used for this purpose, the UE can also indicate its capability information via SCI, RRC, or MAC CE on SL, along with other SL transmissions such as CAMs or other V2X messages indicating a positioning request, which are more efficient from a latency perspective.

[0062] In other examples, the network can actively determine PRS transmission based on UE mobility and other SL information (embodiments), such as UE speed and / or direction indicated by SL transmissions of the UE such as CAM / DENM. From the SL transmissions of the UE, the network can obtain relevant information for setting SL PRS. For example, in the case of a high-speed vehicle, the network can set SL PRS with a high repetition rate, or transmit SL PRS on an antenna beam that matches the UE mobility parameters. Similarly, the network can determine SL PRS settings based on the reliability of the UE position information included in the CAM or other V2X messages. For example, in the case of a UE with low reliability of accuracy, the network can set a wider bandwidth SL PRS transmission for more accurate positioning.

[0063] The network can actively determine PRS transmissions based on positioning QoS requirements prior to the UE's positioning request to assist the network in determining the SL PRS configuration. For example, the network can determine PRS transmissions prior to a positioning session, such as based on the past history of any information collected and / or statistical characteristics. For example, UEs at a certain time in a certain area have similar capabilities, require similar positioning QoS, and the network can pre-configure the RSUs in this area with SL PRS that meet these conditions. Similarly, the network can provide a "default" SL PRS configuration for the RSUs in the area that enables at least approximate positioning of the UE (e.g., low accuracy if the initial position is fixed). Further, the network can actively determine PRS transmissions on demand or dynamically (e.g., during a positioning session), and such a configuration better adapts to the individual needs of the UE or changing environmental conditions. For this purpose, additional information such as specific positioning QoS requirements can be explicitly indicated to the network by the UE.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 5, at block 502, the network obtains a notification of the detection of the UE. As described above, in one embodiment, the initial RSU / anchor detects the presence of a UE (e.g., a vehicle) based on SL transmissions. Exemplarily, an RSU or other network entity can detect or receive SL transmissions. For example, RSU 102 can detect the presence of UE 104, such as by decoding a received SL control or data message. The message can be in the form of V2X data (e.g., transmitted via CAM / DENM). The message can also be in the form of measurements and / or detections of received quality and / or power on the SL, such as SL signal received power (SL RSRP), and / or received signal strength indicator (RSSI) information, that exceeds / falls below one or more thresholds for, e.g., starting / stopping an SL PRS. This / these one or more thresholds may be (pre-)configured. Further, the message can be in the form of SL control information (SCI), information in the PSFCH, MAC CE, and / or a part of the SL data payload can indicate the positioning request of the UE. Next, the RSU / anchor 102A that performs the detection can generate a notification regarding the detected UE and transmit it to infrastructure devices, core network components. Exemplarily, the UE 102A that performs the detection can transmit the notification / information according to the LTE positioning protocol (LPP) protocol and / or the NR positioning protocol (NRPP) protocol.

[0065] In block 504, network 108 identifies PRS transmission information. Exemplarily, the network can actively identify PRS transmissions. The proactive identification information of PRS transmissions may be utilized according to any number of processes. In some embodiments, the network can implement a machine learning algorithm or technique including various machine learning algorithms. Such machine learning algorithms can include machine learning algorithms that can be trained / configured according to supervised, semi-supervised, or unsupervised models. An additional feedback / penalty model can be incorporated. In block 506, the network transmits the identification information of additional RSUs 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.

[0066] In block 508, the network infrastructure may activate one or more specified additional RSUs so that the RSU starts SL PRS transmissions. In some embodiments, the network may actively determine additional SL PRS transmissions based on UE mobility and / or other SL information. For example, from the UE's SL transmissions such as CAM / DENM indicating the speed and / or direction of the UE, the network can obtain relevant information for setting the SL PRS. For example, in the case of a high-speed vehicle, the network can set the SL PRS at a high repetition rate, or the SL PRS can be transmitted on an antenna beam that matches the UE mobility parameters. Similarly, the network can determine the SL The PRS configuration may be determined. For example, in the case of a UE with low accuracy reliability, the network may set a wider bandwidth SL PRS transmission to perform positioning more accurately. In some embodiments, the network may actively determine additional PRS transmissions based on positioning QoS requirements together with a positioning request to assist the network in determining the SL PRS configuration.

[0067] In block 510, the routine ends. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of a method for managing a positioning reference signal by executing a decision tree in a network infrastructure according to some embodiments of the present application. Referring to FIG. 6, method 600 includes a step of determining whether an SL transmission has been detected (block 602). For example, whether an SL transmission can be performed by an RSU such as RSU 102A in FIG. 3 is determined based on the power of the received SL signal being greater than a pre-set threshold. The network infrastructure, such as the infrastructure device 108 in FIG. 3, may obtain a notification regarding the detected SL transmission from the RSU.

[0068] Method 600 includes a process including a step of determining whether the SL transmission has been received from a specific UE, such as at least one UE 104A in FIG. 3, in response to the determination that the SL transmission has been detected (block 604). For example, the step of determining whether the SL transmission has been received from a specific UE may be based on a determination of whether a radio network temporary identifier (RNTI) in the SL signal is the same as or includes the identification number of the specific UE.

[0069] Method 600 includes a process including a step of determining whether the SL transmission indicates mobility information of the UE in response to the determination that the SL transmission has been received from the specific UE (block 606). For example, the step of determining whether the SL transmission indicates mobility information of the UE may include a step of determining whether the SL data belongs to a CAM or DENM message.

[0070] Method 600 includes a step of stopping the SL positioning reference signal transmission (block 608) or a step of activating a default SL PRS setting (block 610) in response to a determination that no SL transmission is detected. For example, the step of activating the default SL PRS setting may be based on a setting identification number.

[0071] Method 600 includes a step of activating a default SL PRS configuration (block 610) or a step of activating a UE type-specific SL PRS (block 612) in response to a determination that no SL transmission is received from a specific UE. For example, the UE type-specific SL positioning reference signal may include an SL PRS for a pedestrian UE, an SL PRS for a vehicle UE, and the like.

[0072] Method 600 includes a step of activating a default SL PRS setting (610), a step of determining the speed of the UE, a step of determining the direction of the UE, and a step of determining the UE position reliability of the UE in response to a determination that the SL transmission does not indicate the mobility information of the UE. For example, the step of determining the speed of the UE may include a step of determining whether the speed is greater than a predetermined minimum speed of the UE and / or less than a predetermined maximum speed of the UE. The step of determining the direction of the UE may include a step of determining the moving direction of the UE, such as west or east. The step of determining the UE position reliability of the UE may include a step of determining whether the position reliability of the UE is greater than a predetermined minimum reliability and / or less than a predetermined maximum reliability.

[0073] Method 600 includes a step of activating the SL PRS at a period suitable for the speed of the UE (block 620) or a step of activating the SL PRS of a plurality of anchor components on the predicted trajectory of the UE at a plurality of time instances calculated by the estimated UE arrival time at the antenna coverage boundary (block 626) in response to the determination of the speed of the UE.

[0074] Method 600 includes a step (block 622) of activating the SL PRS on an antenna beam that matches the direction of the UE according to the determination of the direction of the UE, or a step (block 626) of activating the SL PRS of a plurality of anchor components on the predicted trajectory of the UE at a plurality of time instances calculated by the estimated UE arrival time at the antenna coverage boundary.

[0075] Method 600 includes a step (block 624) of activating the SL PRS with a bandwidth that matches the UE position accuracy according to the determination of the UE position reliability of the UE, or a step (block 626) of activating the SL PRS of a plurality of anchor components on the predicted trajectory of the UE at a plurality of time instances calculated by the estimated UE arrival time at the antenna coverage boundary.

[0076] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of a method 700 for managing positioning reference signals by machine learning in a network infrastructure to predict SL PRS according to some embodiments of the present application. Referring to FIG. 7, a network infrastructure such as the infrastructure device 108 in FIG. 3 uses, for example, a machine learning method that takes information collected from the SL transmission of the UE as input to predict parameters of SL PRS settings such as bandwidth, periodicity, power, directivity, etc. In some embodiments, the machine learning model may be a multi-layer model such as a deep neural network. The input to the neural network may include at least one of the position of the RSU, SL RSRP, SL CBR, UE type, the latest position of the UE, the speed of the UE, the path history of the UE, the direction of the UE, or the UE position reliability. However, it is not limited thereto. Further, in some embodiments, a cost function or a reward function, for example, can perform accurate SL positioning.

[0077] FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a method 800 for managing ranging reference signals using a long short-term memory (LSTM) neural network in a network infrastructure to predict the following SL ranging anchors and / or SL PRS settings according to some embodiments of the present application. Referring to FIG. 8, a network infrastructure such as the infrastructure device 108 of FIG. 3 predicts the next RSU and / or SL PRS settings to be activated based on at least one of SL transmission information, past and current serving RSUs, or past and current active SL PRS settings as inputs to the LSTM neural network. The LSTM neural network may be optimized to process sequences of data. In this embodiment, the input may correspond to currently active SL ranging information including information transmitted from the UE, historical information related to the RSU settings, and previous PRS transmission settings. Further, in some embodiments, a training cost function or a reward function, such as SL ranging accuracy, can be implemented.

[0078] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an example of a method 900 for managing positioning reference signals using a deep neural network in a network infrastructure to predict the order of SL PRS settings belonging to different RSUs according to some embodiments of the present application. Referring to FIG. 9, a network infrastructure such as the infrastructure device 108 in FIG. 3 uses a machine learning model such as a deep neural network to determine the priority order of SL PRS settings activated by different RSUs measured by a UE. The input to the deep neural network may include at least one of a list of RSUs, SL PRS settings, other environmental and UE information, the rough position of the UE, the height and length of the UE, or other information from the SL transmission (e.g., the speed of the UE). The positions of the RSUs, their SL PRS settings, and the SL RSRP received from the UE may be provided to the deep neural network as a matrix of a set of RSUs. Further, in some embodiments, a training cost function or a reward function, such as SL positioning accuracy, can be implemented.

[0079] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of a method 1000 for managing positioning reference signals using a deep neural network in a network infrastructure to predict a threshold for a UE to switch between different SL PRS settings belonging to different RSUs according to some embodiments of the present application. Referring to FIG. 10, a network infrastructure such as the infrastructure device 108 in FIG. 3 uses a machine learning model such as a deep neural network regression method to determine an SL RSRP threshold. The input to the deep neural network may include at least one of the position of the RSU, the rough position of the UE, the height and length of the UE, or other information from the SL transmission. The prediction can be made using information regarding the environment and UE characteristics / attributes, and mobility information of the UE obtained via SL transmissions such as CAM. Further, in some embodiments, a training cost function or a reward function, such as SL positioning accuracy, can be implemented.

[0080] <Use cases and applications> For example, UEs for vehicles at a specific time within a specific area have similar capabilities, require similar positioning QoS, and the network can pre-configure the RSUs within this area with SL PRS that meets these conditions. Similarly, the network can provide a "default" SL PRS configuration for the RSUs within the area that enables at least approximate positioning of the UEs (for example, with low accuracy if the initial position is fixed). Such an approach is beneficial in specific areas that are not covered by GNSS or gNB, such as road tunnels or underground parking spaces where all vehicle UEs need to be positioned, and SL anchors such as RSUs will be utilized for this purpose. To collect relevant information from the UEs for setting SL PRS transmissions, an RSU / anchor or network entity with SL capabilities can detect or receive the SL transmissions of the UEs to be positioned. From the SL transmissions of the UEs on the transmitting side, including CAM / DENM indicating the speed, direction, etc. of the UEs, the network can obtain relevant information for setting SL PRS.

[0081] For example, in the case of high-speed vehicles (e.g., the speed indicated by CAM), the network can determine the SL PRS configuration with a high repetition rate, or the SL PRS can be transmitted on an antenna beam that matches UE mobility parameters such as direction (e.g., indicated by CAM).

[0082] Similarly, the network may determine the SL PRS configuration based on the reliability of the UE's location information (e.g., included in the CAM). For example, for a UE indicating low reliability of accuracy, the network may set a wider bandwidth SL PRS transmission for more accurate positioning.

[0083] The network can determine a plurality of SL PRS configurations associated with a plurality of RSUs along the trajectory of the UE. For this purpose, the network provides a priority for the UE to measure and such configurations each associated therewith. In this way, the UE measures different SL PRS transmissions from different RSUs with respect to the indicated priority, such as those closer to itself, thus avoiding unnecessary detection and decoding procedures on the SL, and saving processing and power overhead.

[0084] Furthermore, the network can provide one or more thresholds for adjusting the UE to switch measurements between different SL PRS configurations transmitted by different RSUs along its path (e.g., based on the SL received power and / or SL received signal quality from the RSUs).

[0085] The network can determine the priority of SL PRS measurements and related thresholds based on the mobility of the UE and / or the characteristics of the UE (e.g., height / length information obtained via CAM or other V2X messages).

[0086] The network can determine the configuration of SL PRS transmissions beforehand, or independently of any positioning session, and also on demand or dynamically (e.g., during a positioning session). On-demand dynamic configuration better adapts to the individual needs of the UE or changing environmental conditions. However, for this purpose, additional information such as specific positioning QoS requirements needs to be explicitly indicated to the network by the UE. This approach may better match the positioning needs, but the additional signaling due to requests and coordination between network nodes to configure and activate new SL PRS configurations results in additional signaling, latency, and SL resource consumption.

[0087] It is possible to use any combination of any of the embodiments (two or more) described in this disclosure. It is possible. This combination can utilize logical "or" and / or "exclusive or" between any embodiments.

[0088] Although examples of 5G NR are used in this disclosure, other radio access technologies or networks such as LTE or 3GPP 6G are also possible. Other systems such as IEEE802.11 and its derivatives, Wi-Fi, WiMAX are also possible.

[0089] Appendix 1 A method for managing positioning reference signals in sidelink communication, comprising: obtaining, by a network infrastructure, from an anchor component, a notification regarding the presence of at least one user equipment (UE) in sidelink communication; determining at least one additional anchor component based on the notification; transmitting information regarding the identified at least one additional anchor component to the at least one UE; A method comprising the above.

[0090] Appendix 2 The method according to Appendix 1, further comprising activating the at least one additional anchor component so that the at least one additional anchor component transmits a positioning reference signal to the at least one UE. The method according to Appendix 1.

[0091] Appendix 3 The method according to Appendix 1, further comprising transmitting information regarding the identified at least one additional anchor component to the anchor component so that the anchor component activates the at least one additional anchor component. The method according to Appendix 1.

[0092] Appendix 4 Determining the at least one additional anchor component based on the notification includes executing a decision tree in a network infrastructure. The method according to Appendix 1.

[0093] Appendix 5 Executing the decision tree includes determining whether sidelink transmission is detected, the method according to Appendix 4.

[0094] Appendix 6 Determining whether sidelink transmission is detected is based on the received power of the sidelink signal being greater than a pre-set threshold, the method according to Appendix 5.

[0095] Appendix 7 Further including determining whether the sidelink transmission is received from the at least one UE in response to the determination that the sidelink transmission is detected, the method according to Appendix 5.

[0096] Appendix 8 Determining whether the sidelink transmission is received from the at least one UE is based on determining whether the radio network temporary identifier (RNTI) in the sidelink signal includes the identification number of the at least one UE, the method according to Appendix 7.

[0097] Appendix 9 Further including determining whether the sidelink transmission indicates mobility information of the at least one UE in response to the determination that the sidelink transmission is received from the at least one UE, the method according to Appendix 7.

[0098] Appendix 10 Determining whether the sidelink transmission indicates mobility information of the at least one UE includes determining whether the sidelink data belongs to a cooperative awareness message (CAM), a decentralized environmental notification message (DENM), or other V2X messages, the method according to Appendix 9.

[0099] Appendix 11 Further including determining that the sidelink communication is not detected, and in response to the determination that the sidelink transmission is not detected, the method Stopping the transmission of the sidelink positioning reference signal, or Activating the default sidelink positioning reference signal setting, further comprising at least one of: The method according to appendix 5.

[0100] Appendix 12 further comprising determining that the sidelink transmission is not received from the at least one UE, and in response to the determination that the sidelink transmission is not received from the at least one UE, the method Activating the default sidelink positioning reference signal setting, or Activating the sidelink positioning reference signal specific to the UE type, further comprising at least one of: The method according to appendix 7.

[0101] Appendix 13 further comprising determining that the sidelink transmission does not indicate the mobility information of the at least one UE, and in response to the determination that the sidelink transmission does not indicate the mobility information of the at least one UE, the method Activating the default sidelink positioning reference signal setting and Determining the speed of the at least one UE and Determining the direction of the at least one UE and Determining the reliability of the UE position of the at least one UE and further comprising: The method according to appendix 9.

[0102] Appendix 14 in response to the determination of the speed of the at least one UE, Activating the sidelink positioning reference signal having a periodicity matching the speed of the at least one UE, or Activating the sidelink positioning reference signal of a plurality of anchor components on the predicted trajectory of the at least one UE at a plurality of time instances calculated by the estimated UE arrival time at the antenna coverage boundary, further comprising the method according to Appendix 13.

[0103] Appendix 15 According to the determination of the direction of the at least one UE, activating a sidelink positioning reference signal on an antenna beam that matches the direction of the at least one UE, or activating sidelink positioning reference signals of a plurality of anchor components on a predicted trajectory of the at least one UE at a plurality of time instances calculated by an estimated UE arrival time at an antenna coverage boundary, further comprising the method according to Appendix 13.

[0104] Appendix 16 According to the determination of the reliability of the UE position of the at least one UE, activating a sidelink positioning reference signal with a bandwidth that matches the UE position accuracy, or activating sidelink positioning reference signals of a plurality of anchor components on a predicted trajectory of the at least one UE at a plurality of time instances calculated by an estimated UE arrival time at an antenna coverage boundary, further comprising the method according to Appendix 13.

[0105] Appendix 17 Determining the at least one additional anchor component based on the notification includes executing a machine learning model in a network infrastructure, the method according to Appendix 1.

[0106] Appendix 18 The machine learning model includes a deep neural network, the method according to Appendix 17.

[0107] Appendix 19 The machine learning model includes a long short-term memory (LSTM) neural network, the method according to Appendix 17.

[0108] Apparatus for wireless communication comprising: A memory for storing instructions; Executing instructions stored in said memory; Obtaining notification from an anchor component regarding the presence of at least one user equipment (UE); determining the at least one additional anchor component based on the notification; and transmitting information regarding the identified at least one additional anchor component to at least one UE; A processor executing An apparatus comprising:

[0109] Addendum 21: The processor, and further performing: activating the at least one additional anchor component such that the at least one additional anchor component transmits a position reference signal to at least one UE. 21. The apparatus of claim 20.

[0110] Addendum 22: The processor, and transmitting the information about the identified at least one additional anchor component to the anchor component such that the anchor component activates the at least one additional anchor component. 21. The apparatus of claim 20.

[0111] 23. The method of claim 1, wherein determining the at least one additional anchor component based on the notification comprises executing a decision tree on the device. 21. The apparatus of claim 20.

[0112] 24. The method for managing positioning reference signals in sidelink communications is carried out 1. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions executable by one or more processors of an apparatus for performing a method comprising: Obtaining, from an anchor component, a notification regarding the presence of at least one user equipment (UE) in sidelink communication; Determining the at least one additional anchor component based on the notification; Transmitting information regarding the identified at least one additional anchor component to the at least one UE; A non - transitory computer - readable medium comprising the above.

[0113] It should be understood that, according to any particular embodiment described herein, not all objectives or advantages may necessarily be achieved. 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 group of advantages taught herein without necessarily achieving other objectives or advantages that may be taught or suggested herein. All of the processes described herein can be fully automated via software code modules that include 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 may be stored on any type of non - transitory computer - readable medium or other computer storage device. Some or all of the methods may also be implemented in dedicated computer hardware.

[0114] Many other variations beyond those described herein will be apparent from the present 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 are necessary to the implementation of the algorithm). Furthermore, in certain embodiments, operations or events may be performed simultaneously rather than sequentially, e.g., via multi-threaded processing, 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.

[0115] 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.

[0116] The processor can be a microprocessor. However, in an alternative example, the processor can be a controller, a microcontroller, or a state machine, or a combination thereof, etc. The processor can include an electric circuit configured to process computer-executable instructions. In other embodiments, the processor includes an FPGA or other programmable device that executes logical operations without processing computer-executable instructions. The processor can also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, for example, a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors combined with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. Although mainly described herein with respect to digital technologies, the processor can mainly include analog components. The computing environment can include, by way of example and without limitation, any type of computer system based on a microprocessor, a mainframe computer, a digital signal processor, a portable computing device, a device controller, or a computer system based on a computing engine within a device, etc.

[0117] In particular, conditional language such as "can", "could", "might", or "may" is generally understood in other contexts as being used to convey that a particular embodiment includes a particular feature, element, and / or step, while other embodiments do not, unless otherwise specified. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to mean that a feature, element, and / or step is required in any way in one or more embodiments, or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for determining whether these features, elements, and / or steps are included in, or should be performed in, any particular embodiment, regardless of user input or prompt.

[0118] Disjunctive language such as "at least one of X, Y, or Z," unless otherwise specified, is generally understood in the context in which it is used to indicate that an item, term, etc. can be any of X, Y, or Z, or any combination thereof (e.g., X, Y, and / or Z). Thus, such disjunctive language is not generally intended to, and should not, mean that at least one of X, at least one of Y, or at least one of Z is required for each particular embodiment to exist.

[0119] Any process description, element, or block in a flow diagram described herein and / or shown in the accompanying drawings should be understood to potentially represent 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. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, alternative embodiments may be included within the scope of the embodiments described herein in which elements or functions may be deleted, executed, or described in an order different from the illustrated or described order, including substantially simultaneously or in the reverse order, depending on the functions involved.

[0120] Unless otherwise specified, articles such as "a" or "an" should generally be interpreted to include one or more of the items described. Thus, phrases such as "a device configured to" are intended to include one or more of the devices recited. Such one or more recited devices may also be configured collectively to perform the recited enumeration. For example, "a processor configured to perform enumerations A, B, and C" can include a first processor configured to perform enumeration A that operates in conjunction with a second processor configured to perform enumerations B and C.

[0121] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 335,648, filed Apr. 27, 2022, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, and entitled "PROACTIVE CONFIGURATION AND ACTIVATION OF PRS BASED ON SIDELINK INFORMATION".

Claims

1. A method for managing positioning reference signals in sidelink communication, The network infrastructure Obtaining notification from the anchor component regarding the presence of at least one user device (UE) in the sidelink communication, Based on the aforementioned notification, determine at least one additional anchor component, Transmitting information regarding the at least one additional anchor component determined above to the at least one UE, Methods that include...

2. The at least one additional anchor component is activated such that it transmits a positioning reference signal to the at least one UE. The method according to claim 1.

3. The information regarding the determined at least one additional anchor component is provided to the anchor component so that the anchor component activates the at least one additional anchor component. Further including sending to car components, The method according to claim 1.

4. Determining the at least one additional anchor component based on the aforementioned notification involves running a decision tree in the network infrastructure. The method according to claim 1.

5. Executing the aforementioned decision tree includes determining whether a sidelink transmission has been detected. The method according to claim 4.

6. Determining whether a sidelink transmission has been detected is based on the power of the received sidelink signal being greater than a pre-set threshold. The method according to claim 5.

7. In response to the determination that the sidelink transmission has been detected, the further includes determining whether the sidelink transmission has been received from at least one UE. The method according to claim 5.

8. Determining whether the sidelink transmission was received by the at least one UE is based on determining whether the Radio Network Temporary Identifier (RNTI) in the sidelink signal contains the identification number of the at least one UE. The method according to claim 7.

9. In response to the determination that the sidelink transmission has been received from the at least one UE, the further includes determining whether the sidelink transmission indicates mobility information of the at least one UE. The method according to claim 7.

10. Determining whether the sidelink transmission indicates mobility information of at least one UE includes determining whether the sidelink data belongs to a Cooperative Recognition Message (CAM), a Decentralized Environment Notification Message (DENM), or another V2X message. The method according to claim 9.

11. The method further includes determining that the sidelink communication is not detected, and in response to the determination that the sidelink transmission is not detected, Stopping the transmission of the sidelink positioning reference signal, or Activate the default sidelink positioning reference signal settings. Further including at least one of the following: The method according to claim 5.

12. The method further includes determining that the sidelink transmission is not received by the at least one UE, and in response to the determination that the sidelink transmission is not received by the at least one UE, To activate the default sidelink positioning reference signal settings, or To activate the UE-type specific side-link positioning reference signal, Further including at least one of the following: The method according to claim 7.

13. The method further includes determining that the sidelink transmission does not indicate mobility information of the at least one UE, and in response to the determination that the sidelink transmission does not indicate mobility information of the at least one UE, This activates the default sidelink positioning reference signal settings, Determining the speed of at least one UE, Determining the direction of at least one UE, To determine the confidence level of the UE location of at least one UE, Further including, The method according to claim 9.

14. Depending on the determination of the speed of the at least one UE, To activate a sidelink positioning reference signal having a periodicity that matches the speed of at least one UE, or Activating sidelink positioning reference signals of multiple anchor components on the predicted trajectory of at least one UE on multiple time instances calculated by the estimated UE arrival time at the antenna coverage boundary, Further including, The method according to claim 13.

15. Depending on the determination of the direction of the at least one UE, Activating a sidelink positioning reference signal on an antenna beam matching the direction of at least one UE, or Activating sidelink positioning reference signals of multiple anchor components on the predicted trajectory of at least one UE on multiple time instances calculated by the estimated UE arrival time at the antenna coverage boundary, Further including, The method according to claim 13.

16. Depending on the determination of the reliability of the location of the UE of the at least one UE, Activate a sidelink positioning reference signal with a bandwidth matching the UE position accuracy, or Activating sidelink positioning reference signals of multiple anchor components on the predicted trajectory of at least one UE on multiple time instances calculated by the estimated UE arrival time at the antenna coverage boundary, Further including, The method according to claim 13.

17. Determining the at least one additional anchor component based on the aforementioned notification includes running a machine learning model in the network infrastructure. The method according to claim 1.

18. The aforementioned machine learning model includes a deep neural network, The method according to claim 17.

19. The aforementioned machine learning model includes a long-term short-term memory (LSTM) neural network. The method according to claim 17.

20. A device for wireless communication, Memory for storing instructions, Execute the instruction stored in the memory, Obtaining notification from the anchor component regarding the presence of at least one user device (UE), Based on the aforementioned notification, determine at least one additional anchor component, Transmitting information regarding the at least one additional anchor component determined above to the at least one UE, A processor that executes, A device that includes this.

21. The processor further performs the action of activating the at least one additional anchor component so that the at least one additional anchor component transmits a positioning reference signal to the at least one UE. The apparatus according to claim 20.

22. The processor further transmits the information relating to the determined at least one additional anchor component to the anchor component so that the anchor component activates the at least one additional anchor component. The apparatus according to claim 20.

23. Determining the at least one additional anchor component based on the aforementioned notification includes running a decision tree in the apparatus. The apparatus according to claim 20.

24. A non-temporary computer-readable medium for storing instructions executable by one or more processors of a device for performing a method for managing positioning reference signals in sidelink communication, wherein the method is: Obtaining notification from the anchor component regarding the presence of at least one user device (UE) in the sidelink communication, Based on the aforementioned notification, determine at least one additional anchor component, Transmitting information regarding the at least one additional anchor component determined above to the at least one UE, Non-temporary computer-readable media, including [specific examples of such media].

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