Device Discovery and Positioning

Abstract

A system, method, apparatus, and computer program product for passive Internet of Things (IoT) discovery and positioning. The method may include acquiring, by a first device, a configuration for transmitting a first signal to discover a tag and a configuration for selecting a transmitter device for transmitting a second signal to position the tag. The method may also include transmitting the first signal. The method may further include acquiring information regarding reception of a tag response signal to the first signal. In addition, the method may further include selecting a transmitter device for transmitting the second signal based on the acquired information. Furthermore, the method may further include selecting a reader device for the tag response signal to the second signal.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Some exemplary embodiments may relate generally to mobile or wireless telecommunications systems, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) or fifth generation (5G) new radio (NR) access technologies, or 5G beyond, or other communications systems. For example, certain exemplary embodiments may relate to apparatus, systems, and / or methods for discovery and positioning. [Background technology]

[0002] Examples of mobile or wireless telecommunications systems may include Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN), LTE Evolved UTRAN (E-UTRAN), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), MultiFire, LTE-A Pro, and / or fifth-generation (5G) radio access technology or NR access technology. 5G wireless systems refer to next-generation (NG) radio systems and network architectures. 5G network technology is largely based on new radio (NR) technology, but 5G (or NG) networks can also be built on E-UTRAN radios. It is estimated that NR can provide bit rates of 10-20 Gbit / s or more and can support at least enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra-reliable low-latency communications (URLLC), and massive machine-type communications (mMTC). NR is expected to deliver extremely wideband, ultra-robust, low-latency connectivity, and large-scale networking to support the IoT. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0003] Some example embodiments may be directed to a method. The method may include acquiring, by a first device, a configuration for transmitting a first signal to discover a tag and a configuration for selecting a transmitter device for transmitting a second signal to position the tag. The method may also include transmitting the first signal. The method may further include acquiring information regarding reception of a tag response signal to the first signal, the information including information regarding reception of the tag response signal by at least one second device. In addition, the method may further include selecting a transmitter device for transmitting the second signal based on the acquired information. Furthermore, the method may further include selecting at least one reader device for the tag response signal to the second signal.

[0004] Another exemplary embodiment may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code may also be configured, by the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to acquire a configuration for transmitting a first signal to discover a tag and a configuration for selecting a transmitter device for transmitting a second signal to position the tag. The apparatus may also be configured to transmit the first signal. The apparatus may further be configured to acquire information regarding reception of a tag response signal to the first signal, the information including information regarding reception of the tag response signal by at least one second device. Additionally, the apparatus may be configured to select a transmitter device for transmitting the second signal based on the acquired information. Furthermore, the apparatus may be configured to select at least one reader device for the tag response signal to the second signal.

[0005] Another exemplary embodiment may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include means for acquiring a configuration for transmitting a first signal to discover a tag and a configuration for selecting a transmitter device for transmitting a second signal to position the tag. The apparatus may also include means for transmitting the first signal. The apparatus may further include means for acquiring information regarding reception of a tag response signal to the first signal, the information including information regarding reception of the tag response signal by at least one second device. In addition, the apparatus may include means for selecting a transmitter device for transmitting the second signal based on the acquired information. Further, the apparatus may include means for selecting at least one reader device for the tag response signal to the second signal.

[0006] According to another exemplary embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable medium may be encoded with instructions that, when executed in hardware, may perform a method. The method may include acquiring, by a first device, a configuration for transmitting a first signal to discover a tag and a configuration for selecting a transmitter device for transmitting a second signal to position the tag. The method may also include transmitting the first signal. The method may further include acquiring information regarding reception of a tag response signal to the first signal, the information including information regarding reception of the tag response signal by at least one second device. In addition, the method may include selecting a transmitter device for transmitting the second signal based on the acquired information. Further, the method may include selecting at least one reader device for the tag response signal to the second signal.

[0007] Another exemplary embodiment may be directed to a computer program product for performing a method. The method may include acquiring, by a first device, a configuration for transmitting a first signal to discover a tag and a configuration for selecting a transmitter device for transmitting a second signal to position the tag. The method may also include transmitting the first signal. The method may further include acquiring information regarding reception of a tag response signal to the first signal, the information including information regarding reception of the tag response signal by at least one second device. In addition, the method may include selecting a transmitter device for transmitting the second signal based on the acquired information. Further, the method may include selecting at least one reader device for the tag response signal to the second signal.

[0008] Another exemplary embodiment may be directed to an apparatus that may include a circuit configured to acquire a configuration for transmitting a first signal to discover a tag and a configuration for selecting a transmitter device for transmitting a second signal to position the tag. The apparatus may also include a circuit configured to transmit the first signal. The apparatus may include a circuit configured to acquire information regarding reception of a tag response signal to the first signal, the information including information regarding reception of the tag response signal by at least one second device. In addition, the apparatus may include a circuit configured to select a transmitter device for transmitting the second signal based on the acquired information. Further, the apparatus may include a circuit configured to select at least one reader device for the tag response signal to the second signal.

[0009] Certain exemplary embodiments may be directed to a method. The method may include receiving a configuration from a network element, the configuration including settings for reporting discovery measurements to a first device. The method may also include listening for tags based on the configuration. The method may further include sending a measurement report to the first device based on the listening. According to certain exemplary embodiments, the measurement report may include information regarding tag power or a binary indicator associated with the tag.

[0010] Another exemplary embodiment may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured by the at least one processor to cause the apparatus to receive a configuration from a network element, the configuration including settings for reporting discovery measurements to a first device. The apparatus may also be configured to listen for tags based on the configuration. The apparatus may further be configured to send a measurement report to the first device based on the listening. According to certain exemplary embodiments, the measurement report may include information regarding tag power or a binary indicator associated with the tag.

[0011] Another example embodiment may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include means for receiving a configuration from a network element, the configuration including settings for reporting discovery measurements to a first device. The apparatus may also include means for listening for tags based on the configuration. The apparatus may include means for transmitting a measurement report to the first device based on the listening. According to certain example embodiments, the measurement report may include information regarding tag power or a binary indicator associated with the tag.

[0012] According to other example embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readable medium may be encoded with instructions that, when executed in hardware, may perform a method. The method may include receiving a configuration from a network element, the configuration including settings for reporting discovery measurements to a first device. The method may also include listening for tags based on the configuration. The method may further include sending a measurement report to the first device based on the listening. According to certain example embodiments, the measurement report may include information regarding tag power or a binary indicator associated with the tag.

[0013] Another example embodiment may be directed to a computer program product performing a method. The method may include receiving a configuration from a network element, the configuration including settings for reporting discovery measurements to a first device. The method may also include listening for tags based on the configuration. The method may further include sending a measurement report to the first device based on the listening. According to certain example embodiments, the measurement report may include information regarding tag power or a binary indicator associated with the tag.

[0014] Other exemplary embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that may include circuitry configured to receive a configuration from a network element, the configuration including settings for reporting discovery measurements to a first device. The apparatus may also include circuitry configured to listen for tags based on the configuration. The apparatus may further include circuitry configured to send a measurement report to the first device based on the listening. According to certain exemplary embodiments, the measurement report may include information regarding tag power or a binary indicator associated with the tag.

[0015] Certain exemplary embodiments may be directed to a method. The method may include receiving a configuration from a network element, the configuration including settings for reporting discovery measurements to a first device. The method may also include triggering discovery of tags by configuring the first device with the first configuration as a discovery activator to configure a wake-up signal. The method may also include triggering a location session by configuring the first device with settings for selecting a location activator and a location reader. The method may further include configuring a second device and at least one other device as a set of discovery readers to report discovery measurements to the first device.

[0016] Another exemplary embodiment may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory containing computer program code. The at least one memory and computer program code may be configured, by the at least one processor, to at least cause the apparatus to trigger discovery of tags by configuring a first device in a first configuration as a discovery activator to configure a wake-up signal. The apparatus may also be adapted to trigger a location session by configuring the first device with settings for selecting a location activator and a location reader. The apparatus may further be adapted to configure a second device and at least one other device as a set of discovery readers to report discovery measurements to the first device.

[0017] Another exemplary embodiment may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may also include means for triggering discovery of tags by configuring a first device in a first configuration as a discovery activator to configure a wake-up signal. The apparatus may also include means for triggering a location session by configuring the first device with settings for selecting a location activator and a location reader. The apparatus may further include means for configuring a second device and at least one other device as a set of discovery readers to report discovery measurements to the first device.

[0018] According to another exemplary embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable medium may be encoded with instructions that, when executed in hardware, may perform a method. The method may include receiving a configuration from a network element, the configuration including settings for reporting discovery measurements to a first device. The method may also include triggering discovery of tags by configuring the first device with the first configuration as a discovery activator to configure a wake-up signal. The method may also include triggering a location session by configuring the first device with settings for selecting a location activator and a location reader. The method may further include configuring a second device and at least one other device as a set of discovery readers to report discovery measurements to the first device.

[0019] Another example embodiment may be directed to a computer program product performing a method. The method may include receiving a configuration from a network element, the configuration including settings for reporting discovery measurements to a first device. The method may also include triggering discovery of tags by configuring the first device with the first configuration as a discovery activator to configure a wake-up signal. The method may also include triggering a location session by configuring the first device with settings for selecting a location activator and a location reader. The method may further include configuring a second device and at least one other device as a set of discovery readers to report discovery measurements to the first device.

[0020] Another exemplary embodiment may be directed to an apparatus that may include circuitry configured to trigger discovery of tags by configuring a first device in a first configuration as a discovery activator to configure a wake-up signal. The apparatus may also include circuitry configured to trigger a location session by configuring the first device with settings to select a location activator and a location reader. The apparatus may further include circuitry configured to configure a second device and at least one other device as a set of discovery readers to report discovery measurements to the first device.

[0021] For a proper understanding of the exemplary embodiments, please refer to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary tag detection and location procedure in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary signal diagram in accordance with certain illustrative embodiments. [Figure 3] 1 is an exemplary flow diagram of a method in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments. [Figure 4] 10 is an exemplary flow diagram of another method in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments. [Figure 5] 10 is an exemplary flow diagram of a further method according to certain exemplary embodiments. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 illustrates a set of devices in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] It will be readily understood that the components of certain illustrative embodiments, as generally described and illustrated in the Figures herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Following are detailed descriptions of several illustrative embodiments of systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for discovery and positioning. For example, certain illustrative embodiments may be directed to return time indication for network (NW) switching for passive Internet of Things (IoT) discovery and positioning.

[0024] The features, structures, or characteristics of the exemplary embodiments described throughout this specification may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more exemplary embodiments. For example, the use of the phrases “particular embodiment,” “exemplary embodiment,” “some embodiments,” “other embodiments,” or other similar phrases throughout this specification indicates that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearance of “particular embodiment,” “in an exemplary embodiment,” “some embodiments,” “another embodiment,” or other similar phrases throughout this specification do not necessarily refer to the same group of embodiments, and the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more exemplary embodiments. Furthermore, the terms “cell,” “node,” “gNB,” “network,” or other similar phrases throughout this specification may be used interchangeably. Additionally, the terms “tag localization” and “localization” may refer to locating a tag.

[0025] As used herein, "at least one of: " and "at least one of " and similar phrases, when a list of two or more elements is joined by "and" or "or", mean at least any one of the elements, or at least any two or more of the elements, or at least all of the elements.

[0026] The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) technical specifications specify narrowband (NB) IoT / enhanced machine-type communication (eMTC) and NR reduced capability (RedCap) to meet the requirements for low-cost and low-power devices for wide-area IoT communications. These IoT devices may consume tens or hundreds of milliwatts of power when transmitting and receiving, while still maintaining low cost. However, achieving the Internet of Everything may require IoT devices with 10 or even 100 times lower cost and power consumption, especially for many applications that may require batteryless devices.

[0027] In recent years, the number of IoT connections has grown rapidly. As more and more "things" are expected to be interconnected to improve production efficiency and increase living comfort, there may be a demand for further reduction in the size, cost, and power consumption of IoT devices. For example, regular replacement of batteries for IoT devices may be impractical due to significant consumption of materials and manpower. There is also a trend to use energy harvested from the environment to power IoT devices for autonomous communication. This may be especially true for applications with large numbers of devices (e.g., ID tags and sensors).

[0028] A challenge for existing 3GPP technologies for certain target use cases may be their ability to work with energy harvesting given the limited device size. Cellular devices may consume tens or hundreds of milliwatts of power for transmission, reception, and processing. Taking an NB-IoT module as an example, typical current consumption for receive processing may be approximately 60 mA at a supply voltage higher than 3.1 V, while 70 mA may be required for transmit processing at 0 dBm transmit power. The output power provided by a typical energy harvester may be less than 1 milliwatt, given the small size of practical devices, a few cubic centimeters. Powering a cellular device with energy harvesting may be impractical because the available power is significantly less than the power consumed.

[0029] A possible solution to the problems described above may be to integrate energy harvesting with a rechargeable battery or a supercapacitor. However, some problems may still exist. For example, both rechargeable batteries and supercapacitors may suffer from a shortened lifespan because it may be difficult to provide a constant charging current or voltage through energy harvesting, while long periods of continuous charging may be required due to the small output power from the energy harvester. Both inconsistent charging current and long periods of continuous charging may be detrimental to battery life. In particular, for supercapacitors, their lifespan may be significantly reduced in high-temperature environments (e.g., less than 3 years at 50°C).

[0030] Another problem may result from device size, which may increase significantly. Because a small-sized button battery may only be able to provide a current of tens of milliamps, a much larger-sized battery (e.g., an AA battery) may be used to power the cellular device, the size of which may be even larger than the module itself. To store energy for a suitable operating time (e.g., 1 second), the required capacity of the supercapacitor may be on the order of 100 millifarads. Additionally, the size of such a supercapacitor may be larger than the NB-IoT module.

[0031] A further problem is that both the rechargeable battery and the supercapacitor can be more expensive than the module itself: even when purchased in bulk, the cost of a suitable battery or supercapacitor can reach one or several dollars, which is almost twice the cost of the device itself.

[0032] In light of the above, certain non-3GPP technologies exist that can help solve such problems. For example, radio frequency identification (RFID) technology can support battery-less tags (e.g., devices). The power consumption of commercially available passive RFID tags can be as low as 1 microwatt. Key technologies that enable such low power consumption can include envelope detection for downlink (DL) data reception and backscatter communication for uplink (UL) data transmission. RFID can be designed for short-range communications, with a typical effective range of less than 10 meters. Because the RFID air interface has essentially remained unchanged since 2005, simplistic transmission schemes hinder its ability to improve link budgets and support scalable networks.

[0033] 3GPP provides some passive IoT solutions in 5G NR. However, due to certain use cases and requirements, different companies have proposed a vast number of different options for both NR-based IoT use cases and requirements. Therefore, a basic solution for NR-based passive IoT may still need to be developed. To support and integrate passive IoT within the 5G NR network infrastructure, the network may need to identify the coarse location (i.e., approximate location) of the tag because there are no active elements on the tag and therefore no means for the tag to make itself visible or hear.

[0034] Discovering passive IoT devices can be difficult due to the inherent nature of passive radios. In particular, passive radios may not have a power source, may be mobile, and may hear other radios in close proximity to themselves (e.g., within a 5-10 meter radius in most cases). Furthermore, the mobility and behavior of passive IoT devices (i.e., how much data they have collected) may be transparent to the NR network. Due to such limitations, the NR network may not apply typical NR UE paging behavior, and alternatives may need to be defined.

[0035] In some cases, an NR NW may discover a tag if the tag listens for a wake-up signal that is large enough so that the tag can sufficiently charge and so that the tag can generate an "I am here" response that is large enough to be heard by another nearby NW element (e.g., a gNB, a roadside unit (RSU), a UE, etc.). In light of the above, certain example embodiments may address various problems exhibited by passive IoT devices in 5G NR networks, including, for example, problems associated with time- and spectrum-efficient discovery and positioning of such passive IoT devices.

[0036] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary tag detection and location procedure according to certain exemplary embodiments. As shown in FIG. 1, certain exemplary embodiments may provide a framework for resource optimization for discovery and subsequent location of passive devices, such as tags. For example, the framework of certain exemplary embodiments may include steps for tag discovery, which may be performed by an activator selected by the NW, such as a discovery-activator (DA). As illustrated in FIG. 1, the NW may select and configure UE1 as the DA and coordinator and UE2 as a discovery reader (DR). The DA may trigger tag discovery using a small-bandwidth, coarse-resolution, short activation signal (CRAS). The DA may sometimes be referred to as a transmitter device for transmitting a first signal (or CRAS) for discovery of tag(s). Additionally, tag discovery may be performed by a set of DRs. For example, the set of DRs may include multiple DRs. For example, a network, such as an LMF, may select a DR. The DR may sometimes be referred to as a reader or receiving device for receiving tag responses from tag(s) to be discovered, the tag responses being transmitted by the tag(s) based on or in response to the first signal. In some exemplary embodiments, the DA may also select and configure an activator (i.e., a location activator (LA)) for subsequent tag location, as well as select and configure one or more location readers (LR). The LA may sometimes be referred to as a transmitter device for transmitting a second signal (FRAS) for locating or positioning the tag(s). The LR may sometimes be referred to as a receiving or reader device for receiving tag responses from tag(s) to be positioned, the tag responses being transmitted by the tag(s) based on or in response to the first signal. A tag response signal to a first signal may also be referred to as a first tag response signal, and a tag response signal to a second signal may also be referred to as a second tag response signal.

[0037] As illustrated in FIG. 1 , in certain exemplary embodiments, the framework may also include steps involved in tag localization. According to some exemplary embodiments, tag localization may be coordinated by an initial DA and triggered by a selected LA through the LA's transmission of a wake-up signal (FRAS) with a larger BW, finer resolution, and / or longer duration. Furthermore, tag localization may be performed by the LA and LR, the latter of which may collect positioning measurements for tag replies to the FRAS. Thus, as explained above, tag discovery may reduce associated resource utilization when there is little or no information about tag location, while tag localization may enable targeted activation by the LA to allow tags to respond and charge large enough to be read by multiple readers.

[0038] FIG. 2 shows an example signal diagram according to certain example embodiments. At 200, the LMF / gNB may trigger a tag discovery and location session via a given UE (UE1). As shown in FIG. 2, UE1 may be selected by the LMF / gNB as the DA. In some example embodiments, UE1 may be selected based on past knowledge of tag locations or randomly if such knowledge is not available. According to certain example embodiments, and as discussed in more detail below, UE1 may be authorized by the LMF / gNB to select the LA and LR for tag location.

[0039] At 205, the LMF / gNB may configure a set of DRs to listen for responses from tags, such as UE2 and other devices (i.e., device X). The LMF / gNB may also configure UE1 to be able to assign an LA or LR. In some example embodiments, the LMF / gNB may configure the DRs to report discovery measurements to UE1, allowing UE1 to configure them in an LA or LR role in the tag location step.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 2, once UE1 and UE2 are configured, tag discovery may be initiated or performed by the DA (e.g., UE1). In particular, at 210, UE1 may broadcast a CRAS, which may be a low BW signal that awakens tags to respond and, depending on the tag architecture, may also charge the tags. In certain exemplary embodiments, the CRAS may be transmitted on a dedicated carrier F at BW B and may have a known short duration T selected and configured by the NW. In some exemplary embodiments, a reduced-power CRAS may be sufficient for TAG discovery by one or several DRs. Thus, DA UE1 may transmit a CRAS at full power, reduced power, or retransmit the CRAS at increasing power until DRs begin to report detection.

[0041] At 215, DA UE1 and selected DRs (e.g., UE2 and device X) may listen for potential tag responses. At 220, 225, and 230, DRs that hear tag responses may report the responses to the coordinating entity (e.g., UE1) in the form of discovery measurements. In certain exemplary embodiments, the discovery measurements may include RX tag power values ​​and / or binary indicators associated with each tag that the DR hears. For example, the binary indicator associated with each tag may be represented as tag(IDx)=1, which may mean that the IDx tag was detected.

[0042] At 235, UE1 may receive a measurement report from the DR. At 240, UE1 may use the measurement report to determine coarse location information (CLI) as a central point of all listening devices (when their locations are known). Alternatively, in other exemplary embodiments, UE1 may use the measurement report to generate a list of neighboring devices that are likely close to the tag. For example, a neighboring device may be within range R from the tag, where R may be 5, 10, or 30 m. In some exemplary embodiments, the list may be arranged in ascending order of distance between the device and the tag. For example, list = {UE2, UE1, device X} may indicate that UE2 is closest to the tag, while device X is the farthest away. In other exemplary embodiments, UE1 may use the CLI derived above to select a LA and one or more LRs. For example, UE2 may be selected as the LA, and UE1 and device X may be selected as LRs.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 2 , a tag location step may be provided. Under this step, the location of the tag may be determined. This may also be referred to as determining the tag's location. Therefore, the tag location step may also be referred to as a tag positioning step. At 245, in the tag location step, UE1 may configure UE2 as a location agent. That is, UE1 may indicate to UE2 that UE2 has been selected as the transmitter device for transmitting a location activation signal. As a location agent, UE2 may send the location activation signal. The location activation signal (sometimes referred to as a second signal or FRAS) may be characterized by a larger BW and / or a longer duration compared to the discovery activation signal (sometimes referred to as a first signal or CRAS). In certain exemplary embodiments, the configuration may include parameters (e.g., carrier, bandwidth, time) of the FRAS for each target tag. According to certain exemplary embodiments, the FRAS for each target tag may include Ffras, Bfras, Tfras, etc., where Bfras > Bcras, and Tfras > Tcras. Ffras refers to the carrier frequency of the RAS signal, Fcras refers to the carrier frequency of the CRAS signal, Bfras refers to the bandwidth of the FRAS signal, Bcras refers to the bandwidth of the CRAS signal, Tfras refers to the duration of the FRAS signal, and Tfras refers to the duration of the CRAS signal. For example, the duration of the signal may be indicated by a radio symbol, such as an OFDM (orthogonal frequency division multiplexing) symbol.

[0044] At 250, UE1 may configure a communications device as an LR. For example, in some exemplary embodiments, UE1 may configure itself as an LR. Additionally, at 255, UE1 may configure device X as an LR. In certain exemplary embodiments, the LR may receive tag responses and measure the responses to obtain position measurements used to locate the tag. According to certain exemplary embodiments, the configuration may include parameters of the tag response (required to detect the tag signal). For example, the parameters of the tag response may include a tag-specific waveform (e.g., carrier, BW, code, etc.), and the parameters may include positioning criteria (e.g., tag time of arrival (TOA), angle of arrival (AOA), received power, etc.) that the reader may calculate.

[0045] At 260, UE2 may send a location activation signal FRAS to the tag, and at 265, the reader may measure the tag and send the measurement results to UE1 or directly to the reader's serving gNB. In some exemplary embodiments, the positioning measurements may be reported to an entity responsible for calculating the tag's final location. That entity may be the entity that initiated the tag detection and location process (e.g., UE1) or another entity designated to do so (i.e., another reader or activator). Additionally, in some exemplary embodiments, the reported measurements may be used to locate the tag.

[0046] In other exemplary embodiments, the DA may select an LA and authorize the LA to select its own LRs. According to some exemplary embodiments, the LA may then select as LRs a set of neighboring UEs with which the LA has previously established sidelinks (SLs). In other exemplary embodiments, the DA may select an LA and a first set of LRs and may also authorize the LA to select a second set of LRs. The DA may then configure the first set, while the LA configures the second set of LRs (as instructed by the DA).

[0047] According to certain exemplary embodiments, the CRAS may correspond to a discovery activation signal that activates tags to respond. The CRAS may be a waveform type, such as, for example, a single-carrier or multi-carrier wave, and the waveform may be specific to the ID of the tag it activates. In other exemplary embodiments, the CRAS may be the carrier frequency Fcras at which the tag is listening. According to some exemplary embodiments, Fcras may be selected by the NW in relation to the type of tag that the NW needs to locate. In other exemplary embodiments, the CRAS may be a small BW Bcras, for example, Bcras = 5 MHz. A small BW may allow for optimizing resource efficiency. In further exemplary embodiments, the CRAS may be described as a duration Tcras, for example, Tcras = 1 OFDM symbol, where the duration is selected in relation to a selected transmit power Pcras (i.e., for a single CRAS transmission) such that the average power over the total transmission time is less than a preset threshold (e.g., set by the UE itself or by the NW).

[0048] In certain exemplary embodiments, the CRAS may be sent by the DA and may not be heard by the discovery reader. In some exemplary embodiments, DA-tag interference may occur when tag responses to the CRAS are on the same resource. To mitigate its impact, the NW may also forward a CRAS configuration to each DR so that the DR can counteract the impact of the CRAS from the RX signal before attempting tag discovery.

[0049] According to certain exemplary embodiments, the FRAS may correspond to a location activation signal, which may be a type of waveform. For example, the waveform may be a single-carrier or multi-carrier wave, and the waveform may be specific to the ID of the tag for which the FRAS needs to be activated. In other exemplary embodiments, the FRAS may correspond to a carrier frequency Ffras on which the tag is listening. In certain exemplary embodiments, Ffras may be selected by the network in association with the type of tag for which the network needs to locate. In certain exemplary embodiments, a large BW Bfras > Bcras. For example, Bcras = 20 MHz to allow for finer sampling resolution of the tag response to the FRAS. In other exemplary embodiments, a larger duration Tfras > Tcras may be required. For example, Tfras = 8 OFDM symbols to ensure that the tag charges sufficiently and that the tag response is heard by the selected LR.

[0050] In a particular exemplary embodiment, the FRAS may be sent by the LA, and may or may not be heard by the LR. When tag responses to the FRAS are on the same resource, LA-tag interference may occur. Therefore, to mitigate this effect, UE1 may also forward a FRAS configuration to each LR so that the LRs can cancel the effect of the FRAS from the RX signal before attempting tag positioning measurements.

[0051] According to certain exemplary embodiments, the configuration of DA and DR by the NW may be accomplished by the serving gNB. For example, this may be accomplished via the downlink physical downlink shared channel (DL PDSCH) or DL ​​small data transmission (SDT) (due to radio resource control (RRC) INACTIVE). Here, the payload may include at least a list of tags to be discovered, a CRAS configuration, and a total listening duration Dcras during which the DR collects discovery measurements for the tags. In some exemplary embodiments, the configuration of DA and DR by the NW may be accomplished by the LMF via LTE Positioning Protocol (LPP) assistance data (sent between the LMF and the UE), where such assistance data includes the same payload as that of the gNB described above.

[0052] In certain exemplary embodiments, the configuration of the LA and LR may be performed by the DA and may be achieved by the SL Physical SL Shared Channel (PSSCH) sent by the DA. In other exemplary embodiments, the configuration of the LA and LR by the DA may be achieved by the DL PDSCH sent by the serving gNB. For example, the DL PDSCH may be sent by the serving gNB after the DA sends the list of LAs and LRs to the gNB. In further exemplary embodiments, the configuration of the LA and LR by the DA may be achieved by the LMF via the LPP after the Da sends the list of LAs and LRs to the LMF. Additionally, in certain exemplary embodiments, the payload of the above data channels (e.g., the SL PSSCH, the DL PDSCH, and the LPP) may include at least a list of tags to be positioned, the FRAS configuration, and the total listening duration Dfras during which the LR collects tag positioning measurements.

[0053] 3 illustrates an exemplary flow diagram of a method according to a particular exemplary embodiment. In an exemplary embodiment, the method of FIG. 3 may be performed by a network entity or a group of network elements within 3GPP, such as LTE or 5G-NR. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, the method of FIG. 3 may be performed by a UE similar to one of the devices 10 or 20 shown in FIG. 6.

[0054] According to certain exemplary embodiments, the method of FIG. 3 may include, at 300, acquiring, by a first device, a configuration for transmitting a first signal to discover a tag and a configuration for selecting a transmitter device for transmitting a second signal to position the tag. The method may also include, at 305, transmitting the first signal. The method may further include, at 310, acquiring information regarding reception of a tag response signal to the first signal, the information including information regarding reception of the tag response signal by at least one second device. In addition, the method may include, at 315, selecting a transmitter device for transmitting the second signal based on the acquired information. Further, the method may include, at 320, selecting at least one reader device for the tag response signal to the second signal. In some examples, the reader device may be referred to as a receiving device. As used herein, selecting (e.g., operation 315 and / or operation 320) may include sending, by the first device, one or more messages or indications to the selected device indicating to the selected device that it has been selected as a transmitter device or a leader device. If the first device selects itself as a transmitter device or a leader device, sending such a message over the wireless interface may not be required; the first device may simply select itself for the determined role.

[0055] According to certain exemplary embodiments, acquiring information regarding reception of a tag response signal to the first signal may include receiving, from at least one second device, information regarding reception of the tag response signal by the at least one second device. According to some exemplary embodiments, acquiring information regarding reception of a tag response signal to the first signal may include receiving the tag response signal from the tag. According to further exemplary embodiments, the method may include acquiring a configuration for selecting at least one reader device for receiving a response from the tag to the second signal, and selecting the at least one reader device from among the first device and the at least one second device.

[0056] In certain exemplary embodiments, selecting one of the at least one second devices as a transmitter device may include selecting one of the at least one second devices as a transmitter device. In other exemplary embodiments, the method may also include transmitting information indicating the selection and the configuration of the second signal to the selected second device. In some exemplary embodiments, selecting at least one reader device from among the first device and the at least one second device may include selecting the first device as one of the at least one reader device. In other exemplary embodiments, the method may further include initiating reception of a tag response signal from a tag to the second signal. In other exemplary embodiments, the method may also include acquiring information regarding reception of the tag response signal to the second signal. In further exemplary embodiments, the method may include at least one of the following: transmitting information to a network element for positioning the tag or determining a location of the tag based on the acquired information.

[0057] According to certain exemplary embodiments, the information regarding the reception of a tag response signal to the second signal may be obtained at least in part by receiving information regarding the reception of a tag response signal to the second signal from one or more second devices. According to some exemplary embodiments, the first signal may be configured to be transmitted with at least one of the following: a smaller bandwidth, a coarser resolution, a shorter time period, or a lower power compared to the second signal. According to other exemplary embodiments, selecting a transmitter device may be based on at least one parameter indicative of a distance between the tag and the transmitter device. According to further exemplary embodiments, the at least one parameter may be obtained based on the information regarding the reception of a tag response signal to the first signal.

[0058] 4 illustrates an exemplary flow diagram of a method according to a particular exemplary embodiment. In an exemplary embodiment, the method of FIG. 4 may be performed by a network entity or a group of network elements within 3GPP, such as LTE or 5G-NR. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, the method of FIG. 4 may be performed by a UE similar to one of the devices 10 or 20 shown in FIG. 6.

[0059] According to certain exemplary embodiments, the method of FIG. 3 may include, at 400, receiving a configuration from a network element, the configuration including settings for reporting discovery measurements to the first device. At 405, the method may also include listening for tags based on the configuration. At 410, the method may include sending a measurement report to the first device based on the listening. In certain exemplary embodiments, the measurement report may include information regarding tag power or a binary indicator associated with the tag.

[0060] According to certain exemplary embodiments, the method may also include receiving, from the first device, configuration settings for operating as a location activator. According to some exemplary embodiments, the configuration settings for operating as a location activator may include parameters for a fine resolution activation signal for each target tag.

[0061] 5 illustrates an example flow diagram of another method according to certain exemplary embodiments. In an exemplary embodiment, the method of FIG. 5 may be performed by a network entity or a group of network elements within 3GPP, such as LTE or 5G-NR. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, the method of FIG. 5 may be performed by an LMF, a gNB, a network, a cell, or any other device similar to one of apparatuses 10 or 20 illustrated in FIG. 6.

[0062] 5 may include, at 500, triggering discovery of tags by configuring a first device in a first configuration as a discovery activator to configure a wake-up signal. At 505, the method may further include triggering a location session by configuring the first device with settings for selecting a location activator and a location reader. At 510, the method may also include configuring a second device and at least one other device as a set of discovery readers to report discovery measurements to the first device.

[0063] According to certain exemplary embodiments, configuring the second device may include configuring a discovery reader to report discovery measurements to the first device. According to other exemplary embodiments, the discovery measurements may include tag power level measurements or binary indicators associated with the tags.

[0064] 6 illustrates a set of apparatuses 10 and 20 according to a particular exemplary embodiment. In a particular exemplary embodiment, apparatus 10 may be an element within a communication network or associated with such a network, such as a UE, a mobile equipment (ME), a mobile station, a mobile device, a fixed device, an IoT device, or other device. It should be noted that those skilled in the art will understand that apparatus 10 may include components or features not illustrated in FIG.

[0065] In some exemplary embodiments, device 10 may include one or more processors, one or more computer-readable storage media (e.g., memory, storage, or the like), one or more wireless access components (e.g., modems, transceivers, or the like), and / or a user interface. In some exemplary embodiments, device 10 may be configured to operate using one or more wireless access technologies, such as GSM, LTE, LTE-A, NR, 5G, WLAN, WiFi, NB-IoT, Bluetooth, NFC, MulteFire, and / or any other wireless access technology. Note that those skilled in the art will understand that device 10 may include components or features not shown in FIG. 6 .

[0066] As shown in the example of FIG. 6 , device 10 may include or be coupled to processor 12 for processing information and executing instructions or operations. Processor 12 may be any type of general-purpose or special-purpose processor. In practice, processor 12 may include, by way of example, one or more of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and a processor based on a multi-core processor architecture. While a single processor 12 is shown in FIG. 6 , multiple processors may be utilized in accordance with other exemplary embodiments. For example, it should be understood that in certain exemplary embodiments, device 10 may include two or more processors that may form a multiprocessor system that may support multiprocessing (e.g., in this case, processor 12 may represent a multiprocessor). According to certain exemplary embodiments, the multiprocessor system may be tightly or loosely coupled (e.g., to form a computer cluster).

[0067] Processor 12 may perform functions associated with the operation of device 10, including, by way of example, precoding of antenna gain / phase parameters, encoding and decoding of individual bits forming communication messages, formatting of information, and overall control of device 10, including the processes shown in Figures 1-5.

[0068] Apparatus 10 may further include or be coupled to processor 12 with memory 14 (internal or external) for storing information and instructions that can be executed by processor 12. Memory 14 may be of any type suitable for one or more memories and the local application environment and may be implemented using any suitable volatile or non-volatile data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, solid-state memory, and / or removable memory. For example, memory 14 may be comprised of any combination of random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), static storage such as a magnetic or optical disk, a hard disk drive (HDD), or any other type of non-transitory machine- or computer-readable medium. The instructions stored in memory 14 may include program instructions or computer program code that, when executed by processor 12, enable apparatus 10 to perform tasks as described herein.

[0069] In certain exemplary embodiments, device 10 may further include or be coupled to a drive or port (internal or external) configured to accept and read an external computer-readable storage medium, such as an optical disk, a USB drive, a flash drive, or any other storage medium. For example, the external computer-readable storage medium may store a computer program or software for execution by processor 12 and / or device 10 to perform any of the methods shown in FIGS. 1-5.

[0070] In some exemplary embodiments, device 10 may also include or be coupled to one or more antennas 15 for receiving downlink signals and transmitting from device 10 over the UL. Apparatus 10 may further include a transceiver 18 configured to transmit and receive information. Transceiver 18 may also include a radio interface (e.g., a modem) coupled to antenna 15. The radio interface may support multiple radio access technologies, including one or more of GSM, LTE, LTE-A, 5G, NR, WLAN, NB-IoT, Bluetooth, BT-LE, NFC, RFID, UWB, and the like. The radio interface may include other components, such as filters, converters (e.g., digital-to-analog converters, and the like), symbol demappers, signal shaping components, Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (IFFT) modules, and the like, to process symbols, such as OFDMA symbols, carried by the downlink or UL.

[0071] For example, transceiver 18 may be configured to modulate information onto a carrier waveform for transmission by antenna 15 and demodulate information received via antenna 15 for further processing by other elements of device 10. In other exemplary embodiments, transceiver 18 may be capable of directly transmitting and receiving signals or data. Additionally or alternatively, in some exemplary embodiments, device 10 may include input and / or output devices (I / O devices). In certain exemplary embodiments, device 10 may further include a user interface, such as a graphical user interface or a touch screen.

[0072] In certain exemplary embodiments, memory 14 stores software modules that provide functionality when executed by processor 12. The modules may include, for example, an operating system that provides operating system functionality for device 10. The memory may also store one or more functional modules, such as applications or programs, to provide additional functionality for device 10. Components of device 10 may be implemented in hardware or as any suitable combination of hardware and software. According to certain exemplary embodiments, device 10 may be configured to communicate with device 20 via a wireless or wired communication link 70 according to any radio access technology, such as NR.

[0073] According to certain exemplary embodiments, the processor 12 and memory 14 may be included in or form part of processing or control circuitry. Additionally, in some exemplary embodiments, the transceiver 18 may be included in or form part of transmitting and receiving circuitry.

[0074] For example, in certain exemplary embodiments, apparatus 10 may be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to acquire configuration for transmitting a first signal to discover a tag and configuration for selecting a transmitter device for transmitting a second signal to position the tag. Apparatus 10 may also be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to transmit the first signal. Apparatus 10 may further be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to acquire information regarding reception of a tag response signal to the first signal, the information including information regarding reception of the tag response signal by at least one second device. In addition, apparatus 10 may be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to select a transmitter device for transmitting a second signal based on the acquired information. Further, apparatus 10 may be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to select at least one reader device for the tag response signal to the second signal.

[0075] In other exemplary embodiments, the apparatus 10 may be controlled by the memory 14 and the processor 12 to receive a configuration from a network element, the configuration including settings for reporting discovery measurements to the first device. The apparatus 10 may also be controlled by the memory 14 and the processor 12 to listen for tags based on the configuration. The apparatus 10 may further be controlled by the memory 14 and the processor 12 to send a measurement report to the first device based on the listening. In certain exemplary embodiments, the measurement report may include information regarding tag power or a binary indicator associated with the tag.

[0076] As shown in the example of Figure 6, the device 20 may be a network, a core network element, or an element within or associated with a communications network, such as an LMF or gNB. Note that one skilled in the art will understand that the device 20 may include components or features not shown in Figure 6.

[0077] As shown in the example of FIG. 6, device 20 may include a processor 22 for processing information and executing instructions or operations. Processor 22 may be any type of general-purpose or special-purpose processor. For example, processor 22 may include, by way of example, one or more of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and a processor based on a multi-core processor architecture. While a single processor 22 is shown in FIG. 6, multiple processors may be utilized in accordance with other exemplary embodiments. For example, it should be understood that in certain exemplary embodiments, device 20 may include two or more processors that may form a multiprocessor system that may support multiprocessing (e.g., in this case, processor 22 may represent a multiprocessor). In certain exemplary embodiments, the multiprocessor system may be tightly coupled or loosely coupled (e.g., to form a computer cluster).

[0078] According to certain exemplary embodiments, processor 22 may perform functions associated with the operation of device 20, which may include, for example, precoding of antenna gain / phase parameters, encoding and decoding of individual bits forming communication messages, formatting of information, and overall control of device 20, including the processes shown in Figures 1, 2, and 5.

[0079] Apparatus 20 may further include or be coupled to processor 22 a memory 24 (internal or external) for storing information and instructions that may be executed by processor 22. Memory 24 may be of any type suitable for one or more memories and the local application environment and may be implemented using any suitable volatile or non-volatile data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, solid-state memory, and / or removable memory. For example, memory 24 may be comprised of any combination of random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), static storage such as a magnetic or optical disk, a hard disk drive (HDD), or any other type of non-transitory machine- or computer-readable medium. The instructions stored in memory 24 may include program instructions or computer program code that, when executed by processor 22, enable apparatus 20 to perform tasks as described herein.

[0080] In certain exemplary embodiments, device 20 may further include or be coupled to a drive or port (internal or external) configured to accept and read an external computer-readable storage medium, such as an optical disc, a USB drive, a flash drive, or any other storage medium. For example, the external computer-readable storage medium may store a computer program or software for execution by processor 22 and / or device 20 to perform the methods shown in Figures 3-5.

[0081] In certain exemplary embodiments, device 20 may also include, or be coupled to, one or more antennas 25 for transmitting and receiving signals and / or data to and from device 20. Device 20 may further include, or be coupled to, a transceiver 28 configured to transmit and receive information. Transceiver 28 may include, for example, multiple wireless interfaces that may be coupled to antenna 25. The wireless interfaces may support multiple wireless access technologies, including one or more of GSM, NB-IoT, LTE, 5G, WLAN, Bluetooth, BT-LE, NFC, radio frequency identification (RFID), ultra-wideband (UWB), MulteFire, and the like. The wireless interfaces may include components such as filters, converters (e.g., digital-to-analog converters, and the like), mappers, Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) modules, and the like, for generating symbols for transmission via one or more downlinks and for receiving symbols (e.g., via the UL).

[0082] Thus, transceiver 28 may be configured to modulate information onto a carrier waveform for transmission by antenna 25 and to demodulate information received via antenna 25 for further processing by other elements of device 20. In other exemplary embodiments, transceiver 18 may be capable of directly transmitting or receiving signals or data. Additionally or alternatively, in some exemplary embodiments, device 20 may include input and / or output devices (I / O devices).

[0083] In certain exemplary embodiments, memory 24 may store software modules that provide functionality when executed by processor 22. The modules may include, for example, an operating system that provides operating system functionality for device 20. Memory may also store one or more functional modules, such as applications or programs, to provide additional functionality for device 20. Components of device 20 may be implemented in hardware or as any suitable combination of hardware and software.

[0084] According to some exemplary embodiments, the processor 22 and memory 24 may be included as part of or form part of processing or control circuitry. Additionally, in some exemplary embodiments, the transceiver 28 may be included as part of or form part of transmitting and receiving circuitry.

[0085] As used herein, the term “circuitry” may refer to a hardware-only circuit implementation (e.g., analog and / or digital circuitry), a combination of hardware circuitry and software, a combination of analog and / or digital hardware with software / firmware, any portion of a hardware processor (including a digital signal processor) with software that cooperates to cause a device (e.g., devices 10 and 20) to perform various functions, and / or a hardware circuit and / or processor or portion thereof that uses software for operation but may not be present when software is not required for operation. As a further example, as used herein, the term “circuitry” may also cover a simple hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors), or portion of a hardware circuit or processor, and its accompanying software and / or firmware implementation. The term circuitry may also cover, for example, a baseband integrated circuit in a server, a cellular network node or device, or other computing or network device.

[0086] For example, in certain exemplary embodiments, apparatus 20 may be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to trigger discovery of tags by configuring a first device in a first configuration as a discovery activator to configure a wake-up signal. Apparatus 20 may also be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to trigger a location session by configuring the first device with settings to select a location activator and a location reader. Apparatus 20 may further be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to configure a second device and at least one other device as a set of discovery readers to report discovery measurements to the first device.

[0087] In some exemplary embodiments, an apparatus (e.g., apparatus 10 and / or apparatus 20) may include means for performing any of the methods, processes, or variations discussed herein. Examples of means may include one or more processors, memories, controllers, transmitters, receivers, and / or computer program code for causing the performance of the operations.

[0088] Certain exemplary embodiments may be directed to an apparatus including means for performing any of the methods described herein, including, for example, means for acquiring configuration for transmitting a first signal to discover a tag and configuration for selecting a transmitter device for transmitting a second signal to position the tag. The apparatus may also include means for transmitting the first signal. The apparatus may further include means for acquiring information regarding reception of a tag response signal to the first signal, the information including information regarding reception of the tag response signal by at least one second device. In addition, the apparatus may include means for selecting a transmitter device for transmitting the second signal based on the acquired information. Further, the apparatus may include means for selecting at least one reader device for the tag response signal to the second signal.

[0089] Certain exemplary embodiments may be directed to an apparatus including means for receiving a configuration from a network element, the configuration including settings for reporting discovery measurements to a first device. The apparatus may also include means for listening for tags based on the configuration. The apparatus may further include means for transmitting a measurement report to the first device based on the listening. According to certain exemplary embodiments, the measurement report may include information regarding tag power or a binary indicator associated with the tag.

[0090] Certain exemplary embodiments may also be directed to an apparatus including means for triggering discovery of tags by configuring a first device in a first configuration as a discovery activator to configure a wake-up signal. The apparatus may also include means for triggering a location session by configuring the first device with settings for selecting a location activator and a location reader. The apparatus may further include means for configuring a second device and at least one other device as a set of discovery readers to report discovery measurements to the first device.

[0091] Certain exemplary embodiments described herein provide several technical improvements, enhancements, and / or advantages. For example, some exemplary embodiments may be able to optimize tag discovery time, optimize tag positioning inference through tag activator proximity optimization, optimize spectrum resource usage, and minimize network complexity and configuration.

[0092] The computer program product may include one or more computer-executable components configured to perform some exemplary embodiments when the program is executed. The one or more computer-executable components may be at least one software code or portions thereof. The modifications and configurations required to implement the functionality of a particular exemplary embodiment may be performed as routines, and the routines may be implemented as additional or updated software routines. The software routines may be downloaded into a device.

[0093] By way of example, the software or computer program code or portions thereof may be in source code form, object code form, or some intermediate form, and may be stored in some kind of carrier, distribution medium, or computer-readable medium, which may be any entity or device capable of carrying a program. Such carriers may include, for example, recording media, computer memory, read-only memory, optical and / or electrical carrier signals, telecommunications signals, and software distribution packages. Depending on the processing power required, the computer program may be executed in a single electronic digital computer, or it may be distributed among several computers. The computer-readable medium or computer-readable storage medium may be a non-transitory medium.

[0094] In another exemplary embodiment, the functions may be performed by hardware or circuitry contained within a device (e.g., device 10 or device 20), for example, through the use of an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable gate array (PGA), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or any other combination of hardware and software. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the functions may be implemented as signals that are non-tangible means that may be carried by electromagnetic signals downloaded from the internet or other network.

[0095] According to certain exemplary embodiments, an apparatus such as a node, device, or corresponding component may be configured as a circuit, computer, or microprocessor such as a single-chip computer element, or as a chipset including at least a memory to provide storage capacity used for arithmetic operations and an arithmetic processor to perform the arithmetic operations.

[0096] Those skilled in the art will readily understand that the disclosure discussed above may be implemented in a different order and / or with hardware elements in different configurations than those disclosed. Thus, while the present disclosure has been described based on these exemplary embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that certain modifications, variations, and alternative configurations will be apparent while remaining within the spirit and scope of the exemplary embodiments. While the above embodiments refer to 5G NR and LTE technologies, the above embodiments may also be applied to any other current or future 3GPP technologies, such as LTE Advanced and / or fourth-generation (4G) technologies.

[0097] Partial glossary 3GPP 3rd Generation Partnership Project 5G 5th Generation 5GCN 5G Core Network 5GS 5G System AOA Angle of Arrival BS Base Station CPE Customer Premises Equipment CRAS Coarse Resolution Activation Signal DA Discovery Activator DL Downlink DR Discovery Reader eNB Enhanced Node B E-UTRAN Evolved UTRAN FRAS Fine Resolution Activation Signal gNB 5G or Next Generation NodeB LA Localization Activator LR Localization Reader LTE Long Term Evolution NR New Radio NW Network Rx Receive TOA Time of Arrival Tx Transmit UE User Equipment UL Uplink

Claims

1. acquiring, by a first device, a configuration for transmitting a first signal for discovering a tag and a configuration for selecting a transmitter device for transmitting a second signal for positioning the tag; transmitting a first signal; obtaining information regarding reception of a tag response signal to the first signal, the information including information regarding reception of the tag response signal by at least one second device; selecting a transmitter device for transmitting a second signal based on the obtained information; selecting at least one reader device for a tag response signal to the second signal; A method comprising:

2. Obtaining information regarding reception of a tag response signal to the first signal The method of claim 1 , comprising receiving, from the at least one second device, information regarding receipt of the tag response signal by the at least one second device.

3. Obtaining information regarding reception of a tag response signal to the first signal The method of claim 1 or 2, comprising receiving a tag response signal from the tag.

4. obtaining a configuration for selecting at least one reader device for receiving a tag response from the tag to the second signal; selecting at least one leader device from among the first device and the at least one second device; The method of any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising:

5. Selecting a transmitter device for transmitting the second signal includes selecting one of the at least one second device as the transmitter device, and the method further comprises: The method of claim 1 , further comprising transmitting to the selected second device information indicative of the selection and the configuration of the second signal.

6. Selecting at least one leader device from among the first device and the at least one second device includes selecting the first device as one of the at least one leader devices, and the method further comprises: The method of claim 1 , further comprising initiating reception of a tag response signal from the tag to the second signal.

7. obtaining information regarding reception of a tag response signal to the second signal; and at least one of transmitting the information to a network element for positioning the tag or determining the location of the tag based on the acquired information.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

8. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the information regarding receipt of tag response signals to the second signal is obtained at least in part by receiving information regarding receipt of tag response signals to the second signal from one or more second devices.

9. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the first signal is configured to be transmitted with at least one of a smaller bandwidth, a coarser resolution, a shorter time duration, or a lower power compared to the second signal.

10. The method of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein selecting a transmitter device is based on at least one parameter indicative of a distance between the tag and the transmitter device.

11. The method of claim 10 , wherein the at least one parameter is obtained based on information about receipt of a tag response signal to the first signal.

12. receiving a configuration from a network element, the configuration including settings for reporting discovery measurements to the first device; Listening to tags based on configuration, and sending a measurement report to the first device based on the listening; Including, A method wherein the measurement report includes information regarding tag power or a binary indicator associated with the tag.

13. The method of claim 12 , further comprising receiving configuration settings from the first device to operate as a location activator.

14. The method of claim 13 , wherein the configuration settings for operating as a location activator include parameters for a fine resolution activation signal for each target tag.

15. Triggering discovery of tags by configuring a first device in a first configuration as a discovery activator to configure a wake-up signal; Triggering a location session by configuring a first device with settings to select a location activator and a location reader; configuring the second device and at least one other device as a set of discovery leaders to report discovery measurements to the first device; A method comprising:

16. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein configuring the second device includes configuring a discovery leader to report discovery measurements to the first device.

17. Discovery measurements are Tag power level measurement, or Binary indicators associated with tags 17. The method of claim 15 or 16, comprising:

18. at least one processor; and at least one memory that stores instructions, which when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least: obtaining a configuration for transmitting a first signal to discover the tag and a configuration for selecting a transmitter device for transmitting a second signal to position the tag; transmitting a first signal; acquiring information regarding receipt of a tag response signal to the first signal, the information including information regarding receipt of the tag response signal by at least one second device; selecting a transmitter device for transmitting the second signal based on the obtained information; selecting at least one reader device for a tag response signal to the second signal; Device.

19. The at least one memory, when executed by the at least one processor, provides the apparatus with at least:

20. The apparatus of claim 18, further storing instructions for receiving, from the at least one second device, information regarding receipt of the tag response signal by the at least one second device.

20. The at least one memory, when executed by the at least one processor, provides the apparatus with at least:

20. The apparatus of claim 18 or 19, further storing instructions for receiving a tag response signal from a tag.

21. The at least one memory, when executed by the at least one processor, provides the apparatus with at least: obtaining a configuration for selecting at least one reader device for receiving a response from the tag to the second signal; selecting at least one reader device from among the apparatus and the at least one second device; 21. The apparatus of any one of claims 18 to 20, further storing instructions.

22. When one of the at least one second device is selected as a transmitter device, the at least one memory, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the apparatus to at least:

22. The apparatus of any one of claims 18 to 21, further storing instructions to cause a selected second device to transmit information indicative of the selection and the configuration of the second signal.

23. When the first device is selected as one of the at least one reader device, the at least one memory, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the apparatus to at least:

23. The apparatus of any one of claims 18 to 22, further storing instructions to initiate reception of a response signal from the tag to the second signal.

24. The at least one memory, when executed by the at least one processor, provides the apparatus with at least: obtaining information regarding receipt of a tag response signal to the second signal; transmitting the information to a network element for positioning the tag or determining the location of the tag based on the obtained information; 24. Apparatus according to any one of claims 18 to 23, further storing instructions.

25. 25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the information regarding receipt of tag response signals to the second signal is obtained at least in part by receiving information regarding receipt of tag response signals to the second signal from one or more second devices.

26. 26. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the first signal is configured to be transmitted with at least one of a smaller bandwidth, a coarser resolution, a shorter time duration, or a lower power compared to the second signal.

27. 27. Apparatus according to any one of claims 18 to 26, wherein the selection of the transmitter device is based on at least one parameter indicative of the distance between the tag and the transmitter device.

28. 28. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the at least one parameter is obtained based on information relating to reception of a tag response signal to the first signal.

29. at least one processor; and at least one memory that stores instructions, which when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least: receiving a configuration from the network element, the configuration including settings for reporting discovery measurements to the first device; Listen for tags based on your configuration, causing the first device to transmit a measurement report based on listening; An apparatus in which the measurement report includes information regarding tag power or a binary indicator associated with the tag.

30. The at least one memory, when executed by the at least one processor, provides the apparatus with at least:

30. The apparatus of claim 29, further storing instructions to receive configuration settings from the first device to operate as a location activator.

31. 31. The device of claim 30, wherein the configuration settings for operating as a location activator include parameters for a fine resolution activation signal for each target tag.

32. at least one processor; and at least one memory that stores instructions, which when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least: Triggering discovery of tags by configuring a first device in a first configuration as a discovery activator to configure a wake-up signal; Triggering a location session by configuring a first device with settings to select a location activator and a location reader. configuring the second device and at least one other device as a set of discovery leaders to report discovery measurements to the first device; Device.

33. 33. The apparatus of claim 32, wherein configuring the second device includes configuring a discovery leader to report discovery measurements to the first device.

34. Discovery measurements are Tag power level measurement, or Binary indicators associated with tags 34. The apparatus of claim 32 or 33, comprising:

35. means for acquiring a configuration for transmitting a first signal for discovering a tag and a configuration for selecting a transmitter device for transmitting a second signal for positioning the tag; means for transmitting a first signal; means for obtaining information regarding reception of a tag response signal to a first signal, the information including information regarding reception of the tag response signal by at least one second device; means for selecting a transmitter device for transmitting the second signal based on the acquired information; means for selecting at least one reader device for a tag response signal to the second signal; An apparatus comprising:

36. 36. The apparatus of claim 35, further comprising: means for receiving, from the at least one second device, information regarding receipt of the tag response signal by the at least one second device.

37. 37. Apparatus according to claim 35 or 36, further comprising means for receiving a tag response signal from the tag.

38. means for obtaining a configuration for selecting at least one reader device for receiving a response from the tag to the second signal; means for selecting at least one reader device from among the apparatus and the at least one second device; 38. The apparatus of any one of claims 35 to 37, further comprising:

39. The selection of one of the at least one second device as a transmitter device includes:

39. Apparatus according to any one of claims 35 to 38, comprising means for transmitting to a selected second device information indicative of the selection and the configuration of the second signal.

40. The selection of the first device as one of the at least one leader device includes:

40. Apparatus according to any one of claims 35 to 39, comprising means for initiating reception of a tag response signal from the tag to the second signal.

41. means for obtaining information regarding reception of a tag response signal to the second signal; at least one of means for transmitting information to a network element for tag positioning or means for determining the location of the tag based on the acquired information; 41. The apparatus of any one of claims 35 to 40, further comprising:

42. 42. The apparatus of claim 41, wherein the information regarding receipt of tag response signals to the second signal is obtained at least in part by receiving information regarding receipt of tag response signals to the second signal from one or more second devices.

43. 43. The apparatus of any one of claims 35 to 42, wherein the first signal is configured to be transmitted at at least one of a smaller bandwidth, a coarser resolution, a shorter time duration, or a lower power compared to the second signal.

44. 44. Apparatus according to any one of claims 35 to 43, wherein selecting a transmitter device is based on at least one parameter indicative of a distance between the tag and the transmitter device.

45. 45. The apparatus of claim 44, wherein the at least one parameter is obtained based on information relating to reception of a tag response signal to the first signal.

46. means for receiving a configuration from a network element, the configuration including settings for reporting discovery measurements to the first device; means for listening for tags based on configuration; means for transmitting a measurement report to the first device based on the listening; Equipped with An apparatus in which the measurement report includes information regarding tag power or a binary indicator associated with the tag.

47. 47. The apparatus of claim 46, further comprising means for receiving configuration settings from the first device to operate as a location activator.

48. 48. The device of claim 47, wherein the configuration settings for operation as a location activator include parameters for a fine resolution activation signal for each target tag.

49. means for triggering discovery of tags by configuring a first device in a first configuration as a discovery activator to configure a wake-up signal; means for triggering a location session by configuring the first device with settings for selecting a location activator and a location reader; means for configuring the second device and at least one other device as a set of discovery leaders to report discovery measurements to the first device; An apparatus comprising:

50. 50. The apparatus of claim 49, wherein configuring the second device includes configuring a discovery leader to report discovery measurements to the first device.

51. Discovery measurements are Tag power level measurement, or Binary indicators associated with tags 51. The apparatus of claim 49 or 50, comprising:

52. 18. A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising stored program instructions for performing the method of any one of claims 1 to 17.

53. 18. An apparatus comprising circuitry configured to cause the apparatus to perform a method according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

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