Device, method, apparatus, and computer-readable medium for communications

Abstract

A first terminal device receives a plurality of sidelink (SL) position reference signal (PRS) configurations from a plurality of terminal devices. The first terminal device determines whether the plurality of terminal devices select overlapping resources for the plurality of SL PRS transmissions based on the plurality of SL PRS configurations. Based on determining that the plurality of terminal devices select overlapping resources for the plurality of SL PRS transmissions, the first terminal device transmits a request for an update of the SL PRS transmission by the second terminal device to a second terminal device of the plurality of terminal devices.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] TECHNICAL FIELD Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to the field of communications, and more particularly to devices, methods, apparatus and computer-readable storage media for communications. [Background technology]

[0002] With the development of communication technology, positioning techniques have been introduced to locate devices within communication systems. Positioning techniques include angle of arrival (AOA) positioning techniques, time difference of arrival (TDOA) positioning techniques, and round trip time (RTT) positioning techniques. Generally, a device to be positioned receives a reference signal (e.g., a positioning reference signal (PRS)) from one or more aiding devices, or the device transmits a reference signal to one or more aiding devices. Then, by measuring the reference signal, the location of the device can be estimated or calculated.

[0003] In situations where terminal devices communicate with each other via sidelink (SL), the terminal device can be located by measuring reference signals transmitted by other terminal devices that can communicate with the terminal device. In this case, coordination between SL PRS transmitted by different terminal devices is also an important issue. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Generally, the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide devices, methods, apparatus, and computer-readable storage media for beam reporting.

[0005] In a first aspect, a first terminal device is provided, the first terminal device comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first terminal device to: receive a plurality of sidelink (SL) position reference signal (PRS) configurations from a plurality of terminal devices; determine, based on the plurality of SL PRS configurations, whether the plurality of terminal devices select overlapping resources for the plurality of SL PRS transmissions; and, based on determining that the plurality of terminal devices select overlapping resources for the plurality of SL PRS transmissions, send, to a second terminal device of the plurality of terminal devices, a request for update of the SL PRS transmissions by the second terminal device.

[0006] In a second aspect, a second terminal device is provided. The second terminal device may include at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the second terminal device to: transmit a sidelink (SL) position reference signal (PRS) configuration to the first terminal device; receive a request for updating the SL PRS transmission; and, according to a determination to update the SL PRS, update the SL PRS transmission based on the request.

[0007] In a third aspect, there is provided a network device, which may comprise at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the network device to: send muting criteria to a first terminal device for determining sidelink (SL) position reference signals (PRS) to be muted; and send an indication of a muting pattern to a second terminal device.

[0008] In a fourth aspect, a method is provided, implemented in a first terminal device, that includes receiving a plurality of sidelink (SL) position reference signal (PRS) configurations from a plurality of terminal devices, determining whether the plurality of terminal devices select overlapping resources for the plurality of SL PRS transmissions based on the plurality of SL PRS configurations, and transmitting, to a second terminal device of the plurality of terminal devices, a request for update of SL PRS transmissions by the second terminal device based on determining that the plurality of terminal devices select overlapping resources for the plurality of SL PRS transmissions.

[0009] In a fifth aspect, there is provided a method implemented in a second terminal device, the method including transmitting a sidelink (SL) position reference signal (PRS) configuration to a first terminal device, receiving a request for updating the SL PRS transmission, and, according to a determination to update the SL PRS, updating the SL PRS transmission based on the request.

[0010] In a sixth aspect, there is provided a method implemented in a network terminal device, the method including: transmitting, at the network device, muting criteria for determining sidelink (SL) position reference signals (PRS) to be muted to a first terminal device; and transmitting an indication of a muting pattern to a second terminal device.

[0011] In a seventh aspect, there is provided an apparatus for a first terminal device, the apparatus comprising: means for receiving a plurality of sidelink (SL) position reference signal (PRS) configurations from a plurality of terminal devices; means for determining, based on the plurality of SL PRS configurations, whether the plurality of terminal devices select overlapping resources for a plurality of sidelink (SL) position reference signal (PRS) transmissions; and means for transmitting, to a second terminal device of the plurality of terminal devices, a request for update of SL PRS transmissions by the second terminal device based on determining that the plurality of terminal devices select overlapping resources for the plurality of SL PRS transmissions.

[0012] In an eighth aspect, an apparatus for a second terminal device is provided, the apparatus comprising: means for transmitting a sidelink (SL) position reference signal (PRS) configuration to a first terminal device, means for receiving a request for updating the SL PRS transmission, and means for updating the SL PRS transmission based on the request according to a determination to update the SL PRS.

[0013] In a ninth aspect, there is provided an apparatus for a network equipment, the apparatus comprising: means, in the network equipment, for transmitting muting criteria to a first terminal device for determining sidelink (SL) position reference signals (PRS) to be muted, and means for transmitting an indication of a muting pattern to a second terminal device.

[0014] In a tenth aspect, there is provided a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least a method according to any of the fourth to sixth aspects.

[0015] In an eleventh aspect, there is provided a computer program including instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to at least: receive a plurality of sidelink (SL) position reference signal (PRS) configurations from a plurality of terminal devices; determine, based on the plurality of SL PRS configurations, whether the plurality of terminal devices select overlapping resources for the plurality of SL PRS transmissions; and, based on determining that the plurality of terminal devices select overlapping resources for the plurality of SL PRS transmissions, send a request for update of SL PRS transmission by the second terminal device to a second terminal device among the plurality of terminal devices.

[0016] In a twelfth aspect, there is provided a computer program comprising instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to at least: transmit a sidelink (SL) position reference signal (PRS) configuration to a first terminal device; receive a request for updating the SL PRS transmission; and, according to a determination to update the SL PRS, update the SL PRS transmission based on the request.

[0017] In a thirteenth aspect, there is provided a computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to at least: transmit muting criteria to a first terminal device for determining sidelink (SL) position reference signals (PRS) to be muted; and transmit an indication of a muting pattern to a second terminal device.

[0018] In a fourteenth aspect, a first terminal device is provided, the first terminal device comprising: a receiving circuit configured to receive a plurality of sidelink (SL) position reference signal (PRS) configurations from a plurality of terminal devices; a determining circuit configured to determine whether the plurality of terminal devices select overlapping resources for a plurality of SL PRS transmissions based on the plurality of SL PRS configurations; and a transmitting circuit configured to transmit, to a second terminal device of the plurality of terminal devices, a request to update the SL PRS transmission by the second terminal device based on determining that the plurality of terminal devices select overlapping resources for the plurality of SL PRS transmissions.

[0019] In a fifteenth aspect, a second terminal device is provided, the second terminal device comprising: a transmitting circuit configured to transmit a sidelink (SL) position reference signal (PRS) configuration to the first terminal device; a receiving circuit configured to receive a request for updating the SL PRS transmission; and an updating circuit configured to update the SL PRS transmission based on the request according to a determination to update the SL PRS.

[0020] In a sixteenth aspect, there is provided a network device comprising: a first transmitting circuit configured to transmit muting criteria to a first terminal device for determining a sidelink (SL) position reference signal (PRS) to be muted; and a second transmitting circuit configured to transmit an indication of a muting pattern to a second terminal device.

[0021] It should be understood that the Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the embodiments of the present disclosure, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Other features of the present disclosure will become readily apparent through the following description. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] Exemplary embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary network environment in which exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 illustrates an example signal processing for SL localization, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 illustrates another example signaling process for SL positioning, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a flowchart of a method implemented in a first terminal device in an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a flowchart of a method implemented in a second terminal device in an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 illustrates an example flowchart of a method implemented in a network device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows an example of a simplified block diagram of an apparatus suitable for practicing exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] 8 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary computer-readable medium in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Throughout the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals represent the same or similar elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] The principles of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to some exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are provided for illustrative purposes to help those skilled in the art understand and practice the present disclosure, and are not intended to imply any limitations on the scope of the present disclosure. The disclosure described herein may be implemented in various forms other than those described below.

[0024] In the following description and claims, unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0025] References in this disclosure to "one embodiment," "embodiment," "exemplary embodiment," etc. indicate that the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not all embodiments need include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is understood that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments, whether or not explicitly stated.

[0026] Although terms such as "first" and "second" may be used herein to describe various elements, it will be understood that these elements are not limited by these terms. These terms are merely used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and similarly, a second element could be termed a first element, without departing from the scope of the exemplary embodiments. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed terms.

[0027] The terminology in the examples is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that as used herein, the terms "comprises," "comprising," "has," "having," "includes," and / or "including" specify the presence of stated features, elements, and / or components, etc., but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0028] As used herein, the term "circuit" means (a) hardware-only circuit implementations (e.g., analog and / or digital-only implementations); (b) a combination of hardware circuitry and software (if applicable); (i) a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuitry and software / firmware; (ii) software (including digital signal processors), hardware processor portions with software and memory that cooperate to cause a device, such as a mobile phone or server, to perform various functions; (c) A hardware circuit or processor, such as a microprocessor or part of a microprocessor, that requires software (e.g., firmware) to operate, but the software may be absent when not necessary for operation; It may refer to one or more, or all, of the following:

[0029] This definition of circuit applies to all uses of the term in this application, including any claims. As a further example, as used herein, the term circuit also covers simply a hardware circuit or processor (or processors) or part of a hardware circuit or processor and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware implementation. The term circuit also covers, for example, a baseband or processor integrated circuit for a mobile device, or a similar integrated circuit in a server, cellular network equipment, or other computing device or network equipment, if applicable to particular claim elements.

[0030] As used herein, the term "communication network" refers to a network conforming to any suitable communication standard, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), High-Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), or Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT). Furthermore, communication between terminal devices and network devices in a communication network may be performed according to any suitable generation of communication protocol, including, but not limited to, third-generation (3G), fourth-generation (4G), 4.5G, fifth-generation (5G) communication protocols, and / or later. Embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied to various communication systems. Given the rapid development of communications, there will, of course, be future communication technologies and systems in which the present disclosure may be embodied. The scope of the present disclosure should not be considered limited to only the aforementioned systems.

[0031] As used herein, the term "network equipment" refers to a node in a communication network through which terminal equipment accesses the network and receives services therefrom. Depending on the terminology and technology applied, network equipment may refer to a base station (BS) or access point (AP), e.g., a Node B (NodeB or NB), an evolved Node B (eNodeB or eNB), an NR NB (also referred to as a gNB), a remote radio unit (RRU), a radio header (RH), a remote radio head (RRH), a relay, a low-power node such as a femto, or a pico, etc.

[0032] The term "terminal equipment" refers to any end device capable of wireless communication. By way of example and not limitation, terminal equipment may also be referred to as communication equipment, user equipment (UE), subscriber station (SS), mobile subscriber station, mobile station (MS), or access terminal (AT). Terminal equipment includes, but is not limited to, mobile phones, cellular phones, smartphones, voice over IP (VoIP) phones, wireless local loop phones, tablets, wearable terminal equipment, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable computers, desktop computers, image capture terminal equipment such as digital cameras, gaming terminal equipment, music storage and playback appliances, in-vehicle wireless terminal equipment, wireless endpoints, mobile stations, laptop embedded equipment (LEE), laptop mounted equipment (LME), USB dongles, smart devices, wireless customer premises equipment (CPE), Internet of Things (IoT) devices, wearables such as watches, head-mounted displays (HMD), vehicles, drones, medical devices and applications (e.g., remote surgery), industrial devices and applications (e.g., robots and / or other wireless devices operating in the context of industrial and / or automated processing chains), consumer electronics devices, devices operating in commercial and / or industrial wireless networks, etc. In the following description, the terms "terminal equipment," "communications equipment," "terminal," "user equipment," and "UE" can be used interchangeably.

[0033] As mentioned above, coordination between SL PRSs transmitted by different terminal devices may be an important aspect of SL positioning. In SL positioning, a terminal device to be positioned (also referred to as a target terminal device or "T-UE" in this embodiment) utilizes other terminal devices (also referred to as supporting terminal devices or "S-UE") to support the positioning session. In some cases, for example, in Mode 2 of SL positioning, a supporting terminal device may autonomously select a time-frequency resource for transmitting an SL positioning reference signal (PRS). Meanwhile, supporting terminal devices may each select the same time-frequency resource for transmitting an SL PRS. Therefore, measurements of the SL PRS from different supporting terminal devices may interfere with each other. One solution may be to preconfigure the SL PRS configuration of the supporting terminal device so that the time frequency selected by one supporting terminal device is different from the time frequency selected by other supporting terminal devices. However, even if the SL PRS configuration is preconfigured, resource contention or measurement interference may occur.

[0034] To solve at least the above problems and improve the performance of communication systems, a scheme for SL positioning is provided. In this scheme, a first terminal device receives multiple sidelink (SL) position reference signal (PRS) configurations from multiple terminal devices. Based on the multiple SL PRS configurations, the first terminal device determines whether the multiple terminal devices select overlapping resources (e.g., time-frequency resources selected by the multiple terminal devices) for the multiple SL PRS transmissions. If the multiple terminal devices select overlapping resources for the multiple SL PRS transmissions, the first terminal device transmits to a second terminal device of the multiple terminal devices a request to update or adjust the SL PRS transmission by the second terminal device or parameters or characteristics thereof. While most of the embodiments are discussed with reference to SL PRSs, it should be understood that SL PRSs are merely exemplary of reference signals used for SL positioning. Furthermore, other signals that can be used or reused for SL positioning of a device are also within the scope of this disclosure.

[0035] In this way, the target terminal equipment can also adjust resource contention or measurement interference in a dynamic way without completely reconfiguring the SL PRS configuration, even if the supporting terminal equipment actually selects overlapping resources.

[0036] In this disclosure, overlapping resources refer to the same communication resources selected by multiple supporting terminal devices to transmit SL PRS. In some cases, the same communication resources may be, but are not limited to, time-frequency resources. In some cases, the same communication resources may be, but are not limited to, the same resource elements or resource blocks. Alternatively, the same communication resources may be other communication resources, such as polarization resources, spatial orientation resources, etc.

[0037] The principles and embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 shows an exemplary network environment 100 in which exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented. The environment 100, which is part of a communication network, includes terminal equipment and network equipment.

[0038] 1, network environment 100 may include terminal devices 110, 120, 130, and 140. For purposes of explanation only and not limitation, terminal device 110 is a terminal device that is located via sidelink communication, and may also be referred to as a first terminal device 110 in this disclosure. Furthermore, terminal devices 120, 130, and 140 are supporting terminal devices that assist in the location of first terminal device 110. Without limitation, terminal device 120 may also be referred to as a second terminal device 120, terminal device 130 may also be referred to as a third terminal device 130, and terminal device 140 may also be referred to as a fourth terminal device 140. Network environment 100 further includes network device 150, which may provide the terminal devices, as described above.

[0039] It should be understood that the number of network devices and terminal devices is given for illustrative purposes only, without implying any limitation. System 100 may include any suitable number of network devices and / or terminal devices adapted to implement embodiments of the present disclosure. Although not shown, it will be understood that one or more terminal devices may be disposed in environment 100.

[0040] Communications in the network environment 100 may be conducted according to any suitable communications protocol(s), including, but not limited to, wireless local network communications protocols such as third generation (3G), fourth generation (4G), fifth generation (5G), or later, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11, and / or other protocols now known or developed in the future. Furthermore, communications may utilize any suitable wireless communications technology, such as, but not limited to, multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO), orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), time division multiplexing (TDM), frequency division multiplexing (FDM), code division multiplexing (CDM), Bluetooth, ZigBee, machine-type communications (MTC), enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), massive machine-type communications (mMTC), ultra-reliable low latency communications (URLLC), carrier aggregation (CA), dual connection (DC), new radio unlicensed communications (NR-U) technologies, and the like.

[0041] In this disclosure, a SL positioning procedure is proposed and an embodiment is further described with reference to FIGS.

[0042] 2 shows an example signaling process 200 for SL positioning in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. For illustrative purposes, process 200 is described with reference to FIG. 1. Although process 200 has been described in communication environment 100 of FIG. 1, it will be understood that process 200 may be applied to other communication scenarios as well. For illustrative purposes, the following embodiments are described with reference to a first terminal device 110, a second terminal device 120, a third terminal device 130, and a network device 150, without any limitation.

[0043] In signaling 200, after the SL location procedure is initiated, the first terminal device 110 receives multiple SL PRS configurations from multiple terminal devices (201, 203). The multiple terminal devices may include, but are not limited to, the second terminal device 120, the third terminal device 130, and the fourth terminal device 140. As shown in FIG. 2, the first terminal device 110 receives a first SL PRS configuration from the second terminal device 120 (201) and a second SL PRS configuration from the third terminal device 130 (203). In other embodiments, the first terminal device 110 may also receive a third SL PRS configuration from the fourth terminal device 140. The SL PRS configuration (e.g., the first SL PRS configuration) may indicate resources (e.g., time-frequency resources) selected by the respective supporting terminal device (e.g., the second terminal device 120) to transmit the SL PRS. Alternatively, the supporting terminal device (e.g., second terminal device 120) can relay an SL PRS configuration (e.g., second SL PRS configuration) from another supporting terminal device (e.g., third terminal device 130) to the first terminal device 110. The scope of protection in this regard is not limited.

[0044] Based on the multiple SL PRS configurations, the first terminal device 110 determines whether the multiple terminal devices select overlapping resources (e.g., the same time-frequency resources) for the multiple SL PRS transmissions (210). In an exemplary embodiment, if resources indicated by an SL PRS configuration (e.g., a first SL PRS configuration) at least partially overlap with resources indicated by another SL PRS configuration (e.g., a second SL PRS configuration), the first terminal device 110 may determine that the multiple terminal devices, including the second terminal device 120 and the third terminal device 130, select overlapping resources. Alternatively, if the second terminal device 120 and the third terminal device 130 select at least partially the same resources, the first terminal device 110 may determine that the multiple terminal devices, including the second terminal device 120 and the third terminal device 130, select overlapping resources.

[0045] Upon determining that the multiple terminal devices select overlapping resources for multiple SL PRS transmissions, the first terminal device 110 sends a request for an SL PRS transmission update to the second terminal device 120 (220). In some embodiments, "updating the SL PRS transmission" refers to adjusting the multiplexing scheme for transmitting the SL PRS, where the multiplexing scheme is either muting (zero-power transmission) the SL PRS or utilizing code division multiplexing (CDM). CDM refers to using different sequences in the time and / or frequency domains, such as by using different sequence initialization values ​​or orthogonal cover codes (OCC). Furthermore, "updating the SL PRS transmission" may also be referred to as "updating the SL PRS configuration."

[0046] In some embodiments, the request may include a request to mute the SL PRS (221). For example, the first terminal device 110 may send a request to the second terminal device 120 to mute the SL PRS transmitted on the overlapping resources. If the second terminal device 120 determines that the SL PRS can be updated or muted, the second terminal device 120 may mute the corresponding SL PRS based on the request. Furthermore, the second terminal device 120 may feed back an acceptance message to the first terminal device 110 notifying that the mute request has been accepted or otherwise complied with (225). Furthermore, the second terminal device 120 may also send an update message to other target terminal devices and / or the first terminal device 110 indicating that the SL PRS has been muted (225).

[0047] Otherwise, if the second terminal device 120 determines that it cannot mute the SL PRS for other reasons, the second terminal device 120 may feed back to the first terminal device a rejection message indicating that it cannot accept or comply with the muting request and will not mute the SL PRS (225). Based on the rejection message, the first terminal device 110 may transmit a request to mute the SL PRS to another terminal device (e.g., the third terminal device 130) among the multiple terminal devices. Alternatively, the first terminal device 110 may perform other corresponding operations to remove the interference.

[0048] In some embodiments, the request to mute the SL PRS may further indicate that the SL PRS is to be muted in a specific slot. In this way, the second terminal device 120 can mute the SL PRS only in a specific slot (which may also be referred to as the first slot) and still transmit the SL PRS in other allocated resources. In this case, one or more opportunities for the SL PRS may be muted. Furthermore, the terminal device 110 may also send a request to the third terminal device 130 to mute the SL PRS in another specific slot (which may also be referred to as the second slot). In some embodiments, the first slot and the second slot are staggered in the time domain (e.g., use different slots so as not to overlap). For example, the first slot and the second slot are in different slots, or the first slot and the second slot are each located at different positions in periodic time slots. Specifically, the first terminal device 110 can request the second terminal device 120 to mute the SL PRS during slot x, and the first terminal device 110 can request the third terminal device 130 to mute the SL PRS during slot x+n (where n is the period of the SL PRS).

[0049] Additionally or alternatively, the first terminal device 110 can transmit a request to mute the strongest received SL PRS signal. In some embodiments, the first terminal device 110 can receive a first SL PRS from the second terminal device 120 and a second SL PRS from the third terminal device 130 on overlapping resources. If the first terminal device 110 determines that the first received power (e.g., reference signal received power (RSRP)) of the first SL PRS is greater than the second received power of the second SL PRS by a threshold power, the first terminal device 110 receives the second received power of the second SL PRS. The first terminal device can then transmit a request to the second terminal device 120 to mute the first SL PRS. Alternatively, if the difference between the RSRPs of the SL PRSs from different terminal devices is sufficiently large, the first terminal device 110 can request the respective terminal devices to mute the SL PRS with the larger RSRP. In this way, the first terminal device 110 can measure the SL PRS with lower received power during slots in which the strongest SL PRS is muted. Furthermore, during slots in which the strongest SL PRS is still transmitted (e.g., the strongest SL PRS is muted only in certain slots), the first terminal device 110 can rely on code division multiplexing (CDM) to measure the strongest SL PRS, knowing that there will be some interference.

[0050] Additionally or alternatively, the first terminal device 110 can also determine the SL PRS to be muted based on predetermined criteria. In some embodiments, the first terminal device 110 can receive muting criteria from the network device 150 for determining the SL PRS to be muted. In some embodiments, the muting criteria can indicate that only SL PRS with specific characteristics can be requested to be muted. In one example, the SL PRS with specific characteristics can include SL PRS with a received power higher than a second threshold power. In response, the first terminal device 110 can request that these SL PRS be muted. In this case, the network device 150 can set the second power threshold as X. Then, if the SL PRS RSRP>X, the terminal device 110 can request that this SL PRS be muted.

[0051] Regarding the transmission of a request to mute the SL PRS or a request to update the SL PRS transmission, the first terminal device 110 may transmit the request to the second terminal device 120 via sidelink control information (SCI) signaling. Additionally or alternatively, the first terminal device 110 may also transmit the request to the second terminal device 120 via a sidelink LTE positioning protocol (SLPP) message. Additionally or alternatively, the first terminal device 110 may also transmit a request via groupcast signaling to mute the SL PRS transmitted from a group of terminal devices among multiple terminal devices. Furthermore, the first terminal device 110 may also request to mute other resources related to the SL PRS. For example, if the second terminal device 120 supports beamforming or spatial filtering, the first terminal device 110 may transmit a request to mute a beam related to the SL PRS transmission.

[0052] In addition to or alternatively to the request to mute the SL PRS, the request to update the SL PRS transmission may include at least one of a request to change the SL PRS identification (ID) or a request to use an orthogonal cover code (OCC). In some embodiments, the SL PRS ID may be used to generate the SL PRS sequence. Alternatively, in some other embodiments, the SL PRS ID may be a seed for sequence initialization. In some embodiments, the SL PRS ID is associated with a sequence (e.g., a pseudorandom code sequence) used to perform CDM communications. In this manner, the second terminal device 120 may change the code sequence for the SL PRS transmission to the first terminal device 110 based on the request. Alternatively, the second terminal device 120 may use the OCC for the SL PRS transmission to the first terminal device based on a request to use the OCC. In this manner, different SL PRSs transmitted on overlapping resources can be distinguished using the code sequence so that measurement interference can be eliminated.

[0053] In an exemplary embodiment, the indicated SL PRS ID may be a preferred SL PRS ID selected by the first terminal device 110. The second terminal device 120 may change to using a code sequence corresponding to the indicated SL PRS ID. In some embodiments, the first terminal device 110 may transmit a request to change the SL PRS ID or a request to use an orthogonal cover code (OCC) based on a precondition being met. In some cases, the precondition may be that the distance from the supporting terminal device and the first terminal device 110 is approximately the same. In this embodiment, the first terminal device 110 may determine a first distance between the first terminal device 110 and the second terminal device 120 and a second distance between the first terminal device 110 and a third terminal device 130 of the plurality of terminal devices. If the difference between the first distance and the second distance satisfies a threshold distance, the first terminal device 110 may transmit a request to change the SL PRS ID or a request to use an OCC to the second terminal device 120. In this way, code division multiplexing (CDM) can be enabled in the T-UE rather than fully muting the S-UE. Otherwise, if the first terminal device 110 estimates that the difference in distance from the terminal devices 120 and 130 is greater than a threshold, the first terminal device 110 falls back to requesting muting rather than requesting a change in SL PRS. Furthermore, the second terminal device 120 can also feed back an accept, reject, or update message to the first terminal device 110 in a manner similar to that described above (225). In response, the first terminal device 110 can perform corresponding operations as described above. Furthermore, if the second terminal device 120 changes its SL PRS ID, the second terminal device 120 can also notify other target terminal devices of the updated SL PRS ID.

[0054] As mentioned above, dynamically informing the S-UE to update its SL PRS transmissions can eliminate resource contention or measurement interference. In this way, the S-UE can update its SL PRS transmissions without completely reconfiguring its SL PRS configuration, thereby minimizing the impact of latency. Also, because there may be other T-UEs listed in the S-UE's SL PRS transmissions, muting a small number of times provides the best solution.

[0055] Still referring to FIG. 2, the first terminal device 110 receives SL PRS from the second terminal device 120 and the third terminal device 130 (230, 240) and then performs SL position measurement (250).

[0056] Additionally or alternatively, the supporting terminal equipment may be configured with a dynamic muting pattern. Further, the muting pattern may be activated upon detecting measured interference. For ease of explanation, the dynamic muting pattern is further described with reference to FIG. 3.

[0057] 3 shows another example signaling procedure 300 for SL positioning, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. For purposes of explanation, process 200 will be described with reference to FIG. 1. While process 200 has been described in communication environment 100 of FIG. 1, it will be understood that process 200 may be applied to other communication scenarios as well. For illustrative purposes, the following embodiments will be described with reference to, without limitation, first terminal device 110, second terminal device 120, third terminal device 130, and network device 150.

[0058] Without limitation, step 305 can be performed in the same manner as step 201 or 203 of Figure 2. Steps 310 and 325 can be performed similarly to steps 210 and 225, respectively, of Figure 2. Steps 330 and 350 can be performed similarly to steps 230 and 250, respectively, of Figure 2.

[0059] As shown in signaling process 300, after the SL location procedure is initiated, the network device 150 can configure the second terminal device 120 with a dynamic muting pattern. In some embodiments, the network device 150 can send an indication of the muting pattern to the second terminal device 120. The second terminal device 120 may send the indication to the first terminal device 110 so that the first terminal device 110 knows that the second terminal device 120 has the muting pattern. The first terminal device 110 may then determine that multiple terminal devices, including the second terminal device 120, select overlapping resources (e.g., select the same time-frequency resources). The first terminal device 110 can send a request to activate the dynamic muting pattern to the second terminal device 120 via the SCI. For example, the request includes an activation message to activate the muting pattern. In response, the second terminal device 120 can activate the muting pattern based on receiving the activation message. For example, a second terminal device 120 with a muting pattern configured by a gNB / transmission / reception point (TRP) / LMF activates this muting pattern only upon request by the first terminal device 110, as it is an optional muting pattern. If the location management function (LMF) configures the muting pattern, it can be performed using LPP. Furthermore, the SL PRS configuration of a given S-UE can be used by multiple T-UEs. To minimize impact, the S-UE may mute for a short period (e.g., long enough to avoid interference). Otherwise, a complete reconfiguration of the SL PRS may be required, which is time-consuming and difficult (because no single entity has all the information).

[0060] 4 illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary method 400 implemented in a terminal device (e.g., first terminal device 110) in some embodiments of the present disclosure. For illustrative purposes, method 400 will be described from the perspective of terminal device 110 with reference to FIG.

[0061] At 410, a first terminal device 110 receives multiple sidelink (SL) position reference signal (PRS) configurations from multiple terminal devices. At 420, the first terminal device 110 determines whether the multiple terminal devices select overlapping resources for multiple SL PRS transmissions based on the multiple SL PRS configurations. At 430, based on determining that the multiple terminal devices select overlapping resources for the multiple SL PRS transmissions, the first terminal device 110 transmits a request for an update of the SL PRS transmission by the second terminal device to a second terminal device of the multiple terminal devices.

[0062] In some embodiments, the request includes a request to mute the SL PRS. In some embodiments, the request further indicates that the SL PRS is to be muted in the first slot. In some embodiments, method 400 further includes transmitting a request to mute the SL PRS in the second slot to a third terminal device of the plurality of terminal devices, wherein the second slot and the first slot are staggered in the time domain. In some embodiments, transmitting the request to mute the SL PRS includes receiving a first SL PRS from the second terminal device and a second SL PRS from a third terminal device of the plurality of terminal devices on overlapping resources; determining that a first received power of the first SL PRS is greater than a second received power of the second SL PRS by a threshold power; and transmitting a request to mute the first SL PRS to the second terminal device.

[0063] In some embodiments, the method 400 further includes transmitting a request for muting the SL PRS by receiving, from the network equipment, muting criteria for determining the SL PRS to be muted and transmitting a request to the second terminal device based on the muting criteria. In some embodiments, the request includes a request for muting a beam associated with the SL PRS transmission. In some embodiments, the request for muting the SL PRS is transmitted by at least one of transmitting a request via Sidelink Control Information (SCI) signaling, transmitting a request via a Sidelink LTE Positioning Protocol (SLPP) message, or transmitting a request via groupcast signaling for muting the SL PRS transmitted from a group of terminal devices among the plurality of terminal devices.

[0064] In some embodiments, the method 400 further includes receiving an indication from the second terminal device not to mute the SL PRS and sending a request to a third terminal device among the plurality of terminal devices other than the second terminal device. In some embodiments, the request includes at least one of a request to change the identification (ID) of the SL PRS or a request to use an orthogonal cover code (OCC). In some embodiments, the request further indicates at least one of the SL PRS ID or SL PRS sequence initialization.

[0065] In some embodiments, transmitting a request to change the SL PRS ID includes determining a first distance between the terminal device and a second terminal device, determining a second distance between the terminal device and a third terminal device of the plurality of terminal devices, and transmitting a request to change the SL PRS ID or a request to use the OCC to the second terminal device based on a distance difference between the first distance and the second distance satisfying a threshold distance.

[0066] In some embodiments, the method 400 further includes receiving an indication of the muting pattern from the second terminal device. In some embodiments, sending the request includes sending an activation message to the second terminal device to activate the muting pattern.

[0067] 5 illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary method 500 implemented in a terminal device (e.g., second terminal device 120) in some embodiments of the present disclosure. For illustrative purposes, method 500 will be described from the perspective of second terminal device 120 with reference to FIG. 1.

[0068] At 510, the second terminal device 120 transmits a sidelink (SL) position reference signal (PRS) configuration to the first terminal device. At 520, the second terminal device 120 receives a request to update the SL PRS transmission. At 530, the second terminal device 120 updates the SL PRS transmission based on the request in accordance with the determination that the SL PRS is to be updated.

[0069] In some embodiments, the request includes a request to mute the SL PRS.In some embodiments, the request includes a request to mute a beam associated with the SL PRS.

[0070] In some embodiments, updating the SL PRS transmission is performed by at least one of muting the transmission of the SL PRS upon request or disabling the beam associated with the SL PRS.

[0071] In some embodiments, the second terminal device 120 avoids transmitting the SL PRS, and the second terminal device 120 also transmits a notification to other terminal devices in its vicinity indicating that the SL PRS has been muted.

[0072] In some embodiments, the method 500 further includes, in accordance with determining that the SL PRS is not updated, sending a notification that the SL PRS is not muted.

[0073] In some embodiments, the request includes at least one of a request to change the SL PRS identification (ID) or a request to use an orthogonal cover code (OCC).

[0074] In some embodiments, the request further indicates at least one of n SL PRS IDs or an SL PRS sequence initialization.

[0075] In some embodiments, the method 500 further includes at least one of changing a code sequence for an SL PRS transmission to the first terminal device based on a request to change the SL PRS ID, and using an OCC for an SL PRS transmission to the first terminal device 110 based on a request to use an OCC.

[0076] In some embodiments, the method 500 further includes receiving an indication of the muting pattern from the network device 150 and transmitting the indication of the muting pattern to the first terminal device 110.

[0077] In some embodiments, the method 500 further includes receiving, from the first terminal device 110, an activation message for activating the muting pattern, and activating the muting pattern.

[0078] 6 illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary method 600 implemented in a network device (e.g., network device 150) in some embodiments of the present disclosure. For purposes of explanation, method 600 will be described from the perspective of network device 150 with reference to FIG. 1.

[0079] At 610, the network device 150 transmits muting criteria to the first terminal device 110 for determining which sidelink (SL) position reference signals (PRS) are muted. At 620, the network device 150 transmits an indication of the muting pattern to the second terminal device 120.

[0080] In some embodiments, an apparatus capable of performing any of the operations of method 400 (first terminal device 110 in an exemplary embodiment) includes: means for receiving a plurality of sidelink (SL) position reference signal (PRS) configurations from a plurality of terminal devices; means for determining, based on the plurality of SL PRS configurations, whether the plurality of terminal devices select overlapping resources for the plurality of sidelink (SL) position reference signal (PRS) transmissions; and means for transmitting, to a second terminal device of the plurality of terminal devices, a request for an update of the SL PRS transmission by the second terminal device based on a determination that the plurality of terminal devices select overlapping resources for the plurality of SL PRS transmissions.

[0081] In some embodiments, the apparatus may include means for receiving, from a network device, a configuration of a mapping restriction for performing a logical channel prioritization (LCP) procedure associated with a configured grant (CG). The mapping restriction is configured for a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE). The apparatus may further include means for determining whether the MAC CE is triggered, means for performing an LCP procedure for the CG based on the mapping restriction based on determining that the MAC CE is triggered, and means for transmitting the MAC CE to the network device via the CG.

[0082] In some embodiments, the request includes a request to mute the SL PRS. In some embodiments, the request further indicates that the SL PRS be muted in the first slot. In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises means for transmitting a request to mute the SL PRS in the second slot to a third terminal device of the plurality of terminal devices, wherein the second slot and the first slot are staggered in the time domain. In some embodiments, the means for transmitting a request to mute the SL PRS comprises means for receiving a first SL PRS from the second terminal device, means for receiving a second SL PRS from a third terminal device of the plurality of terminal devices on overlapping resources, means for determining that a first received power of the first SL PRS is greater than a second received power of the second SL PRS by a threshold power, and means for transmitting a request to mute the first SL PRS to the second terminal device.

[0083] In some embodiments, the means for transmitting a request to mute the SL PRS comprises means for receiving, from the network equipment, muting criteria for determining the SL PRS to be muted, and means for transmitting a request to the second terminal device based on the muting criteria. In some embodiments, the request comprises a request to mute a beam associated with the SL PRS transmission. In some embodiments, the means for transmitting the request to mute the SL PRS comprises means for transmitting via at least one of: means for transmitting via Sidelink Control Information (SCI) signaling, means for transmitting via a Sidelink LTE Positioning Protocol (SLPP) message, or means for transmitting via groupcast signaling for muting the SL PRS transmitted from a group of terminal devices among the plurality of terminal devices.

[0084] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises means for receiving an indication from a second terminal device to not mute the SL PRS, and means for sending a request to a third terminal device among the plurality of terminal devices, the third terminal device being excluding the second terminal device. In some embodiments, the request includes at least one of a request for a change in the identification (ID) of the SL PRS or a request for use of an orthogonal cover code (OCC). In some embodiments, the request further indicates at least one of an SL PRS ID or an SL PRS sequence initialization.

[0085] In some embodiments, the means for transmitting a request to change the SL PRS ID comprises means for determining a first distance between the terminal device and a second terminal device, means for determining a second distance between the terminal device and a third terminal device among the plurality of terminal devices, and means for transmitting a request to change the SL PRS ID or a request to use an OCC to the second terminal device based on a distance difference between the first distance and the second distance satisfying a threshold distance.

[0086] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises means for receiving an indication of the muting pattern from the second terminal device, hi some embodiments, the means for sending the request comprises means for sending an activation message to the second terminal device to activate the muting pattern.

[0087] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises means for performing other steps in some embodiments of method 400. In some embodiments, the means comprises at least one processor and at least one memory containing computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to cause execution of the apparatus by the at least one processor.

[0088] In some embodiments, an apparatus capable of performing any of the methods 500 (e.g., the second terminal device 120) may include means for performing each step of the method 500. The means may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the means may be implemented in a circuit or a software module.

[0089] In some embodiments, the apparatus may include means for transmitting a sidelink (SL) position reference signal (PRS) configuration to a first terminal device; means for receiving a request for updating the SL PRS transmission; and means for updating the SL PRS transmission based on the request according to a determination to update the SL PRS.

[0090] In some embodiments, the request includes a request to mute the SL PRS. In some embodiments, the request includes a request to mute a beam associated with the SL PRS.

[0091] In some embodiments, the means for updating the SL PRS transmission comprises at least one of means for muting transmission of the SL PRS or means for disabling a beam associated with the SL PRS based on the request.

[0092] In some embodiments, the second terminal device avoids transmitting the SL PRS, and the second terminal device further transmits a notification to other terminal devices in its vicinity indicating that the SL PRS has been muted.

[0093] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises means for transmitting a notification that the SL PRS is not muted according to a determination that the SL PRS is not updated.

[0094] In some embodiments, the request includes at least one of a request to change the SL PRS identification (ID) or a request to use an orthogonal cover code (OCC).

[0095] In some embodiments, the request further indicates at least one of n SL PRS IDs or SL PRS sequence initialization.

[0096] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises means for at least one of changing a code sequence for an SL PRS transmission to the first terminal device based on a request to change the SL PRS ID, and using an OCC for the SL PRS transmission to the first terminal device based on a request to use an OCC.

[0097] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises means for receiving an indication of the muting pattern from the network equipment, and means for transmitting the indication of the muting pattern to the first terminal equipment.

[0098] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises means for receiving, from the first terminal device, an activation message for activating the muting pattern, and activating the muting pattern.

[0099] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises means for performing other steps in some embodiments of method 500. In some embodiments, the means comprises at least one processor and at least one memory containing computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to cause execution of the apparatus by the at least one processor.

[0100] In some embodiments, an apparatus capable of performing any of the methods 600 (e.g., network device 150) may comprise means for performing each step of the method 600. The means may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the means may be implemented in a circuit or a software module.

[0101] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises means for performing other steps in some embodiments of method 600. In some embodiments, the means comprises at least one processor and at least one memory containing computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to cause execution of the apparatus by the at least one processor.

[0102] In some embodiments, the apparatus may comprise means, in the network equipment, for transmitting muting criteria to a first terminal device for determining sidelink (SL) position reference signals (PRS) to be muted, and means for transmitting an indication of a muting pattern to a second terminal device.

[0103] 7 is a simplified block diagram of a device 700 suitable for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure. The device 700 may be provided to implement a communication device such as the terminal equipment or network equipment 150 shown in FIG. 1. As shown, the device 700 includes one or more processors 710, one or more memories 740 coupled to the processors 710, and one or more transmitters and / or receivers (TX / RX) 740 coupled to the processors 710.

[0104] The TX / RX 740 is for bidirectional communication. The TX / RX 740 has at least one antenna to facilitate communication. The communication interface can represent any interface required for communication with other network elements.

[0105] The processor 710 may be of any type suitable for a local technology network and may include, by way of non-limiting example, one or more of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), and a processor based on a multi-core processor architecture. The device 700 may have multiple processors, such as application-specific integrated circuit chips that are time-slaved to a clock that synchronizes a main processor.

[0106] The memory 720 may comprise one or more non-volatile memories and one or more volatile memories. Examples of non-volatile memories include, but are not limited to, read-only memory (ROM) 724, electrically programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, hard disks, compact disks (CDs), digital video disks (DVDs), and other magnetic and / or optical storage devices. Examples of volatile memories include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM) 722 and other volatile memories that do not persist through power-down periods.

[0107] The computer program 730 includes computer-executable instructions that are executed by the associated processor 710. The program 730 may be stored in ROM 724. The processor 710 can load the program 730 into RAM 722 to perform any suitable operations and processes.

[0108] The embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented by a program such that device 600 can execute any process of the present disclosure, as described with reference to Figures 2 to 6. The embodiments of the present disclosure may also be implemented by hardware or a combination of software and hardware.

[0109] In some embodiments, the program 730 may be tangibly contained in a computer-readable medium that may be included in the device 700 (such as in memory 720) or other storage device accessible by the device 700. The device 700 may load the program 730 from the computer-readable medium into RAM 722 and execute it. The computer-readable medium may include any type of tangible non-volatile storage device, such as a ROM, an EPROM, a flash memory, a hard disk, a CD, a DVD, etc. Figure 8 shows an example of a computer-readable medium 800 in the form of a CD or DVD, on which the program 730 is stored.

[0110] In general, various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in hardware or special purpose circuits, software, logic, or any combination thereof. Some aspects may be implemented in hardware, while other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software that may be executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device. While various aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described using block diagrams, flowcharts, or some other graphical representations, it should be understood that the blocks, apparatus, systems, techniques, or methods described herein may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, special purpose circuits or logic, general purpose hardware or controller, or other computing device, or some combination thereof, in non-limiting examples.

[0111] The present disclosure also provides at least one computer program product tangibly stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The computer program product includes computer-executable instructions, such as those included in program modules, that execute on a target real or virtual processor device to perform process 200 or 300, method 400, 500, or 600 described above with reference to FIGS. 2-5. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, libraries, objects, classes, components, data structures, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. The functionality of the program modules may be combined or split among program modules as desired in various embodiments. The machine-executable instructions of the program modules may be executed in local or distributed devices. In distributed devices, the program modules may be located in both local and remote storage media.

[0112] Program code for implementing the methods of the present disclosure can be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. These program codes can be provided to a processor or controller of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus, such that, when executed by the processor or controller, the functions / acts specified in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams are performed. The program code can run entirely on the machine, partially on the machine, as a stand-alone software package, partially on the machine and partially on a remote machine, or entirely on a remote machine or server.

[0113] In the context of the present disclosure, computer program code or associated data may be carried by any suitable carrier to enable a device, apparatus, or processor to perform the various processes and operations as described above. Examples of carriers include signals, computer-readable media, etc.

[0114] The computer-readable medium may be a computer-readable signal medium or a computer-readable storage medium. Computer-readable media include, but are not limited to, electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, apparatus, devices, or any suitable combination thereof. More specific examples of computer-readable storage media include an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the above. The term "non-transitory" as used herein refers to the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not a signal), as opposed to the permanence of the data storage (e.g., RAM versus ROM).

[0115] Furthermore, although operations are depicted in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring such operations to be performed in the particular order shown, or sequentially, or to perform all of the operations shown, to achieve desirable results. In certain situations, multitasking and parallel processing may be preferable. Similarly, while several specific implementation details are included in the above description, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure, but rather as descriptions of features that may be unique to particular embodiments. Certain features that are described in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination.

[0116] Although the present disclosure has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the present disclosure, as defined by the appended claims, is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

Claims

1. a first terminal device, at least one processor; When executed by the at least one processor, the first terminal device: receiving a plurality of sidelink (SL) position reference signal (PRS) configurations from a plurality of terminal devices; determining whether the plurality of terminal devices select overlapping resources for a plurality of SL PRS transmissions based on the plurality of SL PRS configurations; transmitting, to a second terminal device among the plurality of terminal devices, a request for update of the second terminal device's SL PRS transmission based on determining that the plurality of terminal devices have selected overlapping resources for the plurality of SL PRS transmissions; at least one memory storing instructions for executing the A first terminal device comprising:

2. The request is SL PRS mute request, The first terminal device according to claim 1 , comprising:

3. The first terminal equipment of claim 2 , wherein the request further indicates that the SL PRS is muted in a first slot.

4. The first terminal device further comprises: transmitting the request to mute the SL PRS in a second slot to a third terminal device of the plurality of terminal devices, the second slot and the first slot being staggered in the time domain; 4. The first terminal device according to claim 3, adapted to execute the following:

5. The first terminal device may transmit the request to mute the SL PRS as follows: receiving a first SL PRS from the second terminal device and a second SL PRS from a third terminal device among the plurality of terminal devices using the overlapping resources; determining that a first received power of the first SL PRS is greater than a second received power of the second SL PRS by a threshold power; sending the request to mute the first SL PRS to the second terminal device; 5. The first terminal device according to claim 2, wherein the first terminal device is adapted to transmit by:

6. The first terminal device may transmit the request to mute the SL PRS as follows: receiving muting criteria from a network device for determining that the SL PRS is muted; sending the request to the second terminal device based on the muting criteria; 6. A first terminal device according to claim 2, adapted to transmit by:

7. The request is a request to mute the beam associated with said SL PRS transmission; 7. A first terminal device according to claim 2, comprising:

8. The first terminal device transmitting the request via sidelink control information (SCI) signaling; sending the request via a Sidelink LTE Positioning Protocol (SLPP) message; transmitting the request to mute the SL PRS transmitted from a group of terminal devices of the plurality of terminal devices via groupcast signaling; 8. The first terminal device according to claim 2, wherein the first terminal device is adapted to transmit the request for muting the SL PRS by at least one of the following:

9. The first terminal device further comprises: receiving an instruction from the second terminal device to not mute the SL PRS; transmitting the request to a third terminal device among the plurality of terminal devices, excluding the second terminal device; 9. A first terminal device according to any one of claims 2 to 8, adapted to execute the following:

10. The request is A request to change the SL PRS identification (ID), or Requiring the use of Orthogonal Cover Codes (OCCs); The first terminal device according to claim 1 , comprising at least one of:

11. The request may further include: SL PRS ID, or SL PRS sequence initialization, The first terminal device according to claim 10, wherein the first terminal device indicates at least one of the following:

12. The first terminal device sends the request for changing the SL PRS ID as follows: determining a first distance between the terminal device and the second terminal device; determining a second distance between the terminal device and a third terminal device of the plurality of terminal devices; sending a request to change the SL PRS ID or a request to use the OCC to the second terminal device based on a distance difference between the first distance and the second distance satisfying a threshold distance; 12. The first terminal device according to claim 10 or 11, adapted to transmit by

13. The first terminal device further comprises: receiving an instruction of a muting pattern from the second terminal device; The first terminal device according to claim 1 .

14. The first terminal device sending an activation message to the second terminal device to activate the muting pattern; 14. The terminal device according to claim 13, wherein the terminal device is adapted to send the request by

15. at least one processor; When executed by the at least one processor, the terminal device: transmitting a sidelink (SL) position reference signal (PRS) configuration to a first terminal device; receiving a request for an update of an SL PRS transmission; updating the SL PRS transmission based on the request in accordance with a determination that the SL PRS is to be updated; at least one memory storing instructions for executing the A second terminal device comprising:

16. The request is SL PRS mute request, The second terminal device according to claim 15, comprising:

17. The request is a request to mute the beam associated with said SL PRS; The second terminal device according to claim 15, comprising:

18. The second terminal device is muting the transmission of the SL PRS based on the request; or Disabling the beam associated with the SL PRS; 18. The second terminal equipment according to claim 16 or 17, adapted to update the SL PRS transmission by at least one of:

19. The second terminal device avoids transmitting the SL PRS, and the second terminal device further sending a notification to other terminal devices in the location indicating that the SL PRS is muted; 19. The second terminal device according to claim 16, wherein the second terminal device is configured to:

20. The second terminal device further comprises: pursuant to determining that the SL PRS is not updated, sending a notification that the SL PRS is not muted; 20. The second terminal device according to claim 16, wherein the second terminal device is configured to:

21. The request is A request to change the SL PRS identification (ID), or Requiring the use of Orthogonal Cover Codes (OCCs); The second terminal device according to claim 15, comprising at least one of:

22. The request may further include: SL PRS ID, or SL PRS sequence initialization, The second terminal device according to claim 21, wherein the second terminal device indicates at least one of the following:

23. The second terminal device further comprises: modifying the code sequence of the SL PRS transmission to the first terminal device based on the request to change SL PRS ID; and using the OCC for the SL PRS transmission to the first terminal device based on the request for use of the OCC; 23. The second terminal device according to claim 21 or 22, adapted to perform at least one of the following:

24. The second terminal device further comprises: Receives muting pattern instructions from network devices, transmitting the indication of the muting pattern to the first terminal device; 24. The second terminal device according to any one of claims 15 to 23, wherein

25. The second terminal device further comprises: receiving an activation message from the first terminal device to activate the muting pattern; activating the muting pattern. The second terminal device according to claim 24, wherein

26. A network device, at least one processor; When executed by the at least one processor, the terminal device: transmitting muting criteria to a first terminal device for determining which sidelink (SL) position reference signals (PRS) are to be muted; Sending a muting pattern instruction to a second terminal device; at least one memory storing instructions to cause the A network device comprising:

27. receiving, at a first terminal device, a plurality of sidelink (SL) position reference signal (PRS) configurations from a plurality of terminal devices; determining whether the plurality of terminal devices select overlapping resources for a plurality of sidelink (SL) position reference signal (PRS) transmissions based on the plurality of SL PRS configurations; and transmitting, to a second terminal device of the plurality of terminal devices, a request for update of the second terminal device's SL PRS transmission based on determining that the plurality of terminal devices select overlapping resources for the plurality of SL PRS transmissions; A method comprising:

28. transmitting a sidelink (SL) position reference signal (PRS) configuration to a first terminal device; receiving a request for an update of an SL PRS transmission; updating the SL PRS transmission based on the request in accordance with a determination that the SL PRS is to be updated; A method comprising:

29. In the network device, transmitting muting criteria to a first terminal device for determining sidelink (SL) position reference signals (PRS) to be muted; sending an indication of a muting pattern to a second terminal device; A method comprising:

30. means for receiving a plurality of sidelink (SL) position reference signal (PRS) configurations from a plurality of terminal devices; means for determining whether a plurality of terminal devices select overlapping resources for a plurality of sidelink (SL) position reference signal (PRS) transmissions based on the plurality of SL PRS configurations; means for transmitting, to a second terminal device of the plurality of terminal devices, a request for an update of the second terminal device's SL PRS transmission based on a determination that the plurality of terminal devices select overlapping resources for the plurality of SL PRS transmissions; An apparatus comprising:

31. means for transmitting a sidelink (SL) position reference signal (PRS) configuration to a first terminal device; means for receiving a request for an update of an SL PRS transmission; means for updating the SL PRS transmission based on the request in accordance with a determination that the SL PRS is to be updated; An apparatus comprising:

32. means for transmitting, in the network device, muting criteria for determining sidelink (SL) position reference signals (PRS) to be muted to a first terminal device; means for transmitting an indication of a muting pattern to a second terminal device; An apparatus comprising:

33. A non-transitory computer readable medium having stored thereon program instructions for performing at least the method of any of claims 27 to 29.

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