Positioning method

Abstract

An embodiment of the present disclosure relates to positioning, wherein a first device receives, from a fourth device, first configuration information for continuing or establishing a positioning session associated with the first device, and the first device performs positioning of the first device while out of coverage of the fourth device based on the first configuration information and with positioning assistance from a second device.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to the field of telecommunications, and more particularly to a device, method, apparatus, and computer-readable storage medium for locating out-of-coverage devices. [Background technology]

[0002] The New Radio (NR) system provides positioning assistance. To perform positioning of a target device, the target device is first configured by the network to measure a set of positioning standard signals (PRS). The target device measures the PRS based on the configuration. The target device can report the measurements to the network. The network then processes the measurements and determines a location estimate for the target device. The network then provides the target device's location estimate to an entity requesting such location information. Alternatively, the target device can calculate its own location estimate based on the measurements. In the case of a mobile-terminated location request (MT-LR), the positioning request is sent from a location client to a location server. In the case of a mobile-originated location request (MO-LR), the positioning request may be initiated directly from the target device to the positioning management system over the air interface.

[0003] In the above process, since there is signaling between the network and the target device, the target device must be within the coverage of the network. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Generally, the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide a solution for positioning.

[0005] In a first aspect, a first device is provided. The first device comprises at least one processor and at least one memory that stores instructions. When executed by the at least one processor, the instructions cause the first device to at least receive, from a fourth device, first configuration information for continuing or establishing a positioning session associated with the first device, and perform positioning of the first device while in an out-of-coverage state of the fourth device with positioning assistance of the second device based on the first configuration information. The out-of-coverage state of the first device (or the second device) with respect to the fourth device refers to a scenario in which the first device cannot establish a communication link with the fourth device or cannot establish a communication link with any node of a communication network connected to the fourth device. The in-coverage state, accordingly, refers to a scenario in which such a communication link between the first device (or the second device) and the fourth device can be established.

[0006] In a second aspect, a fourth device is provided, the fourth device comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the fourth device to at least: transmit, to the first device, first configuration information for continuing or establishing a positioning session associated with the first device that is out of coverage of the fourth device; and receive, from the first device via the second device, a location measurement report associated with the first device.

[0007] In a third aspect, a second device is provided, the second device comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the second device to at least receive second configuration information for establishing a relay link for positioning assistance for a first device in an out-of-coverage state, the relay link being between the first device and the second device, establish the relay link based on the second configuration information, and forward a position measurement report from the first device.

[0008] In a fourth aspect, a method is provided, the method being executable by a first device and including receiving, from a fourth device, first configuration information for continuing or establishing a positioning session associated with the first device, and performing positioning of the first device while out of coverage of the fourth device with positioning assistance of a second device based on the first configuration information.

[0009] In a fifth aspect, a method is provided, the method being executable by a fourth device and including: transmitting, to a first device, first configuration information for continuing or establishing a positioning session associated with the first device that is out of coverage of the fourth device; and receiving, from the first device via the second device, a location measurement report associated with the first device.

[0010] In a sixth aspect, a method is provided, the method being executable by a second device and including: receiving second configuration information for establishing a relay link for positioning assistance to a first device in an out-of-coverage state, the relay link being between the first device and the second device; establishing the relay link based on the second configuration information; and forwarding a position measurement report from the first device.

[0011] In a seventh aspect, a first device is provided, comprising: means, at the first device, for receiving, from a fourth device, first configuration information for continuing or establishing a positioning session associated with the first device; and means, based on the first configuration information, for performing positioning of the first device while out of coverage of the fourth device with positioning assistance of the second device.

[0012] In an eighth aspect, a second apparatus is provided, the second apparatus comprising: means for receiving, at the second device, second configuration information for establishing a relay link for positioning assistance for a first device in an out-of-coverage state, the relay link being between the first device and the second device; means for establishing the relay link based on the second configuration information; and means for forwarding a position measurement report from the first device.

[0013] In a ninth aspect, a third apparatus is provided, the third apparatus comprising: means for transmitting, from a fourth device to a first device, first configuration information for continuing or establishing a positioning session associated with the first device that is out of coverage of the fourth device; and means for receiving, from the first device via the second device, a location measurement report associated with the first device.

[0014] In a tenth aspect, there is provided a computer-readable medium comprising program instructions which, when executed by at least one processor, cause at least an apparatus to perform a method according to any of the fourth to sixth aspects.

[0015] 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]

[0016] Exemplary embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary communication network in which embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a signature chart illustrating the process of positioning in some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a signature chart illustrating the process of positioning in some other exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a signature chart illustrating a positioning process in yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a signature chart illustrating a positioning process in yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows a flowchart of a method implemented in a first device in some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of a method implemented in a fourth device in another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows a flowchart of a method implemented in a second device in another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a simplified block diagram of an apparatus suitable for practicing embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a computer-readable medium in 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

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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 exemplary embodiment, it is understood by those skilled in the art that such feature, structure, or characteristic may be affected in connection with other embodiments, whether or not explicitly stated.

[0020] Although terms such as "first" and "second" may be used herein to describe various elements, it should 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] As used in this application, 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 required for operation; It may refer to one or more, or all, of the following:

[0023] 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.

[0024] As used herein, the term "communication network" refers to a network conforming to any suitable communication standard, such as a fifth-generation (5G) system, 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, communications between terminal devices and network devices in a communication network may be performed according to any suitable generation of communication protocols, including, but not limited to, first-generation (1G), second-generation (2G), 2.5G, 2.75G, third-generation (3G), fourth-generation (4G), 4.5G, fifth-generation (5G) New Radio (NR) communication protocols, and / or other protocols currently known or developed in the future. 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.

[0025] 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), evolved Node B (eNodeB or eNB), NR next-generation Node B (gNB), remote radio unit (RRU), radio header (RH), remote radio head (RRH), relay, low-power node such as femto, pico, etc. The RAN-split architecture includes a gNB-CU (centralized unit, hosting RRC, SDAP, PDCP) that controls multiple gNB-DUs (distributed units, hosting RLC, MAC, PHY).

[0026] 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 devices include, but are not limited to, mobile phones, cellular phones, smartphones, voice over IP (VoIP) phones, wireless local loop phones, tablets, wearable terminal devices, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable computers, desktop computers, image capture terminal devices such as digital cameras, gaming terminal devices, music storage and playback appliances, in-vehicle wireless terminal devices, wireless endpoints, mobile stations, laptop embedded devices (LEEs), laptop mounted devices (LMEs), USB dongles, smart devices, wireless customer premises equipment (CPEs), Internet of Things (IoT) devices, wearables such as watches, head-mounted displays (HMDs), 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,” “user equipment,” “communications equipment,” “terminal,” “user equipment,” and “UE” can be used interchangeably.

[0027] While the functionality described in this example may be performed in a fixed network node and / or a wireless network node in various exemplary embodiments, in other exemplary embodiments, the functions may be implemented in user equipment (such as a mobile phone, tablet computer, laptop computer, desktop computer, mobile IoT device, or fixed IoT device). This user equipment may, for example, comprise corresponding functions as described in connection with the fixed network node and / or wireless network node(s), as appropriate. The user equipment may also be a user equipment and / or a control device, such as a chipset or processor, configured to control the user equipment when installed therein. Examples of such functions include a bootstrap server function and / or a home subscriber server, which may be implemented in the user equipment device by providing the user equipment with software configured to cause the user equipment to execute in terms of these functions / nodes.

[0028] 1 illustrates an exemplary communication network 100 in which embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented. Network 100 may include a first device 110, a second device 120, a third device 130, and fourth devices 140-1 and 140-2 that can communicate with each other. Hereinafter, for simplicity, fourth devices 140-1 and 140-2 may be referred to collectively as fourth device 140 or individually as fourth device 140.

[0029] In some embodiments, each of the first device 110, the second device 120, and the third device 130 may be implemented as terminal equipment in a radio access network. In such embodiments, the fourth device 140-1 may be implemented as network equipment in the radio access network, and the fourth device 140-2 may be implemented as network equipment in the radio access network or in the core network.

[0030] For example, the fourth device 140-1 may be implemented as a gNB (also referred to as a base station), and the fourth device 140-2 may be implemented as a Location Management Function (LMF) entity. The LMF entity may be implemented in a radio access network or a core network.

[0031] In other embodiments, at least one of fourth devices 140-1 and / or 140-2 may be implemented as a server UE.

[0032] In some embodiments, each of the first device 110, the second device 120, and the third device 130 can communicate with each other via a sidelink therebetween.

[0033] It should be understood that the fourth device and number of devices are for illustrative purposes only, without implying any limitation. Network 100 may include any suitable number of fourth devices and apparatuses adapted to implement embodiments of the present disclosure. Although not shown, it will be understood that one or more devices may be serviced by fourth device 140. Furthermore, it will be understood that there may be more nearby fourth devices in the vicinity of the first device.

[0034] Communications in communication network 100 may be conducted according to any suitable communication protocol(s), including, but not limited to, cellular communication protocols such as first generation (1G), second generation (2G), third generation (3G), fourth generation (4G), and fifth generation (5G), wireless local network communication protocols such as 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 communication technology, including, but not limited to, code division multiple access (CDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division duplex (FDD), time division duplex (TDD), multiple input multiple output (MIMO), orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDM), discrete Fourier transform spread OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM), and / or any other technology now known or developed in the future.

[0035] In some embodiments, a positioning session may be established between the first device 110 and the fourth device 140-2 to perform positioning of the first device 110. Additionally, the first device 110 may receive a downlink positioning standard signal (PRS) from the fourth device 140-1.

[0036] In an exemplary embodiment, first device 110 may experience an unexpected or expected coverage disruption, e.g., due to movement. In other words, the state of first device 110 may change from being within the coverage of fourth device 140 to being outside the coverage of fourth device 140.

[0037] For example, in a first scenario, the first device 110 may experience an unexpected radio link failure (RLF) or other link interruption (e.g., a malfunction of its serving fourth device 140-1) during a positioning session. In the case of NR, for example, the cause of the RLF may be at least one of: (1) an impairment at the RF or physical layer due to a frequency or time offset in higher layers, poor carrier-to-interference conditions of the channel exchanged between the first device 110 and the fourth device 140-1, or (2) an RLF during handover.

[0038] Typically, there are two phases when the first device 110 detects RLF. The first device 110 enters the first phase as soon as it detects a radio problem (e.g., low reference signal received power (RSRP) or reference signal received quality (RSRQ)). The first device 110 enters the second phase upon detection of a handover failure or RLF. The first device 110 enters the RRC_IDLE state and enters UE-based mobility, i.e., cell selection and reselection processes.

[0039] In a second scenario, first device 110 wakes up from an idle or inactive state in an area outside the coverage of fourth device 140-1, but may want to determine its location.

[0040] In a third scenario, the fourth device 140 may be aware of possible or expected coverage gaps, for example, along the future trajectory of the first device 110. Examples of such expected coverage gaps are, for example, RLF or beam failure (BF) during a positioning session caused by expected connectivity issues.

[0041] In the above scenario, it is not possible to conduct or continue a positioning session according to current specifications.

[0042] To solve the above and other potential problems, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a solution for positioning. This solution considers the opportunity to use a downlink PRS that a first device can receive even under coverage interruptions for user plane communication or control plane signaling. In this solution, the first device receives first configuration information from a fourth device for continuing or establishing a positioning session associated with the first device. Then, based on the first configuration information, the first device performs positioning of the first device while out of coverage of the fourth device with positioning assistance from the second device. This solution can ensure the continuation or establishment of a positioning session for the first device experiencing a coverage interruption.

[0043] Hereinafter, several embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0044] 2 is a signaling chart illustrating a process 200 for positioning in some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. For illustrative purposes, the process 200 will be described with reference to FIG. 1. The process 200 may include the first device 110, the second device 120, and the fourth device 140 of FIG. 1.

[0045] 2, the fourth device 140 transmits (210) to the first device 110 first configuration information for continuing or establishing a positioning session associated with the first device 110 that is out of coverage of the fourth device 140. For example, the fourth device 140-1 (e.g., a gNB) may transmit the first configuration information to the first device 110. Alternatively, the fourth device 140-2 (e.g., an LMF) may transmit the first configuration information to the first device 110.

[0046] In some embodiments, the fourth device 140 may transmit the first configuration information to the first device 110 when the first device 110 is in an in-coverage state.

[0047] Upon receiving the first setting information, based on the first setting information, with the positioning assistance of the second device 120, the first device 110 performs 260 positioning of the first device 110 while out of coverage of the fourth device 140.

[0048] The process 200 can ensure the continuation or establishment of a positioning session for a first device experiencing a coverage interruption.

[0049] In some embodiments, the second device 120 may be within the coverage of the fourth device 140 .

[0050] In some embodiments, for positioning assistance, a relay link is established between the first device 110 and the second device 120 and used for positioning assistance of the first device 110 .

[0051] In some embodiments, the establishment of the relay link may be triggered in response to a request from the first device 110 .

[0052] In some embodiments, the relay link between the first device 110 and the second device 120 may be a sidelink.

[0053] In an embodiment in which the first device 110 starts up in an out-of-coverage state, the second device 120 can request an on-demand PRS from the fourth device 140 on behalf of the first device 110 via the established relay link.

[0054] In some embodiments, upon receiving the first configuration information, the first device 110 may determine whether it is in an out-of-coverage state (220). For example, if the first device 110 experiences an unexpected RLF or other link interruption (e.g., a malfunction of its serving fourth device 140-1), the first device 110 may determine that it is in an out-of-coverage state. In another example, if the first device 110 wakes up from an idle or inactive state in an area out of coverage of the fourth device 140-1, the first device 110 may determine that it is in an out-of-coverage state.

[0055] When the first device 110 is in an out-of-coverage state, the first device 110 may send a relay link establishment request 230 to the second device 120 based on the first configuration information.

[0056] In some embodiments, the fourth device 140 may send the second device 120 second configuration information 250 for establishing the relay link.

[0057] Upon receiving the second setting information for establishing the relay link, the second device 120 can establish the relay link based on the second setting information.

[0058] In some embodiments, the first device 110 may send a request 240 to establish a relay link to the fourth device 140 based on the first configuration information. Upon receiving the relay link establishment request from the first device 110, the fourth device 140 may send, to the second device 120, second configuration information for establishing the relay link.

[0059] In some embodiments, the first configuration information may include parameters that define the action of the first device 110 with the positioning session when the first device 110 experiences a coverage interruption.

[0060] In some embodiments, the first setting information comprises: Positioning assistance data, at least one threshold for triggering a relay link establishment request from the first device 110; a second threshold time for releasing the relay link; or at least one threshold after which positioning assistance data is utilized by the first device 110; It may include at least one of:

[0061] In some embodiments, the first device 110 the period after the RLF is declared exceeds the first threshold time; the distance between the first device 110 and the fourth device 140 or the fifth device after the RLF is declared is less than a first threshold distance; the power of the received positioning standard signal (PRS) exceeds a first threshold power; the first number of transmitting receiving points (TRP) exceeds a first threshold number; A request to establish a relay link may be sent based on determining at least one of:

[0062] In some embodiments, the TRP may belong to the fourth device 140-1.

[0063] In some embodiments, the first device 110 may send a relay link establishment request to the second device 120 via a discover message.

[0064] In some embodiments, the first threshold time may be associated with a T310 timer. In such embodiments, if an RLF occurs due to the expiration of the T310 timer, the first device 110 may use such notification of the expiration of the T310 timer to initiate discover messages for nearby devices.

[0065] In some embodiments, the first threshold time may be associated with a time alignment timer associated with a random access procedure. In such embodiments, if an RLF occurs due to a random access issue (e.g., the first device 110 is in connected mode but not uplink synchronized), i.e., the time alignment timer expires before the RRC inactivity timer, the first device 110 may initiate a discover message upon expiration of the time alignment timer.

[0066] In some embodiments, the first threshold time may be associated with a counter of beam failure instances (cBFI). In such embodiments, if the cBFI exceeds a threshold, the first device 110 may initiate a discover message.

[0067] In some embodiments, at least one threshold for triggering a relay link establishment request from the first device 110 is: a first threshold time, a first threshold distance, a first threshold power, or a first threshold number, may include at least one of:

[0068] In some embodiments, the first device 110 may determine whether the duration of the positioning session with the positioning assistance of the second device 120 exceeds a second threshold time. If the duration exceeds the second threshold time, the first device 110 may release the relay link. In some embodiments, the first configuration information may include the second threshold time. The second threshold time ensures that the first device 110 limits the time that the positioning session is maintained over the relay link for positioning assistance, aiming to avoid excessive use of relay link resources.

[0069] In some embodiments, for positioning assistance, the second device 120 establishes a relay link based on the second configuration information.

[0070] In some embodiments, for positioning assistance, the second device 120 can forward a position measurement report associated with the first device 110 from the first device 110 to the fourth device 140. Thus, the fourth device 140 receives the position measurement report from the first device 110 via the second device 120.

[0071] In some embodiments, if the first device 110 determines that the period for which the positioning assistance data is utilized is less than the third threshold time, the first device 110 may perform positioning by utilizing the positioning assistance data. The positioning assistance data may include a PRS configuration.

[0072] Alternatively, or additionally, in some embodiments, if the first device 110 determines that the distance between the first device 110 and the second device is less than a second threshold distance, the first device 110 may perform positioning by utilizing positioning assistance data.

[0073] In some embodiments, if the first device 110 determines that the period for which the positioning assistance data has been utilized exceeds the third threshold time, the first device 110 may send a request for an update of the positioning assistance data to the second device 120. In response, the first device 110 may receive updated positioning assistance data from the second device 120.

[0074] Alternatively, or additionally, in some embodiments, if first device 110 determines that the distance between first device 110 and second device 120 exceeds a second threshold distance, first device 110 may send a request for updated positioning assistance data to second device 120. In response, first device 110 may receive updated positioning assistance data from second device 120.

[0075] In some embodiments, the first device 110 can delegate to another device (an example third device 130) that is in an in-coverage state to request establishment of a relay link for positioning assistance on behalf of the first device 110. This will be described with reference to FIG.

[0076] 3 is a code diagram illustrating a process 300 for positioning in accordance with some other exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. For purposes of illustration, the process 300 will be described with reference to FIG. 1. The process 300 may include the first device 110, the second device 120, the third device 130, and the fourth device 140 of FIG. 1.

[0077] In process 300, relay link allocation for positioning assistance is performed by fourth device 140.

[0078] Operations 210, 220, 250, and 260 in process 300 are similar to those in process 200. For the sake of brevity, details of these operations are omitted. Process 300 differs from process 200 in operations 310, 320, and 330.

[0079] Specifically, when the first device 110 determines that it is in an out-of-coverage state (220), it can send a notification 310 to the third device 130, which is in a relay link establishment state, indicating that it will send a relay link establishment request to the fourth device 140.

[0080] In some embodiments, if the first device 110 determines that it is in an out-of-coverage state, the first device 110: the period after the RLF is declared exceeds the first threshold time; the distance between the first device 110 and the fourth device 140 or the fifth device after the RLF is declared is less than a first threshold distance; the received power of the PRS exceeds a first power threshold; the number of first TRPs exceeds a first threshold number; A notification 310 may be sent to the third device 130 based on determining at least one of:

[0081] In some embodiments, the first device 110 may send a notification of the request transmission to the third device 130 via a discover message.

[0082] Upon receiving the notification, the third device 130 sends a relay link establishment request 320 to the fourth device 140 .

[0083] Upon receiving the notification, the fourth device 140 transmits the second setting information 250 for establishing a relay link to the second device 120.

[0084] Upon receiving the second configuration information for establishing the relay link, the second device 120 may send a notification 330 to the first device 110 that the sidelink relay is configured for positioning assistance.

[0085] Alternatively, in other embodiments, upon transmitting the second configuration information for establishing the relay link, the fourth device 140 may transmit a notification to the third device 130 that the sidelink relay is configured for positioning assistance. The third device 130 may then forward the notification to the first device 110.

[0086] In other embodiments, the allocation of the relay link for positioning assistance may be performed by the third device 130. In such embodiments, the first device 110 may request the third device 130 to establish the relay link.

[0087] In some embodiments, the fourth device 140 may proactively send second configuration information for establishing a relay link to the second device 120, as will be described with reference to FIG.

[0088] 4 is a signaling chart illustrating a process 400 for positioning in some other exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. For purposes of illustration, the process 400 is described with reference to FIG. 1. The process 400 may include the first device 110, the second device 120, and the fourth device 140 of FIG. 1.

[0089] Operations 210, 250, and 260 in process 400 are similar to those in process 200. For the sake of brevity, details of these operations are omitted. Where process 400 differs from process 200 is operation 410.

[0090] Specifically, the fourth device 140 determines (410) that the first device 110 will experience an expected coverage interruption. In response, the fourth device 140 proactively transmits second configuration information 250 to the second device 120 for establishing a relay link.

[0091] In some embodiments, the fourth device 140 may select a relay link based on the locations of candidate relays and the expected location of the first device 110 .

[0092] In the process 400, first configuration information for continuing or establishing a positioning session associated with the first device 110 is: Information about the second device 120 selected by the fourth device 140 Information regarding areas of low or no coverage expected for the fourth device 140; or Positioning assistance data to be used in the expected area; It includes at least one of the following:

[0093] In some embodiments, when first device 110 experiences an unexpected coverage interruption, fourth device 140-1 may send a notification to fourth device 140-2 that an RLF for first device 110 has been identified, as will be described with reference to FIG.

[0094] 5 is a signature chart illustrating a process 500 for positioning in yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. For illustrative purposes, the process 500 will be described with reference to FIG. 1. The process 500 may include the first device 110, the second device 120, the fourth device 140-1, and the fourth device 140-2 of FIG. 1.

[0095] Operations 210, 220, and 260 in process 500 are similar to those in process 200. For the sake of brevity, details of these operations are omitted. Process 500 differs from process 200 in operations 510, 520, 530, 540, and 550.

[0096] Specifically, if the first device 110 determines that it is in an out-of-coverage state (220), the first device 110 may transmit NR cell failure information 510 to the fourth device 140-1 (e.g., the serving gNB of the first device 110) instead of triggering re-establishment.

[0097] In response to detecting 520 the NR cell failure information, the fourth device 140-1 sends 530 a notification to the fourth device 140-2 (eg, an LMF) that the RLF of the first device 110 has been identified.

[0098] Upon receiving the notification, the fourth device 140-2 transmits to the second device 120 second setting information 540 for establishing a relay link.

[0099] In some embodiments, the fourth device 140 may provide pre-configuration for sidelink positioning to assist Uu positioning (i.e., joint Uu and sidelink positioning) or as a fallback positioning solution (i.e., sidelink-only positioning) in case of unexpected or expected coverage interruptions.

[0100] In such an embodiment, the positioning assistance data includes at least one of settings associated with a PRS transmitted from the fourth device 140 or settings associated with a sidelink PRS transmitted from a sidelink positioning anchor.

[0101] In some embodiments, a sidelink positioning anchor may be a UE that supports positioning of a target UE (the first device 110 in the example embodiment), e.g., by transmitting and / or receiving reference signals for positioning, providing positioning-related information, etc. A sidelink positioning anchor may or may not have a known location.

[0102] In some embodiments, the configuration related to the sidelink PRS comprises: Sidelink positioning anchor identity, Sidelink PRS pattern, or Sidelink PRS resource allocation, It includes at least one of the following:

[0103] In some embodiments, the first device 110 may perform joint downlink and sidelink positioning based on a configuration associated with the downlink PRS and a configuration associated with the sidelink PRS. In such embodiments, the first device 110 may combine measurements from downlink and sidelink anchors for positioning and utilize both such measurements for location estimation.

[0104] Alternatively, in some embodiments, the first device 110 may perform sidelink positioning based on a configuration associated with the sidelink PRS.

[0105] In some embodiments, the first device 110 performs joint downlink and sidelink positioning, or The period after the RLF is declared exceeds the fourth threshold time; the distance between the first device 110 and the second device after the RLF is declared exceeds a third threshold distance; the number of TRPs transmitting downlink PRS exceeds a threshold; The sidelink positioning may be performed based on determining at least one of:

[0106] In some embodiments, at least one threshold for triggering a relay link establishment request from the first device 110 is: fourth threshold time, a third threshold distance, or Threshold number, It includes at least one of the following:

[0107] 6 shows a flowchart of an example method 600 implemented in the first device in some example embodiments of the present disclosure. For purposes of explanation, the method 600 is described from the perspective of the first device 110 with respect to FIG.

[0108] At block 610, the first device 110 receives, from the fourth device, first configuration information for continuing or establishing a positioning session associated with the first device 110.

[0109] In block 620, the first device 110 performs positioning of the first device 110 in an out-of-coverage state of the fourth device with positioning assistance of the second device based on the first configuration information.

[0110] In some embodiments, the method 600 further includes sending a request to the second device to establish a relay link between the first device and the second device for positioning assistance based on the first configuration information, or sending a notification to a third device that is in an in-coverage state with respect to the fourth device of sending a request to the fourth device.

[0111] In some embodiments, sending the request or notification comprises: the period of time after a radio link failure (RLF) is declared exceeds a first threshold time; after the RLF is declared, the distance between the first device and the fourth device or the fifth device is less than a first threshold distance; the power of the received positioning standard signal exceeds a first threshold power; the first number of transmitting receiving points (TRP) exceeds a first threshold number; and sending a request or notification based on determining at least one of:

[0112] In some embodiments, the first threshold time is associated with at least one of a T310 timer, a time alignment timer associated with a random access procedure, or a counter of beam failure instances.

[0113] In some embodiments, the first setting information comprises: a first threshold time, a first threshold distance, a first threshold power, a first threshold number, or Positioning assistance data, It includes at least one of the following:

[0114] In some embodiments, the method 600 further includes releasing the second device in accordance with determining that the duration of the positioning session with the positioning assistance of the second device exceeds a second threshold time.

[0115] In some embodiments, the first setting information includes a second threshold time.

[0116] In some embodiments, performing the positioning includes transmitting a position measurement report to a fourth device via the second device.

[0117] In some embodiments, performing the positioning includes performing the positioning using the positioning assistance data based on determining at least one of: a period during which the positioning assistance data is utilized is less than a third threshold time; or a distance between the first device and the second device is less than a second threshold distance.

[0118] In some embodiments, the method 600 further includes determining at least one of the period during which the positioning assistance data is utilized exceeds a third threshold time or the distance between the first device and the second device exceeds a second threshold distance, and based on the determination, sending a request to the second device to update the positioning assistance data, and receiving the updated positioning assistance data from the second device.

[0119] In some embodiments, the positioning assistance data includes at least one of settings associated with a downlink positioning standard signal (PRS) transmitted from the fourth device or settings associated with a sidelink PRS transmitted from a sidelink positioning anchor.

[0120] In some embodiments, the configuration related to the sidelink PRS comprises: Sidelink positioning anchor identity, Sidelink PRS pattern, or Sidelink PRS resource allocation, It includes at least one of the following:

[0121] In some embodiments, performing the positioning includes performing joint downlink and sidelink positioning based on a configuration associated with the downlink PRS and a configuration associated with the sidelink PRS, or performing sidelink positioning based on a configuration associated with the sidelink PRS.

[0122] In some embodiments, performing joint downlink and sidelink positioning or performing sidelink positioning comprises: the period after the radio link failure (RLF) is declared exceeds a fourth threshold time; the distance between the first device and the second device after the RLF is declared exceeds a third threshold distance; If the number of transmit reception points (TRPs) exceeds a threshold, the TRPs transmit downlink PRSs; The method is based on determining at least one of:

[0123] In some embodiments, the establishment of the relay link is triggered by the fourth device. In such embodiments, the first configuration information comprises: information regarding the second device selected by the fourth device; Information about areas where the fourth device is expected to have low or no coverage; or Positioning assistance data to be used in the expected area; It includes at least one of the following:

[0124] In some embodiments, the second device is within the coverage of the fourth device.

[0125] 7 shows a flowchart of an example method 700 implemented at the fourth device 140 in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. For purposes of explanation, the method 700 will be described from the perspective of the fourth device 140 with respect to FIG.

[0126] In block 710, the fourth device 140 transmits first configuration information to the first device for continuing or establishing a positioning session associated with the first device that is out of coverage of the fourth device 140.

[0127] At block 720, the fourth device 140 receives a position measurement report associated with the first device from the first device via the second device.

[0128] In some embodiments, the method 700 further includes a process of transmitting, to the second device, second configuration information for establishing a relay link between the first device and the second device for positioning assistance, for the first device being in an out-of-coverage state with respect to the fourth device.

[0129] In some embodiments, transmitting the second configuration information for establishing the relay link is based on a determination that the first device experiences an unexpected coverage interruption or that the first device experiences an expected coverage interruption.

[0130] In some embodiments, the method 700 further includes receiving a request from a third device that is in coverage of the fourth device to establish a relay link for positioning assistance. In some embodiments, transmitting the second configuration information includes transmitting the second configuration information for establishing the relay link based on the request.

[0131] In some embodiments, the first setting information comprises: Positioning assistance data, at least one threshold for triggering a relay link establishment request from the first device, the relay link being between the first device and the second device for positioning assistance of the first device in an out-of-coverage state of the fourth device; a second threshold time for releasing the relay link; or at least one threshold after which positioning assistance data is utilized by the first device; It includes at least one of the following:

[0132] In some embodiments, the method 700 further includes receiving a request from the second device to update the positioning assistance data, and transmitting the updated positioning assistance data to the second device based on the request.

[0133] In some embodiments, the positioning assistance data includes configuration associated with downlink PRSs transmitted from the fourth device and configuration associated with sidelink PRSs transmitted from the sidelink positioning anchor.

[0134] In some embodiments, the configuration related to the sidelink PRS comprises: Sidelink positioning anchor identity, Sidelink PRS pattern, or Sidelink PRS resource allocation, It includes at least one of the following:

[0135] In some embodiments, the establishment of the relay link is triggered by the fourth device. In such embodiments, the first configuration information comprises: information regarding the second device selected by the fourth device; Information about areas where the fourth device is expected to have poor or no coverage, or Positioning assistance data to be used in the expected area; It includes at least one of the following:

[0136] In some embodiments, the fourth device may be a base station, an LMF, or a server user equipment (e.g., a server UE). And, if the fourth device is a base station, method 700 may further include sending, to the LMF, a notification that the RLF of the first device has been identified, and sending, to the LMF, a request to establish a relay link for positioning assistance of the first device, where the relay link is between the first device and the second device.

[0137] 8 shows a flowchart of an example method 800 implemented at the second device in some example embodiments of the present disclosure. For purposes of explanation, the method 800 is described from the perspective of the second device 120 with respect to FIG.

[0138] In block 810, the second device 120 receives second configuration information for establishing a relay link for positioning assistance for the first device in an out-of-coverage state. The relay link is between the first device and the second device.

[0139] In block 820, the second device 120 establishes a relay link based on the second configuration information.

[0140] In block 830, the second device 120 forwards the position measurement report from the first device.

[0141] In some embodiments, the method 800 further includes receiving a request from the first device to establish the relay link. In such embodiments, establishing the relay link includes establishing the relay link based on the second configuration information and the request.

[0142] In some embodiments, the method 800 further includes receiving, from the first device, a request for an update of positioning assistance data for the first device; sending, to the fourth device, the request for an update of positioning assistance data; receiving, from the fourth device, the updated positioning assistance data; and sending, to the first device, the updated positioning assistance data.

[0143] In some embodiments, the method 800 further includes sending a notification to the first device that the second device is configured for positioning assistance.

[0144] In some embodiments, the second device is within the coverage of the fourth device.

[0145] In some exemplary embodiments, a first apparatus (e.g., first device 110) capable of performing any of method 600 may comprise means for performing each operation of 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. The first apparatus may be implemented as or included in first device 110. The means in some exemplary embodiments may comprise a processor and a memory.

[0146] In some exemplary embodiments, the first apparatus comprises means for receiving, at the first device, first configuration information from the fourth device for continuing or establishing a positioning session associated with the first device, and means for performing positioning of the first device while out of coverage of the fourth device with positioning assistance of the second device based on the first configuration information.

[0147] In some embodiments, the first device further comprises means for transmitting a request to the second device to establish a relay link between the first device and the second device for positioning assistance based on the first configuration information, or means for transmitting a notification to a third device that is within the coverage of the fourth device of transmitting a request to the fourth device.

[0148] In some embodiments, the means for sending the request or notification comprises: the period of time after a radio link failure (RLF) is declared exceeds a first threshold time; after the RLF is declared, the distance between the first device and the fourth device or the fifth device is less than a first threshold distance; the power of the received positioning standard signal exceeds a first threshold power; the first number of transmitting receiving points (TRP) exceeds a first threshold number; means for transmitting a request or notification based on determining at least one of:

[0149] In some embodiments, the first threshold time is associated with at least one of a T310 timer, a time alignment timer associated with a random access procedure, or a counter of beam failure instances.

[0150] In some embodiments, the first setting information comprises: a first threshold time, a first threshold distance, a first threshold power, a first threshold number, or Positioning assistance data, It includes at least one of the following:

[0151] In some embodiments, the first device further comprises means for releasing the second device in accordance with determining that the duration of the positioning session with the positioning assistance of the second device exceeds a second threshold time.

[0152] In some embodiments, the first setting information includes a second threshold time.

[0153] In some embodiments, the means for performing positioning comprises means for transmitting a position measurement report to the fourth device via the second device.

[0154] In some embodiments, the means for performing positioning comprises means for performing positioning by utilizing the positioning assistance data based on determining at least one of: a period during which the positioning assistance data is utilized is less than a third threshold time; or a distance between the first device and the second device is less than a second threshold distance.

[0155] In some embodiments, the first device further comprises means for determining at least one of a period during which the positioning assistance data is utilized exceeding a third threshold time or a distance between the first device and the second device exceeding a second threshold distance, means for sending a request to update the positioning assistance data to the second device based on the determination, and means for receiving the updated positioning assistance data from the second device.

[0156] In some embodiments, the positioning assistance data includes at least one of settings associated with a downlink positioning standard signal PRS transmitted from the fourth device or settings associated with a sidelink PRS transmitted from a sidelink positioning anchor.

[0157] In some embodiments, the configuration related to the sidelink PRS comprises: Sidelink positioning anchor identity, Sidelink PRS pattern, or Sidelink PRS resource allocation, It includes at least one of the following:

[0158] In some embodiments, the means for performing positioning comprises means for performing joint downlink and sidelink positioning based on a configuration associated with the downlink PRS and a configuration associated with the sidelink PRS, or means for performing sidelink positioning based on a configuration associated with the sidelink PRS.

[0159] In some embodiments, the means for performing joint downlink and sidelink positioning or the means for performing sidelink positioning comprises: the period after the radio link failure (RLF) is declared exceeds a fourth threshold time; the distance between the first device and the second device after the RLF is declared exceeds a third threshold distance; If the number of transmit reception points (TRPs) exceeds a threshold, the TRPs transmit downlink PRSs; The method is configured to perform positioning based on determining at least one of:

[0160] In some embodiments, the establishment of the relay link is triggered by the fourth device. In such embodiments, the first configuration information comprises: information regarding the second device selected by the fourth device; Information about areas where the fourth device is expected to have poor or no coverage, or Positioning assistance data to be used in the expected area; It includes at least one of the following:

[0161] In some embodiments, the second device is within the coverage of the fourth device.

[0162] In some exemplary embodiments, a second apparatus (e.g., second device 120) capable of performing any of method 800 may comprise means for performing each operation of method 800. The means may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the means may be implemented in a circuit or a software module. The second apparatus may be implemented as second device 120 or may be included in second device 120. In some exemplary embodiments, the means may comprise a processor and a memory.

[0163] In some exemplary embodiments, the second apparatus comprises: means for receiving, at the second device, second configuration information for establishing a relay link for positioning assistance to a first device in an out-of-coverage state, the relay link being between the first device and the second device; means for establishing the relay link based on the second configuration information; and means for forwarding a position measurement report from the first device.

[0164] In some embodiments, the second apparatus further comprises means for receiving a request to establish the relay link from the first device, hi such embodiments, the means for establishing the relay link comprises means for establishing the relay link based on the second configuration information and the request.

[0165] In some embodiments, the second apparatus further comprises means for receiving, from the first device, a request for an update of positioning assistance data for the first device; means for sending, to the fourth device, a request for an update of positioning assistance data; means for receiving, from the fourth device, updated positioning assistance data; and means for sending, to the first device, the updated positioning assistance data.

[0166] In some embodiments, the second apparatus further comprises means for sending a notification to the first device that the second device is configured for positioning assistance.

[0167] In some embodiments, the second device is within the coverage of the fourth device.

[0168] In some exemplary embodiments, a third device (e.g., fourth device 140) capable of performing any of method 700 may comprise means for performing each operation of method 700. The means may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the means may be implemented in a circuit or a software module. The second device may be implemented as or included in fourth device 140. The means in some exemplary embodiments may comprise a processor and a memory.

[0169] In some exemplary embodiments, the third apparatus comprises means for transmitting, from the fourth device to the first device, first setting information for continuing or establishing a positioning session associated with the first device that is out of coverage of the fourth device, and means for receiving, from the first device via the second device, a location measurement report associated with the first device.

[0170] In some embodiments, the third device further comprises means for transmitting second configuration information to the second device for establishing a relay link between the first device and the second device for positioning assistance of the first device when the first device is out of coverage of the fourth device.

[0171] In some embodiments, the means for transmitting second configuration information for establishing the relay link comprises means for transmitting the second configuration information based on a determination that the first device experiences an unexpected coverage interruption or that the first device experiences an expected coverage interruption.

[0172] In some embodiments, the third device further comprises means for receiving a request to establish a relay link for positioning assistance from the third device that is in a state within coverage of the fourth device, and in some embodiments, the means for transmitting second configuration information comprises means for transmitting second configuration information for establishing the relay link based on the request.

[0173] In some embodiments, the first setting information comprises: Positioning assistance data, at least one threshold for triggering a relay link establishment request from the first device, the relay link being between the first device and the second device for positioning assistance of the first device in an out-of-coverage state of the fourth device; a second threshold time for releasing the relay link; or at least one threshold after which positioning assistance data is utilized by the first device; It includes at least one of the following:

[0174] In some embodiments, the third apparatus further comprises means for receiving a request for updating the positioning assistance data from the second device, and means for transmitting the updated positioning assistance data to the second device based on the request.

[0175] In some embodiments, the positioning assistance data includes configuration associated with downlink PRSs transmitted from the fourth device and configuration associated with sidelink PRSs transmitted from the sidelink positioning anchor.

[0176] In some embodiments, the configuration related to the sidelink PRS comprises: Sidelink positioning anchor identity, Sidelink PRS pattern, or Sidelink PRS resource allocation, It includes at least one of the following:

[0177] In some embodiments, the establishment of the relay link is triggered by the fourth device. In such embodiments, the first configuration information comprises: information regarding the second device selected by the fourth device; Information about areas where the fourth device is expected to have poor or no coverage, or Positioning assistance data to be used in the expected area; It includes at least one of the following:

[0178] In some embodiments, the fourth device constitutes a base station, and the third apparatus further comprises means for transmitting to the LMF a notification that the RLF of the first device has been identified, and means for transmitting to the LMF a request to establish a relay link for positioning assistance of the first device, the relay link being between the first device and the second device.

[0179] 9 is a simplified block diagram of a device 900 suitable for implementing an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Device 900 may be provided to implement a communications device such as first device 110, second device 120, third device 130, or fourth device 140 as shown in FIG. 1. As shown, device 900 includes one or more processors 910, one or more memories 920 coupled to processors 910, and one or more communications modules 940 coupled to processors 910.

[0180] The communications module 940 is for bidirectional communication. The communications module 940 has one or more communications interfaces to facilitate communication with one or more other modules or devices. The communications interfaces may represent any interface necessary for communication with other network elements. In some exemplary embodiments, the communications module 940 may include at least one antenna.

[0181] The processor 910 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 900 may have multiple processors, such as application-specific integrated circuit chips that are time-slaved to a clock that synchronizes a main processor.

[0182] The memory 920 may include one or more non-volatile memories and one or more volatile memories. Examples of non-volatile memory include, but are not limited to, read-only memory (ROM) 924, electronically programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, hard disks, compact disks (CDs), digital video disks (DVDs), optical disks, laser disks, and other magnetic and / or optical storage devices. Examples of volatile memory include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM) 922 and other volatile memories that do not persist through power-down periods.

[0183] The computer program 930 includes computer-executable instructions that can be executed by the associated processor 910. The program 930 may be stored in a memory, for example, the ROM 924. The processor 910 can load the program 930 into the RAM 922 to perform any suitable operations and processes.

[0184] An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may be implemented by a program 930 such that the device 900 may execute any process of the present disclosure, as described with reference to Figures 1 to 8. An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may also be implemented by hardware or a combination of software and hardware.

[0185] In some exemplary embodiments, the program 930 may be tangibly contained in a computer-readable medium, which may be included in the device 900 (such as in memory 920) or other storage accessible by the device 900. The device 900 may load the program 930 from the computer-readable medium into RAM 922 for execution. The computer-readable medium may include any type of tangible non-volatile storage device, such as a ROM, EPROM, flash memory, hard disk, CD, DVD, etc. FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a computer-readable medium 1000, which may be in the form of a CD, DVD, or other optical storage disc. The computer-readable medium has the program 930 stored thereon.

[0186] 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 illustrative examples.

[0187] 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 physical or virtual processor device to perform any of the methods described above with reference to Figures 1 through 8. 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.

[0188] 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.

[0189] 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.

[0190] 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 thereof.

[0191] While some embodiments may be implemented by / in an IAB node, it should be understood that the solutions, including methods and apparatuses, proposed in this disclosure may also be applied to other communication systems where similar technical problems exist. Furthermore, while 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 that all of the illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. In certain situations, multitasking and parallel processing may be preferred. Similarly, while some 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 specific 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.

[0192] 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 device, at least one processor; When executed by the at least one processor, the first device is configured to: receiving, from a fourth device, first configuration information for continuing or establishing a positioning session associated with the first device; performing positioning of the first device while out of coverage of the fourth device with positioning assistance of a second device based on the first configuration information; at least one memory storing instructions for executing the A first device comprising:

2. The first device further comprises: Sending to the second device a request for establishing a relay link between the first device and the second device for the positioning assistance based on the first setting information; or sending a notification to a third device that is in coverage of the fourth device that the request has been sent to the fourth device; 2. The first device of claim 1, adapted to execute:

3. The first device the period of time after a radio link failure (RLF) is declared exceeds a first threshold time; after the RLF is declared, the distance between the first device and the fourth device or the fifth device is less than a first threshold distance; the power of the received positioning standard signal exceeds a first threshold power; a first number of transmit receive points (TRP) exceeding a first threshold number; The first device of claim 2 , wherein the first device is adapted to send the request or the notification based on determining at least one of:

4. The first threshold time is T310 timer, a time alignment timer associated with the random access procedure, or Counter of beam failure instances, The first device of claim 3 , wherein the first device is associated with at least one of:

5. The first setting information is the first threshold time, the first threshold distance, the first threshold power; the first threshold number, or Positioning assistance data, The first device of claim 3 , comprising at least one of:

6. The first device further comprises: release the second device in response to determining that a duration of the positioning session assisted by the second device exceeds a second threshold time; The first setting information includes a second threshold time. The first device of claim 1 .

7. The first device transmitting a location measurement report to the fourth device via the second device; The first device of claim 1 , wherein the first device is adapted to perform the positioning by:

8. The first device the time during which the positioning assistance data is utilized is less than a third threshold time; or the distance between the first device and the second device is less than a second threshold distance; The first device of claim 5 , wherein the first device is adapted to perform the positioning by utilizing the positioning assistance data based on determining at least one of:

9. The first device further comprises: the period during which the positioning assistance data is utilized exceeds the third threshold time; or the distance between the first device and the second device exceeds the second threshold distance; determining at least one of: transmitting to the second device a request to update the positioning assistance data based on the determination; receiving updated positioning assistance data from the second device; 6. The first device of claim 5, adapted to execute:

10. The positioning assistance data comprises: Settings related to downlink positioning standard signals (PRS) transmitted from the fourth device; or Configuration related to sidelink PRS transmitted from a sidelink positioning anchor and / or transmitted from the first device; and The configuration related to the sidelink PRS comprises: the identity of the sidelink positioning anchor; the pattern of the sidelink PRS, or resource allocation of the sidelink PRS; at least one of: The first device of claim 5 .

11. The first device performing downlink and sidelink joint positioning based on the configuration associated with the downlink PRS and the configuration associated with the sidelink PRS; or performing sidelink positioning based on the configuration associated with the sidelink PRS; The first device of claim 10 , adapted to perform said positioning by:

12. The first device the period of time after a radio link failure (RLF) is declared exceeds a fourth threshold time; the distance between the first device and the second device after the RLF is declared exceeds a third threshold distance; the number of transmission / reception points (TRPs) exceeds a threshold, and the TRPs transmit the downlink PRSs; 12. The first device of claim 11, wherein the first device is adapted to perform the downlink and sidelink joint positioning or to perform the sidelink positioning based on determining at least one of:

13. the establishment of the relay link is triggered by the fourth device; The first setting information is information about the second device selected by the fourth device; information about areas where the fourth device is expected to have low or no coverage; or positioning assistance data to be used in said expected area; The first device of claim 1 , comprising at least one of:

14. The first device of claim 1 , wherein the second device is in a state within the coverage of the fourth device.

15. a fourth device, at least one processor; When executed by the at least one processor, the method causes the fourth device to transmitting, to a first device, first configuration information for continuing or establishing a positioning session associated with the first device that is out of coverage of the fourth device; receiving a location measurement report associated with the first device from the first device via a second device; at least one memory storing instructions for executing the a fourth device comprising:

16. The fourth device further comprises: transmitting, to the second device, second configuration information for establishing a relay link between the first device and the second device for positioning assistance to the first device that is out of coverage of the fourth device; 16. The fourth device of claim 15, adapted to execute:

17. The fourth device is the first device experiences an unexpected coverage interruption; or the first device experiencing an expected coverage interruption; 17. The fourth device of claim 16, wherein the fourth device is configured to transmit the second configuration information for establishing the relay link based on determining:

18. The fourth device further comprises: receiving the relay link establishment request for the positioning assistance from a third device that is in a state within coverage of the fourth device; and the fourth device is configured to transmit the second configuration information for establishing the relay link based on the request.

17. A fourth device according to claim 16.

19. The first setting information is Positioning assistance data, at least one threshold value for triggering a relay link establishment request from the first device, the relay link being between the first device and the second device for positioning assistance of the first device that is out of coverage of the fourth device; a second threshold time for releasing the relay link; or at least one threshold value after which the positioning assistance data is utilized by the first device; The fourth device of claim 15, comprising at least one of:

20. The fourth device further comprises: receiving a request from the second device to update the positioning assistance data; transmitting updated positioning assistance data to the second device based on the request; and 20. The fourth device of claim 19, adapted to execute:

21. The positioning assistance data comprises: Settings related to downlink positioning standard signals (PRS) transmitted from the fourth device; - configuration related to sidelink PRS transmitted from a sidelink positioning anchor and / or transmitted from the first device; Including, The configuration related to the sidelink PRS comprises: the identity of the sidelink positioning anchor; the pattern of the sidelink PRS, or resource allocation of the sidelink PRS; at least one of:

20. A fourth device according to claim 19.

22. the establishment of the relay link is triggered by the fourth device; The first setting information is information about the second device selected by the fourth device; information regarding areas where the fourth device is expected to have low or no coverage; or positioning assistance data to be used in said expected area; The fourth device of claim 15, comprising at least one of:

23. The fourth device includes a base station, the base station further comprising: sending a notification to a Location Management Function (LMF) that a Radio Link Failure (RLF) of the first device has been identified; sending, to the LMF, a relay link establishment request for positioning assistance of the first device, the relay link being between the first device and the second device; 16. The fourth device of claim 15, adapted to execute:

24. a second device, at least one processor; When executed by the at least one processor, the second device receives at least: receiving second configuration information for establishing a relay link for positioning assistance to a first device in an out-of-coverage state, the relay link being between the first device and the second device; establishing the relay link based on the second setting information; forwarding a location measurement report from the first device; at least one memory storing instructions for executing the A second device comprising:

25. The second device further comprises: receiving the relay link establishment request from a first device; the second device is adapted to establish the link based on the second configuration information and the request.

25. The second device of claim 24.

26. The second device receiving, from the first device, a request to update positioning assistance data for the first device; sending the request to update positioning assistance data to the fourth device; receiving updated positioning assistance data from the fourth device; transmitting the updated positioning assistance data to the first device; 25. The second device of claim 24, further adapted to perform:

27. The second device further comprises: sending a notification to the first device that the second device is configured for the positioning assistance; 25. The second device of claim 24.

28. The second device of claim 24 , wherein the second device is in coverage of the fourth device.

29. receiving, from the fourth device, first configuration information at the first device for continuing or establishing a positioning session associated with the first device; performing positioning of the first device while out of coverage of the fourth device with positioning assistance of a second device based on the first configuration information; A method comprising:

30. transmitting, from a fourth device to a first device, first configuration information for continuing or establishing a positioning session associated with the first device that is out of coverage of the fourth device; receiving a location measurement report associated with the first device from the first device via a second device; A method comprising:

31. receiving, at a second device, second configuration information for establishing a positioning assistance relay link to a first device in an out-of-coverage state, the relay link being between the first device and the second device; establishing the relay link based on the second setting information; forwarding a location measurement report from the first device; A method comprising:

32. A non-transitory computer readable medium containing a computer program for causing an apparatus to perform at least the method of any of claims 29 to 31.

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