Systems and methods for carrier phase positioning

Abstract

A system and method for carrier phase positioning are presented. A user equipment (UE) may receive configuration information of a reference signal for positioning from a network. The configuration information may include carrier phase-related (CP-related) information configured for the reference signal. The UE may perform CP measurements on the reference signal based on the CP-related information. The UE may transmit a report to the network comprising the CP measurement results. In one embodiment, the report comprises a timestamp attached to the CP measurement results. In one embodiment, the configuration information comprises PRS processing windows (PPWs) configured for multiple carriers in a positioning frequency layer (PFL).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to wireless communications, including, but not limited to, systems and methods for carrier phase positioning. [Background technology]

[0002] The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP®), a standards organization, is currently specifying the Next Generation Packet Core Network (NG-CN or NGC) as well as a new radio interface called 5G New Radio (5G NR). 5G NR will have three main components: the 5G Access Network (5G-AN), the 5G Core Network (5GC), and the User Equipment (UE). To facilitate the enablement of different data services and requirements, the elements of the 5GC, also called network functions, have been simplified; some of them are software-based and some are hardware-based, so that they can be adapted as needed. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0003] The exemplary embodiments disclosed herein are directed not only to solving problems associated with one or more of the problems presented in the prior art, but also to providing additional features that will become readily apparent from a review of the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In accordance with various embodiments, exemplary systems, methods, devices, and computer program products are disclosed herein. It will be understood, however, that these embodiments are presented by way of example, and not limitation, and that various modifications to the disclosed embodiments can be made while remaining within the scope of the present disclosure, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading this disclosure.

[0004] At least one aspect is directed to the following system, method, apparatus, or computer-readable medium: A user equipment (UE) may receive configuration information of a reference signal for positioning from a network. The configuration information may include carrier phase-related (CP-related) information configured for the reference signal. The UE may perform CP measurements on the reference signal based on the CP-related information. The UE may send a report comprising CP measurement results to the network. The report may include a timestamp attached to the CP measurement results.

[0005] In some embodiments, the configuration information may include a PRS processing window (PPW) configured for multiple carriers in a positioning frequency layer (PFL). The CP measurement may include a CP value when the UE reports timing-related information. The CP measurement may include a CP value when the UE reports angle-related information. The UE may be indicated which of multiple carriers or PFLs should be jointly measured by the network.

[0006] In some embodiments, the report may indicate whether the CP measurements are made across a single PFL or across multiple PFLs. The CP measurements may be made at the centers of multiple PFLs. The CP measurements may be made at the centers of multiple carriers when the UE makes timing-based measurements for multiple carriers.

[0007] In some embodiments, CP measurements may be performed within a CP-specific period configured for all of the multiple PFLs. The CP-specific period may be associated with at least one of the number of PFLs, the CP measurement period for one of the PFLs, or the valid reception time of the PRS within the period. The CP-specific period may be defined as follows:

number

[0008] In some embodiments, the CP measurement may be performed within a CP-specific period configured for all of the multiple PFLs. The CP-specific period may be associated with a scaling factor when the CP measurement is performed in a timing-based measurement. The CP-specific period may be defined as follows:

number

[0009] In some embodiments, CP measurements may be performed within a CP-specific period configured for all of the multiple PFLs. The CP-specific period may be associated with a scaling factor when the CP measurements are performed in angle-based measurements. The UE may report its capability for CP measurements when the UE is in a radio resource control (RRC) inactive state. The UE may resume CP measurements when one or more symbols of the reference signal are dropped during CP measurements. The UE may resume CP measurements when the CP measurements occur over two sampling durations.

[0010] In some embodiments, the UE may receive from a second UE the location of the second UE or a second CP measurement associated with the second UE. The second UE may broadcast its location and the second CP measurement. The CP measurement may be made relative to a reference signal with a certain direction and resolution. The CP measurement may be transmitted in a second report with a certain direction and resolution. The CP measurement may be made relative to the same TRP Tx TEG in a timing-based measurement over the same PRS resource.

[0011] In some embodiments, the UE may send a request to a Location Management Function (LMF) with assistance from a second UE. The request may include at least one of a coarse location of the UE, an identification of a serving gNB / TRP, an identification of a reference signal, an identification of resources for the reference signal, or an identification of a resource set for the reference signal. The configuration information may include second CP measurements made by the second UE. The second CP measurements may include at least one of a location of the second UE, an identification of a serving gNB / TRP, an identification of a second reference signal, an identification of resources for the second reference signal, or an identification of a resource set for the second reference signal.

[0012] In some embodiments, the UE may receive a request from an LMF network entity to perform CP measurements using Q Rx PEGs on the same reference signal resource. The parameter Q may be an integer. The UE may receive a request from the LMF network entity to tag the CP measurements with a TEG ID. The report may include a LOS / NLOS indication for the CP measurement results. The report may include a LOS probability for the CP measurement results that are higher than the LOS threshold.

[0013] In some embodiments, a wireless communication node may receive configuration information for a reference signal for positioning. The configuration information may include carrier phase-related (CP-related) information configured for the reference signal. The wireless communication node may perform CP measurements on the reference signal based on the CP-related information. The wireless communication node may transmit a report comprising CP measurement results. The wireless communication node may be configured with multiple PRS resources. The wireless communication node may be configured to broadcast its location in a system information block (SIB). The report may include a differential CP value indicating which of multiple reference PEGs is the first PEG. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] Various exemplary embodiments of the present solution are described in detail below with reference to the following figures or drawings. The drawings are provided for illustrative purposes only and merely depict exemplary embodiments of the present solution to facilitate the reader's understanding of the present solution. Therefore, the drawings should not be considered to limit the breadth, scope, or applicability of the present solution. It should be noted that for clarity and ease of illustration, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates an example of a cellular communication network in which the techniques disclosed herein may be implemented according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0016] [Figure 2] 1 illustrates a block diagram of an example base station and a user equipment device in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0017] [Figure 3] 1 illustrates an example implementation of carrier phase positioning according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0018] [Figure 4] 1 illustrates an example implementation of carrier phase positioning according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0019] [Figure 5] 1 illustrates an example implementation of radio waves with multiple wavelengths according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0020] [Figure 6] 1 illustrates an example implementation of carrier phase positioning according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0021] [Figure 7] 1 illustrates an example implementation of carrier phase positioning according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0022] [Figure 8]1 illustrates a flow diagram of an example method for carrier phase positioning according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] (1. Mobile Communications Technology and Environment) 1 illustrates an example wireless communication network and / or system 100 in which the techniques disclosed herein may be implemented according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In the following discussion, the wireless communication network 100 may be any wireless network, such as a cellular network or a narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) network, and is referred to herein as “network 100.” Such example network 100 includes a base station 102 (hereinafter “BS 102,” also referred to as a wireless communication node) and a user equipment device 104 (hereinafter “UE 104,” also referred to as a wireless communication device) that can communicate with each other via a communication link 110 (e.g., a wireless communication channel), and a cluster of cells 126, 130, 132, 134, 136, 138, and 140 that overlap a geographic area 101. In FIG. 1, the BS 102 and the UE 104 are contained within the respective geographic boundaries of the cell 126. Each of the other cells 130, 132, 134, 136, 138, and 140 may include at least one base station operating in its assigned bandwidth to provide adequate radio coverage to intended users.

[0024] For example, the BS 102 may operate with an assigned channel transmission bandwidth to provide adequate coverage to the UE 104. The BS 102 and the UE 104 may communicate via a downlink radio frame 118 and an uplink radio frame 124, respectively. Each radio frame 118 / 124 may be further divided into subframes 120 / 127, which may include data symbols 122 / 128. In this disclosure, the BS 102 and the UE 104 are generally described herein as non-limiting examples of "communication nodes" capable of implementing the methods disclosed herein. Such communication nodes may be capable of wireless and / or wired communication in accordance with various embodiments of the present solution.

[0025] 2 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary wireless communication system 200 for transmitting and receiving wireless communication signals (e.g., OFDM / OFDMA signals) in accordance with some embodiments of the present solution. System 200 may include components and elements configured to support known or conventional operational features that need not be described in detail herein. In one exemplary embodiment, system 200 may be used to communicate (e.g., transmit and receive) data symbols in a wireless communication environment, such as wireless communication environment 100 of FIG. 1, as described above.

[0026] The system 200 generally includes a base station 202 (hereinafter "BS 202") and a user equipment device 204 (hereinafter "UE 204"). The BS 202 includes a BS (base station) transceiver module 210, a BS antenna 212, a BS processor module 214, a BS memory module 216, and a network communication module 218, each of which is coupled and interconnected as needed via a data communication bus 220. The UE 204 includes a UE (user equipment) transceiver module 230, a UE antenna 232, a UE memory module 234, and a UE processor module 236, each of which is coupled and interconnected as needed via a data communication bus 240. The BS 202 communicates with the UE 204 via a communication channel 250, which can be any wireless channel or other medium suitable for the transmission of data as described herein.

[0027] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, system 200 may further include any number of modules other than those shown in FIG. 2 . Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the various exemplary blocks, modules, circuits, and processing logic described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented in hardware, computer-readable software, firmware, or any practical combination thereof. To clearly illustrate this compatibility and adaptability of hardware, firmware, and software, various exemplary components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been described generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware, firmware, or software may depend on the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. Those familiar with the concepts described herein may implement such functionality in a manner suitable for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

[0028] According to some embodiments, the UE transceiver 230 may be referred to herein as an “uplink” transceiver 230 that includes a radio frequency (RF) transmitter and an RF receiver, each with circuitry coupled to an antenna 232. Alternatively, a duplexing switch (not shown) may couple the uplink transmitter or receiver to the uplink antenna in a time-duplexed manner. Similarly, according to some embodiments, the BS transceiver 210 may be referred to herein as a “downlink” transceiver 210 that includes an RF transmitter and an RF receiver, each with circuitry coupled to an antenna 212. Alternatively, a downlink duplexing switch may couple the downlink transmitter or receiver to the downlink antenna 212 in a time-duplexed manner. The operation of the two transceiver modules 210 and 230 may be coordinated in time such that the downlink transmitter is coupled to the downlink antenna 212 while the uplink receiver circuitry is coupled to the uplink antenna 232 for reception of transmissions over the wireless transmission link 250. Conversely, the operation of the two transceivers 210 and 230 may be coordinated in time such that the uplink transmitter is coupled to the uplink antenna 232 at the same time that the downlink receiver is coupled to the downlink antenna 212 for reception of transmissions over the wireless transmission link 250. In some embodiments, there is a truncated time synchronization with a minimum guard time between changes in duplex direction.

[0029] The UE transceiver 230 and the base station transceiver 210 are configured to communicate over a wireless data communication link 250 and cooperate with appropriately configured RF antenna arrangements 212 / 232 capable of supporting a particular wireless communication protocol and modulation scheme. In some exemplary embodiments, the UE transceiver 210 and the base station transceiver 210 are configured to support industry standards such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) and emerging 5G standards. However, it will be understood that the present disclosure is not necessarily limited in application to particular standards and associated protocols. Rather, the UE transceiver 230 and the base station transceiver 210 may be configured to support alternative or additional wireless data communication protocols, including future standards or variants thereof.

[0030] According to various embodiments, the BS 202 may be, for example, an evolved node B (eNB), a serving eNB, a target eNB, a femto station, or a pico station. In some embodiments, the UE 204 may be embodied in various types of user devices, such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a tablet, a laptop computer, a wearable computing device, etc. The processor modules 214 and 236 may be implemented or realized using a general-purpose processor, an associative memory, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit, a field-programmable gate array, any suitable programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. In this manner, the processor may be realized as a microprocessor, a controller, a microcontroller, a state machine, etc. The processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a combination of a digital signal processor and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a digital signal processor core, or any other such configuration.

[0031] Furthermore, the steps of a method or algorithm described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be embodied directly in hardware, firmware, a software module executed by processor modules 214 and 236, respectively, or any practical combination thereof. Memory modules 216 and 234 may be realized as RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, a hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. In this regard, memory modules 216 and 234 may be coupled to processor modules 210 and 230, respectively, such that processor modules 210 and 230 can read information from and write information to memory modules 216 and 234, respectively. Memory modules 216 and 234 may also be integrated into respective processor modules 210 and 230. In some embodiments, memory modules 216 and 234 may each include a cache memory for storing temporary variables or other intermediate information during execution of instructions to be executed by processor modules 210 and 230, respectively. Each of the memory modules 216 and 234 may include non-volatile memory for storing instructions executed by the processor modules 210 and 230, respectively.

[0032] The network communications module 218 generally represents the hardware, software, firmware, processing logic, and / or other components of the base station 202 that enable bidirectional communications between the base station transceiver 210 and other network components and communication nodes configured to communicate with the base station 202. For example, the network communications module 218 may be configured to support Internet or WiMAX traffic. In a typical deployment, without limitation, the network communications module 218 provides an 802.3 Ethernet interface to enable the base station transceiver 210 to communicate with conventional Ethernet-based computer networks. In this manner, the network communications module 218 may include a physical interface for connecting to a computer network (e.g., a mobile switching center (MSC)). As used herein, the terms “configured for,” “configured to,” and conjugations thereof, refer to devices, components, circuits, structures, machines, signals, etc. that are physically structured, programmed, formatted, and / or arranged to perform the specified operations or functions.

[0033] The Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model (referred to herein as the "Open Systems Interconnection Model") is a conceptual and logical layout that defines network communications used by open systems (e.g., wireless communication devices, wireless communication nodes) to interconnect and communicate with other systems. The model is divided into seven subcomponents or layers, each of which represents a conceptual collection of services provided to its upper and lower layers. The OSI model also defines logical networks and effectively describes computer packet transfers by using different layer protocols. The OSI model may also be referred to as the seven-layer OSI model or seven-layer model. In some embodiments, the first layer may be the physical layer. In some embodiments, the second layer may be the medium access control (MAC) layer. In some embodiments, the third layer may be the radio link control (RLC) layer. In some embodiments, the fourth layer may be the packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer. In some embodiments, the fifth layer may be the radio resource control (RRC) layer. In some embodiments, the sixth layer may be a non-access layer (NAS) layer or an Internet Protocol (IP) layer, and the seventh layer is another layer.

[0034] Various exemplary embodiments of the present solution are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings to enable those skilled in the art to make and use the solution. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, after reading this disclosure, various changes or modifications can be made to the examples described herein without departing from the scope of the solution. Thus, the present solution is not limited to the exemplary embodiments and applications described and illustrated herein. Additionally, the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the methods disclosed herein is merely an example approach. Based on design preferences, the specific order or hierarchy of steps in a disclosed method or process can be rearranged while remaining within the scope of the solution. Thus, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the methods and techniques disclosed herein present various steps or operations in a sample order, and the present solution is not limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented, unless otherwise specified. 2. Systems and Methods for Carrier Phase Positioning

[0035] The demand for positioning is increasing. For example, in parking lots (especially underground parking lots), it can be difficult to find your car (especially during peak hours). Fifth generation mobile communication systems (e.g., 5G, New Radio Access Technology, or 5G-NR) may provide methods for positioning on the radio side (e.g., positioning reference signals (PRS) from a base station (e.g., gNB)) and / or sounding reference signals (SRS) from a user equipment (UE). However, the positioning accuracy of existing 5G-NR-based positioning solutions may not be high enough (e.g., 1 meter or worse). In some harsh environments (e.g., dense urban areas), the positioning accuracy of existing 5G-NR-based positioning solutions may be even worse. In some commercial cases, a positioning accuracy of 0.2 meters may be required. In some cases, the target (e.g., 0.2 meters) for some commercial cases may be difficult to achieve with existing 5G-NR-based positioning solutions. This disclosure relates to positioning accuracy improvements for 5G-NR-based positioning, including but not limited to, via carrier phase positioning (CPP).

[0036] The present disclosure relates to wireless communication regarding how to improve positioning accuracy in 5G-NR-based positioning. In the downlink (DL) as shown in FIG. 3, positioning reference signals (PRS) can be transmitted by one or more gNBs. To achieve "good" positioning accuracy, multiple gNBs (e.g., three base stations) can be involved. A UE may measure at least one PRS. The UE may report the measurement result(s) to a network (e.g., a core network (CN) or a location management function (LMF) in a 5G CN (5GC)). The network element may include at least one of a gNB, a CN, or a UE.

[0037] In the uplink (UL) as shown in Figure 4, a sounding reference signal (SRS) may be transmitted by the UE. One or more gNBs (e.g., multiple gNBs) may measure the SRS. One or more gNBs may report the measurement result(s) to the network (e.g., LMF).

[0038] The transmission of PRS and / or SRS for the purpose of positioning can be easily affected by the radio propagation environment (e.g., fading, distortion). Therefore, the positioning accuracy can be limited. The present disclosure can provide a method for higher positioning accuracy.

[0039] In Figure 5, radio waves may travel from a transmitter to a receiver with multiple wavelengths. For all wavelengths, the corresponding carrier phase (or carrier phase difference between the transmitter and receiver) may be 2π (equivalently, 0 phase). For a fraction of the wavelengths, the corresponding carrier phase may be a value within (0, 2π). If the carrier phase can be measured (and assuming no noise interference and line of sight (LOS) between the transmitter and receiver), the distance (D) between the transmitter and receiver is

number

[0040] In some embodiments, if the UE can measure the carrier phase (e.g., Φ, N, or Φ+N, where N can be searched for with a particular algorithm), the distance between the transmitter and receiver can be determined. In certain embodiments, the carrier phase can only refer to the fractional part (Φ) because the integer N may not be "measured" directly (e.g., it can be inferred with the smallest error). (Implementation example 1:)

[0041] A wireless communication node (e.g., a UE, a base station, or a transmit / receive point (TRP)) may support positioning on multiple carriers (e.g., positioning frequency layers (PFLs)) that comprise the transmitted and received radio signals for positioning. Each carrier / PFL can be measured / reported using carrier phase (CP) or differential CP.

[0042] In some embodiments, the UE / TRP can measure / report the CP using a carrier / PFL list. This carrier / PFL list can be at least one of a reference signal ID (e.g., PRS-ID, SRS-ID), a reference signal resource ID (e.g., PRS resource ID, SRS resource ID), a reference signal resource set ID (e.g., PRS resource set ID, SRS resource set ID), a physical cell ID (PCI), a global cell ID (CGI), an absolute radio frequency channel number (ARFCN), a subframe offset, a CP value of a reference signal on a carrier / PFL, or a PRS point A. The PCI ID can be a value between 0 and 1007. The subframe offset can be between one TRP and a reference TRP. In some embodiments, the CP value can be a difference value relative to a reference TRP (or a reference PRS resource). The PRS point A can be where the PRS starts in frequency. Alternatively, an offset can be added to the PRS point A.

[0043] There may be joint processing CP values ​​from multiple carriers / PFLs. Alternatively, joint processing may include adding / subtracting CP values ​​from multiple carriers / PFLs. Joint processing may include CP measurements for two or more carriers / PFLs jointly. For example, for two consecutive 100 MHz carriers / PFLs, the bandwidth of this joint carrier / PFL may be 200 MHz. CP measurements may be performed for this 200 MHz joint carrier / PFL. Alternatively, the reference signal resources in these carriers / PFLs of the joint carrier / PFL may be the same or different.

[0044] A timestamp can be attached when the UE measures / reports the CP value. The timestamp can help determine a rough UE location (e.g., an integer range). A carrier / PFL list (or cell list, or serving cell list) may include multiple carriers / PFLs. A PRS Processing Window (PPW) / Measurement Gap (MG) can be configured for each carrier / PFL. A PPW can be configured for all carriers / PFLs in the carrier / PFL list (e.g., this PPW can be shared with multiple carriers / PFLs). The CP value can be measured / reported when the UE measures / reports a timing-related value (e.g., Time Difference of Arrival (TDOA), Round Trip Time (RTT), Multi-RTT, or Reference Signal Time Difference (RSTD)). The CP value can be measured / reported when the UE measures / reports an angle-related value (e.g., Angle of Departure (AoD), Angle of Arrival (AoA), RSRP measurement, or RSRPP measurement).

[0045] In some embodiments, a wireless communication node (e.g., a UE, a gNB, or a TRP) can be indicated (e.g., dynamically) which carriers / PFLs are to be measured together (e.g., CP values ​​can be measured for a wider bandwidth after aggregation of two or more carriers). For example, there can be three carriers / PFLs. If a first carrier / PFL and a second carrier / PFL are to be measured together and a third carrier / PFL is not to be measured together, the UE can indicate the first carrier / PFL and the second carrier / PFL for joint processing. In some embodiments, when a wireless communication node (e.g., a UE, a gNB, or a TRP) reports CP values ​​to the LMF, the wireless communication node can indicate (e.g., using a carrier / PFL list) which CP values ​​are to be measured across a single carrier / PFL or multiple carriers / PFLs. In some embodiments, when a wireless communication node (e.g., a UE, a gNB, or a TRP) reports a CP value to an LMF, the wireless communication node may indicate which CP value is measured across one individual carrier / PFL or multiple jointly processed carriers / PFLs (e.g., a true or false indication via a carrier / PFL list). In this manner, the location calculation end (e.g., an LMF) may more accurately calculate the location of the UE.

[0046] There may be a carrier / PFL list. The carriers / PFLs in the carrier / PFL list may be measured / determined together. The CP value may be measured at the center of the carrier / PFL. For joint processing of multiple carriers / PFLs, the CP value may be measured at the joint center of the carriers / PFLs. For example, for joint processing of two carriers / PFLs at 2000 MHz to 2100 MHz (with a 100 MHz bandwidth) and 2100 MHz to 2200 MHz (with a 100 MHz bandwidth), the CP value may be measured at the joint center of these two carriers (e.g., 2100 MHz). As another example, for joint processing of two carriers / PFLs at 2000 MHz to 2100 MHz (with a 100 MHz bandwidth) and 2100 MHz to 2160 MHz (with a 60 MHz bandwidth), the CP value may be measured at the joint center of these two carriers (e.g., 2080 MHz). Alternatively, if the CP value is measured for the joint of these two carriers, then a timing-based measurement (e.g., TDOA, RTT, or RSTD) may also be measured for the joint of these two carriers. Alternatively, if the timing-based measurement (e.g., TDOA, RTT, or RSTD) is measured for the joint of these two carriers, then a CP value may also be measured for the joint of these two carriers. Alternatively, if the timing-based measurement (e.g., TDOA, RTT, or RSTD) is measured for the joint of these two carriers, then a CP value may also be measured at the center of the joint of these two carriers.

[0047] If the UE is configured with multiple carriers, one or more carriers may be deactivated (or released). If one carrier is released, the UE may also measure / determine CP for this carrier. Alternatively, if one carrier is released, the UE may also measure CP for the joint of this carrier and other active carriers (e.g., 100 MHz + 100 MHz = 200 MHz bandwidth, joint of 200 MHz bandwidth). Alternatively, if one carrier is released, the UE may measure CP for the joint of this carrier and other released carriers.

[0048] In some embodiments, the CP measurements can be used for transmitter / receiver phase calibration. For example, if the positioning reference unit (PRU) receiver phase is already calibrated, the LMF can utilize the CP measurements from the PRU and the geographic coordinates of the gNB and PRU for PRS transmission phase calibration.

[0049] In some embodiments, a differential CP measurement between two carriers / PFLs can be measured / reported. Optionally, the differential CP measurement between two carriers / PFLs can be measured / reported using a carrier ID (or a list of carriers). Optionally, the differential CP measurement between two carriers / PFLs can be measured / reported using a carrier frequency. Optionally, the differential CP measurement between two carriers / PFLs can be measured / reported using a virtual carrier wavelength λ. v = 1 / (c / f1 - c / f2), where c may be the speed of light. f1 may be the center frequency of the first carrier. f2 may be the center frequency of the second carrier. In some embodiments, a differential CP measurement between two carriers / PFLs can be measured / reported using the ARFCN. In this way, phase errors caused by delays between the two carriers can be removed.

[0050] In some embodiments, a differential CP measurement between two subcarriers can be measured / reported. Optionally, the differential CP measurement between two subcarriers can be measured / reported using the frequency gap (e.g., the number of subcarriers) between these two subcarriers. In this way, a virtual integer can be 0 or within a very small range (e.g., 0-10).

[0051] In some embodiments, the differential CP measurement between two carriers can be measured / reported using a frequency gap (e.g., 100 MHz) between these two carriers / PFLs. This way, in certain scenarios (e.g., indoor factories), the virtual integer can be within a very small range (e.g., 0-30).

[0052] In this way, the position calculation end (e.g., LMF) can select a suitable carrier / PFL for position calculation, and therefore the positioning performance can be improved. (Implementation example 2:)

[0053] The CP measurement can be performed within a certain period of time. If the PRS collides with other high priority signals, the CP measurement may not be completed within a predetermined period of time (e.g., 10 ms, as the UE must wait for the next PRS opportunity to make the measurement).

[0054] In some embodiments, CP measurements can be made over the same measurement period of timing-based measurements (e.g., TDOA, RSTD, RTT, or multi-RTT). There can be a CP-specific measurement period. This CP-specific measurement period for all constituent carriers / PFLs can be associated with at least one of the following: the number of carriers / PFLs (L), the CP measurement period for a single carrier / PFL (T CP,i ), the effective reception time of the PRS within a certain period (T effect), the number of beams to be received (e.g., one beam for frequency range 1 (FR1), eight beams or 64 beams for FR2), the number of resources to be measured in a timeslot, the number of samples in the measurement period (e.g., four for normal measurement, two or one for mitigation measurement), the number of (simultaneous) PPW / MGs configured for the UE, the number of paths (K) in the CP measurement, a scaling factor (SF) (e.g., 1.0-2.0) when the CP is measured together with timing-based measurements (e.g., TDOA, RSTD, RTT, or multi-RTT), or a scaling factor (SF) (e.g., 1.0-3.0) when the CP is measured together with angle-based measurements (e.g., reference signal received power (RSRP) or reference signal received path power (RSRPP)). For example, the SF can be 1.5 times the TDOA measurement period. For example, the SF can be twice the RSRPP measurement period.

[0055] In some embodiments, a CP-specific measurement period (T CP、Total )teeth

number

[0056] In some embodiments, a CP-specific measurement period (T CP、Total ) can be (eg, for the operation of a differential CP measurement):

number

[0057] CP-specific measurement period (T CP、Total ) can be as follows:

[0058]

number

[0059]

number

[0060] SF can be a scaling factor (e.g., 1.3). RSTD,i can be the measurement period for RSTD for PFL.

[0061]

number

[0062] In some embodiments, a CP-specific measurement period (T CP、Total )teeth

number

[0063] A PRS Processing Window (PPW) (or Measurement Gap (MG)) can be configured for the UE for CP measurements for the PRS. If the priority of the PRS is lower than other DL signals / channels within the PPW, the UE can drop the PRS without performing CP measurements.

[0064] A UE may report its capability for CP measurements in a radio resource control (RRC) inactive state (RRC_Inactive, i.e., it may report capability for CP measurements under RRC_Inactive). Optionally, a UE may report its capability for CP measurements in an RRC_Connect state. Optionally, when a UE reports its capability for timing-based measurements (e.g., TDOA, RSTD, RTT, or multi-RTT), the UE may also report its capability for CP measurements. Optionally, when a UE reports its capability for CP measurements, the UE may also report its capability for timing-based measurements. Optionally, the capability for CP measurements may be associated with the capability for timing-based measurements.

[0065] In some embodiments, for a low capability (RedCap) UE, the UE may report its complexity change when it supports certain capabilities. Optionally, for a RedCap UE, the UE can report its complexity change when it supports CP measurements (e.g., complexity change ratio R=New_Complexity / Old_Complexity, where New_Complexity can be the new complexity after supporting CP measurements and Old_Complexity can be the complexity without supporting CP measurements. Complexity can be expressed in number of calculations (e.g., 50,000 additions)). Optionally, for a RedCap UE, the UE may report its complexity change when it supports frequency hopping (e.g., complexity change rate R=New_Complexity / Old_Complexity. New_Complexity may be the new complexity after supporting frequency hopping. Old_Complexity may be the complexity without supporting frequency hopping. The frequency hopping may be hopping over the maximum bandwidth of the UE, e.g., 20 MHz. The frequency hopping may hop from one 20 MHz bandwidth to another 20 MHz bandwidth).

[0066] The CP measurement report delay may include the time used for CP measurements. The CP measurement report delay may include the time used for CP measurements in the time domain (including extracting the first path). Optionally, the CP measurement report delay may include the time used for CP measurements in the frequency domain (including CP measurements for multiple subcarriers (e.g., three center subcarriers), CP measurements for multiple segments of a carrier (e.g., four segments)). Optionally, the CP measurement report delay may be additional to that of timing-based measurements (e.g., TDOA).

[0067] In some embodiments, if the CP measurement is performed under timing-based measurement (e.g., TDOA), a scaling factor for the timing-based measurement period (e.g., 1.0 to 2.0 times that of the timing-based measurement period) may be used. In some embodiments, if the CP measurement is associated with timing-based measurement (e.g., TDOA), a scaling factor for the timing-based measurement period (e.g., 1.0 to 2.0 times that of the timing-based measurement period) may be used. In some embodiments, if the CP measurement is performed under timing-based measurement (e.g., TDOA) under RRC_Inactive, a different scaling factor for the timing-based measurement period may be used (e.g., 1.0 to 1.5 times that of the timing-based measurement period).

[0068] In some embodiments, when CP measurements are performed under Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP)-based measurements (e.g., per-path RSRP, RSRPP, e.g., angle-related measurements, e.g., RSTD measurements), the CP measurement period may be related to the number of paths (e.g., the number of paths times).

[0069] In some embodiments, if there are multiple PRS resources for measurement within a measurement period (e.g., within a CP measurement period, e.g., within a PPW), the UE can select one or more PRS resources for CP measurement, but the total measurements may not exceed its capability for CP measurement. Optionally, there may be a UE capability restriction on PRS resources for CP measurement (e.g., two resource sets per TRP per PFL, one PRS resource per set). Optionally, there may be a UE capability restriction on PRS resources per band for CP measurement (e.g., 1, 2,..., 256 resource sets per band, with different values ​​possible for FR1 and FR2). Optionally, there may be a UE capability restriction on PRS resources per combination per band for CP measurement (e.g., 1, 2,..., 256 resource sets per band combination). The capability restriction may be reported by the UE (in a UE capability report). Optionally, there may be a UE capability limit on the duration of the PRS processing symbol for CP measurements (e.g., 0.0625, 0.125, 0.25,..., 100 ms). Optionally, there may be a scaling factor on the CP-specific period (e.g., 1.0-2.0). Optionally, there may be a UE capability limit on the duration of the PRS processing symbol per T ms for CP measurements (e.g., T=4, 8,..., 2560 ms). Optionally, there may be a scaling factor on the CP-specific period (e.g., 1.0-1.5).

[0070] During a measurement period (e.g., within a CP measurement period), if any operation (e.g., time alignment, TA, TA adjustment, handover) may cause inaccuracy (or change) in the CP measurement, the UE may resume the CP measurement. Optionally, if any operation may cause inaccuracy (or change) in the CP measurement, the UE may continue the current CP measurement.

[0071] During a measurement period (e.g., within a CP measurement period), if one or more PRS symbols are dropped when measuring the CP (e.g., due to low PRS priority), the UE may resume CP measurement. If one or more PRS symbols are dropped during a measurement period when measuring the CP, the number of samples in this period for the UE may be increased (e.g., by one).

[0072] If the CP measurement operation occurs for two sampling durations during a measurement period (e.g., within a CP measurement period), the UE may resume the CP measurement. Optionally, if the CP measurement operation occurs for two sampling durations, the UE may continue the ongoing CP measurement. Optionally, if the CP measurement operation occurs for two sampling durations, the number of samples in this period of the UE may be increased (e.g., by 2).

[0073] If the time span of a PRS resource instance is greater than the UE capability, the UE may omit CP measurements for this PRS resource. Optionally, if the time width of a PRS resource instance is greater than the UE capability, the UE may continue CP measurements for this PRS resource. Optionally, if the time width of a PRS resource instance is greater than the UE capability, the UE may continue CP measurements for this PRS resource, but within the time width indicated by the UE. If the PRS has a lower priority than other signals / channels (within the PPW) when making CP measurements, the UE may continue CP measurements for this PRS resource.

[0074] In this way, the CP can be measured more accurately, and therefore the positioning performance can be improved by the accurate CP value. (Implementation example 3:)

[0075] As shown in FIG. 6, the UE may calculate its location within a single site.

[0076] The LMF may configure the gNB with PRS resources (e.g., one PRS resource for one antenna of the gNB / TRP). The gNB may broadcast its location coordinates (x0, y0) (e.g., on a system information block (SIB)) and transmit the PRS. Incidentally, the gNB's location coordinates (x0, y0) can also be forwarded to the UE by the LMF.

[0077] The UE may receive the gNB's location coordinates and PRS. The UE may calculate AoA / AoD(α) using one or more PRS resources. The UE may calculate the distance d between itself and the gNB: d = ΔΦ * λv. λv = 1 / (1 / λ1 - 1 / λ2). ΔΦ = Φ1 - Φ2. λv may be a virtual wavelength. λ1 may be the wavelength for frequency #1. λ2 may be the wavelength for frequency #2. Φ1 may be the CP measured for frequency #1. Φ2 may be the CP measured for frequency #2. The integer parts for frequency #1 and frequency #2 may be the same (if ΔN = 0).

[0078] The UE may calculate its location coordinates (x, y): x = x0 + ΔΦ * λv * cos(α), y = y0 + ΔΦ * λv * sin(-α).

[0079] Multiple gNBs can be included to improve positioning accuracy (e.g., by averaging, filtering, and / or optimizing from multiple measurements). In this way, the UE can determine its own location through CP measurements. (Implementation example 4:)

[0080] As illustrated in FIG. 7, a UE may calculate its location within a single site with help from a positioning reference unit (PRU), which may be similar to the UE and have a known or fixed location.

[0081] The LMF may configure the TRP / gNB with PRS resources (e.g., one PRS resource for one antenna of the gNB / TRP). The PRU may broadcast its location coordinates (x0, y0) (e.g., broadcast or SIB). In a particular embodiment, the PRU may broadcast its location coordinates via a sidelink between UEs. Incidentally, the PRU's location coordinates (x0, y0) can also be forwarded to the UE by the LMF. The gNB may transmit the PRS.

[0082] The UE may receive the PRU's location coordinates (x0, y0) and the gNB's PRS. The PRU may calculate AoA / AoD(β) using one or more PRS resources. The PRU may broadcast the AoA / AoD(β) value. Further, the AoA / AoD(β) value may be forwarded to the UE by the LMF. The UE may calculate AoA / AoD(α) using one or more PRS resources and receive the AoA / AoD(β) value. The UE may then calculate the angle ∠UE_TRP_PRU=β-α.

[0083] The UE determines the distance between itself and the gNB, d = ΔΦ1 * λ v λ can be calculated. v = 1 / (1 / λ1 - 1 / λ2)ΔΦ1 can be a differential CP that can be broadcast by the PRU. The PRU determines the distance d2 between itself and the gNB by d2 = ΔΦ2 * λ v ΔΦ2 can be the differential CP. The PRU can be calculated as d2=ΔΦ2*λ v Incidentally, this value can be forwarded to the UE by the LMF. The UE can then broadcast the value d2 = ΔΦ2 * λ v may be received.

[0084] The UE determines the distance d between itself and the PRU. UE_PRU =sqrt((ΔΦ1*λ v )^2+(ΔΦ2*λ v )^2-2*ΔΦ1*λ v *ΔΦ2*λ v*cos(β-α)). The UE may calculate angles θ and α-θ. The UE may calculate its position coordinates (x, y): x=x0+ΔΦ*λ v *cos(α-θ), y=y0-ΔΦ*λ v *sin(α-θ) can be calculated.

[0085] Multiple gNBs can be included to improve positioning accuracy (e.g., by averaging, filtering, and / or optimizing from multiple measurements). In this way, the UE can locate itself by CP measurements with help from the PRU. (Implementation example 5:)

[0086] If the radio wave from the transmitter does not move from the center of the beam, there may be an antenna phase center offset (PCO). The PCO may affect the CP measurement accuracy. Therefore, the positioning accuracy based on the CP measurement may be affected. As a result, the PCO of the PRU can be addressed.

[0087] The PRU may transmit the SRS. The gNB / TRP may measure the carrier phase (CP) for the SRS. For example, the gNB / TRP may measure the CP for the SRS from 0 to 180 degrees with a resolution of 0.1 degrees. That is, there may be 180 / 0.1 = 1800 CP values ​​in different directions. The gNB / TRP may report these CP values ​​to the LMF. The LMF calculates the direction angle and distance of the PRU relative to the gNB / TRP. The LMF can adjust the CP (or PCO) by the direction angle and distance when calculating the UE's position. The LMF can also forward the PCO to be adjusted to the PRU.

[0088] In some embodiments, the gNB / TRP may indicate its PRS beam information (e.g., beam-associated PRS ID) or spatial direction information (e.g., 0 degrees to 360 degrees). The PRU may measure / report CP values ​​based on the PRS beam information. Optionally, the PRU may measure / report CP values ​​of the PRS based on the PRS beam information with a range (e.g., ±10 degrees) and resolution (e.g., 0.05 degrees, where 2*10 / 0.05=400 CP values ​​are possible). Optionally, these CP values ​​may be reported with the corresponding direction at the time of measurement. Optionally, these CP values ​​may be reported with the corresponding direction with the resolution at the time of measurement. With these CP values ​​and the corresponding direction, the LMF can adjust the PCO to obtain the correct CP value.

[0089] In some embodiments, the UE may report its PRS quasi-co-location (QCL) processing capability when requested by the LMF. Using this information, the gNB may configure a suitable PRS beam for the UE, which may improve CP measurement accuracy, which may increase positioning accuracy for CP-based positioning.

[0090] In some embodiments, the LMF can configure a PRS resource set in a TRP transmission timing error group (TEG, or Tx TEG) for the TRP / gNB. The PRS resource set can have several PRS resources (e.g., one for each antenna; a TEG can have several antennas). Under this configuration, the UE can simultaneously measure CP using timing-based measurements (e.g., TDOA) over the same PRS resource. Optionally, the UE can measure CP for the same TRP Tx TEG using timing-based measurements (e.g., TDOA) over the same PRS resource. In this way, carrier phase in the fine direction can be measured. Therefore, positioning performance can be improved. (Implementation example 6:)

[0091] The PRU can measure CP(Φ1) for PRS resources from the gNB / TRP. The PRU can report the CP to the LMF. However, a normal UE may not know the CP(Φ1) measured by the PRU.

[0092] For single difference (and double difference) based CP positioning, the CP measurements from the PRU can help to remove the time offset between the UE and the gNB (and the time offset between the gNBs), which can improve positioning accuracy.

[0093] In some embodiments, the PRU can report the phase error: abs(True_CP_Value-CP_Measured), where abs() is for the abstraction operation, True_CP_Value is the true CP value (e.g., from its location and the gNB's location), and CP_Measured can be the CP measurement result. The PRU / UE can calculate / report the phase error from different antennas, PEG, TEG to the LMF.

[0094] In some embodiments, the UE / PRU can measure / report the Doppler frequency shift (or the velocity of the UE) when measuring the CP, which can be used to reduce the phase error caused by the Doppler shift.

[0095] In some embodiments, the UE / PRU may measure / report the quality of the CP when measuring the CP. For example, the UE / PRU may measure the variance, standard deviation (STD), path loss, signal strength, RSRP, and / or RSRPP of the first path when measuring the CP (or differential CP).

[0096] For UE-based positioning (e.g., the UE may calculate its own position), single differencing (and double differencing) can help improve positioning accuracy. Therefore, it is beneficial for a typical UE to be able to know CP(Φ) measured by the PRU.

[0097] The UE can request CP measurements from the PRU to the LMF. The request can include at least one of the following: its own rough location (e.g., a few meters around its true location), a serving gNB / TRP ID, a PRS ID, a PRS resource ID, a PRS resource set ID, CP measurements by itself, or an Antenna Reference Point (ARP) ID. The ARP ID can be used to determine which ARP is selected.

[0098] After receiving the request, the LMF can forward the optimal CP measurements from one or more PRUs. The forwarded information can include at least one of the following: its own location (e.g., geographic coordinates), a serving gNB / TRP ID, a PRS ID, a PRS resource ID, a PRS resource set ID, or the CP measurements from the PRUs. The CP measurements can also be CP measurement results and corresponding locations.

[0099] In some embodiments, the UE can transmit some kind of signal / channel to the gNB to request CP measurements from a nearby PRU. After receiving the request, the gNB can request its serving PRU (or UE) to report the CP measurement results. After collecting the CP measurement results, the gNB can broadcast the collected CP measurement results from the PRU. The UE can receive the CP measurement results forwarded by its serving gNB.

[0100] In some embodiments, the UE can transmit a certain sidelink signal / channel to a nearby PRU to request CP measurements from the PRU. The PRU can respond with CP measurements from itself. Optionally, the PRU can respond with the measured CP for the PRS from the gNB. Optionally, the PRU can respond with the measured CP for the sidelink PRS from the UE. Optionally, the PRU can respond with the measured CP for the sidelink PRS from the UE requesting CP measurements. In this way, UE-based positioning with CP measurements can be more accurate. Therefore, positioning performance can be improved. (Implementation example 7:)

[0101] A UE can measure a CP value for one PRS resource using multiple receive (Rx) phase error groups (PEGs). A PEG may have one or more antennas. Optionally, a gNB / TRP can measure a CP value for one SRS resource using multiple Rx PEGs. Optionally, a UE can measure a CP value for one PRS resource from the same transmit (Tx) PEG using multiple Rx PEGs. Optionally, a gNB / TRP can measure a CP value for one SRS resource from the same Tx PEG using multiple Rx PEGs.

[0102] The measurement end (e.g., UE or gNB / TRP) may be requested by the LMF to measure CP using Q (e.g., Q=1, 2, . . . , 32) Rx PEGs for the same reference signal resource. Optionally, the measurement end may select which PEGs may be used to measure CP. Optionally, the UE may report CP measurement results on CP assistance data (which may be requested by the LMF).

[0103] The measuring end may be requested by the LMF to tag the CP measurement with a TEG (or TEG ID, e.g., 0, 1, 2, . . . , 31, including Tx TEG, Rx TEG, and Rx-Tx TEG). Optionally, the measuring end may be requested by the LMF to associate the CP measurement with a TEG (or TEG ID). Optionally, the measuring end may be requested by the LMF to associate the CP measurement with an Rx time difference measurement (or an Rx-Tx time difference measurement). Optionally, the measuring end may be requested by the LMF to associate the PEG in the CP measurement with the Rx time difference measurement (or an Rx-Tx time difference measurement). Optionally, the measuring end may be requested by the LMF to associate the CP measurement with a TEG (or TEG ID) for timing-based measurements (e.g., TDOA, RSTD, or RTT). For example, TEGs that measure CP measurements and timing-based measurements simultaneously can be associated. Optionally, the CP measurement can be tagged with a TEG ID (i.e., which TEG measures this CP measurement). Optionally, a differential CP value can be reported where the reference PEG is the first PEG (e.g., the PEG with ID=0, or the PEG in the first place in the PEG list).

[0104] When the UE reports the CP measurement results, there may be a LOS / non-LOS (NLOS) indication for the CP measurement. Optionally, if the UE does not detect any additional paths, there may be no LOS / NLOS indication (e.g., LOS only by default). Optionally, if the UE does not detect any additional paths when measuring the CP, there may be a "no additional paths" indication. Optionally, if the UE does not detect any additional paths when measuring the CP, there may be an "empty" indication. If the UE does not detect any additional paths when measuring the CP, the additional path indication may be empty.

[0105] There may be an LOS threshold (or NLOS threshold). If the LOS probability (e.g., 0.9) is higher than the LOS threshold (e.g., 0.6), the CP measurement may be reported by the UE. If the LOS probability (e.g., 0.4) is lower than the LOS threshold (e.g., 0.7), the CP measurement may not be reported by the UE.

[0106] In some embodiments, the LOS threshold may be a hard value (e.g., 0 for NLOS and 1 for LOS). If the LOS probability is 1 (i.e., 100%), the CP measurement may be reported by the UE. Otherwise, the CP measurement may not be reported by the UE.

[0107] In some embodiments, there may be a confidence level for the LOS probability (e.g., 99%). A higher value may be used to increase the confidence in the LOS accuracy. When the UE reports a CP measurement, the UE may also report the environment for the measurement (e.g., a bad area, a non-bad area, or a mixed area). This may help determine the LOS condition.

[0108] In some embodiments, there may be LOS / NLOS indicator granularity for CP measurements, which may be TRP-specific, PRS / SRS resource-specific, path-specific, path-and PRS / SRS resource-specific, path-and TRP-specific, or all.

[0109] CP measurements may be subject to uncertainty (e.g., 0.1 degrees, or 0.001 Rad; smaller values ​​may indicate higher measurement accuracy and higher positioning precision).

[0110] In some embodiments, the UE may report Tx PEG-related information (e.g., SRS resource ID). The TRP / gNB may report Tx PEG-related information (e.g., PRS resource ID). Optionally, when measuring CP, the UE may measure / report a differential CP (or reference TRP) between the TRP and the serving TRP. Optionally, when measuring CP (e.g., signed 10-20 bits, e.g., with 1 / 2048 Rad resolution), the UE may measure / report a precise differential CP (or extended-precision CP value) between the TRP and the serving TRP (or reference TRP).

[0111] The LMF can request the UE with the expected CP (or differential CP) when the UE reports the CP (or the expected differential CP). In some embodiments, the LMF can request the UE with the expected CP uncertainty (or the expected differential CP uncertainty) when the UE reports the CP (or the differential CP). In this way, the CP measurement can be performed more accurately. Therefore, the positioning performance can be improved.

[0112] It should be understood that one or more features from the above implementation examples are not limited to a particular implementation example and may be combined in any manner (e.g., in any priority and / or order, simultaneously or otherwise).

[0113] 5 illustrates a flow diagram of a method 500 for carrier phase positioning. Method 500 may be implemented using any one or more of the components and devices detailed herein in connection with FIGS. 1-4. In summary, method 500 may be performed by a wireless communication device (e.g., a UE) in some embodiments. Additional, fewer, or different operations may be performed in method 500, depending on the embodiment. At least one aspect of the operations is directed to a system, method, apparatus, or computer-readable medium.

[0114] A user equipment (UE) may receive configuration information of a reference signal for positioning from a network. The configuration information may include carrier phase-related (CP-related) information configured for the reference signal. The UE may perform CP measurements on the reference signal based on the CP-related information. The UE may send a report comprising the CP measurement results to the network. The report may include a timestamp attached to the CP measurement results.

[0115] In some embodiments, the configuration information may include a PRS processing window (PPW) configured for multiple carriers in a positioning frequency layer (PFL). The CP measurement may include a CP value when the UE reports timing-related information. The CP measurement may include a CP value when the UE reports angle-related information. The UE may be indicated which of multiple carriers or PFLs should be jointly measured by the network.

[0116] In some embodiments, the report may indicate whether the CP measurements are measured over a single PFL or over multiple PFLs. CP measurements can be made at the center of multiple PFLs (e.g., for joint processing of multiple PFLs). CP measurements can be made at the center of multiple carriers when the UE makes timing-based measurements for multiple carriers.

[0117] In some embodiments, CP measurements may be performed within a CP-specific period configured for all of the multiple PFLs. The CP-specific period may be associated with at least one of the number of PFLs, the CP measurement period for one of the PFLs, or the valid reception time of the PRS within the period. The CP-specific period may be defined as follows:

number

[0118] In some embodiments, the CP measurement may be performed within a CP-specific period configured for all of the multiple PFLs. The CP-specific period may be associated with a scaling factor when the CP measurement is performed in a timing-based measurement. The CP-specific period may be defined as follows:

number

[0119] In some embodiments, CP measurements may be performed within a CP-specific period configured for all of the multiple PFLs. The CP-specific period may be associated with a scaling factor when the CP measurements are performed in angle-based measurements. The UE may report its capability for CP measurements when the UE is in a radio resource control (RRC) inactive state. The UE may resume CP measurements when one or more symbols of the reference signal are dropped during CP measurements. The UE may resume CP measurements when the CP measurements occur over two sampling durations.

[0120] In some embodiments, the UE may receive from a second UE the location of the second UE or a second CP measurement associated with the second UE. The second UE may broadcast its location and the second CP measurement. The CP measurement may be made relative to a reference signal with a certain direction and resolution. The CP measurement may be transmitted in a second report with a certain direction and resolution. The CP measurement may be made relative to the same TRP Tx TEG in a timing-based measurement over the same PRS resource.

[0121] In some embodiments, the UE may send a request to a location management function (LMF) with assistance from a second UE (e.g., a positioning reference unit (PRU)). The request may include at least one of the following: a coarse location of the UE, an identification of the serving gNB / TRP, an identification of a reference signal, an identification of resources for the reference signal, or an identification of a resource set for the reference signal. The configuration information may include second CP measurements made by the second UE. The second CP measurements may include at least one of the following: a location of the second UE, an identification of the serving gNB / TRP, an identification of the second reference signal, an identification of resources for the second reference signal, or an identification of a resource set for the second reference signal.

[0122] In some embodiments, the UE may receive a request from an LMF network entity to perform CP measurements using Q Rx PEGs on the same reference signal resource. The parameter Q may be an integer. The UE may receive a request from the LMF network entity to tag the CP measurements with a TEG ID. The report may include a LOS / NLOS indication for the CP measurement results. The report may include a LOS probability for the CP measurement results that are higher than the LOS threshold.

[0123] In some embodiments, a wireless communication node may receive configuration information for a reference signal for positioning. The configuration information may include carrier phase-related (CP-related) information configured for the reference signal. The wireless communication node may perform CP measurements on the reference signal based on the CP-related information. The wireless communication node may transmit a report comprising CP measurement results. The wireless communication node may be configured with multiple PRS resources. The wireless communication node may be configured to broadcast its location in a system information block (SIB). The report may include a differential CP value indicating which of multiple reference PEGs is the first PEG.

[0124] While various embodiments of the present solution have been described above, it should be understood that they are presented by way of example only, and not by way of limitation. Similarly, various diagrams may depict example architectures or configurations, which are provided to enable those skilled in the art to understand example features and functionality of the present solution. However, such skilled artisans will understand that the present solution is not limited to the illustrated example architectures or configurations, but can be implemented using various alternative architectures and configurations. Moreover, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, one or more features of one embodiment can be combined with one or more features of another embodiment described herein. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by any of the example embodiments described above.

[0125] It is also understood that any reference to an element herein using a designation such as "first," "second," etc., does not generally limit the quantity or order of those elements. Rather, these designations may be used herein as a convenient means of distinguishing between two or more elements or instances of an element. Thus, reference to a first and a second element does not imply that only two elements can be used or that the first element must precede the second element in any way.

[0126] Additionally, those skilled in the art will understand that information and signals may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies and techniques. For example, the data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, and symbols that may be referred to in the above description may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof.

[0127] Those skilled in the art will further appreciate that any of the various illustrative logic blocks, modules, processors, means, circuits, methods, and functions described in connection with the aspects disclosed herein may be implemented by electronic hardware (e.g., digital implementations, analog implementations, or a combination of the two), firmware, various forms of programs or design code incorporating instructions (which may be referred to herein for convenience as “software” or “software modules”), or any combination of these techniques. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware, firmware, and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been described above generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware, firmware, or software, or a combination of these techniques, depends on the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. Those skilled in the art may implement the described functionality in various ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions do not cause a departure from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0128] Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that the various example logic blocks, modules, devices, components, and circuits described herein can be implemented in or performed by an integrated circuit (IC), which can include a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, or any combination thereof. The logic blocks, modules, and circuits can further include an antenna and / or transceiver for communicating with various components within a network or device. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor, but alternatively, the processor can be any conventional processor, controller, or state machine. The processor can also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other suitable configuration for performing the functions described herein.

[0129] If implemented in software, the functions can be stored as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Thus, the steps of a method or algorithm disclosed herein can be implemented as software stored on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media includes both computer storage media and communication media, including any medium that can be enabled to transfer a computer program or code from one place to another. A storage medium can be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer. By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable media can include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer.

[0130] As used herein, the term "module" refers to software, firmware, hardware, and any combination of these elements for performing the related functions described herein. Additionally, while for purposes of discussion, various modules are described as individual modules, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that two or more modules may be combined to form a single module that performs related functions according to embodiments of the present solution.

[0131] Furthermore, memory or other storage, as well as communication components, may be used in embodiments of the solution. It will be understood that, for clarity, the above description describes embodiments of the solution with reference to different functional units and processors. However, it will be apparent that any suitable distribution of functionality between different functional units, processing logic elements, or domains may be used without detracting from the solution. For example, functionality illustrated as being performed by separate processing logic elements or controllers may be performed by the same processing logic element or controller. Accordingly, references to specific functional units do not indicate a strict logical or physical structure or organization, but merely to suitable means for providing the described functionality.

[0132] Various modifications to the embodiments described in this disclosure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the novel features and principles disclosed herein as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. 1. A wireless communication method for positioning, the wireless communication method comprising: a user equipment (UE) receiving, from a network, configuration information of a reference signal for positioning, the configuration information comprising carrier phase-related (CP-related) information configured for the reference signal; the UE performing a CP measurement on the reference signal based on the CP-related information; the UE sending a report comprising CP measurement results to the network; A wireless communication method comprising:

2. The wireless communication method of claim 1 , wherein the report comprises a timestamp attached to the CP measurement results.

3. 2. The wireless communication method of claim 1, wherein the configuration information comprises PRS processing windows (PPWs) configured for multiple carriers in a positioning frequency layer (PFL).

4. 10. The wireless communication method of claim 1, wherein the CP measurement comprises a CP value when the UE reports timing-related information.

5. 10. The wireless communication method of claim 1, wherein the CP measurement comprises a CP value when the UE reports angle-related information.

6. 10. The wireless communication method of claim 1, wherein the UE is indicated by the network which of multiple carriers or PFLs should be measured together.

7. 10. The wireless communication method of claim 1, wherein the report indicates whether the CP measurements are measured over a single PFL or over multiple PFLs.

8. The wireless communication method of claim 1 , wherein the CP measurements are performed at the centers of multiple PFLs.

9. 2. The wireless communication method of claim 1, wherein the CP measurement is performed at a center of multiple carriers when the UE performs timing-based measurements on the multiple carriers.

10. 2. The wireless communication method of claim 1, wherein the CP measurements are performed within a CP-specific period configured for all of a plurality of PFLs, the CP-specific period being associated with at least one of a number of the PFLs, a CP measurement period for one of the PFLs, or an effective reception time of a PRS within a period.

11. The CP specific period is: [Equation 20] where the parameter L represents the number of PFLs configured for the CP measurement, and the parameter T ＣＰ，ｉ represents the CP measurement period for one individual PFL, the max() represents the maximum operation, and the parameter T ｅｆｆｅｃｔｉｖｅ，ｉ The wireless communication method of claim 10 , wherein: represents an effective reception time of the PRS.

12. 2. The wireless communication method of claim 1, wherein the CP measurement is performed within a CP-specific period configured for all of a plurality of PFLs, the CP-specific period being associated with a scaling factor when the CP measurement is performed in a timing-based measurement.

13. The CP specific period is: [0000] where the parameter SF represents a scaling factor and the parameter T ＲＳＴＤ，ｉ 13. The wireless communication method of claim 12, wherein ∑ ∑ m ...

14. 2. The wireless communication method of claim 1, wherein the CP measurements are performed within a CP-specific period configured for all of a plurality of PFLs, the CP-specific period being associated with a scaling factor when the CP measurements are performed in an angle-based measurement.

15. 10. The wireless communication method of claim 1, further comprising the UE reporting its capability for the CP measurement when the UE is in a radio resource control (RRC) inactive state.

16. 10. The wireless communication method of claim 1, further comprising the UE restarting the CP measurement when one or more symbols of the reference signal are dropped during the CP measurement.

17. 10. The wireless communication method of claim 1, further comprising the UE restarting the CP measurements when the CP measurements occur for two sampling durations.

18. The method further includes the UE receiving, from a second UE, a second CP measurement associated with the location of the second UE or the second UE; The wireless communication method of claim 1 , wherein the second UE broadcasts its location and the second CP measurement.

19. 10. The wireless communication method of claim 1, wherein the CP measurements are made with a direction and resolution relative to the reference signal.

20. 10. The wireless communication method of claim 1, wherein the CP measurements are transmitted in a second report with a direction and resolution.

21. 2. The wireless communication method of claim 1, wherein the CP measurements are made for the same TRP Tx TEG in timing-based measurements over the same PRS resource.

22. The method further includes the UE sending a request to a Location Management Function (LMF) network entity with the assistance of a second UE; 2. The wireless communication method of claim 1, wherein the request comprises at least one of a coarse location of the UE, an identification of a serving gNB / TRP, an identification of a reference signal, an identification of a resource for the reference signal, or an identification of a resource set for the reference signal.

23. 2. The wireless communication method of claim 1, wherein the configuration information comprises a second CP measurement result made by a second UE, the second CP measurement result comprising at least one of a location of the second UE, an identification of a serving gNB / TRP, an identification of a second reference signal, an identification of a resource for the second reference signal, or an identification of a resource set for the second reference signal.

24. 2. The wireless communication method of claim 1, further comprising: the UE receiving a request from an LMF network entity to perform the CP measurements on Q Rx PEGs for a same reference signal resource, wherein the parameter Q is an integer.

25. 10. The wireless communication method of claim 1, further comprising the UE receiving a request from an LMF network entity to tag the CP measurements with a TEG ID.

26. The wireless communication method of claim 1 , wherein the report comprises a LOS / NLOS indication for the CP measurement.

27. 10. The wireless communication method of claim 1, wherein the report comprises a probability of loss of signal (LOS) for the CP measurement that is greater than a loss of signal (LOS) threshold.

28. 1. A wireless communication method for positioning, the wireless communication method comprising: receiving, by a wireless communication node, configuration information of a reference signal for positioning, the configuration information comprising carrier phase related (CP related) information configured for the reference signal; the wireless communication node performing a CP measurement on the reference signal based on the CP-related information; the wireless communication node transmitting a report comprising CP measurement results; A wireless communication method comprising:

29. 30. The wireless communication method of claim 28, wherein the wireless communication node is configured with a plurality of PRS resources, and wherein the wireless communication node is configured to broadcast its location in a system information block (SIB).

30. 30. The wireless communication method of claim 28, wherein the report includes a differential CP value indicating which of a plurality of reference PEGs is the first PEG.

31. 31. A wireless communications device comprising a processor and a memory, the processor configured to read code from the memory and to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 30.

32. 31. A computer program product having computer readable program medium code stored thereon, the code, when executed by a processor, causing the processor to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 30.

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