Method, node, and wireless device for configuring sidelink positioning resources for communication of positioning sidelink reference signals

Abstract

A method is disclosed for configuring sidelink positioning resources for communication of positioning sidelink reference signals between multiple radio devices, provided by a node in a communication network. The method transmits the sidelink positioning resource configuration to a first radio device among the multiple radio devices. The sidelink positioning resource configuration includes information indicating multiple resource structure schemes used for communication of positioning sidelink reference signals.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of wireless communication. This disclosure relates to a method for configuring sidelink positioning resources for communication of sidelink reference signals for positioning between a plurality of wireless devices, related nodes, and related wireless devices.

Background Art

[0002] Positioning is an important feature of the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP (registered trademark)) 5th Generation (5G) New Radio (NR), aiming at high-precision positioning of wireless devices. Radio Access Technology (RAT)-dependent positioning in 3GPP has been established by utilizing the transmission of reference signals using an interface (referred to as a direct link or Uu interface) between a wireless network node and a wireless device (WD). In positioning in New Radio, sidelink positioning is being considered as an alternative to direct link positioning. In this case, the positioning procedure is executed by utilizing the transmission of reference signals using an interface between wireless devices (between WDs) (sometimes referred to as a sidelink (SL) or PC5 interface).

[0003] In sidelink, resources can be allocated for one-to-one communication (e.g., unicast, where one resource is dedicated to one receiving wireless device) and one-to-many communication (e.g., groupcast and / or broadcast, where one resource is shared by multiple receiving wireless devices). For positioning purposes, the transmission of sidelink reference signals for positioning is necessary to enable the measurement and estimation of the position accuracy. In multilateration in the position estimation process, the transmission of sidelink reference signals for positioning from multiple wireless devices (e.g., many-to-one, many-to-many, or one-to-many) may be required. However, these wireless devices may have different requirements regarding accuracy, type of transmission scheme, and / or capabilities with respect to the sidelink reference signals.

Prior Art Documents

Non-Patent Documents

[0004] [Non-Patent Document 1] YAN CHENG ET AL, "Considerations on SL-PRS design", Vol.{0} 3GPP RAN 1, No.{0} Athens, GR; 20230227-20230303, 17 February 2023 (2023-02-17), 3GPP DRAFT; R1-2300079; TYPE DISCUSSION; NR_POS_ENH2-CORE, 3RD GENERATION PARTNERSHIP PROJECT (3GPP), MOBILE COMPETENCE CENTRE; 650, ROUTE DES LUCIOLES; F-06921 SOPHIA-ANTIPOLIS CEDEX; FRANCE (Retrieved from the Internet:URL:https: / / www.3gpp.org / ftp / TSG_RAN / WG1_RL1 / TSGR1_112 / Docs / R1-2300079.zip R1-2300079.docx) [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] In a sidelink environment, resource allocation for transmitting positioning sidelink reference signals needs to be improved so that multiple wireless devices can occupy common resources (multiple resources) for positioning.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for devices and methods to manage the transmission of positioning reference signals between multiple wireless devices. These could mitigate, alleviate, or address existing shortcomings and improve the efficiency of wireless resource utilization. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A method is disclosed for configuring sidelink positioning resources for communication of positioning sidelink reference signals between multiple radio devices, provided by a node in a communication network. The method transmits the sidelink positioning resource configuration to a first radio device among the multiple radio devices. The sidelink positioning resource configuration includes information indicating multiple resource structure schemes used for communication of positioning sidelink reference signals.

[0008] Furthermore, a node comprising a memory circuit, a processor circuit, and a wireless interface is provided. The node is configured to perform any of the methods relating to the node disclosed herein.

[0009] By providing information indicating multiple resource structure schemes, the node can configure multiple resource structure schemes used for sidelink positioning. Therefore, the positioning sidelink reference signal can be transmitted by a wireless device that transmits the sidelink reference signal using multiple resource structure schemes within the sidelink resource pool, thereby enabling multiple wireless devices with different capabilities and / or requirements to receive the sidelink positioning reference signal within the same sidelink resource pool. By providing resources for transmitting the sidelink positioning reference signal using multiple resource structure schemes within the same sidelink resource pool, available resources can be utilized more effectively.

[0010] A method is provided for configuring sidelink positioning resources for communication of positioning sidelink reference signals between a first wireless device and a second wireless device, provided by a first wireless device in a communication network. The method receives a sidelink positioning resource configuration from a node. The sidelink positioning resource configuration includes information indicating a plurality of resource structure schemes used for communication of positioning sidelink reference signals.

[0011] Furthermore, a first wireless device is provided, comprising a memory circuit, a processor circuit, and a wireless interface. The wireless device is configured to perform any of the methods relating to the wireless device disclosed herein.

[0012] By receiving information indicating multiple resource structure schemes, the wireless device can be configured to have multiple resource structure schemes used for sidelink positioning. Therefore, the wireless device can be configured to send and receive sidelink reference signals for positioning using one or more of the multiple resource structure schemes within the sidelink resource pool, thereby enabling wireless devices with different capabilities and / or requirements to communicate sidelink positioning reference signals within the same sidelink resource pool. By providing resources for transmitting sidelink positioning reference signals using multiple resource structure schemes within the same sidelink resource pool, available resources can be utilized more effectively.

[0013] The above and other features and advantages of this disclosure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art through the following detailed description of examples with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This figure shows an exemplary wireless communication system, including exemplary network nodes and exemplary wireless devices, as described herein. [Figure 2] This figure shows the allocation of conventional downlink positioning reference signals (DL-PRS) using the Comb-6 resource allocation structure. [Figure 3A] This figure shows an exemplary allocation of the resource structure scheme for positioning sidelink reference signals according to this disclosure. [Figure 3B] This figure shows an exemplary allocation of the resource structure scheme for positioning sidelink reference signals according to this disclosure. [Figure 3C]This figure shows an exemplary allocation of the resource structure scheme for positioning sidelink reference signals according to this disclosure. [Figure 4] This flowchart illustrates an exemplary method performed on a node for configuring a sidelink positioning resource for communication of positioning sidelink reference signals between multiple wireless devices, as disclosed herein. [Figure 5] This flowchart shows an example of an exemplary method performed by a wireless device to configure a sidelink positioning resource for communication of positioning sidelink reference signals between multiple wireless devices, as disclosed herein. [Figure 6] An example node provided in this disclosure is shown in Block A. [Figure 7] Block diagram shows an exemplary wireless device as described herein. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] Various examples and details are described below with reference to the relevant drawings. The drawings may or may not be to scale, and elements having similar structure or function are indicated by the same reference number in all drawings. Furthermore, the drawings are intended solely to facilitate the explanation of the examples. These drawings are not intended to provide an exhaustive description of this disclosure or to limit its scope. Moreover, the illustrated examples do not necessarily have all the embodiments or advantages shown. Aspects or advantages described in relation to a particular example are not necessarily limited to that example and may be implemented in any other example, even if not illustrated or explicitly stated.

[0016] These drawings are schematic and simplified for clarity and are intended only to illustrate details that aid in understanding this disclosure, while other details are omitted. Throughout the drawings, the same reference numerals are used for identical or corresponding parts.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an exemplary wireless communication system 1. This exemplary wireless communication system 1 includes an exemplary wireless network node 400, an exemplary core network node 600, and one or more wireless devices 300 (e.g., a first wireless device 300A and a second wireless device 300B). The first wireless device 300A is a target wireless device, and the second wireless device 300B can be an auxiliary wireless device 300B according to the present disclosure. In one or more examples, the target wireless device 300A is a mobile wireless device. In one or more examples, the auxiliary wireless device 300B is a wireless device having a known, e.g., fixed position. As detailed herein, the present disclosure relates to a wireless communication system 1 including a cellular system such as, for example, a 3GPP wireless communication system.

[0018] The wireless network nodes disclosed herein refer to wireless access network nodes operating within a wireless access network, such as, for example, a base station, an evolved Node B (eNB), a gNB in New Radio, etc. In one or more examples, a RAN node is a functional unit and can be distributed across multiple physical units. The wireless network node has at least one transmission and reception point (TRP) for communication with one or more wireless devices (plural).

[0019] The core network (CN) nodes disclosed herein refer to network nodes operating within a core network, such as, for example, an evolved packet core network (EPC) and / or a 5G core network (5GC), etc. Examples of CN nodes in the EPC include positioning nodes such as a Mobility Management Entity (MME) and / or a Location Management Function (LMF).

[0020] In one or more examples, a CN node is a functional unit and can be distributed across multiple physical units.

[0021] The wireless communication system 1 described herein may include one or more wireless devices 300 and / or one or more wireless network nodes 400. The wireless network nodes may be one or more of base stations, eNBs, gNBs, and / or access points. The one or more wireless devices 300 may include mobile wireless devices such as vehicles and / or vulnerable road users (VRUs) (pedestrians, cyclists, etc.) and stationary wireless devices such as roadside units (RSUs).

[0022] A wireless device may refer to a mobile device and / or user equipment (UE). One or more wireless devices 300, 300a, 300B may be configured to communicate with a network node 400 via a wireless link (or wireless access link) 10. The wireless link 10 may be established via a Uu interface between one or more wireless devices and the wireless network node 400.

[0023] The core network node 600 can be configured to communicate with the wireless network node 400 via link 12 such as a wired and / or wireless link, and / or to communicate with one or more wireless devices 300, 300A via the wireless network node 400.

[0024] Wireless devices 300, 300A, and 300B can be configured to communicate directly with each other via a side link 20, without going through the wireless network node 400. The side link 20 may be a wireless link via the PC5 interface.

[0025] Positioning of one or more of the wireless devices 300 can be performed using different techniques, such as sidelink positioning and / or directlink positioning. Sidelink positioning involves transmitting a positioning sidelink reference signal between multiple wireless devices 300 using a PC5 interface such as sidelink 20. Directlink positioning uses a Uu interface between the wireless device to be positioned and one or more wireless network nodes such as wireless link 10.

[0026] As described in 3GPP TR 38.859 Version 18.0.0, there are two types of interacting radio devices during sidelink positioning. The first type of radio device is the radio device being positioned, and is referred to herein as the target radio device 300A. The term target radio device can be used for both the radio device being positioned in sidelink positioning and / or directlink positioning. The second type of interacting radio device during sidelink positioning is a radio device that supports the positioning of the target UE, for example, by transmitting and receiving positioning reference signals and / or providing positioning-related information via the sidelink interface. The second type of radio device may be referred to herein as the auxiliary radio device 300B. The auxiliary radio device is a radio device that assists the target radio device in the positioning procedure. The auxiliary radio device may be a known, for example, a fixed location, or a mobile radio device, such as a radio device whose location changes over time. If an auxiliary radio device meets certain requirements, such as having a known or fixed location, the auxiliary radio device 300B may be referred to as an anchor radio device in accordance with 3GPP TR 38.859.

[0027] Sidelink positioning is currently being discussed in 3GPP Rel-18 to enable the acquisition of positioning estimates based on positioning sidelink reference signals. Sidelink positioning defines two types of resource pools (RPs): a shared resource pool and a dedicated resource pool. The shared resource pool enables the sharing of resources between positioning sidelink reference signals and conventional sidelink transmissions performed on sidelink physical channels such as the Physical Sidelink Control Channel (PSCCH) and / or the Physical Sidelink Shared Channel (PSSCH). The dedicated resource pool, on the other hand, only enables signals and / or channels for positioning purposes.

[0028] In conventional new radio positioning, the transmission of the Positioning Reference Signal (PRS) can be multiplexed in either the time domain or the frequency domain. This multiplexing can be achieved by arranging the resource allocation of the positioning reference signal. Resource allocation for the downlink positioning reference signal can employ a comb structure. This comb structure is generally described by two parameters: the comb size (M) and the number of orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols it occupies (N). Here, the comb size M can be considered as the offset between two allocated resource elements in the frequency domain. Figure 2 shows an example of a slot in which resources for the positioning reference signal are allocated using a Comb-6 comb structure. Within the OFDM symbols of this exemplary slot, in the frequency domain (F), the positioning reference signal from the first gNB (gNB#1) is allocated to each sixth subcarrier of each physical resource block (PRB). In the time domain (T), the entire comb pattern occupies six symbols. Therefore, this comb structure is called Comb-6 (M=6, N=6). In the example shown in Figure 2, the comb pattern is repeated, and two complete comb patterns are used within a slot. Thus, the total number of symbols occupied by the positioning reference signal from gNB#1 within one slot is 12. Furthermore, the positioning reference signals from the second gNB (gNB#2) and the third gNB (gNB#3) are also assigned to subsequent OFDM symbols (or more) with a shift. The positioning reference signal assignments for gNB#2 and gNB#3 use the same comb structure as gNB#1, but have different Comb offsets. In the time domain, this means that positioning reference signals from different gNBs (or more) are assigned to different slots. Therefore, one of the Comb offsets applied to resource assignment can be a time offset parameter such as the positioning reference signal slot offset.

[0029] Sidelink positioning supports the Comb-M structure. According to this disclosure, the Comb-M structure with M>1 refers to frequency division multiplexing (FDM) of the sidelink reference signal for positioning, and the Comb-M structure with M=1 refers to time division multiplexing (TDM) of the sidelink reference signal for positioning.

[0030] In conventional neuradio positioning, DL-PRS transmission and reception occur between the UE and gNB. However, in sidelink neuradio positioning, the transmission and reception of the positioning reference signal occurs between wireless devices. The operation of transmitting the positioning sidelink reference signal, for example, the allocation of resources for transmitting the positioning sidelink reference signal, can be controlled using two different schemes, namely sidelink positioning scheme 1 and sidelink positioning scheme 2 (hereinafter referred to as scheme 1 and scheme 2). In scheme 1, the operation of transmitting the positioning sidelink reference signal to one or more wireless devices within a single cell is controlled by a wireless network node such as a gNB. In scheme 2, multiple wireless devices can interact with each other, such as controlling the operation of transmitting the positioning sidelink reference signal, without the involvement of a wireless network node. Furthermore, the interaction between wireless devices in sidelink positioning can take the form of one wireless device to another, multiple wireless devices to one wireless device, or one wireless device to multiple wireless devices. Therefore, resource allocation for positioning sidelink reference signals needs to be designed flexibly to support the multiplexing of positioning sidelink reference signals from wireless devices transmitting different sidelink reference signals, and also to accommodate different transmission or cast types, such as unicast or groupcast.

[0031] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a resource allocation for positioning sidelink reference signals in a resource pool capable of accommodating the transmission of positioning sidelink reference signals from various wireless devices that may have different requirements in terms of accuracy, transmission cast type, and / or capability.

[0032] Furthermore, different wireless devices may have different capabilities in handling multiplexed resources. For example, some wireless devices prefer TDM over FDM due to its lower hardware design requirements, while others prefer FDM-based allocation schemes for their flexibility in resource management. Typically, FDM requires precise synchronization of center frequencies to avoid resource interference between different wireless devices and has a high demand for low-noise amplifier (LNA) design to accommodate power degradation between multiplexed resources in the frequency domain. Despite its higher hardware design requirements, FDM offers advantages such as more flexible resource allocation design and improved power efficiency for wideband signals. Compared to TDM, comb-structured signals perform better in channel sounding and positioning.

[0033] This disclosure provides a sidelink resource pool that can be configured to support different types of resource structures, such as resource structure schemes, for transmitting positioning sidelink reference signals, such as sidelink positioning reference signals (SL-PRS). This sidelink resource pool is configured to support multiplexing of positioning sidelink reference signals from different radio devices, such as different time allocations using time division multiplexing (TDM) and / or interleaving in subcarrier frequency allocation (frequency division multiplexing (FDM)). In one or more examples herein, TDM and FDM may correspond to different comb structures (comb structure Comb-1 corresponds to TDM, and comb structure Comb>1 corresponds to FDM).

[0034] In one or more exemplary ways, the entire resource allocation for positioning sidelink reference signals in a resource pool consists of a single resource structure type (e.g., configured as either TDM or FDM). Alternatively, the resource allocation can be divided into subsets, such as sub-resources, with each subset (e.g., slots) having its own resource structure for transmitting sidelink reference signals. In this example, the entire resource allocation for sidelink reference signals supports at least two different sidelink reference signal resource structures. In one or more exemplary ways, a subset can be one or more symbols within a slot, thereby supporting at least two different sidelink reference signal resource structures within a single slot.

[0035] Figures 3A to 3C illustrate exemplary allocation of resource structure schemes for positioning sidelink reference signals according to this disclosure. Two exemplary resource structure schemes, Comb-6 and Comb-1, are disclosed in the examples shown in Figures 3A to 3C. Comb-6 corresponds to FDM. In the resource structure scheme of Comb-1, resources are offset by one OFDM subcarrier in the frequency domain. This corresponds to all resource elements within one OFDM symbol in a subchannel within the resource pool being allocated to one radio device or group of radio devices. The subchannel size can be set to be as wide as the resource pool. If Comb > 1, SL-PRS from other radio devices may be interleaved into other subcarriers with different offsets.

[0036] Comb-1 corresponds to TDM. These two different resource structure schemes apply to resources for transmitting positioning sidelink reference signals to multiple exemplary radio devices, such as exemplary radio device 1, exemplary radio device 2, exemplary radio device 3, etc. In the case of Comb-1, SL-PRS from other radio devices can be assigned to different OFDM symbols.

[0037] Figure 3A shows an example allocation of two types of resource structure schemes. Here, FDM-type resource structure schemes such as Comb-6 and TDM-type resource structure schemes such as Comb-1 are allocated to their respective sidelink resource pools. In the example shown in Figure 3A, FDM resources are allocated to the first sidelink resource pool (hereinafter referred to as sidelink resource pool #1). In the example shown in Figure 3A, TDM resources are allocated to the second sidelink resource pool (hereinafter referred to as sidelink resource pool #2). In this example, the SL-PRS subchannels have the same bandwidth as the resource pools.

[0038] Figure 3B illustrates the assignment of two types of resource structure schemes according to one or more examples herein. In the examples shown in Figure 3B, the FDM-type resource structure scheme and the TDM-type resource structure scheme are assigned to each subset of resources within the same sidelink resource pool, for example, sidelink resource #1 for FDM and sidelink resource #2 for TDM. A positioning sidelink resource may occupy multiple OFDM symbols in one and / or multiple slots. Here, each sidelink resource can be considered a subset of the sidelink resource pool. Each sidelink resource, such as a subset of resources assigned to a different type of resource structure scheme, may be separated by a guard period to reduce interference between positioning sidelink reference signals from different radio devices. In other words, each sidelink resource within a single resource pool may only be permitted one type of sidelink resource configuration scheme.

[0039] Figure 3C illustrates the assignment of two types of resource structure schemes according to one or more examples herein. In the example shown in Figure 3C, the FDM type resource structure scheme and the TDM type resource structure scheme are assigned to each subset of resources within the same sidelink resource (hereinafter referred to as sidelink resource #1), such as the first sidelink resource. A positioning sidelink resource may occupy multiple OFDM symbols in one and / or more slots. Each subset of resources may include a subset of resource elements contained within the sidelink resource. Each subset of resources assigned to a different type of resource structure scheme has a guard period T to reduce interference between positioning sidelink reference signals for different radio devices. G They may be separated by [something]. In other words, each sidelink resource within a single resource pool may allow two or more sidelink resource configuration schemes.

[0040] In one or more exemplary methods, for example, as shown in Figures 3B and 3C, when both types of resource structure schemes are supported in the same resource pool, a guard period can be provided between resources for different types of resource structure schemes. In one or more exemplary methods, for example, when both types of resource structure schemes are supported within the same resource pool, a common control channel resource for transmitting resource structure schemes and resources assigned to each resource structure scheme are provided. This may apply, for example, when different resource structure schemes for transmitting positioning sidelink reference signals are assigned to the same slot (e.g., one slot).

[0041] In one or more exemplary ways, when both types of resource structure schemes are supported in the same resource pool, such as in the examples shown in Figures 3B and 3C, a relationship exists between the TDM and FDM resource structure schemes. This may apply, for example, when different resource structure schemes, such as a resource structure configuration for transmitting positioning sidelink reference signals, are assigned to the same slot. In one or more exemplary ways, a lookup table may be provided for each resource structure scheme, including supported configurations such as supported resource allocations. This lookup table may include supported configurations such as supported resource allocations for multiple resource structure schemes.

[0042] Figure 4 shows a flowchart of an exemplary method 100 performed by a node in a communication network according to this disclosure, which configures a sidelink positioning resource for communication of positioning sidelink reference signals between multiple wireless devices. This node is node 800 in Figure 6. Node 800 may be one or more of the wireless network node 400 in Figure 1, the core network node 600, and / or the wireless device 300A that transmits the sidelink reference signals in Figure 1.

[0043] In one or more exemplary methods, the method receives information from a first radio device among a plurality of radio devices indicating the capability of the first radio device to process one or more of a plurality of resource structure schemes (S101). The information indicating the capability of the first radio device can be transmitted as a capability report. The first radio device may be a radio device 300B that receives a sidelink reference signal. In one or more exemplary methods, such as when the node is a radio network node or a core network node, reception (S101) may include receiving information from a second radio device, such as a radio device 300A that transmits a sidelink reference signal, indicating the capability of a second radio device to process one or more of a plurality of resource structure schemes. The information indicating the capability of the first and / or second radio devices to process one or more of a plurality of resource structure schemes may indicate the capability of the first radio device in processing multiplexed resources for positioning sidelink reference signals. The node may receive information indicating the capability of the first radio device to process one or more of a plurality of resource structure schemes in response to sending a request for a capability report to the first radio device.

[0044] This capability can be expressed as a fixed value, where 1 represents full capability and 0 represents no capability. The first radio device may express separately its ability to process time-division multiplexed sidelink reference signals for positioning and its ability to process frequency-division multiplexed sidelink reference signals for positioning. In one or more examples, the capability is the ability to process time-division multiplexed sidelink reference signals and / or frequency-division multiplexed sidelink reference signals for positioning according to the following table. For example, multiplexing capability "01" means that the radio device supports only FDM. Multiplexing capability "10" means that the radio device supports only TDM. Multiplexing capability "11" means that the radio device supports both FDM and TDM. In another example, there may be a case where the multiplexing scheme is the default scheme and all radio devices must support it. Multiplexing capability "0" means that the radio device supports only FDM (if FDM is the default). Multiplexing capability "1" means that the radio device supports both FDM and TDM.

[0045] [Table 1]

[0046] In one or more exemplary ways, information indicating the capability of a first wireless device to process one or more of a plurality of resource structure schemes may indicate the first wireless device's ability and / or preference to use either a common resource pool or a dedicated TDM / FDM resource pool for nodes such as wireless network nodes and / or for wireless devices transmitting sidelink reference signals. In one or more exemplary ways, information indicating the capability of the first wireless device, such as capability reports, is transmitted directly from the first wireless device, such as a wireless device receiving reference signals, to wireless network nodes, such as wireless network nodes providing services to the first wireless device, via higher-layer signaling such as the RRC protocol. In one or more exemplary ways, information indicating the capability of the first wireless device, such as capability reports, is transmitted indirectly via a wireless device transmitting sidelink reference signals. In other words, in one or more exemplary methods, a radio device receiving a sidelink reference signal first transmits a capability report to a radio device transmitting a sidelink reference signal, which then sends it to a radio network node such as a gNB and / or a positioning node such as a Location Management Function (LMF).

[0047] In one or more exemplary methods, such as Sidelink Positioning Scheme 1, a first radio device, such as a radio device receiving a sidelink reference signal, indicates to a node, such as a radio network node, the ability to process time-division multiplexed (TDMed) and / or frequency-division multiplexed (FDMed) reference signals for sidelink positioning. This allows the radio network node to dynamically adjust the multiplexing mode of the positioning sidelink reference signal and configure an appropriate common and / or dedicated resource pool.

[0048] In one or more exemplary methods such as Sidelink Positioning Scheme 2 (where two sidelink devices, such as a first and a second radio device, are outside the coverage area of ​​a radio network node), information indicating the capability of the first radio device, such as capability reports, is transmitted from the first radio device, such as a radio device that receives sidelink reference signals, to the second radio device, such as a radio device that transmits sidelink reference signals, via one or more of the upper-layer signaling and lower-layer signaling.

[0049] This operation S101 corresponds to operation S201 disclosed in relation to the wireless device shown in Figure 5.

[0050] In one or more exemplary methods, the method receives information from a second radio device indicating a requested resource structure scheme used to transmit a sidelink positioning reference signal to a first radio device (S102). This may be the case when the second radio device is a radio device transmitting a sidelink reference signal and the node is a network node. In one or more exemplary methods, the information indicating the requested resource structure scheme may include explicit indicators of the requested resource structure scheme. In one or more exemplary methods, the information indicating the requested resource structure scheme may include implicit indicators of the requested resource structure scheme. The information indicating the requested resource structure scheme, such as implicit indicators of the requested resource structure scheme, may include an identifier that identifies the first radio device. Based on the identifier that identifies the first radio device and information indicating the ability of the first radio device to process one or more of a plurality of resource structure schemes, the node can determine the resource structure scheme to use to transmit the positioning sidelink reference signal to the first radio device.

[0051] In one or more exemplary methods, the method determines a resource structure scheme for transmitting a positioning sidelink reference signal to a first radio device from among a plurality of resource structure schemes (S103). In one or more exemplary methods, the resource structure scheme is determined based on the type of resource pool, the capability of the first radio device, such as a radio device that receives a sidelink reference signal and processes one or more of the plurality of resource structure schemes, and one or more transmission types for transmitting a positioning sidelink reference signal. In one or more exemplary methods, the determination of the sidelink reference signal resource structure in the resource pool is based on the resource pool type (e.g., whether the resource pool is a common resource pool or a dedicated resource pool). For example, a common resource pool may be restricted to consisting of only one type of multiplexing scheme or both types of schemes. For example, a TDM-dedicated resource pool, such as a resource pool consisting only of TDM-allocated resources, is used for a radio device that receives a sidelink reference signal and is capable of processing only TDM-based sidelink reference signals for positioning. In this case, the resources for transmitting positioning sidelink reference signals to each wireless device within this resource pool are not located on the same frequency band, for example, by being temporally separated to avoid interference.

[0052] In an FDM-dedicated resource pool, such as one consisting solely of FDM-allocated resources, the resources for transmitting sidelink reference signals to each wireless device receiving a sidelink reference signal can be allocated using a comb structure with the same comb size and symbol index but different comb offsets. On the other hand, in a common resource pool, there are no restrictions on multiplexing, and resources for positioning sidelink reference signals may be determined to be time-division multiplexed and / or frequency-division multiplexed within the same resource pool.

[0053] In one or more exemplary ways, the determination of the sidelink reference signal resource structure in the resource pool is based on the transmission type. The transmission type may indicate, for example, whether the transmission is unicast, groupcast, or broadcast. In one or more exemplary ways, a default multiplexing scheme supported by all radio devices receiving sidelink reference signals may be determined and / or provided. In this case, broadcast transmissions by radio devices transmitting positioning sidelink reference signals will be based on some kind of multiplexing scheme (such as FDM or TDM). In one or more exemplary ways, if the first radio device does not report capabilities and / or preferences, the default multiplexing scheme is applied.

[0054] In one or more exemplary ways, the transmission type (e.g., periodic or aperiodic) may indicate which multiplexing scheme is used. For periodic transmissions, it may be determined that the default multiplexing scheme is used.

[0055] In one or more exemplary ways, the determination of the sidelink reference signal resource structure or multiplexing scheme in a resource pool is based on the ability of a first radio device, such as a radio device receiving a sidelink reference signal, to process one or more of a plurality of resource structure schemes. The sidelink reference signal resource structure in the resource pool may be determined so that the transmitted positioning sidelink reference signal is received, measured, and / or processed by the receiving radio device.

[0056] In one or more exemplary methods, the determination (S103) includes determining a resource structure scheme (S103A) based on an identifier that identifies a first wireless device and information indicating the ability of the first wireless device to process one or more of a plurality of resource structure schemes.

[0057] Method 100 transmits a sidelink positioning resource configuration to a first radio device among a plurality of radio devices (S105). This sidelink positioning resource configuration includes information indicating a plurality of resource structure schemes used for communication such as transmitting or receiving a positioning sidelink reference signal. In one or more exemplary methods, a plurality of resources associated with each resource structure scheme are provided to each subset of resources. In this specification, a resource associated with each resource structure scheme can be considered a resource to which the resource structure scheme applies.

[0058] In one or more exemplary ways, a subset of resources associated with each resource structure scheme is contained in (e.g., allocated to) one or more sidelink resource pools (e.g., identical or different sidelink resource pools). In one or more exemplary ways, a subset of resources associated with each resource structure scheme is contained in each sidelink resource pool, as shown in Figure 3A. A first subset of resources associated with a first resource structure scheme among multiple resource structure schemes may be contained in (e.g., allocated to) a first sidelink resource pool, and a second subset of resources associated with a second resource structure scheme among multiple resource structure schemes may be contained in (e.g., allocated to) a second sidelink resource pool different from the first resource pool. In one or more exemplary ways, a subset of resources associated with each resource structure scheme is contained in each sidelink resource within the same (e.g., common) sidelink resource pool, as shown in Figure 3B. In one or more exemplary methods, a subset of resources associated with each of the resource structure schemes is contained within the same (e.g., common) sidelink resource in the same (e.g., common) sidelink resource pool, as shown in Figure 3C. In one or more exemplary methods, if a subset of resources associated with each of the resource structure schemes is contained within a common sidelink resource pool, the subset of resources is separated by a guard period. The guard period is a time period such as one or more OFDM symbols.

[0059] In one or more exemplary ways, at least one resource structure scheme, such as a resource structure scheme, is a pre-configured multiplexing scheme(s).

[0060] In one or more exemplary methods, the first resource structure scheme among a plurality of resource structure schemes is a TDM scheme such as a resource structure scheme having a Comb-1 structure.

[0061] In one or more exemplary methods, at least a second resource structure scheme among a plurality of resource structure schemes is an FDM scheme such as a resource structure scheme having a Comb>1 structure, e.g., Comb-4, Comb-6, Comb-8, Comb-10, or Comb-12 structure among the plurality of resource structure schemes.

[0062] In one or more exemplary methods, a sidelink positioning resource structure configuration is transmitted via one or more of the upper-layer signaling and lower-layer signaling. The upper-layer signaling may be, for example, Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling. The lower-layer signaling may be one or more of the Downlink Control Information (DCI), Sidelink Control Information (SCI), and Sidelink Medium Access Control-Control Element (SL MAC CE). In one or more exemplary methods, a sidelink positioning resource structure configuration transmitted via lower-layer signaling may be configured to override a sidelink positioning resource structure configuration transmitted via upper-layer signaling. In one or more exemplary methods, one of the resource structure schemes may be defined as the default configuration for transmitting positioning sidelink reference signals within a resource pool and may be configured by upper-layer signaling. However, this default configuration may be overridden by lower-layer signaling in one or more exemplary ways.

[0063] In one or more exemplary ways, a node is a network node such as a wireless network node, or a positioning node such as a location management function (LMF). The network node can transmit a sidelink positioning resource structure configuration to a first wireless device and a second wireless device (where the first wireless device is a wireless device that receives sidelink reference signals, and the second wireless device is a wireless device that transmits sidelink reference signals). This may apply, for example, when the first wireless device and / or the second wireless device are within the coverage area of ​​the network node. This may apply to sidelink positioning in Scheme 1, where the network node controls the configuration / allocation of resources.

[0064] In one or more exemplary ways, the node is a second radio device configured to transmit a positioning sidelink reference signal, and may also be referred to herein as the radio device transmitting the sidelink reference signal. This may be the case, for example, when the first radio device is outside the coverage area of ​​the network node. This may be the case in the case of sidelink positioning in Scheme 2, where the configuration / allocation of resources may be controlled by the radio device transmitting the sidelink reference signal.

[0065] In one or more exemplary methods, the first wireless device is a wireless device configured to receive a positioning sidelink reference signal, such as a wireless device that receives a sidelink reference signal.

[0066] In one or more exemplary methods, such as when a node is a wireless device that transmits a sidelink reference signal, the method transmits a positioning sidelink reference signal to a first wireless device in accordance with the sidelink positioning resource configuration, for example, in accordance with a resource structure scheme such as a multiplexing scheme as shown in the sidelink positioning resource configuration (S107).

[0067] In one or more exemplary methods, the method receives a measurement report from a first wireless device, which includes information indicating that the first wireless device does not support a resource structure scheme for transmitting a sidelink reference signal (S109).

[0068] Figure 5 shows a flowchart of an exemplary method 200 in which a first wireless device in a communication network according to this disclosure constitutes a sidelink positioning resource for communicating a positioning sidelink reference signal between the first wireless device and a second wireless device. The first wireless device is a wireless device disclosed herein, such as the wireless device 300 in Figures 1 and 7. The wireless device is, for example, a wireless device 300B that receives a reference signal or a wireless device 300A that transmits a reference signal.

[0069] In one or more exemplary methods, the Method transmits to a node information indicating the capability of a first radio device to process one or more of a plurality of resource structure schemes (S201). The information indicating the capability of a radio device to process one or more of a plurality of resource structure schemes may indicate the capability of a radio device to process multiplexed resources for positioning sidelink reference signals. This capability may be indicated as a fixed value such that 1 represents full capability and 0 represents no capability. The radio device may indicate separately the capability to process time-division multiplexed sidelink reference signals for positioning and the capability to process frequency-division multiplexed sidelink reference signals for positioning. In one or more examples, this capability is the capability to process time-division multiplexed sidelink reference signals and / or frequency-division multiplexed sidelink reference signals for positioning according to the table above. In response to receiving a capability report request from a node, the first radio device may transmit information indicating the capability of the first radio device to process one or more of a plurality of resource structure schemes.

[0070] In one or more exemplary methods, information indicating a wireless device's ability to process one or more of a plurality of resource structure schemes may indicate the wireless device's ability and / or preference to use either a common resource pool or a dedicated TDM / FDM resource pool for nodes such as wireless network nodes and / or for wireless devices transmitting sidelink reference signals. In one or more exemplary methods, information indicating the capabilities of a wireless device, such as capability reports, is transmitted directly from wireless devices such as wireless devices receiving and / or transmitting reference signals to wireless network nodes such as wireless network nodes that provide services to the wireless devices, via higher-layer signaling such as RRC signaling. In one or more exemplary methods, such as when the wireless device is a wireless device receiving sidelink reference signals, information indicating the capabilities of a wireless device, such as capability reports, is transmitted indirectly via the wireless device transmitting sidelink reference signals. In other words, in one or more exemplary methods, the wireless device receiving sidelink reference signals first transmits the capability report to the wireless device transmitting sidelink reference signals, and the wireless device transmitting sidelink reference signals then sends it to wireless network nodes such as gNBs or network nodes such as LMFs.

[0071] In one or more exemplary methods, such as Sidelink Positioning Scheme 1, a radio device, such as a radio device receiving a sidelink reference signal, indicates to a node, such as a radio network node, its ability to process time-division multiplexed (TDMed) and / or frequency-division multiplexed (FDMed) reference signals for sidelink positioning. This allows the radio network node to dynamically adjust the multiplexing mode of the positioning sidelink reference signal and configure an appropriate common and / or dedicated resource pool.

[0072] In one or more exemplary methods, such as Sidelink Positioning Scheme 2 (where two sidelink devices, such as a first wireless device and a second wireless device, are outside the coverage area of ​​a wireless network node), information indicating the capability of the first wireless device, such as capability reports, is transmitted from the first wireless device, such as a wireless device that receives the sidelink reference signal, to the second wireless device, such as a wireless device that transmits the sidelink reference signal, via one or more of the upper-layer signaling and lower-layer signaling. This operation S201 corresponds to operation S101 disclosed in relation to the node in Figure 4.

[0073] In one or more exemplary methods, the Method transmits to a node information relating to a requested resource structure scheme used to transmit a sidelink positioning reference signal to a radio device receiving a reference signal (S202). This may be the case where the second radio device is the radio device transmitting the sidelink reference signal and the node is a network node. In one or more exemplary methods, the information relating to the requested resource structure scheme may include explicit indicators of the requested resource structure scheme. In one or more exemplary methods, the information relating to the requested resource structure scheme may include implicit indicators of the requested resource structure scheme. In one or more exemplary methods, the information relating to the requested resource structure may include an identifier that identifies the radio device receiving the reference signal. This operation S202 corresponds to operation S102 disclosed in relation to the node in Figure 4.

[0074] Method 200 receives a sidelink positioning resource configuration from a node (S203). The sidelink positioning resource configuration includes information indicating multiple resource structure schemes used for communicating positioning sidelink reference signals. In one or more exemplary methods, multiple resources associated with each resource structure scheme are provided in each subset of resources.

[0075] In one or more exemplary ways, each subset of resources associated with each resource structure scheme is included in (e.g., allocated to) one or more sidelink resource pools. In one or more exemplary ways, each subset of resources associated with each resource structure scheme is included in each sidelink resource pool, as shown in Figure 3A. A first subset of resources associated with a first resource structure scheme among multiple resource structure schemes may be included in (e.g., allocated to) a first sidelink resource pool, and a second subset of resources associated with a second resource structure scheme among multiple resource structure schemes may be included in (e.g., allocated to) a second sidelink resource pool different from the first resource pool. In one or more exemplary ways, each subset of resources associated with each resource structure scheme is included in each sidelink resource within the same (e.g., common) sidelink resource pool, as shown in Figure 3B. In one or more exemplary methods, a subset of resources associated with each resource structure scheme is contained within the same (e.g., common) sidelink resource in the same (e.g., common) sidelink resource pool, as shown in Figure 3C. In one or more exemplary methods, each subset of resources is separated by a guard period.

[0076] In one or more exemplary ways, a resource structure scheme, such as at least one of several resource structure schemes, is pre-configured. The pre-configured resource structure scheme may be a pre-configured multiplexing scheme(s). The pre-configured resource structure scheme may be received via higher-layer signaling, such as RRC signaling from wireless network nodes.

[0077] In one or more exemplary methods, the first resource structure scheme among a plurality of resource structure schemes is a TDM scheme such as a resource structure scheme having a Comb-1 structure.

[0078] In one or more exemplary methods, at least a second resource structure scheme among a plurality of resource structure schemes is an FDM scheme such as a resource structure scheme having a Comb>1 structure, e.g., Comb-4, Comb-6, Comb-8, Comb-10, or Comb-12 structure among the plurality of resource structure schemes.

[0079] In one or more exemplary ways, a sidelink positioning resource structure configuration is received via one or more of the upper-layer signaling and lower-layer signaling. The upper-layer signaling may be, for example, an RRC signaling. The lower-layer signaling may be one or more of the DCI, SCI, and SL MAC CE. The RRC and DCI may be received from a network node, such as a radio network node. The SCI and SL MAC CE may be received from a second radio device on the sidelink. In one or more exemplary ways, a sidelink positioning resource structure configuration received via lower-layer signaling may be configured to override a sidelink positioning resource structure configuration received via upper-layer signaling.

[0080] In one or more exemplary methods, the wireless device is a wireless device configured to receive a positioning sidelink reference signal.

[0081] In one or more exemplary ways, the wireless device is a wireless device configured to transmit a positioning sidelink reference signal.

[0082] In one or more exemplary ways, such as when a wireless device is a wireless device that receives a sidelink reference signal, a node may be a second wireless device configured to transmit a positioning sidelink reference signal. This may apply to sidelink positioning in Scheme 2, where resource configuration / allocation may be controlled autonomously by the wireless device from the network.

[0083] In one or more exemplary ways, a node is a wireless network node and / or a network node such as an LMF. This may be the case in the sidelink positioning in Scheme 1, where the network node controls the configuration / allocation of resources.

[0084] In one or more exemplary methods, such as when the wireless device is a wireless device that receives a sidelink reference signal, the method receives a positioning sidelink reference signal from a wireless device that transmits a reference signal, in accordance with the sidelink positioning resource configuration (S207).

[0085] In one or more exemplary methods, such as when the wireless device is a wireless device that receives a sidelink reference signal, the Method transmits a measurement report to a wireless device or a node such as a network node that transmits a reference signal, including information indicating that the wireless device does not support the resource structure scheme for transmitting the sidelink reference signal (S209).

[0086] Figure 6 shows a block diagram of an exemplary node 800 according to this disclosure. Node 800 comprises a memory circuit 801, a processor circuit 802, and an interface 803 such as a wired or wireless interface. Node 800 may be configured to perform any of the methods disclosed in Figure 4. In other words, node 800 may be configured to constitute a sidelink positioning resource for communication of positioning sidelink reference signals between multiple wireless devices. Node 800 may be a wireless network node such as the wireless network node 400 disclosed in Figure 1, a core network node such as the core network node 600 in Figure 1, an LMF, for example, or a wireless device that transmits sidelink reference signals such as the wireless device 300A in Figure 1.

[0087] Node 800 is configured to communicate with wireless devices, such as the wireless device 300 disclosed herein, using a wireless communication system.

[0088] Interface 803 is configured for wireless communication via wireless communication systems such as 3GPP systems that support one or more of the following: New Radio (NR), LTE (Long Term Evolution), Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT), and LTE-M (Long Term Evolution-enhanced Machine Type Communication), and 3GPP systems operating in licensed or unlicensed bands.

[0089] Node 800 is configured to transmit a sidelink positioning resource configuration to a first radio device among several radio devices, for example, via interface 803. This sidelink positioning resource configuration includes information indicating multiple resource structure schemes used for communicating positioning sidelink reference signals.

[0090] The processor circuit 802 is configured to selectively perform any of the operations disclosed in Figure 4 (e.g., one or more of S101, S102, S103, S103A, S105, S105A, S107, S109). The operations of node 800 can be embodied in the form of executable logic routines (e.g., lines of code, software programs, etc.) that are stored in a non-temporary computer-readable medium (e.g., memory circuit 801) and executed by the processor circuit 802.

[0091] Furthermore, the operation of node 800 can also be considered as the way in which node 800 is configured to perform. While the described functions and operations may be implemented in software, such functions may also be performed by dedicated hardware, firmware, or a combination of hardware, firmware, and / or software.

[0092] The memory circuit 801 may be one or more of the following: a buffer, flash memory, hard drive, removable media, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, Random Access Memory (RAM), or other suitable devices. In a typical configuration, the memory circuit 801 may include non-volatile memory for long-term data storage and volatile memory that functions as system memory for the processor circuit 802. The memory circuit 801 may exchange data with the processor circuit 802 via a data bus. Control lines and an address bus may also exist between the memory circuit 801 and the processor circuit 802 (not shown in Figure 6). The memory circuit 801 is considered a non-temporary computer-readable medium.

[0093] The memory circuit 801 may be configured to store, in part, information such as one or more resource structure schemes, and information indicating the ability of a first wireless device to process one or more of the multiple resource structure schemes.

[0094] Figure 7 shows a block diagram of an exemplary wireless device 300 according to this disclosure. The wireless device 300 comprises a memory circuit 301, a processor circuit 302, and a wireless interface 303. The wireless device 300 may be configured to perform any of the methods disclosed in Figure 5. In other words, the wireless device 300 may be configured to constitute a sidelink positioning resource for communication of positioning sidelink reference signals between a first wireless device and a second wireless device. The wireless device 300 is configured to communicate with a node such as a node 800 disclosed herein using a communication system. The wireless device 300 may be a wireless device that receives a sidelink reference signal, such as wireless device 300B that receives a sidelink reference signal in Figure 1, or a wireless device that transmits a sidelink reference signal, such as wireless device 300A that transmits a sidelink reference signal in Figure 1.

[0095] The wireless device 300 is configured to receive a sidelink positioning resource configuration from a node via the wireless interface 303. This sidelink positioning resource configuration includes information indicating multiple resource structure schemes used for communicating positioning sidelink reference signals.

[0096] The wireless interface 303 is configured for wireless communication via wireless communication systems such as 3GPP systems that support one or more of the following: New Radio (NR), LTE (Long Term Evolution), Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT), and LTE-M (Long Term Evolution-enhanced Machine Type Communication), and 3GPP systems that operate in licensed or unlicensed bands.

[0097] The wireless device 300 is configured to selectively perform any of the operations disclosed in Figure 5 (e.g., one or more of S201, S202, S203, and S207). The operations of the wireless device 300 may be embodied in the form of executable logic routines (e.g., lines of code, software programs, etc.) that are stored in a non-temporary computer-readable medium (e.g., memory circuit 301) and executed by the processor circuit 302.

[0098] Furthermore, the operation of the wireless device 300 can also be considered as the way in which the wireless device 300 is configured to perform. While the described functions and operations may be implemented in software, such functions may also be performed by dedicated hardware, firmware, or a combination of hardware, firmware, and / or software.

[0099] The memory circuit 301 may be one or more of the following: a buffer, flash memory, hard drive, removable media, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, Random Access Memory (RAM), or other suitable devices. In a typical configuration, the memory circuit 301 may include non-volatile memory for long-term data storage and volatile memory that functions as system memory for the processor circuit 302. The memory circuit 301 may exchange data with the processor circuit 302 via a data bus. Control lines and an address bus may also exist between the memory circuit 301 and the processor circuit 302 (not shown in Figure 7). The memory circuit 301 is considered a non-temporary computer-readable medium.

[0100] The memory circuit 301 may be configured to store information such as one or more resource structure schemes in a portion of the memory.

[0101] Examples of the methods and products (nodes and wireless devices) described herein are shown in the following sections.

[0102] (Item 1) A method for configuring sidelink positioning resources for communication of positioning sidelink reference signals between multiple wireless devices, provided by a node in a communication network, The sidelink positioning resource configuration is transmitted to the first wireless device among the plurality of wireless devices (S103). The sidelink positioning resource configuration includes information indicating multiple resource structure schemes used for communicating positioning sidelink reference signals. method. (Item 2) The method described in item 1, Multiple resources associated with each of the aforementioned resource structure schemes are provided in each subset of resources. method. (Item 3) The method described in item 2, Each of the resource subsets associated with the resource structure scheme is included in one or more sidelink resource pools. method. (Item 4) Methods described in item 2 or 3, Each subset of the aforementioned resources is separated by a guard period. method. (Item 5) A method described in any one of the preceding items, The aforementioned resource structure scheme is a pre-configured multiplexing scheme. method. (Item 6) A method described in any one of the preceding items, The first resource structure scheme among the plurality of resource structure schemes is a time division multiplexing (TDM) scheme, and at least the second resource structure scheme among the plurality of resource structure schemes is a frequency division multiplexing (FDM) scheme. method. (Item 7) A method described in any one of the preceding items, The first resource structure scheme among the plurality of resource allocation schemes has a Comb-1 structure, and at least the second resource structure scheme among the plurality of resource allocation schemes has a Comb>1 structure. method. (Item 8) A method according to any one of the preceding items, further, Information indicating the ability of the first wireless device to process one or more of the aforementioned plurality of resource structure schemes is received from the first wireless device (S101). method. (Item 9) A method according to any one of the preceding items, further, From among the multiple resource structure schemes, a resource structure scheme for transmitting a positioning sidelink reference signal to the first wireless device is determined (S105). method. (Item 10) The method described in item 9, The resource structure scheme is determined based on one or more of the resource pool type, the ability of the first wireless device to process one or more of the multiple resource structure schemes, and the transmission type for transmitting the positioning sidelink reference signal. method. (Item 11) A method described in any one of the preceding items, The aforementioned sidelink positioning resource structure configuration is transmitted via one or more of the upper-layer signaling and lower-layer signaling. method. (Item 12) The method described in item 11, The sidelink positioning resource structure configuration transmitted via the lower-layer signaling can be configured to override the sidelink positioning resource structure configuration transmitted via the upper-layer signaling. method. (Item 13) A method described in any one of the preceding items, The aforementioned node is a network node. method. (Item 14) A method described in any one of the preceding items, The node is a second wireless device configured to transmit a positioning sidelink reference signal. method. (Item 15) A method described in any one of the preceding items, The first wireless device is a wireless device configured to receive a positioning sidelink reference signal. method. (Item 16) The method described in item 13, further, Information indicating a requested resource structure scheme used to transmit a sidelink positioning reference signal to the first wireless device is received from the second wireless device (S102). method. (Item 17) The method described in item 16, The information indicating the requested resource structure includes an identifier that identifies the first wireless device. method. (Item 18) The methods described in items 8, 9, and 17, The determination (S105) includes determining the resource structure scheme (S105A) based on the identifier that identifies the first wireless device and the information indicating the ability of the first wireless device to process one or more of the plurality of resource structure schemes. method. (Item 19) The method described in item 14, further, A positioning sidelink reference signal is transmitted to the first wireless device according to the aforementioned sidelink positioning resource configuration (S107). method. (Item 20) A method for configuring sidelink positioning resources for communication of positioning sidelink reference signals between a first wireless device and a second wireless device, provided by a first wireless device in a communication network, The node receives the sidelink positioning resource configuration (S203), The sidelink positioning resource configuration includes information indicating multiple resource structure schemes used for communicating positioning sidelink reference signals. method. (Item 21) The method described in item 20, Multiple resources associated with each of the aforementioned resource structure schemes are provided in each subset of resources. method. (Item 22) The method described in item 21, The subset of resources associated with each of the aforementioned resource allocations is included in one or more sidelink resource pools. method. (Item 23) A method described in item 21 or 22, Each subset of the aforementioned resources is separated by a guard period. method. (Item 24) A method described in any one of items 20 to 23, The aforementioned resource structure scheme is a pre-configured multiplexing scheme. method. (Item 25) A method described in any one of items 20 to 24, The first resource structure scheme among the plurality of resource structure schemes is a time division multiplexing (TDM) scheme, and at least the second resource structure scheme among the plurality of resource structure schemes is a frequency division multiplexing (FDM) scheme. method. (Item 26) A method described in any one of items 20 to 25, The first resource structure scheme among the plurality of resource allocation schemes has a Comb-1 structure, and at least the second resource structure scheme among the plurality of resource allocation schemes has a Comb>1 structure. method. (Item 27) A method according to any one of items 20 to 26, further, Information indicating the capability of the first wireless device to process one or more of the aforementioned multiple resource structure schemes is transmitted to the node (S201). method. (Item 28) A method described in any one of items 20 to 27, The aforementioned sidelink positioning resource configuration is received via one or more of the upper-layer signaling and lower-layer signaling. method. (Item 29) A method described in any one of items 20 to 28, The node is a second wireless device configured to transmit a positioning sidelink reference signal. method. (Item 30) A method described in any one of items 20 to 29, The aforementioned node is a network node. method. (Item 31) A method described in any one of items 20 to 30, The first wireless device is a wireless device configured to receive a positioning sidelink reference signal. method. (Item 32) A method described in any one of items 20 to 30, The first wireless device is a wireless device configured to transmit a positioning sidelink reference signal. method. (Item 33) The method described in item 31, further, Received (S207) from a wireless device that transmits a positioning sidelink reference signal according to the aforementioned sidelink positioning resource configuration. method. (Item 34) The method described in item 32, further, Information indicating the requested resource structure scheme used to transmit to a wireless device that receives a sidelink positioning reference signal is transmitted to the node (S202). method. (Item 35) The method described in item 34, The information indicating the requested resource structure includes an identifier that identifies the wireless device receiving the reference signal. method. (Item 36) A node comprising a memory circuit, a processor circuit, and a wireless interface, The node is configured to perform the actions described in any one of items 1 through 19. node. (Item 37) A wireless device comprising a memory circuit, a processor circuit, and a wireless interface, The wireless device is configured to perform the method described in any one of items 20 to 35. Wireless device.

[0103] A wireless device comprising a memory circuit, a processor circuit, and a wireless interface, wherein the wireless device is configured to perform the method described in any one of items 20 to 35.

[0104] The use of terms such as "first," "second," "third," "fourth," "primary," "secondary," and "tertiary" does not imply any specific order, but is included to identify individual elements. Furthermore, the use of terms such as "first," "second," "third," "fourth," "primary," "secondary," and "tertiary" does not indicate any order or importance, but is simply used to distinguish each element. The use of terms such as "first," "second," "third," "fourth," "primary," "secondary," and "tertiary" here and elsewhere is solely for labeling purposes and is not intended to indicate a specific spatial or temporal order. Moreover, the labeling of the first element does not imply the existence of a second element, and vice versa.

[0105] Figures 1-7 will be understood to include circuits or operations shown by solid lines and circuits, components, features, or operations shown by dashed lines. The circuits or operations shown by solid lines are those included in the most extensive examples. The circuits, components, features, or operations shown by dashed lines are examples of further circuits, components, features, or operations that may be adopted in addition to, or are part of, those circuits, components, features, or operations in the solid line examples. Note that these operations do not need to be performed in the order presented. Furthermore, note that it is not necessary to perform all of these operations. The exemplary operations may be performed in any order and in any combination. Note that these operations do not need to be performed in the order presented. The circuits, components, features, or operations shown by dashed lines can be considered optional.

[0106] Other operations not described herein may also be incorporated into the exemplary operations. For example, one or more additional operations may be performed before, after, simultaneously with, or in between any of the operations described.

[0107] Certain features described above as separate embodiments may also be implemented in combination as a single embodiment. Conversely, features described as a single embodiment may be implemented in multiple embodiments or in any suitable partial combination. Furthermore, while functions may be described above as operating in a specific combination, one or more features may be excluded from the claimed combination, and that combination may be claimed as any partial combination or a variation of any partial combination.

[0108] Please note that the term "comprising" does not necessarily exclude the existence of elements or steps other than those listed.

[0109] Note that the words "a" or "an" placed before an element do not exclude the possibility that there are multiple elements it refers to.

[0110] Furthermore, it should be noted that no reference symbol is intended to limit the scope of the claims, that at least part of the examples may be implemented by both hardware and software, and that several “means,” “units,” or “devices” may be represented by the same hardware item.

[0111] The various exemplary methods, devices, nodes, and systems described herein are described in the general context of method steps or processes. They may, in one aspect, be implemented by computer program products embodied on computer-readable media, including computer-executable instructions such as program code executed by a computer in a network environment. Computer-readable media may include removable and non-removable storage devices, including, but not limited to, Read-Only Memory (ROM), Random Access Memory (RAM), Compact Discs (CDs), Digital Multipurpose Discs (DVDs), etc. Generally, program circuits may include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc., that perform a specific task or implement a specific abstract data type. Computer-executable instructions, associated data structures, and program circuits represent examples of program code for performing steps of the methods disclosed herein. A particular sequence of such executable instructions or associated data structures represents an example of a corresponding action for performing the function described in such steps or processes.

[0112] It will be understood that these are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. Furthermore, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the claims. Accordingly, the specification and drawings should be interpreted as illustrative, not restrictive. The claims are intended to encompass all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents.

Claims

1. A method for configuring sidelink positioning resources for communication of positioning sidelink reference signals between multiple wireless devices, provided by a node in a communication network, The sidelink positioning resource configuration is transmitted to the first wireless device among the plurality of wireless devices (S103). The sidelink positioning resource configuration includes information indicating multiple resource structure schemes used for communicating positioning sidelink reference signals. method.

2. The method according to claim 1, Multiple resources associated with each of the aforementioned resource structure schemes are provided in each subset of resources. method.

3. The method according to claim 2, Each of the resource subsets associated with the resource structure scheme is included in one or more sidelink resource pools. method.

4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, Each subset of the aforementioned resources is separated by a guard period. method.

5. The method according to claim 1, The aforementioned resource structure scheme is a pre-configured multiplexing scheme. method.

6. The method according to claim 1, The first resource structure scheme among the plurality of resource structure schemes is a time division multiplexing (TDM) scheme, and at least the second resource structure scheme among the plurality of resource structure schemes is a frequency division multiplexing (FDM) scheme. method.

7. The method according to claim 1, The first resource structure scheme among the plurality of resource allocation schemes has a Comb-1 structure, and at least the second resource structure scheme among the plurality of resource allocation schemes has a Comb>1 structure. method.

8. The method according to claim 1, further, Information indicating the ability of the first wireless device to process one or more of the aforementioned plurality of resource structure schemes is received from the first wireless device (S101). method.

9. The method according to claim 1, further, From among the plurality of resource structure schemes, a resource structure scheme for transmitting a positioning sidelink reference signal to the first wireless device is determined (S105). method.

10. The method according to claim 9, The resource structure scheme is determined based on one or more of the resource pool type, the ability of the first wireless device to process one or more of the multiple resource structure schemes, and the transmission type for transmitting the positioning sidelink reference signal. method.

11. The method according to claim 1, The aforementioned sidelink positioning resource structure configuration is transmitted via one or more of the upper-layer signaling and lower-layer signaling. method.

12. The method according to claim 11, The sidelink positioning resource structure configuration transmitted via the lower-layer signaling can be configured to override the sidelink positioning resource structure configuration transmitted via the upper-layer signaling. method.

13. The method according to claim 1, The aforementioned node is a network node. method.

14. The method according to claim 1, The node is a second wireless device configured to transmit a positioning sidelink reference signal. method.

15. The method according to claim 1, The first wireless device is a wireless device configured to receive a positioning sidelink reference signal. method.

16. The method according to claim 14, further, Information indicating a requested resource structure scheme used to transmit a sidelink positioning reference signal to the first wireless device is received from the second wireless device (S102). method.

17. The method according to claim 16, The information indicating the requested resource structure includes an identifier that identifies the first wireless device. method.

18. The method according to claim 17, The determination (S105) includes determining the resource structure scheme (S105A) based on the identifier that identifies the first wireless device and the information indicating the ability of the first wireless device to process one or more of the plurality of resource structure schemes. method.

19. The method according to claim 14, further, A positioning sidelink reference signal is transmitted to the first wireless device according to the sidelink positioning resource configuration (S107). method.

20. A method for configuring sidelink positioning resources for communication of positioning sidelink reference signals between a first wireless device and a second wireless device, provided by a first wireless device in a communication network, The node receives the sidelink positioning resource configuration (S203), The sidelink positioning resource configuration includes information indicating multiple resource structure schemes used for communicating positioning sidelink reference signals. method.

21. The method according to claim 20, Multiple resources associated with each of the aforementioned resource structure schemes are provided in each subset of resources. method.

22. The method according to claim 21, The subset of resources associated with each of the aforementioned resource allocations is included in one or more sidelink resource pools. method.

23. A method according to claim 21 or 22, Each subset of the aforementioned resources is separated by a guard period. method.

24. The method according to claim 20, The aforementioned resource structure scheme is a pre-configured multiplexing scheme. method.

25. The method according to claim 20, The first resource structure scheme among the plurality of resource structure schemes is a time division multiplexing (TDM) scheme, and at least the second resource structure scheme among the plurality of resource structure schemes is a frequency division multiplexing (FDM) scheme. method.

26. The method according to claim 20, The first resource structure scheme among the plurality of resource allocation schemes has a Comb-1 structure, and at least the second resource structure scheme among the plurality of resource allocation schemes has a Comb>1 structure. method.

27. The method according to claim 20, further, Information indicating the capability of the first wireless device to process one or more of the aforementioned plurality of resource structure schemes is transmitted to the node (S201). method.

28. The method according to claim 20, The aforementioned sidelink positioning resource configuration is received via one or more of the upper-layer signaling and lower-layer signaling. method.

29. The method according to claim 20, The node is a second wireless device configured to transmit a positioning sidelink reference signal. method.

30. The method according to claim 20, The aforementioned node is a network node. method.

31. The method according to claim 20, The first wireless device is a wireless device configured to receive a positioning sidelink reference signal. method.

32. The method according to claim 20, The first wireless device is a wireless device configured to transmit a positioning sidelink reference signal. method.

33. The method according to claim 31, further, Received from a wireless device that transmits a positioning sidelink reference signal according to the aforementioned sidelink positioning resource configuration (S207) method.

34. The method according to claim 32, further, Information indicating the requested resource structure scheme used to transmit to a wireless device that receives a sidelink positioning reference signal is transmitted to the node (S202). method.

35. The method according to claim 34, The information indicating the requested resource structure includes an identifier that identifies the wireless device receiving the reference signal. method.

36. A node comprising a memory circuit, a processor circuit, and a wireless interface, The node is configured to perform the method described in claim 1. node.

37. A wireless device comprising a memory circuit, a processor circuit, and a wireless interface, The wireless device is configured to perform the method described in claim 20. Wireless device.

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