User equipment configured for measuring and reporting side-link positioning reference signals (SL-PRS).

Abstract

User equipment (UE) configured to operate in a fifth-generation new radio (5G NR) network capable of performing sidelink (SL) positioning measurements can decode sidelink configuration information (SCI) received from a gNodeB (gNB). The SCI may include information elements indicating the configuration information of resources in the sidelink positioning reference signal (SL PRS) resource pool. Based on the configuration information, the UE can measure the sidelink (SL) positioning reference signal (SL PRS) resources received from another UE and report the measurement of the SL PRS resources within a measurement reporting delay time. The UE can be configured to report the measurement report to another UE or the network's location management function (LMF).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] [Claiming Priority] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 494,650, filed April 6, 2023 (Reference No. AF2957-Z), which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0002] [Technical Field] Embodiments relate to wireless communication.

Background Art

[0003] Mobile communication has evolved significantly from early voice systems to today's highly sophisticated integrated communication platforms. With the increasing number of various types of devices communicating with various network devices, the use of 3GPP (registered trademark) 5G NR systems is increasing. The penetration of mobile devices (user equipment, user devices, or UEs) in modern society continues to drive the demand for a wide variety of network devices in many different environments. The 5G NR wireless system is about to emerge, enabling further speed, connectivity, and user usability, and is expected to improve throughput, coverage, and robustness while reducing latency, operating, and capital costs. The 5G-NR network continues to evolve by adding new radio access technology (RAT) to 3GPP LTE-Advanced to enrich people's lives with seamless wireless connection solutions that provide high-speed and rich content and services. Since current cellular network frequencies are saturated, higher frequencies such as millimeter wave (mmWave) frequencies are beneficial due to their high bandwidth.

[0004] One problem with 5G NR networks is sidelink communication that enables devices to communicate directly with each other without using the network.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0005] [Figure 1A]Several network architectures are shown according to various embodiments.

[0006] [Figure 1B] Several non-roaming 5G system architectures are shown according to various embodiments. [Figure 1C] Several non-roaming 5G system architectures are shown according to various embodiments.

[0007] [Figure 2] Functional block diagrams of wireless communication devices according to several embodiments are shown.

[0008] [Figure 3] Several embodiments of sidelink communication are shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The following description and drawings adequately illustrate specific embodiments so that those skilled in the art can implement them. Other embodiments may incorporate structural, logical, electrical, processing, and other modifications. Parts and features of some embodiments may be included in or replace parts and features of other embodiments. The embodiments described in the claims encompass all available equivalents of those claims.

[0010] Several embodiments relate to user equipment (UE) configured to operate in a fifth-generation new radio (5G NR) network. In these embodiments, the UE can perform sidelink (SL) positioning measurements. In these embodiments, to perform SL positioning measurements, the UE can decode sidelink configuration information (SCI) received from a gNodeB (generation Node B (gNB)). The SCI may include information elements indicating the configuration information of resources in the sidelink positioning reference signal (SL PRS) resource pool. The UE can also measure sidelink (SL) positioning reference signal (SL PRS) resources received from another UE based on the configuration information and report the measurement of the SL PRS resources within a measurement reporting delay time. The UE can be configured to report the measurement report to another UE or the network's location management function (LMF). These embodiments and other embodiments are described in more detail below.

[0011] Figure 1A shows the network architecture according to several embodiments. Network 140A is shown to include user devices (UEs) 101 and UE102. UE101 and UE102 are illustrated as smartphones (e.g., handheld touchscreen mobile computing devices capable of connecting to one or more cellular networks), but may also include any mobile or non-mobile computing devices such as portable (laptop) or personal data assistants (PDAs), pagers, laptop computers, desktop computers, wireless handsets, drones, or any other computing devices including wired and / or wireless communication interfaces. UE101 and UE102 may be collectively referred to as UE101 herein, and UE101 can be used to perform one or more of the technologies disclosed herein.

[0012] Any of the wireless links described herein (for example, used in network 140A or other illustrated networks) may operate in accordance with any exemplary wireless communication technology and / or standard.

[0013] LTE and LTE-Advanced are standards for high-speed data wireless communication for UEs such as cellular phones. Carrier aggregation is a technique used in LTE-Advanced and various wireless systems to transmit communications from a single UE using multiple carrier signals operating at different frequencies, thereby increasing the bandwidth available to a single device. In some embodiments, carrier aggregation may be used when one or more component carriers are operating at unlicensed frequencies.

[0014] The embodiments described herein can be used in the context of any spectrum management scheme, including, for example, dedicated licensed spectra, unlicensed spectra, and (licensed) shared spectra (e.g., Licensed Shared Access (LSAs) for 2.3–2.4 GHz, 3.4–3.6 GHz, 3.6–3.8 GHz, and Spectrum Access Systems (SAS) for 3.55–3.7 GHz and higher frequencies).

[0015] The embodiments described herein can be applied to different single-carrier or OFDM types (CP-OFDM, SC-FDMA, SC-OFDM, filter bank-based multicarrier (FBMC), OFDMA, etc.), particularly in 3GPP NR (New Radio), by assigning OFDM carrier data bit vectors to corresponding symbol resources.

[0016] In some embodiments, either UE101 or UE102 may include an Internet of Things (IoT) UE or a Cellular IoT (CIoT) UE, which may include a network access layer designed for low-power IoT applications that utilize short-lived UE connections. In some embodiments, either UE101 or UE102 may include a narrowband (NB) IoT UE (e.g., an enhanced NB-IoT (eNB-IoT)) UE and a further enhanced (FeNB-IoT) UE). The IoT UE may utilize technologies such as public land mobile network (PLMN), proximity-based service (ProSe), device-to-device (D2D) communication, sensor network, or machine-to-machine (M2M) or machine-type communications (MTC) to exchange data with an MTC server or device via the IoT network. M2M or MTC data exchange may be machine-initiated data exchange. An IoT network includes the ability to interconnect IoT UEs (Internet Entity-Effectives), which contain uniquely identifiable embedded computing devices (within the internet infrastructure), with short-term connections. IoT UEs may run background applications (e.g., keep-alive messages, status updates) to enable connectivity within the IoT network.

[0017] In some embodiments, both UE101 and UE102 may include an enhanced MTC (eMTC) UE or a further enhanced MTC (FeMTC) UE.

[0018] UE101 and UE102 can be configured to connect to, for example, a radio access network (RAN) 110, for example, to be communicatively coupled. RAN 110 may be, for example, an Evolved Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN), NextGenRAN (NGRAN), or another type of RAN. UE101 and UE102 utilize connections 103 and 104, respectively, and each includes a physical communication interface or layer (described in further detail below). In this example, connections 103 and 104 are illustrated as radio interfaces to enable communication coupling and can be compatible with cellular communication protocols such as the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) protocol, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) network protocol, Push-to-Talk (PTT) protocol, PTT over Cellular (POC) protocol, Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) protocol, 3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE) protocol, fifth generation, 5G protocol, and New Radio (NR) protocol.

[0019] In one aspect, UE101 and UE102 can further directly exchange communication data via the ProSe interface 105. The ProSe interface 105 is also referred to as a sidelink (SL) interface that includes one or more logical channels, including but not limited to, a Physical Sidelink Control Channel (PSCCH), a Physical Sidelink Shared Channel (PSSCH), a Physical Sidelink Discovery Channel (PSDCH), and a Physical Sidelink Broadcast Channel (PSBCH).

[0020] UE102 is shown to be configured to access an access point (AP) 106 via a connection 107. The connection 107 can constitute a local wireless connection, such as a connection compliant with any IEEE802.11 protocol, and accordingly, the AP106 can constitute a wireless fidelity (WiFi (registered trademark)) router. In this example, the AP106 is shown to be connected to the Internet without connecting to the core network of the wireless system (described in more detail below).

[0021] RAN110 may include one or more access nodes that enable connections 103 and 104. These access nodes (ANs), also known as base stations (BS), NodeBs, evolved NodeBs (eNBs), next-generation NodeBs (gNBs), RAN nodes, etc., may include ground stations (e.g., ground access points) or satellite stations that provide coverage within a geographic area (e.g., a cell). In some embodiments, RAN nodes 111 and 112 may be transmission / reception points (TRPs). If RAN nodes 111 and 112 are NodeBs (e.g., eNBs or gNBs), one or more TRPs may function within the communication cell of the NodeB. RAN110 may include one or more RAN nodes to provide macrocells, e.g., macroRAN nodes, and one or more -RAN nodes, e.g., low-power (LP) RAN nodes to provide femtocells or picocells (e.g., cells with smaller coverage areas, smaller user capacity, or larger bandwidth compared to macrocells).

[0022] Both RAN nodes 111 and 112 can terminate the radio interface protocol and serve as the first contacts for UE101 and UE102. In some embodiments, either RAN node 111 or 112 can perform various logical functions of RAN110, including, but not limited to, radio network controller (RNC) functions such as radio bearer management, uplink and downlink dynamic radio resource management and data packet scheduling, and mobility management. In one example, either RAN node 111 and / or 112 may be a next-generation node B (gNB), an evolved node B (eNB), or another type of RAN node.

[0023] RAN 110 is shown to be communicatively coupled to a core network (CN) 120 via an S1 interface 113. In an embodiment, CN 120 can be an evolved packet core (EPC) network, a NextGen Packet Core (NPC) network, or another type of CN (e.g., as illustrated in reference to FIGS. 1B, 1C). In this aspect, S1 interface 113 is split into two parts: an S1-U interface 114 that transmits traffic data between RAN nodes 111 and 112 and a serving gateway (S-GW) 122, and an S1 mobility management entity (MME) interface 115 that is a signaling interface between RAN nodes 111 and 112 and an MME 121.

[0024] In this aspect, CN 120 includes an MME 121, an S-GW 122, a packet data network (PDN) gateway (P-GW) 123, and a home subscriber server (HSS) 124. MME 121 is functionally similar to the control plane of a conventional Serving General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) Support Node (SGSN). MME 121 can manage embodiments of mobility in access such as gateway selection and tracking area list management. HSS 124 can include a database for network users that contains subscription-related information to support the processing of communication sessions of network entities. CN 120 can include one or more HSS 124 depending on, for example, the number of mobile subscribers, device capabilities, network configuration, etc. For example, HSS 124 can provide support such as routing / roaming, authentication, authorization, naming / address resolution, location dependency, etc.

[0025] S-GW122 terminates the S1 interface 113 toward RAN110 and can route data packets between RAN110 and CN120. Furthermore, S-GW122 may also be a local mobility anchor point for node handover between RANs and may provide an anchor for 3GPP inter-node mobility. Other tasks of S-GW122 include lawful interception, billing, and several policy enforcement.

[0026] The P-GW123 can terminate the SGi interface toward the PDN. The P-GW123 can route data packets between the CN120 and an external network, such as a network containing the application server 184 (also known as an Application Function (AF)), via the Internet Protocol (IP) interface 125. The P-GW123 can also communicate data to other external networks 131A, which may include the Internet, IP Multimedia Subsystem (IPS) networks, and other networks. Generally, the application server 184 may be an element providing applications that use IP bearer resources in the core network (e.g., UMTS Packet Service (PS) domain, LTE PS data service). In this embodiment, the P-GW123 is shown to be communicably coupled to the application server 184 via the IP interface 125. The application server 184 can also be configured to support one or more communication services for UE101 and UE102 via the CN120 (e.g., Voice-over-Internet Protocol (VoIP) sessions, PTT sessions, group communication sessions, social networking services, etc.).

[0027] P-GW123 can further serve as a node for policy enforcement and billing data collection. The Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF)126 is the policy and billing control element of CN120. In non-roaming scenarios, in some embodiments, there may be a single PCRF in the Home Public Land Mobile Network (HPLMN) associated with the UE's Internet Protocol Connectivity Access Network (IP-CAN) session. In roaming scenarios with local traffic breakout, there may be two PCRFs associated with the UE's IP-CAN session: a Home PCRF (H-PCRF) in the HPLMN and a Visited PCRF (V-PCRF) in the Visited Public Land Mobile Network (VPLMN). PCRF126 can be coupled to the application server 184 via P-GW123 for communication.

[0028] In some embodiments, the communication network 140A may be an IoT network or a 5G network that includes a new 5G radio network using communications in licensed (5G NR) and unlicensed (5G NR-U) spectrum. One of the current means of realizing IoT is narrowband IoT (NB-IoT).

[0029] The NG system architecture may include a RAN110 and a 5G network core (5GC). In these embodiments, the RAN110 may include multiple nodes such as gNBs and NG-eNBs. The CN120 (e.g., the 5G core network or 5GC) may include access and mobility functions (AMF) and / or user plane functions (UPF). The AMF and UPF can be communicatively coupled to the gNB and NG-eNB via NG interfaces. More specifically, in some embodiments, the gNB and NG-eNB can be connected to the AMF via an NG-C interface and to the UPF via an NG-U interface. The gNB and NG-eNB can be coupled to each other via an Xn interface.

[0030] In some embodiments, the NG system architecture can use reference points between various nodes, as provided by 3GPP Technical Specification (TS) 23.501 (e.g., V15.4.0, 2018-12). In some embodiments, each gNB and NG-eNB can be implemented as a base station, mobile edge server, small cell, home eNB, etc. In some embodiments, the gNB may be a master node (MN) and the NG-eNB may be a secondary node (SN) in a 5G architecture.

[0031] Figure 1B shows a non-roaming 5G system architecture in several embodiments. Referring to Figure 1B, the 5G system architecture 140B is shown in reference representation. More specifically, UE 102 can communicate with RAN 110 as well as one or more other 5G core (5GC) network entities. The 5G system architecture 140B includes multiple network functions (NF) such as AMF (access and mobility management function) 132, session management function (SMF) 136, policy control function (PCF) 148, application function (AF) 150, user plane function (UPF) 134, network slice selection function (NSSF) 142, authentication server function (AUSF) 144, and unified data management (UDM) / home subscriber server (HSS) 146. UPF134 can provide connectivity to a data network (DN) 152, which may include, for example, operator services, internet access, or third-party services. AMF132 can be used to manage access control and mobility and may also include network slice selection functionality. SMF136 can be configured to set up and manage various sessions according to a network policy. UPF134 can be deployed in one or more configurations according to the desired service type. PCF148 can be configured to provide a policy framework using network slicing, mobility management, and roaming (similar to PCRF in 4G communication systems).UDM can be configured to store subscriber profiles and data (similar to HSS in 4G communication systems).

[0032] In some embodiments, the 5G system architecture 140B includes not only the IP multimedia subsystem (IMS) 168B but also several IP multimedia core network subsystem entities such as call session control functions (CSCFs). More specifically, the IMS 168B includes CSCFs that can operate as a proxy CSCF (P-CSCF) 162B, a serving CSCF (S-CSCF) 164B, an emergency CSCF (E-CSCF) (not shown in Figure 1B), or an interrogating CSCF (I-CSCF) 166B. The P-CSCF 162B can be configured as the first contact of the UE 102 within the IM subsystem (IMS) 168B. The S-CSCF 164B can be configured to handle session state in the network, and the E-CSCF can be configured to handle specific embodiments of emergency sessions, such as routing emergency requests to the appropriate emergency center or PSAP. The I-CSCF166B can be configured to function as a point of contact within the operator's network for all IMS connections destined for the network operator's subscribers or roaming subscribers currently located within the network operator's service area. In some embodiments, the I-CSCF166B can connect to another IP multimedia network 170E, for example, an IMS operated by a different network operator.

[0033] In some embodiments, the UDM / HSS146 can be coupled to an application server 160E which may include a telephone application server (TAS) or another application server (AS). The AS160B can be coupled to the IMS168B via the S-CSCF164B or I-CSCF166B.

[0034] Reference point representations indicate that interactions can exist between corresponding NF services. For example, Figure 1B shows the following reference points: N1 (between UE102 and AMF132), N2 (between RAN110 and AMF132), N3 (between RAN110 and UPF134), N4 (between SMF136 and UPF134), N5 (between PCF148 and AF150 (not shown)), N6 (between UPF134 and DN152), N7 (between SMF136 and PCF148 (not shown)), N8 (between UDM / HSS146 and AMF132 (not shown)), N9 (between two UPFs (not shown)), N10 (between UDM146 and SMF136 (Figure 1B) N11 (between AMF132 and SMF136 (not shown)), N12 (between AUSF144 and AMF132 (not shown)), N13 (between AUSF144 and UDM / HSS146 (not shown)), N14 (between two AMF132s (not shown)), N15 (between PCF148 and AMF132 in non-roaming scenarios, and between PCF148, the visited network and AMF132 in roaming scenarios (not shown)), N16 (between two SMFs (not shown)), and N22 (between AMF132 and NSSF142 (not shown)). Other reference point representations not shown in Figure 1B can also be used.

[0035] Figure 1C shows a 5G system architecture 140C and a service-based representation. In addition to the network entities shown in Figure 1B, the system architecture 140C may also include a network exposure function (NEF) 154 and a network repository function (NRF) 156. In some embodiments, the 5G system architecture can be service-based, and the interactions between network functions can be represented as corresponding point-to-point reference points Ni or service-based interfaces.

[0036] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 1C, service-based representations can be used to represent network functions in the control plane that enable other authorized network functions to access those services. In this regard, the 5G system architecture 140C can include the following service-based interfaces: Namf158H (service-based interface represented by AMF132), Nsmf158I (service-based interface represented by SMF136), Nnef158B (service-based interface represented by NEF154), Npcf158D (service-based interface represented by PCF148), Nudm158E (service-based interface represented by UDM / HSS146), Naf158F (service-based interface represented by AF150), Nnrf158C (service-based interface represented by NRF156), Nnssf158A (service-based interface represented by NSSF142), and Nausf158G (service-based interface represented by AUSF144). Other service-based interfaces not shown in Figure 1C (e.g., Nudr, N5g-eir, Nudsf) can also be used.

[0037] In some embodiments, either the UE or base station described in relation to Figures 1A-1C can be configured to perform the functions described herein.

[0038] Mobile communications have evolved significantly from early voice systems to today's highly sophisticated integrated communication platforms. Next-generation wireless communication systems, 5G, or New Radio (NR), will provide access to information and data sharing anytime, anywhere, for a wide range of users and applications. NR is expected to emerge as an integrated network / system, its goal being to meet vastly different, and sometimes competing, dimensions of performance and services. These diverse, multi-dimensional requirements are driven by different services and applications. Typically, NR will evolve based on 3GPP LTE-Advanced, along with additional potential new Radio Access Technology (RAT), enriching people's lives with better, simpler, and more seamless wireless connectivity solutions. NR will connect everything wirelessly, enabling the delivery of high-speed, rich content and services.

[0039] Rel-15 NR systems are designed to operate in the licensed spectrum. NR-unlicensed (NR-U) is a short notation for NR-based access to the unlicensed spectrum and is a technology that enables NR systems to operate in the unlicensed spectrum.

[0040] Figure 2 shows a functional block diagram of a wireless communication device according to several embodiments. The wireless communication device 200 may be suitable for use as an UE or gNB configured to operate on a 5G NR or 6G network. Several embodiments describe a UE or gNB device that includes processing circuits and memory configured to operate on a 5G NR or 6G network.

[0041] The wireless communication device 200 may include a communication circuit 202 and a transceiver 210 for sending and receiving signals to and from other communication devices using one or more antennas 201. The communication circuit 202 may include circuits capable of operating physical layer (PHY) communication and / or medium access control (MAC) communication for controlling access to the wireless medium, and / or any other communication layer for sending and receiving signals. The wireless communication device 200 may also include a processing circuit 206 and a memory 208 configured to perform the operations described herein. In some embodiments, the communication circuit 202 and the processing circuit 206 may be configured to perform the operations detailed in the figures, diagrams, and flows described above.

[0042] According to several embodiments, the communication circuit 202 may be configured to compete for a wireless medium and to construct frames or packets for communication over the wireless medium. The communication circuit 202 may be configured to transmit and receive signals. The communication circuit 202 may also include circuits for modulation / demodulation, upconversion / downconversion, filtering, amplification, etc. In some embodiments, the processing circuit 206 of the wireless communication device 200 may include one or more processors. In other embodiments, two or more antennas 201 may be coupled to the communication circuit 202 configured to transmit and receive signals. The memory 208 may store information for configuring the processing circuit 206 to perform operations for performing various operations described herein for constructing and transmitting message frames. The memory 208 may include any type of memory, including non-temporary memory, for storing information in a format readable by a machine (e.g., a computer). For example, the memory 208 may include computer-readable storage devices, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disk storage media, optical storage media, flash memory devices, and other storage devices and media.

[0043] In some embodiments, the wireless communication device 200 may be part of a portable wireless communication device such as a personal digital assistant (PDA), a laptop or portable computer with wireless communication capabilities, a web tablet, a wireless telephone, a smartphone, a wireless headset, a pager, an instant messaging device, a digital camera, an access point, a television, a medical device (e.g., a heart rate monitor, a blood pressure monitor, etc.), a wearable computer device, or another device capable of receiving and / or transmitting information wirelessly.

[0044] In some embodiments, the wireless communication device 200 may include one or more antennas 201. The antennas 201 may include one or more directional or omnidirectional antennas, such as dipole antennas, monopole antennas, patch antennas, loop antennas, microstrip antennas, or other types of antennas suitable for transmitting RF signals. In some embodiments, instead of two or more antennas, a single antenna with multiple apertures may be used. In these embodiments, each aperture can be considered a separate antenna. In some multi-input multiple-output (MIMO) embodiments, the antennas can be effectively isolated due to spatial diversity and the different channel characteristics that may arise between each antenna and the antenna of the transmitting device.

[0045] In some embodiments, the wireless communication device 200 may include one or more of the following: a keyboard, a display, a non-volatile memory port, multiple antennas, a graphics processor, an application processor, a speaker, and other mobile device elements. The display may be an LCD screen, including a touchscreen.

[0046] Although the wireless communication device 200 is illustrated as having several distinct functional elements, two or more of these functional elements may be combined and implemented by a combination of software components such as a processing element including a digital signal processor (DSP), and / or other hardware elements. For example, some elements may include one or more microprocessors, DSPs, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), radio frequency integrated circuits (RFICs), and various hardware and logic circuit combinations for performing at least the functions described herein. In some embodiments, the functional elements of the wireless communication device 200 may represent one or more processes performed on one or more processing elements.

[0047] Figure 3 shows sidelink communication in several embodiments. Sidelink communication is a technique that enables cellular devices to communicate directly with each other without using a network. This is a core topology in 5G system design and can operate in different spectral configurations. According to the embodiments, the sidelink positioning reference signal (SL PRS) is generated and transmitted by the UE (User Equipment) rather than the gNB (Next Generation Node B or 5G base station). In these embodiments, the SL PRS is specifically designed for direct device-to-device (D2D) positioning between UEs without going through the gNB. The UE transmitting the SL PRS acts as a kind of "anchor" or reference point, allowing other nearby UEs to estimate their relative position by measuring the SL PRS. This is part of the 5G positioning framework, which includes various methods for determining the position of devices. While some positioning methods rely on signals from the gNB (such as PRS transmitted downlink by the gNB), the SL PRS is a critical component of the sidelink positioning functionality that allows UEs to position themselves directly with each other without communicating via the gNB.

[0048] Sidelink communication is suitable for applications requiring ultra-low latency and highly reliable data connectivity. It is used in emergency response communities and has been in use since 3GPP Release 12. Sidelink communication allows devices such as automobiles, robots, and consumer gadgets to build their own ad-hoc networks. This allows user equipment (UEs), such as mobile devices, to act as proxy gateways connecting end terminals to the 5G network. Sidelink can operate in different spectrum configurations, including dedicated, in-band licensed, and unlicensed, and can support a wide range of devices.

[0049] Several embodiments relate to user equipment (UE) configured to operate in a fifth-generation new radio (5G NR) network. In these embodiments, the UE can perform sidelink (SL) positioning measurements. In these embodiments, to perform SL positioning measurements, the UE can decode sidelink configuration information (SCI) received from a gNodeB (generation Node B (gNB)). The SCI may include information elements indicating the configuration information of resources in the sidelink positioning reference signal (SL PRS) resource pool. The UE can also measure sidelink (SL) positioning reference signal (SL PRS) resources received from another UE based on the configuration information and report the measurement of the SL PRS resources within a measurement reporting delay time. The UE can be configured to report the measurement report to another UE or the network's location management function (LMF).

[0050] In some of these embodiments, the measured values ​​include at least one of the SL PRS reference signal received power (SL PRS-RSRP) and the SL PRS reference signal received path power (SL PRS-RSRPP), but the scope of the embodiments is not limited in this respect.

[0051] In some embodiments, the UE may be configured to perform measurements according to the measurement accuracy requirements of each SL-PRS resource being measured.

[0052] In some embodiments, a UE can be configured to report measurement reports to another UE and to a network location management function (LMF). In these embodiments, the measurement reports may be transmitted to other UEs via SL resources (such as a secondary traffic channel (STCH)). In these embodiments, the measurement reports may be transmitted to the LMF via network resources (such as a dedicated control channel (DCCH)).

[0053] In some embodiments, the measurement report delay time includes the time between when the measurement report is triggered and when the UE begins sending the measurement report. In these embodiments, if the UE can be configured to send the measurement report to other UEs, the measurement report delay time may exclude delays caused by the unavailability of SL resources.

[0054] In some embodiments, the UE can perform SL positioning measurements, including SL RSTD measurement, SL PRS-RSRP measurement, SL Rx-Tx time difference measurement, SL PRS-RSRPP measurement, SL AoA measurement, and SL RTOA measurement.

[0055] In some embodiments, the UE can be configured to monitor the physical sidelink control channel (PSCCH) to receive the SL PRS via the NR PC5 interface (see Figure 3) in a single sidelink BWP on a single carrier.

[0056] In some embodiments, the UE may be configured to report measurements according to a measurement report mapping based on configured parameters. In these embodiments, the reported quantitative values ​​in the measurement report may correspond to a range of measured quantitative values.

[0057] In some embodiments, the reported quantitative values ​​conform to a reporting granularity that can be configured based on measurement accuracy requirements. In these embodiments, a first measurement accuracy requirement may be configured for SL PRS-RSRPP measurements, and a second measurement accuracy requirement may be configured for SL RSTD measurements.

[0058] In some embodiments, when the UE is configured to operate within an NR sidelink resource pool configured for dynamic same-channel coexistence between a Long-Term Evolution (LTE) sidelink and an NR sidelink, the UE may be configured to select an NR sidelink resource from a plurality of candidate NR sidelink resources in the NR sidelink resource pool for NR sidelink transmission of the physical sidelink control channel (PSCCH) and the associated physical sidelink sharing channel (PSSCH). In these embodiments, the selection of the NR sidelink resource is based on one or more reference signal received power (RSRP) thresholds received in the sidelink control information (SCI). In some embodiments, time and frequency resources are shared between the NR sidelink and the LTE sidelink for dynamic same-channel coexistence.

[0059] Several embodiments relate to a non-temporary computer-readable storage medium for storing instructions for execution by a processing circuit of a user device (UE) configured to operate within a fifth-generation new radio (5G NR) network. In these embodiments, the UE can perform sidelink (SL) positioning measurements. In these embodiments, to perform SL positioning measurements, the processing circuit can decode sidelink configuration information (SCI) received from a gNodeB (gNB), configure the UE to measure a sidelink (SL) positioning reference signal (SL PRS) resource received from another UE based on the configuration information, and configure the UE to report the measurement of the SL PRS resource within a measurement reporting delay time.

[0060] Several embodiments relate to a gNodeB (gNB) configured to operate in a fifth-generation new radio (5G NR) network. In these embodiments, for a user equipment (UE) capable of performing sidelink (SL) positioning measurements, the gNB can encode sidelink configuration information (SCI) for transmission to the UE. The SCI may be encoded to include information elements indicating the configuration information of resources in a sidelink positioning reference signal (SL PRS) resource pool. Based on the configuration information, the gNB can receive a measurement report from the UE, which includes measurements of sidelink (SL) positioning reference signal (SL PRS) resources received by the UE from another UE. In these embodiments, the measurement report may be received within a measurement report delay time. In some embodiments, the measurement may include at least one of SL PRS reference signal received power (SL PRS-RSRP) and SL PRS reference signal received path power (SL PRS-RSRPP).

[0061] In some embodiments, the gNB can be configured to report measurement reports to the network's location management function (LMF). In these embodiments, measurements may be received and reported from the UE according to a measurement report mapping based on configured parameters. In these embodiments, the reported quantitative values ​​in the measurement report may correspond to a range of measured quantitative values.

[0062] Embodiments disclosed herein provide techniques that define UE capabilities to support reduced samples for gapless positioning reference signal (PRS) measurements.

[0063] The objective is to identify solutions to support sidelink positioning (including ranging) in NR systems. Therefore, from a physical layer design perspective, new measurement reference signals and procedures for sidelink positioning can be designed by RAN1 / 2. Significant standardization work is also expected in RAN4. For example, measurement reporting requirements for different positioning methods (SL-RTT, SL-AoA, SL-TDOA, etc.) using new SL-PRS measurements may be specified in Rel18. The following measurements using SL-PRS are defined. For RSRP measurements based on SL-PRS, these new measurements are defined in RAN1. The SL-PRS reference signal received power (SL-PRS-RSRP) is defined as a linear average of the power contribution (in units: W) of resource elements transmitting the SL-PRS reference signal configured for RSRP measurement within the measurement frequency bandwidth under consideration.

[0064] With respect to the reference point for frequency range 1, the reference point for SL PRS-RSRP may be the antenna connector of the UE. For frequency range 1, if receiver diversity is used by the UE, the reported SL PRS-RSRP value must not be lower than the corresponding SL PRS-RSRP of any of the individual receiver branches. In these embodiments, the SL PRS reference signal receive path power (SL PRS-RSRPP) may be defined as the linear average power of the channel response at the i-th path delay of the resource element transmitting the SL PRS signal configured for measurement. With respect to the reference point for frequency range 1, the reference point for SL PRS-RSRPP may be the antenna connector of the UE. For frequency range 1, if receiver diversity is used by the UE, the reported SL PRS-RSRPP value must not be lower than the corresponding SL PRS-RSRPP of any of the individual receiver branches.

[0065] Based on the new measurement metrics, the embodiments described herein, from the perspective of RAN4 RRM, may include: Embodiment 1. Core and performance requirements for SL-PRS-RSRP and SL-PRS-RSRPP may be defined in Rel18. For SL-PRS based AoA and ZoA measurements, there is no core AoA requirement in Rel16 and 17, so the SL-AoA core requirement may be defined in Release 18 or a future release. Support for both GCS and LCS for SL-PRS based AoA and ZoA measurements. FFS for applicable scenarios / services of AoA / ZoA based on LCS without converting LCS to GCS. Embodiment 2. For SL-PRS based AoA (SL-PRS AoA) and ZoA (SL-PRS ZoA) measurements, RAN4 can define only their performance requirements (e.g., reporting mapping). The requirements may or may not include accuracy requirements.

[0066] In the case of SL RTOA, the definition of RAN1 was agreed upon as follows: SL-PRS based RTOA T SL-RTOA This can be defined as the start time of SL subframe #i, which contains SL-PRS received from the UE, relative to the RTOA reference time. The SL RTOA reference time is T0+t SL-PRS It can be defined as follows: Here, T0 is the nominal start time of SFN0 or DFN0. FFS is a method for selecting either SFN0 or DFN0 to determine T0. FFS: Reference timing t SL-PRS =(10n f +n sf ) x10 -3 The source. Here, n f and n sf These are the subframe numbers for SFN or DFN and SL-PRS, respectively, and are FFS regarding the method of selecting either SFN or DFN.

[0067] In Rel16, there are no defined core requirements for UL measurements (e.g., SRS-based RTOA measurements). With regard to the limiting timeline and overload work in RAN4 for this WI, embodiments here may include: Embodiment 3. For SL-PRS-based RTOA measurements, RAN4 can only define their performance requirements (e.g., reporting mapping and accuracy). It has also been confirmed that the definitions of SL-PRS-based Rx-Tx measurements and SL RSTD are still undecided and unagreeable. However, in our view, they may become one of the most important measurements for positioning. Therefore, embodiments here may include: Embodiment 4. The requirements for SL-PRS-based Rx-Tx measurements and SL RSTD can be specified in Rel18, and the details can be FFS based on the agreement in RAN1.

[0068] At the last RAN1 meeting, RAN1 agreed not to introduce SL PFLs. This is because there may only be one SL BWP per carrier. SL PFLs are not defined. SL positioning RSs are defined directly for one SL BWP and carrier and are included within them. In Rel16, PRS measurement requirements heavily rely on PFLs, which are collections of DL PRS resource sets spanning one or more TRPs: Same SCS and CP types; Same center frequency; Same point A; DL PRS BW with the same settings.

[0069] For example, the UE is assumed to perform PRS measurements sequentially for each PFL, and the UE actually requires measurement gaps for different PRS resource sets that have the same PFL. Observation 2: The SL PRS measurement requirements framework needs to be updated in accordance with RAN1's ​​agreement on the SL PRS hierarchical structure (e.g., Positioning Frequency Layer (SLPFL)), SL PRS resource sets, and SL PRS resources). RAN1 also agreed on the number theory of SL PRS as follows: Supported SCS values ​​for SL PRS include 15kHz, 30kHz, and 60kHz for FR1, and 60kHz and 120kHz for FR2. Which SCS values ​​are required and which are optional depends on the Rel-16UE function. From RAN4's perspective, it is suggested that: Embodiment 6. The core requirements for SL-PRS measurement can be applied to all SCS supported per FR. However, different requirements can be defined for each SC or SCS group regarding performance accuracy requirements.

[0070] Measurement report:

[0071] At the previous RAN1 meeting, RAN1 agreed to introduce LoS / NLoS indicators into sidelink positioning measurement reports. LoS / NLoS indicators can be included in sidelink positioning measurement reports, taking into account different reporting targets (LMF and UE).

[0072] The LOS / NLOS indicators specified in Rel-17 positioning can be reused whenever possible. There are no specification restrictions on how these indicators are configured.

[0073] From a RAN1 perspective, it is expected that no performance requirements for setting indicators in Rel-18 will be defined. In Rel17, there is a possibility of significant performance degradation in the NLOS channel compared to LOS. Theoretically, similar performance degradation due to NLOS multipath fading will be observed. Observation 3: In Rel18, performance degradation in the NLOS channel compared to LOS is expected.

[0074] Embodiment 7. RAN4 can be an FFS with different accuracy requirements under different channel conditions (LOS / NLOS). As described above, the requirements for SL Rx-Tx time difference, SL AoA / ZoA, SL RSRP / RSRPP, SL RSTD, and SL RTOA must be defined in RAN4. One of the fundamental issues with these measurements is the granularity of the report. Similarly, in Rel18 positioning, the dynamic range and resolution of timing measurements can vary significantly in different application scenarios to support different usage scenarios. Therefore, the granularity of the report for SL Rx-Tx time difference, SL RSTD, and SL RTOA must be configurable.

[0075] Observation 4: In Rel16 positioning, the granularity of reporting for timing measurements (e.g., Rx-Tx time difference, RSTD, and RTOA) can be configured to support different levels of precision.

[0076] Embodiment 8. In SL positioning, the granularity of the SL Rx-Tx time difference, SL RSTD, and SL RTOA reports must be configurable. For other timing measurements where a measurement reporting granularity and a small reporting range are acceptable (e.g., PRS RSRP, AoA / ZoA), a fixed reporting granularity can be applied to SL AoA / ZoA. Proposal 9: A fixed reporting granularity can be applied to SL PRS RSRP and AoA / ZoA.

[0077] Further embodiments of the various embodiments described herein include the following: Embodiment 1. TS38.133 defines the measurement reporting delay requirements for SL PRS-RSRP and SL PRS-RSRPP for all SCSs supported per FR. Embodiment 2. TS38.133 defines the measurement reporting delay requirements for SL-PRS-based Rx-Tx measurements and SLRSTD for all SCSs supported per FR. Embodiment 3. Different accuracy requirements under different channel conditions (LOS / NLOS). Embodiment 4. In SL positioning, the granularity of reporting for SL Rx-Tx time difference, SL RSTD, and SL RTOA needs to be configurable. Embodiment 5. Fixed reporting granularity can be applied to SL PRS RSRP and AoA / ZoA.

[0078] example:

[0079] 1. How to define UE behavior to support positioning measurement with side links.

[0080] 2. The method of Example 1, in which the UE is required to successfully report the sidelink PRS measurement results within a specified time.

[0081] 3. These SL PRS measurements may be SL PRS-RSRP and SL PRS-RSRPP, as in the method of Example 2.

[0082] 4. These SL PRS measurements may be SL RSTD and SL Rx-Tx time differences, as in the method of Example 2.

[0083] 5. The reporting accuracy is independent of the subcarrier interval (SCS), as shown in Example 3.

[0084] 6. Reporting accuracy depends on the subcarrier interval (SCS) of the method in Example 4.

[0085] 7. The method of Example 4, in which the granularity of the report can be configured based on the PRS parameters.

[0086] The abstract is provided in accordance with 37C.FRSection1.72(b), which requires an abstract that allows the reader to confirm the nature and essence of the technical disclosure. It is understood that it is not to be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. The following claims are incorporated herein into the detailed description, and each claim is independent of itself as a distinct embodiment.

Claims

1. An apparatus for user equipment (UE) configured to operate on a fifth-generation new wireless (5G NR) network, wherein the apparatus includes a processing circuit and a memory, and the UE is capable of performing sidelink (SL) positioning measurements. In order to perform the SL positioning measurement, the processing circuit is: The sidelink configuration information (SCI) received from the gNodeB (gNB) is decoded, and the SCI includes information elements indicating the configuration information of the resources in the sidelink positioning reference signal (SL PRS) resource pool. Based on the aforementioned configuration information, measure the sidelink (SL) positioning reference signal (SL PRS) resource received from another UE, Report the measurement of the SL PRS resource within the measurement report delay time. The apparatus wherein the measured values ​​include at least one of the SL PRS reference signal received power (SL PRS-RSRP) and the SL PRS reference signal received path power (SL PRS-RSRPP).

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the UE is configured to perform the measurement in accordance with the measurement accuracy requirements of each SL-PRS resource to be measured.

3. The UE is configured to report the measured values ​​in a measurement report to one of the other UE and the network's location management function (LMF), The measurement report is transmitted to the other UE via an SL resource, for example, a secondary traffic channel (STCH). The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the measurement report is transmitted to the LMF via a network resource, for example, a dedicated control channel (DCCH).

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the measurement report delay time includes the time between when the measurement report is triggered and when the UE starts transmitting the measurement report, and when the UE is configured to transmit the measurement report to another UE, the measurement report delay time excludes delays caused by the unavailability of the SL resource.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the UE can perform SL positioning measurements including SL RSTD measurement, SL PRS-RSRP measurement, SL Rx-Tx time difference measurement, SL PRS-RSRPP measurement, SL AoA measurement, and SL RTOA measurement.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the processing circuit is configured to monitor the physical sidelink control channel (PSCCH) to receive the SL PRS via the NR PC5 interface in a single sidelink BWP on a single carrier.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the UE is configured to report the measurement according to a measurement report mapping based on configured parameters, and the reported quantitative values ​​in the measurement report correspond to a range of measured quantitative values.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the reported quantity values ​​are in accordance with the reported particle size configured based on the measurement accuracy requirements, the first of the measurement accuracy requirements being configured for SL PRS-RSRPP measurement, and the second of the measurement accuracy requirements being configured for SL RSTD measurement.

9. The apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein when the UE is configured to operate within an NR sidelink resource pool configured for dynamic same-channel coexistence of Long-Term Evolution (LTE) sidelinks and NR sidelinks, the processing circuit selects an NR sidelink resource from a plurality of candidate NR sidelink resources in the NR sidelink resource pool for NR sidelink transmission of a physical sidelink control channel (PSCCH) and an associated physical sidelink sharing channel (PSSCH), and the selection of the NR sidelink resource is based on one or more reference signal received power (RSRP) thresholds received in sidelink control information (SCI).

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein time and frequency resources are shared between the NR sidelink and the LTE sidelink for the aforementioned dynamic coexistence of the same channel.

11. A computer-readable storage medium for storing instructions for execution by a processing circuit of a user device (UE) configured to operate on a fifth-generation new wireless (5G NR) network, the UE being able to perform sidelink (SL) positioning measurements. In order to perform the SL positioning measurement, the processing circuit is: The sidelink configuration information (SCI) received from the gNodeB (gNB) is decoded, and the SCI includes information elements indicating the configuration information of the resources in the sidelink positioning reference signal (SL PRS) resource pool. Based on the aforementioned configuration information, measure the sidelink (SL) positioning reference signal (SL PRS) resource received from another UE, Report the measurement of the SL PRS resource within the measurement report delay time. The measured values ​​include at least one of the SL PRS reference signal received power (SL PRS-RSRP) and the SL PRS reference signal received path power (SL PRS-RSRPP), in a computer-readable storage medium.

12. The computer-readable storage medium according to claim 11, wherein the UE is configured to perform the measurement in accordance with the measurement accuracy requirements of each SL-PRS resource to be measured.

13. The UE is configured to report the measured values ​​in a measurement report to one of the other UE and the network's location management function (LMF), The measurement report is transmitted to the other UE via an SL resource, for example, a secondary traffic channel (STCH). The computer-readable storage medium according to claim 12, wherein the measurement report is transmitted to the LMF via a network resource, for example, a dedicated control channel (DCCH).

14. The computer-readable storage medium according to claim 13, wherein the measurement report delay time includes the time between when the measurement report is triggered and when the UE starts transmitting the measurement report, and when the UE is configured to transmit the measurement report to another UE, the measurement report delay time excludes delays caused by the unavailability of the SL resource.

15. The computer-readable storage medium according to claim 14, wherein the UE can perform SL positioning measurements including SL RSTD measurement, SL PRS-RSRP measurement, SL Rx-Tx time difference measurement, SL PRS-RSRPP measurement, SL AoA measurement, and SL RTOA measurement.

16. The computer-readable storage medium according to claim 15, wherein the processing circuit configures the UE to monitor a physical sidelink control channel (PSCCH) to receive the SL PRS via the NR PC5 interface in a single sidelink BWP on a single carrier.

17. The computer-readable storage medium according to claim 16, wherein the UE is configured to report the measurement according to a measurement report mapping based on configured parameters, and the reported quantitative values ​​in the measurement report correspond to a range of measured quantitative values.

18. The computer-readable storage medium according to claim 17, wherein the reported quantity values ​​are in accordance with the reported particle size configured based on the measurement accuracy requirements, the first of the measurement accuracy requirements being configured for SL PRS-RSRPP measurement, and the second of the measurement accuracy requirements being configured for SL RSTD measurement.

19. An apparatus for a gNodeB (gNB) configured to operate in a fifth-generation new wireless (5G NR) network, wherein the apparatus includes a processing circuit and memory, and for a user device (UE) capable of performing sidelink (SL) positioning measurements, the processing circuit is: Sidelink configuration information (SCI) is encoded for transmission to the aforementioned UE, and the SCI includes information elements indicating the configuration information of the resources in the sidelink positioning reference signal (SL PRS) resource pool. The UE receives a measurement report, which includes measurements of a sidelink (SL) positioning reference signal (SL PRS) resource received by the UE from another UE based on the configuration information, and the measurement report is received within the measurement report delay time. The apparatus wherein the measured values ​​include at least one of the SL PRS reference signal received power (SL PRS-RSRP) and the SL PRS reference signal received path power (SL PRS-RSRPP).

20. The processing circuit is configured to report the measurement in the measurement report to the network's location management function (LMF), The measured values ​​are reported according to a measurement reporting mapping based on the configured parameters. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the reported quantitative values ​​in the measurement report correspond to a range of measured quantitative values.

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