Method and system for timing synchronization for device - to - device positioning

Abstract

A method and system for a technique for timing synchronization for inter-device positioning is disclosed. In an implementation, a method of wireless communication includes a step of communicating, by a first communication device, one or more timing synchronization parameters between the first communication device and a second communication device. A method of data or positioning communication is disclosed. The method includes a step of providing, by the first communication device, time information indicating at least one of a time difference or synchronization between the second communication device and a set of neighboring communication devices.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This patent document generally relates to wireless communication.

Background Art

[0002] Mobile communication technology is making the world more connected and moving towards a networked society. The rapid growth of mobile communication and technological progress have led to further demands for capacity and connectivity. Other aspects such as energy consumption, device cost, spectral efficiency, and latency are also important for meeting the requirements of various communication scenarios. Various techniques, including new methods for providing higher quality services, longer battery life, and improved performance, are being discussed.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0003] This patent document particularly describes techniques for timing synchronization mainly for device - to - device positioning.

[0004] In one aspect, a method of data or positioning communication is disclosed. The method includes the step of a first communication device communicating one or more synchronization parameters between the first communication device and a second communication device.

[0005] In another aspect, a method of data or positioning communication is disclosed. The method includes the step of a first communication device providing time information indicating at least one of a time difference or synchronization between a second communication device and a set of neighboring communication devices.

[0006] In another aspect, a method of data or ranging communication is disclosed. The method includes communicating, by a first communication device, first time information indicative of at least one of a time difference or synchronization between a third communication device and a fourth communication device to a second communication device; communicating, by the first communication device, second time information indicative of at least one of a time difference or synchronization between the first communication device and the second communication device to the second communication device; or communicating, by the first communication device, third time information indicative of at least one of a time difference or synchronization between the first communication device and the third communication device to the second communication device.

[0007] In another exemplary aspect, a wireless communication device comprising a processor configured to implement the method described above is disclosed.

[0008] In another exemplary aspect, a computer storage medium having code stored thereon for implementing the method described above is disclosed.

[0009] These and other aspects are described in this document. The present invention provides, for example, the following. (Item 1) A method of wireless communication, comprising communicating, by a first communication device, one or more timing synchronization parameters between the first communication device and a second communication device. A method as described above. (Item 2) Determining, by the first communication device, time or timing information including at least one of a time or timing difference, a time or timing gap, or timing synchronization information in communication between the first communication device and the second communication device based on the one or more timing synchronization parameters; and Performing, by the first communication device, an inter-device positioning operation based on the time or timing information. The method according to Item 1, further comprising the above steps. (Item 3) The one or more timing synchronization parameters include a synchronization priority, a priority group index, a sidelink synchronization identifier (SSID), an indication as to whether a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) is reliable, whether the GNSS is reliable according to a method or specification, a value associated with hysteresis when evaluating a time synchronization reference communication device using an absolute comparison, a value associated with hysteresis when evaluating a time synchronization reference communication device using a relative comparison, a synchronization signal (SS) and a physical broadcast channel (PBCH) block (SSB) time allocation or pattern, a sidelink synchronization signal and a PBCH block (SSB) transmission time allocation or pattern, a sidelink synchronization signal and a PBCH block (SSB) transmission time allocation or pattern for direct synchronization to the GNSS, a synchronization signal (SS) and a PBCH block (SSB) time allocation or pattern for direct synchronization to the GNSS, a value included in a master information block sidelink message to indicate that a communication device transmitting the master information block sidelink message is within network coverage, a value indicating that the communication device selects GNSS timing as a synchronization reference source, or a field indicating whether the network is enabled to be selected as a synchronization reference, at least one of which is included in the method according to Item 1. (Item 4) The method according to item 1, wherein the communicating includes at least one of transmitting, receiving, broadcasting, unicasting, groupcasting, forwarding, requesting, responding, reporting, or exchanging. (Item 5) The method according to item 1, wherein the first and second communication devices include at least one of a user equipment (UE), a network node, a base station, a local server, a transmission and reception point (TRP), a location management function (LMF), a peer communication device, a global navigation satellite system (GNSS), or an access and mobility management function (AMF). (Item 6) The method according to item 1, wherein the first communication device and the second communication device are peer communication devices for sidelink communication when at least one of the timing synchronization parameters has the same value for both the first communication device and the second communication device. (Item 7) The method according to item 6, wherein the peer communication device transmits a positioning reference signal to a positioning communication device. (Item 8) A method of wireless communication, comprising providing, by a first communication device, time or timing information indicating at least one of a time or timing difference, a time or timing gap, or timing synchronization information between a second communication device and a set of neighboring communication devices. A method. (Item 9) The method according to item 8, further comprising performing an inter-device positioning operation by the first communication device based on the time or timing information. (Item 10) The method according to item 8, wherein the second communication device is selected as a reference communication device. (Item 11) The method according to item 8, further comprising selecting a third communication device for providing timing synchronization information between the second communication device and the neighboring communication device from the set of neighboring communication devices. (Item 12) Communicating first information associated with the second communication device and the neighboring communication device to a third communication device, wherein the first information includes at least one of a user equipment identifier, a resource identifier, a resource set identifier, Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), and time or timing information indicating at least one of a time or timing difference, a time or timing gap, or timing synchronization information between the second communication device and the neighboring communication device, and the third communication device obtains positioning information of the communication device based on the first information The method according to item 8, further comprising (Item 13) The method according to item 12, wherein the communication of the first information is performed by at least one of a positioning communication device, the first communication device, the second communication device, and the third communication device that can communicate with the positioning communication device (Item 14) The method according to item 8, wherein the second communication device and the neighboring communication device include their own location information (Item 15) The method according to item 8, wherein at least two of the second communication device and the neighboring communication device are synchronized with a third communication device (Item 16) The method according to item 15, wherein the communication device includes information associated with at least one of a user equipment (UE), a network node, a local server, a transmission and reception point (TRP), a location management function (LMF), a peer communication device, an access and mobility management function (AMF), a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), a base station, or a sidelink synchronization identifier (SSID) (Item 17) A method of wireless communication, comprising communicating, by a first communication device, first time or timing information indicating at least one of a time or timing difference, a time or timing gap, or timing synchronization information between a third communication device and a fourth communication device to a second communication device communicating, by the first communication device, second time or timing information indicating at least one of a time or timing difference, a time or timing gap, or timing synchronization information between the first communication device and the second communication device to the second communication device, or The first communication device communicates with the second communication device a third time or timing information indicating at least one of a time or timing difference, a time or timing gap, or timing synchronization information between the first communication device and the third communication device. A method comprising. (Item 18) The communication device includes information associated with at least one of a user equipment (UE), a network node, a local server, a transmission and reception point (TRP), a location management function (LMF), a peer communication device, an access and mobility management function (AMF), a global navigation satellite system (GNSS), a base station, or a sidelink synchronization identifier (SSID), according to the method of item 17. (Item 19) The communicating includes at least one of transmitting, receiving, broadcasting, unicasting, groupcasting, transferring, requesting, responding, reporting, or exchanging, according to the method of item 17. (Item 20) The communication device includes at least one of a user equipment (UE), a network node, a base station, a local server, a transmission and reception point (TRP), a location management function (LMF), a peer UE, an access and mobility management function (AMF), or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS), according to the method of item 8, 15, or 17. (Item 21) At least one of the time or timing difference, the time or timing gap, or the timing synchronization information uses one or more new SSB time allocations or patterns, according to the method of item 2, 8, or 17. (Item 22) The one or more new SSB time allocations or patterns include one or more parameters, and the one or more parameters include at least one of the number of sidelink SSB transmissions within one sidelink SSB period, the slot offset from the start of the sidelink SSB period to the first sidelink SSB, or the slot interval between adjacent sidelink SSBs, according to the method of item 21. (Item 23) The method according to item 17, wherein the time or timing difference or time or timing gap includes at least one of a difference in start timing, a duration in the time domain, or an offset in the time domain. (Item 24) An apparatus for wireless communication, comprising a processor configured to perform the method according to any one of items 1 - 23. (Item 25) A non - transitory computer - readable medium having code stored thereon, which when executed by a processor causes the processor to implement the method recited in any one of items 1 - 23.

Brief Description of the Drawings

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[0019] Detailed Description The section headings in this book are used only for ease of understanding of the embodiments and do not limit the scope to the sections in which they are described. Further, although the embodiments are described with reference to examples of 5G, the disclosed techniques can be applied to wireless systems using protocols other than 5G or 3GPP (registered trademark) protocols.

[0020] FIG. 1 shows an example of a wireless communication system (e.g., a Long Term Evolution (LTE), 5G, or NR cellular network) including a BS 120 and one or more user equipments (UEs) 111, 112, 113, and 114. In some embodiments, the uplink transmissions (131, 132, 133) can include uplink control information (UCI), upper layer signaling (e.g., UE assistance information or UE capabilities), or uplink information. In some embodiments, the downlink transmissions (141, 142, 143) can include DCI or upper layer signaling or downlink information. In some embodiments, a UE (e.g., 112, 113, 114, 115, 116) can directly connect to another UE (e.g., 112, 113, 114, 115, 116) using device-to-device or side-link communication (151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 156) without relaying their data via the BS 120. The UE can be, for example, a smartphone, a tablet, a mobile computer, a machine-to-machine (M2M) device, a terminal, a mobile device, an Internet of Things (IoT) device, etc.

[0021] Figure 2 is a block diagram representation of a portion of an apparatus, based on some embodiments of the disclosed technology. An apparatus 205, such as a network device or a base station or a wireless device (i.e., UE), can include a processor electronic device 210, such as a microprocessor, that implements one or more than one of the techniques presented in this document. The apparatus 205 can include a transceiver electronic device 215 for transmitting and / or receiving wireless signals via one or more than one communication interface, such as an antenna 220. The apparatus 205 can include other communication interfaces for transmitting and receiving data. The apparatus 205 can include one or more than one memory (not explicitly shown) configured to store information such as data and / or instructions. In some implementations, the processor electronic device 210 can include at least a portion of the transceiver electronic device 215. In some embodiments, at least some of the disclosed techniques, modules, or functions are implemented using the apparatus 205.

[0022] The fifth generation (5G) mobile networks with enhanced connectivity are playing an increasingly important role in the development of positioning techniques, such as device-to-device positioning techniques. Many studies have been conducted to improve the accuracy of positioning techniques. The 3GPP (registered trademark) Rel-18 research items are as follows.

[0023]

Table 1

[0024] In Table 1 above, "AoA" is the abbreviation of angle of arrival, "TDoA" is the abbreviation of time difference of arrival, and "RTT" is the abbreviation of round-trip time.

[0025] Regarding the pre-release TDOA positioning method, the timing synchronization information between the reference transmission and reception point (TRP) and the neighboring TRP is provided by the location management function (LMF), and thus the positioning UE grasps the timing synchronization of each TRP.

[0026] NR - RTD - INFO

[0027] The field "nr-RTD-Info" (37.355) provides timing synchronization information between the reference TRP and neighboring TRPs.

[0028] The IE NR-RTD-Info is used by the location server to provide timing synchronization information between the reference TRP and the list of neighboring TRPs.

[0029] [Table 2-1] [Table 2-2]

[0030] In Table 2 above, "referenceTRP" is an abbreviation for the reference TRP information for time synchronization, and "rtd-InfoList" is an abbreviation for the information of neighboring TRPs for time synchronization.

[0031] Exemplary Embodiment 1: Information Request and Response

[0032] At least one of the following parameters can be communicated between two communication devices (see 38.331).

[0033] (1) Synchronization priority (sl-SyncPriority),

[0034] (2) Priority group (index),

[0035] (3) Sidelink synchronization identifier (SSID),

[0036] (4) Whether the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) is reliable,

[0037] (5) One or more parameters (e.g., sl-SyncRefMinHyst and / or sl-SyncRefDiffHyst), i.e., the hysteresis when evaluating the synchronization reference UE (e.g., SyncRef UE) using absolute or relative comparison,

[0038] (6) One or more SSB time domain patterns, e.g., sl-SSB-TimeAllocation1, sl-SSB-TimeAllocation2, sl-SSB-TimeAllocation3,

[0039] (7) A parameter (e.g., inCoverage) that is a boolean variable. A value of "true" indicates that the UE transmitting the MasterInformationBlockSidelink is within network coverage or the UE selects GNSS timing as the synchronization reference source, and / or

[0040] (8) A parameter (e.g., sl-NbAsSync) that indicates whether the network can be directly / indirectly selected as the only synchronization reference when the synchronization priority is set to gnss. If this parameter is set to "true", the network is allowed to be directly / indirectly selected as the synchronization reference.

[0041] In some implementations, the method of wireless communication includes the step of communicating the information discussed above, and the step of communicating may include at least one of the following operations, i.e., the step of transmitting, receiving, broadcasting, unicasting, groupcasting, relaying, requesting, responding, reporting, or exchanging.

[0042] In some implementations, the communication device may include at least one of the following devices, namely, a user equipment (UE), a network node, a base station, a local server, a TRP or an LMF, a peer UE, and an access and mobility management function (AMF).

[0043] In some implementations, the communication device selects the same value for at least one of the following parameters, namely, synchronization priority, priority group (index), SSID, whether GNSS is reliable, one or more parameters (e.g., sl-SyncRefMinHyst and / or sl-SyncRefDiffHyst), i.e., the hysteresis when evaluating a synchronization reference UE (e.g., SyncRef UE) using an absolute or relative comparison, one or more SSB time domain patterns (e.g., sl-SSB-TimeAllocation1, sl-SSB-TimeAllocation2, sl-SSB-TimeAllocation3), a parameter that is a boolean variable (e.g., inCoverage), and a value "true" indicating that the UE transmitting the Master Information Block Sidelink is within network coverage or that the UE selects GNSS timing as a synchronization reference source, and whether the network can be directly / indirectly selected as the only synchronization reference when the synchronization priority is set to gnss (e.g., sl-NbAsSync). When this parameter is set to "true", the network is enabled to be directly / indirectly selected as the synchronization reference.

[0044] In one example, the communication device can be regarded as a peer communication device, and at least one peer communication device transmits a positioning reference signal (PRS) to the positioning communication device.

[0045] Exemplary Embodiment 2: Configuration of a Communication Device as a Time - Synchronization Reference Communication Device

[0046] In some implementations, a list of communication devices can be generated and maintained to indicate the time, timing synchronization information, or timing difference between a time synchronization reference communication device and neighboring communication devices, where the first communication device in the list can be considered the time synchronization reference communication device, and the second through last communication devices can be considered neighboring communication devices.

[0047] In some implementations, the first communication device is set as the time synchronization reference communication device.

[0048] In some implementations, a list of neighboring communication devices can be generated and maintained to indicate the time, timing synchronization information, or timing difference between a first time synchronization reference communication device and neighboring communication devices.

[0049] In some implementations, the second communication device provides the time or timing synchronization information between the first time synchronization reference communication device and neighboring communication devices.

[0050] In some implementations, a positioning UE reports at least one of a user equipment identifier (UE ID), a resource ID, a resource set ID, timing synchronization information between a first time synchronization reference communication device and neighboring communication devices, a reference communication device, and / or a neighboring communication device to a third communication device to calculate the positioning of the communication device.

[0051] In some implementations, at least one of the following, namely, the first time synchronization reference communication device or a neighboring communication device, includes its own location information or knows its own location.

[0052] In some implementations, at least one of the following, namely, the time synchronization reference communication device or a neighboring communication device, includes its own location information or knows its own location.

[0053] Exemplary Embodiment 3: Time Difference from the Original State

[0054] The first communication device communicates with the second communication device the time / timing difference or timing synchronization information between the first communication device and the third communication device.

[0055] In some implementations, the first communication device communicates with the second communication device the time / timing difference or timing synchronization information between the third communication device and the fourth communication device.

[0056] In some implementations, the first communication device communicates with the second communication device the time / timing difference or timing synchronization information between the first communication device and the second communication device.

[0057] In some implementations, all communication devices communicate with GNSS, eNB, gNB, or SSID.

[0058] In some implementations, the step of communicating includes at least one of the following operations: transmitting, receiving, broadcasting, unicasting, groupcasting, relaying, requesting, responding, reporting, or exchanging.

[0059] In some implementations, the communication device includes one of the following devices: a user equipment (UE), a network node, a base station, a local server, a TRP or a location management function (LMF), a peer UE, an access and mobility management function (AMF), or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS).

[0060] In some implementations, the time / timing difference / gap can be indicated by at least one of start (e.g., start time), step (e.g., time step), value (e.g., time-related value), and / or offset (e.g., time offset).

[0061] In some implementations, the step embodiments may include {2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128} × Q Tc (where Tc is T c = 1 / (Δf max · N t ), Δf max = 480 × 10 3 Hz, N f = 4096, and Q is an integer).

[0062] In some implementations, the step embodiments may include {2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128} × Q / 2 μ Tc (where Tc is T c = 1 / (Δf max · N t ), Δf max = 480 × 10 3 Hz, N f = 4096, and Q is an integer).

[0063]

Table 3

[0064] In some implementations, at least one of the following mathematical functions, namely, start + step × value - offset, start + step × value + offset, start - step × value - offset, start - step × value + offset, start + step × value, start - step × value, start - offset, start + offset, may be used.

[0065] In some implementations, the offset embodiments may include parameters from a first communication device, parameters from a second communication device, parameters from a third communication device, LMP, or parameters from a base station.

[0066] In some implementations, the parameters (e.g., start, step, value, and / or offset) are signaled by using control signaling.

[0067] In some implementations, examples of control signaling may include Radio Resource Control (RRC), MAC CE, Downlink Control Information (DCI), or Sidelink Control Information (SCI).

[0068] Exemplary Embodiment 4: New Sidelink SSB Time Allocation / Pattern (sl - SSB - TimeAllocation) for Positioning

[0069] In some embodiments, the disclosed technology can be implemented to use one or more sidelink SSB time allocations / patterns (e.g., sl-SSB-TimeAllocation) for positioning time / timing synchronization measurement purposes.

[0070] The first communication device may be configured by the second communication device using one or more sidelink SSB time allocations / patterns (e.g., sl-SSB-TimeAllocation).

[0071] In some implementations, a new sidelink SSB time allocation / pattern (e.g., sl-SSB-TimeAllocation) is defined or configured.

[0072] In some implementations, the second communication device transmits a sidelink synchronization signal / PBCH block (SL-SSB) to a third UE using one or more sidelink SSB time allocations / patterns.

[0073] In some implementations, one or more sidelink SSB time allocations / patterns (e.g., sl-SSB-TimeAllocation) can be pre-configured.

[0074] In some implementations, a communication device transmits an SL-SSB using one or more sidelink SSB time allocations / patterns (e.g., sl-SSB-TimeAllocation) by using triggered signaling or by being a predefined rule.

[0075] Exemplary Embodiment 5: New Sidelink SSB Time Allocation / Pattern (e.g., sl - SSB - TimeAllocation) for Spectrum Sharing

[0076] In some implementations, one or more new sidelink SSB time allocations / patterns (e.g., sl-SSB-TimeAllocation) are defined or configured.

[0077] In some implementations, a first communication device transmits a sidelink synchronization signal / PBCH block (SL-SSB) to a second communication device using a new sidelink SSB time allocation / pattern.

[0078] In some implementations, a new sidelink SSB time allocation / pattern is used for a positioning UE.

[0079] In some implementations, a new sidelink SSB time allocation / pattern is used for peer communication information.

[0080] In some implementations, a new sidelink SSB time allocation / pattern is used for a positioning-related communication device.

[0081] In some implementations, one or more time / timing synchronization parameters for a new sidelink SSB time allocation / pattern can be communicated between communication devices.

[0082] In some implementations, a new sidelink SSB time allocation / pattern includes one of the following parameters: the number of sidelink SSB transmissions within one sidelink SSB period, the slot offset from the start of the sidelink SSB period to the first sidelink SSB, or the slot interval between adjacent sidelink SSBs.

[0083] FIG. 3 shows an example of the timing relationship between uplink transmission and downlink transmission.

[0084] The uplink frame number i for transmission from the UE is N TAExcept for msgA transmission on PUSCH where μ = 0 is used, before the start of the corresponding downlink frame at the UE, T TA =(N TA +N TA,offset )T c is started (where N TA,offset is required by the current standard (e.g., TS38.213)).

[0085] Timing Advance Command MAC CE

[0086] Figure 4 shows an example of a timing advance command media access control (MAC) control element (MAC CE).

[0087] The timing advance command MAC CE is identified by a MAC subheader with a logical channel identifier (LCID).

[0088] As shown in Figure 4, the timing advance command MAC CE has a fixed size and consists of a single octet defined as follows.

[0089] - Tag identification (Tag ID): This field indicates the tag identification of the addressed tag. The tag containing the SpCell has a tag identification of 0. The length of this field is 2 bits.

[0090] - Timing advance command: This field indicates an index value TA (0, 1, 2... 63) used to control the amount of timing adjustment that the MAC entity needs to apply (as defined in TS38.213). The length of this field is 6 bits.

[0091] ServingCellConfigCommon

[0092] IE ServingCellConfigCommon is used to configure cell-specific parameters of the UE's serving cell. The parameter n-TimingAdvanceOffset is N in Figure 3TA,offset is referred to as.

[0093] [Table 4-1] [Table 4-2]

[0094] Sidelink Synchronization Information Transmission for New Radio (NR) Sidelink Communication

[0095] Figure 5A shows an example of synchronization information transmission for NR side-link communication in an in-coverage (full or partial) scenario. Figure 5B shows an example of synchronization information transmission for NR side-link communication in an out-of-coverage scenario. The purpose of this procedure is to provide synchronization information to the UE.

[0096] Sidelink Synchronization Information Transmission for V2X Sidelink Communication

[0097] Figure 6A shows an example of synchronization information transmission for vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2X) side-link communication in an in-coverage (full or partial) scenario. Figure 6B shows an example of synchronization information transmission for V2X side-link communication in an out-of-coverage scenario. The purpose of this procedure is to provide synchronization information to the UE.

[0098] Figure 7 shows an example of a process for wireless communication based on some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed technology.

[0099] In some implementations, the process 700 for wireless communication may include, at 710, communicating, by a first communication device, one or more timing synchronization parameters between the first communication device and a second communication device.

[0100] In some implementations, process 700 for wireless communication may further include, by a first communication device, determining timing information indicating at least one of a time / timing difference / gap or timing synchronization information in communication between the first communication device and a second communication device based on one or more timing synchronization parameters (timing synchronization may be referred to as "synchronization"), and performing an inter-device positioning operation by the first communication device based on the timing information.

[0101] In some implementations, one or more timing synchronization parameters (timing synchronization may be referred to as "synchronization") may include a synchronization priority, a priority group index, a sidelink synchronization identifier (SSID), an indication of whether a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) is reliable, whether a GNSS is reliable according to a method or specification, a value associated with hysteresis when evaluating a time synchronization reference communication device using an absolute comparison, a value associated with hysteresis when evaluating a time synchronization reference communication device using a relative comparison, a synchronization signal (SS) and a physical broadcast channel (PBCH) block (SSB) time allocation / pattern, a sidelink synchronization signal and a PBCH block (SSB) transmission time allocation / pattern, a sidelink synchronization signal and a PBCH block (SSB) transmission time allocation / pattern for direct synchronization to a GNSS, a synchronization signal (SS) and a PBCH block (SSB) time allocation / pattern for direct synchronization to a GNSS, a value included in a master information block sidelink message to indicate that a communication device transmitting the master information block sidelink message is within network coverage, a value indicating that a communication device selects GNSS timing as a synchronization reference source, or a field indicating whether a network is enabled to be selected as a synchronization reference, among others.

[0102] In some implementations, the step of communicating includes at least one of the steps of transmitting, receiving, broadcasting, unicasting, multicasting, relaying, requesting, responding, reporting, or exchanging.

[0103] In some implementations, the first and second communication devices include at least one of a user equipment (UE), a network node, a local server, a transmission and reception point (TRP), a location management function (LMF), a peer communication device, an access and mobility management function (AMF), a global navigation satellite system (GNSS), or a base station.

[0104] FIG. 8 shows another example of a process for wireless communication, based on some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed technology.

[0105] In some implementations, the process 800 for wireless communication may include, at 810, the step of a first communication device providing time / timing information indicating at least one of a time / timing difference / gap or timing synchronization information between a second communication device and a set of neighboring communication devices.

[0106] In some implementations, the process 800 for wireless communication may further include the step of a first communication device performing an inter-device positioning operation based on the time / timing information.

[0107] In some implementations, the time / timing difference / gap includes at least one of a difference in start timing, a duration in the time domain, or an offset in the time domain.

[0108] In some implementations, the first and second communication devices include at least one of a user equipment (UE), a network node, a local server, a transmission and reception point (TRP), a location management function (LMF), a peer communication device, an access and mobility management function (AMF), a global navigation satellite system (GNSS), or a base station.

[0109] Figures 9A-9C show other examples of processes for wireless communication, based on some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed technology.

[0110] In some implementations, process 900 for wireless communication includes, at 910, communicating, by a first communication device, first time / timing information indicative of at least one of a time / timing difference / gap or timing synchronization information between a third communication device and a fourth communication device, to a second communication device, or at 920, communicating, by the first communication device, second time / timing information indicative of at least one of a time / timing difference / gap or timing synchronization information between the first communication device and the second communication device, to the second communication device, or at 930, communicating, by the first communication device, third time / timing information indicative of at least one of a time / timing difference / gap or timing synchronization information between the first communication device and the third communication device, to the second communication device.

[0111] In some implementations, the communication device includes information associated with at least one of a user equipment (UE), a network node, a local server, a transmission and reception point (TRP), a location management function (LMF), a peer communication device, an access and mobility management function (AMF), a global navigation satellite system (GNSS), a base station, or a sidelink synchronization identifier (SSID).

[0112] In some implementations, the communication device includes at least one of a user equipment (UE), a network node, a local server, a transmission and reception point (TRP), a location management function (LMF), a peer communication device, an access and mobility management function (AMF), a global navigation satellite system (GNSS), or a base station.

[0113] In some implementations, the step of communicating includes at least one of the steps of transmitting, receiving, broadcasting, unicasting, groupcasting, relaying, requesting, responding, reporting, or exchanging.

[0114] In some implementations, the peer communication device is a communication device located in the vicinity of the positioning communication device.

[0115] In some implementations, the peer communication device is a communication device that satisfies one or more rules or one or more predefined rules.

[0116] In some implementations, the peer communication device is a communication device that satisfies one or more rules or one or more predefined rules related to the positioning communication device.

[0117] In some implementations, the time / timing difference / gap includes at least one of a difference in start timing, a duration in the time domain, or an offset in the time domain.

[0118] It should be understood that this book embodies in various embodiments a technique capable of transmitting and / or receiving one or more timing synchronization parameters between different communication devices in a wireless network. Other disclosed embodiments, modules, and functional operations described in this book can be implemented in a digital electronic circuit network, or in computer software, firmware, or hardware, or a combination of one or more of them, including the structures disclosed in this book and their structural equivalents. Other disclosed embodiments can be implemented as one or more computer program products, i.e., as one or more modules of computer program instructions encoded on a computer-readable medium for execution by, or to control the operation of, a data processing apparatus. The computer-readable medium can be a machine-readable storage device, a machine-readable storage substrate, a memory device, a composition that generates a machine-readable propagated signal, or a combination of one or more of them. The term "data processing apparatus" includes, by way of example, all apparatus, devices, and machines for processing data, including programmable processors, computers, or multiple processors or computers. The apparatus can include, in addition to hardware, code for creating an execution environment for the computer program, e.g., code that forms processor firmware, a protocol stack, a database management system, an operating system, or a combination of one or more of them. The propagated signal is an artificially generated signal, e.g., a machine-generated electrical, optical, or electromagnetic signal generated to encode information for transmission to a suitable receiver device.

[0119] A computer program (also known as a program, software, software application, script, or code) can be described in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, and can be developed in any form, either as a stand-alone program or as modules, components, subroutines, or other units suitable for use within a computer environment. A computer program does not necessarily correspond to a file in a file system. The program can be stored in part of a file that holds other programs or data (such as one or more scripts stored within a markup language document), in a single file dedicated to the program, or in multiple cooperating files (such as files that hold one or more modules, subprograms, or portions of code). A computer program can be deployed so as to be executed on one computer, or located on one site, or distributed across multiple sites and executed on multiple computers interconnected by a communication network.

[0120] The processes and logical flows described in this specification can be implemented by one or more programmable processors executing one or more computer programs to perform functions by operating on input data and generating output. The processes and logical flows can also be implemented by, and the apparatus can also be implemented as, special purpose logic circuitry, such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0121] Processors suitable for the execution of a computer program include, by way of example, both general-purpose and special-purpose microprocessors, as well as any one or more processors of any kind of digital computer. Generally, a processor will receive instructions and data from a read-only memory or a random access memory or both. Indispensable elements of a computer are a processor for executing instructions, and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Generally, a computer will also include, or be operatively coupled to, one or more mass storage devices for storing data, such as, magnetic, magneto-optical disks or optical disks, or receive data therefrom, or transfer data thereto, or both. However, a computer need not have such devices. Computer-readable media suitable for storing computer program instructions and data include, by way of example, all forms of non-volatile memory, media and memory devices, such as semiconductor memory devices, e.g., EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices, magnetic disks, e.g., internal hard disks or removable disks, magneto-optical disks, and CD-ROM and DVD-ROM disks. The processor and the memory can be supplemented by, or incorporated in, special-purpose logic circuitry.

[0122] Some embodiments may preferably implement one or more of the following solutions, which are listed in an appendix form. The following appendix is supported and further described in the above embodiments and throughout this document. As used in the following appendix and claims, a wireless device may be a user equipment, a mobile station, or any other wireless terminal, including a fixed node such as a base station. A network device includes a base station, implemented as a base station, a next-generation node B (gNB), an enhanced node B (eNB), or any other device.

[0123] Supplementary Note 1. A method of wireless communication, comprising communicating, by a first communication device, one or more timing synchronization parameters between the first communication device and a second communication device.

[0124] In some implementations, the one or more timing synchronization parameters may include a priority group index, a sidelink synchronization identifier (SSID), an indication as to whether a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) is reliable, whether the GNSS is reliable according to a method or specification, a value associated with hysteresis when evaluating a time synchronization reference communication device using an absolute comparison, a value associated with hysteresis when evaluating a time synchronization reference communication device using a relative comparison, a synchronization signal (SS) and physical broadcast channel (PBCH) block (SSB) time allocation / pattern, a sidelink synchronization signal and PBCH block (SSB) transmission time allocation / pattern, a sidelink synchronization signal and PBCH block (SSB) transmission time allocation / pattern for direct synchronization to GNSS, a synchronization signal (SS) and physical broadcast channel (PBCH) block (SSB) time allocation / pattern for direct synchronization to GNSS, a value included in a master information block sidelink message for indicating that a communication device transmitting the master information block sidelink message is within network coverage, a value indicating that a communication device selects GNSS timing as a synchronization reference source, or a field indicating whether the network is enabled to be selected as a synchronization reference, among at least one of them.

[0125] Appendix 2. The method according to Appendix 1, further comprising: determining, by the first communication device, time / timing information including at least one of a time / timing difference / gap or timing synchronization information in communication between the first communication device and the second communication device based on one or more timing synchronization parameters; and performing, by the first communication device, an inter-device positioning operation based on the time / timing information.

[0126] Appendix 3. One or more synchronization parameters include synchronization priority, priority group index, sidelink synchronization identifier (SSID), indication of whether a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) is reliable, whether a GNSS is reliable according to a method or specification, a value associated with hysteresis when evaluating a time synchronization reference communication device using an absolute comparison, a value associated with hysteresis when evaluating a time synchronization reference communication device using a relative comparison, synchronization signal (SS) and physical broadcast channel (PBCH) block (SSB) time allocation / pattern, sidelink synchronization signal and PBCH block (SSB) transmission time allocation / pattern, sidelink synchronization signal and PBCH block (SSB) transmission time allocation / pattern for direct synchronization to GNSS, synchronization signal (SS) and physical broadcast channel (PBCH) block (SSB) time allocation / pattern for direct synchronization to GNSS, a value included in a master information block sidelink message for indicating that a communication device transmitting the master information block sidelink message is within network coverage, a value indicating that a communication device selects GNSS timing as a synchronization reference source, or a field indicating whether a network can be selected as a synchronization reference, the method according to Appendix 1.

[0127] Appendix 4. Communicating includes at least one of transmitting, receiving, broadcasting, unicasting, groupcasting, relaying, requesting, responding, reporting, or exchanging, and is the method described in Appendix 1.

[0128] Appendix 5. The first and second communication devices include at least one of a user equipment (UE), a network node, a base station, a local server, a transmission and reception point (TRP), a location management function (LMF), a peer communication device, or an access and mobility management function (AMF), and is the method described in Appendix 1.

[0129] Appendix 6. The first communication device and the second communication device are peer communication devices for sidelink communication when at least one of the timing synchronization parameters has the same value for both the first communication device and the second communication device, and is the method described in Appendix 1.

[0130] Appendix 7. The peer communication device transmits a positioning reference signal to a positioning communication device, and is the method described in Appendix 6.

[0131] Appendix 8. A method of wireless communication, including providing time / timing information indicating at least one of a time / timing difference / gap or synchronization between a second communication device and a set of neighboring communication devices by a first communication device.

[0132] Appendix 9. The method described in Appendix 8, further including performing an inter-device positioning operation by the first communication device based on the time / timing information.

[0133] Appendix 10. The second communication device is selected as a reference communication device, and is the method described in Appendix 8.

[0134] The method according to appendix 8, further comprising selecting a third communication device for providing timing synchronization information between the second communication device and a neighboring communication device from a set of neighboring communication devices.

[0135] Appendix 12. Communicating first information with a third communication device, the first information being associated with the second communication device and a neighboring communication device, the first information including at least one of a user equipment identifier, a resource identifier, a resource set identifier, coordinated universal time (UTC), and time / timing information indicating at least one of a time / timing difference / gap or timing synchronization information between the second communication device and the neighboring communication device, the third communication device obtaining positioning information of the communication device based on the first information. The method according to appendix 8, further comprising this.

[0136] Appendix 13. The communication of the first information is performed by at least one of a positioning communication device, a first communication device, a second communication device, and a third communication device that can communicate with a positioning communication device. The method according to appendix 12.

[0137] Appendix 14. The second communication device and the neighboring communication device include their own location information or know their own locations. The method according to appendix 8.

[0138] Appendix 15. At least two of the second communication device and the neighboring communication device are synchronized with the third communication device. The method according to appendix 8.

[0139] Appendix 16. The communication device includes information associated with at least one of a user equipment (UE), a network node, a local server, a transmission and reception point (TRP), a location management function (LMF), a peer communication device, an access and mobility management function (AMF), a global navigation satellite system (GNSS), a base station, or a sidelink synchronization identifier (SSID). The method according to appendix 15.

[0140] Appendix 17. A method of wireless communication, comprising: communicating, by a first communication device, first time / timing information indicating at least one of a time / timing difference / gap or timing synchronization information between a third communication device and a fourth communication device to a second communication device; communicating, by the first communication device, second time / timing information indicating at least one of a time / timing difference / gap or timing synchronization information between the first communication device and the second communication device to the second communication device; or communicating, by the first communication device, third time / timing information indicating at least one of a time / timing difference / gap or timing synchronization information between the first communication device and the third communication device to the second communication device.

[0141] Appendix 18. The method according to Appendix 17, wherein the communication device includes information associated with at least one of a user equipment (UE), a network node, a local server, a transmission and reception point (TRP), a location management function (LMF), a peer communication device, an access and mobility management function (AMF), a global navigation satellite system (GNSS), a base station, or a sidelink synchronization identifier (SSID).

[0142] Appendix 19. The method according to Appendix 17, wherein communicating includes at least one of transmitting, receiving, broadcasting, unicasting, groupcasting, relaying, requesting, responding, reporting, or exchanging.

[0143] Appendix 20. The method according to Appendix 8, 15, or 17, wherein the communication device includes at least one of a user equipment (UE), a network node, a base station, a local server, a transmission and reception point (TRP), a location management function (LMF), a peer UE, an access and mobility management function (AMF), or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS).

[0144] Appendix 21. At least one of time or timing difference, time or timing gap, or timing synchronization information is the method according to Appendix 2, 8, or 17 that uses one or more new SSB time allocations or patterns.

[0145] Appendix 22. One or more new SSB time allocations or patterns include one or more parameters, and one or more parameters include at least one of the number of sidelink SSB transmissions within one sidelink SSB period, the slot offset from the start of the sidelink SSB period to the first sidelink SSB, or the slot interval between adjacent sidelink SSBs, which is the method according to Appendix 21.

[0146] Appendix 23. The time / timing difference / gap includes at least one of the difference in start timing, the duration in the time domain, or the offset in the time domain, which is the method according to Appendix 17.

[0147] Appendix 24. An apparatus for wireless communication, comprising a processor configured to perform the method according to any one of Appendices 1 - 22.

[0148] Appendix 25. A non - transitory computer - readable medium having code stored thereon, wherein the code, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to implement the method recited in any one of Appendices 1 - 23.

[0149] Some of the embodiments described herein are described in the general context of methods or processes, which in one embodiment may be implemented by a computer program product embodied in a computer-readable medium, including computer-executable instructions, such as program code, executed by a computer in a networked environment. The computer-readable medium may include removable and non-removable storage devices including, by way of example and not limitation, read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), compact disc (CD), digital versatile disc (DVD), etc. Thus, the computer-readable medium may include non-transitory storage media. Generally, program modules may include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Computer or processor-executable instructions, associated data structures, and program modules represent examples of program code for executing the steps of the methods disclosed herein. A particular sequence of such executable instructions or associated data structures represents an example of corresponding acts for implementing the functions described in such steps or processes.

[0150] Some of the disclosed embodiments can be implemented as a device or module using hardware circuitry, software, or a combination thereof. For example, a hardware circuitry implementation can include discrete analog and / or digital components that are integrated, for example, as part of a printed circuit board. In some implementations, or in addition, the disclosed components or modules can be implemented as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) and / or as a field programmable gate array (FPGA) device. Some implementations can additionally include a digital signal processor (DSP) that is a special microprocessor with an architecture optimized for the requirements of digital signal processing operations associated with the functionality disclosed herein. Similarly, the various components or sub-components within each module can be implemented in software, hardware, or firmware. Connectivity between modules and / or components within a module can be provided using any one of connectivity methods and media known in the art, including, but not limited to, communication via the Internet, wired, or wireless networks using an appropriate protocol.

[0151] This book contains many details, which should be construed as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments rather than as limitations to the scope of the claimed invention or what may be claimed. Certain features described in the context of separate embodiments in this book can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, the various features described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented separately in multiple embodiments or in any suitable sub-combination. Also, although a feature is described above as acting in a certain combination and may initially be claimed as such, one or more features from the claimed combination can in some cases be deleted, and the claimed combination may be directed to a sub-combination or a variation of a sub-combination. Similarly, operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, which should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order to achieve a desirable result, or that all of the illustrated operations be performed.

[0152] Only some implementations and examples are described, and other implementations, enhancements, and variations can also be made based on what is described and illustrated in this disclosure.

Claims

1. A method of wireless communication, the method comprising: a first communication device communicating first timing information indicating at least one of a time difference or timing synchronization information between a third communication device and a fourth communication device to a second communication device and each of the first communication device and the second communication device being a user equipment (UE) or a location management function (LMF), and the third communication device and the fourth communication device being UEs.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the communicating comprises at least one of transmitting or reporting.

3. A first communication device comprising one or more processors and a memory, the one or more processors reading code from the memory, the first communication device being configured to communicate first timing information indicating at least one of a time difference or timing synchronization information between a third communication device and a fourth communication device to a second communication device and each of the first communication device and the second communication device being a user equipment (UE) or a location management function (LMF), and the third communication device and the fourth communication device being UEs.

4. The device according to claim 3, wherein the communicating comprises at least one of transmitting or reporting.

5. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing code, which when executed by a processor of a first communication device, causes the first communication device to communicate first timing information indicating at least one of a time difference or timing synchronization information between a third communication device and a fourth communication device to a second communication device cause the first communication device to perform Each of the first communication device and the second communication device is a user equipment (UE) or a location management function (LMF), and the third communication device and the fourth communication device are UEs, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium.

6. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium according to claim 5, wherein the communicating includes at least one of transmitting or reporting.

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