User Equipment, Network Node and Method

Abstract

A system (1) is disclosed in which a user equipment (UE) (3) is configured for direct communication between UEs. The UE (3) receives from a network node (5) information for determining resources for transmitting a positioning reference signal of another UE (3), and transmits the positioning reference signal using the resources determined based on using the information.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure relates to wireless communication systems and devices thereof that operate in accordance with 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP)® standards or equivalents or derivatives thereof. This disclosure has particular, but not exclusive, relevance to positioning of user equipment (UE) in so-called "5G" or "new radio" (also referred to as "next generation" systems) and similar systems. [Background technology]

[0002] Under 3GPP standards, a NodeB (or "eNB" in LTE and "gNB" in 5G) is a base station through which communication devices (user equipment, or "UE") connect to the core network and communicate with other communication devices or remote servers. Communication between the UE and the base station is controlled using the so-called Radio Resource Control (RRC) protocol. A communication device may be, for example, a mobile communication device such as a mobile phone, smartphone, smartwatch, personal digital assistant, laptop / tablet computer, web browser, e-book reader, etc. Such mobile (or generally stationary) devices are typically operated by a user (and therefore they are often collectively referred to as user equipment, or "UE"), although it is also possible for Internet of Things (IoT) devices and similar Machine Type Communications (MTC) devices to connect to the network. For simplicity, this application will use the term base station to refer to any such base station and the term mobile device or UE to refer to such a communication device.

[0003] The latest development in the 3GPP standard is the so-called "5G" or "New Radio" (NR) standard, which refers to an evolving communications technology that is expected to support a variety of applications and services, such as MTC / IoT communications, vehicular communications and autonomous vehicles, high-definition video streaming, and smart city services. 3GPP intends to support 5G through the so-called 3GPP Next Generation (NextGen) radio access network (RAN) and 3GPP NextGen core (NGC) network. Various details of 5G networks are described, for example, in the "NGMN 5G White Paper" V1.0 (Non-Patent Document 1).

[0004] End-user communication devices are commonly referred to as User Equipment (UE) and may be operated by a human or may comprise automated (MTC / IoT) devices. Base stations in 5G / NR communication systems are commonly referred to as New Radio Base Stations ("NR-BS") or "gNBs," although it will be understood that they may also be referred to using the term "eNB" (or 5G / NR eNB), which is typically associated with Long Term Evolution (LTE) base stations (also commonly referred to as "4G" base stations). 3GPP Technical Specification (TS) 38.300 V16.7.0 (Non-Patent Document 2) and 3GPP TS 37.340 V16.7.0 (Non-Patent Document 3) define, among other things, the following nodes: gNB: A node that provides NR user plane and control plane protocol termination towards the UE and is connected to the 5G Core Network (5GC) via the NG interface. ng-eNB: A node that provides Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA) user plane and control plane protocol termination towards the UE and is connected to the 5GC via the NG interface. En-gNB: A node that provides protocol termination for the NR user plane and control plane towards the UE and functions as a secondary node in E-UTRA-NR Dual Connectivity (EN-DC). NG-RAN node: Either gNB or ng-eNB.

[0005] The term base station or RAN node is used herein to refer to any such node.

[0006] 3GPP standards also specify various ways in which UEs can communicate data with each other without using base station resources (although in some cases, the UEs require at least some control signaling from the base station). Such communication is commonly referred to as UE-to-UE direct communication or Device-to-Device (D2D) communication. D2D communication was originally defined as part of the Proximity Services (ProSe) service in Releases 12 and 13 of the specifications. As part of the ProSe service, a new D2D interface was introduced. This D2D interface is called "PC5" or "sidelink" at the physical layer. Sidelink provides a direct link for communication between devices, regardless of whether network coverage is available. Sidelink has been enhanced for vehicular use cases, addressing high-speed (up to 250 km / h along roads and 500 km / h along railways) and high-density (thousands of nodes) scenarios.

[0007] Sidelink has several application areas, such as proximity services, public safety, IoT including machine-type communications and sensors, and wearable devices, among others. The term Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) encompasses a special application area of Sidelink / PC5 aimed at communication between vehicles using a direct link. V2X encompasses at least the following categories: Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V); Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I); Vehicle-to-Pedestrian (V2P); Vehicle-to-Home (V2H); and enhanced Vehicle-to-Everything (eV2X).

[0008] An important aspect of D2D, especially in the case of V2X, is the positioning of UEs (vehicles). V2X positioning requirements can be found in 3GPP TS 22.261 V17.10.0 (Non-Patent Document 4) and 3GPP TS 22.186 V17.0.0 (Non-Patent Document 5). 3GPP TS 22.261 (Non-Patent Document 4) specifies high-precision positioning requirements for 5G systems, and these requirements are summarized in Section 7.3.2.2 thereof, noting that they include V2X. Seven different positioning service levels are defined in Table 7.3.2.2-1 of 3GPP TS 22.261 (Non-Patent Document 4) in terms of horizontal and vertical accuracy, positioning service availability, and positioning service latency. 3GPP TS 22.186 (Non-Patent Document 5) specifies the relative lateral and relative longitudinal positioning requirements for common V2X use cases. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0009] [Non-Patent Document 1] “NGMN 5G White Paper”, V1.0, the Next Generation Mobile Networks (NGMN) Alliance, February 2015, https: / / ngmn.org / wp-content / uploads / NGMN_5G_White_Paper_V1_0.pdf [Non-licensed document 2] 3GPP TS 38.300, "NR; NR and NG-RAN Overall Description; Stage 2", V16.7.0 (2021-09) [Non-licensed document 3] 3GPP TS 37.340, "Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA) and NR; Multi-connectivity; Stage 2", V16.7.0 (2021-09)

Non-licensed Document 4

Non-licensed Document 5

Non-licensed Document 6

Non-licensed Document 7

[0010] The 5G Automotive Association (5GAA) provides positioning requirements for various V2X services assigned to three groups: a first group with 10-meter accuracy (e.g., for informational use cases), a second group with lane-level accuracy (e.g., for safety use cases), and a third group with sub-meter-level accuracy (e.g., for autonomous or remote driving). Positioning requirements may relate to 3D / 2D coordinates (absolute position), or distance and / or angle (relative position) to an anchor node, e.g., another UE. Further details can be found in 3GPP document number RP-210040 (Non-Patent Document 6).

[0011] However, the sidelink has not been used for positioning before, and the inventors have identified several problems with sidelink positioning. Note that the following terminology is used herein: Anchor UE: a UE used as an anchor node to locate another UE; - anchor node: a network element used as an anchor node to identify another network node; - Target UE: UE whose location is unknown and needs to be located; - Target node: a network element whose location is unknown and needs to be located; -S-PRS: Sidelink positioning reference signal, i.e., positioning reference signals transmitted / received on the sidelink and used for positioning purposes.

[0012] One issue with sidelink positioning, especially in use cases / scenarios that require sub-meter accuracy, is that the position change of a moving anchor node during the entire positioning procedure affects the positioning accuracy.

[0013] When the UE is outside the coverage of any base station, it applies autonomous resource allocation determined by a sensing procedure performed autonomously by the transmitting UE. In such cases, the UE randomly selects an appropriate amount of resources, but the selected resources are generally not periodic, which may cause problems for sidelink positioning.

[0014] Furthermore, the currently defined slot formats for the sidelink are not suitable for transmitting positioning reference signals (PRS), since some symbols may carry special information that may interfere with the PRS.

[0015] Positioning reference signals can be transmitted using licensed bands and so-called Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) bands. The available ITS bandwidth is less than 80 MHz, and in some countries, only 20 MHz is allocated to ITS. Since positioning accuracy is related to the PRS bandwidth (large bandwidth is required to achieve high accuracy, such as sub-meter accuracy), the ITS spectrum may not be able to provide sufficient accuracy if timing difference-based positioning methods are used.

[0016] Another problem is that even if the anchor UE is located closer than the base station, the power of the PRS received from the anchor UE may be significantly lower than the power of the PRS received from the serving or neighboring base stations. This power difference can cause interference and limit which anchor nodes the UE can use for sidelink positioning. It can also affect the accuracy of positioning. Although there may be many UEs (and base stations) that can serve as anchor nodes / UEs for sidelink positioning, not all of these anchor nodes / UEs may be suitable for the desired positioning method or accuracy. However, no suitable procedure exists for selecting an appropriate anchor node.

[0017] SUMMARY Accordingly, the present disclosure seeks to provide methods and related apparatus that address or at least mitigate (at least some of) the problems discussed above. [Means for solving the problem]

[0018] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a method performed by a network node, the method including receiving location information of a UE configured for user equipment (UE)-to-UE direct communication and selected as an anchor UE, receiving assistance information indicating at least one characteristic related to the location of the anchor UE, and using the location information and assistance information in a procedure for determining a location of a target UE. The location information and assistance information may be received periodically or on-demand. The at least one characteristic related to the location of the anchor UE may be a change in location of the anchor UE or a timestamp.

[0019] The assistance information may include at least one of a time value associated with the location information, information identifying the velocity of the anchor UE, information identifying the direction of travel of the UE, information regarding the relative velocity of the UE, and information identifying a Doppler effect associated with signals used in a procedure for determining the location of the target UE. The time value associated with the location information may indicate a time when the location information was obtained or a time when a positioning reference signal or a sounding reference signal associated with the location information was transmitted by the anchor UE using UE-to-UE direct communication.

[0020] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a method configured for user equipment (UE)-to-UE direct communication and performed by a UE selected as an anchor UE, the method including transmitting to a network node location information of the UE and assistance information indicative of at least one characteristic related to the location of the UE, for use by the network node in a procedure for determining a location of a target UE.

[0021] The network node may be a further UE, a base station, or a positioning function entity.

[0022] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a method performed by a first user equipment (UE) configured for UE-to-UE direct communication, the method including receiving, from a network node, information identifying contiguous resources for transmission of a positioning reference signal for a second UE; and transmitting the positioning reference signal using the contiguous resources.

[0023] The transmitting of the positioning reference signal may be performed over the entire configured bandwidth used for UE-to-UE direct communication, and the information indicating the contiguous resource may indicate a period for transmitting the positioning reference signal.

[0024] The transmitting of the positioning reference signal may be performed over the entire configured bandwidth used for UE-to-UE direct communication, or the transmitting of the positioning reference signal may be performed using a common portion of contiguous resources and a predetermined resource pool for transmitting the positioning reference signal.

[0025] Transmitting the positioning reference signal may be performed over an entire configured bandwidth used for UE-to-UE direct communication, and the method may include selecting at least one specific resource from the contiguous resources by performing spectrum sensing, and transmitting the positioning reference signal may be performed using the at least one specific resource.

[0026] The contiguous resource may indicate a resource pool, and transmitting the positioning reference signal may be performed using at least one resource included in the resource pool.

[0027] The continuous resource may be represented by bitmap information.

[0028] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a method performed by a network node, the method including transmitting, to a first user equipment (UE) configured for UE-to-UE direct communication, information identifying contiguous resources in at least one of a time domain and a frequency domain for transmission of a positioning reference signal for a second UE.

[0029] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a method performed by a user equipment (UE), the method including: receiving first configuration information for UE-to-UE direct communication, the first configuration information including information identifying at least one symbol for one or more of a physical sidelink control channel (PSCCH), a physical sidelink feedback channel (PSFCH), at least one automatic gain control (AGC), and at least one guard symbol within a slot; and transmitting a positioning reference signal using one or more other symbols other than the at least one symbol based on the first configuration information and the second configuration information.

[0030] The method may further include receiving second configuration information for transmitting a positioning reference signal, the second configuration information including information identifying an offset in a number of symbols for determining a starting symbol to be used for transmitting the positioning reference signal, and puncturing the positioning reference signal by at least one symbol.

[0031] The method may further include receiving second configuration information for transmitting the positioning reference signal, the second configuration information including information identifying an offset for determining a starting symbol to be used for transmitting the positioning reference signal based on a maximum number of symbols of the PSCCH.

[0032] The offset may be selected from a range having a minimum value equal to the maximum number of symbols in the PSCCH plus one and a maximum value equal to the total number of symbols in the slot minus a count of at least one symbol.

[0033] The method may further include receiving, via sidelink control information (SCI), second configuration information for transmitting a positioning reference signal via at least one specific symbol in the slot.

[0034] The positioning reference signal may be an aperiodic positioning reference signal.

[0035] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a method, performed by a network node, comprising: transmitting first configuration information for user equipment (UE)-to-user equipment (UE) direct communication, the configuration information including information identifying at least one symbol for one or more of a physical sidelink control channel (PSCCH), a physical sidelink feedback channel (PSFCH), at least one automatic gain control (AGC) symbol, and at least one guard symbol in a slot; and transmitting second configuration information to the UE for transmitting a positioning reference signal using one or more other symbols other than the at least one symbol.

[0036] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a method performed by a network node for positioning of a user equipment (UE) configured for UE-to-UE direct communication, the method including performing phase measurement-based positioning, performing at least one other type of positioning, and determining a location of the UE based on the phase measurement-based positioning and the at least one other type of positioning.

[0037] The at least one other type of positioning may include one or more of: positioning based on timing of the positioning reference signal; positioning based on power of the positioning reference signal; positioning based on angle-of-departure of the positioning reference signal; and positioning based on angle-of-arrival of the positioning reference signal.

[0038] The phase measurement based positioning and at least one other type of positioning may use each of the positioning reference signal resource sets.

[0039] Each of the positioning reference signal resource sets may be mutually exclusive, or each of the positioning reference signal resource sets may be at least partially overlapping.

[0040] The method may further include performing measurements of time differences of arrival of positioning reference signals in the overlapping set and performing measurements of phases of the positioning reference signals in the overlapping set, and the location of the UE may be determined based on the time differences of arrival and phases of the positioning reference signals in the overlapping set.

[0041] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a method performed by a user equipment (UE) configured for UE-to-UE direct communication, the method including receiving information identifying at least one time period associated with the UE for muting transmission of positioning reference signals by the UE, the time period defined at a symbol level or a slot level.

[0042] The information may identify at least one time period based on a pattern, the at least one time period associated with the UE may be different from at least one further time period associated with a further UE, and the at least one time period associated with the UE may be based on a random pattern.

[0043] The at least one time period associated with the UE may be applicable when transmissions by the serving base station or a neighboring base station are muted, and the method may further include transmitting a positioning reference signal in the at least one time period associated with the UE when transmissions by the serving base station or a neighboring base station are muted.

[0044] The method may further include transmitting a positioning reference signal during at least one time period associated with the UE regardless of whether transmissions by the serving base station or transmissions by neighboring base stations are muted.

[0045] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a method performed by a network node, the method including transmitting, to a user equipment (UE) configured for UE-to-UE direct communication, information identifying at least one time period associated with the UE for muting transmission of positioning reference signals by the UE, the time period defined at a symbol level or a slot level.

[0046] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a method performed by a user equipment (UE) configured for UE-to-UE direct communication, the method including: performing a plurality of measurements based on respective positioning reference signals transmitted by a plurality of anchor UEs; transmitting results of the plurality of measurements and respective identifiers associated with the anchor UEs to which the results relate to a network node; and receiving, from the network node, at least one of the respective identifiers indicative of one or more anchor UEs used to determine a current location of the UE.

[0047] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a method performed by a network node, the method including receiving, from a user equipment (UE) configured for UE-to-UE direct communication, results of a plurality of measurements based on respective positioning reference signals transmitted by a plurality of anchor UEs and respective identifiers associated with the anchor UEs to which the results relate; and transmitting to the UE at least one of the respective identifiers indicative of one or more anchor UEs used to determine a current location of the UE.

[0048] The method may further include selecting, based on at least one criterion, one or more anchor UEs to be used to determine a current location of the UE.

[0049] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a method performed by a user equipment (UE) configured for UE-to-UE direct communication, the method including receiving, from an anchor UE, at least one of information indicating whether a location of the anchor UE is available and information indicating whether the anchor UE can be used for positioning; and, if the location of the anchor UE is available and the anchor UE can be used for positioning, sending a request to the anchor UE to determine a current location of the UE.

[0050] The method may further include receiving, from each of the plurality of anchor UEs, information indicating whether a location of one of the plurality of anchor UEs is available, and selecting one or more of the plurality of anchor UEs based on at least one criterion to determine a current location of the UE.

[0051] The at least one criterion may include one or more of a location availability criterion, a speed criterion, a received signal power criterion, and a received signal quality criterion.

[0052] The network node may be a base station, a UE, or a positioning function entity.

[0053] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a network node configured for user equipment (UE)-to-UE direct communication, comprising: means (e.g., a memory, a controller, and a transceiver) for receiving location information of a UE selected as an anchor UE; means for receiving assistance information indicative of at least one characteristic related to the location of the anchor UE; and means for using the location information and the assistance information in a procedure for determining a location of a target UE.

[0054] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a user equipment (UE) configured for UE-to-UE direct communication and selected as an anchor UE, the UE comprising means (e.g., a memory, a controller, and a transceiver) for transmitting to a network node location information of the UE and assistance information indicative of at least one characteristic related to the location of the UE, for use by the network node in a procedure for determining a location of a target UE.

[0055] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a first user equipment (UE) configured for UE-to-UE direct communication, the first UE comprising: means (e.g., a memory, a controller, and a transceiver) for receiving, from a network node, information identifying contiguous resources for transmission of a positioning reference signal for a second UE; and means for transmitting the positioning reference signal using the contiguous resources.

[0056] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a network node comprising: means (e.g., a memory, a controller, and a transceiver) for transmitting, to a first user equipment (UE) configured for UE-to-UE direct communication, information identifying contiguous resources in at least one of the time domain and the frequency domain for transmission of a positioning reference signal for a second UE.

[0057] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a user equipment (UE) comprising: means (e.g., a memory, a controller, and a transceiver) for receiving first configuration information for user equipment (UE)-to-UE direct communication, the first configuration information including information identifying at least one symbol for one or more of a physical sidelink control channel (PSCCH), a physical sidelink feedback channel (PSFCH), at least one automatic gain control (AGC), and at least one guard symbol within a slot; and means for transmitting a positioning reference signal using one or more other symbols other than the at least one symbol based on the first configuration information and the second configuration information.

[0058] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a network node comprising: means (e.g., a memory, a controller, and a transceiver) for transmitting first configuration information for user equipment (UE)-to-user equipment (UE) direct communication, the configuration information including information identifying at least one symbol for one or more of a physical sidelink control channel (PSCCH), a physical sidelink feedback channel (PSFCH), at least one automatic gain control (AGC) symbol, and at least one guard symbol in a slot; and means for transmitting second configuration information to the UE for transmitting a positioning reference signal using one or more other symbols other than the at least one symbol.

[0059] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a network node for positioning a user equipment (UE) configured for UE-to-UE direct communication, the network node comprising: means (e.g., a memory, a controller, and a transceiver) for performing phase measurement-based positioning; means for performing at least one other type of positioning; and means for determining a location of the UE based on the phase measurement-based positioning and the at least one other type of positioning.

[0060] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a user equipment (UE) configured for UE-to-UE direct communication, the UE comprising: means (e.g., a memory, a controller, and a transceiver) for receiving information identifying at least one time period associated with the UE for muting transmission of positioning reference signals by the UE, the time period being defined at a symbol level or a slot level.

[0061] In one aspect, the present disclosure comprises means (e.g., a memory, a controller, and a transceiver) for transmitting, to a user equipment (UE) configured for UE-to-UE direct communication, information identifying at least one time period associated with the UE for muting transmission of positioning reference signals by the UE, the time period being defined at a symbol level or a slot level.

[0062] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a user equipment (UE) configured for UE-to-UE direct communication, the UE comprising: means (e.g., a memory, a controller, and a transceiver) for performing a plurality of measurements based on respective positioning reference signals transmitted by a plurality of anchor UEs; means for transmitting results of the plurality of measurements and respective identifiers associated with the anchor UEs to which the results relate to a network node; and means for receiving, from the network node, at least one of the respective identifiers indicating one or more anchor UEs used to determine a current location of the UE.

[0063] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a network node comprising: means (e.g., a memory, a controller, and a transceiver) for receiving, from a UE configured for direct user equipment (UE)-to-UE communication, results of a plurality of measurements based on respective positioning reference signals transmitted by a plurality of anchor UEs and respective identifiers associated with the anchor UEs to which the results relate; and means for transmitting to the UE at least one of the respective identifiers indicative of one or more anchor UEs used to determine a current location of the UE.

[0064] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a user equipment (UE) configured for UE-to-UE direct communication, the UE comprising: means (e.g., a memory, a controller, and a transceiver) for receiving, from an anchor UE, at least one of information indicating whether a location of the anchor UE is available and information indicating whether the anchor UE can be used for positioning; and means for transmitting a request to the anchor UE to determine a current location of the UE if the location of the anchor UE is available and the anchor UE can be used for positioning.

[0065] Aspects of the present disclosure extend to corresponding systems, apparatus, and computer program products, such as computer-readable storage media having stored therein instructions, the instructions operable to program a programmable processor to perform the methods according to the aspects and possibilities set out above or claimed, and / or to program a computer suitably adapted to provide an apparatus according to any of the claims.

[0066] To facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art, the present disclosure will be described in detail in the context of a 3GPP system (5G network), but the principles of the present disclosure can also be applied to other systems.

[0067] The present disclosure is defined by the appended claims. Aspects of the disclosure are set out in the independent claims. Some optional features are set out in the dependent claims.

[0068] However, each feature disclosed in this specification (which term includes claims) and / or shown in the drawings may be incorporated into the disclosure independently of (or in combination with) any other disclosed and / or shown feature. In particular, but not by way of limitation, any feature of a claim dependent on a particular independent claim may be introduced into that independent claim in any combination or individually. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0069] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Figure 1] 1 illustrates schematically a mobile (cellular or wireless) telecommunications system in which embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of an exemplary scenario in which embodiments of the present disclosure may be applicable. [Figure 3] 2 is a schematic block diagram of a mobile device forming part of the system shown in FIG. 1; [Figure 4] 2 is a schematic block diagram of an access network node (eg, a base station) forming part of the system shown in FIG. 1; [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a core network node forming part of the system shown in FIG. 1; [Figure 6A] FIG. 2 illustrates schematically one exemplary way in which positioning may be achieved in the system shown in FIG. 1; [Figure 6B] FIG. 2 illustrates schematically one exemplary way in which positioning may be achieved in the system shown in FIG. 1; [Figure 7] FIG. 2 illustrates schematically one exemplary way in which positioning may be achieved in the system shown in FIG. 1; [Figure 8]FIG. 2 illustrates schematically one exemplary way in which positioning may be achieved in the system shown in FIG. 1; [Figure 9] FIG. 2 illustrates schematically one exemplary way in which positioning may be achieved in the system shown in FIG. 1; [Figure 10] FIG. 2 illustrates schematically one exemplary way in which positioning may be achieved in the system shown in FIG. 1; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0070] overview FIG. 1 illustrates schematically a mobile (cellular or wireless) telecommunications system 1 in which embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied.

[0071] In this system 1, users of mobile devices 3 (UE) can communicate with each other and other users via base stations 5 (and other access network nodes) and a core network 7 using an appropriate 3GPP radio access technology (RAT), such as, for example, Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA) and / or 5G RAT. It will be appreciated that multiple base stations 5 form a (radio) access network or (R)AN. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, for illustrative purposes, while FIG. 1 shows two mobile devices 3A and 3B and one base station 5, the system, when implemented, will typically include other base stations / (R)AN nodes and mobile devices (UE).

[0072] Each base station 5 controls (directly or via other nodes such as home base stations, relays, remote radio heads, distributed units, etc.) one or more associated cells. Base stations 5 that support next generation / 5G protocols may be referred to as "gNBs." It will be appreciated that some base stations 5 may be configured to support both 4G and 5G protocols, and / or any other 3GPP or non-3GPP communication protocol.

[0073] A mobile device 3 and its serving base station 5 are connected via an appropriate radio interface (e.g., the so-called "NR" radio interface and / or the "Uu" interface). Adjacent base stations 5 are connected to each other via an appropriate inter-base station interface (e.g., the so-called "Xn" interface, the "X2" interface, etc.). The base stations 5 also connect to core network nodes via an appropriate interface (e.g., the so-called "NG-U" interface (for the user plane), the so-called "NG-C" interface (for the control plane), etc.).

[0074] The core network 7 (e.g., EPC in the case of LTE, or NGC in the case of NR / 5G) typically includes logical nodes (or "functions") for supporting communications in the telecommunications system 1 and for (among other things) positioning management, subscriber management, mobility management, charging, security, and call / session management. For example, the core network 7 in a "next generation" / 5G system includes user plane and control plane entities, such as one or more control plane functions (CPFs) 10 and one or more user plane functions (UPFs) 11. For example, the so-called Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) in 5G, or Mobility Management Entity (MME) in 4G, is responsible for handling connectivity and mobility management tasks for mobile devices 3; the Session Management Function (SMF) is responsible for handling communication sessions for mobile devices 3, such as session establishment, modification, and release; and the Location Management Function (LMF) 12 configures UEs 3 using the LTE positioning protocol (LPP) via the AMF. The core network 7 connects (via the UPF 11) to a data network (external (IP) network) 20, such as the Internet or a similar Internet Protocol (IP) based network.

[0075] Direct (UE-UE) communication between nearby UEs 3 is possible in this system 1. For example, such direct communication may be realized based on the procedures defined by 3GPP for the so-called sidelink (PC5 interface).

[0076] To achieve robust and efficient sidelink positioning, the nodes of the system are configured to support at least some of the following improvements:

[0077] If the anchor node / UE is moving, position changes during the positioning procedure may affect the positioning accuracy. In this system, this issue is addressed by various types of assistance information to improve the accuracy or reliability of the positioning process. For example, the location of a moving anchor node may be signaled with a timestamp (as a first type of assistance information). The timestamp may indicate the time of transmission of a positioning reference signal (e.g., PRS or SRS) associated with that location or the time the anchor node's location was acquired. Other types of assistance information regarding the anchor node's location may also be used, such as speed, heading, etc., relative to the anchor node. The speed, heading, etc., may be given relative to the UE 3. Using the location and associated assistance information, the UE or the network can infer the anchor node's precise location (e.g., relative to the UE). The assistance information may also include information regarding the Doppler effect of the signal. Specifically, the UE 3 may be configured to perform appropriate measurements for Doppler (e.g., based on each of the positioning reference signals) to estimate the relative speed of nearby anchor nodes. The UE3 can report measurements to the base station / LMF for network-based positioning and obtain the precise location of the anchor node from the network.

[0078] Once the location of one or more anchor nodes (including moving anchor nodes) is known, UE 3 can determine its own location based on the locations of the anchor nodes.

[0079] UE 3 can only communicate with other UEs via the PC5 interface if it is not within the coverage of a base station. This is called "out of coverage". UE 3 can be configured to randomly select resources, but such resources are not periodic or continuous in frequency or time domain (due to the random selection). To improve positioning accuracy and reliability, the effects of such randomness can be avoided when transmitting reference signals using one of the following options: Option 1: The PRS is configured across the entire configured bandwidth used for the sidelink (e.g., the bandwidth portion associated with the sidelink). In one alternative, the anchor node UE transmits the PRS across the entire configured bandwidth, but only in one of the resource pools configured for the UE (either the PRS-specific resource pool or another sidelink-related resource pool). Since the PRS is transmitted across the entire system bandwidth (or the configured bandwidth), other channel and other PRS resources are punctured to avoid interference. In another alternative, the anchor node UE, after performing sensing, transmits the PRS within selected resources, across the entire system bandwidth, or across the entire configured bandwidth. In this case, the selected resources may include one or more symbols and / or one or more slots. Other PRS resources are punctured. Option 2: The anchor UE transmits the PRS within the resource pool configured for the UE, however, in this case the PRS is restricted to the resource pool. Option 3: The PRS configuration is explicitly indicated. In this case, the anchor UE 3 (or, for example, a base station 5 in partial coverage) explicitly indicates the resources, e.g., resource blocks (RBs), used for the PRS configuration. Any UE 3 in the vicinity of the anchor UE 3 (or base station 5) can obtain the PRS configuration used by that anchor node and receive the PRS using the resources indicated by the configuration.

[0080] Regarding the slot configuration of the PRS, the following options may be used to avoid transmitting the PRS over unavailable symbols. Option 1: The currently defined range of offset values is kept (i.e., dl-PRS-ResourceSymbolOffset can be set between 0 and 12), and the PRS is punctured with any special symbols (e.g., AGC) and / or PSCCH. Beneficially, the PRS can be configured from the first symbol. Option 2: To avoid configuring PRS on any special symbol / PSCCH, a new range of values is used for the offset (e.g., dl-PRS-ResourceSymbolOffset or a new sidelink-specific offset). For example, the minimum value of the offset is between 1 and N. PSCCH,max +1 and N PSCCH,max is the maximum number of symbols in the PSCCH. Therefore, the offset is "1" (or N PSCCH,max The value may be selected from the range between +1 and 12.

[0081] Option 3: PSCCH may be avoided by configuring aperiodic PRS via sidelink control information (SCI), in which case the applicable PRS configuration may be provided to the UE 3 (via the SCI) to avoid symbols used for PSCCH.

[0082] Regarding improved positioning accuracy when using the ITS spectrum (or other narrowband), carrier phase-based positioning methods may be used for sidelink positioning. Specifically, carrier phase-based positioning may be used in combination with one or more other positioning methods (e.g., timing difference-based positioning methods). Advantageously, the UE 3 may first perform timing / power / AoD / AoA-based positioning with relatively relaxed accuracy requirements, and then perform carrier phase-based positioning to reduce complexity and achieve higher accuracy. The combined measurements may result in a more accurate and resource-efficient procedure than using either positioning method alone.

[0083] When performing sidelink positioning, the UE 3 may receive PRS signals from both the base station 5 and another UE 3 acting as an anchor node (anchor UE). In this case, the power of the PRS received from the anchor UE 3 may be much lower than the PRS from the serving base station or neighboring base stations. To address this issue, the anchor UE 3 may be configured with periodic micro-muting patterns or may employ a random pattern using a bitmap.

[0084] Regarding the selection of an appropriate anchor node / anchor UE, the UE 3 or the network (e.g., base station or LMF 12) may be configured to apply one or more criteria. For absolute positioning, only UEs 3 with known locations should be used as anchor nodes. Even with known locations, some UEs, e.g., UEs with high speeds, should not be used as anchor nodes (due to the Doppler effect). Criteria for anchor node / UE selection may include, for example, the location availability of a given anchor node, the speed of a given anchor node (e.g., via Doppler measurements), the received signal power and / or quality of a given anchor node (e.g., RSRP / RSRQ of the sidelink), and the security requirements of a given anchor node (e.g., whether its location can be shared with other network nodes).

[0085] User Equipment (UE) FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the main components of the mobile device (UE) 3 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. As shown, the UE 3 includes a transceiver circuit 31 operable to transmit signals to and receive signals from connected nodes via one or more antennas 33. While not necessarily shown in FIG. 3, the UE 3 naturally has all the usual functionality of a conventional mobile device (such as a user interface 35), which may be provided by any one or any combination of hardware, software, and firmware, as appropriate. A controller 37 controls the operation of the UE 3 according to software stored in memory 39. The software may be pre-installed in memory 39 and / or downloaded, for example, via the telecommunications network 1 or from a removable data storage device (RMD). The software includes, among other things, an operating system 41, a communication control module 43, a direct communication module 45, and a positioning module 47.

[0086] The communications control module 43 is responsible for processing (generating / sending / receiving) signaling messages and uplink / downlink data packets between the UE 3 and other nodes, including the (R)AN node 5 and core network nodes. The signaling may include control signaling related to UE positioning (e.g., via system information or RRC). It will be understood that the communications control module 43 may include several sub-modules (“layers” or “entities”) to support specific functions. For example, the communications control module 43 may include a PHY sub-module, a MAC sub-module, an RLC sub-module, a PDCP sub-module, an SDAP sub-module, an IP sub-module, an RRC sub-module, etc.

[0087] The direct communication module 45 is responsible for direct UE-to-UE communication (based on control / configuration information obtained via the communication control module 43).

[0088] The positioning module 47 is responsible for positioning procedures, including processing positioning reference signals such as PRS and SRS, as well as obtaining and applying PRS configurations and slot formats for sidelink positioning. The positioning module 47 may communicate with other UEs 3 (via the direct communication module 45) over an appropriate UE-to-UE interface, such as the sidelink / PC5. The positioning module 47 may also communicate (via the communication control module 43) with positioning function entities in the core network 7, such as base stations 5 and / or LMFs 12. In the case of network-based positioning, the positioning function entities may assist the UE 3 in determining its location (or the location of another node) or may provide the location to the UE 3 (if determined by the positioning function entity itself).

[0089] Access network node (base station) FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the main components of the base station 5 (or a similar access network node) shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. As shown, the base station 5 includes transceiver circuitry 51 operable to transmit signals to and receive signals from connected UEs 3 via one or more antennas 53, and to transmit signals to and receive signals from other network nodes (directly or indirectly) via a network interface 55. The network interface 55 typically includes an appropriate base station-to-base station interface (e.g., X2 / Xn) and an appropriate base station-to-core network interface (e.g., S1 / N1 / N2 / N3). A controller 57 controls the operation of the base station 5 according to software stored in memory 59. The software may be pre-installed in memory 59 and / or downloaded, for example, via the telecommunications network 1 or from a removable data storage device (RMD). The software includes, among other things, an operating system 61 and a communications control module 63.

[0090] The communication control module 63 is responsible for processing (generating / sending / receiving) signaling between the base station 5 and other nodes, such as the UE 3 and core network nodes. The signaling may include control signaling related to UE positioning (e.g., via system information or RRC). It will be understood that the communication control module 63 may include several sub-modules (“layers” or “entities”) to support specific functions. For example, the communication control module 63 may include a PHY sub-module, a MAC sub-module, an RLC sub-module, a PDCP sub-module, an SDAP sub-module, an IP sub-module, an RRC sub-module, etc.

[0091] Access Network Node (RSU) A so-called Road Side Unit (RSU) is defined as a stationary infrastructure entity supporting V2X applications that can exchange messages with other entities supporting V2X applications. RSU is a term frequently used in existing ITS specifications, and the terminology introduced in the related 3GPP specifications is intended to make documents easier to read for the ITS industry. An RSU is a logical entity that supports V2X application logic using functionality provided by either the 3GPP network or the UE (referred to as a UE-type RSU). Note that when a UE or a base station is mentioned in the following sections, it also refers to a UE-type RSU and a base station-type RSU.

[0092] Core Network Functions 5 is a block diagram illustrating the main components of a typical core network function, such as the CPF 10, UPF 11, or LMF 12 shown in FIG. 1. As shown, the core network function includes a transceiver circuit 71 operable to transmit signals to and receive signals from other nodes (including UEs 3, base stations 5, and other core network nodes) via a network interface 75. A controller 77 controls the operation of the core network function in accordance with software stored in memory 79. The software may be pre-installed in memory 79 and / or may be downloaded, for example, via the telecommunications network 1 or from a removable data storage device (RMD). The software includes, among other things, an operating system 81, a communication control module 83, and (e.g., in the case of the LMF 12) a location management module 87.

[0093] The communication control module 83 is responsible for handling (generating / sending / receiving) signaling between the core network functions and other nodes, such as the UE 3, the base station 5, and other core network nodes. The signaling may include, for example, signaling related to UE positioning.

[0094] If present, the location management module 87 is responsible for the (network-based) positioning procedure, which includes providing the UE 3 with the PRS configuration and slot format for sidelink positioning. The location management module 87 communicates with the UE 3 (via the communication control module 83 and the base station 5). In the case of network-based positioning, the location management module 87 may assist the UE 3 in determining the UE's location (or the location of another node) or may provide the UE 3 with that location (if determined by the positioning function entity itself).

[0095] Detailed Description The 3GPP standard defines downlink (DL) physical channels corresponding to resource elements (REs) that carry information transmitted from higher layers, and DL physical signals corresponding to REs used in the physical layer that do not carry information transmitted from higher layers. For example, the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH), physical broadcast channel (PBCH), physical multicast channel (PMCH), physical control format indicator channel (PCFICH), physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), and physical hybrid ARQ indicator channel (PHICH) are defined as DL physical channels, and reference signals (RSs) and synchronization signals (SSs) are defined as DL physical signals. A reference signal, also called a pilot signal, is a signal with a predetermined special waveform known to both the UE 3 and the base station 5. For example, the DL reference signals include a cell-specific reference signal, a UE-specific reference signal (UE-RS), a positioning reference signal (PRS), and a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS). Similarly, the 3GPP standard defines uplink (UL) physical channels corresponding to REs that carry information originating from higher layers, and UL physical signals used at the physical layer that correspond to REs that do not carry information originating from higher layers.For example, the physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH), physical uplink control channel (PUCCH), and physical random access channel (PRACH) are defined as UL physical channels, and the demodulation reference signal (DMRS) for UL control / data signals and the sounding reference signal (SRS) used for UL channel measurement are defined as UL physical signals.

[0096] For the sidelink, the following channels are specified by 3GPP: physical sidelink broadcast channel (PSBCH), physical sidelink control channel (PSCCH), physical sidelink shared channel (PSSCH), physical sidelink feedback channel (PSFCH), and physical sidelink discovery channel (PSDCH). Two sidelink-specific system information blocks (SIBs), SIB18 and SIB19, are specified to carry sidelink-related control information (via RRC).

[0097] Positioning may refer to determining the geographic location and / or velocity of UE 3 based on measurements of wireless signals. Location information may be requested by a client (e.g., an application) associated with UE 3 and reported to a client associated with UE 3. Location information may also be requested by clients within or connected to core network 7. Location information may be reported in a standard format, such as cell-based or geographic coordinate format, along with an estimated error in the location and velocity of UE 3 and / or the positioning method used for positioning.

[0098] Positioning methods supported in NG-RAN may include RAT-dependent methods including Observed Time Difference Of Arrival (OTDOA)-based positioning, Uplink Time Difference of Arrival (UTDOA)-based positioning, Roundtrip time (RTT)-based positioning, and RAT-independent methods including Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)-based positioning, barometric sensor-based positioning, and Bluetooth-based positioning, among others.

[0099] Some of these positioning methods may use a positioning reference signal (PRS), which is a reference signal used to estimate the position of the UE 3.

[0100] For example, the OTDOA positioning method uses the time difference of DL signals received by the UE 3 from multiple anchor nodes. The UE 3 measures the time of the received DL signals using location assistance data received from a location server or, in the case of sidelink positioning, from nearby UEs 3 or base stations 5. The location of the UE 3 may be determined based on the measurement results and the known geographic coordinates of neighboring anchor nodes. Anchor nodes may include base stations 5 and other UEs 3 with known locations. Similarly, the UTDOA positioning method uses the time difference of arrival of sounding reference signals (SRS) at multiple anchor nodes (UEs 3 and / or base stations 5). In the following description, the term positioning reference signal (SRS) is used to refer to any one of PRS, SRS, and S-PRS (and any other signal suitable for determining the UE's location) unless otherwise specified.

[0101] Hereinafter, how sidelink positioning can be realized in the system 1 shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6A to 10.

[0102] Moving anchor node Current (Release 16 / 17) 3GPP positioning methods, especially DL positioning methods such as OTDOA, RTT, AOA / D, assume fixed (stationary) anchor nodes with known locations, such as base stations.

[0103] V2X is one of the most important use cases for sidelink positioning. When V2X uses another UE 3 (vehicle or road user) with a known location as an anchor node, this UE 3 is likely to be moving. According to 3GPP TR 38.845 V17.0.0 (Non-Patent Document 7), a UE speed of up to 250 km / h must be supported in outdoor and tunnel areas, so that the relative speed between two moving vehicles can be up to 500 km / h. For trains, a speed of up to 500 km / h can be supported, and the maximum relative speed between two moving trains (or UEs on such trains) is 1000 km / h.

[0104] Figure 2 shows a scenario in which two UEs 3A and 3B (cars) are traveling in opposite directions. UEs 3A and 3B are in the vicinity of a base station 5 and may communicate with the base station 5 using the Uu / NR radio interface. UEs 3A and 3B may also communicate directly with each other via a "sidelink" using the PC5 interface.

[0105] Assuming that the position of vehicle A is known, vehicle A can be used as an anchor node for the positioning of vehicle B in addition to base stations 5 (gNB) along the road. However, unlike fixed base stations 5 along the road, vehicle A is moving. For example, assuming a relative speed of 500 km / h and a maximum allowable positioning latency of 100 ms, the distance between the original position of the moving anchor node, i.e., vehicle A at the start of the positioning procedure and its position at the end of the procedure, can exceed 13 meters.

[0106] Therefore, especially in use cases / scenarios requiring sub-meter accuracy, the position change of a moving anchor node during the positioning procedure will affect the positioning accuracy.

[0107] In this system, the above problems can be addressed using one of the following options, which rely on various types of assistance information to improve the accuracy or reliability of the positioning process: Option 1: Signaling of Moving Anchor Node Location with Timestamp. In the case of network-based positioning, each (moving) anchor node, e.g., UE / vehicle 3A, reports its location to the network with a timestamp indicating the time it transmitted a positioning reference signal (e.g., PRS or SRS) associated with that location or the time the anchor node's location was acquired. Similarly, in the case of UE-based positioning, each (moving) anchor node, e.g., UE / vehicle 3A, reports its location to another UE / vehicle 3B with a timestamp indicating the time it transmitted a positioning reference signal associated with that location or the time the anchor node's location was acquired. In this option, both periodic and on-demand position reporting may be used. Option 2: Signaling of Location-Related Information of a Moving Anchor Node. For network-based positioning, each (moving) anchor node, e.g., UE / vehicle 3A, reports its location to the network along with additional aiding information, such as speed, heading, etc., associated with that anchor node. The speed, heading, etc., may be given relative to the UE 3. Using the location and associated aiding information, the network can infer the precise location of the anchor node. Similarly, for UE-based positioning, each (moving) anchor node, e.g., vehicle 3A, reports its location to vehicle 3B along with additional aiding information, such as speed, heading, etc., associated with that anchor node (e.g., to the UE). The other UE / vehicle 3B can infer the precise location of the anchor node based on the reported location and associated aiding information. In this option, both periodic and on-demand location reporting may be used. Option 3: Assistance information including Doppler measurements. In this case, the UE 3 may be configured to perform appropriate measurements for Doppler (e.g., based on each of the positioning reference signals) to estimate the relative velocity of the anchor node. The UE 3 may report the measurements to the base station for network-based positioning and obtain the precise location of the anchor node from the network.

[0108] Once the location of one or more anchor nodes (including a moving anchor node) is known, the UE 3 can determine its own location based on the location of the anchor nodes. It will be understood that different options may apply to different anchor nodes. When an anchor node is a UE 3, it may also be referred to as an anchor UE 3.

[0109] If network-based positioning is used, the UE 3 may be in communication with a positioning function entity, e.g., a location management function (LMF), in the core network 7. The positioning function entity may assist the UE 3 in determining its location (or the location of another node). Alternatively, the positioning function entity may determine the location of the UE 3 (or another node) and provide the location to the UE 3.

[0110] PRS resource allocation for out-of-coverage UEs When UE3 communicates via the sidelink, the PSCCH / PSSCH cannot be transmitted anywhere within the NR system bandwidth, nor within the frequency span configured for the sidelink. Instead, a resource pool is defined for each of the channels.

[0111] The term "out-of-coverage" refers to a scenario in which the UE 3 is not within the coverage of a base station and can only communicate with other UEs via the PC5 interface. In this case, current standards stipulate that the UE 3 must apply autonomous resource allocation, which is determined by a sensing procedure performed autonomously before the UE 3 transmits. However, since the UE 3 randomly selects an appropriate amount of resources, the selected resources are generally not periodic and may be discontinuous in either the frequency or time domain (due to the random selection). If such autonomous resource allocation is applied to positioning reference signals, it may be difficult to ensure positioning accuracy and reliability due to the random nature of the signals.

[0112] This problem can be addressed using one of the following options for transmitting the reference signal: Option 1: The PRS is configured across the entire configured bandwidth used for the sidelink (e.g., a bandwidth portion associated with the sidelink). In this case, the anchor node UE 3 transmits the PRS across the entire system bandwidth (or the configured bandwidth, e.g., a bandwidth portion), regardless of whether the resources are within or outside any resource pool for PSCCH / PSSCH or other channels. This alternative may be combined with certain predefined restrictions, such as transmitting the PRS at certain times and / or periodically (in which case the activation time or periodicity may be set by the network). In a first modification of this option, the anchor node UE transmits the PRS over the entire configured bandwidth, but only in one of the resource pools configured for the UE. The resource pool may include a transmit resource pool, a receive resource pool, an overlapping portion of the transmit and receive resource pools, and a collection of transmit and receive resource pools. The resource pool may be a resource pool for the PSCCH / PSSCH or a resource pool dedicated to the PRS. Because the PRS is transmitted over the entire system bandwidth or the configured bandwidth, other channel and other PRS resources are punctured to avoid interference. In another modification of this option, the anchor node UE, after performing sensing, transmits the PRS in selected resources across the entire system bandwidth or across the entire configured bandwidth, where the selected resources may include one or more symbols and / or one or more slots, with the other PRS resources being punctured. Option 2: Similar to the first modification of Option 1, the anchor UE transmits the PRS within the resource pool configured for the UE. However, in this case, the PRS is restricted to the resource pool. The resource pool may be a dedicated resource pool for the PRS or one of the resource pools configured for the PSCCH / PSSCH. The resources used for PRS transmission may be selected from the transmit resource pool, the receive resource pool, the overlapping portion of the transmit and receive resource pools, or a set of the transmit and receive resource pools. Option 3: Explicit indication of PRS configuration—In this case, the anchor UE 3 (or, for example, a base station 5 in partial coverage) explicitly indicates the resources, e.g., resource blocks (RBs), to be used for the PRS configuration. For example, the resources may be indicated using a bitmap (1D or 2D bitmap), etc. In this case, any UE 3 in the vicinity of the anchor UE 3 (or base station 5) can obtain the PRS configuration used by that anchor node and receive the PRS using the resources indicated by the configuration.

[0113] It will be appreciated that options 1-3 are particularly beneficial for out-of-coverage UEs 3, but the same approaches may be applicable to in-coverage or partial coverage UEs 3.

[0114] If puncturing is used, the UE 3 may be configured to employ one of the following puncturing modes: Puncturing mode 1: The PRS sequence is not continuous. In this case, the PRS may be configured continuously across multiple resources, but the PRS sequence is punctured with resources used by other UEs or channels (i.e., the PRS sequence is not continuous). For example, a 12-bit PRS sequence {101011110101} may be punctured with the middle four bits ({1111}) to result in the punctured sequence {10100101}. Puncturing mode 2: The PRS sequence is continuous. In this case, the PRS is configured only for resources that are not used by other UEs or channels. For example, for the same sequence {101011110101}, if 4 bits are used for other purposes, the resulting PRS becomes {10101111}.

[0115] It will be appreciated that the network may indicate to the UE 3 which puncturing mode to use (e.g., via system information or sidelink control information).

[0116] Slot Format for PRS Figures 6A and 6B show two exemplary sidelink slot formats with different PSCCH and PSSCH configurations. The sidelink slot format differs from the slot format of the interface (e.g., Uu interface) between the base station 5 and the UE 3. For example, for PSSCH transmission, there may be 7 to 14 symbols in the slot reserved for sidelink operation, of which 5 to 12 symbols may transmit the PSSCH. The remaining sidelink symbols transmit some or all of the PSCCH and PSFCH, at least one automatic gain control (AGC) symbol, and at least one guard symbol.

[0117] In the current standard, the PRS can be configured with an offset (dl-PRS-ResourceSymbolOffset) with a value between 0 and 12. The PRS configuration does not need to take the PDCCH into account, since it can be assumed that no traffic is transmitted during the positioning procedure. However, some symbols, such as AGC symbols, are not suitable for the PRS. Furthermore, the PSCCH and PSSCH are multiplexed in the frequency domain. Therefore, the current approach based on the dl-PRS-ResourceSymbolOffset does not match the sidelink slot format, as it may configure unusable symbols.

[0118] This issue can be addressed using one of the following options: Option 1: The offset value range is maintained (i.e., dl-PRS-ResourceSymbolOffset can be set between 0 and 12), and the PRS is punctured with any special symbols (e.g., AGC) and / or PSCCH. Thus, the PRS can be configured from the first symbol. Option 2: To avoid configuring PRS on any special symbol / PSCCH, a new range of values is used for the offset (e.g., dl-PRS-ResourceSymbolOffset or a new sidelink-specific offset). For example, the minimum value of the offset is between 1 and N. PSCCH,max +1 and N PSCCH,max is the maximum number of symbols in the PSCCH. Therefore, the offset is "1" (or N PSCCH,max The value may be selected from the range between +1 and 12.

[0119] Alternatively, the PSCCH may be avoided using a different approach: for sidelink positioning, due to dynamic resource allocation, the PRS on the PC5 interface may need to be more dynamic than the PRS on the Uu interface, so the aperiodic PRS may be configured by appropriately formatted sidelink control information (SCI). In this case, the applicable PRS configuration can be provided to the UE 3 (via the SCI) to avoid symbols used for the PSCCH.

[0120] Carrier Phase Based Positioning The spectrum used for sidelink positioning includes ITS and licensed bands. The available ITS bandwidth is less than 80 MHz, and in some countries, only 20 MHz is allocated to ITS. Since positioning accuracy is related to the PRS bandwidth (the larger the bandwidth, the more accurate the positioning can be achieved), the ITS spectrum may not provide sufficient accuracy when timing difference-based positioning methods are used.

[0121] To address this issue, carrier phase-based positioning methods may be used for sidelink positioning. Specifically, carrier phase-based positioning may be used in combination with one or more other positioning methods (e.g., timing difference-based positioning methods). Carrier phase measurements require a relatively small bandwidth, are approximately 1000 times less noisy than code phase measurements, and are much less sensitive to multipath. However, the complexity of resolving integer ambiguities in carrier phase measurements can be very high, especially for power-saving users or low-complexity UEs.

[0122] Beneficially, a combination of phase-based positioning and one or more other positioning methods can be used to address these issues.

[0123] Other positioning methods include - a positioning method based on the timing of a positioning reference signal; - a positioning method based on the power of a positioning reference signal; - a positioning method based on the angle-of-departure (AoD) of a positioning reference signal; and - a positioning method based on the angle-of-arrival (AoA) of a positioning reference signal; may include:

[0124] The positioning reference signals used in the above positioning methods (including carrier phase based positioning methods) may be PRS or SRS, or any other suitable reference signals.

[0125] To achieve such combined positioning, multiple positioning reference signal resource sets may be configured for phase-based positioning and timing / power / AoD / AoA-based positioning, respectively, and these reference signal resource sets may be mutually exclusive or (at least partially) overlapping.

[0126] For a timing-based set of positioning reference signals, the UE 3 measures the time difference of arrival. For a phase-based set of positioning reference signals, the UE 3 measures the phase of the reference signals. For both sets of positioning reference signals, the UE 3 performs joint measurements of both the time difference of arrival and the phase.

[0127] Beneficially, the UE 3 may first perform timing / power / AoD / AoA-based positioning with relatively loose accuracy requirements to reduce the search space so as to resolve integer ambiguities, and then the UE 3 may perform carrier-phase-based positioning to obtain higher accuracy with reduced complexity.

[0128] To apply such combined positioning, UE capabilities may be defined in terms of measurements or positioning methods, respectively. From a measurement perspective, the UE 3 can indicate to the anchor node whether it is capable of measuring phase. From a positioning method perspective, the UE 3 can indicate to the anchor node whether it is capable of performing carrier phase-based positioning.

[0129] PRS Muting 7 through 10 illustrate generally some exemplary ways in which muting of PRS transmissions may be implemented in the systems shown in FIGS.

[0130] In NR, PRS muting is used to reduce interference to a serving base station or neighboring base stations when a UE 3 receives a PRS from a base station 5 located relatively far away. 3GPP TS 38.211 V17.0.0 (Non-Patent Document 8) describes two methods for muting PRS resources: -Mute the PRS resource set instance using the properties MutingPattern1 and MutingBitRepetition of the nrPRSConfig object, and -Mute the PRS resource repetition index using the property MutingPattern2 of the nrPRSConfig object, Defines the method.

[0131] However, for sidelink positioning, the UE 3 may receive PRS signals from both the base station 5 and another UE 3 acting as an anchor node (anchor UE), in which case the power of the PRS received from the anchor UE 3 may be much lower than the PRS from the serving base station or neighboring base stations.

[0132] To address this issue, the anchor UE 3 may be configured with periodic micro-muting patterns or may employ random patterns using a bitmap.

[0133] More specifically, predefined periodic micro-muting may be applied by the anchor UE 3 as follows: A predefined micro-muting pattern with a relatively fine time granularity (e.g., slot or symbol level granularity, shorter than or equal to the muting period of the base station) may be configured for each anchor UE 3 to be applied during the muting period of a neighboring base station 5. In other words, each anchor UE 3 is only allowed to transmit when the serving or neighboring base station 5 is muted, as shown in Figure 7. In this case, different muting patterns may be configured for different UEs 3. A predefined micro-muting pattern with a relatively fine time granularity (e.g., slot or symbol level granularity that is shorter than or equal to the muting period of the base station) may be configured for each anchor UE 3, and the UE 3 may apply the respective pattern regardless of whether the serving or neighboring base station 5 is muted or not. In other words, the UE 3 may not need to determine the muting pattern of the serving base station or neighboring base station 5 (although it may employ sensing before transmitting the PRS). An example of this approach for two UEs 3 is shown in Figure 8.

[0134] Alternatively, a random micro-mute may be applied by the anchor UE3. A random micro-muting pattern with a relatively fine time granularity (e.g., slot or symbol level granularity, shorter than or equal to the muting period of the base station) may be configured to be applied to each anchor UE 3 during the muting period of a neighboring base station 5. In this case, as shown in Figure 9, each anchor UE 3 is only allowed to transmit when the serving or neighboring base station 5 is muted. A random micro-muting pattern with relatively fine time granularity (e.g., slot or symbol level granularity less than or equal to the muting period of the base station) may be configured for each anchor UE 3, and the UE 3 may apply the respective pattern regardless of whether the serving or neighboring base station 5 is muted. An example of this approach is shown in Figure 10.

[0135] The random muting pattern may be predefined (e.g., derived based on UE-specific parameters) or may be signaled to the anchor UE 3 by the network (e.g., LMF 12 via base station 5).

[0136] Anchor UE Selection In Release 17, a PRS can be configured for a serving base station 5 and neighboring base stations 5. The location of each base station 5 is fixed and known. Therefore, any base station 5 can be used as an anchor node for positioning. For sidelink positioning, a UE 3 (mobile device) can also be used as an anchor node. Therefore, there may be many UEs 3 (and base stations 5) that can function as anchor nodes for sidelink positioning. However, not all of these anchor nodes are suitable for the desired positioning method or accuracy.

[0137] Below are descriptions of some example ways in which a suitable anchor node may be selected for positioning.

[0138] For absolute positioning, only UEs 3 with known locations should be used as anchor nodes. Even with known locations, some UEs, e.g., UEs with high speeds, should not be used as anchor nodes (due to the Doppler effect).

[0139] Beneficially, the base station 5 may be configured to coordinate the selection of an appropriate anchor node for positioning (for in-coverage UEs and partial coverage UEs). The base station 5 may use at least one criterion for anchor UE selection. Such criteria include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: location availability of a given anchor node (which is essential for absolute positioning), velocity of a given anchor node (via Doppler measurements), received signal power and / or quality of a given anchor node (e.g., RSRP / RSRQ for sidelink), security requirements of a given anchor node (e.g., whether its location can be shared with other network nodes).

[0140] In this case, the UE 3 reports the measurements to the network, and the network selects an appropriate anchor UE based on applicable criteria and notifies the UE 3 about the selected anchor UE. The UE 3 can also report to the network its UE capabilities for selection as an anchor node.

[0141] Alternatively, selection of an appropriate anchor node for positioning may be achieved without base station cooperation (e.g., in the out-of-coverage case). For absolute positioning, each UE 3 may be configured to indicate whether its location is available and whether it can be selected as an anchor node in unicast, groupcast, or broadcast information, so that nearby UEs can know whether the UE can be used as an anchor node. The UE 3 may send a positioning request to a UE selected as an anchor node based on certain criteria, and the anchor UE may send an acknowledgement. Effectively, in this case, the requesting UE 3 may be configured to apply one or more of the above-mentioned criteria.

[0142] Modifications and Substitutions

[0033] Having described detailed embodiments above, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the above embodiments are susceptible to several modifications and alternatives while still benefiting from the disclosure embodied therein. By way of example, only some of these alternatives and modifications are described herein.

[0143] The term positioning reference signal is used in this disclosure to refer to a reference signal transmitted by a network node and used to locate the network node or another network node. The network node may be a base station (gNB) for Uu interface positioning, or a UE for Uu interface positioning or sidelink positioning. PRS and SRS are used as examples of such positioning reference signals. However, any other suitable signals may be used. In the case of a sidelink (PC5), the positioning reference signals may be referred to as sidelink PRS (S-PRS) and sidelink SRS (S-SRS).

[0144] The term UE-to-UE direct communication is used in this disclosure to refer to a scenario in which two or more devices are connected and communicate directly with each other. An example of such direct communication is the sidelink in a 5G NR system, although other systems may use different terminology for the same purpose.

[0145] Various types of positioning information are - 3D coordinates (e.g., latitude and longitude, possibly altitude, or Cartesian coordinate system x, y, z), and / or - distance and / or angle to anchor node, may include:

[0146] However, it will be appreciated that in some use cases it may be sufficient for a vehicle (UE) to be provided with only the relative distance and angle to other vehicles / UEs / traffic participants.

[0147] It will be understood that the above "sidelink positioning" technology may be applicable to any of the services and use cases in groups 1) to 3) below. Group 1) Relaxed positioning requirements: - Traffic jam warning - Urban scenarios for road warnings -Traffic congestion warning - Road warning regional scenario -Highway scenario with traffic jam warning - road warning -Local scenarios for route information -Highway scenarios for route information - Software Updates - Conventional - Routine / Emergency, Autonomous - Routine -Software Update -Autonomous -Urgent - Software updates - no infrastructure, from vehicle to factory -Remote automatic driving cancellation -HD content distribution -High-end services for automobiles -HD content distribution -Low-end services for automobiles - HD Content Delivery - Bus Passenger Service -Software updates for reconfigurable radio systems -Patient transport monitoring -Automated Valet Parking (Wake Up) Group 2) Lane-level positioning requirements: -Cross-traffic left turn assist -Intersection Navigation Assist -Emergency braking warning - Lane change warning - delayed vehicle, leading vehicle (highway) - Lane change warning - delayed vehicle, leading vehicle (city) -Lane change warning - Disallowed cases (regional) -Vehicle Health Monitoring -Speed Harmonization -See-through for path manipulation - Limited view assist via CCTV - Limited view assistance via remote vehicle -Continuous traffic flow with green light coordination - Collection of vehicle AV hazards and road events - Vehicle platooning in steady state -Cooperative lane merging - Motor Vehicle Release Report -Accident Report -Recognition confirmation - Cooperative and collaborative driving maneuvers - collaborative lane changes - Cooperative and collaborative driving maneuvers - Roadblocks - Bus lane sharing request - Bus lane sharing retracted -Vehicle detection assistance - Short-term RV waiting, RV breakdown, bus waiting - Vehicle detection assistance - slow vehicles on the route Group 3) Sub-meter positioning requirements: -High resolution sensor sharing - Vulnerable road users - awareness of potentially dangerous situations (urban) - Vulnerable Road User - Collision Risk Warning - Real-time situational awareness and high-resolution maps -Group Start -Tele-Operated Driving (TOD) -TOD support -TOD for automated parking - Collaborative operation of autonomous vehicles for emergency situations - Collect and share high-definition maps -Automatic intersection crossing - Infrastructure Assisted Environmental Perception - Data distribution about objects on the road - Infrastructure-assisted environmental awareness - individual data transmission in the form of trajectories or movement commands -Infrastructure-based remotely operated driving -Automated Valet Parking - Joint Authentication and Location Proofing -Cooperative, collaborative driving maneuvers -Pedestrian crossings - Cooperative Transportation Gap -Cooperative lateral parking - Coordinated roadside management

[0148] It will be understood that the above embodiments may be applied to both the 5G new radio system and the LTE system (E-UTRAN), and may also be applied to future systems (beyond 5G, 6G, etc.).

[0149] Next-generation mobile networks will support diverse service requirements, classified into three categories by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU): Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), Ultra-Reliable and Low-Latency Communications (URLLC), and Massive Machine Type Communications (mMTC). eMBB aims to provide enhanced support for traditional mobile broadband and focuses on services requiring high-capacity, guaranteed bandwidth, such as high-definition (HD) video, virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR). URLLC is a requirement for critical applications, such as autonomous driving and factory automation, which require guaranteed access within extremely short timeframes. MMTC must support a huge number of connected devices, such as smart meters and environmental monitoring, but can typically tolerate a certain access delay. It will be understood that some of these applications may have relatively loose Quality of Service / Quality of Experience (QoS / QoE) requirements, while some applications may have relatively strict QoS / QoE requirements (e.g., high bandwidth and / or low latency). It will be appreciated that the positioning methods described herein may be applicable to at least one of the above categories of UE and / or at least one type of service.

[0150] In the above description, for ease of understanding, the UE, access network node (base station), and core network node are described as having several separate modules (such as a communications control module). While these modules may be provided as described above in certain applications, for example, where an existing system is modified to implement the present disclosure, in other applications, for example, in systems designed from the beginning with the features of the present invention in mind, these modules may be incorporated into an overall operating system or code, so that these modules may not be identifiable as separate entities. These modules may be implemented in software, hardware, firmware, or a combination thereof.

[0151] The software module or program includes instructions (or software code) that, when loaded into a computer, cause the computer to perform one or more of the functions described in the embodiments. The program may be stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium or a tangible storage medium. By way of example and not limitation, the non-transitory computer-readable medium or tangible storage medium may include random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, solid-state drive (SSD) or other types of memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disc (DVD), Blu-ray disc or other types of optical disk storage, and magnetic cassette, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other types of magnetic storage. The program may be transmitted on a transient computer-readable medium or communication medium. By way of example and not limitation, the transient computer-readable medium or communication medium may include an electrical, optical, acoustic or other form of propagated signal.

[0152] Each controller may comprise any suitable form of processing circuitry including (but not limited to) one or more hardware-implemented computer processors, microprocessors, central processing units (CPUs), arithmetic logic units (ALUs), input / output (IO) circuitry, internal memory / cache (program and / or data), processing registers, communication buses (e.g., control buses, data buses and / or address buses), direct memory access (DMA) functionality, hardware or software-implemented counters, pointers and / or timers, etc.

[0153] In the above embodiments, several software modules have been described. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the software modules may be provided in compiled or uncompiled form and may be supplied to the UE, the access network node (base station), and the core network node via a computer network or as a signal on a recording medium. Furthermore, the functions implemented by some or all of this software may be performed using one or more dedicated hardware circuits. However, it is preferable to use software modules to facilitate updating the functions of the UE, the access network node, and the core network node.

[0154] It will be appreciated that the functionality of a base station (referred to as a "distributed" base station or gNB) may be divided between one or more distributed units (DUs) and a central unit (CU), with the CU typically performing high-level functions and communication with the next-generation core, and the DU performing lower-level functions and communication over the air interface with nearby UEs (i.e., in the cell operated by the gNB). A distributed gNB includes the following functional units: gNB Central Unit (gNB-CU): A logical node that hosts the Radio Resource Control (RRC), Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP), and Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layers of a gNB (or the RRC and PDCP layers of an en-gNB) that controls the operation of one or more gNB-DUs. The gNB-CU terminates the so-called F1 interface connected to the gNB-DU. gNB Distributed Unit (gNB-DU): A logical node that hosts the Radio Link Control (RLC), Medium Access Control (MAC), and Physical (PHY) layers of a gNB or en-gNB, and its operation is partially controlled by the gNB-CU. One gNB-DU supports one or more cells. One cell is supported by only one gNB-DU. The gNB-DU terminates the F1 interface connected to the gNB-CU. gNB-CU-Control Plane (gNB-CU-CP): A logical node that hosts the control plane part of the RRC and PDCP protocols of the gNB-CU for an en-gNB or gNB. The gNB-CU-CP terminates the so-called E1 interface connected to the gNB-CU-UP and the F1-C (F1 control plane) interface connected to the gNB-DU. gNB-CU-User Plane (gNB-CU-UP): A logical node that hosts the user plane portion of the PDCP protocol of the gNB-CU for the en-gNB, as well as the user plane portions of the PDCP protocol and SDAP protocol of the gNB-CU for the gNB. The gNB-CU-UP terminates the E1 interface connected to the gNB-CU-CP and the F1-U (F1 user plane) interface connected to the gNB-DU.

[0155] It will be understood that when a distributed base station or similar control plane-user plane (CP-UP) division is employed, the base station may be divided into separate control plane and user plane entities, each of which may include associated transceiver circuitry, antennas, network interfaces, controllers, memory, operating systems, and communication control modules. When the base station constitutes a distributed base station, the network interface (reference numeral 55 in FIG. 4) also includes an E1 interface and an F1 interface (F1-C for the control plane and F1-U for the user plane) to communicate signals between the respective functions of the distributed base station. In this case, the communication control module is also responsible for communication (generating, transmitting, and receiving signaling messages) between the control plane and user plane portions of the base station. It will be understood that when a distributed base station is used, it is not necessary to include both a control plane portion and a user plane portion for preemption of communication resources, as described in the above embodiment. It will be understood that preemption may be handled by the user plane portion of the base station without involving the control plane portion (or vice versa).

[0156] The above embodiments are also applicable to "non-mobile" or generally stationary user equipment. The above mentioned mobile devices may comprise MTC / IoT devices etc.

[0157] User equipment (or "UE," "mobile station," "mobile device," or "wireless device") in this disclosure is an entity that connects to a network via an air interface.

[0158] It should be noted that the present disclosure is not limited to dedicated communication devices, but may be applied to any device having communication capabilities as described in the following paragraphs.

[0159] The terms "user equipment" or "UE" (as used in 3GPP), "mobile station," "mobile device," and "wireless device" are generally intended to be synonymous with each other and include standalone mobile stations such as terminals, cell phones, smartphones, tablets, cellular IoT devices, IoT devices, and machines. It will be understood that the terms "mobile station" and "mobile device" also encompass devices that remain stationary for extended periods of time.

[0160] The UE may be, for example, an item of equipment for production or manufacturing and / or energy-related machinery (e.g., equipment or machinery such as boilers; engines; turbines; solar panels; wind turbines; hydroelectric generators; thermal power plants; nuclear generators; batteries; nuclear systems and / or related equipment; heavy electrical machinery; pumps including vacuum pumps; compressors; fans; blowers; hydraulic equipment; pneumatic equipment; metalworking machinery; manipulators; robots and / or application systems thereof; tools; molds or dies; rolls; conveying equipment; lifting equipment; material handling equipment; textile machinery; sewing equipment; printing and / or related machinery; paper converting machinery; chemical machinery; mining machinery and / or construction machinery and / or related equipment; machinery and / or implements for the agricultural, forestry and / or fisheries industries; safety and / or environmental protection equipment; tractors; precision bearings; chains; gears; power transmission equipment; lubrication equipment; valves; pipe fittings; and / or application systems for any of the foregoing equipment or machinery, etc.).

[0161] A UE may be, for example, an item of transportation equipment (e.g., transportation equipment such as rolled materials; automobiles; motorcycles; bicycles; trains; buses; carts; human-powered vehicles; ships and other watercraft; aircraft; rockets; satellites; drones; balloons, etc.).

[0162] A UE may be, for example, an item of information and communications equipment (e.g., information and communications equipment such as electronic computers and related equipment; communications and related equipment; electronic components; etc.).

[0163] The UE may be, for example, a refrigeration machine, a refrigeration machine application product, an item of goods and / or service industry equipment, a vending machine, an automated service machine, an office machine or appliance, a consumer electronic device and an electronic appliance (e.g., consumer electronic devices such as audio equipment; video equipment; speakers; radios; televisions; microwave ovens; rice cookers; coffee machines; dishwashers; washing machines; dryers; electronic fans or related equipment; vacuum cleaners, etc.).

[0164] The UE may be, for example, an electrical application system or equipment (eg, an electrical application system or equipment such as an x-ray system; a particle accelerator; a radioisotope equipment; a sonic equipment; an electromagnetic application equipment; an electronic power application equipment, etc.).

[0165] The UE may be, for example, an electronic lamp, a lighting fixture, a measuring instrument, an analyzer, a tester, or a surveying or sensing device (e.g., a smoke alarm, a motion sensor, a radio tag, or other surveying or sensing device), a wristwatch or watch, an inspection device, an optical device, a medical device and / or system, a weapon, an item of cutlery, a hand tool, etc.

[0166] The UE may be, for example, a wireless-equipped personal digital assistant or related equipment (e.g., a wireless card or module designed to be attached to or inserted into another electronic device (e.g., a personal computer, electrical measuring machine)). The UE may be part of a device or system that uses various wired and / or wireless communication technologies to provide the applications, services, and solutions described below with respect to the "Internet of Things" (IoT).

[0167] Internet of Things devices (or "Things") may be equipped with appropriate electronics, software, sensors, network connectivity, etc. that enable these devices to collect and exchange data with each other and other communicating devices. IoT devices may include automated equipment that follows software instructions stored in internal memory. IoT devices may operate without the need for human supervision or interaction. IoT devices may also remain stationary and / or inactive for extended periods of time. IoT devices may be implemented as part of (generally) stationary equipment. IoT devices may also be embedded in non-stationary equipment (e.g., vehicles) or attached to animals or people being monitored / tracked.

[0168] It will be appreciated that IoT technology can be implemented in any communication device that can connect to a communication network and send / receive data, whether such communication device is controlled by human input or by software instructions stored in a memory.

[0169] It will be understood that IoT devices may also be referred to as Machine-Type Communication (MTC) devices or Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communication devices. It will be understood that a UE may support one or more IoT or MTC applications. Some examples of MTC applications are listed in the table below (Source: 3GPP TS 22.368 V13.1.0 (Non-Patent Document 9), Annex B, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference). This list is not exhaustive and is intended to illustrate some examples of machine-type communication applications. [Table 1]

[0170] The applications, services, and solutions may be Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) services, emergency wireless communication systems, Private Branch eXchange (PBX) systems, PHS / digital cordless telecommunications systems, Point of sale (POS) systems, announcement call systems, Multimedia Broadcast and Multicast Service (MBMS), Vehicle to Everything (V2X) systems, train radio systems, location-related services, disaster / emergency wireless communication services, community services, video streaming services, femtocell application services, Voice over LTE (VoLTE) services, billing services, wireless on-demand services, roaming services, activity monitoring services, telecommunications carrier / communication network selection services, function restriction services, Proof of Concept (PoC) services, personal information management services, ad hoc networks / Delay Tolerant Networking (DTN) services, and the like.

[0171] Furthermore, the above-mentioned UE categories are merely examples of applications of the technical concepts and embodiments described herein, and of course, these technical concepts and embodiments are not limited to the above-mentioned UEs and various modifications are possible.

[0172] Various other modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art and will not be described in further detail here.

[0173] The previous description of the disclosed examples is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the present disclosure. Various modifications to these examples will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other examples without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the examples shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

[0174] This application claims the benefit of priority from UK Patent Application No. 2206699.7, filed May 6, 2022, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0175] All or part of the above-described embodiments can also be described as, but not limited to, the following supplementary notes. (Appendix 1) 1. A method performed by a network node, comprising: receiving, periodically or on demand, location information of a UE configured for direct user equipment (UE)-to-UE communication and selected as an anchor UE; receiving, periodically or on-demand, assistance information indicative of at least one characteristic related to a change in location of the anchor UE; using the location information and the assistance information in a procedure for determining the location of the target UE; A method comprising: (Appendix 2) Support information is available at a time value associated with the location information; Information identifying the velocity of the anchor UE; Information identifying the direction of travel of the UE; Information about the relative speed of the UE, and Information identifying the Doppler effect associated with signals used in procedures for determining the location of the target UE; 2. The method of claim 1, comprising at least one of: (Appendix 3) a time value associated with the location information indicating a time when the location information was acquired or a time when a positioning reference signal or a sounding reference signal associated with the location information was transmitted by the anchor UE using UE-to-UE direct communication; The method described in Appendix 2. (Appendix 4) 1. A method configured for direct user equipment (UE) communication and performed by a UE selected as an anchor UE, transmitting to the network node location information of the UE and assistance information indicative of at least one characteristic related to a change in the location of the UE, the assistance information being used by the network node in a procedure for determining the location of the target UE; A method comprising: (Appendix 5) the network node is a further UE, a base station or a positioning function entity; 5. The method of any one of appendices 1 to 4. (Appendix 6) 1. A method performed by a first user equipment (UE) configured for UE-to-UE direct communication, comprising: receiving, from the network node, information identifying contiguous resources for transmission of a positioning reference signal for the second UE; transmitting a positioning reference signal using a continuous resource; A method comprising: (Appendix 7) The transmission of the positioning reference signal is performed over the entire configured bandwidth used for UE-to-UE direct communication; The information indicating the continuous resource indicates a period for transmitting the positioning reference signal. The method described in Appendix 6. (Appendix 8) transmitting the positioning reference signal over an entire configured bandwidth used for UE-to-UE direct communication; transmitting the positioning reference signal is performed using a common portion of the contiguous resources and a predetermined resource pool for transmitting the positioning reference signal; The method described in Appendix 6. (Appendix 9) The transmitting of the positioning reference signal is performed over an entire configured bandwidth used for UE-to-UE direct communication, and the method includes: selecting at least one specific resource from the contiguous resources by performing spectrum sensing; Including, transmitting the positioning reference signal is performed using at least one specific resource; The method described in Appendix 6. (Appendix 10) A continuous resource represents a resource pool. transmitting the positioning reference signal is performed using at least one resource included in the resource pool; The method described in Appendix 6. (Appendix 11) A continuous resource is represented by bitmap information. 11. The method of any one of appendixes 6 to 10. (Appendix 12) 1. A method performed by a network node, comprising: transmitting, to a first user equipment (UE) configured for UE-to-UE direct communication, information identifying contiguous resources in at least one of a time domain and a frequency domain for transmission of a positioning reference signal for a second UE; A method comprising: (Appendix 13) A method performed by a user equipment (UE), receiving first configuration information for UE-to-UE direct communication, the first configuration information including information identifying, within a slot, at least one symbol for one or more of a physical sidelink control channel (PSCCH), a physical sidelink feedback channel (PSFCH), at least one automatic gain control (AGC), and at least one guard symbol; transmitting a positioning reference signal using one or more symbols other than the at least one symbol based on the first configuration information and the second configuration information; A method comprising: (Appendix 14) receiving second configuration information for transmitting a positioning reference signal, the second configuration information identifying an offset in number of symbols for determining a starting symbol to be used for transmitting the positioning reference signal; puncturing the positioning reference signal with at least one symbol; 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising: (Appendix 15) receiving second configuration information for transmitting a positioning reference signal, the second configuration information identifying an offset for determining a starting symbol to be used for transmitting the positioning reference signal based on a maximum number of symbols of a PSCCH; 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising: (Appendix 16) The offset is a minimum value equal to the maximum number of symbols in the PSCCH plus one; a maximum value equal to the total number of symbols in the slot minus the count of at least one symbol; 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the range is selected from the range having: (Appendix 17) receiving, via Sidelink control information (SCI), second configuration information for transmitting a positioning reference signal via at least one specific symbol in the slot; 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising: (Appendix 18) The positioning reference signal is a non-periodic positioning reference signal. The method described in Appendix 17. (Appendix 19) 1. A method performed by a network node, comprising: transmitting first configuration information for user equipment (UE) direct communication, the configuration information including information identifying at least one symbol for one or more of a physical sidelink control channel (PSCCH), a physical sidelink feedback channel (PSFCH), at least one automatic gain control (AGC) symbol, and at least one guard symbol within the slot; transmitting second configuration information to the UE for transmitting a positioning reference signal using one or more other symbols other than the at least one symbol; A method comprising: (Appendix 20) 1. A method performed by a network node for positioning of a user equipment (UE) configured for UE-to-UE direct communication, comprising: performing a phase measurement based positioning; performing at least one other type of positioning; determining a position of the UE based on phase measurement-based positioning and at least one other type of positioning; A method comprising: (Appendix 21) At least one other type of positioning is Positioning based on the timing of a positioning reference signal; Positioning based on the power of a positioning reference signal; Positioning based on the angle of transmission of the positioning reference signal; and Positioning based on the reception angle of the positioning reference signal; 21. The method of claim 20, comprising one or more of: (Appendix 22) the phase measurement-based positioning and at least one other type of positioning use each of the positioning reference signal resource sets; 22. The method of claim 20 or 21. (Appendix 23) Each of the positioning reference signal resource sets is mutually exclusive. 23. The method described in Appendix 22. (Appendix 24) each of the positioning reference signal resource sets at least partially overlaps; 23. The method described in Appendix 22. (Appendix 25) performing time difference of arrival measurements of positioning reference signals in the overlapping sets; performing measurements of the phases of positioning reference signals in the overlapping set; further comprising The location of the UE is determined based on the time difference of arrival and phase of the positioning reference signals in the overlapping set. The method described in Appendix 24. (Appendix 26) 1. A method performed by a user equipment (UE) configured for UE-to-UE direct communication, comprising: receiving information identifying at least one time period associated with the UE for muting transmission of positioning reference signals by the UE; The period is defined at the symbol level or slot level. method. (Appendix 27) The information identifies at least one period based on a pattern. 26. The method described in Appendix 26. (Appendix 28) the at least one time period associated with the UE is different from at least one further time period associated with the further UE; 28. The method of claim 26 or 27. (Appendix 29) At least one period associated with the UE is based on a random pattern; 26. The method described in Appendix 26. (Appendix 30) At least one time period associated with the UE is applicable when transmissions by a serving base station or a neighboring base station are muted; The method further includes transmitting a positioning reference signal during at least one time period associated with the UE when transmissions by the serving base station or neighboring base stations are muted. 30. The method of any one of appendixes 26 to 29. (Appendix 31) transmitting a positioning reference signal during at least one time period associated with the UE regardless of whether transmissions by the serving base station or neighboring base stations are muted; 30. The method of any one of appendixes 26 to 29. (Appendix 32) 1. A method performed by a network node, comprising: transmitting, to a UE configured for user equipment (UE) direct communication, information identifying at least one time period associated with the UE for muting transmission of positioning reference signals by the UE; The period is defined at the symbol level or slot level. method. (Appendix 33) 1. A method performed by a user equipment (UE) configured for UE-to-UE direct communication, comprising: performing a plurality of measurements based on respective positioning reference signals transmitted by a plurality of anchor UEs; transmitting to a network node results of the plurality of measurements and respective identifiers associated with the anchor UE to which the results relate; receiving, from a network node, at least one of identifiers indicating one or more anchor UEs used to determine a current location of the UE; A method comprising: (Appendix 34) 1. A method performed by a network node, comprising: receiving, from a UE configured for UE-to-UE direct communication, results of a plurality of measurements based on each of the positioning reference signals transmitted by a plurality of anchor UEs and respective identifiers associated with the anchor UEs to which the results relate; transmitting to the UE at least one of each of identifiers indicating one or more anchor UEs used to determine a current location of the UE; A method comprising: (Appendix 35) selecting one or more anchor UEs to be used to determine a current location of the UE based on at least one criterion; 35. The method of claim 34, further comprising: (Appendix 36) 1. A method performed by a user equipment (UE) configured for UE-to-UE direct communication, comprising: receiving, from the anchor UE, at least one of information indicating whether the location of the anchor UE is available and information indicating whether the anchor UE can be used for positioning; sending a request to the anchor UE to determine a current location of the UE if the location of the anchor UE is available and the anchor UE can be used for positioning; A method comprising: (Appendix 37) receiving, from each of a plurality of anchor UEs, information indicating whether a location of one of the plurality of anchor UEs is available; selecting one or more of the plurality of anchor UEs based on at least one criterion to determine a current location of the UE; 37. The method of claim 36, further comprising: (Appendix 38) At least one criterion is location availability criteria; speed standard, a received signal power reference, and Received signal quality criteria, 38. The method of claim 35 or 37, comprising one or more of: (Appendix 39) The network node is a base station. 36. The method of any one of appendixes 12, 19-25, and 32-35. (Appendix 40) The network node is a UE, 26. The method of any one of appendixes 20 to 25. (Appendix 41) The network node is a positioning function entity; 36. The method of any one of Appendices 32 to 35. (Appendix 42) means for receiving, periodically or on demand, location information of a UE configured for direct communication between user equipment (UE), the UE being selected as an anchor UE; means for receiving, periodically or on demand, assistance information indicative of at least one characteristic related to a change in location of the anchor UE; means for using the location information and the assistance information in a procedure for determining the location of the target UE; A network node comprising: (Appendix 43) A UE configured for user equipment (UE) direct communication and selected as an anchor UE, means for transmitting to the network node location information of the UE and assistance information indicative of at least one characteristic relating to a change in the location of the UE, the assistance information being used by the network node in a procedure for determining the location of the target UE; UE equipped with. (Appendix 44) a first UE configured for user equipment (UE) direct communication, means for receiving, from a network node, information identifying contiguous resources for transmission of a positioning reference signal for the second UE; means for transmitting a positioning reference signal using a continuous resource; a first UE comprising: (Appendix 45) means for transmitting, to a first user equipment (UE) configured for UE-to-UE direct communication, information identifying contiguous resources in at least one of a time domain and a frequency domain for transmission of a positioning reference signal for a second UE; A network node comprising: (Appendix 46) means for receiving first configuration information for UE-to-UE direct communication, the first configuration information including information identifying, within a slot, at least one symbol for one or more of a physical sidelink control channel (PSCCH), a physical sidelink feedback channel (PSFCH), at least one automatic gain control (AGC), and at least one guard symbol; means for transmitting a positioning reference signal using one or more symbols other than the at least one symbol based on the first configuration information and the second configuration information; A user equipment (UE) comprising: (Appendix 47) means for transmitting first configuration information for user equipment (UE)-to-user equipment (UE) direct communication, the configuration information including information identifying at least one symbol for one or more of a physical sidelink control channel (PSCCH), a physical sidelink feedback channel (PSFCH), at least one automatic gain control (AGC) symbol, and at least one guard symbol within a slot; means for transmitting, to the UE, second configuration information for transmitting a positioning reference signal using one or more other symbols other than the at least one symbol; A network node comprising: (Appendix 48) 1. A network node for user equipment (UE) positioning configured for UE-to-UE direct communication, comprising: means for performing phase measurement based positioning; means for performing at least one other type of positioning; means for determining a location of the UE based on phase measurement-based positioning and at least one other type of positioning; A network node comprising: (Appendix 49) 1. A UE configured for user equipment (UE) direct communication, comprising: means for receiving information identifying at least one time period associated with the UE for muting transmission of positioning reference signals by the UE; The period is defined at the symbol level or slot level. User equipment (UE). (Appendix 50) means for transmitting, to a UE configured for UE-to-UE direct communication, information identifying at least one time period associated with the UE for muting transmission of positioning reference signals by the UE; The period is defined at the symbol level or slot level. Network node. (Appendix 51) 1. A UE configured for user equipment (UE) direct communication, comprising: means for performing a plurality of measurements based on respective positioning reference signals transmitted by a plurality of anchor UEs; means for transmitting to a network node results of the plurality of measurements and respective identifiers associated with the anchor UE to which the results relate; means for receiving, from a network node, at least one of identifiers indicating one or more anchor UEs used to determine a current location of the UE; UE equipped with. (Appendix 52) means for receiving, from a UE configured for UE-to-UE direct communication, results of a plurality of measurements based on respective positioning reference signals transmitted by a plurality of anchor UEs and respective identifiers associated with the anchor UEs to which the results relate; means for transmitting to the UE at least one of each of identifiers indicating one or more anchor UEs used to determine the UE's current location; A network node comprising: (Appendix 53) 1. A UE configured for user equipment (UE) direct communication, comprising: means for receiving, from the anchor UE, at least one of information indicating whether the location of the anchor UE is available and information indicating whether the anchor UE can be used for positioning; means for transmitting a request to the anchor UE to determine the current location of the UE if the anchor UE's location is available and the anchor UE can be used for positioning; UE equipped with. [Explanation of symbols]

[0176] 1. Telecommunications Systems 3,3A,3B Mobile Device, UE 5 Base Station, (R)AN Node 7 Core Network 10 Control Plane Function (CPF) 11 User Plane Function (UPF) 12 Location Management Function (LMF) 20 Data Network 31 Transceiver Circuit 33 Antenna 35 User Interface 37 Controller 39 Memory 41 Operating Systems 43 Communication Control Module 45 Direct Communication Module 47 Positioning Module 51 Transceiver circuit 53 Antenna 55 Network Interfaces 57 Controller 59 Memory 61 Operating Systems 63 Communication Control Module 71 Transceiver Circuit 75 network interfaces 77 Controller 79 Memory 81 Operating Systems 83 Communication Control Module 87 Location Management Module

Claims

1. 1. A user equipment (UE) configured for UE-to-UE direct communication, comprising: means for receiving, from a network node, information for determining resources for transmission of a positioning reference signal for another UE; means for transmitting the positioning reference signal using resources determined based on using the information; Equipped with the information includes first configuration information indicating, within the slot, at least one symbol for one or more of a physical sidelink control channel (PSCCH), a physical sidelink feedback channel (PSFCH), at least one automatic gain control (AGC), and at least one guard symbol; the transmitting means transmits the positioning reference signal using one or more symbols other than the at least one symbol based on the information. UE.

2. means for receiving second configuration information identifying an offset in number of symbols for determining a starting symbol to be used to transmit the positioning reference signal; the transmitting means transmits the positioning reference signal using the start symbol and symbols subsequent to the start symbol. The UE of claim 1.

3. The symbols corresponding to the number of symbols before the start symbol are for one or more of a PSCCH, a PSFCH, at least one AGC, and at least one guard symbol. The UE of claim 2.

4. means for receiving second configuration information identifying an offset for determining a starting symbol to be used for transmitting the positioning reference signal based on a maximum number of symbols of the PSCCH; The UE of claim 1 further comprising:

5. means for receiving, via Sidelink control information (SCI), second configuration information for transmitting the positioning reference signal via at least one specific symbol within the slot; the positioning reference signal is a non-periodic positioning reference signal; The UE of claim 1.

6. the information indicating contiguous resources for the transmission of the positioning reference signal for the other UE.

6. The UE according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. the information indicating at least one time period corresponding to the UE for muting transmission of the positioning reference signal by the UE; The period is defined at the symbol level or slot level.

6. The UE according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

8. A method for transmitting, to a user equipment (UE) configured for UE-to-UE direct communication, information used by the UE to determine resources for transmission of a positioning reference signal for another UE. Equipped with the information includes first configuration information indicating, within the slot, at least one symbol for one or more of a physical sidelink control channel (PSCCH), a physical sidelink feedback channel (PSFCH), at least one automatic gain control (AGC), and at least one guard symbol; the positioning reference signal is transmitted by the UE using one or more symbols other than the at least one symbol based on the information; Network node.

9. 1. A method performed by a user equipment (UE) configured for UE-to-UE direct communication, comprising: receiving, from a network node, information for determining resources for transmission of a positioning reference signal for another UE; transmitting the positioning reference signal using resources determined based on using the information; and Including, the information includes first configuration information indicating, within the slot, at least one symbol for one or more of a physical sidelink control channel (PSCCH), a physical sidelink feedback channel (PSFCH), at least one automatic gain control (AGC), and at least one guard symbol; the transmitting step is performed by transmitting the positioning reference signal using one or more symbols other than the at least one symbol based on the information. method.

10. A method performed by a network node, comprising: transmitting, to a user equipment (UE) configured for UE-to-UE direct communication, information used by the UE to determine resources for transmission of a positioning reference signal for another UE; Including, the information includes first configuration information indicating, within the slot, at least one symbol for one or more of a physical sidelink control channel (PSCCH), a physical sidelink feedback channel (PSFCH), at least one automatic gain control (AGC), and at least one guard symbol; the positioning reference signal is transmitted by the UE using one or more symbols other than the at least one symbol based on the information; method.

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