Positioning reference signaling for position determination in wireless communication systems - Patents.com

Abstract

An apparatus for a wireless communication network includes one or more antennas for receiving wireless signals. The apparatus is configured or pre-configured to measure one or more first wireless resources and one or more second wireless resources for location measurement. The apparatus activates or deactivates measurement of the second wireless resources in addition to or instead of the first wireless resources for location measurement in response to a specific event.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of wireless communication systems or networks, and more particularly to locating user devices such as mobile terminals in such networks. Embodiments relate to occasional transmission of positioning reference signals, for example as used in 5G communication networks. [Background technology]

[0002] FIG. 1 illustrates a core network 102 and one or more radio access networks RAN1, RAN2, ...RAN N 1(b) is a schematic diagram of an example of a terrestrial wireless network 100 including a radio access network RAN, which may include one or more base stations gNB1 to gNB5. n 1(b) is a schematic diagram of an example of a RAN, in which each base station serves a specific area around the base station, which is generally represented by a respective cell 1061-1065. The base stations are provided to serve users within the cell. One or more base stations may serve users in licensed and / or unlicensed bands. The term base station (BS) refers to gNB in ​​5G networks, eNB in ​​UMTS / LTE / LTE-A / LTE-A Pro, or simply BS in other mobile communication standards. Users may be fixed or mobile devices. The wireless communication system may also be accessed by mobile or fixed IoT devices that connect to the base station or the user. Mobile or IoT devices may include physical devices, ground vehicles such as robots or cars, manned or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) (the latter also known as drones), buildings, and other items or devices embedded with electronics, software, sensors, actuators, and other network connectivity that allows these devices to collect and exchange data across the existing network infrastructure. While FIG. 1(b) shows an example diagram of five cells, the RAN may also include mobile or fixed IoT devices that connect to the base station or user.n may contain more or less such cells, and RAN nIn some cases, a cell 1062 may include only one base station. Figure 1(b) shows two users UE1 and UE2 (also referred to as user equipment (UE)) in cell 1062 and served by base station gNB2. Another user UE3 is shown in cell 1064 served by base station gNB4. Arrows 1081, 1082, and 1083 schematically represent uplink / downlink connections for transmitting data from users UE1, UE2, and UE3 to base stations gNB2 and gNB4, or for transmitting data from base stations gNB2 and gNB4 to users UE1, UE2, and UE3. This can be achieved in licensed or unlicensed bands. Furthermore, Figure 1(b) shows two IoT devices 1101 and 1102 in cell 1064, which may be fixed or mobile devices. IoT device 1101 accesses the wireless communication system via base station gNB4 to transmit and receive data, as indicated schematically by arrow 1121. The IoT device 1102 accesses the wireless communication system via a user UE 3, as schematically represented by the arrow 1122. Each base station gNB1-gNB5 can be connected to the core network 102 via respective backhaul links 1141-1145, which are schematically represented in FIG. 1(b) by arrows pointing to "core," e.g., via an S1 interface. The core network 102 can be connected to one or more external networks. The external network can be a private network, such as the Internet or an intranet, or any other type of campus network, such as a private WiFi or a 4G or 5G mobile communication system. Furthermore, some or all of the base stations gNB1-gNB5 can be connected to each other via respective backhaul links 1161-1165, which are schematically represented in FIG. 1(b) by arrows pointing to "gNB," e.g., via an S1 or X2 interface or an XN interface in NR. Sidelink channels enable direct communication between UEs, also known as device-to-device (D2D) communication. The 3GPP sidelink interface is designated PC5.

[0003] A physical resource grid may be used for data transmission. The physical resource grid may consist of a set of resource elements onto which various physical channels and physical signals are mapped. For example, the physical channels may include physical downlink, uplink, and sidelink shared channels (PDSCH, PUSCH, PSSCH) that transmit user-specific data, also referred to as downlink, uplink, and sidelink payload data; a physical broadcast channel (PBCH) that transmits one or more of a master information block (MIB) and a system information block (SIB), one or more sidelink information blocks (SLIBs), if supported; physical downlink, uplink, and sidelink control channels (PDCCH, PUCCH, PSSCH) that transmit downlink control information (DCI), uplink control information (UCI), and sidelink control information (SCI); and a physical sidelink feedback channel (PSFCH) that transmits PC5 feedback responses.

[0004] For the uplink, the physical channel may further include a physical random access channel (PRACH or RACH) used by the UE to access the network after the UE synchronizes and acquires the MIB and SIB. The physical signal may include reference signals or symbols (RS), such as a positioning reference signal (PRS), a sounding reference signal (SRS), a synchronization signal, etc. The resource grid may include a frame or radio frame having a specific duration in the time domain and a given bandwidth in the frequency domain. A frame may include a specific number of subframes of a predefined length, e.g., 1 ms. Each subframe may include one or more slots of 12 or 14 OFDM symbols, depending on the cyclic prefix (CP) length. For example, when utilizing a shortened transmission time interval (sTTI) or a minislot / non-slot-based frame structure consisting of only a few OFDM symbols, a frame may also include fewer OFDM symbols.

[0005] 2 shows two example slot configurations with subcarrier spacing of 30 kHz (shown in FIG. 2A) and 240 kHz (shown in FIG. 2B). For example, the physical radio channel can be subdivided into subsequent time intervals called radio frames 202, and each time interval can be subdivided into 10 subframes, as shown in the following table:

[0006] [Table 1]

[0007] A radio frame 202 has a length of 10 milliseconds and is divided into 10 subframes 204. Each subframe 204 is therefore 1 millisecond long. The number of slots 206 into which each subframe 204 is divided may depend on the subcarrier spacing, for example according to the following table [see 3GGP38.211, Table 4.3.2-1], where μ may be an index indicating the subframe division.

[0008] [Table 2]

[0009] The following table associates different values ​​of subcarrier spacing with each slot configuration.

[0010] [Table 3]

[0011] Also, as shown in Figure 2, in the case of 30 kHz subcarrier spacing, one subframe 204 is subdivided into two slots, but in the case of 240 kHz subcarrier spacing, one subframe 204 is subdivided into 16 slots 206. Each slot 206 is subdivided into 14 symbols 208. Figure 3 shows an example of a resource grid 309 of one physical resource block including one slot in the time domain and 12 subcarriers in the frequency domain.

[0012] The wireless communication system shown in Figure 1 can be any single-tone or multi-carrier system using frequency division multiplexing such as orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), or orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA), or other IFFT-based signals (such as DFT-s-OFDM) with or without CP. Other waveforms, such as non-orthogonal waveforms for multiple access, such as filter bank multi-carrier (FBMC), generalized frequency division multiplexing (GFDM), or universal filter multi-carrier (UFMC), can also be used. The wireless communication system can operate, for example, in accordance with the LTE-Advanced Pro standard, or the 5G or NR (New Radio) standard, or the NR-U (New Radio Unlicensed) standard.

[0013] The wireless network or communication system shown in Figure 1 may be a heterogeneous network with separate overlay networks, e.g., a network of macro cells, each including a macro base station such as base stations gNB1 to gNB5, and a network of small cell base stations, such as femto and pico base stations, not shown in Figure 1. In addition to the terrestrial wireless networks described above, there are also non-terrestrial wireless communication networks (NTNs) that include space-borne transceivers such as satellites and / or airborne transceivers such as unmanned aerial systems. The non-terrestrial wireless communication networks or systems may operate in a manner similar to the terrestrial system described above with reference to Figure 1, for example, according to the LTE-Advanced Pro standard or 5G or NR, i.e., new wireless standards.

[0014] In a mobile communication network, e.g., a network such as that described above with reference to FIG. 1, such as an LTE or 5G / NR network, there may be UEs that communicate directly with each other over one or more sidelink (SL) channels, e.g., using a PC5 / PC3 interface or WiFi Direct. UEs that communicate directly with each other over the sidelink may include vehicles communicating directly with other vehicles (V2V communication), vehicles communicating with other entities in the wireless communication network, e.g., roadside units (RSUs), or roadside entities such as traffic lights, traffic signs, or pedestrians (V2X communication). Depending on the specific network configuration, an RSU may have the functionality of a BS or a UE. The other UEs may not be vehicle-related UEs and may comprise any of the devices listed above. Such devices may also communicate directly with each other (D2D communication) using the SL channels.

[0015] In wireless communication networks such as the one shown in Figure 1, it may be desirable to locate a UE with a certain degree of accuracy, such as determining the location of a UE within a cell. Several positioning techniques are known, such as satellite-based positioning techniques, e.g., autonomous and assisted global navigation satellite systems (A-GNSS) such as GPS, mobile radio cellular positioning techniques, e.g., observed time difference of arrival (OTDOA), and enhanced cell ID (E-CID), or a combination thereof.

[0016] Please note that the information in the above sections is intended only to facilitate understanding of the background of the present invention and, as such, may contain information that does not constitute prior art already known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0017] Starting from the above, there may be a need for improvements or enhancements with respect to locating entities such as user devices in a wireless communication system or network.

[0018] Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a terrestrial wireless network. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a terrestrial wireless network. [Figure 2A] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a radio frame fragmentation scheme. [Figure 2B] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a radio frame fragmentation scheme. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a slot resource grid. [Figure 4] 1 illustrates an example of a network entity in a wireless communication network. [Figure 5]FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a wireless communication network. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a user device in a wireless communication network. [Figure 7] 1 illustrates an example of a network entity of a wireless communication network. [Figure 8A] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an O-PRS configuration for an AOD scenario. [Figure 8B] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an O-PRS configuration for an AOD scenario. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an O-PRS configuration for a TDOA scenario. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a periodic O-PRS configuration. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a time offset. [Figure 12A] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the periodicity of a PRS. [Figure 12B] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the periodicity of a PRS. [Figure 13] A figure showing an example of O-PRS transmission from N-TRP. [Figure 14] A diagram showing an example of O-PRS transmission from an S-TRP. [Figure 15] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a semi-persistent O-PRS configuration. [Figure 16] A diagram illustrating an example of an LMF-based O-PRS configuration and activation / deactivation procedure. [Figure 17A] A diagram showing the intra-band and inter-band configuration of O-PRS resources. [Figure 17B] A diagram showing the intra-band and inter-band configuration of O-PRS resources. [Figure 17C] A diagram showing the intra-band and inter-band configuration of O-PRS resources. [Figure 18] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of first and second radio resources aligned in time. [Figure 19] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a computer system in which units or modules and steps of the methods described in accordance with the present technique can be executed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] Although the following describes embodiments in detail, it should be understood that these embodiments provide many applicable concepts that can be embodied in a wide variety of wireless communication networks. The specific embodiments discussed are merely illustrative of particular ways to implement and use the concepts and do not limit the scope of the embodiments. In the following description, numerous details are set forth to more thoroughly explain embodiments of the present disclosure. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that other embodiments can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form, rather than in detail, in order to avoid obscuring the examples described herein. Furthermore, unless otherwise noted, features of different embodiments described herein can be combined with each other.

[0021] In the following description of the embodiments, the same or similar elements or elements having the same functions are given the same reference numerals or identified by the same names, and repeated descriptions of elements given the same reference numerals or identified by the same names are usually omitted. Therefore, the descriptions provided for elements having the same or similar reference numerals or identified by the same names can be mutually interchangeable or can be applied to each other in different embodiments.

[0022] In a wireless communication system or network such as the one described above with reference to FIG. 1, uplink and / or downlink methods may be used for locating or positioning a user device (UE). For example, an uplink positioning method such as uplink time difference of arrival (UL-TDOA) uses a sounding reference signal (SRS) as an uplink reference signal for estimating parameters such as time difference of arrival (TDOA), round trip time (RTT), angle of arrival (AoA), etc. A downlink positioning method uses a positioning reference signal (PRS) as a downlink reference signal for estimating parameters such as downlink time difference of arrival (TDOA, DL-TDOA), angle of arrival (AoD), etc. Round trip time (RTT) is a technique that may rely on both DLRS and ULRS.

[0023] FIG. 4 illustrates network entities that may be involved in calculating the location of a UE, such as UE1, and interfaces between the UE and other network entities. FIG. 4 illustrates a wireless communication network including a core network and a RAN implemented as a Cloud RAN, C-RAN, or the like, similar to that described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 4 illustrates entities involved in the process of determining the location of UE1. The core network 102 includes a location management function (LMF) and an access and mobility management function (AMF) that communicate using a network layer signaling protocol (NL). The RAN includes distributed units gNB-DU1, gNBDU2, and gNB-DU3 connected to respective central units s-gNB and n-gNB via an F1 interface, which are connected via an XN interface. The central units s-gNB and n-gNB are further connected to the AMF of the core network 102 via a next generation application protocol (NGAP). Each of the distributed units gNB-DU1, gNBDU2, and gNB-DU3 includes a transmission / reception point (TRP1), TRP2, and TRP3, e.g., one or more antennas or antenna arrays. In an example, each distributed unit gNB-DU1, gNBDU2, and gNB-DU3 can apply beamforming so that associated transmitting and receiving points transmit and receive using beams oriented in specific directions, such as beams 1, 2, or 3 of distributed unit gNB-DU1, beams 4, 5, or 6 of distributed unit gNBDU2, and beams 7, 8, or 9 of distributed unit gNB-DU3. For example, in FIG. 4, during the positioning process to determine the location of UE1, beams 1 through 9 are the respective transmit beams at the distributed units or base stations for transmitting the PRS. UE1 can then apply or use different spatial-domain receive filters across multiple PRS resources to receive the PRS from the direction described by one of beams A, B, and C.

[0024] To determine the location of the UE, the following classes of positioning methods according to 3GPP, Rel. 16 can be used: 1. UE-assisted, LMF-based, where the positioning solution is calculated at the LMF based on measurement reports from the UE. 2. UE-based, where the UE receives assistance data for performing computations at the UE. 3. NG-RAN node assisted, where the positioning solution is calculated at the LMF based on measurement reports from the NG-RAN node.

[0025] Rel-16 PRS signals are considered "always-on" signals. For AoD, narrow beams improve the accuracy of direction estimation, while wider beams are sufficient for TDOA and RTT, achieving higher coverage. An always-on narrow beam PRS resource configuration clearly wastes energy, overhead, and air resources. One way to configure periodic PRS resources with low overhead is to configure a very long period between PRS resources. The drawback of this approach is that the PRS resources are not efficient in terms of AoD accuracy because the channel changes with the UE's position / orientation.

[0026] The radio resources used by a TRP to transmit PRS can be defined in a PRS resource configuration. For example, a DL-PRS resource set is defined as a set of DL-PRS resources, each with a DL-PRS resource ID. DL-PRS resources within a DL-PRS resource set are associated with the same TRP or frequency layer. Each DL-PRS resource ID within a DL PRS resource set can be associated with a specific beam for beamforming. A TRP can be configured with multiple PRS resource sets.

[0027] For example, PRS resources and resource sets can be configured as defined in TS38.214 Section 5.1.6.5. According to this scheme, the UE is expected to be configured with a dl-PRS-ID-r16 defined to associate with multiple DL PRS resource sets from the same cell. The UE is expected to be able to uniquely identify DL PRS resources using one of these dl-PRS-ID-r16s and the nr-DL-PRS-ResourceSetId-r16 and nr-DL-PRS-ResourceId-r16. A DL PRS resource set consists of one or more DL PRS resources and is defined by several parameters. The information element dl-PRS-Periodicity-and-ResourceSetSlotOffset-r16 is a mandatory field and defines the DL PRS resource periodicity for each DL PRS resource set. All DL PRS resources within one DL PRS resource set are configured with the same DL PRS resource periodicity. Furthermore, the DL PRS positioning frequency layer is defined as a collection of DL PRS resource sets with common parameters set by nr-DL-PRS-PositioningFrequencyLayer-r16. An always-on reference signal is a signal that, once configured, is always transmitted at a specific time location. In NR, always-on signals are defined only for synchronization signal blocks (SSBs) and PRSs. Always-on RSs can be considered periodic, but not all periodic RSs are always-on. A further known concept of PRS refers to PRS transmissions that can be activated upon request from the UE. This technique is considered user-specific and requires the UE to report measurements to the network to configure the reference signal. Other PRS configurations can temporarily increase PRS resources in a given area and time instance. This technique is a configuration option within the always-on procedure. R2-2007128 proposes on-demand PRS triggered upon a request from the UE and is associated with the concept of transmitting PRS only on a subset of beams emanating from a given transmission point.The on-demand procedure requires feedback from the UE to the LMF regarding cell resources across multiple cells that the UE can listen to. R2-2007128 proposes dynamic PRS management, a mechanism that allows the TRP to temporarily deactivate a given PRS set according to appropriate configuration. According to TS38.214 Section 5.1.6.1.3, a UE is configured with associated SSBs. Associated SSBs are DL-RSs and contain SSN indices. This association indicates the cell timing relationship associated with the associated SSBs that the UE should reference for cell timing. This means that whether the UE obtains cell timing from neighbor cells or does not process CSI-RS for mobility is affected by the associated SSBs. That is, if the UE is configured with the higher layer parameter CSI-RS-Resource-Mobility and the higher layer parameter associatedSSB is not configured, the UE shall perform measurements based on CSI-RS-Resource-Mobility, and the UE may base its CSI-RS resource timing on the timing of the serving cell. If the UE is configured with the higher layer parameters CSI-RS-Resource-Mobility and associatedSSB, the UE may base the timing of the CSI-RS resources on the timing of the cell specified by the cell Id in the CSI-RS resource configuration.

[0028] The present invention aims to provide a concept for efficient allocation of PRS resources that enables accurate position measurement of a user device. Embodiments of the present invention are based on the idea that an improved trade-off between resource efficiency and positioning accuracy in user device position measurement can be achieved by activating or deactivating transmission and / or measurement of a second reference signal on a second radio resource in response to a specific event, in addition to or instead of a first reference signal transmitted using a first radio resource. For example, the first radio resource may be periodic in time, and the first reference signal may be referred to as a periodic PRS. The second reference signal may be activated or deactivated in response to a specific event, and therefore may be referred to as an occasional PRS. In embodiments, a user device may be configured or pre-configured to measure the second radio resource upon startup; for example, the user device configuration may be provided by another network entity, such as the core network or a TRP. Thus, the user device may not need to request transmission of an additional PRS. Rather, transmission and / or measurement of the second reference signal may be performed in response to a defined event or occasion, such as a defined positioning procedure.

[0029] Transmitting a second reference signal on a second radio resource increases the number of reference signals that can be transmitted within a defined time period. Because user devices may move, location measurements using reference signals within a short time period may be more accurate than location measurements using reference signals distributed over a long period. However, activating and deactivating the second reference signal may limit the transmission of a large number of reference signals to a short time period to limit radio resource utilization.

[0030] In an embodiment, the second radio resource may be configured independently of the first radio resource so as not to be necessarily subject to limitations in the configuration of the first radio resource. Thus, having the second radio resource in addition to the first radio resource increases the flexibility of the configuration of the radio resources for positioning measurements.

[0031] Embodiments of the present invention may be implemented in a wireless communication system including a TRP and a UE, such as a mobile terminal or IoT device, as shown in FIG.

[0032] 5 is a schematic diagram of a wireless communication system 510, such as the one described with respect to FIG. 1. The wireless communication system 510 includes a user device 500, e.g., a mobile user device, and a transmit / receive point (TRP) 502. Optionally, the wireless communication system 510 may include an additional TRP 504. The user device 500 can communicate with the TRP 502 via a wireless communication link or channel 512 and, optionally, with the additional TRP 504 via a wireless communication link or channel 514. The user device 500 includes one or more antennas 520 or one or more antenna arrays having multiple antenna elements, a transceiver 530, and a signal processor 540 coupled to each other. The one or more TRPs 502, 504 each include one or more antennas 522, 524 or one or more antenna arrays having multiple antenna elements, a transceiver 532, 534, and a signal processor 542, 544. The wireless communication system 510 further includes an LMF 550, which may be part of a core network of the wireless communication system. The LMF 550 is connected to the TRPs 502 and 504. To determine the location of the user device 500, location measurements may be performed between the user device 500 and one or more of the TRPs 502 and 504. For example, the TRP 502 may transmit a positioning reference signal (PRS) using radio resources that may be assigned to the PRS according to a configuration. For example, the PRS configuration may be provided by the LMF 550. The user device 500 may measure the radio resources configured for the PRS. For example, the user device 500 may measure the received signal strength on the PRS radio resources or the time of arrival of the PRS transmitted on the PRS radio resources. The location measurements may include measurements of PRSs transmitted from different TRPs, such as the TRP 502 and the TRP 504. The location measurements may also include measurements of multiple PRSs transmitted by one TRP. For example, the TRP 502 may use beamforming to point each of the multiple PRSs in a different direction.In a further example, the user device may transmit a reference signal, such as a sounding reference signal (SRS), and one or more of the TRPs 502, 504 may measure the reference signal transmitted by the user device 500. The system or network, UE 500, TRPs 502, 504, and LMF 550 of FIG. 5 may operate in accordance with the teachings of the present invention described herein. For example, the TRP 502 may be a serving TRP for the user device 500. For example, the UE 500 may be in an RRC connected state with the TRP 502. In example 3, the TRP 504 may represent a non-serving TRP. In an example, the timing of the UE 500 may not be synchronized with the TRP 504.

[0033] An embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

[0034] According to one embodiment, an apparatus for a wireless communication network, e.g., a user device (UE), comprises one or more antennas for receiving wireless signals, the apparatus being configured or pre-configured to measure one or more first wireless resources and one or more second wireless resources for position measurement, the apparatus activating or deactivating measuring the second wireless resources in addition to or instead of the first wireless resources for position measurement in response to a specific event.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the apparatus derives a time frame for each of the second radio resources from timing information indicating a time offset between the second radio resource and one or more of the first radio resources.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the device derives the time frame of the second radio resource and / or the time frame of the one or more first radio resources independently from information about the timing of a transmission point, e.g., a TRP, that is expected to transmit a reference signal using the second radio resource.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the device detects a first reference signal signaled on one or more of the first radio resources, thereby measuring the radio resources within a sensing window defining, for example, a time frame and / or a frequency band, to derive a time for one first radio resource, and derives a respective time frame for one or more of the second radio resources from timing information indicating a time offset between the second radio resource and the detected first radio resource.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the device obtains the time frame of each of the second radio resources from timing information indicating the time frame relative to the timing of the transmission point serving the device.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the device receives reference timing information from a first network entity, e.g. a serving TRP with which the device communicates, and the first radio resource and / or the second radio resource are for a reference signal transmitted by a second network entity, e.g. a non-serving TRP.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the device receives reference timing information from a network entity, e.g. a serving TRP with which the device communicates, and the first radio resource and / or the second radio resource are for reference signals transmitted by a network entity, e.g. a non-serving TRP.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the device derives the time frame of the first radio resource and / or the second radio resource based on timing information indicating the time frame relative to reference timing information.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the device activates or deactivates measurements of the second radio resource in addition to the first radio resource depending on timing information regarding the first resource and the second resource, e.g., relative timing information between the first radio resource and the second radio resource.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the first radio resource is for transmitting a first reference signal by a serving transmission point of the device and the second radio resource is for transmitting a second reference signal by a further transmission point.

[0044] For example, by defining a time window within which the second radio resource is to be measured, a distance range between the apparatus, e.g., a user device, and the further transmission point may be allowed by taking into account timing information for activating or deactivating measurements of the second radio resource.

[0045] According to one embodiment, one or more sets of second resources are associated with one of the first resources, the set of second resources having a preconfigured time offset relative to the associated first resource.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the device measures a set of second resources upon reception of the associated first resources if measurement of the second resources is activated.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the device measures two or more of the second resources simultaneously, i.e., the two or more second resources are located within an equal time frame, slot, or set of one or more OFDM symbols.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the device is adapted to simultaneously measure one or more of the first resources and one or more of the second resources.

[0049] According to one embodiment, each of the first and second radio resources is associated with a carrier frequency and / or a frequency band and / or a frequency layer.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the device combines results of two or more simultaneous measurements of one or more first and / or second radio resources.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the first radio resource and the second radio resource are for transmitting respective reference signals from the same network entity, for example a TRP.

[0052] According to one embodiment, one of the first radio resources is in a first frequency range and one of the second radio resources is in a second frequency range (which may be different from the first frequency range), the first radio resource and the second radio resource being located within a common time period; The device measures a first radio resource and a second radio resource to obtain combined measurement information based on a first reference signal transmitted on the first radio resource and a second reference signal transmitted on the second radio resource.

[0053] According to one embodiment, one of the first radio resources is in a first frequency range and one of the second radio resources is in a second frequency range (which may be different from the first frequency range), and the first radio resource and the second radio resource are located within a common time period (e.g., within one radio frame, within one slot, or within a common set of OFDM symbols, or within one OFDM symbol); The apparatus measures aggregated radio resources to obtain combined measurement information, where the aggregated radio resources include a first radio resource and a second radio resource. That is, for example, the apparatus can coherently combine two or more resources to extend an effective bandwidth across the first radio resource and the second radio resource. Thus, the measurement information can be based on a first reference signal transmitted on the first radio resource and a second reference signal transmitted on the second radio resource.

[0054] According to one embodiment, one of the first radio resources is in a first frequency range, one of the second radio resources is in a second frequency range (which may be different from the first frequency range), and the first radio resource and the second radio resource are located within a common time period (e.g., within one radio frame, one slot, or a common set of OFDM symbols, or within one OFDM symbol). Further according to this embodiment, the device measures a first reference signal on the first radio resource and a second reference signal on the second radio resource, combines the first reference signal and the second reference signal to obtain an aggregated reference signal, and obtains combined measurement information based on the aggregated reference signal.

[0055] According to one embodiment, one or more bandwidth portions of the aggregated radio resource correspond to non-overlapping portions of the first radio resource and the second radio resource.

[0056] According to one embodiment, one of the first radio resources is in a first frequency range, one of the second radio resources is in a second frequency range different from the first frequency range, and the first radio resource and the second radio resource are located within a common time period. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the device measures the first radio resource to determine first measurement information (which may include one or more of a power, an angle of arrival, a time of arrival, and a phase of a first reference signal transmitted on the first radio resource), the device measures the second radio resource to determine second measurement information (which may include one or more of a power, an angle of arrival, a time of arrival, and a phase of a second reference signal transmitted on the second radio resource), and the device determines combined measurement information based on the first measurement information and the second measurement information. Thus, for example, the measurement information may be based on the first reference signal transmitted on the first radio resource and the second reference signal transmitted on the second radio resource. For example, the device may aggregate or accumulate the first and second measurement information, or determine a weighted sum, e.g., an average, of the first and second measurement information. For example, the device may determine a weight for each of the first and second measurement information based on a noise level or an error, e.g., a ToA error, of each of the measurement information. For example, the device may select one of the first and second measurement information as the combined measurement information based on an estimated error of each of the first and second measurement information.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the first radio resource is for transmitting a first reference signal and the second radio resource is for transmitting a second reference signal from the same network entity, e.g., a TRP.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the first frequency range is part of a first frequency layer and the second frequency range is part of a second frequency layer (e.g., the first frequency layer is associated with a first antenna port and the second frequency layer is associated with a second antenna port). Alternatively, the first frequency range is part of a first bandwidth portion and the second frequency range is part of a second bandwidth portion (different from the first bandwidth portion).

[0059] According to one embodiment, the first frequency layer is part of a different frequency band or component carrier than the second frequency layer.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the apparatus comprises: Depending on the receiver capabilities of the device, e.g., its ability to resolve impairments such as channel spacing between component carriers, timing offsets, phase offsets, etc. - measuring the first radio resource and the second radio resource simultaneously; or - Omitting measurements of the first radio resource or the second radio resource.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the first frequency layer and the second frequency layer are part of the same frequency band or component carrier; - the first frequency layer is contiguous with the second frequency layer, or - The first frequency layer is not contiguous with the second frequency layer.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the device will take into account one or more priority rules, e.g., configured in advance or via higher level signaling, in measuring and / or processing the first and second radio resources, e.g., in aggregating the measured strengths of the first and second radio resources or in simultaneously processing the measured strengths of the first and second radio resources.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the device receives first configuration information indicating first radio resources from a first network entity, e.g., an LMF, and the device receives second configuration information indicating second radio resources from the first network entity or a second network entity, e.g., a TRP.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the apparatus comprises: - receiving configuration information from a second network entity, e.g., a TRP, indicating second radio resources; - receiving a trigger signal from a second network entity; Activating or deactivating measurements of the second radio resource upon receipt of the trigger signal.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the device decodes a DCI message or a MAC-CE message of a second network entity, for example, the DCI message or the MAC-CE message indicating a trigger signal.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the apparatus comprises: - receiving a trigger signal from a first network entity; - activating or deactivating measurements of a second radio resource upon reception of a trigger signal.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the apparatus comprises: - receiving configuration information via a first communication interface, e.g., LPP, MAC-CE; - receiving a trigger signal via a second communication interface (such as DCI);

[0068] According to one embodiment, the second communication interface is for faster communication than the first communication interface.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the device activates or deactivates measurements of the second radio resource in addition to the first radio resource depending on timing information, e.g., timing information regarding the first and second radio resources. For example, the timing information includes a time difference between one of the first reference signals and one of the second reference signals. For example, the device can obtain the time difference based on the configuration of the first and second resources. For example, the first resource may be for transmission of the first reference signal by a first TRP or gNB, and the second resource may be for transmission of the second reference signal by a second TRP or gNB. For example, the first TRP may be the serving TRP of the device, and the second TRP may be a non-serving TRP of the device. In other words, a certain event may be triggered by a time difference between the first and second reference signals satisfying a criterion, e.g., higher or lower than a threshold. For example, the threshold may be provided by the LMF, e.g., in the form of reference timing information.

[0070] According to one embodiment, a device, e.g., a network entity such as a transmitting / receiving point, TRP, or gNB of a wireless communication network, comprises one or more antennas for transmitting radio signals. The device is configured or pre-configured to transmit one or more first reference signals using one or more first radio resources and one or more second reference signals using one or more second radio resources for position measurement. The device activates or deactivates transmission of the second reference signals in addition to or instead of the first reference signals for position measurement in response to a specific event.

[0071] The embodiments described below can be based on any of the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the device provides to a network entity, eg, an LMF, information regarding a second radio resource, eg, a configuration of a resource set including the second resource, eg, at least one resource.

[0073] According to an embodiment, the device can provide the configuration of the second radio resources to the UE, e.g., via RRC or posSIB, e.g., if the device is the serving gNB for the UE. Alternatively, the LMF can provide the configuration of the second radio resources to the UE, e.g., via LPP.

[0074] According to an embodiment, the apparatus is configured to provide, prior to activation of the second resource, an activation instruction for activating the second resource to a user device whose position is determined by the position measurement.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the first resource is periodic in time and the device is adapted to continuously transmit the first reference signal with the periodicity of the first resource.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the device transmits a first reference signal and a second reference signal such that the second reference signal has a narrower beamwidth than the first reference signal.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the device transmits a set of second reference signals using a set of second resources such that each of the set of second reference signals is oriented in a distinct steering direction, e.g., the steering directions of the set of second reference signals are different from each other.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the second set of resources is associated with one of the first resources, and the device is adapted to transmit the second set of resources after transmitting the associated first resource if transmission of the second resource is activated.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the device transmits the second set of resources with a defined time offset delay after transmitting one or more of the first radio resources.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the device provides, for example to a UE, information regarding the spatial relationship of the second reference signal relative to the first reference signal, for example by signaling QCL type information or through association of one or more second resource IDs with the ID of the first resource.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the first radio resource and / or the second resource is for transmitting a positioning reference signal.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the first radio resource is periodic in time.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the time frame of the second radio resource is different from the time frame of the first radio resource.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the second resource has a different frequency bandwidth than the first resource.

[0085] According to one embodiment, the first resource is periodic in time; - the second resource is aperiodic in time, or - the second resource is periodic in time, the periodicity of the second resource being less than or equal to the periodicity of the first resource;

[0086] According to one embodiment, the first resources are periodic in time, and the second resources include multiple sets of one or more second resources. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the sets of second resources are periodic in time. For example, the time distance between the sets of second resources is constant, and / or each first and second radio resource in the set of second radio resources is periodic in time. Furthermore, the periodicity of the set of second resources is equal to the periodicity of the first resources.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the second resource of one of the sets of second resources is periodic in time, the periodicity of the second resource of the set of second resources being higher than the periodicity of the first resource.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the specific event is: - reception of activation information indicating activation or deactivation of a second resource (e.g., the activation information is received from an LMF, e.g., via an LPP, or from a serving TRP, e.g., via an RRC, MAC-CE, or DCI); - Measurement of a predetermined positioning reference signal (such as PRS, SSB, or CSI) One or more of the following:

[0089] An embodiment provides a Location Management Function (LMF) apparatus for a wireless communication network, e.g. apparatus 550, which is configured to provide activation information to a transmission point requesting activation or deactivation of transmission of a second reference signal in addition to or instead of a first reference signal for position measurement between the transmission point and a UE.

[0090] According to one embodiment, the LMF device is adapted to provide activation information in response to receiving an activation request from the UE.

[0091] According to one embodiment, the activation request from the UE indicates a configuration in which the second resource is to be activated.

[0092] According to one embodiment, the activation request from the UE includes an identifier for indicating a configuration of the second resource, and the activation request from the UE indicates at least one parameter to be changed with respect to the configuration identified by the identifier.

[0093] According to one embodiment, a method for operating an apparatus, e.g., a user device (UE), for a wireless communication network comprises: measuring one or more first radio resources and one or more second radio resources for position measurement; activating or deactivating measurements of a second radio resource in addition to or instead of the first radio resource for location measurement in response to a specific event; Includes.

[0094] According to one embodiment, a method of operating an apparatus, e.g., a network entity, e.g., a transmitting / receiving point, for a wireless communication network comprises: transmitting one or more first reference signals using one or more first radio resources and one or more second reference signals using one or more second radio resources for position measurement; activating or deactivating transmission of a second reference signal in addition to or instead of the first reference signal for position measurement in response to a particular event; Includes.

[0095] According to one embodiment, a method for operating a Location Management Function (LMF) of a wireless communication system comprises providing activation information to a transmission point requesting activation or deactivation of transmission of one or more second reference signals in addition to or instead of one or more first reference signals for position measurement between the transmission point and a UE.

[0096] According to one embodiment, a wireless communication system comprises one or more devices according to any one of the previous embodiments.

[0097] According to one embodiment, a wireless communication system, such as the system 510 described with reference to FIG. 5, comprising a first transmission point, such as a TRP 502, and a second transmission point, such as a TRP 504, is for performing location measurement of a user device, such as the apparatus 500, in a serving connection with the first transmission point (e.g., the first transmission point is a serving TRP for the user device), where the location measurement is for determining a location of the user device. According to this embodiment, the first transmission point is for transmitting one or more first reference signals on one or more first radio resources for the location measurement, and the second transmission point is for transmitting one or more second reference signals on one or more second radio resources for the location measurement. Furthermore, the user device is for activating or deactivating measuring the second radio resources in addition to or instead of the first radio resources for the location measurement in response to a specific event.

[0098] According to one embodiment, the user device is an apparatus 500, 600 according to FIG. 5 or FIG.

[0099] According to one embodiment, the first transmission point is the apparatus 502 according to Figure 5 and / or is implemented in accordance with the apparatus 700 of Figure 7. Additionally or alternatively, the second transmission point is the apparatus 504 according to Figure 5 and / or is implemented in accordance with the apparatus 700 of Figure 6.

[0100] Optionally, the wireless communication comprises an LMF device, for example an LMF device 550 according to FIG.

[0101] According to one embodiment, the user device is for activating or deactivating measurements of the second radio resource depending on timing information regarding the first radio resource and the second radio resource.

[0102] According to one embodiment, the second transmission point is adapted to activate or deactivate transmission of the second reference signal in response to a respective instruction, for example, the LMF device or the first transmission point may provide the respective instruction.

[0103] One embodiment provides a method (510) of operating a wireless communication system, the method including the steps of: performing a location measurement of a user device (500) in a serving connection with a first transmission point of the wireless communication system, the location measurement being for determining a location of the user device; transmitting, by the first transmission point, one or more first reference signals on one or more first radio resources; transmitting, by a second transmission point, one or more second reference signals on one or more second radio resources; and activating or deactivating measurements of the second radio resources by the user device in addition to or instead of the first radio resources for the location measurement.

[0104] An embodiment of the present invention provides a non-transitory computer program product comprising a computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed on a computer, perform any of the described methods.

[0105] FIG. 6 illustrates an apparatus 600 for a wireless communication network according to an embodiment of the present invention. For example, the apparatus 600 is a user device (UE), such as the user device 500 described with respect to FIG. 5. The apparatus 600 includes one or more antennas 624 for receiving wireless signals. For example, the apparatus 600 can communicate with one or more base stations or TRPs of the wireless communication network via communication channels, such as channels 512 and 514 of FIG. 5. The apparatus 600 includes a position measurement processor 660 and further includes a radio resource configuration storage 662. The radio resource configuration storage 662 at least temporarily holds a first radio resource configuration 670 for one or more first radio resources and a second radio resource configuration 680 for one or more second radio resources. The apparatus may include a receiver 630, which may be part of a transceiver, for measuring radio resources using one or more antennas 620, for example, to receive signals transmitted on the measured radio resources. For position measurement, the device 600 measures one or more of the first radio resources and one or more of the second radio resources, and the position measurement processor 660 is responsive to a particular event 664 to activate or deactivate measurements of the second radio resources in addition to or instead of the first radio resources for position measurement.

[0106] The apparatus 600 may be pre-configured with the first radio resource configuration 670 and / or the second radio resource configuration 680. In other examples, the apparatus 600 may receive the first radio resource configuration 670 and / or the second radio resource configuration 680.

[0107] The measurement of one or more radio resources, e.g., the first radio resource or the second radio resource, may include determining a received strength or received power on the measured radio resource, or determining one of a received strength, received power, time of arrival, and angle of arrival of a reference signal transmitted on the measured resource. For example, the apparatus 600 is adapted to determine measurement information including one or more of these quantities based on the measurement of one or more radio resources.

[0108] FIG. 7 illustrates an apparatus 700 for a wireless communication network according to an embodiment of the present invention. For example, the apparatus 700 is a TRP similar to the example network entity 502 described with reference to FIG. 5. The apparatus 700 includes one or more antennas 720 for transmitting wireless signals. The apparatus 700 further includes a positioning processor 760 configured or pre-configured to transmit one or more first reference signals 772 and one or more second reference signals 782 for positioning of a network entity of the wireless communication network, such as a user device like the apparatus 600. The apparatus 700 transmits the first reference signals 772 on a first wireless resource and transmits the second reference signals 782 on a second wireless resource. The positioning processor 760 activates or deactivates transmission of one or more second reference signals in addition to or instead of the one or more first reference signals for positioning in response to a specific event 766. For example, the apparatus includes a transmitter 732, which may be part of a transceiver, for transmitting the one or more first reference signals 772 and one or more second reference signals 782.

[0109] Because transmission of the second reference signal on the second radio resource can be activated or deactivated in response to a specific event 766, the second reference signal for position measurement may be referred to as an occasional positioning reference signal (O-PRS). Thus, the second radio resource may be referred to as an O-PRS resource. In contrast, because the first reference signal may be, for example, an always-on reference signal that may be transmitted periodically, the first reference signal may be referred to as a periodic PRS, or simply PRS. In general, radio resources may be referred to as resources.

[0110] For example, O-PRS is transmitted by one or more TRPs at defined occasions (time and frequency resources) and is not an always-on reference signal. As mentioned above, O-PRS can be used to enable positioning methods that rely on measurements from DL RSs (downlink reference signals), such as AoD, RTT, or DL-TDOA. Unlike CSI-RS, occasional PRS is not necessarily UE-specific, and DL-O-PRS resources transmitted from multiple TRPs can be received by the same UE (i.e., not from the serving cell). For non-serving cell RSs, the serving cell cannot perform association determination, activation / deactivation, and association procedures for DL-RSs transmitted from TRPs different from the serving TRP.

[0111] In the example, both the PRS and the O-PRS are configured by the network (e.g., LMF). In this case, it may be expected that the PRS and the O-PRS will not have identical resource configurations. One or more of the following can distinguish the configuration of the O-PRS from the PRS configuration: Tracking rate: The high periodicity of O-PRS supports certain measurements such as phase tracking. Time and frequency domain position: 5G allows for flexible mapping of resource elements onto subcarriers and OFDM symbols with defined constraints. O-PRS can have narrower or wider bandwidths and different numbers of OFDM symbols depending on the targeted enhancement of coverage or accuracy desired in the O-PRS configuration. In the case of O-PRS, the interference assumptions can be relaxed, which allows for high-density use such as Comb1 configuration. Beam characteristics Number of antenna ports

[0112] For example, in a wireless communication network such as the one described in FIG. 5, a network entity such as one of the TRPs 502, 504, e.g., the apparatus 700 of FIG. 7, or the LMF 550, can provide a downlink reference signal (DL-RS) resource configuration and an O-PRS configuration to a user device such as a UE 500, e.g., the apparatus 600 of FIG. 6. For example, the DL-RS resource configuration may include a PRS configuration, e.g., the first radio resource configuration 670. The network entity can further provide an O-PRS configuration, e.g., the second radio resource configuration 680, to the user device. In an example, the configuration message provided to the user device identifies the O-PRS resources to be measured by indicating a resource ID that references one or more resources in the PRS resource set. In other words, the configuration messages for measurements and O-PRS resources are identified by resource IDs within the PRS resource set.

[0113] Thus, the first radio resource configured by the first radio resource configuration 670 may be for transmitting a first reference signal, which may be, for example, DL-PRS or SSB. The second radio resource may be associated with one or more of the first radio resources. For example, the second radio resource configuration 680 may reference one or more of the first radio resources, for example, by resource ID, to configure the second radio resource. Thus, the timing of the second radio resource, e.g., a time frame or slot or one or more symbols, and / or a frequency range, may be defined with respect to one or more associated first radio resources.

[0114] In other words, in the example, the O-PRS configuration is associated with the configuration of the DL-RS, which may be identified by a resource ID. For example, to measure the O-PRS, the user device may measure radio resources within a search window. For example, as described with reference to FIG. 2, the user device expects the O-PRS to arrive within the search window before or after a specified time period, based on, for example, the time frame, time slot, or symbol indicated for the O-PRS in the O-PRS configuration. The O-PRS search window may be associated with the DL-RS identified by the resource ID. In the example, the DL-RS configuration may include a timing offset. The timing offset may describe the offset between the timing of the TRP, e.g., TRP 504, transmitting the O-PRS and the serving PRS, e.g., TRP 502, of the user device, e.g., user device 500. For example, the timing offset configured in the DL-RS may be used for the O-PRS. In other words, if configured, the timing offset configured in the DL-RS is associated with the DL-RS regardless of the timing of the serving cell.

[0115] In an example, the user device may measure a selected O-PRS resource, e.g., a selected O-PRS resource among resources defined in an O-PRS configuration. The selection may be determined based on a DL-RS associated with a configuration message (e.g., a configuration message for a first radio resource). For example, the selection may be based on a resource set ID, a frequency layer ID, or a TRPID of the associated DL-RS.

[0116] For example, UE actions related to the O-PRS, such as measurements of the O-PRS, are determined based on measurements by the UE on DL-RSs associated with the O-PRS. That is, UE measurements on the O-PRS may be triggered by UE measurements on one or more DL-RSs based on network configuration messages. Thus, for example, the configuration of the O-PRS is not determined based on information about DL-RSs reported by the UE.

[0117] In the example, no feedback is required from the UE to the LMF regarding cell resources across multiple cells that the UE can hear.

[0118] In the example, for each O-PRS, one associated DL-RS can be configured.

[0119] For example, the DL-RS can be a DL-PRS (NR), a PRS (LTE), or an SSB.

[0120] In the example, the O-PRS configures resources in an O-PRS resource set, which may be different from the DL-RS resource set of the associated DL-RS resource.

[0121] In the example, the O-PRS resource sets are identified by mode.

[0122] In examples, O-PRS resource sets may be identified by periodic, aperiodic, or semi-persistent (SP) resource set configurations.

[0123] In an example, the O-PRS resource configuration may include a time relationship with the associated DL-RS (for periodic and SP).

[0124] In the example of aperiodic or semi-persistent O-PRS, the O-PRS resource set may be identified by an aperiodic resource set configuration that may be activated or deactivated via higher layer parameters. That is, for example, event 664 may correspond to receipt of higher level signaling that signals higher layer parameters.

[0125] In an example, the O-PRS measurement is associated with a frequency layer, a TRP ID, or a resource set. For example, the O-PRS may correspond to or be transmitted by a neighboring TRP, e.g., a non-serving TRP.

[0126] O-PRS configuration The O-PRS can be configured to optimize the performance of positioning methods such as ToA-based or direction-based methods. Figures 8 and 9 show example configurations that may be particularly beneficial for AoD and TDOA or RTT methods, respectively.

[0127] FIG. 8 illustrates an example of an AoD scenario and a corresponding O-PRS configuration according to one embodiment. However, it should be noted that the O-PRS configuration described with respect to FIG. 8 can be used independently of AoD. FIG. 8a illustrates a TRP, such as the device 700 of FIG. 7. The TRP 800 is configured to transmit a first periodic PRS 872a and a second periodic PRS 872b, e.g., using a first antenna and a second antenna, respectively, such that the periodic PRSs 872a, 872b may be directed in different directions. The periodic PRSs 872a, 872b may be an example of the first reference signal 772 of FIG. 7. The beamwidth of the periodic PRSs 872a, 872b may be quite wide. FIG. 8b illustrates a time-frequency diagram illustrating the radio resources of the PRSs shown in FIG. 8a. The periodic PRSs 872a, 872b are periodically transmitted on a periodic radio resource, e.g., the first radio resource. The periodic PRSs may be always on. The TRP 800 is further configured to transmit O-PRSs 882a-f. The O-PRSs 882a-c may be transmitted using a first antenna. Each of the O-PRSs 882a-c may be directed in a different direction, for example, by applying beamforming using different spatial filters to transmit the respective O-PRSs. For example, the departure angles of each of the O-PRSs 882a-c may be distributed within the field of view of the first periodic PRS 872a. Similarly, the O-PRSs 882d-f may be transmitted within the field of view of the second periodic PRS 872b using a second antenna. For example, the O-PRSs 882a-c may be associated with the periodic PRS 872a, and the O-PRSs 882d-f may be associated with the periodic PRS 872b. The O-PRSs 882a-f may have a narrower beamwidth than the associated periodic PRS. The O-PRSs 882a-f may be transmitted on respective O-PRS resources 884a-f, as shown in Figure 8b. The O-PRS resources may correspond to second radio resources similar to those configured by the second radio resource configuration 680 of Figure 6.

[0128] Because the O-PRS 882 is pointed in various directions, user devices can perform AoD measurements on the O-PRS resources. For this purpose, user devices may measure the received signal strength on the O-PRS resources. A smaller beamwidth of the O-PRS used for AoD positioning measurements can potentially increase measurement accuracy. In other words, the TRP transmits several PRS resources, e.g., O-PRS resources 882a-f, at various azimuth and elevation scan angles. Because the number of PRS resources transmitted in multiple beams can be large (especially at high frequencies), AoD requires a high update rate and multiple beam directions for the PRS resources, making the use of always-on signals like PRS a waste of resources. The AoD technique relies on RSRPs from various beams, and the narrower the beam, the better the AoD estimate. Therefore, activating the O-PRS 872 for specific events is beneficial. Such specific events, such as event 766 in Figure 7, could be the initialization of a positioning measurement, e.g., a high-precision positioning measurement.

[0129] In an example, radio resources for transmission of O-PRSs associated with one periodic PRS (or alternatively another reference signal), e.g., O-PRSs 882a-c associated with periodic PRS 872a, are part of a set of O-PRS resources and may be referred to as a second set of radio resources. In FIG. 8b, O-PRS resources 884a-c may form or be part of O-PRS resource set 883a. Accordingly, O-PRS resources 884d-f may form or be part of O-PRS resource set 883b associated with second periodic PRS 872b and corresponding periodic PRS resource 874b. In the example of FIG. 8B, the O-PRS resources of one set of O-PRS resources are within the same time period, e.g., within the same time frame, or time slot, or symbol. Thus, a user device can simultaneously measure the O-PRS resources of one set of O-PRS resources. Such an arrangement of O-PRS resources may make the effect of user device movement on positioning particularly small, thereby enabling highly accurate positioning.

[0130] For example, as shown in Figure 8B, sets of O-PRS resources 883a, 883b follow their associated periodic PRS resources 874a, 874b. A configuration of O-PRS resources, such as the second radio resource configuration 680 of Figure 6, may indicate a time offset between the O-PRS resources and their associated periodic PRS resources. Thus, a user device can infer the arrival times of O-PRS resources 882a-c, 882d-f from the arrival times of their associated periodic PRS resources 872a, 872b.

[0131] In an example, after activating measurements of the O-PRS by, for example, a UE, only one instance of the O-PRS 872a-f is transmitted. Thus, the O-PRS may be referred to as aperiodic (AP) or semi-persistent.

[0132] In an example, a user device can infer its rough orientation relative to the TRP from measurements of periodic PRS resources and perform measurements of O-PRS resources accordingly. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, a UE may be equipped with multiple antennas, denoted as antennas A, B, and C in FIG. 4, which may be oriented in different directions. The UE may measure periodic PRS resources on the multiple antennas and may select the antenna that produces the highest received reference signal, e.g., the highest reference signal strength, measured on the radio resource, i.e., the PRS resource, for the periodic PRS for O-PRS resource measurements. Thus, O-PRS resources can be measured energy-efficiently.

[0133] In the scenario according to Figure 8, one or more user devices in a given area, e.g., around a TRP 800, may be configured by a network, e.g., an LMF, to measure multiple O-PRS resources transmitted from one or more TRPs. Because PRS is primarily designed to support OTDOA use cases covering wide areas including multiple TRPs, area-specific PRS design has not been included in the PRS design scope of existing solutions.

[0134] FIG. 9 illustrates another example of an O-PRS resource configuration according to one embodiment. The O-PRS resource configuration may be particularly useful for DL-TDOA measurements, such as for high-accuracy use cases or high-mobility UEs. The first periodic PRS 974a and the second periodic PRS 974b are periodically repeated, similar to the first and second periodic PRSs 874a, 874b. Each of the first O-PRS resource sets 984a includes a plurality of first O-PRS resources, e.g., three first O-PRS resources as shown in FIG. 9. Each of the second O-PRS resource sets 984d includes a plurality of second O-PRS resources, e.g., two second O-PRS resources. For example, the two sets 984a of first O-PRS resources are arranged successively in time. For example, the O-PRS resources of one O-PRS resource set may be arranged in different time periods and may be arranged periodically within the set of O-PRS resources. The frequency at which instances of the set of O-PRS resources are repeated may be greater than the frequency of the periodic PRS resources 974a, 974b. As shown in Figure 9, the O-PRS resources 984a, 984b may have a higher bandwidth than the periodic PRS resources 974a, 974b. The O-PRS resources 984a, 984b may be referred to as semi-persistent O-PRS resources.

[0135] Additionally, the O-PRS may be designed to accommodate latency or to support UEDL positioning sessions during DRX.

[0136] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a periodic O-PRS resource configuration according to one embodiment. In the case of periodic O-PRS resources, a set 1084 of O-PRS resources may be repeated periodically, for example, as long as the periodic O-PRS is activated. The set 1084 of O-PRS resources may include multiple O-PRS resources 1084-1 through 1084-N. For example, the O-PRS resources 1084-1 through 1084-N may be arranged periodically within the set 1084 of O-PRS resources. The first O-PRS resource 1084, i.e., one of the set 1084 of O-PRS resources, may have a time offset 1085 from the periodic PRS resource 974a with which the set 1084 of O-PRS resources is associated. The set 1084 of O-PRS resources may be repeated with a periodicity 1086. The periodicity 1086 may correspond, for example, to the periodicity of the periodic PRS resource 974a with which the set of O-PRS resources 1084 is associated.

[0137] For example, the periodic PRS 974a, 974b and / or the periodic O-PRS 1084 may be transmitted by a non-serving TRP code by a TRP different from the reference TRP. For example, the reference TRP may be a TRP that provides assistance data to the user device. For example, the user device may synchronize with the reference TRP. A time offset 1052, which may be provided to the UE, for example, by the LMF 550, e.g., via an LPP, indicates the timing offset between the reference TRP and the TRP transmitting the PRS and / or O-PRS on the resources 974a, 974b, 1084.

[0138] As described with respect to Figures 8, 9, and 10, the network can configure the UE with O-PRS resources that have the desired characteristics for an AoD "narrow" beam. The O-PRS configuration can be associated with always-on PRS resources or from available DL RSs such as SSB or DL-PRS measured at the UE.

[0139] In one option, the network can provide O-PRS resources to a UE based on the first measurement (e.g., RSRP) from the UE on a DL RS, including PRS, SSB, or CSI-RS. In the second option, the network can provide O-PRS resources to a UE based on the UE's first report of an RSRP measurement on a DL RS, including PRS, SSB, or CSI-RS. Because UEs cannot report directly to neighboring TRPs, the LMF or serving TRP can provide the RSRP measurements required to configure O-PRS to non-serving TRPs. The advantage of the second option is that more UEs can be served with the same configured O-PRS. Furthermore, this option reduces latency and device efficiency due to measurements and reports requiring additional message exchanges between the UE and the network.

[0140] The O-PRS configuration may be provided from the LMF over the LPP interface. For low latency applications, the UE may be configured with a DCI field to trigger on-demand O-PRS resource configuration. The UE may assume that the transmit power within the resources of the O-PRS resource set is constant. If not provided by higher layer parameters, the UE may assume that the transmit power of the O-PRS and associated RSs is the same.

[0141] In an example, at least one of the following parameters is configured via higher layer signaling for each O-PRS resource configuration, e.g., second radio resource configuration 680 in FIG. 6: PRS resource ID, resource mapping, periodicity type, resource repetition factor, time slot offset, frequency resource element offset, sequence ID, comb size, resource bandwidth, resource power, O-PRS muting pattern, O-PRS-startPRB, QCL information.

[0142] In the following, timing aspects are described that may optionally be applied to the O-PRS configurations of Figures 8, 9, and 10, as well as all further O-PRS configurations described herein. For example, the UE 600 may utilize one or more of the described timing methods to measure the second radio resource defined in the second radio resource configuration 670.

[0143] Regarding the timing of measurements of PRS and / or O-PRS resources, the UE may rely on synchronization or timing information regarding the TRP transmitting the PRS or O-PRS on the measured resource. For example, the UE may synchronize with a reference TRP, such as a serving TRP. If the UE measures the PRS or O-PRS of an additional TRP, e.g., a neighboring TRP of the serving TRP, e.g., a non-serving TRP, the UE may be provided with information regarding the timing of the additional TRP.

[0144] In an example, the LMF provides the UE via the LPP with an information field NR_SFN0_Offset, which defines the time offset of SFN#0 slot#0 of a given TRP relative to SFN#0 slot#0 of the assistance data reference TRP, and may include the following subfields: For example, SFN#0 may refer to the first radio frame of a series of radio frames, such as radio frame 204 in FIG. 2, and slot#0 may refer to the first slot of the first radio frame, such as slot 208. - sfn-Offset specifies the SFN offset at the TRP antenna position between the assistance data reference TRP and this neighboring TRP. The offset may correspond to the number of total radio frames counted from the beginning of radio frame #0 of the Assistance Data Reference TRP to the beginning of the nearest subsequent radio frame #0 of this neighboring TRP. sfn-Offset can be an integer value between 0 and 1023. - integerSubframeOffset specifies the frame boundary offset in TRP antenna positions between the Assistance Data Reference TRP and this Adjacent TRP, counted in full subframes. The offset is counted from the beginning of subframe #0 of the Assistance Data Reference TRP to the beginning of the nearest subsequent subframe #0 of this Adjacent TRP, truncated to a multiple of subframes. integerSubframeOffset can be an integer value between 0 and 9.

[0145] Figure 11 illustrates an example of a time offset between a reference TRP and a non-serving TRP. In the example shown in Figure 11, a time offset 1152, which may be an example of the time offset 1052 in Figure 10, is described by SFN offset = 1 and subframe offset = 6, which may be signaled to the UE regarding the timing information of TRP_N.

[0146] FIG. 12 shows an example of a periodic arrangement of PRSs within a radio frame. As described with respect to FIG. 2, a radio frame 204 can include 10 subframes 206. In the example of FIG. 12A with a subcarrier spacing of 15 kHz, each subframe 206 includes one slot. The PRS configuration shown is configured with a 4-slot periodicity of slots 208a configured as PRS resources. In the example of FIG. 12B with a subcarrier spacing of 30 kHz, each subframe 206 includes two slots. The PRS configuration shown is configured with an 8-slot periodicity of slots 208a configured as PRS resources.

[0147] The following describes various scenarios for triggering a UE to measure a non-periodic O-PRS resource. The described triggering events may be examples of specific events 664 in response to which the apparatus 600 may activate measurement of a second radio resource, e.g., an O-PRS, such as a non-periodic O-PRS. For example, the UE triggering may be performed via a DCI interface. Thus, the specific event 664 may correspond to receipt of a DCI message. While the example of a periodic O-PRS is described, the following triggering method is equally applicable to periodic or semi-persistent O-PRS.

[0148] If the O-PRS measured by the UE is transmitted by a neighboring TRP (e.g., non-serving TRP, N-TRP, also labeled TRP_N), the network (e.g., LMF) may inform the UE about the time offset 1052, 1152 of the N-TRP relative to the UE's reference TRP, for example, by indicating the SFN, the subframe offset of the TRP-N relative to the SFN of the reference TRP (see Figure 11). The UE can use that information to adjust the SFN of the TRP-N on the SFN derived from the reference TRP. In an example, the N-TRP_N has a scheduled always-on signal (PRS). For example, the TRP_N schedules an O-PRS occasion for transmission that includes one or more resources or resource sets. The network (e.g., LMF) is notified by the TRP_N and forwards this information to the serving cell. Alternatively, the network can trigger the TRP-N to transmit the O-PRS and notify the UE about the O-PRS transmission accordingly.

[0149] For example, the serving cell / gNB / TRP may trigger the UE to measure O-PRS using DCI signaling, which may depend on the UE capabilities and O-PRS characteristics (e.g., O-PRSin / out active BWP) and O-PRS priority. For example, the serving cell may allocate measurement gaps for the UE to perform only O-PRS actions.

[0150] FIG. 13 illustrates a scenario of O-PRS transmission from a neighboring TRP (TRP_N) according to one embodiment. TRP_N transmits a set of PRS 1374 and aperiodic O-PRS 1384. For O-PRS measurement, the UE can be notified by a higher layer (e.g., LPP, RRC, or MAC-CE) about the associated PRS 1374 (e.g., associated first radio resource). An additional O-PRS relative offset 1385 is defined for the associated PRS 1374. The UE uses this information to obtain O-PRS time information. In other words, the UE can infer the expected arrival time of the O-PRS from the defined time offset between the PRS and O-PRS and from the arrival time of the PRS. This approach has the advantage that the uncertainty window can be negligible or kept small. The uncertainty window is necessary in non-serving cells because the UE timing and the TRP-UE distance are not pre-aligned. Therefore, the time of flight 1354 between the TRP_N and the UE may be unknown to the UE, resulting in uncertainty in the arrival times of the PRS and O-PRS. The UE can therefore use the PRS for synchronization with the TRP_N. Another advantage is that the UE's detectability may be improved if the O-PRS window is accurately known. This is relevant in cases of poor coverage or high interference. By indicating the relative offset 1385, the risk of missing the O-PRS is reduced.

[0151] Another option is for the network to directly indicate the DCI timing relationship with the O-PRS, for example by indicating the O-PRS offset 1356. In this case, an uncertainty window may be defined for the O-PRS transmitted from a neighboring TRP. This option may be particularly relevant for neighboring TRPs if the detectability of the O-PRS is better than the PRS. Periodic or semi-persistent transmissions may be preferred. In other words, the scenario of Figure 13 can be used for semi-persistent or periodic O-PRS as well.

[0152] Figure 14 illustrates another scenario according to an embodiment in which a set of PRSs 1374 and O-PRSs 1384 are transmitted by the serving TRP. In a first option, timing information 1456 is provided to the UE, which indicates a time offset between the O-PRS 1384 and a reference time indicated, for example, by a DCI message. In a second option, the UE is provided with a relative time offset 1485 between the PRSs 1374 and O-PRS 1384, similar to the timing of 1385 described with respect to Figure 13. For the serving TRP, the first option may be the preferred option.

[0153] The method for triggering O-PRS measurements described in Figure 14 with respect to Figure 13 can be used for SP O-PRS or periodic O-PRS in a similar manner. However, external differences may apply. Periodic or SP O-PRS resources may be triggered by MAC-CE, or RRC, or LPP signaling. For example, MAC-CE may trigger SP measurements instead of DCI, which may be used to trigger aperiodic O-PRS in an example. In a further example, RRC may trigger periodic O-PRS measurements.

[0154] FIG. 15 illustrates a scenario for transmitting SP O-PRS according to one embodiment. This scenario can be used for periodic O-PRS as well. A TRP, e.g., a serving TRP, transmits a periodic PRS 1374 and a set of O-PRSs 1384a, 1384b. As shown in FIG. 15, for SP O-PRS or P O-PRS, an indication of a relative offset between the PRS and O-PRS, such as relative offsets 1385, 1485, may refer to the first transmission of the O-PRS, such as set 1384a of O-PRS in FIG. 15. For example, the network provides resource slot offset information 1585 (optionally an SFN or frame offset) on the PRS 1374 associated with the first transmission of O-PRS 1384a. Similar to the expansion in FIG. 14 with respect to FIG. 13, in an alternative option, timing information 1556 indicating the offset between the first set of O-PRSs 1384a and a reference time may be provided to the UE. For example, for SP O-PRS, the reference time may be indicated by a MAC-CE message. For Key O-PRS, the reference 10 may be indicated by an RRC message. It is noted that these options, similar to those developed with respect to Figure 13, may also be used for non-serving TRPs.

[0155] FIG. 18 shows a time-frequency diagram illustrating another example of the arrangement of the first radio resource 1874 and the second radio resource 1884. The first radio resource 1874 and the second radio resource 1884 are located within a common time period 1892. The time period 1892 may correspond to one of a radio frame, a slot, a symbol, e.g., an OFDM symbol, or several symbols, as described with respect to FIG. 2. The first radio resource 1874 is in a first frequency range 1879. The second radio resource 1884 is in a second frequency range 1889. The first frequency range 1879 and the second frequency range 1889 may be contiguous or discontinuous. The first frequency range 1879 may be a first bandwidth portion, and the second frequency range 1889 may be a second bandwidth portion. The apparatus 600 may measure the first radio resource 1874 and the second radio resource 1884 simultaneously.

[0156] In an example, the apparatus 600 may determine first measurement information based on measurements on the first radio resource 1874, e.g., by measuring a first reference signal transmitted on the first radio resource 1874. Additionally, the apparatus 600 may determine second measurement information based on measurements on the second radio resource 1884, e.g., measurements on a second reference signal transmitted on the second radio resource 1884. The first and / or second measurement information may each include one or more values ​​for one or more measurement quantities, such as received power, time of arrival, angle of arrival, or phase, as described for the measurement information with respect to FIG. 6. The apparatus 600 may determine combined measurement information based on the first measurement information and the second measurement information. For example, the apparatus 600 may combine values ​​of the measurement quantities from measurements on the first radio resource 1874 and the second radio resource 1884 to obtain a combined value of the measurement quantity. In other words, the apparatus 600 may combine the first measurement information and the second measurement information to obtain combined measurement information. The apparatus 600 can obtain the combined value by accumulating the values ​​of the first measurement information and the second measurement information, or by determining an average or weighted sum of the values ​​of the first measurement information and the second measurement information. For example, the apparatus 600 can estimate an error between each of the values ​​of the first measurement information and the second measurement information and determine a weight for the weighted sum based on the estimated error. In an example, the weight may be set to zero. Thus, the apparatus 600 can select one of the first measurement information and the second measurement information as the combined measurement information.

[0157] In a further example, the apparatus 600 may perform measurements, e.g., aggregated measurements, on aggregated radio resources including the first radio resource 1874 and the second radio resource 1884. In other words, the apparatus 600 may aggregate signals received in the first frequency range 1879 and the second frequency range 1889 within the time period 1892 to obtain an aggregated signal and may obtain joint measurement information based on the aggregated signal. Thus, the apparatus 600 may obtain one or more of received power, time of arrival, angle of arrival, or phase based on the aggregated signal received in the first frequency range 1879 and the second frequency range 1889. The apparatus 600 may aggregate or accumulate a first reference signal received on the first radio resource 1874 and a second reference signal received from the second radio resource 1884 to obtain the aggregated signal. In an example, the apparatus 600 may weight a first reference signal received on the first radio resource 1874 and a second reference signal received on the second radio resource 1884 to obtain an aggregated signal.

[0158] The first frequency range 1879 and the second frequency range 1889 may be located within one frequency tier.

[0159] In another example, the first frequency range 1879 and the second frequency range 1889 can be located in different frequency layers. In an example, the device 600 can measure in different frequency layers. In this case, the device 600 can simultaneously measure the first radio resource 1879 and the second radio resource 1889. If the device 600 cannot measure in different frequency layers, the device 600 may determine to measure either the first radio resource 1874 or the second radio resource 1884 based on a priority rule for the first and second radio resources 1874, 1884. For example, the priority rule may be provided by higher layer signaling.

[0160] Thus, the apparatus 600 may perform joint measurements on the first radio resource 1874 and the second radio resource 1884. The combination of the first radio resource 1874 and the second radio resource 1884 may be referred to as an aggregated radio resource, and the apparatus 600 may perform aggregate measurements. For example, the apparatus 600 may perform aggregate measurements on non-overlapping portions of the first radio resource 1874 and the second radio resource 1884.

[0161] Below, several aspects are described in more detail, which may be optionally adopted in the embodiments described with respect to Figures 8, 9, 10, 13, 14, 15, and 18, for example by the UE 600 of Figure 6.

[0162] Association Procedure As previously mentioned, the O-PRS may be associated with a DL-RS. For example, the associated DL-RS may be indicated in the second radio resource configuration 680. In an alternative example, the O-PRS may be configured without a DL-RS association.

[0163] In an example, event 664 may be a measurement of a DL-RS in response to which an O-PRS measurement is activated or deactivated. In other words, an O-PRS configuration may be activated or deactivated in relation to a measurement from a DL-RS, such as a PRS, SSB, or CSI-RS measurement.

[0164] In an example, a UE may be configured with one or more O-PRS resource set configurations, such as configuration 680, for periodic, aperiodic, and semi-persistent time domain behavior.

[0165] In an example, O-PRS can be provided as a mode with a PRS resource or resource set configuration. The PRS modes "always on" and "occasional" can be defined in higher layer signaling defining the DL-PRS-ResourceSet or DL-PRS-Resource. That is, the configuration 680 can be similar to the configuration of PRS resources, but can be associated with a dedicated PRS mode for occasional PRS.

[0166] In examples, the O-PRS can be derived from the resource set configuration if the periodicity type is defined as periodic, aperiodic, or semi-persistent, or if an information element such as the associated DL-RS is indicated.

[0167] In the example, O-PRS PRS resources can have periodic, aperiodic, or semi-persistent configurations. The time and frequency allocation of the TRP, along with additional resource configurations (start / stop, periodicity, slot offset, etc.), is provided to the UE via higher layer signaling from the LMF or TRP.

[0168] Time-related aspects: In one option, the network provides the UE via a higher layer configuration that includes time information for the O-PRS to be measured relative to the associated DL-RS, i.e. the scenarios described with respect to Figures 13, 14 and 15 can also be used to reference a signal other than the PRS.

[0169] For example, the configured relative time is provided as a relative slot offset associated with at least one DL-RS resource ID (of a resource or resource set) (e.g., times 1385, 1485, 1585). In an example, when a relative time relationship with a DL-RS is configured, the UE is expected to measure the O-PRS only during the specified time and configure the O-PRS periodicity and slot resource. An example is shown in Figure 10. The O-PRS start or O-PRS relative slot offset indicates the start or offset of the O-PRS resource (or resource set) relative to the DL-RS (resource 1).

[0170] In an example, the O-PRS time relationship configuration (e.g., O-PRS relative slot offset) depends on at least one of the following: DL-RS resource set slot offset, DL-RS periodicity, DL-RS resource slot offset, O-PRS periodicity.

[0171] For example, the UE may use timing information from the associated TRP defining a system frame number 0 offset, which defines the time offset of SFN#0 slot#0 of a given TRP relative to SFN#0 slot#0 of an assistance data reference TRP, to obtain the timing information.

[0172] Measurement-related aspects: In one option, the UE may be instructed by the network to perform measurements on the O-PRS resources according to criteria indicated by the network.

[0173] In one example, the UE is expected to measure the RSRP of the O-PRS resources associated with at least one DL-RS in the PRS resource set. This may be related to AoD procedures where the UE should not measure O-PRS resources in the NLOS or weaker direction of the DL-RS. The criteria for selecting the O-PRS resources can be left to the UE or can be instructed to the UE by higher layers.

[0174] In one example, the UE is expected to measure RSTD, TX-RX, RSRP of the O-PRS resources associated with at least one DL-RS in the PRS resources according to the QCL type indication provided by the O-PRS configuration.

[0175] In one option, the UE may be configured with TRS, CSI-RS (Radio Resource Management: RRM), CSI-RS (Radio Link Monitoring: RLM), or CSI-RS for beam management as DL-RS on O-PRS resources, i.e., the UE applies the O-PRS procedure to available or network-configured RSs to perform DL positioning measurements.

[0176] Unless otherwise indicated by the higher level (QCL type), the UE may assume that O-PRS resources are quasi-co-located with the associated DL-RS resources.

[0177] Time Behavior In the example, the O-PRS resource can be configured to have one of semi-persistent, aperiodic, and periodic configurations. For periodic and semi-persistent configurations, the periodicity can be configured, for example, as O-PRS1086 in Figure 10. The periodicity can be configured based on the number of slots, such that the resource is transmitted once every N slots. As an example, for a subcarrier spacing configuration μ, the periodicity is

[0178]

number

[0179] It becomes a slot.

[0180] Also, time offsets, e.g., 1354, 1356, 1456, 1554, and 1556, can be configured using several slots. In other words, an offset measured in number of slots can be configured. In an example, the reference point for the slot offsets may be with respect to the first slot (slot 0) of radio frame 0.

[0181] An aperiodic O-PRS may optionally be defined by a slot offset relative to the slot in which the DCI that triggered it was received, e.g., timing information 1456 in Figure 14. For example, the slot offset is defined at the CSI-RS resource set level.

[0182] In one option, if the network does not configure the aperiodic O-PRS with a slot offset, the UE assumes that the O-PRS and the associated RS are in the same slot.

[0183] Generation of O-PRS sequences For example, generation of the reference signal sequence of the O-PRS or second reference signal 782 may be performed in accordance with TS38.211 section 7.4.1.7.

[0184] In one option, the UE determines that the reference signal sequence r(m) is

[0185]

number

[0186] where the pseudorandom sequence c(i) is defined in Section 5.2.1. The pseudorandom sequence generator is

[0187]

number

[0188] It is initialized with

[0189]

number

[0190] is the slot number and is the downlink PRS sequence ID

[0191]

number

[0192] is given by higher layer parameters, and l is the OFDM symbol in the slot to which the sequence is mapped.

[0193] UE procedures regarding priority In the example, the UE shall not expect to be configured with O-PRS on symbols during which the UE is also configured with PRS resources. If the UE configures an O-PRS resource with an OFDM symbol that overlaps with another PRS resource, the UE may assume that both resources are quasi-co-located with QCL-typeD.

[0194] In the example, if the AP O-PRS resource is configured with periodic PRS or periodic O-PRS, the time domain and frequency domain configuration must match the periodic PRS configuration.

[0195] In the example, if configured within the same slot or if the UE cannot process multiple O-PRS resources within the configured time, the aperiodic O-PRS has the highest priority according to the following priority rules: AP-O-PRS>SP-O-PRS>PO-PRS

[0196] In the example, if configured in the same slot or if the UE is unable to process O-PRS together with (always-on) PRS resources, aperiodic or SP-O-PRS has higher priority than PRS according to the following priority rules, unless otherwise specified: AP-O-PRS > SP-O-PRS > PRS PRS>P-PRS

[0197] In the example, if the network configures the UE with an O-PRS that exceeds the UE's capabilities, the UE shall assume the following priority unless otherwise specified: First X1 frequency layer Second X2TRP per frequency tier Third X3 set per TRP of frequency tier Set of 4 X4 resources per TRP per frequency tier X1, X2, X3, and X4 are defined UE capabilities.

[0198] In an example, an O-PRS resource or resource set may include a mode, which may provide UE procedures to be used by the UE in relation to the O-PRS resource being processed. For each mode, the UE expects to be configured with a set of resources configured in a particular way.

[0199] Frequency Behavior In the example, the UE expects the O-PRS and the DL-RS associated with the O-PRS to be configured with the same BWP.

[0200] In an example, the UE may be configured to perform O-PRS measurements outside an active BWP (bandwidth portion), provided that the DL-RS is within the same inactive BWP and a measurement gap is configured for the measurements.

[0201] FIG. 17 illustrates an example of a radio resource configuration of PRS and O-PRS resources. Panel (a) illustrates an intra-band contiguous scenario, in which a first bandwidth portion 1774 in which PRS resources are located and a second bandwidth portion 1784 in which O-PRS resources are located are arranged contiguously within a single frequency band. Panel (b) illustrates an intra-band discontiguous scenario, in which bandwidth portion 1774 and bandwidth portion 1784 are arranged discontinuously within a single frequency band. Panel (c) illustrates an inter-band discontiguous scenario, in which bandwidth portion 1774 and bandwidth portion 1784 are arranged discontinuously within different frequency bands. For example, a bandwidth portion refers to a frequency range, such as one or more subcarriers, as described with respect to FIG. 3.

[0202] In the example, if the UE does not report the capability to measure without measurement gaps, then the UE does not support O-PRS processing without measurement gaps. For example, if the UE does not support measurement without measurement gaps, then the UE may only measure contiguous bandwidth portions.

[0203] For example, the current DL PRS RE pattern can be used, which supports a comb size N equal to the number of symbols M as an example. - Comb-2: Symbol {0,1} has relative RE offset {0,1}, - Comb-4: Symbol {0,1,2,3} has relative RE offset {0,2,1,3}, - Comb-6: Symbols {0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5} have relative RE offsets {0, 3, 1, 4, 2, 5}.

[0204] The comb size N is limited to the number of symbols M to achieve full staggering (achieving an equivalent comb of 1), eliminating ambiguities arising from additional correlation peaks. In our example, the O-PRS can have a relaxed RE pattern, i.e., it supports partial staggering or a comb size N smaller than the number of symbols M. This is possible because it can resolve ambiguities from a reference (associated) DL-RS.

[0205] In the example, comb size

[0206]

number

[0207] is a PRSrelease16 combination of {2,2}, {4,2}, {6,2}, {12,2}, {4,4}, {12,4}, {6,6}, {12,6} and {12,12}

[0208]

number

[0209] The upper layer parameter o-PRS-CombSizeN indicates that the O-PRS supports new combinations including one or more of {1,1}, {1,2}, {1,6}, {12,1}, and {12,4}, and L PRS is the time domain downlink PRS resource size,

[0210]

number

[0211] are the O-PRS transmit comb coefficients. For example, O-PRS

[0212]

number

[0213] The combination is set according to the application.

[0214] Configuration and activation / deactivation procedures The following describes a configuration and activation or deactivation procedure between a UE and one or more TRPs in a wireless communication network. For example, the wireless communication network may correspond to that described in FIG. 5 and may include a UE 500, which may correspond to a UE 600, and further includes at least one TRP, such as a serving TRP 502 and, optionally, a non-serving TRP 504. For example, an apparatus 700 may correspond to the serving TRP 502 or the non-serving TRP 504.

[0215] For example, a network entity (e.g., the LMF 550 or the serving TRP 502) provides the UE 500 with a DL-RS resource configuration, e.g., a first radio resource configuration 670 and one or more O-PRS configurations 680. For example, if the LMF is the configuration entity, the resource configuration is provided via a higher layer interface, such as an LPP. In another option, if the s-TRP is the configuration entity, the resource configuration can be provided via RRC.

[0216] In one option, the network may allow the serving TRP to activate, deactivate, or update the configured O-PRS from the LMF. The O-PRS can correspond to a neighboring TRP or the serving TRP. That is, the UE can receive the O-PRS configuration from one entity (e.g., the LMF) and be controlled by another entity (e.g., the serving TRP). In this case, the LMF and TRP can exchange configuration via the NRPPa interface or similar.

[0217] In one option, the TRP can directly configure the UE with O-PRS resource configuration. The serving TRP can be provided with O-PRS information from the n-TRP that provides it to the UE in the serving cell. The configuration is performed over the higher layer interface (RRC).

[0218] For periodic and semi-persistent O-PRS configurations, the LMF may provide the UE with measurement opportunities for the O-PRS (i.e., without the involvement of s-TRP).

[0219] According to the above option, the O-PRS resources, e.g., the O-PRS resource configuration 680, are provided to the UE in the assistance data of an LPP message from the LMF. Alternatively, the O-PRS resources are provided to the UE in an RRC message from the serving TRP.

[0220] In the example, the interfaces for activation / deactivation and resource updates are affected by the O-PRS periodicity configuration (aperiodic, semi-persistent, and periodic), which may be DCI, MAC CE, or RRC. For example, O-PRS resources and resource sets are mapped to TRPs and frequency layers in the same way as PRSs and include at least one of the following information: Frequency layer TRP by frequency tier O-PRS resource set per TRP of frequency layer A set of O-PRS resources per TRP per frequency tier

[0221] In one option, the LMF can provide the TRP with the O-PRS configuration for AoD measurements. The TRP can acknowledge the O-PRS signaling to the LMF and provide the LMF with additional information about the detailed PRS configuration and angle information related to the signaled PRS resources. The TRP can also inform the LMF that the required PRS configuration is not possible. The UE is then configured with O-PRS resources by the LMF. The network may also configure the UE with measurement gaps to perform PRS measurements on the specified resources.

[0222] Below are example procedures for three different O-PRS time behaviors.

[0223] Semi-Permanent SP O-PRS: This procedure may enable the LMF or the coordination / scheduling entity to request activation and deactivation of O-PRS measurements from the gNB. This procedure may further enable the LMF or the gNB to request activation and deactivation of O-PRS measurements at the target UE.

[0224] In one option, O-PRS activation / deactivation request information is signaled from the LMF to the gNB or TRP. For activation / deactivation, and possibly resource configuration, the LMF can be the gNB, and the TRP can be the serving or neighboring gNB / TRP.

[0225] In one option, the LMF sends an NRPPa message to the serving gNB to request O-PRS activation for the target UE. In the case of semi-persistent O-PRS, the message contains an indication of the O-PRS resource set to be activated and may contain information indicating the resource configuration of the semi-persistent O-PRS resources to be activated.

[0226] The following steps provide an example of how to configure and activate the SP O-PRS procedure: (0) The gNB sends an NRPPa message to the LMF providing information about another SP O-PRS resource set. (1) SP O-PRS information is provided to the UE through one of the following options: (a) the serving gNB may provide the target UE with an O-PRS resource set configuration including at least one resource via a higher level transmission (e.g., RRC); or (b) The LMF may provide the O-PRS resource set configuration including at least one resource to the target UE via a higher level transmission (e.g., LPP). (2) Optionally, the LMF sends an NRPPa message to a gNB in ​​the network requesting activation of the SP O-PRS. In the case of the SP O-PRS, the message includes an indication of the SP O-PRS resource set ID to be activated. (3) The serving gNB can then activate the configured semi-persistent O-PRS resource set by sending higher layer signaling (MAC CE command) with new parameters such as SP-PRS-Positioning Activation / Deactivation. (4) If the O-PRS is successfully activated, the gNB can send an NRPPa response message to the LMF. If the serving gNB cannot fulfill the request, it returns a failure message indicating the cause of the failure. (5) Optionally, if a previously activated O-PRS needs to be deactivated, the LMF requests deactivation by sending an NRPPa message to the serving gNB of the target device, which includes an indication of the O-PRS resource set to be deactivated. (6) The UE may assume that the SP O-PRS is present in the configured slot until it receives an explicit deactivation, which may be a MAC-CE deactivation message from the gNB.

[0227] It should be noted that the numbers should be understood as a reference and do not indicate a required order of steps. Thus, although in the examples the method may be performed in the order shown, the numbers are examples and the order of steps may differ.

[0228] Aperiodic O-PRS The AP O-PRS configuration may be similar to the SP configuration, except for steps (3) and (6). In step (3), for AP O-PRS activation, higher layer signaling may be achieved by PDCCH using DCI rather than MAC-CE. In this case, the UE can identify the slot in which the resource exists according to the slot offset configured in the PDCCH. Furthermore, in step (6) of the UE procedure, for aperiodic O-PRS resources, the UE can assume that the configured resource exists only if it receives higher layer signaling that explicitly triggers the O-PRS aperiodic resource.

[0229] In one option, the aperiodic O-PRS is conditioned on the time uncertainty behavior of the N-TRP and S-TRP. For example, if the timing between the O-PRS activated via DCI from the s-TRP and the O-PRS corresponding to the adjacent TRP cannot be aligned, the AO-PRS is activated only for the s-TRP.

[0230] For example, the O-PRS may be conditioned, i.e., activated or deactivated, depending on the time uncertainty or the timing difference between the PRS transmitted by the s-TRP and the O-PRS transmitted by the n-TRP.

[0231] Alternatively, activation of the aperiodic O-PRS can be performed as follows. (1) Resources are configured for all TRPs that the UE expects to receive, but are not yet activated. (2) The LMF and / or another network entity sends a simultaneous request to the TRP for activation. For example, the LMF may send an O-PRS_ACTIVATION_REQUEST to the gNB hosting the TRP. (3) The TRP reports whether the activation was successful or not to the LMF via the gNB. The LMF sends signaling back to the gNB hosting the TRP belonging to the serving cell (e.g., the primary cell) indicating which of the configured TRPs confirmed the activation of the LMF and which TRPs sent error messages. This can be sent, for example, as a bitmap signal. (4) The UE is sent this information via DCI.

[0232] In the case of a semi-persistent O-PRS, the signaling regarding which TRP activated the O-PRS may be signaled as MAC-CE.

[0233] Cyclic O-PRS In the example, for periodic O-PRS, the activation and deactivation steps (2) and (4) of the method described for SP O-PRS do not necessarily apply. When a resource is configured for the UE, the UE may assume that the resource is within the configured periodicity and offset value within the defined slot. For example, the LMF can configure and activate UE PO-PRS resources via LPP.

[0234] The s-TRP may activate UE O-PRS resources via RRC, for example, for reduced latency applications.

[0235] For example, the procedure for configuring and activating a periodic O-PRS may be similar to the procedure described above. (0) The gNB sends an NRPPa message to the LMF providing information about another O-PRS resource or resource set. (1) O-PRS information is provided to the UE through one of the following options: (a) The serving gNB may provide the target UE by higher level transmission (e.g., RRC or posSIB) with an O-PRS resource set configuration including at least one resource. (b) The LMF may provide the O-PRS resource set configuration including at least one resource to the target UE via a higher level transmission (e.g., LPP). (2) The LMF sends an NRPPa message to the gNB in ​​the network requesting activation of the O-PRS. In the case of O-PRS, the message includes an indication of the O-PRS resource or resource set ID to be activated. (3) The serving gNB can then activate the configured O-PRS resource set by sending higher layer signaling. (4) If the O-PRS is successfully activated, the gNB can send an NRPPa response message to the LMF. If the serving gNB cannot fulfill the request, it returns a failure message indicating the cause of the failure. (5) Optionally, if a previously activated O-PRS needs to be deactivated, the LMF requests deactivation by sending an NRPPa message to the serving gNB of the target device, which includes an indication of the O-PRS resource set to be deactivated.

[0236] FIG. 16 illustrates an example LMF-based O-PRS configuration procedure according to an embodiment. FIG. 16 may provide a framework within which the above-described example methods for semi-persistent, aperiodic, and periodic O-PRS can be implemented. The wireless communication network 1600 includes a user device 1600, e.g., user device 500 or apparatus 600, a serving TRP 1602, e.g., TRP 502, which may be embodied by apparatus 700, and an LMF 1650, e.g., LMF 550, similar to the wireless communication network 500 of FIG. 5 . Optionally, the net wireless communication network 1600 further includes a non-serving TRP 1604, e.g., TRP 504, which may correspond to an embodiment of apparatus 700. The LMF 1650 communicates with the UE 1600, the TRP 1602, and optionally with the TRP 1604, via higher layer signaling 1614. The LMF 1650 may provide signaling 1660 of a PRS configuration, e.g., a first radio resource configuration 670, to the UE 1600. Further, the LMF 1650 may provide signaling 1618 of an O-PRS configuration, e.g., a second radio resource configuration 680, to the UE 1600. For example, the signaling 1616 and 1618 may be performed via LPP. Further, the LMF 1650 exchanges information 1613 regarding the O-PRS configuration with the TRP 1602. Additionally or alternatively, the LMF 1650 exchanges information 1615 regarding the O-PRS configuration with the non-serving TRP 1604. For example, the LMF 1650 provides the O-PRS configuration to the serving TRP 1602 and / or the non-serving TRP 1604. For example, the signaling 1613 and 1615 may be performed via NRPPA.

[0237] In an example, the LMF 1650 provides signaling 1617 to the UE 1600 to activate or deactivate measurements on O-PRS resources. That is, the UE 1600 may activate or deactivate measurements on O-PRS resources in response to receipt of the signaling 1617. In another example, the serving TRP 1602 provides signaling 1619 to the UE 1600 to activate or deactivate measurements on O-PRS resources.

[0238] For example, O-PRS 1682a may be transmitted by the serving TRP 1602. Additionally or alternatively, O-PRS 1682b may be transmitted by the non-serving TRP 1604. In an example, the serving TRP 1602 may provide signaling 1619 to activate measurement of the O-PRS resource on which O-PRS 1682a is transmitted. In the case of O-PRS transmission by the TRP 1604, the LMF 1615 may provide signaling 1617 to activate measurement of the O-PRS resource on which O-PRS 1682b is transmitted.

[0239] Associating with an uplink reference signal Occasional positioning reference signals in the downlink can be used to set parameters such as spatial relationships. For a UE that has just transitioned to an RRC connected state, the network may not already have enough measurements available to set spatial relationships to maximize coverage for the required number of TRPs. Therefore, occasional PRS can be configured to determine the UE's spatial relationships suitable for receiving SRS transmissions or wideband downlink positioning reference signals.

[0240] In an example, if the UE is configured with an occasional PRS, the UE can be configured with an SRS without specifying a spatial relationship, or the UE can be configured with a spatial relationship that can be selected from a set of downlink reference signals. Instead of specifying a spatial relationship, the UE may be given a subset of spatial relationships to select from. For example, (1) The UE may be configured with a resource set (defined in Release 16) or with an ID that associates resources from different resource sets with the ID. In the second case, the UE is sent a configuration by the NW, which includes one or more or all of the following: Group ID, TRP-ID, Resource Set ID, Resource ID of the DL RS set. (2) The UE may be configured with a configuration that tells the UE whether to select one or other downlink reference signals based on measurements of one or more downlink signals that it has already measured. (3) Either the UE determines the optimal spatial relationship and may use this spatial relationship for transmitting the SRS, or the UE may report the optimal spatial relationship and the NW may provide an RRC reconfiguration message that updates the spatial relationship.

[0241] Features described with respect to a user device may be correspondingly embodied in a network entity, such as an LMF or a TRP, in accordance with the interactions between the UE and the network entities in the wireless communication network described herein. Thus, features described with respect to a network entity, such as an LMF or a TRP, may be correspondingly embodied in a user device in accordance with the interactions between the UE and the network entities in the wireless communication network as described herein.

[0242] While some aspects are described as features in the context of an apparatus, it will be apparent that such description may also be considered a description of the corresponding features of a method. Although some aspects are described as features in the context of a method, it will be apparent that such description may also be considered a description of the corresponding features with respect to the functionality of the apparatus.

[0243] Various elements and features of the present invention can be implemented in hardware using analog and / or digital circuitry, in software through the execution of instructions by one or more general-purpose or special-purpose processors, or as a combination of hardware and software. For example, embodiments of the present invention may be implemented in the environment of a computer system or another processing system. FIG. 19 shows an example of a computer system 1900. The units or modules and method steps performed by these units can be executed on one or more computer systems 1900. The computer system 1900 includes one or more processors 602, such as a special-purpose or general-purpose digital signal processor. The processors 602 are connected to a communication infrastructure 604, such as a bus or network. The computer system 1900 includes a main memory 606, e.g., random access memory (RAM), and a secondary memory 608, e.g., a hard disk drive and / or a removable storage drive. The secondary memory 608 can allow computer programs or other instructions to be loaded into the computer system 1900. The computer system 1900 can further include a communication interface 610 to allow software and data to be transferred between the computer system 1900 and external devices. The communication may be by electronic, electromagnetic, optical, or other signals that can be handled by the communication interface, and may use wire or cable, fiber optics, phone lines, cellular phone links, RF links, and other communication channels 612.

[0244] The terms “computer program medium” and “computer-readable medium” are generally used to refer to tangible storage media, such as a removable storage unit or a hard disk installed in a hard disk drive. These computer program products are a means for providing software to the computer system 1900. Computer programs, also referred to as computer control logic, are stored in the main memory 606 and / or the secondary memory 608. The computer programs may be received via the communications interface 610. When executed, the computer programs enable the computer system 1900 to implement the present invention. In particular, when executed, the computer programs enable the processor 602 to perform the processes of the present invention, such as any of the methods described herein. Thus, such computer programs can represent the controller of the computer system 1900. When the present disclosure is implemented using software, the software can be stored in a computer program product and loaded into the computer system 1900 using an interface, such as a removable storage drive, communications interface 610.

[0245] The hardware or software implementation may be performed using a digital storage medium such as cloud storage, floppy disk, DVD, Blue-Ray, CD, ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, or flash memory on which electronically readable control signals are stored that cooperate or can cooperate with a programmable computer system to perform the respective methods. Thus, the digital storage medium may be computer readable.

[0246] Some embodiments according to the invention comprise a data carrier having electronically readable control signals that can cooperate with a programmable computer system to perform one of the methods described herein.

[0247] Generally, embodiments of the present invention can be implemented as a computer program product comprising program code that operates to perform one of the methods when the computer program product is run on a computer. The program code may for example be stored on a machine-readable carrier.

[0248] Other embodiments comprise the computer program for performing one of the methods described herein, stored on a machine readable carrier.

[0249] In other words, an embodiment of the inventive method is, therefore, a computer program having a program code for performing one of the methods described herein, when the computer program runs on a computer.

[0250] A further embodiment of the inventive method is therefore a data carrier (or digital storage medium, or computer-readable medium) having recorded thereon a computer program for performing one of the methods described herein. The data carrier, digital storage medium, or recorded medium is typically tangible and / or non-transitory.

[0251] A further embodiment of the inventive method is, therefore, a data stream or a sequence of signals representing the computer program for performing one of the methods described herein, for example the data stream or the sequence of signals may be adapted to be transferred via a data communication connection, for example the Internet.

[0252] A further embodiment comprises a processing means, for example a computer, or a programmable logic device, configured to or adapted to perform one of the methods described herein.

[0253] A further embodiment comprises a computer having installed thereon the computer program for performing one of the methods described herein.

[0254] Further embodiments according to the invention include an apparatus or system configured to transfer (e.g., electronically or optically) a computer program for performing one of the methods described herein to a receiver. The receiver may be, for example, a computer, a mobile device, a memory device, etc. The apparatus or system may, for example, comprise a file server for transferring the computer program to the receiver.

[0255] In some embodiments, a programmable logic device (e.g., a field programmable gate array) can be used to perform some or all of the functions of the methods described herein. In some embodiments, a field programmable gate array can cooperate with a microprocessor to perform one of the methods described herein. In general, the methods are preferably performed by any hardware apparatus.

[0256] The apparatus described herein can be implemented using a hardware apparatus, or using a computer, or using a combination of a hardware apparatus and a computer.

[0257] The methods described herein can be performed using a hardware apparatus, or using a computer, or using a combination of a hardware apparatus and a computer.

[0258] In the foregoing detailed description, it can be seen that various features are grouped together in examples for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure should not be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, subject matter may lie in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Accordingly, the following claims are incorporated into this more detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate example. Note that while each claim may stand on its own as a separate example, and a dependent claim may refer to a specific combination with one or more other claims within the claim, other examples may include combinations of the dependent claim with the subject matter of each other dependent claim, or combinations of each feature with other dependent or independent claims. Unless expressly stated that a specific combination is not intended, such combinations are suggested herein. Furthermore, it is intended to include features of any other independent claim, even if that claim is not directly dependent on that independent claim.

[0259] The above-described embodiments merely illustrate the principles of the present disclosure. It is understood that modifications and variations of the arrangements and details described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. It is therefore intended to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims and not by the specific details presented by the description and illustration of the embodiments herein.

[0260] Abbreviation Abbreviation Meaning DCI Downlink Control Information: Downlink control information DL Downlink: Downlink FAP First Arriving Path: First arriving path gNB Next Generation Node-B: Next Generation Node-B IMU Inertial measurement unit LMF Location Management Function: Location management function LOS Line of Sight LPP LTE Positioning Protocol: LTE Positioning Protocol LTE Long Term Evolution: Long term evolution NLOS Non Line Of Sight: Non-line of sight NW Network: Network OTDoA Observe Time Difference of Arrival: Observed arrival time difference PRS Positioning Reference Signal: Positioning reference signal RRC Radio Resource Control: Radio resource control RSTD Reference Signal Time Difference: Reference signal time difference RTOA Relative Time of Arrival: Relative Time of Arrival SRS Sounding reference signal TOA Time of Arrival: Arrival time TRP Transmission Reception Point: Transmission Reception Point UE User Equipment: User equipment O-PRS Occasional PRS: Occasional PRS PO-PRS Periodic Occasional PRS: Periodic Occasional PRS AO-PRS Aperiodic Occasional PRS: Aperiodic Occasional PRS SP-O-PRS Semi-persistent Occasional PRS: Semi-persistent occasional PRS RS Reference Signal:Reference signal CSI Channel State Information [Explanation of symbols]

[0261] 100 Terrestrial Wireless Network 102 Core Network 1061~1065 cells 1141~1145 backhaul links 202 radio frames 204 Subframe 206 slots, subframe 208 symbols, slots 309 Resource Grid 500, 600 user devices 502 Network Entity 510 Wireless Communication System 512, 514 channels 502, 504, 800 Transmitting and Receiving Points (TRP) 520, 522, 524, 624, 720 Antennas 530 Transceiver 540, 542, 544 Signal Processors 550, 1650 LMF, equipment 604 Communications Infrastructure 606 main memory 608 Secondary Memory 612 Communication Channels 630 receiver 660, 760 Positioning Processor 662 Radio Resource Configuration Storage 664, 766 Events 670 First Radio Resource Configuration 680 Second Radio Resource Configuration 772 First Reference Signal 782 Second Reference Signal 872a, 872b cyclic PRS 882a~882f, 1384 O-PRS 884a~884f O-PRS Resources 974a, 974b Periodic PRS Resources 1052, 1354, 1356, 1456, 1554, 1556 time offset Set of 1084 O-PRS resources 1385, 1485 Relative Time Offset, Relative Offset 1600 Wireless Communication Network, User Device, UE 1616, 1618, 1660 Signaling 1774 First Bandwidth Portion 1784 Second Bandwidth Part 1874 First Radio Resource 1879 First Frequency Range 1884 Second Radio Resources 1889 Second Frequency Range 1900 Computer System RAN1, RAN2, … RAN N Radio Access Network gNB1~gNB5 base station UE1, UE2 users (user equipment UE) TRP1, TRP2, TRP3 sending and receiving points gNB-DU1, gNBDU2, gNB-DU3 Distributed Units

Claims

1. An apparatus (600) for a wireless communication network, comprising one or more antennas for receiving wireless signals, configured or pre-configured to measure one or more first radio resources and one or more second radio resources for position measurement, the first radio resources and the second radio resources being for transmitting positioning reference signals; activating or deactivating, in response to a specific event, measuring the second radio resource in addition to the first radio resource for position measurement or measuring the second radio resource instead of the first radio resource; the particular event is the measurement of a predetermined positioning reference signal (PRS) or synchronization signal block (SSB); Equipment (600).

2. 10. The apparatus (600) of claim 1, further comprising: deriving a time frame for each of the second radio resources from timing information indicating a time offset between the second radio resource and one or more of the first radio resources.

3. 3. The apparatus (600) of claim 1, further comprising: a second radio resource for transmitting a reference signal; a second radio resource for transmitting a reference signal; a second radio resource for transmitting a reference signal;

4. measuring radio resources within a sensing window to detect a first reference signal signaled on one or more of the first radio resources; deriving one or more respective time frames of the second radio resource from timing information indicating a time offset between the second radio resource and the detected first radio resource; 4. An apparatus (600) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. 5. The apparatus (600) of claim 1, further comprising: a transmitting means (100) configured to receive a time frame for each of the second radio resources from timing information indicating the time frame relative to a timing of a transmission point serving the apparatus;

6. 6. The apparatus (600) of claim 1, wherein the apparatus (600) receives reference timing information from a first network entity, and wherein the first radio resource and / or the second radio resource are for a reference signal transmitted by a second network entity.

7. 3. The apparatus (600) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the apparatus (600) receives reference timing information from a network entity, and wherein the first radio resource and / or the second radio resource are for a reference signal transmitted by the network entity.

8. 8. The apparatus (600) of claim 7, further comprising: deriving a time frame of the first radio resource and / or the second radio resource based on timing information indicating a time frame relative to the reference timing information.

9. 9. The apparatus (600) of claim 3, wherein the apparatus (600) activates or deactivates the measurement of the second radio resource in addition to the first radio resource depending on the timing information regarding the first radio resource and the second radio resource.

10. 10. The apparatus (600) of claim 1, wherein the first radio resource is for transmitting a first reference signal by a serving transmission point of the apparatus and the second radio resource is for transmitting a second reference signal by a further transmission point.

11. 11. The apparatus (600) of claim 1, wherein the one or more sets of second radio resources are associated with one of the first radio resources, and the set of second radio resources has a preconfigured time offset relative to the associated first radio resource.

12. 12. The apparatus (600) of claim 11, further comprising: if the measurement of the second radio resources is activated, measuring the set of second radio resources upon reception of the associated first radio resource.

13. 13. The apparatus (600) of any one of claims 1 to 12, adapted to simultaneously measure two or more of the second radio resources.

14. 14. The apparatus (600) of any one of claims 1 to 13, adapted to simultaneously measure one or more of the first radio resources and one or more of the second radio resources.

15. 15. The apparatus (600) according to claim 13 or 14, wherein each of the first radio resource and the second radio resource is associated with a carrier frequency and / or a frequency band and / or a frequency layer.

16. 16. An apparatus (600) according to any one of claims 13 to 15, for combining results of two or more simultaneous measurements of one or more first and / or second radio resources.

17. 17. The apparatus (600) of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the first radio resource and the second radio resource are for transmitting respective reference signals from the same network entity.

18. one of the first radio resources is in a first frequency range, one of the second radio resources is in a second frequency range, and the first radio resource and the second radio resource are located within a common time period; the device measures the first radio resource and the second radio resource to obtain combined measurement information based on a first reference signal transmitted on the first radio resource and a second reference signal transmitted on the second radio resource.

18. An apparatus (600) according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

19. one of the first radio resources is in a first frequency range and one of the second radio resources is in a second frequency range within a common time period; the apparatus measures aggregated radio resources to obtain combined measurement information, the aggregated radio resources including the first radio resource and the second radio resource; 19. An apparatus (600) according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

20. one of the first radio resources is in a first frequency range, one of the second radio resources is in a second frequency range, and the first radio resource and the second radio resource are located within a common time period; the apparatus measures a first reference signal on the first radio resource and a second reference signal on the second radio resource and combines the first reference signal and the second reference signal to obtain an aggregated reference signal; obtaining combined measurement information based on the aggregated reference signals; 19. An apparatus (600) according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

21. 21. The apparatus (600) of claim 19 or 20, wherein one or more bandwidth portions of the aggregated radio resource correspond to non-overlapping portions of the first radio resource and the second radio resource.

22. one of the first radio resources is in a first frequency range, one of the second radio resources is in a second frequency range different from the first frequency range, and the first radio resource and the second radio resource are located within a common time period; the apparatus measures the first radio resource to determine first measurement information and measures the second radio resource to determine second measurement information; determining combined measurement information based on the first measurement information and the second measurement information; 19. An apparatus (600) according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

23. 23. The apparatus (600) of any one of claims 18 to 22, wherein the first radio resource is for transmitting a first reference signal and the second radio resource is for transmitting a second reference signal from the same network entity.

24. the first frequency range is part of a first frequency stratum and the second frequency range is part of a second frequency stratum; or the first frequency range is part of a first bandwidth portion and the second frequency range is part of a second bandwidth portion; 24. Apparatus (600) according to any one of claims 18 to 23.

25. 25. The apparatus (600) of claim 24, wherein the first frequency layer is part of a different frequency band or component carrier than the second frequency layer.

26. Depending on the receiver capabilities of the device, measuring the first radio resource and the second radio resource simultaneously; or Omitting measurement of the first radio resource or the second radio resource; 26. The apparatus (600) of claim 25.

27. the first frequency layer and the second frequency layer are part of the same frequency band or component carrier; the first frequency layer is contiguous with the second frequency layer; or the first frequency layer is not contiguous with the second frequency layer; 25. The apparatus (600) of claim 24.

28. 28. The apparatus (600) of any one of claims 1 to 27, wherein in the measuring and / or processing of the first and second radio resources, one or more priority rules are taken into account.

29. receiving first configuration information from a first network entity, the first configuration information indicating the first radio resource; receiving second configuration information from the first network entity or a second network entity, the second configuration information indicating the second radio resource; 29. An apparatus (600) according to any one of claims 1 to 28.

30. receiving configuration information from a second network entity indicating the second radio resource; receiving a trigger signal from the second network entity; activating or deactivating the measurement of the second radio resource upon receipt of the trigger signal.

30. An apparatus (600) according to any one of claims 1 to 29.

31. 31. The apparatus (600) of claim 30, further comprising: a DCI message or a MAC-CE message of the second network entity.

32. receiving a trigger signal from a first network entity; activating or deactivating the measurement of the second radio resource upon receipt of the trigger signal.

32. Apparatus (600) according to claim 30 or 31.

33. Receiving the configuration information via a first communication interface; receiving the trigger signal via a second communication interface; 33. An apparatus (600) according to any one of claims 30 to 32.

34. 34. The apparatus (600) of claim 33, wherein the second communication interface is for faster communication than the first communication interface.

35. 35. The apparatus (600) of claim 1, wherein the apparatus (600) activates or deactivates measurements of the second radio resource in addition to the first radio resource depending on a time difference between the first radio resource and the second radio resource.

36. 36. The apparatus (550, 600, 700) of any one of claims 1 to 35, wherein the first radio resource and / or the second radio resource are for transmitting a positioning reference signal.

37. 37. The apparatus (550, 600, 700) of any one of claims 1 to 36, wherein the first radio resource is periodic in time.

38. 38. The apparatus (550, 600, 700) of any one of claims 1 to 37, wherein a time frame of the second radio resource is different from a time frame of the first radio resource.

39. 39. The apparatus (550, 600, 700) of any one of claims 1 to 38, wherein the second radio resource has a different frequency bandwidth than the first radio resource.

40. the first radio resource is periodic in time; the second radio resource is aperiodic in time; or the second radio resource is periodic in time, the periodicity of the second radio resource being less than or equal to the periodicity of the first radio resource; 40. An apparatus (550, 600, 700) according to any one of claims 1 to 39.

41. the first radio resources are periodic in time, and the second radio resources include multiple sets of one or more second radio resources; the second set of radio resources is periodic in time, the periodicity of the second set of radio resources being equal to the periodicity of the first set of radio resources; 41. An apparatus (550, 600, 700) according to any one of claims 1 to 40.

42. 42. The apparatus (550, 600, 700) of claim 41, wherein the second radio resource of one of the sets of second radio resources is periodic in time, and the periodicity of the second radio resource of the set of second radio resources is higher than the periodicity of the first radio resource.

43. The specific event may further be reception of activation information indicating activation or deactivation of the second radio resource.

43. An apparatus (550, 600, 700) according to any one of claims 1 to 42.

44. A wireless communication system (510) comprising a first transmission point (502), a second transmission point (504), and a user device (500), the wireless communication system is for performing positioning measurements of the user device (500) in a serving connection with the first transmission point, the positioning measurements being for determining a location of the user device; the first transmission point is for transmitting one or more first reference signals on one or more first radio resources for the position measurement; the second transmission point is for transmitting one or more second reference signals on one or more second radio resources for the position measurement, and the first radio resource and the second radio resource are for transmitting positioning reference signals; the user device activates or deactivates measuring the second radio resource in addition to or instead of the first radio resource for the location measurement in response to a specific event; the particular event is the measurement of a predetermined positioning reference signal (PRS) or synchronization signal block (SSB); A wireless communication system (510).

45. 45. A wireless communication system according to claim 44, wherein the user device is an apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 43.

46. 46. ​​The wireless communication system of claim 44, wherein the user device is configured to activate or deactivate the measurement of the second radio resource depending on timing information relating to the first radio resource and the second radio resource.

47. 47. A wireless communication system according to any one of claims 44 to 46, wherein the second transmission point activates or deactivates transmission of the second reference signal in response to respective instructions.

48. 48. A wireless communication system according to any one of claims 44 to 47, wherein the first radio resource and / or the second radio resource is for transmitting a positioning reference signal.

49. 49. A wireless communication system according to any one of claims 44 to 48, wherein the first radio resource is periodic in time.

50. 50. A wireless communication system according to any one of claims 44 to 49, wherein the time frame of the second radio resource is different from the time frame of the first radio resource.

51. 51. The wireless communication system of claim 44, wherein the second radio resource has a different frequency bandwidth than the first radio resource.

52. the first radio resource is periodic in time; the second radio resource is aperiodic in time; or the second radio resource is periodic in time, the periodicity of the second radio resource being less than or equal to the periodicity of the first radio resource; 52. A wireless communication system according to any one of claims 44 to 51.

53. the first radio resources are periodic in time, and the second radio resources include multiple sets of one or more second radio resources; the second set of radio resources is periodic in time, the periodicity of the second set of radio resources being equal to the periodicity of the first set of radio resources; 53. A wireless communication system according to any one of claims 44 to 52.

54. 54. The wireless communication system of claim 53, wherein the second radio resource of one of the sets of second radio resources is periodic in time, the periodicity of the second radio resource of the set of second radio resources being higher than the periodicity of the first radio resource.

55. the particular event is a measurement of a predetermined positioning reference signal, i.e., PRS, SSB, or CSI; 55. A wireless communication system according to any one of claims 44 to 54.

56. 1. A method of operating a device for a wireless communication network, comprising: measuring one or more first radio resources and one or more second radio resources for position measurement, wherein the first radio resources and the second radio resources are for transmitting positioning reference signals; activating or deactivating, in response to a specific event, measuring the second radio resource in addition to the first radio resource for the location measurement or measuring the second radio resource instead of the first radio resource; Including, The method, wherein the specific event is the measurement of a predetermined positioning reference signal (PRS) or synchronization signal block (SSB).

57. A method of operating a wireless communication system (510), comprising: performing a location measurement of a user device (500) in a serving connection with a first transmission point of the wireless communication system, the location measurement being for determining a location of the user device; transmitting, by a first transmission point, one or more first reference signals on one or more first radio resources for the position measurement; transmitting, by a second transmission point, one or more second reference signals on one or more second radio resources for the position measurement, wherein the first radio resource and the second radio resource are for transmitting positioning reference signals; activating or deactivating measurement of the second radio resource by the user device in addition to or instead of the first radio resource for the position measurement in response to measurement of a predetermined positioning reference signal (PRS) or synchronization signal block (SSB) by the user device; A method comprising:

58. 58. A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed on a computer, perform the method according to any of claims 56 to 57.

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