Apparatus, method, and computer program related to positioning reference signals

Abstract

A method is disclosed that includes receiving priority information indicating a priority status of at least one positioning reference signal, receiving time window information that sets a time window that is outside a measurement gap, and receiving one or more positioning reference signals during the time window using one or more buffer symbols based on the priority information and the time window information.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to communications, and more particularly to apparatus, methods, and computer programs in wireless communication systems. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to positioning of user equipment. [Background technology]

[0002] A communication system may be considered as a facility that enables communication between two or more devices, such as user terminals, machine-type terminals, base stations, and / or other nodes, by providing a communication channel for conveying information between the communicating devices. A communication system may be provided, for example, by a communication network and one or more compatible communication devices. Communication may include, for example, voice, electronic mail (email), text messages, data communications for conveying multimedia data, and / or content data communications. Non-limiting examples of services provided include two-way or multi-way calls, data communication or multimedia services, and access to a data network system such as the Internet.

[0003] In wireless systems, at least some of the communication occurs over an air interface. Examples of wireless systems include public land mobile networks (PLMNs), satellite-based communication systems, and various wireless local networks, e.g., wireless local area networks (WLANs). Local area wireless network technologies that allow devices to connect to data networks are known under the trademark WiFi (or Wi-Fi). WiFi is often used synonymously with WLAN. Wireless systems are often referred to as cellular systems because they can be divided into cells. A base station serves at least one cell.

[0004] A user may access a communication system by means of a suitable communication device or terminal that can communicate with a base station. Nodes such as base stations are therefore often referred to as access points. A user's communication device is often referred to as user equipment (UE). A communication device is provided with suitable signal transmission / reception equipment to enable communication, e.g., communication with a base station and / or direct communication with other user devices. A communication device may communicate on a suitable channel, e.g., by listening to a channel on which a station, e.g., a cell's base station, transmits.

[0005] Communication systems and related devices typically operate according to a given standard or specification that governs the permitted operations of various entities associated with the system and how they are to be performed. Communication protocols and / or parameters used for connectivity are also typically defined. Non-limiting examples of standardized radio access technologies include GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications), EDGE (Evolution of GSM High-Speed ​​Data) Radio Access Network (GERAN), Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN), and Next-Generation UTRAN (E-UTRAN). An exemplary communication system architecture is the Long Term Evolution (LTE) of the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) radio access technology. LTE is standardized by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). LTE employs Next-Generation Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN) access and its further evolution, sometimes referred to as LTE-Advanced (LTE-A).

[0006] Since the introduction of fourth-generation (4G) services, there has been growing interest in the next, or fifth-generation (5G) standard, which may also be referred to as New Radio (NR) networks.

[0007] To support native positioning of UEs in New Radio (NR), 3GPP has implemented a Release 16 (Rel-16) work item. Summary of the Invention

[0008] According to a first aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory containing computer program code, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to cause, using the at least one processor, the apparatus to at least perform the following: receive priority information indicating a priority state of at least one positioning reference signal; receive time window information setting a time window outside a measurement gap; and receive one or more positioning reference signals during the time window using one or more buffer symbols based on the priority information and the time window information.

[0009] According to some embodiments, the at least one memory and computer program code are configured to cause the device, using the at least one processor, to at least set the device to a priority state.

[0010] According to some embodiments, the at least one memory and computer program code are configured to cause the apparatus, using the at least one processor, to at least receive one or more buffer symbol configurations.

[0011] According to some embodiments, the configuration of the buffer symbols is received from one or more of a base station and a network.

[0012] According to some embodiments, using the one or more buffer symbols is based on a received configuration of the one or more buffer symbols.

[0013] According to some embodiments, the use of one or more buffer symbols provides the device with sufficient time to perform beam switching for reception of one or more positioning reference signals.

[0014] According to some embodiments, one or more buffer symbols are used to provide a device with sufficient time to process received downlink control information.

[0015] According to some embodiments, one or more buffer symbols are located at the beginning of a time window.

[0016] According to some embodiments, at least one of the one or more buffer symbols is located before the start of the time window.

[0017] According to some embodiments, the priority information indicates one of a first priority state, a second priority state, and a third priority state.

[0018] According to some embodiments, the first priority state comprises a high priority state of one or more positioning reference signals, the second priority state comprises a medium priority state of one or more positioning reference signals, and the third priority state comprises a low priority state of one or more positioning reference signals.

[0019] According to some embodiments, when the priority information indicates a first priority state, the device is configured to prioritize the one or more positioning reference signals relative to the physical downlink shared channel, such that the physical downlink shared channel is dropped for the one or more positioning reference signals during at least a portion of the time window.

[0020] According to some embodiments, when the priority information indicates a second priority state, the apparatus is configured to prioritize low latency traffic on the physical downlink shared channel relative to the one or more positioning reference signals.

[0021] According to some embodiments, when the priority information indicates a second priority state, the apparatus is configured to drop at least one of the one or more positioning reference signals for at least one of the one or more buffered symbols.

[0022] According to some embodiments, the at least one memory and computer program code are configured to cause the device, using the at least one processor, to at least perform the following: perform positioning reference signal measurements based on partial positioning reference resources by dropping at least one of the one or more positioning reference signal symbols; and / or transmit an indication indicating that the positioning reference signal measurements performed by the device are based on the partial positioning reference signal resources.

[0023] According to some embodiments, the indication is transmitted to the network.

[0024] According to some embodiments, when the priority information indicates a third priority state, the device is configured to consider the priority of one or more positioning reference signals to be lower than the physical downlink control channel and / or the physical downlink shared channel.

[0025] According to some embodiments, the length of the one or more buffer symbols is determined based on at least one of the maximum time taken for beam switching and the maximum time taken to complete decoding of downlink control information.

[0026] According to some embodiments, the apparatus comprises user equipment.

[0027] According to a second aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising means for receiving priority information indicating a priority state of at least one positioning reference signal; receiving time window information setting a time window outside a measurement gap; and receiving one or more positioning reference signals during the time window using one or more buffer symbols based on the priority information and the time window information.

[0028] According to some embodiments, the means is further configured to perform setting the device to a priority state.

[0029] According to some embodiments, the means is further configured to perform receiving one or more buffer symbol configurations.

[0030] According to some embodiments, the configuration of the buffer symbols is received from one or more of a base station and a network.

[0031] According to some embodiments, using the one or more buffer symbols is based on a received configuration of the one or more buffer symbols.

[0032] According to some embodiments, the use of one or more buffer symbols provides the device with sufficient time to perform beam switching for reception of one or more positioning reference signals.

[0033] According to some embodiments, one or more buffer symbols are used to provide a device with sufficient time to process received downlink control information.

[0034] According to some embodiments, one or more buffer symbols are located at the beginning of a time window.

[0035] According to some embodiments, at least one of the one or more buffer symbols is located before the start of the time window.

[0036] According to some embodiments, the priority information indicates one of a first priority state, a second priority state, and a third priority state.

[0037] According to some embodiments, the first priority state comprises a high priority state of one or more positioning reference signals, the second priority state comprises a medium priority state of one or more positioning reference signals, and the third priority state comprises a low priority state of one or more positioning reference signals.

[0038] According to some embodiments, when the priority information indicates a first priority state, the device is configured to prioritize the one or more positioning reference signals relative to the physical downlink shared channel, such that the physical downlink shared channel is dropped for the one or more positioning reference signals during at least a portion of the time window.

[0039] According to some embodiments, when the priority information indicates a second priority state, the apparatus is configured to prioritize low latency traffic on the physical downlink shared channel relative to the one or more positioning reference signals.

[0040] According to some embodiments, when the priority information indicates a second priority state, the apparatus is configured to drop at least one of the one or more positioning reference signals for at least one of the one or more buffered symbols.

[0041] According to some embodiments, the means is further configured to perform positioning reference signal measurements based on partial positioning reference resources resulting from dropping at least one of the one or more positioning reference signal symbols, and / or to transmit an indication indicating that the positioning reference signal measurements performed by the device are based on the partial positioning reference signal resources.

[0042] According to some embodiments, the indication is transmitted to the network.

[0043] According to some embodiments, when the priority information indicates a third priority state, the device is configured to consider the priority of one or more positioning reference signals to be lower than the physical downlink control channel and / or the physical downlink shared channel.

[0044] According to some embodiments, the length of the one or more buffer symbols is determined based on at least one of the maximum time taken for beam switching and the maximum time taken to complete decoding of downlink control information.

[0045] According to some embodiments, the apparatus comprises user equipment.

[0046] According to a third aspect, an apparatus is provided that includes: accepting circuitry for receiving priority information indicative of a priority status of at least one positioning reference signal; receiving time window information that sets a time window that is outside a measurement gap; and receiving one or more positioning reference signals during the time window using one or more buffer symbols based on the priority information and the time window information.

[0047] According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a method including: receiving priority information indicating a priority state of at least one positioning reference signal; receiving time window information setting a time window outside a measurement gap; and receiving one or more positioning reference signals during the time window using one or more buffer symbols based on the priority information and the time window information.

[0048] According to some embodiments, the method includes setting the device to a priority state.

[0049] According to some embodiments, a method includes receiving one or more buffer symbol configurations.

[0050] According to some embodiments, the configuration of the buffer symbols is received from one or more of a base station and a network.

[0051] According to some embodiments, using the one or more buffer symbols is based on a received configuration of the one or more buffer symbols.

[0052] According to some embodiments, the use of one or more buffer symbols provides the device with sufficient time to perform beam switching for reception of one or more positioning reference signals.

[0053] According to some embodiments, one or more buffer symbols are used to provide a device with sufficient time to process received downlink control information.

[0054] According to some embodiments, one or more buffer symbols are located at the beginning of a time window.

[0055] According to some embodiments, at least one of the one or more buffer symbols is located before the start of the time window.

[0056] According to some embodiments, the priority information indicates one of a first priority state, a second priority state, and a third priority state.

[0057] According to some embodiments, the first priority state comprises a high priority state of one or more positioning reference signals, the second priority state comprises a medium priority state of one or more positioning reference signals, and the third priority state comprises a low priority state of one or more positioning reference signals.

[0058] According to some embodiments, when the priority information indicates a first priority state, the method includes prioritizing the one or more positioning reference signals relative to a physical downlink shared channel such that the physical downlink shared channel is dropped in favor of the one or more positioning reference signals during at least a portion of a time window.

[0059] According to some embodiments, when the priority information indicates a second priority state, the method includes prioritizing low latency traffic on the physical downlink shared channel relative to the one or more positioning reference signals.

[0060] According to some embodiments, when the priority information indicates a second priority state, the method includes dropping at least one of the one or more positioning reference signals for at least one of the one or more buffered symbols.

[0061] According to some embodiments, the method includes performing positioning reference signal measurements based on partial positioning reference resources by dropping at least one of the one or more positioning reference signal symbols, and / or transmitting an indication that the positioning reference signal measurements performed by the device are based on the partial positioning reference signal resources.

[0062] According to some embodiments, the indication is transmitted to the network.

[0063] According to some embodiments, when the priority information indicates a third priority state, the method includes considering the one or more positioning reference signals to be of lower priority than the physical downlink control channel and / or the physical downlink shared channel.

[0064] According to some embodiments, the length of the one or more buffer symbols is determined based on at least one of the maximum time taken for beam switching and the maximum time taken to complete decoding of downlink control information.

[0065] According to some embodiments, the apparatus comprises user equipment.

[0066] According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a computer program comprising instructions that cause an apparatus to at least perform the following: receive priority information indicating a priority state of at least one positioning reference signal; receive time window information that sets a time window that is outside a measurement gap; and receive one or more positioning reference signals during the time window using one or more buffer symbols based on the priority information and the time window information.

[0067] According to a sixth aspect, there is provided a computer program having instructions stored thereon for performing at least the following: receiving priority information indicating a priority state of at least one positioning reference signal; receiving time window information setting a time window outside the measurement gap; and receiving one or more positioning reference signals during the time window using one or more buffer symbols based on the priority information and the time window information.

[0068] According to a seventh aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided that includes program instructions that cause an apparatus to at least perform the following: receive priority information indicating a priority state of at least one positioning reference signal; receive time window information that sets a time window that is outside a measurement gap; and receive one or more positioning reference signals during the time window using one or more buffer symbols based on the priority information and the time window information.

[0069] According to an eighth aspect, there is provided a non-transitory computer-readable medium having stored thereon program instructions for at least performing the following: receiving priority information indicating a priority state of at least one positioning reference signal; receiving time window information setting a time window outside a measurement gap; and receiving one or more positioning reference signals during the time window using one or more buffer symbols based on the priority information and the time window information.

[0070] According to a ninth aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory containing computer program code, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to cause the apparatus, using the at least one processor, to at least perform the following: transmitting priority information to a user device indicating a priority state of a positioning reference signal; transmitting time window information to the user device for setting a time window outside a measurement gap; and transmitting to the user device a buffer symbol configuration to be used by the user device when receiving one or more positioning reference signals.

[0071] According to some embodiments, the at least one memory and computer program code are configured to cause the device, using the at least one processor, to at least perform cross-slot scheduling when transmitting priority information.

[0072] According to some embodiments, the apparatus comprises a base station.

[0073] According to a tenth aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising means for transmitting, to a user device, priority information indicating a priority state of a positioning reference signal; transmitting, to the user device, time window information for setting a time window outside a measurement gap; and transmitting, to the user device, a buffer symbol configuration for use by the user device when receiving one or more positioning reference signals.

[0074] According to some embodiments, the means is further configured to perform cross-slot scheduling when transmitting the priority information.

[0075] According to some embodiments, the apparatus comprises a base station.

[0076] According to an eleventh aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising: a circuit for transmitting priority information to a user device indicating a priority state of a positioning reference signal; transmitting time window information to the user device for setting a time window outside a measurement gap; and transmitting to the user device a buffer symbol configuration for use by the user device when receiving one or more positioning reference signals.

[0077] According to a twelfth aspect, there is provided a method including: transmitting priority information to a user device indicating a priority state of a positioning reference signal; transmitting time window information to the user device for setting a time window outside a measurement gap; and transmitting to the user device a buffer symbol configuration for use by the user device when receiving one or more positioning reference signals.

[0078] According to some embodiments, the method includes performing cross-slot scheduling when transmitting priority information.

[0079] According to a thirteenth aspect, there is provided a computer program including instructions that cause an apparatus to at least perform the following: transmitting priority information to a user device indicating a priority status of a positioning reference signal; transmitting time window information to the user device for setting a time window outside a measurement gap; and transmitting to the user device a buffer symbol configuration to be used by the user device when receiving one or more positioning reference signals.

[0080] According to a fourteenth aspect, there is provided a computer program having instructions stored thereon for performing at least the following: transmitting priority information to a user device indicating a priority status of a positioning reference signal; transmitting time window information to the user device for setting a time window outside a measurement gap; and transmitting to the user device a buffer symbol configuration for use by the user device when receiving one or more positioning reference signals.

[0081] According to a fifteenth aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium including program instructions is provided, the program instructions causing an apparatus to at least perform the following: transmitting priority information to a user device indicating a priority state of a positioning reference signal; transmitting time window information to the user device for setting a time window outside a measurement gap; and transmitting a buffer symbol configuration to the user device for use when the user device receives one or more positioning reference signals.

[0082] According to a sixteenth aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium having stored thereon program instructions is provided, the program instructions being for performing at least the following: transmitting priority information to a user device indicating a priority state of a positioning reference signal; transmitting time window information to the user device for setting a time window outside a measurement gap; and transmitting to the user device a buffer symbol configuration for use by the user device when receiving one or more positioning reference signals.

[0083] The invention will now be described in further detail, by way of example only, with reference to the following examples and the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0084] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a conventional embodiment of a UE receiving a positioning reference signal; [Figure 2] 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a UE receiving a positioning reference signal according to an embodiment; [Figure 3] 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a UE receiving a positioning reference signal according to an embodiment; [Figure 4] 1 shows a schematic flow chart of a method according to an embodiment; [Figure 5] 1 shows a schematic flow chart of a method according to an embodiment; [Figure 6] 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a user equipment; [Figure 7] 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a control device. [Figure 8] 1 is a flowchart of a method according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] 1 is a flowchart of a method according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a non-volatile memory medium that stores instructions that, when executed by a processor, enable the processor to perform one or more of the steps of the methods of some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0085] NR Rel-16 specified the following positioning solutions: -Downlink Time Difference of Arrival (DL-TDOA) -Uplink Time Difference of Arrival (UL-TDOA) - Downlink Angle of Dispersion (DL-AoD) - Uplink reception angle (UL-AoA) - Multi-cell round trip time (Multi-RTT)

[0086] In Rel-17, 3GPP initiated the NR positioning enhancements work [RP-210897, "Revised WID on NR Positioning Enhancements"], which builds on the Rel-16 solution and focuses on improving accuracy, reducing latency, and improving efficiency (reduced complexity, reduced power consumption, reduced overhead).

[0087] As part of the work to reduce latency, a new feature has been introduced that allows the UE to measure positioning reference signals (PRS) outside measurement gaps (MG).

[0088] Depending on the UE capabilities, PRS measurements outside the MG but within the PRS processing window and UE measurements within the active Downlink Bandwidth Part (DL BWP) are supported, with the PRS having the same numerology as the active DL BWP. ·The following UE capabilities are supported depending on the UE's determination of the DL PRS as having higher priority within the PRS Processing Window (PPW): · Capability 1: Prioritize the PRS over all other DL signals / channels for all symbols within the PRS processing window. · Capability 1A: Affects DL signals / channels from all DL CCs (per UE). · Capability 1B: Affects only DL signals / channels from a specific band / CC. · Capability 2: Prioritize PRS over other DL signals / channels only on PRS symbols within the PRS processing window. ·The UE shall be able to declare its PRS processing capability outside the MG. For this function, PRS-related conditions are expected to be specified, narrowing down to the following: · Option 1: Applicable only to the PRS of the serving cell. · Option 2: Applicable to all PRS, provided that they are PRS of non-serving cells.

[0089] If the UE determines that other DL signals / channels have higher priority than PRS measurement / processing, then the UE is not expected to measure / process a DL PRS even if all of the above capability options apply.

[0090] If the PRS measurement is outside the MG, the following options are supported depending on the UE capabilities regarding PRS priority handling: Option 1: The UE may indicate support for two priority states. · State 1: PRS has higher priority than all PDCCH / PDSCH / CSI-RS. · State 2: PRS has lower priority than all PDCCH / PDSCH / CSI-RS. Option 2: The UE may indicate support for three priority states. State 1: The PRS has higher priority than all PDCCH / PDSCH / CSI-RS. · State 2: The PRS has lower priority than the PDCCH and URLLC PDSCH, but higher priority than other PDSCH / CSI-RS. · Note: The URLLC channel corresponds to a dynamically scheduled PDSCH where the PUCCH resources for transmitting ACK / NAK are indicated as high priority. · State 3: PRS has lower priority than all PDCCH / PDSCH / CSI-RS.

[0091] According to some embodiments, state 1 is considered to be a high priority state for the PRS, state 2 is considered to be a medium or moderate priority state for the PRS, and state 3 is considered to be a low priority state for the PRS. Option 3: The UE may indicate support for a single priority state. · State 1: PRS has higher priority than all PDCCH / PDSCH / CSI-RS.

[0092] From the above, it can be seen that in "Capability 2", the UE will only prioritize the PRS in symbols within the PRS Processing Window (PPW) in which the PRS is configured, i.e., the normal priority rules apply to other symbols within the window.

[0093] It can also be seen that in the PRS priority option in Option 2 and State 2, the PRS must have lower priority than the Ultra Reliable Low Latency Communications (URLLC) PDSCH. That is, the UE needs to decode the downlink control information (DCI) carried by the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) to determine whether a given physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) has higher or lower priority than the PRS. This disclosure identifies that this can cause problems. This is because the UE may need to receive the PDCCH in a symbol before the PRS, and then, if the UE is performing beamforming, the UE may not have enough time to switch beams to receive the PRS. For example, the UE may need to switch beams to receive the PRS from multiple cells (e.g., the serving cell and one or more neighbor cells). This is schematically illustrated in FIG. 1, which shows a PPW starting at time t0. In the example of FIG. 1, the PDCCH 102 is received before the PPW starts, and the PDSCH 104 is received once the PPW starts. A positioning reference signal (PRS) is shown schematically at 106. As shown in Figure 1, the UE receives the PDCCH and identifies the PRS priority (e.g., from the DCI, which includes information indicating the priority of the PDSCH), but may not have time to switch beams for PRS reception. Therefore, the PRS may be dropped. However, current specifications assume that the UE has received the PRS.

[0094] Furthermore, this disclosure identifies another potential problem, in which the UE is expected to always measure a PRS if there is a PDCCH in the symbol before a high priority PRS (e.g., in state 1 for any of the PRS priority options). However, even if the UE does not need to decode the DCI to determine the priority for the PDSCH, the UE again may not have time to switch beams to receive the PRS because it must first complete reception of the PDCCH, which is outside the PRS processing window (or within the PRS processing window but before the PRS symbol).

[0095] The issue of how the Working Assumption "Capability 2" interacts with the Agreement's "Option 2" is believed to have not been considered prior to this disclosure.

[0096] With the above considerations in mind, the present disclosure proposes how a UE may handle PRS priority when a PRS is received outside a measurement gap (MG) but within a PPW.

[0097] According to an embodiment, the UE is configured with a positioning processing window (PPW) for receiving positioning reference signals (PRS) outside the measurement gap (MG). Additionally, the UE supports "Capability 2" for receiving PRS outside the MG. As noted above, Capability 2 prioritizes the PRS over other DL signals / channels only in PRS symbols within the PPW. As part of this configuration, PRS priority status is indicated to the UE, and the UE prioritizes the PRS in symbols for which it is configured according to current 3GPP standards.

[0098] The UE is then pre-configured to identify or interpret that the PRS in the PPW immediately follows the PDCCH symbol that the UE needs to monitor.

[0099] In an embodiment, the UE uses buffered symbols to support receiving the PRS outside the MG. According to an embodiment, the buffered symbols can be used according to one of the following options depending on requirements: The buffer symbol can be placed at the beginning of the PPW. The buffer symbols are placed in the PPW, but before the PRS symbols in the PPW.

[0100] It should also be noted that the number of required buffer symbol(s) may vary depending on the UE's capabilities and / or the network system. For example, the number of required buffer symbol(s) may vary depending on one or more of the UE's beam switching capability and the UE's DCI decoding capability. In some cases, multiple buffer symbols may be required. In some embodiments, the size of the buffer period includes one or more symbols. For example, the buffer period may be considered as the length of time of the buffer symbol(s). In some embodiments, the symbol includes an OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) symbol. In one specific embodiment, the buffer period consists of one OFDM symbol. According to some embodiments, the UE specifies the number of buffer symbols required. For example, the UE may require X milliseconds for beam switching and Y milliseconds for DCI decoding. Thus, the UE requires a total buffer symbol time that exceeds the maximum [X, Y]. If the length of the OFDM symbol (determined by the SCS) is not sufficient, multiple symbols may be required.

[0101] Therefore, based on the received priority information (e.g., information of a configured priority state) and the received time window (e.g., PPW) information, the UE may be deemed to use one or more buffered symbols to receive one or more positioning reference signals during the time window. In some embodiments, the buffered symbols are deemed to assist the UE in receiving one or more positioning reference signals.

[0102] In an embodiment, a buffer symbol may be considered as a gap in time during which the UE may take certain actions, and during which the UE is not expected to receive some signals / channels.

[0103] During the buffer symbol(s), the UE may take one or more of the following actions: Drop PRS and receive PDCCH so that the UE decodes the DCI and identifies the PRS priority; If the PRS has higher priority than the PDSCH, drop the PDSCH and use that time to switch the receiving beam to receive the PRS, and / or The UE may drop the PRS and use the gained time to switch receiving beams.

[0104] After the buffered symbol(s), the UE receives the PRS as usual according to the identified PRS priority. If some PRS symbols are dropped due to the buffered symbol(s), the UE may do one or more of the following: PRS measurements based on partial PRS resources (e.g., using five of the six configured PRS symbols within the PRS resource), and / or Wait until the full PRS resource is available for PRS measurements (i.e., drop the PRS resource received by the UE if some symbols are dropped due to buffering). In this case, the UE may optionally indicate such an event to the gNB / LMF in the measurement report.

[0105] If the UE performs PRS measurements based on partial PRS resources, then in some embodiments, the UE transmits an indication to the network that the positioning reference signal measurements performed by the device are based on the partial positioning reference signal resources.

[0106] Some embodiments will now be described in more detail with reference to Figures 2 and 3.

[0107] 2 illustrates schematically the behavior of a UE according to some embodiments when the UE is configured in capability 2, priority state 1, i.e., the PRS has higher priority than all PDCCH / PDSCH / CSI-RS. The PPW starts at time t0, the PDCCH is represented schematically at 202 and the PDSCH is represented schematically at 204.

[0108] The first case, Case 1, is shown generally at 210. In Case 1, the UE receives the PDCCH before the start of the PPW and / or buffer symbols. DCI is received on the PDCCH. However, because the UE has been configured in priority state 1, the UE knows that the PRS has the highest priority over the PDSCH and does not need to decode the DCI to determine the relative priorities of the PRS and PDSCH. The UE then uses the first symbol of the PPW, shown at 212, as a buffer symbol. The UE may then use the time provided by the buffer symbol to switch beams (if necessary) to receive one or more PRSs. The UE may then receive one or more PRS signals, as shown generally at 214 and 216. During the buffer symbol 212 and the PRS signals 214 and 216, the UE drops reception of the PDSCH according to its priority state. In some embodiments, a base station (gNB) communicating with the UE instructs the UE to start the PPW one symbol before the start of the PRS symbol to accommodate the buffered symbols.

[0109] The second case, Case 2, is shown diagrammatically at 220. In Case 2, the UE uses a previous symbol in the PPW as a buffer symbol 222. The UE may use the duration of the buffer symbol 222 to perform beam switching, if necessary. This allows the first PRS signal 224 to begin with the first symbol of the PPW. In other words, in Case 2, the buffer symbol is outside the PPW. In the example of FIG. 2, the buffer symbol 222 and the PDCCH 202 overlap, so PDCCH symbols must be dropped to accommodate the buffer symbol 222. However, in some scenarios, this may be considered a worthwhile tradeoff in order to begin receiving the PRSs 224 and 226 as early in the PPW as possible. Therefore, from a priority perspective, the UE may consider the buffer symbol to be similar to a PRS (in the priority state of FIG. 2, the PRS has priority over the PDCCH and PDSCH).

[0110] FIG. 3 illustrates schematically the behavior of a UE according to some embodiments, where the UE is configured in Configuration 2, Priority State 2, i.e., the PRS has lower priority than the PDCCH and URLLC PDSCH, and the PRS has higher priority than other PDSCHs / CSI-RSs.

[0111] In FIG. 3 , the PDCCH is shown generally at 302, and the PDSCH is shown generally at 304. The PPW begins at t0. In an embodiment, the DCI is received on the PDCCH before the PPW. Note that in other embodiments, the DCI may be received during the PPW (e.g., if the PDCCH is within the PPW). In an embodiment, in Configuration 2, Priority State 2, the UE must complete decoding of the DCI before it can determine whether the PRS or the PDSCH takes priority in the PPW (because some, but not all, PDSCHs take priority over the PRS). Thus, in the embodiment of FIG. 3 , buffer symbol(s) may be used to provide the UE with sufficient time to complete decoding of the DCI and / or accommodate beam switching, if necessary.

[0112] The first case, Case 1, is shown diagrammatically at 310. First case 310 is the same as first case 210 of Figure 2 and will not be described in further detail here.

[0113] The second case, Case 2, is shown diagrammatically at 320. In Case 2 320, the UE is configured for the PRS at the start of the PPW, but first needs to complete decoding of the DCI and, optionally, change beams to receive the PRS (if the decoded DCI indicates a preference for the PRS). Thus, in Case 2, the first symbol 324 of the PPW is a buffer symbol instead of a PRS symbol. In other words, the PRS symbol is replaced with a buffer symbol. The buffer symbol 324 allows the UE sufficient time to complete decoding of the DCI and switch beams, if necessary. Of course, in some cases, the DCI may indicate a preference for the PRS, and as a result, the next available symbol 326 may be a PRS signal. In other cases, the decoded DCI may indicate a preference for low-latency traffic (e.g., URLLC traffic) over the PRS, in which case the next available symbol slot after the buffer 324 may be reserved for the PDSCH 304.

[0114] The third case, Case 3, is shown generally at 330. In Case 3, the start of the PPW is shifted back relative to Cases 1 and 2 of FIG. 3. As shown in Case 3, the PPW and the period during which the PDCCH is scheduled overlap. In some embodiments, the PDCCH takes priority over the PRS during this overlap period, so the UE drops B / PRS symbols (e.g., 332 and / or 334) in favor of the PDCCH. As in Case 2, the UE uses one or more buffer symbols to allow the UE time to complete decoding of the DCI and / or switch beams if deemed necessary. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, two buffer symbols 332 and 334 are used (as a non-limiting example). If the DCI indicates priority for the PRS over the PDSCH, the next available symbol 336 may be reserved for PRS reception. On the other hand, if the DCI indicates priority for the PDSCH (e.g., URLLC traffic), the next available symbol may be reserved for the PDSCH. Thus, in case 3, two (or more) buffer symbols may be used since the UE still needs to receive the PDCCH in the first buffer symbol 332.

[0115] In some embodiments, if the PPW precedes the PDCCH, a buffer symbol may be provided at the end of the PPW to ensure that the UE can switch beams and properly receive the PDCCH.

[0116] A signaling diagram further illustrating the disclosed concepts is shown in Figure 4. Figure 4 shows communication between a Location Management Function (LMF) 440, a base station or gNB 450, and a UE 460.

[0117] In S401, the LMF 440 sets the UE 460 for PRS measurement.

[0118] At S402, the gNB 450 configures the PPW and PRS priorities for the UE 460. For example, the gNB 450 transmits priority information and / or time window information by transmitting a higher layer signal. More specifically, the gNB may configure the start time of the PPW. The gNB may also configure the duration of the PPW. The PRS priority information may indicate, for example, "Capability 2, State 1" or "Capability 2, State 2." In some embodiments, the PRS priority information indicates high priority, medium priority, or low priority. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the DCI may be used to indicate the PRS priority.

[0119] In some embodiments, the PPW is configured using any one or more of RRC signaling, MAC CE, and DCI.

[0120] At S403, the gNB 450 configures one or more buffer symbols for the UE 460. For example, the gNB may configure the buffer symbols for the UE as shown in the embodiments of Figures 2 and 3. In some embodiments, the one or more buffer symbols are implicitly allocated. For example, the one or more symbols may be allocated before or after the start of a PPW outside the measurement gap so that the UE can receive a PRS or decode a DCI. Alternatively, the one or more buffer symbols are configured as a PRS.

[0121] At S404, the UE 460 decodes the DCI to identify the PRS priority (e.g., priority for the PDSCH).

[0122] At S405, the UE 460 applies one or more buffered symbols. For example, the UE 460 may apply one or more buffered symbols for DCI decoding and / or receive beam (Rx beam) switching.

[0123] Next, at S406, the UE 460 receives one or more PRSs.

[0124] At S407, the UE 460 reports the PRS measurements to the LMF 440.

[0125] If any PRS symbols are dropped, the UE 460 may notify the LMF of this at S408.

[0126] In a further embodiment, if the base station (gNB) is aware of a PRS opportunity (or if the gNB assumes that a PRS is configured during the PPW), the gNB may use cross-slot scheduling. Cross-slot scheduling allows the UE to already decode the DCI in a previous slot so that it knows the priority of the PDSCH versus the PRS in the "current" slot. In such an embodiment, the gNB may use cross-slot scheduling for the PDSCH that overlaps with the PRS. This allows the gNB to transmit the DCI earlier, allowing more time for decoding / beam switching. However, this is not always possible for the gNB due to scheduling constraints or quickly arriving URLLC traffic, and QoS requirements may prevent it from waiting until a later slot is scheduled. Figure 5 is a flow chart that schematically illustrates this process with cross-slot scheduling.

[0127] Referring to FIG. 5, S501 and S502 are the same as S401 and S402 in FIG.

[0128] At S503, the gNB 550 provides an early alert regarding the PDSCH to the UE 560 using cross-slot scheduling.

[0129] Next, at S504, the gNB 550 configures one or more buffer symbols for the UE (e.g., as shown in the examples of Figure 2 or Figure 3).

[0130] At S505, the UE 560 decodes the DCI to identify the PRS priority (eg, the PRS priority for the PDSCH).

[0131] At S506, the UE 560 applies one or more buffered symbols according to the configuration provided at S6. For example, the UE 560 may use the buffered symbols to assist in decoding DCI and / or Rx beam switching.

[0132] At S507, the UE receives the PRS.

[0133] At S508, the UE 560 reports the PRS measurements to the LMF 540.

[0134] If any PRS symbols are dropped, the UE 560 may notify the LMF 540 of this at S509.

[0135] A possible wireless communication device will now be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 6, which shows a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a communication device 600. For example, such a communication device may be the UE described with reference to FIGS. 2-5. Such a communication device is often referred to as user equipment (UE), user device, or terminal. For example, the UE(s) described herein may comprise one or more of the functions of the communication device 600. A suitable mobile communication device may be provided by any device capable of transmitting and receiving wireless signals. Non-limiting examples include mobile stations (MS) or mobile devices, such as mobile phones or "smartphones," computers equipped with wireless interface cards or other wireless interface facilities (e.g., USB dongles), personal data assistants (PDAs) or tablets with wireless communication capabilities, or any combination thereof. A mobile communication device may provide data communication for conveying communications such as voice, electronic mail (email), text messages, and multimedia. Thus, numerous services may be offered and provided to a user via their communication device. Non-limiting examples of these services include two-way or multi-way calls, data communications or multimedia services, or simply access to a data communications network system such as the Internet. Broadcast or multicast data may also be provided to users. Non-limiting examples of content include downloads, television and radio programs, videos, advertisements, various alerts, and other information.

[0136] A wireless communication device may be, for example, a mobile device, i.e., a device that is not fixed to a particular location, or may be a fixed device. A wireless device may require human interaction to communicate, or may not require human interaction to communicate. In the present teachings, the term UE or "user equipment" is used to refer to any type of wireless communication device.

[0137] The wireless device 600 may receive signals via suitable equipment for reception and may transmit signals via suitable equipment for transmission of wireless signals via an air or wireless interface 607. In Figure 6, the transceiver is indicated schematically by block 606. The transceiver 606 may be provided, for example, by radio components and an associated antenna array. The antenna array may be located internal or external to the wireless device.

[0138] A wireless device typically includes at least one data processing entity 601, at least one memory 602, and possible other components 603 for use in executing software and hardware tasks designed to perform the tasks described above, including controlling access to and communication with access systems and other communication devices. Data processing, storage, and other related controls may be provided on a suitable circuit board and / or within a chipset. This feature is indicated by reference numeral 604. A user may control the operation of the wireless device through a suitable user interface, such as a keypad 605, voice commands, a touch-sensitive screen or pad, or a combination thereof. A display 608, a speaker, and a microphone may also be provided. Additionally, the wireless communication device may include suitable connectors (wired or wireless) to other devices and / or for connecting external accessories, such as hands-free devices, to the wireless communication device.

[0139] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a control device 700 for a communications system, e.g., connected to and / or controlling a station of an access system such as a RAN node, e.g., a base station, i.e., a gNB, a central device of a cloud architecture or node of a core network, e.g., an MME or S-GW, a scheduling entity, e.g., a spectrum management entity, or a server or host. The control device may be integrated with a node or module of the core network or RAN, or may be external thereto. In some embodiments, the base station comprises a separate control device unit or module. In other embodiments, the control device may be another network element, e.g., a radio network controller or a spectrum controller. In some embodiments, each base station may have such a control device, as well as a control device provided in a radio network controller. For example, the control device may be a base station, i.e., a gNB, as described with respect to FIGS. 2-5. The control device 700 may be arranged to control communications within a coverage area of ​​the system. The control device 700 comprises at least one memory 701, at least one data processing unit 702, 703, and an input / output interface 704. Via the interface, the control device may be connected to a receiver and a transmitter of the base station. The receiver and / or transmitter may be implemented as a radio front end or a remote radio head. For example, the controller 700 or processor 701 may be configured to execute suitable software code to provide the control functionality.

[0140] 8 is a flowchart of a method according to an embodiment. The flowchart in FIG. 8 is from the perspective of an apparatus. For example, the apparatus may be a user equipment (or user device).

[0141] At S801, the method includes receiving priority information indicating a priority status of at least one positioning reference signal.

[0142] At S802, the method includes receiving time window information that sets a time window that is outside the measurement gap.

[0143] At S803, the method includes receiving, based on the priority information and the time window information, one or more positioning reference signals during the time window using one or more buffered symbols.

[0144] The device of FIG. 8 may further perform the actions of the UE (460, 560) described in FIGS.

[0145] 9 is a flowchart of a method according to an embodiment. The flowchart in FIG. 9 is from the perspective of an apparatus. For example, the apparatus may be a base station such as a gNB.

[0146] At S901, the method includes transmitting priority information indicating a priority status of the positioning reference signal to a user device, where the user device is configured based on the priority information.

[0147] At S902, the method includes transmitting, to the user device, time window information for setting a time window outside the measurement gap at the user device.

[0148] At S903, the method includes transmitting to the user device a buffer symbol configuration for use by the user device in receiving one or more positioning reference signals.

[0149] The device of Figure 9 may further perform the actions of a gNB (450, 550) and / or an LMF (440, 540).

[0150] FIG. 10 shows a schematic diagram of non-volatile memory media 1000a (e.g., a computer disk (CD) or a digital versatile disk (DVD)) and 1000b (e.g., a universal serial bus (USB) memory stick) storing instructions and / or parameters 1002 that, when executed by a processor, enable the processor to perform one or more of the steps of the methods of FIGS. 8-9.

[0151] Generally, various embodiments may be implemented in hardware or special-purpose circuits, software, logic, or any combination thereof. Some aspects of the invention may be implemented in hardware, while other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software that may be executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device, but the invention is not limited thereto. While various aspects of the invention may be illustrated and described as block diagrams, flowcharts, or using some other graphical representation, it will be appreciated that these blocks, apparatus, systems, techniques, or methods described herein may be implemented in, by way of non-limiting example, hardware, software, firmware, special-purpose circuits or logic, general-purpose hardware or controller or other computing device, or some combination thereof.

[0152] The term "circuitry," as used in this application, may refer to one or more or all of the following: (a) a hardware-only circuit implementation (such as an implementation with only analog and / or digital circuitry); and (b) a combination of hardware circuitry and software, such as (where applicable): (i) a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuitry(s) and software / firmware; and (ii) any portion of hardware processor(s) and software (including digital signal processor(s), software, and memory(s) that cooperate to cause a device such as a mobile phone or server to perform various functions); and (c) hardware circuit(s) and / or processor(s), such as microprocessor(s) or portion(s) of microprocessor(s), that require software (e.g., firmware) to operate but may not have software if not necessary for operation. This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of the term in this application, including any claims. As a further example, the term circuitry as used in this application encompasses implementations of just a hardware circuit or processor(s), or of portions of a hardware circuit or processor together with its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware. The term circuitry also encompasses, for example, baseband or processor integrated circuits in a mobile device, or similar integrated circuits in a server, cellular network device, or other computing or network device, if applicable to certain claim elements.

[0153] Embodiments of the present invention may be implemented by computer software executable by a data processor of a mobile device, such as in a processor entity, or by hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware. Computer software or programs, also referred to as program products, including software routines, applets, and / or macros, may be stored on any device-readable data storage medium and comprise program instructions for performing specific tasks. A computer program product may comprise one or more computer-executable components configured to perform embodiments when the program is executed. The one or more computer-executable components may be at least one software code or portions thereof.

[0154] Further, in this regard, it should be noted that any block of logic flow in the diagrams may represent program steps or interconnected logic circuits, blocks, and functions, or a combination of program steps and logic circuits, blocks, and functions. Software may be stored on physical media such as memory chips or blocks implemented within a processor, magnetic media such as a hard disk or floppy disk, and optical media such as, for example, DVDs and their data variants, CDs. Physical media are non-transitory media.

[0155] The memory may be of any type suitable for the local technology environment and may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory, and removable memory. The data processor may be of any type suitable for the local technology environment and may comprise, by way of non-limiting examples, one or more of a general purpose computer, a special purpose computer, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an FPGA, a gate level circuit, and a processor based on a multi-core processor architecture.

[0156] Embodiments of the present invention may be implemented in a variety of components, such as integrated circuit modules. The design of integrated circuits is generally a highly automated process. Complex and powerful software tools are available to convert logic-level designs into semiconductor circuit designs ready to be etched into semiconductor substrates.

[0157] The foregoing description has provided a complete and informative description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention, by way of non-limiting example. However, various modifications and adaptations may become apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. However, all such and similar modifications of the teachings of this invention will still fall within the scope of the present invention, as defined by the appended claims. Indeed, further embodiments exist that involve combinations of one or more of the embodiments with any of the other embodiments described above.

Claims

1. at least one processor; at least one memory containing computer program code; wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, using the at least one processor, receiving priority information indicative of a priority status of one or more positioning reference signals (PRS); receiving time window information that sets a PRS processing window that is outside a measurement gap; receiving one or more PRSs during the PRS processing window after one or more symbols based on the priority information and the time window information; and causing the device to execute at least the one or more symbols are arranged before one or more PRS symbols configured for the one or more PRSs within the PRS processing window. The device.

2. The at least one memory and the computer program code are used by the at least one processor to: receiving a configuration of the one or more symbols; The apparatus of claim 1 , configured to cause the apparatus to perform at least

3. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the one or more symbols are based on the received configuration of the one or more symbols.

4. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein beam switching is performed for reception of the one or more PRSs by using the one or more symbols.

5. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the one or more symbols are used to process received downlink control information.

6. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the priority information indicates one of a first priority state, a second priority state, and a third priority state.

7. 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein when the priority information indicates the first priority state, the apparatus is configured to prioritize the one or more PRSs relative to the physical downlink shared channel such that a physical downlink shared channel is dropped for the one or more PRSs during at least a portion of the PRS processing window.

8. The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein when the priority information indicates the second priority state, the apparatus is configured to prioritize low-latency traffic on a physical downlink shared channel for the one or more PRSs.

9. 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein when the priority information indicates the second priority state, the apparatus is configured to drop at least one of the one or more PRSs for at least one of the one or more symbols.

10. 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein when the priority information indicates the third priority state, the apparatus is configured to consider the priority of the one or more PRSs to be lower than a physical downlink control channel and / or a physical downlink shared channel.

11. at least one processor; at least one memory containing computer program code; wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, using the at least one processor, transmitting priority information to a user device indicating a priority status of one or more positioning reference signals (PRS); transmitting time window information to the user device for setting a PRS processing window outside a measurement gap; transmitting to the user device a symbol configuration to be used when the user device receives one or more PRSs after one or more symbols during the PRS processing window; and causing the device to execute at least the one or more symbols are arranged before one or more PRS symbols configured for the one or more PRSs within the PRS processing window. The device.

12. The at least one memory and the computer program code are used by the at least one processor to: performing cross-slot scheduling when transmitting the priority information; The apparatus of claim 11 , configured to cause the apparatus to perform at least

13. receiving priority information indicative of a priority status of one or more positioning reference signals (PRS); receiving time window information that sets a PRS processing window that is outside a measurement gap; receiving one or more PRSs during the PRS processing window after one or more symbols based on the priority information and the time window information; Including, the one or more symbols are arranged before one or more PRS symbols configured for the one or more PRSs within the PRS processing window. method.

14. transmitting priority information to a user device indicating a priority status of one or more positioning reference signals (PRS); transmitting time window information to the user device for setting a PRS processing window outside a measurement gap; transmitting to the user device a symbol configuration to be used when the user device receives one or more PRSs after one or more symbols during the PRS processing window; Including, the one or more symbols are arranged before one or more PRS symbols configured for the one or more PRSs within the PRS processing window. method.

15. 1. A computer program comprising instructions, the instructions comprising: receiving priority information indicative of a priority status of one or more positioning reference signals (PRS); receiving time window information that sets a PRS processing window that is outside a measurement gap; receiving one or more PRSs during the PRS processing window after one or more symbols based on the priority information and the time window information; causing the device to at least execute the one or more symbols are arranged before one or more PRS symbols configured for the one or more PRSs within the PRS processing window. The computer program.

16. 1. A computer program comprising instructions, the instructions comprising: transmitting priority information to a user device indicating a priority status of one or more positioning reference signals (PRS); transmitting time window information to the user device for setting a PRS processing window outside a measurement gap; transmitting to the user device a symbol configuration to be used when the user device receives one or more PRSs after one or more symbols during the PRS processing window; causing the device to at least execute the one or more symbols are arranged before one or more PRS symbols configured for the one or more PRSs within the PRS processing window. The computer program.

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