Method for transmitting and receiving positioning reference signals and related apparatus

Abstract

The present application provides a positioning reference signal transmission / reception method and related apparatus. The method includes a first terminal acquiring resources for a PRS. The first terminal transmits sidelink control information SCI, where the SCI includes first indication information indicating resources for the PRS. The first terminal transmits a PRS on the resources for the PRS. In response, a second terminal receives the SCI. The second terminal receives a PRS on the resources for the PRS indicated by the SCI. According to the aforementioned PRS transmission / reception method, positioning between terminals can be enabled without the involvement of a network device.

Description

Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of communication technologies, and particularly to a method for transmitting and receiving positioning reference signals and related devices.

Background Art

[0003] In communication technologies, in the 5th generation mobile communication system (3rd generation partnership project, 3GPP (registered trademark)) of 3GPP (registered trademark) (5th Generation Mobile Network or a 5th Generation Wireless System, 5G), high-precision positioning has gradually been determined as an important research project. Positioning technology is a technology for determining the geographical location of nodes in a communication network, especially user equipment (UE), using a specific method. So-called positioning services are services that use several positioning methods to measure the geographical location of UE. The Internet of Vehicles is an important application scenario of 5G, and the services of the Internet of Vehicles are related to vehicle platooning, advanced driving, extended sensors, remote driving, etc. Therefore, it is particularly important how to accurately position the terminal.

[0004] Currently, the positioning service of the terminal can only be completed by the involvement of network devices. Specifically, in various positioning technologies that depend on the involvement of network devices, uplink positioning is for the network device to detect the sounding reference signal (SRS) transmitted by the terminal, downlink positioning is for the terminal to detect the positioning reference signal (PRS) transmitted by the network device, and both the terminal and the network device are required to perform detection in order to determine the position of the terminal based on the above detection results for uplink and downlink positioning.

[0005] However, for devices that cannot be positioned via network devices, there is currently no technology to enable positioning between devices. [Overview of the Initiative] [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] This application provides a method for transmitting and receiving positioning reference signals and related devices to enable positioning between terminals without the involvement of network devices.

[0007] According to a first aspect, a PRS transmission method is provided. This method includes a first terminal acquiring a resource for a positioning reference signal (PRS). The first terminal transmits sidelink control information (SCI), which includes first instruction information, the first instruction information instructs a resource for the PRS. The first terminal transmits the PRS on the resource.

[0008] In this application, the first terminal enables its positioning service by including first instruction information in the SCI on the sidelink (SL) that instructs resources for PRS, and transmitting PRS to another terminal (including the second terminal) on the resources instructed by the SCI. In addition, the first instruction information is used, and as a result, the probability of different terminals using the same resources for PRS is effectively reduced, and positioning errors caused by resource collisions that occur when multiple terminals use PRS simultaneously to complete positioning of multiple terminals are resolved.

[0009] For example, an SCI is a message that instructs the terminal on resources to be occupied and information such as modulation and encoding on the sidelink, in order to help the terminal flexibly select resources and modulation and encoding information. SCIs can be classified into first-stage SCIs and second-stage SCIs. First-stage SCIs are carried over the physical sidelink control channel (PSCCH) and are used to transmit information that needs to be acquired during detection, such as resource occupation instruction information, priority information, and information required for demodulation of second-stage SCIs. Second-stage SCIs instruct additional information required for demodulation of the physical sidelink shared channel (PSSCH).

[0010] It can be understood that the first reference information for resources for PRS in this application may be included in the first stage SCI or in the second stage SCI. This is not limited to this application.

[0011] In relation to the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the SCI includes a first type of SCI and a second type of SCI, the resources for the first type of SCI are predefined, the first type of SCI includes second instruction information, the second instruction information relates to the resources for the second type of SCI, and the second type of SCI includes first instruction information.

[0012] In this application, second instruction information is added to the SCI to indicate a specific resource, and first instruction information indicating a resource for the PRS is transmitted on the indicated specific resource. In this way, reserved bits in the existing SCI can be used effectively, and resources for the PRS can be indicated indirectly in multiple ways.

[0013] It can be understood that the first type of SCI may be a first-stage SCI or a second-stage SCI. This is not limited to the present application.

[0014] In relation to the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the second instruction information relating to a resource for a second type of SCI includes the second instruction information indicating a resource for a second type of SCI.

[0015] In relation to the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the resource for the second type of SCI is a predefined first resource, and the second instruction information relating to the resource for the second type of SCI includes indicating whether to transmit the second type of SCI on the first resource.

[0016] It can be understood that the second instruction information may be indicated using reserved bits within the SCI.

[0017] The second type of instruction information is represented using reserved bits within the existing SCI, and as a result, the instruction for the second type of SCI can be completed without modifying the SCI function of the existing standard. This ensures backward compatibility of the standard.

[0018] Referring to the first embodiment, in some implementations of the first embodiment, the first instruction information indicates one or more of the following: whether the resource for the PRS occupies a physical sidelink control channel PSCCH or a physical sidelink shared channel PSSCH, whether the resource is a PRS-dedicated resource, and location information of the resource for the PRS.

[0019] In relation to the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the instruction indicated by the first instruction information for the location information of a resource for the PRS includes at least one of the time-domain location and frequency-domain location of the resource for the PRS, or the number or index of the resource for the PRS, which is determined based on a predefined mapping relationship between at least one resource and at least one number or index.

[0020] For example, frequency domain indications may include one or more of the following: the number of occupied subchannels, whether the entire sidelink bandwidth part (BWP) is occupied, the comb configuration, or the resource element (RE) offset.

[0021] For example, a time-domain instruction may include one or more of the following: whether the quantity of offset symbols or occupied symbols based on the start SL symbol in each slot within the resource pool occupies the entire slot.

[0022] In relation to the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the acquisition of resources for the PRS by the first terminal includes the first terminal receiving information about resources for the PRS configured by a network device, and the first terminal acquiring resources for the PRS from a predefined resource pool, or the first terminal determining resources that are predefined as resources for the PRS.

[0023] In relation to the first embodiment, in some implementations of the first embodiment, the first terminal receives measurement results from the second terminal, the measurement results are acquired by the second terminal based on PRS measurements transmitted by the first terminal, and the first terminal performs positioning based on the measurement results.

[0024] In this application, the terminal requests another terminal to perform positioning by transmitting a PRS. The other terminal receives the PRS, measures the PRS, and transmits the obtained measurement result to the first terminal. The first terminal performs positioning based on the measurement result to perform positioning between terminals.

[0025] According to a second aspect, in a PRS receiving method, a second terminal receives sidelink control information SCI, where the SCI includes first indication information, and the first indication information indicates a resource for a PRS, and a PRS receiving method including this is provided. The second terminal receives a PRS on a resource for the PRS.

[0026] In this application, the first terminal includes first indication information indicating a resource for a PRS in sidelink (SL) SCI, and enables the positioning service of the first terminal by transmitting a PRS to another terminal (including the second terminal) on a resource indicated by the SCI. In addition, the first indication information is used, and as a result, the probability of using the same resource for a PRS between different terminals is effectively reduced, and when multiple terminals complete the positioning of multiple terminals by using a PRS simultaneously, the positioning error caused by a resource collision that occurs to share the same resource for transmitting and receiving a PRS is solved.

[0027] In connection with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the SCI includes a first type of SCI and a second type of SCI, the resource for the first type of SCI is pre-defined, the first type of SCI includes second indication information, the second indication information is related to the resource for the second type of SCI, and the second type of SCI includes the first indication information.

[0028] In connection with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the fact that the second indication information is related to the resource for the second type of SCI includes that the second indication information indicates the resource for the second type of SCI.

[0029] In connection with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the resources for the second type of SCI are pre-defined first resources, and the fact that the second indication information is related to the resources for the second type of SCI includes that the second indication information indicates whether to transmit the second type of SCI on the first resources.

[0030] Referring to the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the first indication information indicates one or more of the following: whether the resources for the PRS occupy the physical sidelink control channel PSCCH or the physical sidelink shared channel PSSCH, whether the resources for the PRS are PRS dedicated resources, and the location information of the resources for the PRS.

[0031] In connection with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the indication indicated by the first indication information for the location information of the resources for the PRS is at least one of the time-domain location and the frequency-domain location of the resources for the PRS, or the number or index of the resources for the PRS, and includes the number or index of the resources for the PRS determined based on a pre-defined mapping relationship between at least one resource and at least one number.

[0032] In connection with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes that the second terminal performs measurements based on the PRS transmitted by the first terminal to obtain measurement results. The second terminal transmits the measurement results.

[0033] In connection with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes that the second terminal performs measurements based on the PRS transmitted by the first terminal to obtain measurement results. The second terminal performs positioning based on the measurement results.

[0034] According to a third aspect, a PRS transmitter is provided configured to perform a method in any one of the possible implementations of the first aspect. Specifically, the device includes a module configured to perform a method in any one of the possible implementations of the aforementioned aspects.

[0035] In one design, the apparatus may include modules that correspond one-to-one with the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the first embodiment. These modules may be implemented by hardware circuitry, software, or a combination of hardware circuitry and software.

[0036] In another design, this device is a communication chip. This communication chip may include an input circuit or interface configured to transmit information or data, and an output circuit or interface configured to receive information or data.

[0037] In another design, the device is a communication device. A communication device may include a transmitter configured to transmit information or data and a receiver configured to receive information or data.

[0038] In another design, the device is configured to perform the method in any possible implementation of the first embodiment. The device may be configured within a terminal, or the device is the aforementioned first terminal.

[0039] According to a fourth aspect, a PRS receiving device is provided that is configured to perform the method in any one of the possible implementations of the second aspect. Specifically, the device includes a module configured to perform the method in any one of the possible implementations of the second aspect.

[0040] In one design, the apparatus may include modules that correspond one-to-one with the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the second aspect. These modules may be implemented by hardware circuitry, software, or a combination of hardware circuitry and software.

[0041] In another design, this device is a communication chip. This communication chip may include an input circuit or interface configured to transmit information or data, and an output circuit or interface configured to receive information or data.

[0042] In another design, the device is a communication device. A communication device may include a transmitter configured to transmit information or data and a receiver configured to receive information or data.

[0043] In another design, the device is configured to perform the method in any possible implementation of the second embodiment. The device may be configured within a terminal, or the device is the aforementioned second terminal.

[0044] According to a fifth aspect, a processor is provided which includes an input circuit, an output circuit, and a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to receive a signal using the input circuit and transmit a signal using the output circuit, so that the processor performs a method in any one of the possible implementations of the first aspect.

[0045] The optional features include the presence of one or more processors and one or more memory modules.

[0046] Optionally, the memory and processor may be integrated, or they may be located separately.

[0047] Optionally, the device includes a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter and receiver may be located separately or may be integrated to obtain a transceiver.

[0048] In a particular implementation, the memory may be non-transitory memory, such as read-only memory (ROM). The memory and processor may be integrated on the same chip or located separately on different chips. The type of memory and the arrangement of the memory and processor are not limited in this application.

[0049] The processor in the fifth embodiment may be a chip, and the processor may be implemented in hardware or software. If implemented in hardware, the processor may be a logic circuit or integrated circuit, or if implemented in software, the processor may be a general-purpose processor, implemented by reading software code stored in memory. The memory may be integrated into the processor, or it may be located outside the processor and exist separately.

[0050] According to the sixth aspect, a computer program product is provided. This computer program product includes a computer program (sometimes called code or instructions). When the computer program is running, the computer is enabled to perform a method in any one of the possible implementations of any one of the aforementioned aspects.

[0051] According to the seventh aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided. This computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program (sometimes called code or instructions). When the computer program is running on a computer, the computer is made capable of performing a method in any one of the possible implementations of any one of the aforementioned aspects.

[0052] According to the eighth aspect, a chip system is provided. The chip system includes a processor configured to implement the method in the first aspect or any one of the possible implementations of the first aspect, or to implement the method in any one of the possible implementations of any one of the aforementioned aspects.

[0053] In possible designs, the chip system may further include memory, which is configured to store program instructions. The chip system may include a chip, or it may include a chip and other discrete components. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0054] [Figure 1] This is a diagram of a communication system according to one embodiment of the present application. [Figure 2] This is a schematic flowchart of a PRS transmission / reception method according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 3] This is a schematic flowchart of the positioning method in Scenario 1 according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 4] This is a schematic flowchart of the positioning method in Scenario 2 according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 5] A block diagram of a PRS transceiver according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 6] A block diagram of another PRS transceiver according to one embodiment of this application. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0055] The technical solution of this application will be described below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0056] The technical solutions of this application may be applied to various communication systems, such as long-term evolution (LTE) systems, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) systems, LTE time division duplex (TDD) systems, universal mobile telecommunication systems (UMTS), 5th generation (5G) mobile communication systems, new radio (NR) systems, or other advanced communication systems and next-generation mobile communication systems such as 5G communication systems.

[0057] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, a communication system applicable to the embodiments of this application will first be described in detail with reference to Figure 1.

[0058] Figure 1 is a diagram of the architecture of the communication system 100 according to this application. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system includes a network device 110, a terminal device 120, and a terminal 130. Optionally, the network device 110 may communicate with terminal 120, the network device 110 may communicate with terminal 130, and terminal 120 may communicate with terminal 130.

[0059] The specific forms of the network device 110, terminal 120, and terminal 130 shown in Figure 1 are not limited to the embodiments of this application.

[0060] The terminal in the embodiments of this application may be referred to as user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), access terminal, subscriber unit, subscriber station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal, wireless communication device, user agent, or user equipment.

[0061] The terminal is a device that provides voice and / or data connectivity to the user, such as a handheld device or in-vehicle device with wireless connectivity. Currently, some examples of devices include mobile phones, tablet computers, notebook computers, palmtop computers, mobile internet devices (MIDs), wearable devices, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, wireless terminals for industrial control, wireless terminals for self-driving, wireless terminals for remote surgery, wireless terminals for smart grids, wireless terminals for transportation safety, wireless terminals for smart cities, wireless terminals for smart homes, cellular phones, cordless phones, Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), handheld or computing devices with wireless communication capabilities, or other processing devices connected to wireless modems, in-vehicle devices, wearable devices, terminals in 5G networks, or future advanced public land mobile communication networks (PLANs). This includes terminals in a network (PLMN), etc. This is not limited to this application.

[0062] As an example, rather than an limitation, in this application, a terminal may be a terminal in an Internet of Things (IoT) system. The Internet of Things is a crucial part of future information technology development. The main technical feature of the Internet of Things is the connection of goods and networks via communication technologies to implement an intelligent network of interconnections between people and machines and between things themselves. For example, a terminal in the embodiments of this application may be a wearable device. Wearable devices, sometimes called wearable intelligent devices, are a general term for wearable devices intelligently designed and developed for everyday wear using wearable technology, such as glasses, gloves, watches, clothing, and shoes. A wearable device is a portable device that can be worn directly on the body or integrated into the user's clothing or accessories. A wearable device is not only a hardware device, but can also implement powerful functionality through software support, data exchange, and cloud interaction. In a broad sense, wearable intelligent devices include full-featured, large devices that can implement all or part of their functionality without relying on a smartphone, such as smartwatches or smart glasses, and devices that are specialized for only one type of application function and need to be used in conjunction with other devices such as smartphones, such as various smart bands or smart jewelry used to monitor physical signs.

[0063] For example, rather than being limited, in the embodiments of this application, the terminal may alternatively be a machine-type communication (MTC) terminal. In addition, the terminal may alternatively be an in-vehicle module, in-vehicle assembly, in-vehicle component, in-vehicle chip, in-vehicle unit, etc., which are arranged in the vehicle as one or more components or units. The vehicle may implement the methods provided in this application via the in-vehicle module, in-vehicle assembly, in-vehicle component, in-vehicle chip, in-vehicle unit, etc. Thus, the embodiments of this application may also be applied to vehicle internet, such as Vehicle to Everything (V2X), Long-Term Evolution-Vehicle (LTE-V), or Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) technologies.

[0064] In this application, a network device may be a device that communicates with a terminal. Alternatively, a network device may be referred to as an access network device or a radio access network device. A network device may be a transmission reception point (TRP), an evolved NodeB (eNB, or eNodeB) in an LTE system, a home NodeB (e.g., home evolved NodeB or home Node B, HNB), a baseband unit (BBU), or a radio controller in a cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenario. Alternatively, a network device may be a relay station, access point, in-vehicle device, wearable device, network device in a 5G network, or network device in a future evolved PLMN network, or an access point (AP) in a WLAN, or a gNB in ​​an NR system. Alternatively, a network device may be a city base station, micro base station, pico base station, femto base station, etc. This is not limited to the present application.

[0065] In a network structure, network devices may include central unit (CU) nodes, distributed unit (DU) nodes, radio access network (RAN) devices including CU nodes and DU nodes, or RAN devices including control plane CU nodes (CU-CP nodes), user plane CU nodes (CU-UP nodes), and DU nodes.

[0066] Network devices provide services to cells, and terminals communicate with cells via transmission resources (e.g., frequency domain resources or spectral resources) allocated by the network devices. Cells may belong to macro base stations (e.g., macro eNBs or macro gNBs) or to base stations corresponding to small cells. Small cells as used herein may include metro cells, micro cells, pico cells, femto cells, etc. These small cells are characterized by low coverage and low transmission power and are applicable to providing high-speed data transmission services.

[0067] For ease of understanding, it should be understood that Figure 1 is merely a simplified diagram. The communication system 100 may further include other devices not shown in Figure 1.

[0068] Optionally, all terminals shown in Figure 1 may be within the coverage of network device 110, or none of the terminals may be within the coverage of network device 101, or some terminals may be within the coverage of network device 110 and some terminals may not be within the coverage of network device 110. This is not limited to the present application.

[0069] In the communication system shown in Figure 1, there is a first communication interface between network device 110 and terminal 120, a second communication interface between network device 110 and terminal 130, and a third communication interface between terminal 120 and terminal 130.

[0070] For example, the first communication interface may be a user-to-network interface universal (Uu), and the second communication interface may be a proximity service communication 5 (proximityCommunication 5 (PC5) may also be an interface.

[0071] The first communication scenario includes communication between a terminal and a network device, for example, communication between terminal 120 and network device 110. Specifically, communication between terminal 120 and network device 110 is called uplink and downlink communication. For example, terminal 120 may send information to network device 110 via the uplink, and network device 110 may send information to terminal 120 via the downlink.

[0072] The second communication scenario includes communication between terminals, for example, between terminal 120 and terminal 130. Generally, the link for communication between terminal 120 and terminal 130 is called a sidelink, and terminals 120 and 130 may perform data transmission over the sidelink (SL).

[0073] It should be noted that, in this specification, specific communication scenarios between terminals are not limited to the embodiments of this application. For example, in a possible scenario, both terminal 120 and terminal 130 in Figure 1 may be in-vehicle devices (or vehicles or vehicle internet terminals). In another possible scenario, terminal 120 in Figure 1 may be an in-vehicle device (or vehicles or vehicle internet terminals), and terminal 130 may be a roadside unit (RSU).

[0074] Currently, in the communication system shown in Figure 1, terminal positioning requires the involvement of network devices; in other words, positioning techniques must be performed via a Uu interface and may include uplink positioning, downlink positioning, and uplink and downlink positioning. For example, uplink positioning may involve a network device measuring the SRS transmitted by the terminal. Downlink positioning may involve a terminal measuring the PRS transmitted by the network device. Uplink and downlink positioning requires the terminal to measure the PRS transmitted by the network device, and the network device to measure the SRS transmitted by the terminal. The network device and / or terminal determine / determine the terminal's location based on the measurement results in order to perform the terminal positioning service.

[0075] For example, downlink positioning technology is a downlink-time difference of arrival (DL-TDOA) positioning method and downlink - Departure angle (downlink-angle of departure, The DL-AOD positioning method is included, and the uplink and downlink positioning technologies include the multiple cell-round trip time (Multi-RTT) positioning method, and the uplink positioning technology includes the uplink-time difference of arrival (UL-TDOA) positioning method and the (uplink-angle of arrival, Includes UL-AOA positioning method.

[0076] Furthermore, DL-TDOA positioning technology requires at least three network devices. The terminal separately measures the PRS transmitted by the three network devices to obtain the arrival times of the three signals, selects one of the network devices as the reference network device, and subtracts the arrival times corresponding to the other network devices from the arrival time of the reference network device to obtain two TDOAs. Based on each time difference, a corresponding distance difference is calculated. Each distance difference may form a hyperbola using two corresponding network devices as foci, and the terminal's position can be estimated by using the intersection of the two hyperbolas.

[0077] DL-AOD positioning technology requires at least two network devices. The terminal separately measures the PRS transmitted by the two network devices, and each network device obtains a group of beam-level reference signal received power (RSRP) values ​​through the measurement, which are called measured values. After the terminal reports the measured values ​​to the location management function (LMF), the LMF may obtain the AOD corresponding to each network device by calculation, referencing the transmission beam directivity pattern of each network device. The transmission beam directivity pattern of a network device is transmitted to the LMF by the network device (or the transmission beam directivity pattern is stored in the LMF). Alternatively, the LMF transmits the beam-level RSRP value corresponding to the network device to the network device, the network device obtains the AOD by calculation, and then reports the AOD to the LMF. Thus, based on the position and AOD of each network device, the LMF can form a ray whose starting point is the position of the network device and whose deflection angle is the AOD, and the intersection of the rays generated by the two network devices is the position of the terminal.

[0078] Multi-RTT positioning technology requires at least two network devices. The network devices must measure the signal transmitted by the terminal, and the terminal must also measure the signal transmitted by the network devices. Let T1 be the time the network device transmits the signal, T2 be the time the terminal receives the signal, T3 be the time the terminal transmits the signal, and T4 be the time the network device receives the signal. The network device reports the measured signal reception-transmission time difference (TB = T4 - T1) to the LMF, and the terminal also reports the measured signal reception-transmission time difference (TUE = T2 - T3) to the LMF. The LMF determines the round-trip time of signal propagation based on the two reception time differences TB and TUE, in which case RTT = TB + TUE. During positioning calculations, the LMF draws circles using the distance corresponding to the measured RTT value as the radius and each network device as the center of the circle, and determines the intersection of the acquired circles as the terminal's position.

[0079] The only difference between UL-TDOA positioning technology and DL-TDOA positioning technology is the measurement entity. DL-TDOA positioning technology uses terminals as its measurement entities, while UL-TDOA positioning technology uses network devices. Similarly, the only difference between DL-AOD positioning technology and UL-AOA positioning technology is the measurement entity. DL-AOD positioning technology uses terminals as its measurement entities, while UL-AOA positioning technology uses network devices.

[0080] In conclusion, terminal positioning services can only be performed with the involvement of network devices. For some terminals that are not within the coverage of network devices (e.g., in areas such as the Internet of Vehicles and autonomous technologies), terminal-to-terminal positioning services cannot be completed. Therefore, there is an urgent need to provide sidelink-based terminal positioning technology to perform terminal positioning without the involvement of network devices.

[0081] With this in mind, this application provides a PRS transmission and reception method and apparatus. A terminal may acquire resources for PRS, instruct the SCI to use resources for PRS, and then the terminal may transmit PRS over sidelink. This method may enable positioning between terminals without the involvement of network devices.

[0082] Before describing the PRS transmission and reception method provided in this application, the following description is first provided.

[0083] Firstly, in the embodiments described herein, terms and abbreviations, such as SCI, PRS, or SL, are provided as examples for the sake of clarity and should not be construed as any limitation to this application. This application does not preclude the possibility of defining other terms that may implement the same or similar functions in existing or future protocols.

[0084] Secondly, the terms “First,” “Second,” and various numbers in the following embodiments are used merely for the purpose of distinction to facilitate explanation and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. For example, different SCIs are distinguished. It should be noted that the ordinal numbers such as “First” and “Second” used in the embodiments of this application are used to distinguish multiple subjects and are not intended to limit the order, chronology, priority or importance of the multiple subjects.

[0085] Thirdly, the “protocol” involved in the embodiments of this application may be a standard protocol in the field of communications, and may include, for example, the LTE protocol, the NR protocol, and related protocols applicable to future communications systems. This is not limited to this application.

[0086] Fourth, “multiple” means two or more. and / or describes an association between related objects, indicating that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B may mean A exists alone, both A and B exist, and B exists alone, and A and B may be singular or plural. The letter “ / ” usually indicates an “or” relationship between related objects. “At least one of the following items” or similar expressions indicate any combination of these items, including any combination of one or more items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c could mean a, b, c, a and b, a and c, b and c, or a, b, and c, and a, b, and c may be singular or plural.

[0087] In the description of this application, “predefined” may mean defined in a communication protocol and configured in the access network device and terminal device during communication, or determined and configured by the access network device for the terminal device, and it should be noted that the configuration may be performed explicitly using signaling or implicitly using other information.

[0088] In this description, “indication” may include direct and indirect indications, or explicit and implicit indications. Information indicated by one piece of information (such as the first or second indication information described later) is referred to as the information to be indicated. In a particular implementation, there may be multiple ways of indicating the information to be indicated. For example, the information to be indicated may be indicated directly, such as by the information to be indicated, or an index of the information to be indicated. In another example, the information to be indicated may be indicated indirectly by indicating other information, where there is a relationship between the other information and the information to be indicated. In yet another example, only a portion of the information to be indicated may be indicated, with the other portion being known, pre-agreed, or inferred. In addition, specific information may be indicated by using a pre-agreed (e.g., specified in a protocol) arrangement sequence of various pieces of information to reduce the indication overhead to some extent.

[0089] A PRS transmission / reception method 200 according to one embodiment of this application will be described in detail below with reference to Figure 2. Method 200 may be applied to the communication scenario 100 shown in Figure 1. However, this embodiment of this application is not limited thereto. It should be understood that the first terminal in this embodiment of this application may be terminal 120 or terminal 130 in Figure 1, and the second terminal may be terminal 120 or terminal 130 in Figure 1. If the first terminal is terminal 120, the second terminal may be terminal 130 or another terminal. If the first terminal is terminal 130, the second terminal may be terminal 120 or another terminal. This is not limited to this application.

[0090] Figure 2 is a schematic flowchart of a PRS transmission / reception method 200 according to one embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 2, the method 200 may include steps S201 to S203. The steps in the method 200 will be described in detail below.

[0091] S201: The first terminal acquires resources for PRS.

[0092] For example, the method by which a first terminal acquires resources for a PRS includes the first terminal receiving information about resources for a PRS configured by a network device, and the first terminal determining resources for a PRS from a predefined resource pool, or the first terminal determining resources that are predefined as resources for a PRS. Resources for a PRS are resources used by the first terminal to transmit a PRS, and it should be noted that resources may be time-domain resources, frequency-domain resources, or time-frequency resources. “Predefined” may mean defined in a communication protocol and configured in the access network device and terminal device during communication, or determined and configured by a network device for a terminal device, and it should be understood that the configuration may be performed explicitly using signaling or implicitly using other information.

[0093] It can be understood that, before acquiring resources for the PRS, the first terminal may use a discovery mechanism to obtain the resource occupancy status and then determine the resources available for the PRS from a predefined resource pool. The resource pool is a set of multiple resources.

[0094] In this embodiment of the present application, PRS is a reference signal for enabling positioning between terminals. It should be understood that the reference signal for positioning may have a different name, and is not limited to this application.

[0095] S202: The first terminal transmits an SCI, which contains first instruction information indicating resources for the PRS. In response, the second terminal receives an SCI.

[0096] It should be noted that SCI may be transmitted via broadcast or multicast, and is not limited to this application.

[0097] The SCI in this embodiment of the present application may be classified into a first-stage SCI and a second-stage SCI. The first-stage SCI is used to transmit information that needs to be carried over the PSCCH and acquired when another terminal (e.g., a second terminal) performs detection, such as resource occupancy instruction information, priority information, and information required for demodulation of the second-stage SCI. The second-stage SCI indicates additional information required for PSCCH demodulation.

[0098] S203: The first terminal sends a PRS on the PRS resource. In response, the second terminal receives a PRS on the PRS resource.

[0099] It can be understood that after acquiring a resource for a PRS, the first terminal executes a resource instruction by sending an SCI containing first instruction information, and then sends a PRS on the resource designated for the PRS. In other words, after acquiring a resource for a PRS, the first terminal sends an SCI containing first instruction information, and as a result, another terminal (including a second terminal) receiving the SCI can determine that the resource designated by the first instruction information should be occupied, and the other terminal (including a second terminal) does not send a PRS on the resource. Alternatively, after acquiring a resource for a PRS, the first terminal sends a PRS to another terminal, and the SCI sent to the other terminal (including a second terminal) includes first instruction information indicating the resource occupied by the PRS, and as a result, the other terminal (including a second terminal) receiving the SCI acquires the first instruction information through detection, determines that the resource is occupied, and does not send a PRS on the resource.

[0100] In this embodiment of the present application, the first terminal enables its positioning service by including first instruction information in the SCI on the sidelink that instructs resources for PRS, and transmitting PRS to another terminal (including a second terminal) on the resources instructed by the SCI. In addition, the first instruction information is used, as a result, the probability of different terminals using the same resources for PRS is effectively reduced, and positioning errors caused by resource collisions that occur when multiple terminals use PRS simultaneously to complete positioning of multiple terminals, due to sharing the same resources to send and receive PRS, are resolved.

[0101] It can be understood that the first instruction information in the embodiments of this application may be included in the first stage SCI or in the second stage SCI. This is not limited to this application.

[0102] The first instruction information may be directly included in the SCI, or it may be indirectly included in the SCI using the second instruction information.

[0103] In possible implementations, the first instruction information is directly contained within the SCI. In this case, bits may be reserved in the existing SCI to represent the first instruction information. The first instruction information may be in the form of a number, a bitmap, a string, or the like. The form of the first instruction information is not particularly limited in this embodiment of the present application.

[0104] The first instruction information may include one or more of the following:

[0105] 1. A resource index (or number) indicating the number or index of a resource for a PRS, wherein the resource for the PRS includes at least one of the occupied time-domain resources and frequency-domain resources. Generally, a set of resources for a PRS corresponds to a single number or index, and the correspondence between resources and numbers or indexes may be set by preset, default, or other means.

[0106] When a resource number or index exists, it can be understood that it indicates the first terminal will occupy the resource for the PRS. When a resource number or index does not exist, it indicates that the first terminal will not occupy the resource for the PRS.

[0107] 2. Positioning signal transmission instruction indicating whether or not to transmit PRS. If a positioning signal transmission instruction exists but no resource number or index exists, it can be understood that this instructs the first terminal to transmit a PRS on a preset resource.

[0108] The resources for PRS transmitted by the first terminal may be the resources for PRS acquired in S201. For example, the third-generation partnership project ( The 3 rd The 3 to 5 bits reserved for the SCI as described in the Generation Partnership Project (3GPP®) standard document TS 38.214 specification release v 16.7.0 may indicate first indication information. For example, the first indication information may be indicated using 2 bits. For example, 01 indicates that the resource number or index does not exist and the positioning reference signal transmission instruction exists; 10 indicates that the resource number or index exists and the positioning reference signal transmission instruction does not exist; and 11 indicates that the resource number or index and the positioning reference signal transmission instruction exist. The above scheme of using 2 bits to indicate the first indication information is merely an example. Specific indication schemes for the first indication information are not limited to this embodiment of the present application.

[0109] In this embodiment of the present application, the first instruction information is instructed using reserved bits of an existing SCI, and as a result, the instruction of the PRS can be completed without modifying the SCI function of an existing standard. This implements backward compatibility of the standard.

[0110] In another possible implementation, the first instruction information is indirectly included in the SCI using the second instruction information (i.e., a dedicated SCI may be added to the SCI to indicate resources for the PRS). In this case, the SCI includes a first type SCI and a second type SCI. The resources of the first type SCI are predefined, the first type SCI includes the second instruction information, the second instruction information relates to the resources of the second type SCI, and the second type SCI includes the first instruction information. The second type SCI may be understood as a dedicated SCI added to the SCI in the prior art.

[0111] It can be understood that the first type of SCI may be a first-stage SCI or a second-stage SCI, and is not limited to this embodiment of the present application. The first and second types of SCI are information used by the first terminal to indicate information occupied by the first terminal in sidelink communication, such as time-domain resources, frequency-domain resources, or time-frequency resources, modulation and coding (including indicating resources for PRS), in order to help another terminal (e.g., a second terminal) flexibly select resources and modulation and coding information.

[0112] The second instruction information relating to resources for a second type of SCI may include the following two cases:

[0113] Case 1: The second instruction information directs to a resource of the second type of SCI.

[0114] For example, in this application, in order to reduce transmission overhead, the second instruction information may be a number or index corresponding to a resource of the second type of SCI, and the number or index indicated by the second instruction information may indicate the resource occupancy status of the second type of SCI. Alternatively, the second instruction information directly indicates at least one of the time-domain resources and frequency-domain resources occupied by the second type of SCI.

[0115] The second type of SCI described above may be transported by PSSCH or PSCCH. That is, the second type of SCI may be a first-stage SCI or a second-stage SCI. This is not limited to this embodiment of the present application.

[0116] Case 2, the resource for the second type of SCI is a predefined first resource, and the second instruction information relating to the resource for the second type of SCI includes indicating whether to transmit the second type of SCI on the first resource.

[0117] It can be understood that the second instruction information may be indicated using reserved bits within the SCI.

[0118] For example, the second instruction information may use a single bit value to indicate whether to transmit a second type of SCI on the first resource. When the bit value is 1, it indicates to transmit a second type of SCI on the first resource, and when the bit value is 0, it indicates not to transmit a second type of SCI on the first resource. Alternatively, when the bit value is 0, it indicates to transmit a second type of SCI on the first resource, and when the bit value is 1, it indicates not to transmit a second type of SCI on the first resource. In other words, the second instruction information may use a reserved single bit value to indicate whether to transmit a second type of SCI.

[0119] In this implementation, the second instruction information is added to the SCI to indicate a specific resource, and the first instruction information indicating the resource for the PRS is transmitted on the indicated specific resource. With this method, reserved bits in the existing SCI can be used effectively, and the resource for the PRS can be indicated indirectly in multiple ways.

[0120] For example, the aforementioned methods may involve the resource occupied by the PRS being indicated on the resource indicated by the second indication information using the resource number or index for the PRS, or the resource occupied by the PRS being indicated on the indicated resource block, for example, using a symbol-level indication bitmap which is 00110000000000, and the resource for the PRS occupies two symbols, using a bitmap located at the third and fourth symbols in one slot.

[0121] When a dedicated SCI is added to an SCI to direct resources for a PRS, the first directive information indicates whether the resources for the PRS occupy a PSCCH or PSSCH, whether the resources are dedicated PRS resources, or one or more of the resources for the PRS.

[0122] Please understand that a dedicated resource indicates that the resource is solely for sending PRS messages.

[0123] In one optional embodiment, the instruction indicated by the first instruction information for a resource for the PRS includes at least one of the time-domain location and frequency-domain location of the resource for the PRS, or a number or index of the resource for the PRS, which is determined based on a predefined mapping relationship between at least one resource and at least one number or index.

[0124] For example, frequency domain indications may include one or more of the following: the number of occupied subchannels, whether the entire sidelink bandwidth part (BWP) is occupied, the comb configuration, or the RE offset.

[0125] If the frequency domain specification does not include the number of occupied subchannels, it can be understood that it indicates the entire resource pool or the entire BWP is occupied, or that the starting point and occupied quantity are default values. If the frequency domain specification does not include the comb configuration, it indicates default values, e.g., comb1, comb4, etc. If the frequency domain specification does not include the RE offset, it indicates a default value, e.g., the RE offset is 0, 1, or 2.

[0126] For example, a time-domain instruction may include one or more of the following: whether the number of offset symbols or occupied symbols based on the sidelink start symbol within each slot in the resource pool occupies the entire slot.

[0127] If the time-domain indication does not include the number of offset symbols, it can be understood that it indicates a default value, for example, 0 offset symbols. If the time-domain indication does not include the number of occupied symbols, it indicates a default value, for example, 1 symbol.

[0128] In an optional embodiment, method 200 further includes a second terminal performing a measurement based on the PRS to obtain a measurement result and transmitting the measurement result to the first terminal. In response, the first terminal receives the measurement result and performs positioning based on the measurement result.

[0129] In this embodiment of the present application, one terminal requests another terminal to perform positioning by transmitting a PRS. The other terminal receives the PRS, measures the PRS, and transmits the obtained measurement result to the first terminal. The first terminal performs positioning based on the measurement result in order to perform positioning between terminals.

[0130] In an optional embodiment, method 200 further includes a second terminal performing a measurement based on the PRS to obtain a measurement result, and performing positioning based on the measurement result.

[0131] In this embodiment of the present application, the terminal measures the received PRS, performs positioning based on the measurement result, and performs positioning between terminals.

[0132] The aforementioned process for performing positioning based on measurement results may be understood to refer to the uplink and downlink positioning techniques described above. The difference from the aforementioned positioning techniques is that all embodiments of this application are performed by a terminal.

[0133] In the following, two scenarios will be used as examples to describe in detail the PRS transmission and reception method provided in the embodiments of this application with reference to Figures 3 and 4.

[0134] Scenario 1: The device to be positioned (the device requiring location services) transmits a PRS request to another device to assist with the measurement and complete the positioning.

[0135] Figure 3 shows a positioning method 300 in Scenario 1 according to one embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 3, the terminal to be positioned is the first terminal, and the other terminal is the second terminal. Method 300 may include S301 to S306. The steps of Method 300 are described in detail below.

[0136] S301: The first terminal acquires resources for PRS.

[0137] For the aforementioned process of acquiring resources for PRS, please refer to the relevant explanation in S201 of Method 200 above. Details will not be repeated here.

[0138] After acquiring resources for PRS, it can be understood that the first terminal detects whether there is relevant information instructing PRS in the SCI sent by another terminal and determines whether the resources are occupied. If the resources for PRS are occupied, the first terminal reacquires unoccupied resources for PRS. Alternatively, the first terminal uses a detection mechanism to determine the resource occupancy status and then acquires resources for PRS from the unoccupied resource pool.

[0139] S302: Terminal 1 transmits an SCI. In response, Terminal 2 receives an SCI.

[0140] SCI includes directive information that directs resources for PRS.

[0141] For details regarding the instructions, please refer to the related explanation in the first set of instructions. Details will not be repeated here.

[0142] S303: The first terminal sends a measurement request message and PRS. In response, the second terminal receives the measurement request message and PRS.

[0143] A measurement request message includes one or more of the required measurement quantities, such as the arrival time, arrival angle, and departure angle of the request.

[0144] It should be noted that the aforementioned measurement requests are transmitted via unicast, multicast, or broadcast, and the PRS is transmitted via broadcast or multicast. This is not limited to this embodiment of the present application.

[0145] S304: The second terminal performs the measurement based on the PRS.

[0146] For example, a second terminal may measure PRS based on the measurement quantities included in the received measurement request message in order to obtain the measurement result.

[0147] S305: The second terminal transmits the measurement results to the first terminal. In response, the first terminal receives the measurement results.

[0148] S306: The first terminal performs a position calculation based on the measurement results.

[0149] In this embodiment of the present application, the first terminal transmits a PRS and positioning request over a sidelink, the first terminal transmits the information in a broadcast manner, including instructional information indicating the resources for the PRS within the SCI, and as a result, terminals that can receive and decode the SCI can determine the resource occupancy status for the PRS and avoid the case where another terminal (including a second terminal) uses the same resources again to transmit a PRS. In addition, the first terminal determines its own position by receiving the transmitted measurement results. According to method 300, the positioning service between terminals is performed without the involvement of network devices. In addition, since the first instructional information is used, measurement errors caused by resource collisions for the PRS are effectively reduced and the accuracy of position measurement is improved.

[0150] Scenario 2: The terminal to be positioned (the terminal requiring location services) requests a nearby terminal to transmit a PRS, and completes the positioning by performing measurements based on the received PRS.

[0151] Figure 4 shows a positioning method 400 in Scenario 2 according to one embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 4, the terminal to be positioned is the first terminal, and the nearby terminal is the second terminal. Method 400 may include S401 to S406. The steps of Method 400 will be described in detail below.

[0152] S401: The first terminal transmits a positioning request. In response, the second terminal receives the positioning request.

[0153] A positioning request is used to ask another terminal to transmit a PRS (Personal Signal Transmitting System).

[0154] It can be understood that positioning requests may be transmitted by broadcast, unicast, or multicast. This is not limited to this embodiment of the present application.

[0155] S402: The second terminal acquires resources for PRS.

[0156] For the aforementioned process of acquiring resources for PRS, please refer to the relevant explanation in S201 of Method 200 above. Details will not be repeated here.

[0157] After acquiring resources for PRS, it can be understood that the second terminal detects whether there is relevant information instructing PRS in the SCI sent by the other terminal and determines whether the resources are occupied. If the resources for PRS are occupied, the second terminal reacquires unoccupied resources for PRS. Alternatively, the second terminal uses a detection mechanism to determine the resource occupancy status and then acquires resources for PRS from the unoccupied resource pool.

[0158] S403: The second terminal transmits an SCI. In response, the first terminal receives an SCI.

[0159] SCI includes directive information that directs resources for PRS.

[0160] For details regarding the instructions, please refer to the related explanation in the first set of instructions. Details will not be repeated here.

[0161] S404: The second terminal transmits a PRS. In response, the first terminal receives a PRS.

[0162] S405: The first terminal performs the measurement based on the PRS to obtain the measurement result.

[0163] For example, a second terminal may perform measurements based on the received PRS, and through these measurements may obtain information such as arrival time, arrival angle, and departure angle.

[0164] S406: The first terminal performs a position calculation based on the measurement results.

[0165] In this embodiment of the present application, a first terminal sends a positioning request to another terminal (including a second terminal) to transmit a PRS via a sidelink, and further performs measurements based on the received PRS to determine the position of the first terminal. This implements terminal-to-terminal positioning technology. In addition, the other terminal (including the second terminal) transmits instructional information in a broadcast manner, which includes instructions for resources for PRS within the SCI, so that terminals receiving the SCI can determine the resource occupancy status for PRS and avoid cases where multiple terminals transmit PRS using the same resources. According to Method 400, terminal-to-terminal positioning services are implemented without the involvement of network devices, measurement errors caused by resource collisions for PRS are effectively reduced, and the accuracy of position measurement is improved.

[0166] It should be understood that the process numbers mentioned above do not indicate the order of execution. The order of execution of the processes must be determined based on the function and internal logic of the processes and should not be construed as any limitation on the implementation processes of the embodiments of this application.

[0167] The above description details the PRS transmission and reception method in the embodiment of this application with reference to Figures 2 to 4. Below, the PRS transmission and reception device in the embodiment of this application will be described in detail with reference to Figures 5 and 6.

[0168] Figure 5 shows a PRS transceiver 500 according to one embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 5, the device 500 includes a processing module 510 and a transceiver module 520.

[0169] In possible implementations, the device 500 is a first terminal or a chip within the first terminal.

[0170] The processing module 510 is configured to acquire resources for the positioning reference signal PRS. Transceiver module 520 It is configured to transmit sidelink control information SCI, which includes first instruction information, the first instruction information instructs a resource for PRS, and transmits PRS on the resource for PRS.

[0171] Optionally, an SCI includes a first type of SCI and a second type of SCI, the resources of the first type of SCI are predefined, the first type of SCI includes second instruction information, the second instruction information relates to the resources of the second type of SCI, and the second type of SCI includes first instruction information.

[0172] Optionally, the second reference information relating to a resource for a second type of SCI includes the second reference information pointing to a resource for a second type of SCI.

[0173] Optionally, the resource for the second type of SCI is a predefined first resource, and the second instruction information relating to the resource for the second type of SCI includes indicating whether to transmit the second type of SCI on the first resource.

[0174] Optionally, the first instruction information indicates one or more of the following: whether the resource for the PRS occupies a physical sidelink control channel PSCCH or a physical sidelink shared channel PSSCH, whether the resource is a PRS-dedicated resource, and the location information of the resource for the PRS.

[0175] Optionally, the indication for a resource for a PRS indicated by the first indication information includes at least one of the time-domain location and frequency-domain location of the resource for the PRS, or a number or index of the resource for the PRS, wherein the number of the resource for the PRS is determined based on a predefined mapping relationship between at least one resource and at least one number or index.

[0176] Optionally, the transceiver module 520 is further configured to receive information about resources for the PRS configured by network devices, and the processing module 510 is further configured to retrieve resources for the PRS from a predefined resource pool, or to determine, by a first terminal, that predefined resources are resources for the PRS.

[0177] Optionally, the transceiver module 520 is configured to receive measurement results from a second terminal, which are acquired by the second terminal based on PRS measurements transmitted by the first terminal, and the processing module 510 is further configured to perform positioning based on the measurement results.

[0178] As an example of an optional configuration, those skilled in the art will understand that the apparatus 500 may specifically be the first terminal in the embodiments described above, and that the apparatus 500 may be configured to perform the procedures and / or steps corresponding to the first terminal in methods 200, 300, and 400. To avoid repetition, further details will not be described here.

[0179] In another possible implementation, the device 500 is a second terminal or a chip within the second terminal.

[0180] The transceiver module 520 is configured to receive sidelink control information SCI, which includes first instruction information, the first instruction information instructs a resource for a positioning reference signal PRS, and the transceiver module 520 receives the PRS on the resource for the PRS.

[0181] Optionally, an SCI includes a first type of SCI and a second type of SCI, the resources of the first type of SCI are predefined, the first type of SCI includes second instruction information, the second instruction information relates to the resources of the second type of SCI, and the second type of SCI includes first instruction information.

[0182] Optionally, the second reference information relating to a resource for a second type of SCI includes the second reference information pointing to a resource for a second type of SCI.

[0183] Optionally, the resource for the second type of SCI is a predefined first resource, and the second instruction information relating to the resource for the second type of SCI includes indicating whether to transmit the second type of SCI on the first resource.

[0184] Optionally, the first instruction information indicates one or more of the following: whether the resource for PRS occupies a PSCCH or a physical sidelink shared channel PSSCH, whether the resource for PRS is a PRS-only resource, and the location information of the resource for PRS.

[0185] Optionally, the indication indicated by the first indication information for the location information of a resource for the PRS includes at least one of the time-domain location and frequency-domain location of the resource for the PRS, or the number or index of the resource for the PRS, which is determined based on a predefined mapping relationship between at least one resource and at least one number or index.

[0186] Optionally, the processing module 510 is configured to perform measurements based on PRS transmitted by the first terminal to acquire measurement results, and the transceiver module 520 is further configured to transmit the measurement results.

[0187] Optionally, the processing module 510 is configured to perform measurements based on the PRS transmitted by the first terminal in order to obtain measurement results, and to perform positioning based on the measurement results.

[0188] As an example of an optional choice, those skilled in the art will understand that the apparatus 500 may specifically be the second terminal in the embodiments described above, and that the apparatus 500 may be configured to perform the procedures and / or steps corresponding to the second terminal in methods 200, 300, and 400. To avoid repetition, further details will not be described here.

[0189] It should be understood that the apparatus 500 described herein is represented in the form of a functional module. The term “module” as used herein may include an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (e.g., a shared processor, a dedicated processor, or a group processor) configured to run one or more software programs or firmware programs, memory, a combinatorial logic circuit, and / or other suitable components that support the described functions. The apparatus 500 may be configured to perform procedures and / or steps corresponding to the first or second terminal in the embodiments of the method described above. To avoid repetition, further details are not described here.

[0190] The apparatus 500 has the function of performing the corresponding steps performed by the first terminal or the second terminal in Method 200, Method 300, and Method 400. The aforementioned functions may be performed by hardware, or by hardware by running corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the functions.

[0191] In embodiments of this application, the apparatus 500 in Figure 5 may be replaced by a chip or chip system, such as a system on a chip (SoC), but is not limited to this application.

[0192] Figure 6 shows another PRS transceiver 600 according to one embodiment of the present application. The device 600 includes a processor 610, a memory 620, and a transceiver 630. The processor 610, the memory 620, and the transceiver 630 are connected using an internal connection path, the memory 620 is configured to store instructions, and the processor 610 is configured to execute instructions stored in the memory 620, so that the device 600 can perform the PRS transceiver methods 200, method 300, and method 400 provided in the method embodiments described above.

[0193] It should be understood that the functions of the apparatus 500 in the embodiments described above can be integrated into the apparatus 600. The apparatus 600 may be configured to perform steps and / or procedures corresponding to the first terminal in the embodiments of the method described above, or the apparatus 600 may be further configured to perform steps and / or procedures corresponding to the second terminal in the embodiments of the method described above. Optionally, the memory 620 may include read-only memory and random access memory to provide instructions and data to the processor. A portion of the memory may further include non-volatile random access memory. For example, the memory may further store device type information. The processor 610 may be configured to execute instructions stored in memory. When the processor executes an instruction, the processor 610 may perform steps and / or procedures corresponding to the first terminal in the embodiments of the method described above, or the processor 610 may perform steps and / or procedures corresponding to the second terminal in the embodiments of the method described above.

[0194] The processor 610 described in the embodiments of this application may be a central processing unit (CPU), and it should be understood that the processor 610 may be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gates or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The processor 610 may be a microprocessor, or the processor 610 may be any conventional processor, etc.

[0195] In the implementation process, the steps in Methods 200, 300, and 400 may be completed by using integrated logic circuits of hardware within the processor or by using instructions in software form. The steps of the methods disclosed with reference to embodiments of this application may be performed directly by a hardware processor or by a combination of hardware and software modules within the processor. The software modules may be located in mature storage media of the art, such as random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable writable memory, registers, etc. The storage media resides in memory, and the processor reads instructions in memory and, in cooperation with the processor hardware, completes the steps of the aforementioned methods. To avoid repetition, further details are not described here.

[0196] One embodiment of this application provides a communication device including an interface circuit and a logic circuit. The interface circuit is configured to communicate with an external module of the communication device. The logic circuit is configured to execute a computer program so that the communication device performs one of the functions of the embodiments of the method described above.

[0197] This application further provides a computer-readable medium for storing computer programs. When the computer program is executed by a computer, one of the functions of the aforementioned method embodiments is performed.

[0198] This application further provides a computer program product. When the computer program product is executed by a computer, any of the functions of the above-described method embodiments are implemented.

[0199] Those skilled in the art will recognize, in combination with the examples described in the embodiments disclosed herein, that units and algorithmic steps may be implemented by electronic hardware or by a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether the functions are performed by hardware or software will depend on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art may use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementations should not be considered to be beyond the scope of this application.

[0200] For the sake of brevity, the detailed operating processes of the aforementioned systems, apparatus, and units will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art, with reference to the corresponding processes in the embodiments of the methods described above, and will not be described in detail again here.

[0201] In the various embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatus, and methods may be implemented in other ways. For example, the embodiments of the apparatus described are merely examples. For example, the division into units is merely a logical functional division, and other divisions may be used in actual implementation. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not performed. In addition, the mutual coupling, direct coupling, or communication connection indicated or considered may be implemented through some interfaces. Indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatus or parts may be implemented in electronic, mechanical, or other forms.

[0202] Units described as separate parts may or may not be physically separate, and parts shown as units may or may not be physical units, may be located in one place, or may be distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units may be selected based on actual requirements to achieve the objectives of the embodiment's solution.

[0203] In addition, the functional units of the embodiments of this application may be integrated into a single processing unit, each unit may exist physically independently, or two or more units may be integrated into a single unit.

[0204] When functions are implemented in the form of software function units and sold or used as independent products, those functions may be stored on a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solutions of this application, in essence, or in part with respect to the prior art, or a part of the technical solutions, may be implemented in the form of a software product. A computer software product is stored on a storage medium and includes several instructions for instructing a computer device (which may be a personal computer, a server, or a network device) to carry out all or part of the steps of the methods described in embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes any medium capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, removable hard disk drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, and optical disks.

[0205] The foregoing description merely outlines a specific implementation of the present application and is not intended to limit the scope of protection. Any modifications or substitutions readily conceivable by a person skilled in the art within the scope of the technical realities disclosed herein shall also fall within the scope of protection. Accordingly, the scope of protection of this application shall be subject to the scope of protection set forth in the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0206] 100 Communication Systems 110 Network Devices 120 devices 130 devices 200 PRS transmission and reception methods 300 Positioning method in Scenario 1 400 Positioning method in Scenario 2 500 PRS Transceiver 510 Processing Module 520 Transceiver Module 600 PRS Transceiver 610 Processor 620 memory 630 transceiver

Claims

1. A method for transmitting a positioning reference signal, The first terminal acquires resources for the positioning reference signal PRS, The first terminal transmits sidelink control information SCI, wherein the SCI includes first instruction information, and the first instruction information indicates the resource for the PRS. The first terminal transmits the PRS on the resources for the PRS. Includes, The SCI includes a first type of SCI and a second type of SCI, the resources of the first type of SCI are predefined, the first type of SCI includes second instruction information, the second instruction information relates to the resources of the second type of SCI, and the second type of SCI includes the first instruction information. A method for indicating, the first instruction information, whether the resource for the PRS occupies a physical sidelink control channel PSCCH or a physical sidelink shared channel PSSCH, and whether the resource for the PRS is a PRS-dedicated resource.

2. The fact that the second instruction information relates to a resource for the second type of SCI is that The method according to claim 1, wherein the second instruction information indicates the resource for the second type of SCI.

3. The resource for the second type of SCI is a predefined first resource, and the second instruction information relates to the resource for the second type of SCI. The method according to claim 1, wherein the second instruction information includes indicating whether to transmit the second type of SCI on the first resource.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first instruction information further indicates the location information of the resource for the PRS.

5. The instruction indicated by the first instruction information with respect to the location information of the resource for the PRS is: At least one of the time-domain location and frequency-domain location of the resource for the PRS, or The method according to claim 4, comprising a resource number or index for the PRS, the resource number or index for the PRS determined based on a predefined mapping relationship between at least one resource and at least one number or index.

6. The step of obtaining resources for the PRS by the first terminal is: The first terminal receives information about the resources for the PRS configured by the network device, The first terminal determines the resources for the PRS in a predefined resource pool, or The first terminal determines the resources that are predefined as resources for the PRS. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, including the method described in any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The aforementioned method, The first terminal receives measurement results from a second terminal, wherein the measurement results are obtained by the second terminal based on the PRS measurements transmitted by the first terminal. The first terminal performs positioning based on the measurement results, and The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising:

8. A method for receiving a positioning reference signal, The steps include: receiving sidelink control information SCI by a second terminal, wherein the SCI includes first instruction information, and the first instruction information indicates resources for a positioning reference signal PRS; The second terminal receives the PRS on the resource for the PRS, and Includes, The SCI includes a first type of SCI and a second type of SCI, the resources of the first type of SCI are predefined, the first type of SCI includes second instruction information, the second instruction information relates to the resources of the second type of SCI, and the second type of SCI includes the first instruction information. A method for indicating, the first instruction information, whether the resource for the PRS occupies a physical sidelink control channel PSCCH or a physical sidelink shared channel PSSCH, and whether the resource for the PRS is a PRS-dedicated resource.

9. The fact that the second instruction information relates to a resource for the second type of SCI is that The method according to claim 8, wherein the second instruction information indicates the resource for the second type of SCI.

10. The resource for the second type of SCI is a predefined first resource, and the second instruction information relates to the resource for the second type of SCI. The method according to claim 8, wherein the second instruction information includes indicating whether to transmit the second type of SCI on the first resource.

11. The method according to claim 8, wherein the first instruction information further indicates the location information of the resource for the PRS.

12. The instruction indicated by the first instruction information with respect to the location information of the resource for the PRS is: At least one of the time-domain location and frequency-domain location of the resource for the PRS, or The resource number or index for the PRS, which is determined based on a predefined mapping relationship between at least one resource and at least one number or index. The method according to claim 11, including the method described in claim 11.

13. The aforementioned method, To obtain the measurement result, the second terminal performs a measurement based on the PRS transmitted by the first terminal, The steps include transmitting the measurement results using the second terminal and The method according to any one of claims 8 to 12, further comprising:

14. The aforementioned method, To obtain the measurement result, the second terminal performs a measurement based on the PRS transmitted by the first terminal, The second terminal performs positioning based on the measurement results. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 12, further comprising:

15. A positioning reference signal transmitting device, A processing module configured to acquire resources for the positioning reference signal PRS, A transceiver module configured to transmit sidelink control information SCI, wherein the SCI includes first instruction information, the first instruction information indicates the resource for the PRS, and the transceiver module to transmit the PRS on the resource for the PRS. Equipped with, The SCI includes a first type of SCI and a second type of SCI, the resources of the first type of SCI are predefined, the first type of SCI includes second instruction information, the second instruction information relates to the resources of the second type of SCI, and the second type of SCI includes the first instruction information. The first instruction information indicates one or more of the following: whether the resource for the PRS occupies a physical sidelink control channel PSCCH or a physical sidelink shared channel PSSCH, and whether the resource for the PRS is a PRS-dedicated resource.

16. The fact that the second instruction information relates to a resource for the second type of SCI is that The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the second instruction information indicates the resource for the second type of SCI.

17. The resource for the second type of SCI is a predefined first resource, and the second instruction information relates to the resource for the second type of SCI. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the second instruction information includes indicating whether to transmit the second type of SCI on the first resource.

18. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the first instruction information further indicates the location information of the resource for the PRS.

19. The instruction indicated by the first instruction information with respect to the location information of the resource for the PRS is: At least one of the time-domain location and frequency-domain location of the resource for the PRS, or The apparatus according to claim 18, comprising a resource number or index for the PRS, the resource number or index for the PRS determined based on a predefined mapping relationship between at least one resource and at least one number or index.

20. The aforementioned transceiver module is Further configured to receive information about the resources for the PRS configured by the network device, The apparatus according to any one of claims 15 to 19, wherein the processing module is further configured to determine the resources for the PRS in a predefined resource pool, or to determine a predefined resource as the resources for the PRS.

21. The aforementioned transceiver module is The device is further configured to receive measurement results from a second terminal, and to acquire the measurement results by the second terminal based on the PRS measurements transmitted by the device. The apparatus according to any one of claims 15 to 19, wherein the processing module is further configured to perform positioning based on the measurement results.

22. A positioning reference signal receiving device, A transceiver module comprising a transceiver module configured to receive sidelink control information SCI, wherein the SCI includes first instruction information, and the first instruction information indicates a resource for a positioning reference signal PRS, The transceiver module is further configured to receive the PRS on the resource for the PRS, The SCI includes a first type of SCI and a second type of SCI, the resources of the first type of SCI are predefined, the first type of SCI includes second instruction information, the second instruction information relates to the resources of the second type of SCI, and the second type of SCI includes the first instruction information. The first instruction information indicates one or more of the following: whether the resource for the PRS occupies a physical sidelink control channel PSCCH or a physical sidelink shared channel PSSCH, and whether the resource for the PRS is a PRS-dedicated resource.

23. The fact that the second instruction information relates to a resource for the second type of SCI is that The apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the second instruction information indicates the resource for the second type of SCI.

24. The resource for the second type of SCI is a predefined first resource, and the second instruction information relates to the resource for the second type of SCI. The apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the second instruction information includes indicating whether to transmit the second type of SCI on the first resource.

25. The apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the first instruction information further indicates the location information of the resource for the PRS.

26. The instruction indicated by the first instruction information with respect to the location information of the resource for the PRS is: At least one of the time-domain location and frequency-domain location of the resource for the PRS, or The apparatus according to claim 25, comprising a resource number or index for the PRS, the resource number or index for the PRS determined based on a predefined mapping relationship between at least one resource and at least one number or index.

27. A processing module further comprising a processing module configured to perform a measurement based on the PRS transmitted by a first terminal in order to acquire a measurement result, The apparatus according to any one of claims 22 to 26, wherein the transceiver module is further configured to transmit the measurement results.

28. A processing module that performs a measurement based on the PRS transmitted by a first terminal in order to obtain a measurement result, The apparatus according to any one of claims 22 to 26, further comprising a processing module configured to perform positioning based on the measurement results.

29. A communication device comprising a processor and memory, wherein the processor is coupled to the memory, the memory is configured to store instructions, and when an instruction is executed by the processor, the device is enabled to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

30. A communication device comprising a processor and memory, wherein the processor is coupled to the memory, the memory is configured to store instructions, and when an instruction is executed by the processor, the device is capable of performing the method according to any one of claims 8 to 12.

31. A communication device comprising an interface circuit and a logic circuit, The interface circuit is configured to communicate with an external module of the communication device. A communication device wherein the logic circuit is configured to execute a computer program, enabling the communication device to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

32. A communication device comprising an interface circuit and a logic circuit, The interface circuit is configured to communicate with an external module of the communication device. A communication device wherein the logic circuit is configured to execute a computer program to enable the communication device to perform the method according to any one of claims 8 to 12.

33. A computer-readable storage medium configured to store instructions, wherein when the instructions are executed on a computer, the computer is enabled to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

34. A computer-readable storage medium configured to store instructions, wherein when the instructions are executed on a computer, the computer is enabled to perform the method according to any one of claims 8 to 12.

35. A computer program product comprising computer program code, wherein when the computer program code is run on a computer, the computer is enabled to carry out the method according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

36. A computer program product comprising computer program code, wherein when the computer program code is run on a computer, the computer is enabled to carry out the method according to any one of claims 8 to 12.

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