Determining the positioning anchor

Abstract

A method is disclosed that includes receiving, by a device, a first set of information associated with one or more first beams of a network element; obtaining, by the device, a second set of information associated with one or more second beams of the network element by performing beam-specific downlink measurements on the one or more second beams; and determining, by the device, based at least in part on the first set of information and the second set of information, whether the device is in a suitable position to act as a positioning anchor for a target user device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The following exemplary embodiments relate to wireless communication and positioning.

Background Art

[0002] Positioning technology can be used to estimate the physical location of a user device. It is desirable to improve positioning accuracy to more accurately estimate the position of the user device.

[0003] The scope of protection required by various exemplary embodiments is described by the claims. Exemplary embodiments and features described herein that are not included within the scope of the claims, if any, should be construed as useful examples for understanding the various embodiments.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] According to one aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least: receiving a first set of information associated with one or more first beams of a network element; obtaining a second set of information associated with one or more second beams by performing beam-specific downlink measurements on the one or more second beams of the network element; and determining, at least partially based on the first set of information and the second set of information, whether the apparatus is in a position suitable to operate as a positioning anchor for a target user device.

[0005] In another embodiment, a device is provided comprising: means for receiving a first set of information associated with one or more first beams of a network element; means for obtaining a second set of information associated with one or more second beams by performing beam-specific downlink measurements on one or more second beams of a network element; and means for determining, at least in part, based on the first set of information and the second set of information, whether the device is in a position suitable to act as a positioning anchor for a target user device.

[0006] In another embodiment, a method is provided which includes the steps of: the device receiving a first set of information associated with one or more first beams of a network element; the device obtaining a second set of information associated with one or more second beams by performing beam-specific downlink measurements on one or more second beams of a network element; and the device determining, at least in part, based on the first set of information and the second set of information, whether the device is in a suitable position to act as a positioning anchor for a target user device.

[0007] In another embodiment, a computer program is provided which includes instructions, when executed by the device, causes the device to perform at least the following steps: receive a first set of information associated with one or more first beams of a network element; obtain a second set of information associated with one or more second beams by performing beam-specific downlink measurements on one or more second beams of a network element; and determine, based at least in part on the first set of information and the second set of information, whether the device is in a position suitable to act as a positioning anchor for a target user device.

[0008] In another embodiment, a computer-readable medium containing program instructions is provided, which, when executed by the device, causes the device to perform at least the following steps: receive a first set of information associated with one or more first beams of a network element; obtain a second set of information associated with one or more second beams by performing beam-specific downlink measurements on one or more second beams of a network element; and determine, based at least in part on the first set of information and the second set of information, whether the device is in a position suitable to act as a positioning anchor for a target user device.

[0009] In another embodiment, a non-temporary computer-readable medium containing program instructions is provided, which, when executed by the device, causes the device to perform at least the following steps: receive a first set of information associated with one or more first beams of a network element; obtain a second set of information associated with one or more second beams by performing beam-specific downlink measurements on one or more second beams of a network element; and determine, based at least in part on the first set of information and the second set of information, whether the device is in a position suitable to act as a positioning anchor for a target user device.

[0010] In another embodiment, a device is provided comprising at least one processor and at least one memory for storing instructions, the instructions causing the device to perform at least the following steps when executed by at least one processor: obtaining a first set of information associated with one or more first beams of a network element by performing beam-specific downlink measurements on one or more first beams of a network element; receiving a second set of information associated with one or more second beams of a network element from a candidate positioning anchor; and determining, at least in part, based on the first set of information and the second set of information, whether the candidate positioning anchor is in a position suitable to act as a positioning anchor for the device.

[0011] In another embodiment, the provided apparatus includes means for obtaining a first set of information associated with one or more first beams of a network element by performing beam-specific downlink measurements on one or more first beams; means for receiving a second set of information associated with one or more second beams of a network element from a candidate positioning anchor; and means for determining, at least in part, based on the first set of information and the second set of information, whether the candidate positioning anchor is in a position suitable to act as a positioning anchor for the apparatus.

[0012] In another embodiment, a method is provided which includes the steps of: obtaining a first set of information associated with one or more first beams of a network element by performing beam-specific downlink measurements on one or more first beams of a network element; receiving a second set of information associated with one or more second beams of a network element from a candidate positioning anchor; and determining, at least in part, based on the first set of information and the second set of information, whether the candidate positioning anchor is in a suitable position to act as a positioning anchor for the device.

[0013] In another embodiment, a computer program is provided which, when executed by the device, causes the device to perform at least the following steps: obtain a first set of information associated with one or more first beams of a network element by performing beam-specific downlink measurements on one or more first beams of a network element; receive a second set of information associated with one or more second beams of a network element from a candidate positioning anchor; and determine, at least in part, based on the first set of information and the second set of information, whether the candidate positioning anchor is in a suitable position to act as a positioning anchor for the device.

[0014] In another embodiment, a computer-readable medium including program instructions is provided, which, when executed by the device, causes the device to perform at least the following steps: obtain a first set of information associated with one or more first beams by performing beam-specific downlink measurements on one or more first beams on one or two network elements; receive a second set of information associated with one or more second beams of network elements from a candidate positioning anchor; and determine, at least in part, based on the first set of information and the second set of information, whether the candidate positioning anchor is in a suitable position to act as a positioning anchor for the device.

[0015] In another embodiment, a non-temporary computer-readable medium containing program instructions is provided, which, when executed by the device, causes the device to perform at least the following steps: obtain a first set of information associated with one or more first beams of a network element by performing beam-specific downlink measurements on one or more first beams of a network element; receive a second set of information associated with one or more second beams of a network element from a candidate positioning anchor; and determine, at least in part, based on the first set of information and the second set of information, whether the candidate positioning anchor is in a suitable position to act as a positioning anchor for the device.

[0016] In the following sections, various exemplary embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of a cellular communication network. [Figure 2] This figure shows three different examples of geometric dilution with precision. [Figure 3] This figure illustrates an exemplary scenario in which a target user device selects the appropriate anchor node. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of selecting an appropriate anchor node according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 5] This figure shows a signaling diagram according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 6] This figure shows a signaling diagram according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 7] This figure shows a signaling diagram according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 8] This figure shows a signaling diagram according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 9] This figure shows a signaling diagram according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 10]A diagram showing a flowchart according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 11] A diagram showing a flowchart according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 12] A diagram showing a flowchart according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 13] A diagram showing a flowchart according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 14] A diagram showing an example of the device.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] The following embodiments are illustrative. This specification may refer to "a", "one", or "some" embodiments in several places, but this does not necessarily mean that each reference is made to the same embodiment, or that a particular feature applies only to a single embodiment. The individual features of various embodiments can also be combined to provide other embodiments.

[0019] In the following, as an example of an access architecture to which exemplary embodiments can be applied, various exemplary embodiments using a radio access architecture based on Long Term Evolution Advanced (LTE Advanced, LTE-A), New Radio (NR, 5G), Beyond 5G, or 6th generation (6G) are described, but the exemplary embodiments are not limited to such an architecture. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the exemplary embodiments can also be applied to other types of communication networks having appropriate means by appropriately adjusting parameters and procedures. Some examples of other options for an appropriate system are Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS) radio access network (UTRAN or E-UTRAN), Long Term Evolution (LTE, substantially the same as E-UTRA), Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN or Wi-Fi), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), Bluetooth (registered trademark), Personal Communication Service (PCS), ZigBee (registered trademark), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), a system using Ultra Wideband (UWB) technology, sensor networks, Mobile Ad Hoc Networks (MANETs), and Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), or any combination thereof.

[0020] FIG. 1 shows an example of a simplified system architecture showing some elements and functional entities, all of which are logical units, and this implementation may be different from that shown. The connections shown in FIG. 1 are logical connections, and the actual physical connections may be different. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the system can include other functions and structures other than those shown in FIG. 1.

[0021] However, the exemplary embodiments are not limited to the systems given as examples, but those skilled in the art can apply this solution to other communication systems having the necessary properties.

[0022] The embodiment in Figure 1 shows a portion of the illustrated wireless access network.

[0023] Figure 1 shows user devices 100 and 102 configured to wirelessly connect to one or more communication channels in a wireless cell 104 equipped with access nodes such as evolved node B (abbreviated as eNB or e-node B) or next-generation node B (abbreviated as gNB or g-node B) that provide the wireless cell. The physical link from the user device to the access node can be called an uplink (UL) or reverse link, and the physical link from the access node to the user device can be called a downlink (DL) or forward link. User devices can also communicate directly with other user devices via sidelink (SL) communication. It should be understood that access nodes or this functionality can be implemented by using any node, host, server or access point, or other entity suitable for such use.

[0024] The communication system may include two or more access nodes, in which case the access nodes may also be configured to communicate with each other via wired or wireless links designed for this purpose. These links may be used for signaling purposes. Access nodes may be computing devices configured to control the wireless resources of the coupled communication system. Access nodes may be called base stations, base transceiver stations (BTS), access points, or any other type of interfacing device, including relay stations that can operate in a wireless environment. Access nodes may include or be coupled to transceivers. Connections may be provided from the transceivers of the access nodes to an antenna unit that establishes a bidirectional wireless link to user devices. The antenna unit may include multiple antennas or antenna elements. Access nodes may further be connected to a core network 110 (CN or next-generation core NGC). Depending on the system, the CN-side counterpart may be a serving gateway (S-GW, routing and forwarding user data packets), a packet data network gateway (P-GW) for providing connectivity of user devices to an external packet data network, a user plane function (UPF), a mobility management entity (MME), an access and mobility management function (AMF), or a location management function (LMF).

[0025] A user device represents one type of device capable of allocating and assigning resources of an air interface, and therefore any feature described herein with respect to a user device can also be implemented by a corresponding device, such as a relay node.

[0026] Such an embodiment of a relay node can be a Layer 3 relay (self-backhauling relay) directed to an access node. A self-backhaul relay node can also be called an Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) node. An IAB node may include two logical parts: a mobile terminal (MT) part that manages the backhaul link (i.e., the link between the IAB node and the donor node, also known as the parent node), and a distributed unit (DU) part that manages the access link, i.e., the child link between the IAB node and the user device and / or between the IAB node and other IAB nodes (multi-hop scenarios).

[0027] Another embodiment of such a relay node can be a Layer 1 relay called a repeater. The repeater can amplify signals received from an access node and forward them to a user device, and / or amplify signals received from a user device and forward them to an access node.

[0028] User devices may also be called subscriber units, mobile stations, remote terminals, access terminals, user terminals, terminal devices, or user equipment (UE) that refers to only some of the names or devices. User devices may also refer to portable computing devices, including wireless mobile communication devices that operate with or without a subscriber identification module (SIM), including, but not limited to, the following types of devices: mobile stations (mobile phones), smartphones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), handsets, devices using wireless modems (such as alarm or measuring devices), laptops and / or touchscreen computers, tablets, game consoles, notebooks, multimedia devices, reduced capability (RedCap) devices, wireless sensor devices, or any device integrated into a vehicle.

[0029] User devices can also be nearly exclusive uplink-only devices, and it should be understood that their embodiments may include cameras or video cameras that load images or video clips onto the network. User devices can also be devices capable of operating in an Internet of Things (IoT) network, a scenario in which objects can be given the ability to transfer data over the network without requiring human-to-human or human-to-computer interaction. User devices can also utilize the cloud. In some applications, user devices may include small portable or wearable devices (watches, earphones, or glasses) with a wireless component, and computations may be performed in the cloud or on another user device. A user device (or a Layer 3 relay node in some exemplary embodiments) can be configured to perform one or more of the user device functions.

[0030] The various technologies described herein can also be applied to cyber-physical systems (CPS) (systems in which computation elements cooperate to control physical entities). CPS can enable the implementation and exploitation of a large number of interconnected ICT devices (sensors, actuators, processors, microcontrollers, etc.) embedded in physical objects at various locations. Mobile cyber-physical systems, in which the physical system may have its own mobility, are a subcategory of cyber-physical systems. Embodiments of mobile-physical systems include mobile robots and electronic devices carried by humans or animals.

[0031] In addition, although the device has been shown as a single entity, it can implement various units, processors, and / or memory units (not all of which are shown in Figure 1).

[0032] 5G is enabled by using far more base stations or nodes than LTE (the so-called small cell concept), including macrosites that work in conjunction with small base stations and utilize a wide variety of radio technologies depending on service needs, use cases, and / or available spectrum, such as multi-input multi-output (MIMO) antennas. 5G mobile communications can support a wide range of use cases and related applications, including video streaming, augmented reality, various methods of data sharing, and various forms of machine-type applications (such as massive machine-type communications (mMTC)) including vehicle safety, various sensors, and real-time control. 5G can have multiple radio interfaces, namely below 6GHz, including cm and mm waves, and can further integrate with existing legacy radio access technologies such as LTE. Integration with LTE can be implemented at least at an early stage, and as a system, macro coverage can be provided by LTE, and 5G radio interface access can originate from small cells through aggregation into LTE. In other words, 5G can support both RAT-to-operability (such as LTE-5G) and RI-to-operability (below 6GHz, between radio interfaces such as cm wave-mm wave). One concept that is likely to be used in 5G networks is network slicing, where multiple independent, dedicated virtual subnets (network instances) can be created within virtually the same infrastructure to run services with different requirements regarding latency, reliability, throughput, and mobility.

[0033] The current architecture in LTE networks can be fully distributed across radios and fully centralized in the core network. Low-latency applications and services in 5G may require bringing content closer to the radio, leading to local breakout and multi-access edge computing (MEC). 5G can enable analysis and knowledge generation at the data source. This approach may require the use of resources that may not be continuously connected to the network, such as laptops, smartphones, tablets, and sensors. MEC can provide a distributed computing environment for application and service hosts. MEC can also have the ability to store and process content closer to cellular subscribers for faster response times. Edge computing can cover a wide range of technologies, including wireless sensor networks, mobile data acquisition, mobile signature analysis, cooperative distributed peer-to-peer ad-hoc networking and processing (which can also be classified as local cloud / fog computing and grid / mesh computing), due computing, mobile edge computing, cloudlets, distributed data storage and search, autonomous self-healing networks, remote cloud services, augmented and virtual reality, data caching, the Internet of Things (massive connectivity and / or latency critical), and critical communications (autonomous vehicles, traffic safety, real-time analytics, time-critical control, healthcare applications).

[0034] The communication system can also communicate with other networks, such as the public switched telephone network or the Internet 112, or utilize services provided by them. The communication network can also support the use of cloud services, for example, by running at least a portion of its core network operations as cloud services (as shown in Figure 1 by “cloud” 114). The communication system can also include a central control entity, for example, by providing a facility for various operators’ networks to coordinate in a spectrum share.

[0035] An edge cloud can participate in a radio access network (RAN) by utilizing network function virtualization (NFV) and software-defined networking (SDN). Using an edge cloud can mean that access node operations are performed at least partially on access nodes that are operablely coupled to servers, hosts, or remote radio heads (RRHs) or radio units (RUs), or on access nodes that include the radio equipment. Furthermore, node operations can be distributed across multiple servers, nodes, or hosts. Performing RAN real-time functions on the RAN side (distributed units, DU104) and non-real-time functions in a centralized manner (central units, CU108) can be enabled, for example, by applications in a cloud RAN architecture.

[0036] It should be understood that the distribution of effort between core network operations and access node operations may differ from, or may not even exist, LTE. Several other technological advancements that can be used, including big data and all IP, can change how networks are built and managed. 5G (or New Radio, NR) networks can be designed to support multiple layers, where MEC servers can be placed between the core and access nodes. It should be understood that MEC can similarly be applied to 4G networks.

[0037] 5G can also extend or complement the coverage of 5G services by utilizing non-terrestrial communications, such as satellite communications, for example, by providing backhaul. Feasible use cases include providing service continuity for machine-to-machine (M2M) or Internet of Things (IoT) devices, or for passengers on vehicles, or ensuring service availability for critical communications and future rail / maritime / air communications. Satellite communications can utilize not only geostationary (GEO) satellite systems but also low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite systems, particularly megaconstellations (systems with hundreds of (nano) satellites). At least one satellite 106 in a megaconstellation can cover several satellite-enabled network entities that generate on-ground cells. On-ground cells can be generated via on-ground relay nodes 104, by on-ground-located gNBs, or on satellites.

[0038] 6G networks are expected to adopt flexible, decentralized and / or distributed computing systems and architectures and ubiquitous computing with intelligent automated management, artificial intelligence, short packet communications and black chain technologies, supported by local spectrum licensing, spectrum sharing, infrastructure sharing and mobile edge computing. Key features of 6G may include intelligent connectivity management and control capabilities, programmability, integrated sensing and communications, reduced energy footprint, reliable infrastructure, scalability and affordability. In addition to these, 6G also targets new use cases covering localization and integration of sensor functions into a system-defined, unified user experience across the physical and digital worlds.

[0039] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the illustrated system is only one embodiment of a wireless access system, and that in practice the system may include multiple access nodes, a user device may have access to multiple wireless cells, and the system may also include other devices such as physical layer relay nodes or other network elements. At least one of the access nodes may be home e node B or home g node B.

[0040] Furthermore, an access node can be divided into a radio unit (RU) including a radio transceiver (TRX), i.e., a transmitter (Tx) and a receiver (Rx); one or more distributed units (DUs) that can be used for so-called Layer 1 (L1) processing and real-time Layer 2 (L2) processing; and a central unit (CU) (also known as a centralized unit) that can be used for non-real-time L2 and Layer 3 (L3) processing. A CU can be connected to one or more DUs, for example, by using an F1 interface. Such a division can enable the centralization of CUs relative to cell sites and DUs, although DUs can be further distributed and remain at cell sites. Both CUs and DUs can be called baseband or baseband units (BBUs). CUs and DUs can also be included in a radio access point (RAP).

[0041] A CU can be defined as a logical node that hosts higher-layer protocols such as the access node's Radio Resource Control (PRC), Service Data Adaptive Protocol (SDAP), and / or Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP). A DU can be defined as a logical node that hosts the access node's Radio Link Control (RLC), Medium Access Control (MAC), and / or Physical (PHY) layer. The operation of the DU can be controlled, at least partially, by the CU. A CU can include a control plane (CU-CP) which can be defined as the control plane portion of the CU's PDCP protocol and the logical node that hosts the CU's RRC to the access node. A CU can further include a user plane (CU-UP) which can be defined as the user plane portion of the CU's PDCP protocol and SDAP protocol to the access node.

[0042] Cloud computing platforms can also be used to run CUs and / or DUs. A CU can run on a cloud computing platform and may be called a virtualized CU (vCU). In addition to vCUs, virtualized DUs (vDUs) can also run on a cloud computing platform. Furthermore, combinations can also exist, where the DU can be a so-called bare-metal solution, such as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a customer-specific standard product (CSSP) system-on-a-chip (SoC) solution. It should also be understood that the distribution of work between the aforementioned access node units, or between various core network operations and access node operations, may differ.

[0043] In addition, multiple different types of radio cells and multiple radio cells can be provided within the geographical area of ​​the wireless communication system. Radio cells can be macrocells (or umbrella cells), which are large cells with diameters up to tens of kilometers, or small cells such as micro, femto, or picocells. The access node in Figure 1 can provide any of these cell types. A cellular wireless system can be implemented as a multilayer network containing several types of radio cells. In a multilayer network, one access node can provide one or more radio cells of one type, and therefore multiple access nodes need to provide such a network structure.

[0044] To satisfy the need to improve the deployment and performance of communication systems, the concept of a "plug-and-play" access node can be introduced. Networks that can use "plug-and-play" access nodes may include a home node B gateway or HNB-GW (not shown in Figure 1) in addition to home e-node B or home g-node B. An HNB-GW that can be installed within an operator's network can aggregate traffic returning to the core network from multiple home e-node B or home g-node B.

[0045] Positioning techniques can be used to estimate the physical location of a user device. In this specification, the user device being positioned is referred to as the target UE. For example, the following positioning techniques can be used in NR: Downlink Time of Arrival (DL-TDoA), Uplink Time of Arrival (UL-TDoA), Downlink Angle of Radiation (DL-AoD), Uplink Angle of Arrival (UL-AoA), and / or Multi-Cell Round Trip Time (Multi-RTT).

[0046] In wireless positioning, multiple positioning anchors at known locations can transmit and / or receive one or more positioning reference signals (PRS) to and from a target UE. For example, multilateration techniques can be used to localize (i.e., position) a target UE relative to a positioning anchor. Positioning anchors may also be referred to herein as anchors, anchor nodes, multilateration anchors, or reference points. Positioning anchors can be, for example, wireless access nodes (in uplink / downlink positioning) or other UEs (in sidelink positioning). At least three positioning anchors are required to position a target UE, but positioning accuracy can be improved by using a larger number of positioning anchors (e.g., 5 to 10 positioning anchors).

[0047] Sidelink (SL) positioning refers to a positioning method in which a target UE utilizes sidelinks (i.e., direct device-to-device links) to position itself, either in an absolute way (where the target UE's coordinates are obtained in the form of global or local Cartesian coordinates) or a relative way (where the target UE's position is estimated relative to an anchor entity, e.g., another non-static UE).

[0048] Sidelink positioning involves the use of a support UE or set of support UEs called "anchor UEs" to assist in the positioning session of the target UE. Anchor UE support can be implemented in various ways, including an anchor UE that estimates the position of the target UE, a target UE that acquires positioning assistance data from the anchor UE, and a target UE that measures a reference signal from the anchor UE for positioning purposes (or vice versa).

[0049] Some exemplary embodiments refer to a case where the last identified means of an anchor UE supporting a target UE in sidelink positioning, i.e., the target UE, measures a reference signal from the anchor UE for positioning purposes (or vice versa). In an exemplary scenario, a moving target UE needs to be positioned, but there are not enough static gNBs or transmit and receive points (TRPs) to transmit and / or receive a positioning reference signal. Therefore, one or more other moving devices (anchor UEs) need to be added to act as positioning anchors for the target UE. In such a case, the anchor UE can transmit a sidelink positioning reference signal (SL-RPS) to the target UE via sidelink and / or receive an SL-PRS from the target UE.

[0050] In light of the above information, if an anchor UE or set of anchor UEs is employed to help position at least one target UE via a sidelink, the problem that arises is how to select the optimal set of anchor UEs. This problem can affect distributed configurations, especially when network support is unavailable (e.g., out-of-coverage UEs in SL autonomous resource selection mode).

[0051] Candidate anchor UEs may need to satisfy a set of criteria before being selected as positioning anchors. These criteria may include, for example, resource availability, energy supply, interference, and / or relative position.

[0052] The accuracy of positioning estimation depends on the relative positions of the anchor UEs to each other and to the target UE. This effect is called the Global Positioning Correction Factor (GDOP) and is shown in Figure 2.

[0053] Figure 2 shows three different examples of GDOP 210, 220, and 230. Assuming that two anchor nodes 201 and 202 are used to position the target UE and to utilize ranging techniques, the accuracy of the estimated position of the target UE decreases as the geometry of the anchor nodes and the target UE moves away from forming a triangle (illustrated in block 220 with low GDOP), and conversely, aligns them collinearly with high GDOP (illustrated in block 230).

[0054] In block 210, the distances to two landmarks are measured, and these points are measured as the intersection of two circles having a measured radius. In block 220, the measurements have some error bounds, and these true locations can be anywhere in the area where various circles intersect. In block 230, the measurement errors may be the same as in block 220, but the errors at these locations (i.e., the area where the circles intersect) are considerably larger due to the arrangement of the landmarks.

[0055] Therefore, if there are not enough gNB / TRPs for positioning the target UE, the target UE may need to consider the (approximate) position of candidate anchor nodes relative to its own position before selecting an anchor node in the positioning process. If the target UE is unaware of its own position before the positioning session begins, the target UE cannot simply request absolute position information of candidate anchor nodes, as this is not in any (obvious) use for the target UE. Instead, the target UE can consider the relative position information of the candidate anchor nodes to the target UE and static gNB / TRPs. However, in this specification, the term “candidate anchor node” refers to a potential anchor node that is not yet functioning as an anchor node. The candidate anchor node in the embodiments can be a UE or a gNB, and embodiments where the candidate anchor node is a UE are described below. However, the embodiments can also be applied when the candidate anchor node is a gNB.

[0056] Figure 3 shows an exemplary scenario for the target UE300 in selecting an appropriate anchor node. In this exemplary scenario, the target UE300 uses the first gNB310 and the second gNB320 as positioning anchors for the positioning session of the target UE300 (i.e., the target UE measures PRS from the first gNB and the second gNB). However, the target UE300 requires an additional positioning anchor node to complete the positioning (when two gNBs are insufficient), and therefore needs to invoke an additional anchor node for this purpose. The target UE300 considers the relative positional information of candidate anchors A, B, C, and D (301, 302, 303, 304) to evaluate the suitability of candidate anchors to act as anchor nodes under the role of additional positioning anchors.

[0057] In this embodiment, anchor B302 is unsuitable because its relative position results in high GDOP. This is because anchor B is positioned between the target UE and at least one TRP (gNB1 in this embodiment). Therefore, if selected, anchor B results in low positioning accuracy. On the other hand, anchors C303, D304, and A301 have suitable relative positions that result in high positioning accuracy. However, the target UE has no prior knowledge of any of the relative positions of the candidate anchor nodes (for example, the target UE cannot tell whether anchor B is between gNB1 and the target UE). Therefore, a "blind" launch of anchor B results in a degradation of positioning performance.

[0058] In an exemplary embodiment, the target UE can acquire relative positional information of candidate anchor UEs to evaluate their suitability as anchor UEs. In this way, the target UE can select anchor UEs that have a low level of collinearity with respect to the target UE.

[0059] However, without limiting the exemplary embodiments to 5G communication systems, some exemplary embodiments using the principles and terminology of 5G technology are described below.

[0060] Some exemplary embodiments are based on a principle that allows a candidate anchor node to be identified as being in the appropriate relative position to the target UE and at least one gNB, based on the relationship between DL measurements of the gNB beam and the same measurements performed at the target UE. In exemplary embodiments, the target UE broadcasts DL (gNB-specific and beam-specific) measurements of the target UE via a sidelink, which are used by the candidate anchor node to evaluate whether it is in the appropriate relative position to the target UE.

[0061] A target UE can collect DL measurements in a similar manner to how DL-AoD measurements are collected. However, in contrast to DL-AoD positioning, a target UE can broadcast DL-AoD measurement information via sidelinks (instead of reporting these to the network) for the purpose of identifying suitable anchor UEs for positioning using sidelinks.

[0062] Figure 4 shows an example of the step of selecting a suitable anchor node according to an exemplary embodiment. In this embodiment, target UE 400 uses a first gNB 410 and a second gNB 420 as positioning anchors for the positioning session (i.e., the target UE measures PRS from the first gNB and the second gNB). However, target UE 400 requires additional positioning anchors to complete this positioning (when the two gNBs are insufficient), and therefore needs to activate anchor nodes for this purpose. Target UE 400 transmits beam-specific DL measurements, and candidate anchor nodes 401, 402, 403, and 404 declare their suitability based on a comparison of their own measurements with those of the target UE.

[0063] Referring to Figure 4, the target UE400 can measure, for example, the first reference signal received power (RSRP) of the second beam 412 of the first gNB410, the first RSRP level of the second beam 422 of the second gNB420, the second RSRP level of the first beam 411 of the first gNB410, and the second RSRP level of the first beam 421 of the second gNB420, as part of the DL-AoD measurement.

[0064] The target UE400 may broadcast the above measurements (e.g., unprocessed RSRP measurements or processed AoD information) via a sidelink, for example, a) as part of a request to the anchor UE, or b) along with one or more thresholds indicating whether the candidate anchor UE should declare appropriateness when compared to the candidate anchor UE's inherent measurements.

[0065] Candidate anchor nodes 401, 402, 403, and 404 can process the (gNB-specific and beam-specific) measurement information broadcast by the target UE400 and compare it to candidate anchor node-specific measurements. In this embodiment, for anchor nodes A401, C403, and D404, these DL-AoD beam measurements result in beam RSRP level relationships that are considerably different from those of the target UE400. For example, anchor node A401 can measure the second beam 412 of the first gNB410 and the second beam 422 of the second gNB420 at RSRP levels considerably lower than those of the target UE400, and anchor node A401 can additionally measure the second RSRP level of the third beam 413 of the first gNB410 and the first RSRP level of the third beam 423 of the second gNB420. This indicates that anchor node A401 is not positioned between target UE400 and any of gNB410 or 420, and therefore anchor node A401 can declare itself as the appropriate positioning anchor for target UE400. The same applies to anchor nodes C403 and D404.

[0066] On the other hand, anchor node B402 measures the second beam 412 of the first gNB410, the second beam 422 of the second gNB420, the first beam 411 of the first gNB410, and the first beam 421 of the second gNB420 at RSRP levels similar to those of the target UE400 (within the configured threshold), and thus inappropriateness is inferred. As a result, anchor node B402 can retract from the positioning anchor of target UE400 (e.g., not transmitting SL-PRS) and declare itself an inappropriate positioning anchor due to the inappropriate relative position between target UE400 and the first gNB410.

[0067] In this specification, the term “beam” can refer to a communication resource. Different beams can be considered as different resources. A beam can also be represented as a spatial filter, spatial direction, or angle. The technique for forming a beam can be a beamforming technique or another technique. In detail, a beamforming technique can be a digital beamforming technique, an analog beamforming technique, or a hybrid digital / analog beamforming technique. A communication device (e.g., a UE or gNB) can communicate with another communication device via one or more beams. One beam may include one or more antenna ports and be configured for a data channel, a control channel, etc. One or more antenna ports forming one beam can be considered an antenna port set. A beam may consist of a set of resources or a set of resources for measurement. One embodiment is a synchronous signal block (SSB) resource configuration and / or a channel state information (CSI) resource configuration, which may include a CSI-resource configuration ID and a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) resource set.

[0068] Figure 5 shows a signaling according to an exemplary embodiment. figure This shows that the target UE broadcasts its own DL measurements (unprocessed gNB-specific and beam-specific measurements) to the candidate anchor UEs, positioning them appropriately for them to act as positioning anchors relative to the target UE. (Suitable location) Determine whether it is there or not.

[0069] While two candidate anchor UEs are shown in Figure 5, it should be noted that the number of candidate anchor UEs can be other than two. In other words, there can be one or more candidate anchor UEs. In addition, the signaling procedure shown in Figure 5 can be extended and applied according to the actual number of candidate anchor UEs.

[0070] Referring to Figure 5, in block 501, the target UE performs beam-specific downlink measurements, such as RSRP measurements, on one or more first beams of the network element to obtain a first set of information associated with one or more first beams of the network element. In other words, the first set of information may include first beam-specific downlink measurement information, such as RSRP measurement information, associated with one or more first beams of the network element. The network element may be, for example, a base station such as a gNB or TRP acting as a positioning anchor for the target UE. One or more first beams means one or more beams received by the target UE.

[0071] In block 502, the target UE transmits or broadcasts a first set of information, including first beam-specific DL measurement information, to the first and second candidate anchor UEs via the sidelink. The first and second candidate anchor UEs receive the first set of information from the target UE via the sidelink.

[0072] For example, a target UE can send a first set of information instructing a positioning anchor request in an anchor UE request message. Such a combined message (indirectly) also instructs where the anchor UE should be positioned, while simultaneously improving resource efficiency in efficiently instructing candidate anchor UEs to make anchor UE requests.

[0073] The target UE can also indicate one or more thresholds used for comparison between the target UE measurement and the candidate anchor UE measurement. That is, the target UE can indicate, in the SL broadcast signal, along with, for example, the first beam-specific DL measurement, the acceptable range within which the candidate anchor UE should consider flagging itself for a suitable or unsuitable position based on a comparison of the candidate anchor UE's own measurement with a distance estimation between the target UE and the candidate anchor UE (e.g., based on the SL RSRP measurement). The comparison between beam-specific DL measurements (or AoD comparison) may result in a certain difference in the angular domain. For example, if the difference is about 10 degrees, this 10-degree difference may or may not be sufficient, depending on a) the distance between the devices (candidate anchor UE and target UE) and the performance requirements. This corresponds to an acceptable range of angular values ​​(e.g., a difference of -15 degrees to +15 degrees). One or more thresholds can be configured by the target UE or by the network.

[0074] Alternatively, or in addition to the above, the target UE may transmit information on one or more location zones to the candidate anchor UE along with (or separately from) a first set of information to help determine whether the candidate anchor UE is in a suitable location relative to the target UE. For example, the target UE may define one or more exclusion and / or inclusion zones, which are absolute location zones based on the target UE's absolute location and exclusion (or inclusion) areas that are undesirable (or desirable) for other UEs selected as anchor UEs for the target UE. In this case, the network may also (pre)configure the exclusion and / or inclusion zones for the target UE and / or candidate anchor UE. For example, the network may define an exclusion zone for the target UE's most recent location.

[0075] If a given candidate anchor UE is inside the exclusion zone, this means that the candidate anchor UE is not in a suitable position relative to the target UE. On the other hand, if the candidate anchor UE is inside the inclusion zone, this means that the candidate anchor UE is in a suitable position relative to the target UE.

[0076] For example, several positional zones can exist around the target UE, and a candidate anchor UE that happens to be located within one of these zones corresponds to relative AoD information that results in an unsuitable anchor UE. Looking at Figure 4, for example, the area around target UE 400 where beams 412 and 422 (i.e., the second beam from gNB1 and the second beam from gN2) are strongest becomes an exclusion zone. An exclusion zone can be defined as the AoD range measured from the gNB. In a non-limiting embodiment, if a candidate anchor UE measures an AoD from gNB1 between 15 and 25 degrees, and an AoD from gNB2 between 35 and 45 degrees, the candidate anchor UE can be considered to be in an exclusion zone (i.e., unsuitable position). Similarly, an inclusion zone can be defined, for example, in an area where beams 412 and 422 are weak. These zones can be dynamically adjusted as the target UE moves.

[0077] In block 503, the first candidate anchor UE performs its own beam-specific downlink measurement, e.g., RSRP, on one or more second beams of the network element to obtain a second set of information associated with one or more second beams of the network element. In other words, the second set of information may include second beam-specific downlink measurement information, e.g., RSRP measurement information, associated with one or more second beams of the network element. One or more second beams means one or more beams received by the first candidate anchor UE. One or more second beams may be part of one or more first beams, or one or more second beams may be distinct from one or more first beams. One or more first beams and one or more second beams may be transmitted from the same network element.

[0078] In block 504, the first candidate anchor UE compares a first set of information perceived at the target UE with a second set of information perceived at the first candidate anchor UE.

[0079] For example, it is possible to infer whether the first candidate anchor UE is located midway between the network element and the target UE (without extracting AoD information from the measurements). As a result, the first candidate anchor UE can estimate the GDOP level and infer whether it is in an appropriate position relative to the target UE.

[0080] Alternatively, the first candidate anchor UE can extract or derive first AoD information from first beam-specific downlink measurement information (received from the target UE) associated with one or more first beams of the network element. The first candidate anchor UE can also extract or derive second AoD information based on its own beam-specific DL measurements, i.e., from second beam-specific downlink measurement information associated with one or more second beams of the network element (i.e., for the same network element as the first AoD information). The AoD information can be extracted by converting different RSRP levels per beam in the direction of the transmitted signal from the network element. The first candidate anchor UE can compare the AoD information of the target UE with its own AoD information of the network element. This alternative can be applied, for example, when the first candidate anchor UE is in UE-based positioning mode, thereby allowing the first candidate anchor UE to estimate its own AoD for the network element. In such a case, the first candidate anchor UE can receive positional calculation support information from the network element, which enables the first candidate anchor UE to interpret beam-specific DL measurements into DL-AoD information.

[0081] In block 505, based on a comparison of first beam-specific downlink measurement information and second beam-specific downlink measurement information, or a comparison of first AoD information and second AoD information, it is determined whether the first candidate anchor UE is in a suitable position relative to the target UE in order to act as a positioning anchor for the target UE.

[0082] The decision may also be based at least in part on one or more thresholds that may be received from the target UE or from network elements. Alternatively, or in addition to the above, the decision may be based at least in part on one or more location zones that may be defined by the target UE or the network.

[0083] In block 506, the first candidate anchor UE may send an indication to the target UE indicating whether the first candidate anchor UE is a suitable anchor UE and / or is in a suitable position to act as a positioning anchor for the target UE. For example, if the first candidate anchor UE receives an anchor UE request message from the target UE (e.g., in block 502), the first candidate anchor UE may then send a response message in response to the anchor UE request message, the response message indicating whether the first candidate anchor UE is a suitable anchor UE and / or is in a suitable position.

[0084] The response message may further include a second set of information (e.g., second beam-specific downlink measurement information or second AoD information based on its own measurements). In this way, a responding candidate anchor UE can include its own beam-specific DL measurement or AoD information as additional information in the response message, thereby limiting responses from other candidate anchor UEs in the same area. This reduces the likelihood of multiple candidate anchor UEs being in each other's vicinity when responding to a request. This is advantageous, for example, when not all candidate anchor UEs respond simultaneously.

[0085] Block 506 can be executed by all candidate anchor UEs that have received a first set of anchor UE request messages or information from the target UE.

[0086] In block 507, the target UE can select the first candidate anchor UE as the positioning anchor from among the candidate anchor UEs (if it indicates that the first candidate anchor UE is in a suitable position). The target UE can then send an indication to the first candidate anchor UE to activate as the positioning anchor for the target UE. If there are multiple suitable candidate anchor UEs, the target UE can select one or more of them based on this positioning requirement. If the positioning requirement is high, the target UE can activate all available candidate anchor UEs. Otherwise, the target UE can narrow down the available candidate anchor UEs.

[0087] In block 508, in response to being selected / activated as a positioning anchor for the target UE, the first candidate anchor UE may initiate broadcasting one or more sidelink positioning reference signals to support the positioning of the target UE. Alternatively, the first candidate anchor UE may autonomously initiate broadcasting of the SL-PRS in response to a decision that it is in the appropriate position (i.e., without being separately selected by the target UE).

[0088] When the first candidate anchor UE transmits an SL-PRS to position the target UE, the first candidate anchor UE may also configure the directivity of the SL-PRS based on first beam-specific DL measurement information (or first AoD information) received from the target UE. This means that the first candidate anchor UE does not transmit the SL-PRS in all directions (omnidirectionally), but rather transmits it in directions defined based on the result of processing the information transmitted by the target UE. In other words, the first candidate anchor UE may transmit one or more sidelink positioning reference signals in one or more directions, and the one or more directions may be based on a first set of information received from the target UE. The term “direction” as used herein may refer to a spatial direction or an angle.

[0089] In block 509, the second candidate anchor UE performs its beam-specific downlink measurement, e.g., RSRP measurement, on one or more third beams of the network element to obtain a third set of information associated with one or more third beams of the network element. In other words, the third set of information may include third beam-specific downlink measurement information associated with one or more third beams of the network element, e.g., RSRP measurement information. One or more third beams means one or more beams received by the second candidate anchor UE. One or more third beams may be part of one or more first beams, or one or more second beams may be distinct from one or more first beams. One or more first beams and one or more third beams may be transmitted from the same network element.

[0090] In block 510, the second candidate anchor UE compares the first set of information perceived by the target UE with the third set of information perceived by the second candidate anchor UE, in the same manner as described above in block 504.

[0091] In block 511, based on unprocessed beam-specific DL measurements or a comparison with processed AoD information of the target UE and the second candidate anchor UE, it is determined whether the second candidate anchor UE is in a suitable position relative to the target UE and network elements to act as a positioning anchor for the target UE.

[0092] The decision may also be based at least in part on one or more thresholds that can be received from the target UE or from the network. Alternatively, or in addition to the above, the decision may be based at least in part on one or more location zones that can be defined by the target UE or from the network.

[0093] If it is determined that the second candidate anchor UE is an unsuitable anchor UE or is in an unsuitable location, the second candidate anchor UE will declare itself an unsuitable anchor UE by refraining from transmitting an SL-PRS. In this case, the second candidate anchor UE may explicitly indicate its unsuitability by sending a response message in response to an anchor UE request message that can be received, for example, from the target UE. Alternatively, the second candidate anchor UE may explicitly indicate its unsuitability by not responding to an anchor UE request message that can be received, for example, from the target UE.

[0094] Figure 6 shows a signaling diagram according to another exemplary embodiment, in which the target UE processes beam-specific RSRP measurements to extract AoD information for one or more gNBs. The target UE then broadcasts its processed AoD information via a sidelink. This exemplary embodiment also applies, for example, when the target UE is in UE-based positioning mode.

[0095] While two candidate anchor UEs are shown in Figure 6, it should be noted that the number of candidate anchor UEs can be different from two. In other words, there can be one or more candidate anchor UEs. In addition, the signaling procedure shown in Figure 6 can be extended and applied according to the actual number of candidate anchor UEs.

[0096] Referring to Figure 6, in block 601, the target UE performs beam-specific downlink measurements, such as RSRP measurements, on one or more first beams of the network element to obtain first beam-specific downlink measurements associated with one or more first beams of the network element. The network element can be a base station such as a gNB or TRP acting as a positioning anchor for the target UE. One or more first beams means one or more beams received by the target UE. One or more first beams and one or more second beams can be transmitted from the same network element.

[0097] In block 602, the target UE extracts or derives first AoD information from first beam-specific downlink measurement information associated with one or more first beams of the network element. The first AoD information can be extracted by changing the direction of the transmitted signal from the network element by a different RSRP level per beam.

[0098] In block 603, the target UE transmits or broadcasts a first set of information, including the first AoD information, to the first candidate anchor UE and the second candidate anchor UE via the sidelink. The first and second candidate anchor UEs receive the first set of information from the target UE via the sidelink.

[0099] For example, a target UE can send a first set of information in an anchor UE request message that instructs it to request a positioning anchor. Such a combined message can (indirectly) instruct where the anchor UE should be positioned, while simultaneously improving resource efficiency in efficiently instructing candidate anchor UEs to request an anchor UE.

[0100] The target UE can also indicate one or more thresholds for the comparison between the first AoD information (perceived by the target UE) and the AoD information perceived by a given candidate anchor UE. That is, the target UE can indicate, in the SL broadcast signal, for example, along with the first AoD information, an acceptable range within which the candidate anchor UE should consider flagging itself for being in an appropriate or inappropriate position, based on a comparison with the candidate anchor UE's own measurements and the distance estimation between the target UE and the candidate anchor UE.

[0101] Alternatively, or in addition to the above, the target UE may transmit information on one or more location zones to the candidate anchor UE along with (or separately from) a first set of information to help the candidate anchor UE determine whether these are appropriately located relative to the target UE. For example, the target UE may define one or more exclusion and / or inclusion zones, which are absolute location zones based on the absolute location of the target UE and exclusion (or inclusion) areas that are undesirable (or desirable) for other UEs selected as anchor UEs for the target UE. In this case, the network may (pre-configure) the exclusion and / or inclusion zones for the target UE and / or candidate anchor UEs. For example, the network may define an exclusion zone for the latest location of the target UE.

[0102] In block 604, the first candidate anchor UE performs its own beam-specific downlink measurements, such as RSRP measurements, on one or more second beams of the network element to obtain second beam-specific downlink measurement information associated with one or more second beams of the network element. One or more second beams means one or more beams received by the first candidate anchor UE. One or more second beams can be part of one or more first beams, or one or more second beams can be separate from one or more first beams.

[0103] In block 605, the first candidate anchor UE extracts or retrieves second AoD information from second beam-specific downlink measurement information associated with one or more second beams of the network element. The second AoD information can be extracted by changing the direction of the transmitted signal from the network element by various RSRP levels per beam.

[0104] In block 606, the first candidate anchor UE compares the first AoD information perceived by the target UE with the second AoD information perceived by the first candidate anchor UE.

[0105] In block 607, based on a comparison of the first AoD information and the second AoD information, it is determined whether the first candidate anchor UE is a suitable anchor UE or whether it is in the appropriate position relative to the target UE and network elements to act as a positioning anchor for the target UE.

[0106] The decision can also be based at least in part on one or more thresholds that can be received from the target UE or from the network. For example, a first candidate anchor UE can check whether the difference between the first AoD information and the second AoD information is outside the range defined by one or more thresholds. The first AoD information refers to the AoD between the network element and the target UE, and the second AoD information refers to the AoD between the network element and the first candidate anchor UE.

[0107] In a non-limiting embodiment, the first AoD information may indicate an AoD of 21-23 degrees between the network element and the target UE, and one or more thresholds may indicate that the AoD between the network element and the first candidate anchor UE (second AoD information) should be at least 10 degrees greater or less than the AoD between the network element and the target UE. In other words, in this case, if the AoD between the network element and the first candidate anchor UE is greater than 31-33 degrees or less than 11-13 degrees, then the first candidate anchor UE can be determined to be in an appropriate position relative to the target UE.

[0108] Alternatively, or in addition to the above, the decision may be based at least in part on one or more location zones that can be defined by the target UE or by the network.

[0109] In block 608, the first candidate anchor UE may send an indication to the target UE indicating, based on the decision, whether the first candidate anchor UE is a suitable anchor UE or is in a suitable location. For example, if the first candidate anchor UE receives an anchor UE request message from the target UE, the first candidate anchor UE may then send a response message in response to the anchor UE request message, the response message indicating whether the first candidate anchor UE is a suitable anchor UE and / or is in a suitable location.

[0110] The response message may further include second beam-specific downlink measurement information or second AoD information.

[0111] In block 609, the target UE may select the first candidate anchor UE as the positioning anchor (if it indicates that the first candidate anchor UE is in a suitable position), and the target UE may send an indication to the first candidate anchor UE to activate as the positioning anchor for the target UE. If multiple suitable candidate anchor UEs exist, the target UE may select one or more of the multiple suitable candidate anchor UEs based on the positioning requirements of the target UE. If the positioning requirements are high, the target UE may activate all available candidate anchor UEs. Otherwise, the target UE may narrow down the available candidate anchor UEs.

[0112] In block 610, in response to being selected / activated as a positioning anchor for the target UE, the first candidate anchor UE may initiate broadcasting one or more sidelink positioning reference signals to help position the target UE. Alternatively, the first candidate anchor UE may autonomously initiate broadcasting of the SL-PRS in response to a determination that it is in the correct position (i.e., without being separately selected by the target UE).

[0113] When a first candidate anchor UE transmits an SL-PRS to position a target UE, the first candidate anchor UE can configure the directivity of the SL-PRS based on first beam-specific DL measurement information received from the target UE. This means that the first candidate anchor UE does not transmit the SL-PRS in all directions (omnidirectional), but rather in directions defined based on the result of processing the information transmitted by the target UE. In other words, the first candidate anchor UE can transmit one or more sidelink positioning reference signals in one or more directions, and the one or more directions can be based on a first set of information received from the target UE. The term “direction” as used herein may refer to a spatial direction or an angle.

[0114] In block 611, the second candidate anchor UE performs its own beam-specific downlink measurements, such as RSRP measurements, on one or more third beams of the network element to obtain third beam-specific downlink measurement information associated with one or more third beams of the network element. One or more third beams means one or more beams received by the second candidate anchor UE. One or more third beams can be part of one or more first beams, or one or more third beams can be separate from one or more first beams.

[0115] In block 612, the second candidate anchor UE extracts or retrieves third AoD information from third beam-specific downlink measurement information associated with one or more third beams of the network element. The third AoD information can be extracted by changing the direction of the transmitted signal from the network element by varying the RSRP levels per beam.

[0116] In block 613, the second candidate anchor UE compares the first AoD information perceived by the target UE with the third AoD information perceived by the second candidate anchor UE.

[0117] In block 614, based on a comparison of the first AoD information and the third AoD information, it is determined whether the second candidate anchor UE is in the appropriate position relative to the target UE and network elements in order to act as a positioning anchor for the target UE.

[0118] The decision can also be based at least in part on one or more thresholds that can be received from the target UE or from the network. For example, a second candidate anchor UE can check whether the difference between the first AoD information and the third AoD information lies outside the range defined by one or more thresholds. The first AoD information indicates the AoD between the network element and the target UE, and the third AoD information indicates the AoD between the network element and the second candidate anchor UE. Alternatively or in addition to this, the decision can be based at least in part on one or more location zones that can be defined by the target UE.

[0119] If it is determined that the second candidate anchor UE is an unsuitable anchor UE or is in an unsuitable location, the second candidate anchor UE declares itself an unsuitable anchor UE by refraining from transmitting an SL-PRS. In this case, the second candidate anchor UE may explicitly indicate its unsuitability, for example, by a response message sent in response to an anchor UE request message that can be received from the target UE. Alternatively, the second candidate anchor UE may explicitly indicate that it is not an suitable anchor UE and / or is not in an appropriate location, for example, by not responding to an anchor UE request message that can be received from the target UE.

[0120] Figure 7 shows a signaling diagram according to another exemplary embodiment, in which anchor UE selection is performed at the target UE (instead of the candidate anchor UE itself). In this exemplary embodiment, the responding candidate anchor UE may include one or more measurements of the indicated gNB / TRP beam, thereby allowing the target UE to consider its own measurements in anchor UE selection with low GDOP.

[0121] Although two candidate anchor UEs are shown in Figure 7, it should be noted that the number of candidate anchor UEs can be different from two. In other words, there can be one or more candidate anchor UEs. In addition, the signaling procedure shown in Figure 7 can be extended and applied according to the actual number of candidate anchor UEs.

[0122] Referring to Figure 7, in block 701, the target UE performs beam-specific downlink measurements, such as RSRP measurements, on one or more first beams of the network element to obtain a first set of information associated with one or more first beams of the network element. In other words, the first set of information may include first beam-specific downlink measurement information, such as RSRP measurement information, associated with one or more first beams of the network element. The network element may be, for example, a base station such as a gNB or TRP acting as a positioning anchor for the target UE. One or more first beams means one or more beams received by the target UE.

[0123] In block 702, the target UE transmits or broadcasts a request for beam-specific DL measurement information associated with a network element to the first and second candidate anchor UEs via the sidelink. The first and second candidate anchor UEs receive the request from the target UE via the sidelink.

[0124] In block 703, the first candidate anchor UE performs its own beam-specific downlink measurements, such as RSRP measurements, on one or more second beams of the network element to obtain a second set of information associated with one or more second beams of the network element. In other words, the second set of information may include second beam-specific downlink measurement information associated with one or more second beams of the network element, such as RSRP measurement information. One or more second beams means one or more beams received by the first candidate anchor UE. One or more second beams may be part of one or more first beams, or one or more second beams may be distinct from one or more first beams. One or more first beams and one or more second beams may be transmitted from the same network element.

[0125] In block 704, the first candidate anchor UE, in response to a request received from the target UE, transmits a second set of information to the target UE, which includes second beam-specific downlink measurement information.

[0126] In block 705, the second candidate anchor UE performs its own beam-specific downlink measurements, such as RSRP measurements, on one or more third beams of the network element to obtain a third set of information associated with one or more third beams of the network element. In other words, the third set of information may include third beam-specific downlink measurement information associated with one or more third beams of the network element, such as RSRP measurement information. One or more third beams means one or more beams received by the second candidate anchor UE. One or more third beams may be part of one or more first beams, or one or more third beams may be distinct from one or more first beams. One or more first beams and one or more third beams may be transmitted from the same network element.

[0127] In block 706, the second candidate anchor UE, in response to a request received from the target UE, transmits a third set of information to the target UE, which includes third beam-specific downlink measurement information.

[0128] In block 707, the target UE compares a first set of information perceived by the target UE with a second set of information perceived by the first candidate anchor UE. The target UE then compares a first set of information perceived by the target UE with a third set of information perceived by the second candidate anchor UE.

[0129] For example, the target UE can infer / determine whether a given candidate anchor UE is positioned midway between the network element and the target UE (without extracting AoD information from measurements). As a result, the target UE can estimate the GDOP level and further infer / determine whether the candidate anchor UE is in an appropriate relative position to the target UE.

[0130] Alternatively, the target UE can extract or derive first AoD information from first beam-specific downlink measurement information (measured by the target UE) associated with one or more first beams of a network element. The target UE can also extract or derive second AoD information from second beam-specific DL measurement information provided by a first candidate anchor UE (i.e., for the same network element as the first AoD information). The target UE can also extract or derive third AoD information based on third beam-specific DL measurement information provided by a second candidate anchor UE (i.e., for the same network element as the first AoD information). AoD information can be extracted by changing various RSRP levels per beam in the direction of the transmitted signal from the network element. The target UE can compare the first AoD information with the second AoD information, and the first AoD information with the third AoD information.

[0131] In block 708, based on a comparison of beam-specific downlink measurement information of the target UE and a given candidate anchor UE, or a comparison of AoD information of the target UE and the given candidate anchor UE, the target UE determines whether the candidate anchor UE is in an appropriate position relative to the target UE and network elements to act as a positioning anchor for the target UE.

[0132] Alternatively, the decision may be based at least in part on one or more predefined thresholds of the difference between the target UE measurement and the candidate anchor UE measurement. Alternatively, or in addition to the above, the decision may be based at least in part on one or more predefined location zones.

[0133] In block 709, the target UE may send an indication to the first candidate anchor UE and / or the second candidate anchor UE indicating whether this particular candidate anchor UE is a suitable anchor UE or is in a suitable location based on the decision.

[0134] In block 710, if the target UE indicates that the first candidate anchor UE is a suitable anchor UE or is in the appropriate position relative to the target UE, then the first candidate anchor UE can become the target UE's anchor UE, and the first candidate anchor UE can begin broadcasting one or more sidelink positioning reference signals.

[0135] Figure 8 shows a signaling diagram according to another exemplary embodiment, in which the selection of an anchor UE is performed by the target UE based on AoD information received from a candidate anchor UE.

[0136] While two candidate anchor UEs are shown in Figure 8, it should be noted that the number of candidate anchor UEs can be different from two. In other words, there can be one or more candidate anchor UEs. In addition, the signaling procedure shown in Figure 8 can be extended and applied according to the actual number of candidate anchor UEs.

[0137] Referring to Figure 8, in block 801, the target UE performs beam-specific downlink measurements, such as RSRP measurements, on one or more first beams of the network element to obtain first beam-specific downlink measurement information, such as RSRP measurement information, associated with one or more first beams of the network element. The network element can be, for example, a base station such as a gNB or TRP acting as a positioning anchor for the target UE. One or more first beams means one or more beams received by the target UE.

[0138] In block 802, the target UE extracts or derives first AoD information from first beam-specific downlink measurement information associated with one or more first beams of the network element. The first AoD information can be extracted by changing the direction of the transmitted signal from the network element by various RSRP levels per beam.

[0139] In block 803, the target UE transmits or broadcasts a request for AoD information associated with a network element to the first and second candidate anchor UEs via the sidelink. The first and second candidate anchor UEs receive the request from the target UE via the sidelink.

[0140] In block 804, the first candidate anchor UE performs its own beam-specific downlink measurements, such as RSRP measurements, on one or more second beams of the network element to obtain second beam-specific downlink measurement information, such as RSRP measurement information, associated with one or more second beams of the network element. One or more second beams means one or more beams received by the first candidate anchor UE. One or more second beams can be part of one or more first beams, or one or more second beams can be distinct from one or more first beams. One or more first beams and one or more second beams can be transmitted from the same network element.

[0141] In block 805, the first candidate anchor UE extracts or derives second AoD information from second beam-specific downlink measurement information associated with one or more second beams of the network element. The second AoD information can be extracted by changing the direction of the transmitted signal from the network element by various RSRP levels per beam.

[0142] In block 806, the first candidate anchor UE sends a second set of information, including the second AoD information, to the target UE in response to a request received from the target UE.

[0143] In block 807, the second candidate anchor UE performs its own beam-specific downlink measurements, such as RSRP measurements, on one or more third beams of the network element to obtain third beam-specific downlink measurement information, such as RSRP measurement information, associated with one or more third beams of the network element. One or more third beams means one or more beams received by the second candidate anchor UE. One or more third beams may be part of one or more first beams, or one or more third beams may be distinct from one or more first beams.

[0144] In block 808, the first candidate anchor UE extracts or derives third AoD information from third beam-specific downlink measurement information associated with one or more third beams of the network element. The third AoD information can be extracted by changing the direction of the transmitted signal from the network element by various RSRP levels per beam.

[0145] In block 809, the second candidate anchor UE, in response to a request received from the target UE, sends a third set of information, including third AoD information, to the target UE.

[0146] In block 810, the target UE compares the first set of information perceived by the target UE (first AoD information) with the second set of information perceived by the first candidate anchor UE (second AoD information). The target UE further compares the first set of information perceived by the target UE (first AoD information) with the third set of information perceived by the second candidate anchor UE (third AoD information).

[0147] In block 811, based on the comparison, the target UE determines whether each of the candidate anchor UEs is a suitable anchor UE to act as a positioning anchor for the target UE or whether it is in the appropriate position relative to the target UE and network elements.

[0148] Alternatively, the decision may be based at least in part on one or more predefined thresholds for comparing the target UE measurement and the candidate anchor UE measurement. Alternatively, or in addition to the above, the decision may be based at least in part on one or more predefined location zones.

[0149] In block 812, the target UE may send an indication to the first candidate anchor UE and / or the second candidate anchor UE indicating whether this particular candidate anchor UE is in the correct position based on the decision.

[0150] In block 813, if the target UE indicates that the first candidate anchor UE is a suitable anchor UE or is in the appropriate position relative to the target UE, then the first candidate anchor UE can become the target UE's anchor UE, and the first candidate anchor UE can begin broadcasting one or more sidelink positioning reference signals.

[0151] Figure 9 shows a signaling diagram according to another exemplary embodiment, in which at least one “learning” UE can help the target UE and anchor UE generate a lookup table used by the anchor UE to infer whether the target UE and candidate anchor UE are suitable anchor UEs or in the appropriate position. The learning UE can be a “pseudo-target UE,” i.e., a UE that is not intended to be localized or is not localized but takes on the role of a target UE to collect beam measurement data (e.g., in a drive test). In other words, the learning UE can be a user device that is not the target UE for this positioning session but performs measurements to help the target UE find suitable anchor UEs. The learning UE can be, for example, a UE moving parallel to the target UE (e.g., on the same highway or in the same vehicle). Thus, this “learning UE” can provide / suggest information to the target UE about a suitable set of anchor UEs. In this way, the target UE can skip or reduce its own beam measurements if the target UE has been previously performed by the “learning UE.”

[0152] While one candidate anchor UE is shown in Figure 9, it should be noted that the number of candidate anchor UEs can be different from one. In other words, there can be one or more candidate anchor UEs. In addition, the signaling procedure shown in Figure 9 can be extended and applied according to the actual number of candidate anchor UEs.

[0153] Referring to Figure 9, in block 901, the target UE performs (at least in part) beam-specific downlink measurements, such as RSRP measurements, on one or more first beams of the network element to obtain a first set of information associated with one or more first beams of the network element. In other words, the first set of information may include first beam-specific downlink measurement information, such as RSRP measurement information, associated with one or more first beams of the network element. The network element may be, for example, a base station such as a gNB or TRP acting as a positioning anchor for the target UE. One or more first beams means one or more beams received by the target UE.

[0154] In block 902, the learning UE obtains a fourth set of information associated with one or more fourth beams of the network element by performing (at least in part) beam-specific downlink measurements, such as RSRP measurements, on one or more fourth beams of the network element. In other words, the fourth set of information may include fourth beam-specific downlink measurement information, such as RSRP measurement information, associated with one or more fourth beams of the network element. One or more fourth beams means one or more beams received by the learning UE. One or more fourth beams may be the same as one or more first beams, or one or more fourth beams may be different from one or more first beams.

[0155] In block 903, the training UE and the target UE perform inter-UE measurement coordination with each other.

[0156] In block 904, the learning UE transmits or broadcasts a fourth set of information, including fourth beam-specific DL measurement information, to the first candidate anchor UE via the sidelink. The first candidate anchor UE receives the fourth set of information from the learning UE via the sidelink.

[0157] In block 905, the target UE transmits or broadcasts a first set of information, including first beam-specific DL measurement information, to the first candidate anchor UE via the sidelink. The first candidate anchor UE receives the first set of information from the target UE via the sidelink.

[0158] In block 906, the first candidate anchor UE performs its own beam-specific downlink measurements, such as RSRP measurements, on one or more second beams of the network element to obtain a second set of information associated with one or more second beams of the network element. In other words, the second set of information may include second beam-specific downlink measurement information associated with one or more second beams of the network element, such as RSRP measurement information. One or more second beams means one or more beams received by the first candidate anchor UE. One or more second beams may be the same as one or more first beams, or one or more second beams may be different from one or more first beams.

[0159] In block 907, the first candidate anchor UE generates a lookup table based at least partially on the first set of information, the second set of information, and the fourth set of information. Hereinafter, the lookup table can mean a list summarizing the decision inputs. The lookup table can define one or more location zones, for example, exclusion and / or inclusion zones, which are absolute location zones based on the absolute location of the target UE and exclusion (or inclusion) areas that are undesirable (or desirable) for other UEs selected as anchor UEs for the target UE. The lookup table can remain unchanged unless the target UE is sufficiently relocated. Whenever a relocation of the target UE occurs, the lookup table can be updated accordingly. This can be a UE action or can be configured by the network to follow the movement of the target UE.

[0160] In block 908, a lookup table is used to determine whether the first candidate anchor UE is in the correct position relative to the target UE and network elements in order to act as a positioning anchor for the target UE.

[0161] In block 909, the first candidate anchor UE can transmit or broadcast its lookup table to one or more other candidate anchor UEs via the sidelink. In this way, the first candidate anchor UE can share its lookup table with other UEs via the sidelink broadcast channel, so that the other UEs can utilize this information when generating their own lookup tables for their own exclusion (or inclusion) zones as defined above.

[0162] In block 910, the first candidate anchor UE can send an indication to the learning UE and / or target UE indicating whether the first candidate anchor UE is in the correct position based on the decision. This indication can be sent together with the lookup table or separately from the lookup table.

[0163] Figure 10 shows a flowchart of an exemplary embodiment of a method performed by a device including or incorporating a candidate anchor UE. The candidate anchor UE may be referred to herein as the first candidate anchor UE, the second candidate anchor UE, a candidate anchor user device, or a candidate positioning anchor.

[0164] Referring to Figure 10, block 1001 receives a first set of information associated with one or more first beams of a network element. The one or more first beams may refer to one or more beams received by a target user device from the network element.

[0165] The first set of information may include, for example, first beam-specific downlink measurement information and / or first radiation angle information associated with one or more first beams of network elements perceived by a target user device. The first beam-specific downlink measurement information may include at least one of any type of measurement, such as power-based measurements, time-based measurements, angle-based measurements, and / or phase-based measurements.

[0166] In block 1002, a second set of information associated with one or more second beams of a network element is obtained by performing beam-specific downlink measurements on one or more second beams. One or more second beams can refer to one or more beams received by the device from the network element. In other words, one or more first beams and one or more second beams originate from the same network element. One or more second beams can be the same as one or more first beams, or one or more second beams can be different from one or more first beams.

[0167] The second set of information may include, for example, second beam-specific downlink measurement information and / or second radiation angle information associated with one or more second beams of a network element as perceived by the device. The second beam-specific downlink measurement information may include at least one of any type of measurement, such as power-based measurements, time-based measurements, angle-based measurements, and / or phase-based measurements.

[0168] In block 1003, the device determines, at least partially, whether it is in a suitable position to act as a positioning anchor for a target user device, based on a first set of information and a second set of information.

[0169] Figure 11 shows a flowchart of another exemplary embodiment of a method performed by a candidate anchor UE, or by a device included in a candidate anchor UE. The candidate anchor UE may also be referred to herein as the first candidate anchor UE, the second candidate anchor UE, the candidate anchor user device, or the candidate positioning anchor.

[0170] Referring to Figure 11, in block 1101, a first set of information associated with one or more first beams of the network element is received from the target user device.

[0171] In block 1102, a second set of information associated with one or more second beams of the network element is obtained by performing beam-specific downlink measurements on one or more second beams.

[0172] In block 1103, the device determines, at least partially, whether it is in a suitable position to act as a positioning anchor for the target user device, based on a first set of information and a second set of information.

[0173] In block 1104, the instrument identifies one or more non-line-of-sight (NLOS) beams from one or more second beams of the network element. In other words, since NLOS measurements can degrade positioning accuracy, the instrument may determine and report a set of beams having a dominant NLOS component (i.e., beams scattered by reflectors or scatterers or obstructors).

[0174] In block 1105, the instrument reports one or more line-of-sight beams to the target user device. The target UE can add the NLOS beams to the exclusion list (and / or the line-of-sight beams to the inclusion list) to avoid taking into account measurements from such NLOS beams.

[0175] Figure 12 shows a flowchart of another exemplary embodiment of a method performed by a device including or contained within a candidate anchor UE. The candidate anchor UE may also be referred to herein as the first candidate anchor UE, the second candidate anchor UE, a candidate anchor user device, or a candidate positioning anchor.

[0176] Referring to Figure 12, in block 1201, a first set of information associated with one or more first beams of the network element is received from the target user device.

[0177] In block 1202, a second set of information associated with one or more second beams of the network element is obtained by performing beam-specific downlink measurements on one or more second beams.

[0178] In block 1203, the device determines, at least partially, whether it is in a suitable position to act as a positioning anchor for a target user device, based on a first set of information and a second set of information.

[0179] In block 1204, the device can transmit an indication that the device is in the correct position based on the decision.

[0180] In block 1205, the device coordinates with the target user device and / or one or more positioning anchors of the target user device to update the set of positioning anchors for the target user device. In other words, the device (selected as a positioning anchor for the target user device based on the above processing) can cooperate with one or more other positioning anchors and / or the target UE to update one or more other positioning anchors participating in the positioning session for the target user device. In this case, the newly added anchor UE acts as a positioning anchor for the target UE. Thus, with this new addition, any new candidate anchor UE must also be considered in addition to the positioning anchors of the initial processing when determining whether the relative position of the candidate anchor UE is appropriate (e.g., the device).

[0181] Figure 13 shows a flowchart of an exemplary embodiment of a method performed by a device including or contained within a target UE. The target UE may also be referred to herein as a target user device.

[0182] Referring to Figure 13, in block 1301, a first set of information associated with one or more first beams of a network element is obtained by performing beam-specific downlink measurements on one or more first beams. One or more first beams can refer to one or more beams received by the device from the network element.

[0183] The first set of information may include, for example, first beam-specific downlink measurement information and / or first radiation angle information associated with one or more first beams of a network element as perceived by the device. The first beam-specific downlink measurement information may include at least one of any type of measurement, such as power-based measurements, time-based measurements, angle-based measurements, and / or phase-based measurements.

[0184] In block 1302, a second set of information associated with one or more second beams of a network element is received from the candidate positioning anchor. The one or more second beams can refer to one or more beams received from the network element by the candidate positioning anchor. In other words, the one or more first beams and the one or more second beams originate from the same network element. The one or more second beams can be the same as the one or more first beams, or the one or more second beams can be different from the one or more first beams.

[0185] The second set of information may include, for example, second beam-specific downlink measurement information and / or second radiation angle information associated with one or more second beams of the network element perceived by the candidate positioning anchor. The second beam-specific downlink measurement information may include at least one of any type of measurement, such as power-based measurements, time-based measurements, angle-based measurements, and / or phase-based measurements.

[0186] In block 1303, the device determines, at least partially, whether a candidate positioning anchor is in a suitable position to act as a positioning anchor for the device, based on a first set of information and a second set of information.

[0187] As used herein, “at least one of the following list of two or more elements” and “at least one of the following list of two or more elements” and similar phrases mean at least one of the elements, or at least two or three or more of the elements, or at least all of the elements, where the list of two or more elements is followed by “and” or “or”.

[0188] The blocks, associated functions, and information exchanges (messages) described above in Figure 5-13 are not in absolute chronological order; some of them may be executed simultaneously or in a different order than described. Other functions may be executed between or within them, other information may be transmitted, and / or other rules may be applied. Some of the blocks, parts of the blocks, or one or more pieces of information may be omitted or replaced by the corresponding blocks, parts of the blocks, or one or more pieces of information.

[0189] Figure 14 shows an embodiment of apparatus 1400 that includes means for carrying out any of the exemplary embodiments described above. Apparatus 1400 may be, for example, an apparatus that includes or is included in a user device. The user device may also be referred to herein as a target UE, a target user device, a candidate anchor UE, a first candidate anchor UE, a second candidate anchor UE, a candidate anchor user device, or a candidate positioning anchor.

[0190] The device 1400 includes at least one processor 1410. The at least one processor 1410 interprets computer program instructions and processes data. The at least one processor 1410 may include one or more programmable processors. The at least one processor 1410 may include programmable hardware with embedded firmware, and may, alternatively or in addition, include one or more specialized application integrated circuits (ASICs).

[0191] At least one processor 1410 is coupled to at least one memory 1420. At least one processor is configured to read and write data to and from at least one memory 1420. At least one memory 1420 may include one or more memory units. Memory units may be volatile or non-volatile. Note that in some exemplary embodiments, there may be one or more units of non-volatile memory and one or more units of volatile memory, or alternatively, one or more units of non-volatile memory, or alternatively, one or more units of volatile memory. Volatile memory may be, for example, random access memory (RAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), or synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM). Non-volatile memory may be, for example, read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), electronically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory, optical storage, or magnetic storage. Generally, memory may refer to a non-temporary computer-readable medium. At least one memory 1420 stores computer-readable instructions executed by at least one processor 1410 to perform one or more of the exemplary embodiments described above. For example, non-volatile memory stores computer-readable instructions, and at least one processor 1410 uses volatile memory for temporary storage of data and / or instructions to execute the instructions.

[0192] Computer-readable instructions can be pre-stored in at least one memory 1420, or alternatively or in addition, computer-readable instructions can be received by the device via electromagnetic carrier signals and / or can be copied from a physical entity such as a computer program product. Execution of computer-readable instructions by at least one processor 1410 causes the device 1400 to perform one or more of the exemplary embodiments described above. That is, at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions can provide or cause any of the methods and / or blocks described above to perform.

[0193] In the context of this document, “memory,” “computer-readable medium,” or “multiple computer-readable mediums” can be any one or more non-temporary media or means that can contain, store, transmit, propagate, or transfer instructions, used by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device such as a computer. The term “non-temporary” as used herein is a limitation of the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not signaling) as opposed to a limitation of the persistence of data storage (e.g., RAM vs. ROM).

[0194] The device 1400 may further include or be connected to an input unit 1430. The input unit 1430 may include one or more interfaces for receiving input. The one or more interfaces may include, for example, one or more temperature, motion and / or orientation sensors, one or more cameras, one or more accelerometers, one or more microphones, one or more buttons and / or one or more touch detection units. Furthermore, the input unit 1430 may include interfaces to which external devices can be connected.

[0195] The device 1400 may also include an output unit 1440. The output unit may include or be connected to one or more displays capable of rendering visual content, such as light-emitting diode (LED) displays, liquid crystal displays (LCDs), and / or reflective liquid crystal (LCoS) displays. The output unit 1440 may further include one or more audio outputs. One or more audio outputs may be, for example, loudspeakers.

[0196] The device 1400 further includes a connection unit 1450. The connection unit 1450 enables wireless connectivity with one or more external devices. The connection unit 1450 includes at least one transmitter and at least one receiver that can be integrated with or connected to the device 1400. The at least one transmitter includes at least one transmitting antenna, and the at least one receiver includes at least one receiving antenna. The connection unit 1450 may include an integrated circuit or set of integrated circuits that provide the wireless communication functionality of the device 1400. Alternatively, the wireless connectivity may be a hardwired application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The connection unit 1450 may include one or more components controlled by a corresponding control unit, such as a power amplifier, a digital front end (DFE), an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), a digital-to-analog converter (DAC), a frequency converter, a (de)modulator, and / or an encoder / decoder circuit.

[0197] It should be noted that the device 1400 may also include various components not shown in Figure 14. These components may be hardware components and / or software components.

[0198] As used in this application, the term "circuit" may refer to one or more, or all of the following: a) Hardware-only circuit implementation (such as implementation in analog and / or digital-only circuits); b)i) combinations of analog and / or digital hardware circuits with software / firmware, and ii) any part of a hardware processor with software (including digital signal processors, software, and memory that work together to enable a device such as a mobile phone to perform various functions), and (where applicable) combinations of hardware circuits and software; and c) Hardware circuits and / or processors, such as a microprocessor or a part of a microprocessor, that require software (e.g., firmware) for operation. However, software does not need to exist when it is not required for operation.

[0199] This definition of circuit applies to all uses of this term in this application, including any claim. In further embodiments, the term circuit as used in this application also applies to a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or a portion of a hardware circuit or processor and any software and / or firmware associated therewith. The term circuit also applies, for example and as applicable to a particular claim element, to a baseband integrated circuit or processor integrated circuit in a mobile device or a similar integrated circuit in a server, a cellular network device, or other computing or network device.

[0200] The techniques and methods described herein can be implemented by various means. For example, these techniques can be implemented in hardware (one or more devices), firmware (one or more devices), software (one or more modules), or a combination thereof. In hardware implementations, the apparatus of the exemplary embodiment can be implemented in one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), graphics processing units (GPUs), processors, controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, other electronic units designed to perform the functions described herein, or a combination thereof. In firmware or software, the implementation can be implemented via at least one chipset module (e.g., procedures, functions, etc.) that performs the functions described herein. Software code can be stored in a memory unit and executed by a processor. The memory unit can be implemented within or outside the processor. In the latter case, it can be coupled to the processor in a communicative manner via various means, as is well known in the art. In addition, the components of the systems described herein can be reconfigured and / or completed with additional components to facilitate the achievement of various embodiments described herein, and these are not limited to the configurations shown in the given drawings, as will be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0201] As technology advances, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the concepts of the present invention can be implemented in a variety of ways. The embodiments are not limited to the exemplary embodiments described above, but can be modified within the scope of the claims. Accordingly, all terms and expressions should be interpreted broadly, illustrating, and not limiting, the exemplary embodiments. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0202] 1001 Receive the first set of information 1002 Obtain the second set of information 1003 Determine whether the device is in a suitable position to act as a positioning anchor for the target user device.

Claims

1. A device comprising at least one processor and at least one memory for storing instructions, wherein when an instruction is executed by the at least one processor, The steps include receiving a first set of information associated with one or more first beams of a network element, A step of obtaining a second set of information associated with the one or more second beams by performing beam-specific downlink measurements on one or more second beams of the network element, A step of determining whether the device is in a position suitable to act as a positioning anchor for a target user device, based at least in part on the first set of information and the second set of information; A step of receiving a third set of information associated with one or more third beams of the network element from another user device, wherein the third set of information includes at least one of the third beam-specific measurement information and / or third radiation angle information. The aforementioned decision is based at least in part on a third set of information, and includes the step of receiving, The device is made to perform at least the following: Device.

2. A step of generating a lookup table based at least partially on a first set of information, a second set of information, and a third set of information, wherein the lookup table is used to determine whether the device is in the suitable position. The steps include sending the lookup table, To have them do it further, The apparatus according to claim 1.

3. A device comprising at least one processor and at least one memory for storing instructions, wherein when an instruction is executed by the at least one processor, The steps include receiving a first set of information associated with one or more first beams of a network element, A step of obtaining a second set of information associated with the one or more second beams by performing beam-specific downlink measurements on one or more second beams of the network element, A step of determining whether the device is in a position suitable to act as a positioning anchor for a target user device, based at least in part on the first set of information and the second set of information; A step of cooperating with the target user device and / or one or more positioning anchors of the target user device in order to update the set of positioning anchors of the target user device, An apparatus that causes the aforementioned apparatus to perform at least the above.

4. A device comprising at least one processor and at least one memory for storing instructions, wherein when an instruction is executed by the at least one processor, The steps include receiving a first set of information associated with one or more first beams of a network element, A step of obtaining a second set of information associated with the one or more second beams by performing beam-specific downlink measurements on one or more second beams of the network element, A step of determining whether the device is in a position suitable to act as a positioning anchor for a target user device, based at least in part on the first set of information and the second set of information; The steps include identifying one or more beyond-line-of-sight beams from one or more second beams of the network element, The step of reporting one or more beyond-line-of-sight beams, An apparatus that causes the aforementioned apparatus to perform at least the above.

5. A device comprising at least one processor and at least one memory for storing instructions, wherein when an instruction is executed by the at least one processor, The steps include receiving a first set of information associated with one or more first beams of a network element, A step of obtaining a second set of information associated with the one or more second beams by performing beam-specific downlink measurements on one or more second beams of the network element, A step of determining whether the device is in a position suitable to act as a positioning anchor for a target user device, based at least in part on the first set of information and the second set of information; A step of transmitting one or more side link positioning reference signals in one or more directions, wherein the one or more directions are based on a first set of information, An apparatus that causes the aforementioned apparatus to perform at least the above.

6. The device is further made to transmit an indication showing whether it is in the suitable position based on the decision. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The first set of information includes at least one of first beam-specific downlink measurement information and / or first radiation angle information associated with one or more first beams of the network element, The second set of information includes at least one of second beam-specific downlink measurement information and / or second radiation angle information associated with one or more second beams of the network element. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

8. A step of extracting first radiation angle information from first beam-specific downlink measurement information associated with one or more first beams of the network element, The steps include extracting second radiation angle information from second beam-specific downlink measurement information associated with one or more second beams of the network element, Let them do this further, The aforementioned decision is based on a comparison of the first radiation angle information and the second radiation angle information. The apparatus according to claim 7.

9. The further step involves receiving one or more thresholds for comparing the first set of information and the second set of information. The aforementioned decision is at least partially based on the one or two or more thresholds. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

10. The process further involves receiving information about one or more location zones. The aforementioned decision is at least partially based on the one or two or more location zones. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

11. The process further involves receiving a message containing a request for a positioning anchor, the message further containing a first set of information, The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

12. The further step involves sending a response message in response to the request, the response message indicating whether the device is in a suitable location, The response message further includes a second set of the information: The apparatus according to claim 11.

13. The further step involves explicitly indicating that the device is not in the suitable position. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

14. A device comprising at least one processor and at least one memory for storing instructions, wherein when an instruction is executed by the at least one processor, A step of obtaining a first set of information associated with one or more first beams by performing beam-specific downlink measurements on one or more first beams of a network element, The steps include receiving a second set of information associated with one or more second beams of the network element from a candidate positioning anchor, Steps include receiving a third set of information associated with one or more third beams of the network element from another user device, wherein the third set of information includes at least one of measurement information specific to the third beam and / or third radiation angle information; A step of determining whether the candidate positioning anchor is in a suitable position to act as a positioning anchor for the device, based at least in part on the first set of information, the second set of information, and the third set of information; An apparatus that causes the aforementioned apparatus to perform at least the above.

15. A device comprising at least one processor and at least one memory for storing instructions, wherein when an instruction is executed by the at least one processor, A step of obtaining a first set of information associated with one or more first beams by performing beam-specific downlink measurements on one or more first beams of a network element, The steps include receiving a second set of information associated with one or more second beams of the network element from a candidate positioning anchor, A step of determining, based at least in part on the first set of information and the second set of information, whether the candidate positioning anchor is in a position suitable for acting as a positioning anchor for the device; The steps include: updating the set of positioning anchors of the device by cooperating with the candidate positioning anchors and / or one or more positioning anchors of the device; An apparatus that causes the aforementioned apparatus to perform at least the above.

16. A device comprising at least one processor and at least one memory for storing instructions, wherein when an instruction is executed by the at least one processor, A step of obtaining a first set of information associated with one or more first beams by performing beam-specific downlink measurements on one or more first beams of a network element, The steps include receiving a second set of information associated with one or more second beams of the network element from a candidate positioning anchor, The steps include receiving a report from the candidate positioning anchor indicating one or more out-of-line beams among the one or more second beams, A step of determining, based at least in part on the first set of information and the second set of information, whether the candidate positioning anchor is in a position suitable for acting as a positioning anchor for the device; An apparatus that causes the aforementioned apparatus to perform at least the above.

17. A device comprising at least one processor and at least one memory for storing instructions, wherein when an instruction is executed by the at least one processor, A step of obtaining a first set of information associated with one or more first beams by performing beam-specific downlink measurements on one or more first beams of a network element, The steps include receiving a second set of information associated with one or more second beams of the network element from a candidate positioning anchor, A step of determining, based at least in part on the first set of information and the second set of information, whether the candidate positioning anchor is in a position suitable for acting as a positioning anchor for the device; The steps include instructing the candidate positioning anchor to transmit one or more side link positioning reference signals in one or more directions based on the first set of information, An apparatus that causes the aforementioned apparatus to perform at least the above.

18. The further step involves sending an indication to the candidate positioning anchor indicating whether the candidate positioning anchor is in the suitable position based on the decision. The apparatus according to any one of claims 14 to 17.

19. The further step involves sending a request for a second set of the aforementioned information to the candidate positioning anchor. The apparatus according to any one of claims 14 to 17.

20. The device receives a first set of information associated with one or more first beams of a network element, The steps include: obtaining a second set of information associated with the one or more second beams by performing beam-specific downlink measurements on one or more second beams of the network element using the apparatus; The steps include determining, based at least partially on the first set of information and the second set of information, whether the device is in a position suitable to act as a positioning anchor for a target user device, The device receives a third set of information associated with one or more third beams of the network element from another user device, wherein the third set of information includes at least one of the measurement information and / or third radiation angle information specific to the third beam. The aforementioned decision is based at least in part on a third set of information, and includes the step of receiving, Methods that include...

21. The device receives a first set of information associated with one or more first beams of a network element, The steps include: obtaining a second set of information associated with the one or more second beams by performing beam-specific downlink measurements on one or more second beams of the network element using the apparatus; The steps include determining, based at least partially on the first set of information and the second set of information, whether the device is in a position suitable to act as a positioning anchor for a target user device, The device performs the steps of cooperating with the target user device and / or one or more positioning anchors of the target user device to update the set of positioning anchors of the target user device, Methods that include...

22. The device receives a first set of information associated with one or more first beams of a network element, The steps include: obtaining a second set of information associated with the one or more second beams by performing beam-specific downlink measurements on one or more second beams of the network element using the apparatus; The steps include determining, based at least partially on the first set of information and the second set of information, whether the device is in a position suitable to act as a positioning anchor for a target user device, The device includes the steps of identifying one or more beyond-line-of-sight beams from one or more second beams of the network element, The step of reporting one or more beyond-line-of-sight beams, Methods that include...

23. The device receives a first set of information associated with one or more first beams of a network element, The steps include: obtaining a second set of information associated with the one or more second beams by performing beam-specific downlink measurements on one or more second beams of the network element using the apparatus; The steps include determining, based at least partially on the first set of information and the second set of information, whether the device is in a position suitable to act as a positioning anchor for a target user device, The device transmits one or more side link positioning reference signals in one or more directions, wherein the one or more directions are based on a first set of information. Methods that include...

24. The steps include: obtaining a first set of information associated with one or more first beams by performing beam-specific downlink measurements on one or more first beams of a network element using the device; The device provides a second set of information associated with one or more second beams of the network element from a candidate positioning anchor. The steps include: receiving a third set of information associated with one or more third beams of the network element from another user device, wherein the third set of information includes at least one of measurement information specific to the third beam and / or third radiation angle information; The steps include determining, by the apparatus, whether the candidate positioning anchor is in a suitable position to act as a positioning anchor for the apparatus, based at least partially on the first set of information, the second set of information, and the third set of information; Methods that include...

25. The steps include: obtaining a first set of information associated with one or more first beams by performing beam-specific downlink measurements on one or more first beams of a network element using the device; The device provides a second set of information associated with one or more second beams of the network element from a candidate positioning anchor. The steps include determining, by the apparatus, whether the candidate positioning anchor is in a suitable position to act as a positioning anchor for the apparatus, based at least partially on the first set of information and the second set of information; The device performs the steps of cooperating with the candidate positioning anchors and / or one or more positioning anchors of the device in order to update the set of positioning anchors of the device, Methods that include...

26. The steps include: obtaining a first set of information associated with one or more first beams by performing beam-specific downlink measurements on one or more first beams of a network element using the device; The device provides a second set of information associated with one or more second beams of the network element from a candidate positioning anchor. The device receives a report from the candidate positioning anchor indicating one or more out-of-line beams among the one or more second beams, The steps include determining, by the apparatus, whether the candidate positioning anchor is in a suitable position to act as a positioning anchor for the apparatus, based at least partially on the first set of information and the second set of information; Methods that include...

27. The steps include: obtaining a first set of information associated with one or more first beams by performing beam-specific downlink measurements on one or more first beams of a network element using the device; The device provides a second set of information associated with one or more second beams of the network element from a candidate positioning anchor. The steps include determining, by the apparatus, whether the candidate positioning anchor is in a suitable position to act as a positioning anchor for the apparatus, based at least partially on the first set of information and the second set of information; The device provides instructions to the candidate positioning anchor to transmit one or more side link positioning reference signals in one or more directions based on the first set of information; Methods that include...

28. A non-temporary computer-readable medium containing program instructions, wherein the program instructions, when executed by the device, The steps include receiving a first set of information associated with one or more first beams of a network element, A step of obtaining a second set of information associated with the one or more second beams by performing beam-specific downlink measurements on one or more second beams of the network element, A step of determining whether the device is in a position suitable to act as a positioning anchor for a target user device, based at least in part on the first set of information and the second set of information; A step of receiving a third set of information associated with one or more third beams of the network element from another user device, wherein the third set of information includes at least one of the third beam-specific measurement information and / or third radiation angle information. The aforementioned decision is based at least in part on a third set of information, and includes the step of receiving, A non-temporary computer-readable medium that causes the device to perform at least the above-mentioned action.

29. A non-temporary computer-readable medium containing program instructions, wherein the program instructions, when executed by the device, The steps include receiving a first set of information associated with one or more first beams of a network element, A step of obtaining a second set of information associated with the one or more second beams by performing beam-specific downlink measurements on one or more second beams of the network element, A step of determining whether the device is in a position suitable to act as a positioning anchor for a target user device, based at least in part on the first set of information and the second set of information; A step of cooperating with the target user device and / or one or more positioning anchors of the target user device in order to update the set of positioning anchors of the target user device, A non-temporary computer-readable medium that causes the device to perform at least the above-mentioned action.

30. A non-temporary computer-readable medium containing program instructions, wherein the program instructions, when executed by the device, The steps include receiving a first set of information associated with one or more first beams of a network element, A step of obtaining a second set of information associated with the one or more second beams by performing beam-specific downlink measurements on one or more second beams of the network element, A step of determining whether the device is in a position suitable to act as a positioning anchor for a target user device, based at least in part on the first set of information and the second set of information; The steps include identifying one or more beyond-line-of-sight beams from one or more second beams of the network element, The step of reporting one or more beyond-line-of-sight beams, A non-temporary computer-readable medium that causes the device to perform at least the above-mentioned action.

31. A non-temporary computer-readable medium containing program instructions, wherein the program instructions, when executed by the device, The steps include receiving a first set of information associated with one or more first beams of a network element, A step of obtaining a second set of information associated with the one or more second beams by performing beam-specific downlink measurements on one or more second beams of the network element, A step of determining whether the device is in a position suitable to act as a positioning anchor for a target user device, based at least in part on the first set of information and the second set of information; A step of transmitting one or more side link positioning reference signals in one or more directions, wherein the one or more directions are based on a first set of information, A non-temporary computer-readable medium that causes the device to perform at least the above-mentioned action.

32. A non-temporary computer-readable medium containing program instructions, wherein the program instructions, when executed by the device, A step of obtaining a first set of information associated with one or more first beams by performing beam-specific downlink measurements on one or more first beams of a network element, The steps include receiving a second set of information associated with one or more second beams of the network element from a candidate positioning anchor, Steps include receiving a third set of information associated with one or more third beams of the network element from another user device, wherein the third set of information includes at least one of measurement information specific to the third beam and / or third radiation angle information; A step of determining whether the candidate positioning anchor is in a suitable position to act as a positioning anchor for the device, based at least in part on the first set of information, the second set of information, and the third set of information; A non-temporary computer-readable medium that causes the device to perform at least the above-mentioned action.

33. A non-temporary computer-readable medium containing program instructions, wherein the program instructions, when executed by the device, A step of obtaining a first set of information associated with one or more first beams by performing beam-specific downlink measurements on one or more first beams of a network element, The steps include receiving a second set of information associated with one or more second beams of the network element from a candidate positioning anchor, A step of determining, based at least in part on the first set of information and the second set of information, whether the candidate positioning anchor is in a position suitable for acting as a positioning anchor for the device; The steps include: updating the set of positioning anchors of the device by cooperating with the candidate positioning anchors and / or one or more positioning anchors of the device; A non-temporary computer-readable medium that causes the device to perform at least the above-mentioned action.

34. A non-temporary computer-readable medium containing program instructions, wherein the program instructions, when executed by the device, A step of obtaining a first set of information associated with one or more first beams by performing beam-specific downlink measurements on one or more first beams of a network element, The steps include receiving a second set of information associated with one or more second beams of the network element from a candidate positioning anchor, The steps include receiving a report from the candidate positioning anchor indicating one or more out-of-line beams among the one or more second beams, A step of determining, based at least in part on the first set of information and the second set of information, whether the candidate positioning anchor is in a position suitable for acting as a positioning anchor for the device; A non-temporary computer-readable medium that causes the device to perform at least the above-mentioned action.

35. A non-temporary computer-readable medium containing program instructions, wherein the program instructions, when executed by the device, A step of obtaining a first set of information associated with one or more first beams by performing beam-specific downlink measurements on one or more first beams of a network element, The steps include receiving a second set of information associated with one or more second beams of the network element from a candidate positioning anchor, A step of determining, based at least in part on the first set of information and the second set of information, whether the candidate positioning anchor is in a position suitable for acting as a positioning anchor for the device; The steps include instructing the candidate positioning anchor to transmit one or more side link positioning reference signals in one or more directions based on the first set of information, A non-temporary computer-readable medium that causes the device to perform at least the above-mentioned action.

Images