Apparatus and method for positioning in wireless communication system

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a method of a first base station in wireless communication. The method may include the steps of: determining parameters related to repeated transmissions of a sounding reference signal (SRS) based on a first sub-carrier spacing (SCS) for the first base station and one or more second SCSs for one or more second base stations; transmitting the determined parameters related to repeated transmissions of the SRS to a terminal; and performing positioning of the terminal based on the SRS repeatedly received from the terminal.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for positioning a terminal based on Uplink Time Delay of Arrival (UTDoA) in a wireless communication system. Background Technology

[0003] Efforts are being made to develop improved 5G (5th generation) communication systems or pre-5G communication systems to meet the increasing demand for wireless data traffic following the commercialization of 4G (4th generation) communication systems. For this reason, 5G communication systems or pre-5G communication systems are referred to as systems beyond 4G networks or systems after LTE. To achieve high data transmission rates, the implementation of 5G communication systems in the mmWave band (e.g., the 60 GHz band) is being considered. In order to mitigate path loss and increase the transmission distance of radio waves in the ultra-high frequency band, beamforming, massive array multiple input / output (massive MIMO), full-dimensional multiple input / output (Full Dimensional MIMO: FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, and large-scale antenna technologies are being discussed in 5G communication systems. In addition, to improve the system's network, technologies such as advanced small cells, advanced small cells, cloud radio access networks (cloud RAN), ultra-dense networks, device-to-device communication (D2D), wireless backhaul, moving networks, cooperative communication, Coordinated Multi-Points (CoMP), and interference cancellation are being developed in 5G communication systems.In addition, advanced coding modulation (ACM) methods such as FQAM (Hybrid FSK and QAM Modulation) and SWSC (Sliding Window Superposition Coding), as well as advanced access technologies such as FBMC (Filter Bank Multi Carrier), NOMA (non-orthogonal multiple access), and SCMA (sparse code multiple access), are being developed in 5G systems.

[0004] Meanwhile, the Internet is evolving from a human-centered network where humans generate and consume information into an IoT (Internet of Things) network where distributed components, such as objects, exchange and process information. IoE (Internet of Everything) technology, which combines IoT with Big Data processing technologies through connections with cloud servers, is also emerging. To implement IoT, technological elements such as sensing technology, wired and wireless communication and network infrastructure, service interface technology, and security technology are required; consequently, technologies such as sensor networks, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communication, and Machine-Type Communication (MTC) are currently being researched to facilitate the connection of objects. In an IoT environment, intelligent IT (Information Technology) services can be provided to create new value for human life by collecting and analyzing data generated from connected objects. Through the convergence and integration of existing IT technologies with various industries, IoT can be applied to fields such as smart homes, smart buildings, smart cities, smart or connected cars, smart grids, healthcare, smart home appliances, and advanced medical services.

[0005] Accordingly, various attempts are being made to apply 5G communication systems to IoT networks. For example, technologies such as sensor networks, Machine to Machine (M2M), and Machine Type Communication (MTC) are being implemented using 5G communication techniques such as beamforming, MIMO, and array antennas. The application of cloud RAN as a big data processing technology, as previously explained, can also be considered an example of the convergence of 5G and IoT technologies.

[0006] With the advancement of wireless communication systems as described above, it has become possible to provide various services, and thus measures are required to provide these services smoothly. The problem to be solved

[0008] According to one embodiment, an apparatus and method for generating a Sound Reference Signal (SRS) for performing positioning of a terminal based on UTDoA may be provided. means of solving the problem

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of a first base station in wireless communication may be provided. The method may include the steps of: determining parameters related to repeated transmissions of a sounding reference signal (SRS) based on a first sub-carrier spacing (SCS) for the first base station and one or more second SCSs for one or more second base stations; transmitting the determined parameters related to the repeated transmissions of the SRS to a terminal; and performing positioning of the terminal based on the SRS repeatedly received from the terminal.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for a terminal in wireless communication may be provided. The method comprises the steps of: receiving parameters related to repeated transmissions of a Sounding Reference Signal (SRS) from a first base station; and repeatedly transmitting the SRS for positioning the terminal to the first base station and one or more second base stations, wherein the parameters may be determined based on a first sub-carrier spacing (SCS) for the first base station and one or more second SCSs for the second base stations.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a first base station may be provided in a wireless communication system. The base station may include a transceiver; and at least one processor that determines parameters related to repeated transmissions of a sounding reference signal (SRS) based on a first sub-carrier spacing (SCS) for the first base station and one or more second SCSs for one or more second base stations, transmits the determined parameters related to the repeated transmissions of the SRS to a terminal through the transceiver, and performs positioning of the terminal based on the SRS repeatedly received from the terminal.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a terminal may be provided in wireless communication. The terminal comprises a transceiver; and at least one processor that receives, through the transceiver, parameters related to repeated transmissions of a sounding reference signal (SRS) from a first base station and repeatedly transmits the SRS for positioning of the terminal to the first base station and one or more second base stations, wherein the parameters may be determined based on a first sub-carrier spacing (SCS) for the first base station and one or more second SCSs for the second base stations. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0015] Figure 1 shows a table illustrating subcarrier spacings in different frequency ranges. FIG. 2 shows an SRS repetition according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 shows a flowchart illustrating a method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a first base station according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a terminal according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a first base station according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a terminal according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a first base station according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a terminal according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, in describing the present disclosure, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known functions or configurations might unnecessarily obscure the essence of the present disclosure, such detailed description will be omitted. Additionally, the terms described below are defined considering their functions in the present disclosure, and these may vary depending on the intentions or conventions of the user or operator. Therefore, their definitions should be based on the content throughout this specification.

[0017] The advantages and features of the present disclosure and the methods for achieving them will become clear by referring to the embodiments described below in detail together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below but may be implemented in various different forms. The embodiments provided are merely to ensure that the disclosure is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, and the present disclosure is defined only by the scope of the claims. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same components.

[0018] At this point, it will be understood that each block of the process flow diagrams and combinations of the flow diagrams can be executed by computer program instructions. Since these computer program instructions can be loaded into the processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing equipment, the instructions executed through the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing equipment create means to perform the functions described in the flow diagram block(s). Since these computer program instructions can also be stored in computer-available or computer-readable memory that can be directed toward the computer or other programmable data processing equipment to implement the function in a specific way, the instructions stored in computer-available or computer-readable memory can also produce a manufactured item containing instruction means to perform the function described in the flow diagram block(s). Since computer program instructions can be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing equipment, instructions that perform a series of operation steps on the computer or other programmable data processing equipment to create a process executed by the computer can also provide steps for executing the functions described in the flowchart block(s).

[0019] Additionally, each block may represent a module, segment, or part of code containing one or more executable instructions for executing a specific logical function(s). It should also be noted that in some alternative execution examples, the functions mentioned in the blocks may occur out of order. For example, two blocks described in succession may actually be executed substantially simultaneously, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in reverse order according to their corresponding functions.

[0020] In this embodiment, the term "part" refers to a software or hardware component such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), and the "part" performs certain roles. However, the meaning of "part" is not limited to software or hardware. The "part" may be configured to reside in an addressable storage medium or configured to run one or more processors. Thus, as an example, the "part" includes components such as software components, object-oriented software components, class components, and task components, as well as processes, functions, attributes, procedures, subroutines, segments of program code, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuits, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays, and variables. The functions provided within the components and "parts" may be combined into a smaller number of components and "parts" or further separated into additional components and "parts." In addition, the components and 'parts' may be implemented to utilize one or more CPUs within the device or secure multimedia card. Also, in the embodiments, 'parts' may include one or more processors.

[0021] In describing the present disclosure below, specific descriptions of related known functions or configurations will be omitted if it is determined that such detailed descriptions would unnecessarily obscure the essence of the present disclosure. Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0022] Terms used in the following description to identify connection nodes, terms referring to network entities, terms referring to messages, terms referring to interfaces between network entities, terms referring to various identification information, etc., are examples provided for the convenience of explanation. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not limited to the terms described below, and other terms referring to objects having equivalent technical meanings may be used.

[0023] In the following description, the terms "physical channel" and "signal" may be used interchangeably with "data" or "control signal." For example, PDSCH (physical downlink shared channel) is a term referring to a physical channel through which data is transmitted, but PDSCH may also be used to refer to data. That is, in this disclosure, the expression "transmits a physical channel" may be interpreted as equivalent to the expression "transmits data or a signal through a physical channel."

[0024] In the present disclosure, upper signaling refers to a signal transmission method transmitted from a base station to a terminal using a physical layer downlink data channel, or from a terminal to a base station using a physical layer uplink data channel. Upper signaling may be understood as radio resource control (RRC) signaling or a media access control (MAC) control element (CE).

[0025] For convenience of explanation, the present disclosure uses terms and names defined in the 3GPP NR (3rd Generation Partnership Project NR (New Radio)) standard. However, the present disclosure is not limited by the above terms and names and may be applied equally to systems conforming to other standards. In the present disclosure, gNB may be used interchangeably with eNB for convenience of explanation. That is, a base station described as an eNB may represent a gNB. Additionally, the term terminal may refer to mobile phones, MTC devices, NB-IoT devices, sensors, as well as other wireless communication devices.

[0026] Hereinafter, the base station is an entity that performs resource allocation for terminals and may be at least one of a gNode B (gNB), eNode B (eNB), Node B, BS (Base Station), wireless access unit, base station controller, or a node on a network. The terminal may include a UE (User Equipment), MS (Mobile Station), cellular phone, smartphone, computer, or a multimedia system capable of performing communication functions. Of course, it is not limited to the above examples.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a first base station serving a terminal in wireless communication may be provided. The first base station may include a transceiver; and at least one processor. The at least one processor may generate a control signal associated with a Sounding Reference Signal (SRS) for positioning the terminal based on a first Sub-Carrier Spacing (SCS) and a second SCS for each of the first base station and one or more second base stations, and control the terminal to repeat the pattern of the SRS in consecutive slots by transmitting the generated control signal to the terminal through the transceiver, and may perform the positioning for the terminal based on the times when the first base station and the second base stations received transmissions for the SRS.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the at least one processor can determine one or more third SCSs that are smaller than the first SCS among the second SCSs, and determine one or more third base stations corresponding to each of the third SCSs.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the at least one processor can determine the ratios related to the first SCS and the third SCSs by dividing the first SCS by the smallest SCS among the third SCSs.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the at least one processor can control the terminal to repeat the pattern of the SRS in the consecutive slots by the determined ratio.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the second base stations may be located within a predetermined distance from the terminal.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a terminal served by a first base station in wireless communication may be provided. The terminal may include a transceiver; and at least one processor. The at least one processor may receive, through the transceiver, a control signal generated from the first base station based on a first Sub-Carrier Spacing (SCS) and one or more second base stations, respectively, and repeat a pattern of a Sounding Reference Signal (SRS) for positioning the terminal in consecutive slots based on the control signal, and transmit the SRS having the repeated pattern to the first base station and the second base stations through the transceiver.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the control signal may include information about one or more third SCSs that are smaller than the first SCS among the second SCSs; and information about third base stations corresponding to each of the third SCSs.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the control signal further includes information regarding a ratio associated with the first SCS and the third SCS, wherein the ratio can be determined by dividing the first SCS by the smallest SCS among the third SCSs.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the at least one processor can repeat the pattern of the SRS in the consecutive slots by the ratio based on the control signal.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the second base stations may be located within a predetermined distance from the terminal.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for a first base station serving a terminal in wireless communication may be provided. The method may include: generating a control signal associated with a Sounding Reference Signal (SRS) for positioning the terminal based on a first Sub-Carrier Spacing (SCS) and a second SCS for each of the first base station and one or more second base stations; controlling the terminal to repeat the pattern of the SRS in consecutive slots by transmitting the generated control signal to the terminal; and performing the positioning for the terminal based on the times when the first base station and the second base stations received transmissions for the SRS.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the step of generating the control signal may include: determining one or more third SCSs that are smaller than the first SCS among the second SCSs; and determining one or more third base stations corresponding to each of the third SCSs.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the step of generating the control signal may include the step of determining a ratio related to the first SCS and the third SCS by dividing the first SCS by the smallest SCS among the third SCSs.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the step of controlling the terminal may include the step of controlling the terminal to repeat the pattern of the SRS in the consecutive slots by the determined ratio.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the second base stations may be located within a predetermined distance from the terminal.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for a terminal served by a first base station in wireless communication may be provided. The method may include receiving a control signal generated from the first base station based on a first Sub-Carrier Spacing (SCS) and one or more second SCSs for each of the first base station and one or more second base stations; repeating a pattern of a Sounding Reference Signal (SRS) for positioning the terminal in consecutive slots based on the control signal; and transmitting the SRS having the repeated pattern to the first base station and the second base stations.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the control signal may include information about one or more third SCSs that are smaller than the first SCS among the second SCSs; and information about third base stations corresponding to each of the third SCSs.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the control signal further includes information regarding a ratio associated with the first SCS and the third SCS, wherein the ratio can be determined by dividing the first SCS by the smallest SCS among the third SCSs.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the step of repeating the pattern of the SRS for positioning the terminal in the consecutive slots may include the step of repeating the pattern of the SRS in the consecutive slots by the ratio based on the control signal.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the second base stations may be located within a predetermined distance from the terminal.

[0047] The present disclosure relates to Uplink Time Delay of Arrival (UTDoA) in a wireless communication system. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to the positioning of a terminal in a 5G or NR (New Radio) network. However, embodiments of the present disclosure may also be applied to other telecommunication networks.

[0048] UTDoA can be determined by at least three base stations (hereinafter gNBs). For example, a terminal can simultaneously transmit uplink signals to multiple gNBs, and UTDoA can be determined based on the time taken for each of the multiple gNBs to receive the uplink signals. A serving gNB serving the terminal can provide the terminal's positioning based on UTDoA. For example, the terminal's positioning may represent an operation in which the serving gNB estimates the terminal's location.

[0049] When performing UTDoA-based positioning in 5G networks, problems may arise if neighboring gNBs apply different Sub Carrier Spacing (SCS). Optionally, neighboring gNBs may be gNBs located within a certain distance from the terminal. If the SCSs of neighboring gNBs are different from each other, the total power received by a particular gNB may be significantly smaller than that of neighboring gNBs operating with different SCSs or numerologies.

[0050] For example, if the first neighboring gNB is a serving gNB serving the terminal, the first SCS of the first neighboring gNB and the terminal's SCS may be the same, and the second neighboring gNB may apply an SCS smaller than the first SCS. In this case, the sampling clock rate of the first neighboring gNB may be faster than the sampling clock rate of the second neighboring gNB. Therefore, when the terminal transmits uplink signals for terminal positioning to the first neighboring gNB and the second neighboring gNB simultaneously, the magnitude of power received by the second neighboring gNB from the uplink signal may be smaller than the magnitude of power received by the first neighboring gNB from the uplink signal.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method may be provided for operating a first gNB that serves as a gNB serving User Equipment (UE) and communicates with a plurality of neighboring gNBs. The method comprises: requesting the UE to measure the signal strengths of a plurality of neighboring gNBs by the first gNB; selecting a subset of a plurality of neighboring gNBs having the largest signal strength among the signal strengths reported in relation to the UE by the first gNB; determining whether one or more gNBs of the subset operate with a sub-carrier spacing (SCS) smaller than that of the first gNB; and if it is determined that one or more gNBs of the subset operate with an SCS smaller than that of the first gNB, by the first gNB, 2 μ The step includes instructing the UE to repeat the UE's SRS so that the SRS is available in subsequent slots, wherein μ is the SCS of the first gNB, 2 of the smallest SCS of a subset of neighboring gNBs. μIt can be defined as being doubled.

[0052] According to one embodiment, if the SRS is not detected by all gNBs of the sub-set, the first gNB provides the UE with the SRS 2 μ You can instruct it to repeat that much more.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the first gNB has an SRS of 2 to a sub-set of neighboring gNBs. μ It can be instructed that it will be transmitted to cover several consecutive time slots.

[0054] According to one embodiment, 2 μ If the SRS is not detected by all gNBs of the subset even after the SRS has been transmitted repeatedly, the first gNB may select a new subset. Subsequently, if the new subset includes at least one gNB operating with an SCS smaller than that of the first gNB, the first gNB may instruct the UE to repeat the SRS.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the serving gNB collects UTDoA data from a subset and can complete a positioning process based on the collected UTDoA data.

[0056] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a gNB may be provided for performing a method of operating a first gNB.

[0057] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for operating User Equipment (UE) that communicates with a serving gNB and a plurality of neighboring gNBs may be provided. The method is 2 μThe method includes the step of receiving instructions from a serving gNB to repeat the Sounding Reference Signal (SRS) so that the SRS is available in subsequent slots, wherein μ is the SCS of the serving gNB, 2 of the smallest SCS of a sub-set of neighboring gNBs. μ It can be defined as being doubled.

[0058] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a UE may be provided for performing a method for operating the UE.

[0059] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a gNB serving a terminal may utilize an adaptation of the configuration of an SRS for positioning the terminal based on a UTDoA. According to one embodiment, a network may include timing information for an SRS transmitted from a terminal to a plurality of gNBs. For a serving gNB to perform positioning based on the timing information, the hearability of the SRS to neighboring gNBs must be guaranteed. The hearability of the SRS to neighboring gNBs can be severe if neighboring cells apply different subcarrier spacings. This is because when neighboring cells apply different subcarrier spacings, the sampling times of the clocks of neighboring cells differ, which can reduce the amount of energy that can be captured from the SRS transmitted from the terminal.

[0060] A serving gNB according to embodiments of the present disclosure can adapt the SRS configuration by repeating the SRS in consecutive slots to increase the density of the SRS in the time domain. By repeating the SRS in consecutive slots, the serving gNB can maximize the energy that neighboring gNBs operating with different SCSs can sample and capture the SRS received from the terminal.

[0061] The Sound Reference Signal (SRS) is specified in 5G-NR release 15 for the purpose of pre-coder selection and Channel State Information (CSI) based on the uplink beam training codebook / non-codebook. All of these activities can be performed within a gNB serving cell communicating with the UE. For uplink positioning, the SRS can be utilized as staggered patterns with comb sizes {2, 4, 8}, and additionally, its utilization for staggered patterns with comb sizes {1, 6, 12} is being discussed.

[0062] Since the terminal is required to use power control to control inter-cell interference, only the serving gNB can receive the signal transmitted from the terminal at an adequate level. Therefore, simply increasing the SRS transmission power is not an option, as it negatively affects neighboring cells and shortens the battery life of the UE.

[0063] The embodiments of the present disclosure can increase the signal power of a received SRS when neighboring cells apply different SCSs. The SRS is accepted as the main signal used in uplink positioning, and for this reason, correct detection by multiple neighboring cells is required. Since multiple SCSs are specified in Release 15 as applicable to different cells and / or different Bandwidth parts (BWP), the embodiments address this issue.

[0064] Embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a method for configuring an SRS in the form of different sub-carrier spacings (SCS) to support UTDoA-based positioning when neighboring cells use different numerologies. To perform UTDoA-based positioning, an SRS transmitted from a terminal needs to be read by a number of neighboring gNBs. Additionally, there may be limitations on the hearability of the SRS in locations where uplink power control is present.

[0065] If a serving gNB applies a larger SCS than its neighboring gNBs, the corresponding serving gNB's SRS slot times may be shorter than the neighboring gNBs' SRS slot times. Consequently, neighboring gNBs applying a smaller SCS than the serving gNB may have their power captured from the SRS transmitted by the terminal applying the larger SCS limited. Optionally, the serving gNB's SCS and the terminal's SCS may be the same.

[0066] Embodiments of the present disclosure can match the slot time of a neighboring gNB applying a smaller SCS than the terminal by repeating an SRS comb-N pattern in slots adjacent to the slot of the SRS transmitted from the terminal applying a larger SCS, in order to mitigate the effect of limiting the amount of power that neighboring gNBs can capture from an SRS transmitted from a terminal applying a larger SCS than the neighboring gNBs.

[0067] The Sounding Reference Signal (SRS) can be identified as the main uplink signal for performing positioning methods based on UTDoA. The SRS is specified in Release 15 as a signal for multiple uses within the current terminal's serving cell. Along with uplink power control, the terminal can only transmit at a signal power that can be properly heard by the terminal's serving gNB, and does not take into account the need for neighboring gNBs to receive the signal.

[0068] However, for UTDoA-based positioning, multiple neighboring gNBs must receive and decode the SRS for positioning. As a solution for multiple neighboring gNBs to receive and decode the SRS, a simple increase in the power of the SRS is not an option for the reasons mentioned above.

[0069] Figure 1 shows a table illustrating subcarrier spacings in different frequency ranges.

[0070] The default sub-carrier spacing in LTE systems is 15 kHz. In 5G NR, several other sub-carrier spacings are specified as multiples of 15 kHz. This is 15x2 μ It can be expressed as kHz, and μ={1, 2, 3, 쪋}.

[0071] Figure 1 shows a table showing an SCS applicable in a first frequency range (FR1), which is a frequency range lower than 6 GHz, and an SCS applicable in a second frequency range (FR2), which is a frequency range higher than 6 GHz.

[0072] For example, SCSs of 15 kHz, 30 kHz, and 60 kHz may be supported in the first frequency range, and SCSs of 60 kHz, 120 kHz, and 240 kHz may be supported in the second frequency range. An SCS of 480 kHz is specified in Release 15 but is not supported.

[0073] With the increase in SCS, the symbol and slot lengths of the numerology are reduced, and the sampling clock rate can be increased accordingly. Along with the currently proposed or applied SRS patterns, Comb-N patterns spanning multiple symbols in a given slot can be adjusted. For SRS capture based on pre-FFT (Fast Fourier Transform), if all gNBs apply the same SCS, the number of SRS sampling points can be kept constant. Therefore, if all gNBs apply the same SCS, the SRS energy captured from neighboring gNBs can be kept constant. Since the sampling clock rate also changes correspondingly with the reduced symbol and slot lengths, if all gNBs apply the same SCS, the increase in SCS in all neighboring cells will not cause additional issues.

[0074] Low audibility issues in SRS can occur if neighboring gNBs or specific BWPs (Bandwidth parts) apply different SCSs. If one or more of the neighboring gNBs are 2 compared to the serving gNB applying the same SCS as the terminal μWhen applying an SCS that is twice as small, the slot lengths reading the SRS transmitted from the terminal are 2 compared to the slot length of the neighboring gNB. μ It can be twice as short. In this case, since the neighboring gNB will use a sampling clock rate associated with an SCS smaller than that of the serving gNB, the energy captured from the SRS is 2 compared to the scenario where the SRS transmitted from the terminal spans the entire slot length of the neighboring gNB. μ It can be as small as a boat.

[0075] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, for a terminal applying an SCS larger than neighboring gNBs, 2 μ Since the SRS Comb-N pattern is repeated across consecutive slots, the slot lengths reading the SRS transmitted from the terminal can be equal to the slot lengths of the neighboring gNB. Parameter 2 μ It provides the ratio of the neighboring gNB's SCS to the serving gNB's SCS. For example, parameter 2 μ This may be the result of dividing the serving gNB's SCS by the neighboring gNB's SCS. In scenarios where neighboring gNBs apply multiple SCSs, the ratio may be set to the smallest SCS among all neighboring gNBs' SCSs relative to the serving gNB's SCS.

[0076] FIG. 2 illustrates the case where the ratio of the neighboring gNB's SCS to the SCS of the serving gNB, which applies a larger SCS than the neighboring gNB, has a value of '2'. Optionally, the ratio of the neighboring gNB's SCS to the serving gNB's SCS may be the value obtained by dividing the serving gNB's SCS by the neighboring gNB's SCS. When the ratio of the neighboring gNB's SCS to the serving gNB's SCS has a value of '2', μ may have a value of '1'. The change in the value of μ is merely a scaled version of the scenario illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0077] As can be seen in Figure 2, the repetition of the SRS Comb-N pattern can increase the audibility of the SRS by enabling neighboring gNBs that apply an SCS smaller than the serving gNB's SCS to efficiently capture samples spanning the slot time of the neighboring gNB. By repeating the same Comb-N pattern, additional signaling among neighboring gNBs through the X2 interface and additional signaling transmitted from the serving gNB to the terminal are minimized.

[0078] The serving gNB may periodically request neighbor cell signal strength measurements from active terminals within the cell for the purpose of handover. The serving gNB may use the neighbor cell signal strength measurements received from the terminal to determine the set of neighbor gNBs that can be utilized to perform terminal positioning. If one or more neighbor gNBs are 2 μ When utilizing an SCS that is twice as small, the serving gNB requests the terminal to repeat the SRS pattern, thereby making the SRS 2 μ It can be made available in several subsequent slots. Therefore, the amount of power that neighboring gNBs applying an SCS smaller than the serving gNB can capture from the SRS received from the terminal can be increased.

[0079] In an extreme scenario where neighboring gNBs still fail to capture sufficient power necessary to correctly detect the SRS, the serving gNB sends the SRS to the terminal 2 μ You may be asked to repeat it as many times as possible. The overall procedure is illustrated in the flowchart of Figure 3.

[0080] In step S302, the serving gNB may request measurements of the signal strengths of neighboring cells from an active terminal within the serving gNB's cell. For example, the serving gNB may periodically request neighboring cell signal strength measurements from an active terminal within the cell.

[0081] In step S304, the serving gNB determines whether it is necessary to perform UL positioning for the terminal, and the serving gNB may select a subset of neighboring cells based on the neighboring cell signal strength measurements reported in step S302. For example, the serving gNB may detect a predetermined number of neighboring gNBs in order of the magnitude of the reported neighboring cell signal strength measurements, and select a subset including the detected neighboring gNBs.

[0082] In step S306, the serving gNB can detect neighboring gNBs included in the subset selected in step S304 that apply an SCS smaller than that of the serving gNB. This information will be available in the system parameters of a specific gNB.

[0083] If all neighboring gNBs included in the sub-set operate with an SCS equal to or greater than the serving gNB ('No' in step S306), the process may proceed to step S308, where the SRS can be detected by all gNBs included in the defined sub-set without the need for the terminal to change the normal SRS transmission. Here, the flow may continue to step S310.

[0084] If one or more gNBs included in the sub-set can operate with an SCS smaller than the serving gNB ('Yes' in step S306), in step S312, the serving gNB gives the terminal an SRS pattern in the subsequent slots 2 μ You can instruct it to repeat.

[0085] In step S314, neighboring gNBs included in the subset detect repeated SRSs in subsequent slots.

[0086] In step S310, neighboring gNBs included in the subset determine whether the SRS has been successfully detected and can transmit a signal to the serving gNB via X2 indicating whether the SRS has been successfully detected.

[0087] If SRS detection is unsuccessful for one or more neighboring gNBs in the subset ('No' in step S310), in step S316, the serving gNB gives 2 to the terminal μ Request to send the SRS again. Then, proceed to step S318.

[0088] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, if repeated transmission of SRS in a plurality of slots is inefficient, the serving gNB may select a new subset of neighboring gNBs to successfully complete the positioning process. In this case, the flow may start again from step S302.

[0089] If the SRS detection is detected as successful ('Yes' in step S310), in step S318 the serving gNB can collect UTDOA data from a subset of neighboring cells and complete the positioning process. The determined position of the UE can then be utilized in a required and known method.

[0090] As a special case of the above process, SRS iteration may be performed for a situation where a subset of neighboring gNBs has the same SCS. However, some gNBs may not receive the SRS with sufficient power to detect the signal. In other words, even if the decision in step S306 indicates that there are no neighboring gNBs for which the subset applies an SCS smaller than that of the serving gNB, step S312 may be enabled so that neighboring gNBs can detect the SRS with a higher probability.

[0091] By the embodiments of the present disclosure, the effects of SCS differences between neighboring gNBs can be mitigated, thereby enabling more reliable positioning performance by UTDOA.

[0092] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a first base station according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0093] In step S402, the first base station may generate a control signal associated with a Sounding Reference Signal (SRS) for positioning a terminal based on the first Sub-Carrier Spacing (SCS) and the second SCSs for each of the first base station and one or more second base stations. For example, the second base stations may be located within a predetermined distance from the terminal. For example, the first base station may be a base station serving the terminal, and the terminal's SCS and the first SCS may be the same.

[0094] Specifically, the first base station may determine one or more third SCSs that are smaller than the first SCS among the second SCSs, and determine one or more third base stations corresponding to each of the third SCSs. The first base station may determine a ratio related to the first SCS and the third SCSs by dividing the first SCS by the smallest SCS among the third SCSs. The first base station may control the terminal to repeat the pattern of the SRS in consecutive slots by the determined ratio. Optionally, the pattern of the SRS may include a Comb-N pattern.

[0095] In step S404, the first base station can control the terminal to repeat the pattern of the SRS in consecutive slots by transmitting the control signal generated in step S402 to the terminal. For example, the first base station can control the terminal to repeat the SRS pattern based on the control signal. The terminal can transmit the SRS generated by repeating the SRS pattern based on the control signal to the first base station and the second base station.

[0096] In step S406, the first base station may perform the positioning for the terminal based on the times when the first base station and the second base station receive transmissions for the SRS. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first base station may control the terminal to repeat the SRS pattern so that the second base stations can receive the SRS without experiencing a reduction in received power from the terminal, even when the second SCS is smaller than the first SCS. Accordingly, the first base station may perform the positioning for the terminal based on the arrival times of the SRS transmitted from the terminal to the first base station and the second base station.

[0097] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a terminal according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0098] In step S502, the terminal may receive a control signal generated from the first base station based on a first SCS (Sub-Carrier Spacing) and one or more second SCSs for each of the first base station and one or more second base stations. Optionally, the terminal's SCS and the first SCS may be the same. For example, the second base stations may be located within a predetermined distance from the terminal.

[0099] Specifically, the control signal may include information regarding one or more third SCSs among the second SCSs that are smaller than the first SCS; information regarding third base stations corresponding to each of the third SCSs; and information regarding ratios associated with the first SCS and the third SCSs. For example, the ratio associated with the first SCS and the third SCSs may be determined by dividing the first SCS by the smallest SCS among the third SCSs.

[0100] In step S504, the terminal may repeat the pattern of the SRS for positioning the terminal in consecutive slots based on a control signal. Specifically, the terminal may repeat the pattern of the SRS in consecutive slots by a ratio associated with the first SCS and the third SCS based on the control signal. Optionally, the pattern of the SRS may include a Comb-N pattern.

[0101] In step S506, the terminal can transmit an SRS having a repeated pattern to the first base station and the second base station.

[0102] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the detailed configuration of a first base station in a wireless communication system according to one embodiment.

[0103] Referring to FIG. 6, the first base station (600) may include a transceiver (620), a processor (640), and a memory (660). However, not all components shown in FIG. 6 are essential components of the first base station (600). The first base station (600) may be implemented with more components than those shown in FIG. 6, or with fewer components than those shown in FIG. 6. Furthermore, the transceiver (620), the processor (640), and the memory (660) may be implemented in the form of a single chip.

[0104] In one embodiment, the transceiver (620) may transmit and receive signals to a terminal or second base stations or other electronic devices connected to the first base station (600) via wired or wireless connection. Here, the signals may include control information and data. For example, the transceiver (620) may transmit a control signal to the terminal to control the terminal to repeat the pattern of the SRS in consecutive slots, and may receive an SRS having a repeated pattern from the terminal to perform positioning of the terminal.

[0105] In one embodiment, the processor (640) controls the overall operation of the first base station (600) and may include at least one processor, such as a CPU, GPU, etc. The processor (640) may control other components included in the first base station (600) to perform operations for operating the first base station (600). For example, the processor (640) may execute a program stored in memory (660), read a stored file, or save a new file. In one embodiment, the processor (640) may perform operations for operating the first base station (600) by executing a program stored in memory (660). For example, the processor (640) may generate a control signal related to a Sounding Reference Signal (SRS) for positioning a terminal based on the first Sub-Carrier Spacing (SCS) and the second SCS for each of the first base station (600) and one or more second base stations. For example, the second base stations may be located within a predetermined distance from the terminal.

[0106] In one embodiment, various types of data, such as programs and files, such as applications, may be installed and stored in the memory (660). The processor (640) may access and use the data stored in the memory (660), or may store new data in the memory (660). In one embodiment, the memory (660) may store information regarding control signals.

[0107] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the detailed configuration of a terminal in a wireless communication system according to one embodiment.

[0108] Referring to FIG. 7, the terminal (700) may include a transceiver (720), a processor (740), and a memory (760). However, not all components shown in FIG. 7 are essential components of the terminal (700). The terminal (700) may be implemented with more components than those shown in FIG. 7, or with fewer components than those shown in FIG. 7. Furthermore, the transceiver (720), the processor (740), and the memory (760) may be implemented in the form of a single chip.

[0109] In one embodiment, the transceiver (720) may transmit and receive signals to a first base station connected to the terminal (700) via wired or wireless connection, or to second base stations or other electronic devices located within a predetermined distance from the terminal. Here, the signals may include control information and data. For example, the transceiver (720) may receive a control signal generated from the first base station based on a first SCS (Sub-Carrier Spacing) and one or more second SCSs for each of the first base station and one or more second base stations. For example, the second base stations may be located within a predetermined distance from the terminal (700). The transceiver (720) may transmit an SRS having a repeated pattern to the first base station and the second base stations for positioning the terminal (700).

[0110] In one embodiment, the processor (740) can control the overall operation of the terminal (700). The processor (740) can control other components included in the terminal (700) to perform operations for operating the terminal (700). For example, the processor (740) may execute a program stored in memory (760), read a stored file, or save a new file. In one embodiment, the processor (740) can perform operations for operating the terminal (700) by executing a program stored in memory (760). For example, the processor (740) may repeat the pattern of SRS for positioning the terminal (700) in consecutive slots based on a control signal.

[0111] In one embodiment, various types of data, such as programs and files, such as applications, may be installed and stored in the memory (760). The processor (740) may access and use the data stored in the memory (760), or may store new data in the memory (760). In one embodiment, the memory (760) may store information related to control signals. For example, the control signal may further include information regarding one or more third SCSs that are smaller than the first SCS among the second SCSs; information regarding third base stations corresponding to each of the third SCSs; and information regarding ratios associated with the first SCS and the third SCSs. The ratio associated with the first SCS and the third SCSs may be determined by dividing the first SCS by the smallest SCS among the third SCSs.

[0112] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a first base station according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0113] In step S802, the first base station may determine parameters related to repeated transmissions of a sounding reference signal (SRS) based on a first sub-carrier spacing (SCS) for the first base station and one or more second SCSs for one or more second base stations. For example, the parameters may include a comb value associated with the SRS. For example, the first SCS and the second SCS may correspond to a first bandwidth part (BOP) and one or more second BWPs, respectively.

[0114] Specifically, the first base station can determine one or more third SCSs among the second SCSs that are smaller than the first SCS. The first base station can determine the ratio associated with the first SCS and the third SCSs by dividing the first SCS by the smallest SCS among the third SCSs. For example, the SRS can be transmitted repeatedly from the terminal at a determined ratio.

[0115] In step S804, the first base station can transmit parameters related to the repeated transmissions of the SRS to the terminal.

[0116] In step S806, the first base station can perform positioning of the terminal based on the SRS repeatedly received from the terminal.

[0117] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a terminal according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0118] In step S902, the terminal may receive parameters related to repeated transmissions of a Sounding Reference Signal (SRS) from a first base station. For example, the parameters may be determined based on a first sub-carrier spacing (SCS) for the first base station and one or more second SCSs for the second base stations. For example, the parameters may include a comb value associated with the SRS, and the first SCS and the second SCS may correspond to a first bandwidth part (BOP) and one or more second BWPs, respectively.

[0119] In step S904, the terminal may repeatedly transmit an SRS for the positioning of the terminal to a first base station and one or more second base stations. Specifically, the terminal may repeatedly transmit the SRS to the first base station and the second base stations in proportion to the ratio associated with third SCSs that are smaller than the first SCS among the first SCS and the second SCSs. For example, the ratio may be determined by dividing the first SCS by the smallest SCS among the third SCSs.

[0120] The disclosed embodiments may be implemented as a software program comprising instructions stored on a computer-readable storage media.

[0121] A computer is a device capable of calling instructions stored from a storage medium and performing operations according to the disclosed embodiments according to the called instructions, and may include an electronic device according to the disclosed embodiments.

[0122] Computer-readable storage media may be provided in the form of non-transitory storage media. Here, 'non-transitory' means merely that the storage medium does not contain a signal and is tangible, without distinguishing whether data is stored semi-permanently or temporarily on the storage medium.

[0123] In addition, the control method according to the disclosed embodiments may be provided by being included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between a seller and a buyer as a product.

[0124] A computer program product may include a software program and a computer-readable storage medium on which the software program is stored. For example, a computer program product may include a product in the form of a software program (e.g., a downloadable app) that is electronically distributed through a device manufacturer or an electronic market (e.g., Google Play Store, App Store). For electronic distribution, at least a portion of the software program may be stored on a storage medium or temporarily created. In this case, the storage medium may be a server of the manufacturer, a server of the electronic market, or a storage medium of a relay server that temporarily stores the software program.

[0125] A computer program product may include a storage medium of a server or a storage medium of a device in a system composed of a server and a device. Alternatively, if there is a third device (e.g., a smartphone) that is connected to the server or device in communication, the computer program product may include a storage medium of the third device. Alternatively, the computer program product may include the S / W program itself that is transmitted from the server to the device or the third device, or transmitted from the third device to the device.

[0126] In this case, one of the server, the device, and the third device may execute the computer program product to perform the method according to the disclosed embodiments. Alternatively, two or more of the server, the device, and the third device may execute the computer program product to perform the method according to the disclosed embodiments in a distributed manner.

[0127] For example, a server (e.g., a cloud server or an artificial intelligence server, etc.) can execute a computer program product stored on the server to control a device connected to the server in communication to perform a method according to the disclosed embodiments.

[0128] As another example, the third device may execute a computer program product to control a device connected to the third device in communication to perform a method according to the disclosed embodiment. When the third device executes the computer program product, the third device may download the computer program product from a server and execute the downloaded computer program product. Alternatively, the third device may execute a computer program product provided in a preloaded state to perform a method according to the disclosed embodiments.

[0129] At least some of the exemplary embodiments described herein may be constructed in part or wholly using dedicated special-purpose hardware. Terms such as 'component,' 'module,' or 'unit' as used herein may include, but are not limited to, hardware devices such as circuits in the form of discrete or integrated components, Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), or Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs) that perform specific tasks or provide related functions. In some embodiments, the described elements may be configured to reside on a tangible, permanent, and addressable storage medium and to be executed on one or more processors. These functional elements may include, in some embodiments, software components, object-oriented software components, class components and task components, processes, functions, attributes, procedures, subroutines, segments of program code, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuitry, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays, and variables. Although exemplary embodiments have been described with reference to the components, modules, and units discussed herein, these functional elements may be combined into fewer elements or separated into additional elements. Various combinations of optional features have been described herein, and it will be understood that the described features may be combined in any suitable combination. In particular, features of any one exemplary embodiment may be combined with features of any other embodiment, except where such combinations are mutually exclusive.In this specification, the term “comprising” or “comprising” means including a component specified as not excluding the presence of other components.

[0130] Note all documents and papers submitted simultaneously with or prior to this specification in connection with this application, which may be publicly examined through this specification, and the contents of all such documents and papers are incorporated herein by reference.

[0131] All features disclosed herein (including any claims, abstract, and drawings) and / or all steps of any disclosed method or process may be combined in any combination, except for combinations of mutually exclusive features and / or methods.

[0132] Each feature disclosed herein (including any claims, summary, and drawings) may be replaced by an alternative feature providing the same, equivalent, or similar purpose unless expressly stated otherwise. Accordingly, unless expressly stated otherwise, each disclosed feature is merely an example of one of a general series of equivalent or similar features.

[0133] The present disclosure is not limited to the details of the embodiments described above. The present disclosure extends to any novel feature or any novel combination of any method or any novel combination of steps of any method or process disclosed herein.

[0134] Various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above. The foregoing description of the present disclosure is for illustrative purposes only and is not limited to the embodiments disclosed. Those skilled in the art will understand that other specific forms can be easily modified without altering the technical spirit or essential features of the present disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims set forth below rather than by the foregoing detailed description, and all modifications or variations derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and equivalent concepts should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

Claim 1 A method performed by a first base station in a wireless communication system, wherein the method comprises the steps of: determining a parameter indicating the number of repeated transmissions of a sounding reference signal (SRS) based on a first sub-carrier spacing (SCS) for the first base station and a second SCS for the second base station, wherein the first SCS is greater than the second SCS and the parameter is associated with the ratio of the first SCS to the second SCS; transmitting a message including the parameter to a terminal; and performing positioning of the terminal based on the SRS received repeatedly from the terminal as many times as the number of repeated transmissions. Claim 2 delete Claim 3 A method according to claim 1, wherein the first SCS and the second SCS each correspond to a first bandwidth part (BWP) and a second BWP. Claim 4 delete Claim 5 delete Claim 6 A method performed by a terminal in a wireless communication system, the method comprising: receiving a message from a first base station containing a parameter indicating the number of repeated transmissions of a sounding reference signal (SRS), wherein the parameter is associated with the ratio of a first sub-carrier spacing (SCS) for the first base station and a second SCS for the second base station, and wherein the first SCS is greater than the second SCS; and the step of repeatedly transmitting the SRS for positioning of the terminal to the first base station and the second base station by the number of repeated transmissions. Claim 7 delete Claim 8 In claim 6, the method wherein the first SCS and the second SCS each correspond to a first bandwidth part (BWP) and a second BWP. Claim 9 delete Claim 10 delete Claim 11 A first base station in a wireless communication system comprises: a transceiver; and at least one processor coupled to the transceiver, wherein the at least one processor determines a parameter indicating the number of repeated transmissions of a sounding reference signal (SRS) based on a first sub-carrier spacing (SCS) for the first base station and a second SCS for the second base station, wherein the first SCS is greater than the second SCS and the parameter is associated with the ratio of the first SCS to the second SCS, and transmits a message including the parameter to a terminal through the transceiver, and performs positioning of the terminal based on the SRS received repeatedly from the terminal by the number of repeated transmissions. Claim 12 delete Claim 13 In claim 11, the first SCS and the second SCS are each a first base station corresponding to a first bandwidth part (BWP) and a second BWP. Claim 14 delete Claim 15 delete Claim 16 A terminal in a wireless communication system comprises: a transceiver; and at least one processor coupled to the transceiver, wherein the at least one processor receives, through the transceiver, a message including a parameter indicating the number of repeated transmissions of a sounding reference signal (SRS) from a first base station, wherein the parameter is associated with the ratio of a first sub-carrier spacing (SCS) for the first base station and a second SCS for the second base station, wherein the first SCS is greater than the second SCS, and the terminal repeatedly transmits the SRS for positioning of the terminal to the first base station and the second base station by the number of repeated transmissions. Claim 17 delete Claim 18 In claim 16, the first SCS and the second SCS are terminals corresponding to the first bandwidth part (BOP) and the second BWP, respectively. Claim 19 delete Claim 20 delete

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