Selection of positioning method with multiple requirements

Abstract

An apparatus including: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: receiving, with the apparatus, configuration information for a positioning operation (406), where the configuration information comprises information regarding at least two different positioning techniques; and using the configuration information, with the apparatus, to initiate at least one of the different positioning techniques (410 or 412).

Description

SELECTION OF POSITIONING METHOD WITH MULTIPLE REQUIREMENTSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority from, and the benefit of, US Provisional Application No. 63 / 574947, filed April 5, 2024, the content of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The example and non-limiting embodiments relate generally to positioning and, more particularly, to positioning related to a user equipment.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR DEVELOPMENTS

[0003] Determining a position of a user equipment in a network, by the user equipment, is known.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The following summary is merely intended to be an example. The summary is not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0005] In accordance with one aspect, an example apparatus is provided comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: receiving, with the apparatus, configuration information for a positioning operation, where the configuration information comprises information regarding at least two different positioning techniques; and using the configuration information, with the apparatus, to initiate at least one of the different positioning techniques.

[0006] In accordance with another aspect, an example method is provided comprising: receiving, with an apparatus, configuration information for a positioning operation, where the configuration information comprises information regarding at least two different positioning techniques; and using the configuration information, with the apparatus, to initiate at least one of the different positioning techniques.

[0007] In accordance with another aspect, an example apparatus is provided comprising: means for receiving, with the apparatus, configuration information for a positioning operation, where the configuration information comprises information regarding at least two different positioning techniques; and means for using the configuration information, with the apparatus, to initiate at least one of the different positioning techniques.

[0008] In accordance with another aspect, an example is provided with a program storage device readable by an apparatus, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable with the apparatus for performing operations, the operations comprising: receiving, with the apparatus, configuration information for apositioning operation, where the configuration information comprises information regarding at least two different positioning techniques; and using the configuration information, with the apparatus, to initiate at least one of the different positioning techniques.

[0009] In accordance with another aspect, an example apparatus is provided comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: determining configuration information for a positioning operation regarding a user equipment, where the determining is based, at least partially, upon capability information received by the apparatus regarding the user equipment; and sending the configuration information to the user equipment, where the configuration information comprises information in regard to at least two different positioning techniques, where the configuration information is configured to be used with the user equipment to initiate at least one of the different positioning techniques.

[0010] In accordance with another aspect, an example method is provided comprising: determining configuration information for a positioning operation regarding a user equipment, where the determining is based, at least partially, upon capability information received by the apparatus regarding the user equipment; and sending the configuration information to the user equipment, where the configuration information comprises information in regard to at least two different positioning techniques, where the configuration information is configured to be used with the user equipment to initiate at least one of the different positioning techniques.

[0011] In accordance with another aspect, an example apparatus is provided comprising: means for determining configuration information for a positioning operation regarding a user equipment, where the determining is based, at least partially, upon capability information received by the apparatus regarding the user equipment; and means for sending the configuration information to the user equipment, where the configuration information comprises information in regard to at least two different positioning techniques, where the configuration information is configured to be used with the user equipment to initiate at least one of the different positioning techniques.

[0012] In accordance with another aspect, an example is provided with a program storage device readable by an apparatus, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable with the apparatus for performing operations, the operations comprising: determining configuration information for a positioning operation regarding a user equipment, where the determining is based, at least partially, upon capability information received by the apparatus regarding the user equipment; and sending the configuration information to the user equipment, where the configuration information comprises information in regard to at least two different positioning techniques, where the configuration information is configured to be used with the user equipment to initiate at least one of the different positioning techniques.

[0013] According to some aspects, there is provided the subject matter of the independent claims.Some further aspects are provided in subject matter of the dependent claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0014] The foregoing aspects and other features are explained in the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0015] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of one possible and non-limiting example system in which the example embodiments may be practiced;

[0016] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating example components in a control plane (CP) and a user plane (UP);

[0017] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an AIML model with input and output for AIML positioning;

[0018] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example method;

[0019] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example method

[0020] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example method.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The following abbreviations that may be found in the specification and / or the drawing figures are defined as follows:3GPP third generation partnership project5G fifth generation5GC 5G core networkAF application functionAl artificial intelligenceAIML or AI / ML artificial intelligence / machine learningAMF access and mobility management functionAUSF authentication server functionCIR channel impulse responseCP control planeCU central unitDL downlinkDN data networkDU distributed unit eNB (or eNodeB) evolved Node B (e.g., an LTE base station)EN-DC E-UTRA-NR dual connectivity en-gNB or En-gNB node providing NR user plane and control plane protocol terminations towards the UE, and acting as secondary node in EN-DCE-UTRA evolved universal terrestrial radio access, i.e., the LTE radio access technology gNB (or gNodeB) base station for 5G / NR, i.e., a node providing NR user plane and control plane protocol terminations towards the UE, and connected via the NG interface to the 5GC l / F interfaceLMF location management functionLOS line of sightLTE long term evolutionML machine learningMME mobility management entityNEF network exposure function ng or NG new generation ng-eNB or NG-eNB new generation eNBNLOS non-line-of-sightNR new radioNRF network repository functionNSSF network slice selection functionN / W or NW networkPCF policy control functionPDCP packet data convergence protocolPDP power delay profilePRS positioning reference signalRAN radio access networkRel releaseRel-18 release 18Rel-19 release 19RRH remote radio headRRC radio resource controlRSRP reference signal received powerRSRPP reference signal received power per signal pathRSTD reference signal timing differenceRU radio unitRx receiverSDAP service data adaptation protocolSGW serving gatewaySMF session management functionTCI transmission configuration indicatorTS technical specificationTx transmitterUDM unified data managementUE user equipment (e.g., a wireless, typically mobile device)UL uplinkUP user planeUPF user plane function

[0022] Features as described herein may be used in regard to artificial intelligence (Al), machine learning (ML), positioning, and performance requirements.

[0023] Turning to FIG. 1 , this figure shows a block diagram of one possible and non-limiting example in which the examples may be practiced. A user equipment (UE) 110, radio access network (RAN) node 170, and network element(s) 190 are illustrated. Examples of network equipment, network device, or a network entity might be understood to include, at least part of, a transmission reception point or a cell or a gNB or node for example. In the example of FIG. 1 , the user equipment (UE) 110 is in wireless communication with a wireless network 100. A UE is a wireless device that can access the wireless network 100. The UE 110 includes one or more processors 120, one or more memories 125, and one or more transceivers 130 interconnected through one or more buses 127. Each of the one or more transceivers 130 includes a receiver, Rx, 132 and a transmitter, Tx, 133. The one or more buses 127 may be address, data, or control buses, and may include any interconnection mechanism, such as a series of lines on a motherboard or integrated circuit, fiber optics or other optical communication equipment, and the like. The one or more transceivers 130 are connected to one or more antennas 128. The one or more memories 125 include computer program code 123. The UE 110 includes a module 140, comprising one of or both parts 140-1 and / or 140-2, which may be implemented in a number of ways. The module 140 may be implemented in hardware as module 140-1 , such as being implemented as part of the one or more processors 120. The module 140-1 may be implemented also as an integrated circuit or through other hardware such as a programmable gate array. In another example, the module 140 may be implemented as module 140-2, which is implemented as computer program code 123 and is executed by the one or more processors 120. For instance, the one or more memories 125and the computer program code 123 may be configured to, with the one or more processors 120, cause the user equipment 110 to perform one or more of the operations as described herein. The UE 110 communicates with RAN node 170 via a wireless link 111.

[0024] The RAN node 170 in this example is a base station that provides access by wireless devices such as the UE 110 to the wireless network 100. The RAN node 170 may be, for example, a base station for 5G, also called New Radio (NR). In 5G, the RAN node 170 may be a NG-RAN node, which is defined as either a gNB or a ng-eNB. A gNB is a node providing NR user plane and control plane protocol terminations towards the UE, and connected via the NG interface to a 5GC (such as, for example, the network element(s) 190). The ng-eNB is a node providing E-UTRA user plane and control plane protocol terminations towards the UE, and connected via the NG interface to the 5GC. The NG-RAN node may include multiple gNBs, which may also include a central unit (CU) (gNB-CU) 196 and distributed unit(s) (DUs) (gNB-DUs), of which DU 195 is shown. Note that the DU may include or be coupled to and control a radio unit (RU). The gNB-CU is a logical node hosting RRC, SDAP and PDCP protocols of the gNB or RRC and PDCP protocols of the en-gNB that controls the operation of one or more gNB-DUs. The gNB-CU terminates the F1 interface connected with the gNB-DU. The F1 interface is illustrated as reference 198, although reference 198 also illustrates a link between remote elements of the RAN node 170 and centralized elements of the RAN node 170, such as between the gNB-CU 196 and the gNB-DU 195. The gNB-DU is a logical node hosting radio link control, medium access control and physical layers of the gNB or en-gNB, and its operation is partly controlled by gNB-CU. One gNB-CU supports one or multiple cells. One cell is supported by only one gNB-DU. The gNB- DU terminates the F1 interface 198 connected with the gNB-CU. Note that the DU 195 is considered to include the transceiver 160, e.g., as part of a RU, but some examples of this may have the transceiver 160 as part of a separate RU, e.g., under control of and connected to the DU 195. The RAN node 170 may also be an eNB (evolved NodeB) base station, for LTE (long term evolution), or any other suitable base station or node.

[0025] The RAN node 170 includes one or more processors 152, one or more memories 155, one or more network interfaces (N / W l / F(s)) 161 , and one or more transceivers 160 interconnected through one or more buses 157. Each of the one or more transceivers 160 includes a receiver, Rx, 162 and a transmitter, Tx, 163. The one or more transceivers 160 are connected to one or more antennas 158. The one or more memories 155 include computer program code 153. The CU 196 may include the processor(s) 152, memories 155, and network interfaces 161. Note that the DU 195 may also contain its own memory / memories and processor(s), and / or other hardware, but these are not shown.

[0026] The RAN node 170 includes a module 150, comprising one of or both parts 150-1 and / or 150-2, which may be implemented in a number of ways. The module 150 may be implemented in hardware as module 150-1 , such as being implemented as part of the one or more processors 152. The module 150-1may be implemented also as an integrated circuit or through other hardware such as a programmable gate array. In another example, the module 150 may be implemented as module 150-2, which is implemented as computer program code 153 and is executed by the one or more processors 152. For instance, the one or more memories 155 and the computer program code 153 are configured to, with the one or more processors 152, cause the RAN node 170 to perform one or more of the operations as described herein. Note that the functionality of the module 150 may be distributed, such as being distributed between the DU 195 and the CU 196, or be implemented solely in the DU 195.

[0027] The one or more network interfaces 161 communicate over a network such as via the links 176 and 131. Two or more gNBs 170 may communicate using, e.g., link 176. The link 176 may be wired or wireless or both and may implement, for example, an Xn interface for 5G, an X2 interface for LTE, or other suitable interface for other standards.

[0028] The one or more buses 157 may be address, data, or control buses, and may include any interconnection mechanism, such as a series of lines on a motherboard or integrated circuit, fiber optics or other optical communication equipment, wireless channels, and the like. For example, the one or more transceivers 160 may be implemented as a remote radio head (RRH) 195 for LTE or a distributed unit (DU) 195 for gNB implementation for 5G, with the other elements of the RAN node 170 possibly being physically in a different location from the RRH / DU, and the one or more buses 157 could be implemented in part as, for example, fiber optic cable or other suitable network connection to connect the other elements (e.g., a central unit (CU), gNB-CU) of the RAN node 170 to the RRH / DU 195. Reference 198 also indicates those suitable network link(s).

[0029] It is noted that description herein indicates that “cells” perform functions, but it should be clear that equipment which forms the cell will perform the functions. The cell makes up part of a base station. That is, there can be multiple cells per base station. For example, there could be three cells for a single carrier frequency and associated bandwidth, each cell covering one-third of a 360 degree area so that the single base station’s coverage area covers an approximate oval or circle. Furthermore, each cell can correspond to a single carrier and a base station may use multiple carriers. So if there are three 120 degree cells per carrier and two carriers, then the base station has a total of 6 cells.

[0030] The wireless network 100 may include a network element or elements 190 that may include core network functionality, and which provides connectivity via a link or links 181 with a further network, such as a telephone network and / or a data communications network (e.g., the Internet). Such core network functionality for 5G may include access and mobility management function(s) (AMF(S)) and / or user plane functions (UPF(s)) and / or session management function(s) (SMF(s)). Such core network functionality for LTE may include MME (Mobility Management Entity) / SGW (Serving Gateway) functionality. These are merely exemplary functions that may be supported by the network element(s) 190, and note that both 5G and LTEfunctions might be supported. The RAN node 170 is coupled via a link 131 to a network element 190. The link 131 may be implemented as, e.g., an NG interface for 5G, or an S1 interface for LTE, or other suitable interface for other standards. The network element 190 includes one or more processors 175, one or more memories 171 , and one or more network interfaces (N / W l / F(s)) 180, interconnected through one or more buses 185. The one or more memories 171 include computer program code 173. The one or more memories 171 and the computer program code 173 are configured to, with the one or more processors 175, cause the network element 190 to perform one or more operations.

[0031] The wireless network 100 may implement network virtualization, which is the process of combining hardware and software network resources and network functionality into a single, software-based administrative entity, a virtual network. Network virtualization involves platform virtualization, often combined with resource virtualization. Network virtualization is categorized as either external, combining many networks, or parts of networks, into a virtual unit, or internal, providing network-like functionality to software containers on a single system. Note that the virtualized entities that result from the network virtualization are still implemented, at some level, using hardware such as processors 152 or 175 and memories 155 and 171, and also such virtualized entities create technical effects.

[0032] The computer readable memories 125, 155, and 171 may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment and may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor based memory devices, flash memory, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory and removable memory. The computer readable memories 125, 155, and 171 may be means for performing storage functions. The processors 120, 152, and 175 may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment, and may include one or more of general purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs) and processors based on a multi-core processor architecture, as non-limiting examples. The processors 120, 152, and 175 may be means for performing functions, such as controlling the UE 110, RAN node 170, and other functions as described herein.

[0033] In general, the various embodiments of the user equipment 110 can include, but are not limited to, cellular telephones such as smart phones, tablets, personal digital assistants (PDAs) having wireless communication capabilities, portable computers having wireless communication capabilities, image capture devices such as digital cameras having wireless communication capabilities, gaming devices having wireless communication capabilities, music storage and playback appliances having wireless communication capabilities, Internet appliances permitting wireless Internet access and browsing, tablets with wireless communication capabilities, as well as portable units or terminals that incorporate combinations of such functions.

[0034] Referring also to FIG. 2, an example control plane (CP) may comprise, for example, the following: NSSF, NEF, NRF, PCF, UDM, AF, LMF, AMF, AUSF and SMF. Also, an example user plane (UP) may comprise the UE, RAN, UPF and DN. The data network DN, such as an external data network, may also comprise one or more application functions AF. Please note that this is merely an example illustration to show some of the features and is not intended to be considered as limiting.

[0035] A positioning operation may occur at a UE where the UE determines it position or location. Accuracy enhancements for positioning are one of the topics of AIML use cases in 3GPP Rel-19. Under positioning topic, there are multiple sub-use cases as identified in TR38.843:The following are selected as representative sub-use cases:- Direct AI / ML positioning:- AI / ML model output: UE location- e.g., fingerprinting based on channel observation as the input of AI / ML model- AI / ML assisted positioning:- AI / ML model output: new measurement and / or enhancement of existing measurement- e.g., LOS / NLOS identification, timing and / or angle of measurement, likelihood of measurementMore specifically, the following Cases are considered for the study:- Case 1 : UE-based positioning with UE-side model, direct AI / ML or AI / ML assisted positioning- Case 2a: UE-assisted / LMF-based positioning with UE-side model, AI / ML assisted positioning- Case 2b: UE-assisted / LMF-based positioning with LMF-side model, direct AI / ML positioning- Case 3a: NG-RAN node assisted positioning with gNB-side model, AI / ML assisted positioning- Case 3b: NG-RAN node assisted positioning with LMF-side model, direct AI / ML positioning One-sided model whose inference is performed entirely at the UE or at the network is prioritized in Rel-18 SI.

[0036] The models referred to above are generally in regard to Al or ML models which may be at the UE (UE-side model). The Al or ML models noted above may be at a network equipment such as a CN (core network) such as the LMF (the LMF-side model), or a base station (BS) or gNB (the gNB-side) for example. As a physical layer aspect of AIML-based positioning, the model inference has been considered with the following features [TR38.843]Model Inference related:- For direct AI / ML positioning (Case 2b and 3b), type of measurement(s) as model inference input considering performance impact and associated signalling overhead- Potential new measurement: CIR / PDP- Existing measurement: e.g., RSRP / RSRPP / RSTD- Note: details of potential new measurement and / or potential enhancement to existing measurement is to be studied.- For AI / ML assisted positioning with UE-assisted (Case 2a) and NG-RAN node assisted positioning (Case 3a), measurement report to carry model output to LMF- New measurement report: e.g., ToA, path phase- Existing measurement report: e.g., RSTD, LOS / NLOS indicator, RSRPP- Enhancement of existing measurement report: e.g., soft information / high resolution of RSTD- Assistance signalling and procedure to facilitate model inference for both UE-side and Network-side model- RS configurationsWhere the ToA would be a propagation time or a time of flight (ToF) of a transmitted reference signal (e.g., positioning reference signal). The path phase may be a phase value of a specific detected signal path based on the received positioning reference signal. For example, a phase value of a first detected path could be used. Depending on the use cases and AIML models / functionalities, phase values and / or ToAs of multiple signal paths could be used.

[0037] In particular, the legacy positioning techniques have already specified the performance requirements for a number of existing measurements including PRS-RSRP, RSRPP, RSTD, etc. These legacy positioning techniques have not used AI / ML. Because AI / ML-based positioning techniques are now being considered for use, features as noted below may be used in regard to accommodating both the legacy (non-AI / ML) positioning techniques and the non-legacy AI / ML positioning techniques. These are sometime referred to below as a legacy positioning mode or legacy positioning, and a AI / ML positioning mode or AI / ML positioning. Thus, with development of non-legacy AI / ML positioning technique(s), more than one mode may be available for the UE to use for positioning, and features as described below may be used for selecting, maintaining or switching between or amount modes or positioning techniques. More specifically, the legacy positioning techniques may imply that the location estimation is performed based on positioning measurements such as ToA / RSTD / Rx-Tx time difference / RSRP / RSRPP where the measurement is obtained by a UE from received positioning reference signals. The obtained measurements may be selected and / or filtered to run a location estimation algorithm based on measurement accuracy, RSRP, and / or a specific measurement requirement, but this process and algorithm still could be a part of the legacy positioning techniques.

[0038] Artificial intelligence (Al) generally comprises use of a computer system (such as with a processor and memory having software and / or hardware) capable of performing tasks that historically required human intelligence, such as making decisions and identifying patterns for example. Machine learning, also referredto as predictive analytics, may involve a computer (such as with a processor and a memory having software and / or firmware) discovering how they can perform tasks without being explicitly programmed to do so; it may involve a computer learning from data provided so that the computer carry out a certain task(s).

[0039] For AIML-based positioning, the AIML model illustrated in FIG. 3 is a structure with a set of inputs and another set of outputs. The input of the AIML model can include any dataset such as positioning-related measurements such as RSTD measurements. Also, the output of the AIML model can be any information useful to identify the localization of a certain UE. For instance, the output of the AIML model can be the coordinate of UE in AIML-based direct positioning.

[0040] In case 1 , the AIML model is located in UE. For example, UE collects the data as an input of the AIML model. The input data can be the downlink (DL) measurements such as RSTD. Then the inference function using the AIML model is performed by UE. The output of the inference based on AIML model can be the coordinate of the UE.

[0041] In Case 2a, the AIML model is located in UE. For example, UE uses the AIML model having the received signal as inputs. Then the output of the AIML model can be the inferred measurements as an output. For example, the output can be shown as a report in the form of existing measurement. The output is sent from UE to LMF. Consequently, based on the reported measurements, the LMF determines the position of the UE.

[0042] Therefore, for the UE-side model in AIML-based positioning, the performance requirements on the output of the AIML model are essentially needed.

[0043] The legacy positioning techniques have defined a fixed set of performance requirements for the measurements. However, when AIML functionality is adopted into positioning techniques, the output of AIML functionality may not be described in a single, fixed set of performance requirements. For example, in Case 1 and Case 2a, where UE-side model (the model on the UE side) is assumed, the measurements in the legacy can become the input of the AIML functionalities, and a new type of output, e.g., the coordinate of the UE, is defined. Moreover, the inputs of AIML functionalities need to be configured. Such a new type of output and the input configuration can have the plural requirements depending on the UE’s capabilities or radio conditions. In addition, with AIML functionalities the UE behavior may be different than the legacy positioning. However, a higher computation complexity would be required to perform AI / ML positioning. Features as described herein may also be used to also clarify when the AI / ML positioning would be used. It might not be necessary to always use the AI / ML based method. Features as described herein may be used in regard to a method to define and configure various requirements of the input / output of AIML functionality(-ies) and a recovery mechanism when legacy or AIML-based positioning techniques can be operational on the UE device.

[0044] For UE capable of both legacy and / or AIML positioning techniques, features as described herein may be used with a method to configure the requirements for different UE positioning techniques. Features may also be used in regard to providing a switch between / among different positioning techniques. The switching may be triggered based on the UE’s context and / or radio conditions. Referring also to Fig. 4, and example will be described.

[0045] Fig. 4 illustrates one example of message exchanges and operations with a UE, a gNB (TRP), and a LMF. The UE may be configured with a default positioning technique during its manufacture. For example, the default positioning technique may be the legacy positioning. As illustrated with 402, the UE may initially send a report regarding its capabilities to the LMF. This report may include, for example, information to inform the LMF regarding UE type, processing capability, etc., such as similar to current UE capabilities reporting. This report may also include information indicating the default positioning technique or the current positioning technique configured on the UE.

[0046] As illustrated with 404, based upon the received capabilities report, the LMF may determine potential position operation configurations for a positioning operation by the UE. The UE is able to provide at least two different types of positioning techniques. For example, the UE may be able to alternatively use a legacy positioning technique and a different AIML positioning technique. As another example, the UE may be able to alternatively use at least two different types of AIML positioning techniques. In one type of example embodiment the UE may be able to provide two or more different positioning techniques at a same time. As illustrated with 404, the LMF may optionally also determine one or more requirements used for at least one of the different positioning techniques to be signaled to the gNB and UE.

[0047] In one example embodiment, for the activated positioning method (with regard to the activation or selection of the positioning technique at 404), the LMF initially possesses or is able to determine a single requirement or plural requirements for the positioning techniques including both legacy and AIML-based positioning techniques. The requirements on legacy positioning techniques may comprise existing accuracy requirement, e.g., in terms of the measured signal power, defined in TS38.133. The requirement on the input of AIML-based positioning technique may comprise an accuracy requirement, e.g., in terms of measured signal power, used as the input of the AIML model or functionalities. The requirement on output of AIML- based positioning technique may comprise accuracy of the position coordinate determined by an inference process running on UE device by using AIML models and functionalities.

[0048] For the activated positioning technique(s) (activated in the sense that the positioning technique has been determined by the LMF and is intended to be identified when 406 is sent), the LMF determines a single or plural requirements to be applied to the UE. The LMF may select a set of the requirements corresponding the activated one or multiple positioning techniques. In one example embodiment, each matching between a positioning technique and one or more corresponding positioning measurementrequirement(s) may be indexed. Indexing may be done, for example, by assigning integer values to the different matchings. The LMF may send the UE the requirements respectively applicable for the activated positioning techniques (the positioning technique(s) determined at 404). To this end, the index can be sent from LMF to the UE.

[0049] Optionally, the following step can be applied to indicate the multiple requirements for the UE. The requirement (e.g., in terms of signal power) of the signal measurement for the input of AIML-based positioning can be much lower than the requirement (e.g., in terms of signal power) of the legacy positioning’s measurement. In such a case, for the same measurement type (e.g., RSRP, RSRPP, RSTD), the difference of the requirements (if applicable, i.e., both have the same unit, e.g., signal power) is denoted by X (e.g., X = 3 dB, or 6 dB). The value of X may be sent from LMF to UE to be used as a requirement, such as for triggering occurrence of an event for example. For example, the different requirement(s) could be triggered by the UE depending on what technique(s) is selected by the UE. The selection criterion may be configured by the LMF. If the obtained positioning measurements satisfies the legacy measurement requirement to achieve a certain performance, the legacy positioning technique may be selected or triggered. If the obtained measurements do not satisfy legacy measurement requirement, AI / ML-based positioning technique may be selected or triggered.

[0050] As illustrated with 406, after the LMF determines a positioning techniques for the UE, the LMF may send position operation configuration information to the gNB and the UE. This position operation configuration information includes information on positioning techniques(s) and, optionally, corresponding requirements for one or more of the positioning techniques(s). The requirements may be used to trigger a use of a particular positioning techniques(s) by the UE. As illustrated with 408, after the UE receives the configuration information, the UE may set configured requirements. In one type of example, based upon the configuration information received at 406, at step 408 the UE may either change the type of configured positioning technique or not change the type of configured positioning technique. However, after step 408 the UE will be configured with at least one positioning technique.

[0051] In one example if, before 408, the UE is already configured to use the legacy positioning technique, the configuration information 406 may be used by the UE to maintain that legacy positioning technique. In one example if, before 408, the UE is already configured to use the legacy positioning technique, the configuration information 406 may be used by the UE to switch to a different positioning technique such as a AIML positioning technique. In one example if, before 408, the UE is already configured to use a first type of AIML positioning technique, the configuration information 406 may be used by the UE to maintain that first type of AIML positioning technique. In one example if, before 408, the UE is already configured to use a first type of AIML positioning technique, the configuration information 406 may be used by the UE to switch to a different first type of AIML positioning technique or to the legacy positioning technique. These are merelysome examples. The configuration information sent at 406 may be used by the UE to maintain or switch between / among any suitable types and numbers of different positioning techniques.

[0052] FIG. 4 shows an example 410 of when the UE is configured with a AI / ML-based positioning, and another example 412 of when the UE is configured with legacy positioning. As illustrated with these examples, after 408 the configuration information sent at 406 may be used by the UE to maintain or switch between / among different positioning techniques.

[0053] For the example 410, when the UE is configured with a AI / ML-based positioning, the UE may receive a signal from the gNB to signal or transmit a positioning reference signal (PRS) as indicated with 414. The UE may obtain measurement of the PRS as indicated with 416. The UE may initiate AI / ML functionalities for the configured positioning technique as indicated with 418.. As indicate with 420, the UE may determine whether one or more requirement(s) regarding the configured positioning technique the are satisfied. A requirement may be in regard to positioning accuracy for example. In one type of embodiment, the UE may be configured to use or select an AI / ML-based positioning technique if one or more obtained positioning measurement cannot satisfy a legacy measurement requirement for legacy positioning method. For the example 410, if the requirement(s) for the AI / ML-based positioning technique is / are satisfied, the UE may continue to use the currently configured AI / ML-based positioning technique. However, as illustrated with 422, if the requirement(s) for the AI / ML-based positioning technique is / are not satisfied, the UE may determine to switch to a different positioning technique. For example, the UE may determine to switch or fall back to the legacy positioning technique. As indicated with 424, the UE may signal the LMF with an indication regarding the desired switch (a “fallback” to the legacy positioning technique in this example), and the LMF may signal a confirmation to the UE as indicated with 426. The confirmation 426 may include information for the UE to use for the subsequent different positioning technique or to select the subsequent different positioning technique. In the example shown, the confirmation 426 is a confirmation for the UE to perform a fall back as the switch or change of the positioning technique; to fall back to the legacy positioning. The confirmation 426 may include new configuration information if needed, such as for legacy positioning for example, or for another different type of AI / ML-based positioning for example. As indicated at 428, based upon receipt of the confirmation 426, the UE may configure the new positioning with one or more corresponding requirement(s).

[0054] For the example 412, when the UE is configured with the legacy positioning, the UE may evaluate whether current downlink (DL) measurements are suitable for the requirement(s) to continue with using legacy positioning as indicate with 430. As illustrated with 432, for when the requirements for legacy positioning are not satisfied, the UE may check to determine whether the UE has AI / ML functionalities of positioning. Optionally, as illustrated with 434, the LMF may provide a threshold or condition to assist the UE to decide whether to switch from the legacy positioning mode to a AIML-based positing mode. Asillustrated with 436, the UE may determine whether to switch from the legacy positioning mode to a AIML- based positing mode. Thus, the determination at step 436 is based upon at least two conditions; current downlink (DL) measurements as indicated with 430 and whether the UE has AI / ML functionalities of positioning as indicated with 432. In this example, in the event the UE determines that a switch from the current mode (the legacy positioning mode) to a new mode (a AI-ML-based positioning) is desired, the UE may signal an indication or request to the LMF on initiating the new mode (the AI-ML-based mode) as indicated with 438. The LMF, as indicated with 440, may send a confirmation to the UE regarding the switch. This confirmation 440 may include new requirement(s) for AI / ML positioning if needed. As illustrated with 442, the UE may be configured with the new mode (the AIML-based positioning) with its corresponding requirement(s).

[0055] In one type of example embodiment, the LMF may activate a single UE positioning technique or multiple UE positioning techniques. For example, as illustrated with the examples described above, the LMF may decide whether to activate a legacy positioning technique or AIML positioning technique. In one type of example embodiment the LMF may determine to activate multiple techniques. In one type of example embodiment, the LMF may provide the UE with different respective priorities for the multiple techniques; to be used by the UE in selecting a technique to use.

[0056] Positioning accuracy performance of AI / ML techniques may be better than the legacy technique. In a case where the UE cannot obtain a high quality positioning measurement, selection of AI / ML positioning, instead of using the legacy technique, may be an option to achieve a target location estimation accuracy.

[0057] As noted above, after the UE receives the information sent by LMF, the information regarding the configuration(s) may be used by the UE to initiate the legacy positioning technique or initiate a AIML-based positioning technique.

[0058] If a AIML-based positioning is configured, the UE measures the DL signals and performs an AIML operation for inference of the coordinate. The UE evaluates whether the current configuration of AIML-based positioning is suitable for the current UE’s capabilities or radio condition. The UE may determine whether it is likely to satisfy the positioning accuracy (such as less than 10 cm for example). The procedure of UE decision making explained below is a configured UE behavior. In one type of example, a no-mobility / static UE may acquire a series of measurements on signals in consecutive time instances, and such measurements may be used for inference functionality. In this case, the UE’s coordinate should be same for the measurement time instances. However if the inference indicates contradictory results, e.g., largely different coordinate over an error margin, the UE may conclude that that the AIML functionalities may not be properly performed or currently unable to provide an accurate result.

[0059] With the example 410, if the UE determines that the AIML-based positioning technique is not properly working, the UE is allowed to subsequently initiate a procedure to another mode such as, forexample, a fall back or recovery to the legacy positioning mode. The UE may send a flag to LMF to indicate the activated / configured AIML-based positioning technique is at least not available for the UE at the moment. The LMF may send a reply to allow the UE to fall back to the legacy positioning technique. The LMF may send a configuration if needed for the legacy positioning technique.

[0060] If legacy-based positioning is configured, the UE measures the DL signals to either perform UE- based positioning or send a report of the measurements to the LMF.

[0061] The UE may evaluate whether the current DL measurements are suitable for legacy positioning by satisfying the configured accuracy requirement(s) or RSRP / RSRPP measurement requirement(s). If any current measurement does not meet the accuracy requirement to perform a legacy positioning technique or send a report to LMF, the UE may check whether UE is AIML-capable.

[0062] Criterion may be defined to check if the UE is ready to use AI / ML positioning. For example, for the UE supporting AI / ML functionalities, the UE may check AIML-related essential aspects that comprise, for example,: whether a training of a model or model generation is done, whether UE can process the model complexity required to support a certain number of TRPs, and whether the measurement requirement for AIML positioning is satisfied or notThen, the AIML-capable UE is allowed to switch a legacy positioning mode to an AIML-based positioning mode. For this operation, the LMF can further provide a signaling to inform the UE of the value of X; a threshold power level. If LMF does not provide X, the UE may use an initially given or default value of X. In one example it is assumed that the UE’s current DL measurements (e.g., S dB) do not satisfy the accuracy requirements of the legacy positioning. Given the value of X (e.g., T dB), the UE determines that the current measurement can satisfy the requirement for the input (e.g., Q dB) of AIML positioning technique if the different between the legacy and AIML-based requirements (e.g., absolute value of (S-Q)) is less than or equal to the value of X, i.e. , |S-Q| < T. This is due to the fact that a requirement for the input of the AIML- based positioning (e.g., measured DL signal strength) can be more relaxed than the strict measurements used for legacy positioning techniques. Alternatively, an equality can be removed from the aforementioned condition, i.e., |S-Q| < T.

[0063] If the AIML-capable UE decides to switch a mode to legacy positioning, the UE may send an indication of the UE’s determination. The UE can also indicate the index of the preferred requirements suitable for the current UE’s capabilities (e.g., buffer, processing, battery) and radio condition (e.g., received signal power on radio channels, channel delay profile, the number of detectable TRPs). The LMF may send a reply to allow the UE to be (re)configured with new requirements (e.g., sending new indexes of the configurable requirements) and to be associated with the AIML model and functionalities. The UE may thenbe configured for the AIML-based positioning technique with the requirement(s) corresponding to the index indicated by LMF.

[0064] In accordance with one example embodiment, an apparatus is provided comprising: at least one processor; and at least one non-transitory memory storing instructions that, when executed with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: receiving, with the apparatus, configuration information for a positioning operation, where the configuration information comprises information regarding at least two different positioning techniques; and using the configuration information, with the apparatus, to initiate at least one of the different positioning techniques.

[0065] The configuration information may comprise at least one position measurement requirement associated with least one of the positioning techniques. The configuration information may comprise respective position measurement requirements regarding the at least two positioning techniques. The instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to perform switching use of a first one of the at least two different positioning techniques to a second one of the at least two different positioning techniques. The first positioning technique may be a legacy positioning technique and the second positioning technique may be an artificial intelligence or machine learning positioning technique. The first positioning technique may be an artificial intelligence or machine learning based positioning technique and the second positioning technique may be a legacy positioning technique. The apparatus may be a user equipment, and a first one of the positioning techniques may comprise an artificial intelligence or machine learning based positioning technique, and a second one of the positioning techniques does not comprise an artificial intelligence or machine learning based positioning technique. The instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to perform sending an indication to a location management function regarding a desired change in a positioning technique. The instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to perform receiving a confirmation of a mode switching to be performed by the apparatus, and using the confirmation to perform the mode switching. The instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to perform the mode switching with positioning operation requirements received with the confirmation to perform the mode switching. The instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to perform the mode switching with positioning operation requirements received with the configuration information. The instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to prioritize use of at least some of the at least two positioning techniques. The instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to perform selection of at least one of the positioning techniques from the at least two positioning techniques based upon at least one positioning measurement of the apparatus. The instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to perform selection of at least one position measurement requirement based upon a positioning techniqueto be used by the apparatus. The instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to perform selection of position measurement requirement based upon index information received with the configuration information, where the index information is related to at least one position measurement requirement and at least one of the positioning techniques.

[0066] In accordance with one example method, a method is provided comprising: receiving, with an apparatus, configuration information for a positioning operation, where the configuration information comprises information regarding at least two different positioning techniques; and using the configuration information, with the apparatus, to initiate at least one of the different positioning techniques. The configuration information may comprise at least one position measurement requirement associated with least one of the positioning techniques. The configuration information may comprise respective position measurement requirements regarding the at least two positioning techniques. The method may comprise switching use of a first one of the at least two different positioning techniques to a second one of the at least two different positioning techniques. The first positioning technique may be a legacy positioning technique and the second positioning technique may be an artificial intelligence or machine learning positioning technique. The first positioning technique may be an artificial intelligence or machine learning based positioning technique, and the second positioning technique may be a legacy positioning technique. The apparatus may be a user equipment, and a first one of the positioning techniques may comprise an artificial intelligence or machine learning based positioning technique, and where a second one of the positioning techniques does not comprise an artificial intelligence or machine learning based positioning technique in one example. The method may comprise sending an indication to a location management function regarding a desired change in a positioning technique. The method may comprise receiving a confirmation of a mode switching to be performed by the apparatus, and using the confirmation to perform the mode switching. The method may comprise switching with positioning operation requirements received with the confirmation to perform the mode switching. The method may comprise switching with positioning operation requirements received with the configuration information. The method may comprise prioritizing use of at least some of the at least two positioning techniques. The method may comprise selecting at least one of the positioning techniques from the at least two positioning techniques based upon at least one positioning measurement of the apparatus. The method may comprise selecting at least one position measurement requirement based upon a positioning technique to be used by the apparatus. The method may comprise selecting a position measurement requirement based upon index information received with the configuration information, where the index information is related to at least one position measurement requirement and at least one of the positioning techniques.

[0067] In accordance with one example embodiment, an apparatus is provided comprising: means for receiving, with the apparatus, configuration information for a positioning operation, where the configurationinformation comprises information regarding at least two different positioning techniques; and means for using the configuration information, with the apparatus, to initiate at least one of the different positioning techniques.

[0068] In accordance with one example embodiment, a non-transitory program storage device is provided, readable by an apparatus, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable with the apparatus for performing operations, the operations comprising: receiving, with the apparatus, configuration information for a positioning operation, where the configuration information comprises information regarding at least two different positioning techniques; and using the configuration information, with the apparatus, to initiate at least one of the different positioning techniques.

[0069] In accordance with one example embodiment, an apparatus is provided comprising: at least one processor; and at least one non-transitory memory storing instructions that, when executed with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: determining configuration information for a positioning operation regarding a user equipment, where the determining is based, at least partially, upon capability information received by the apparatus regarding the user equipment; and sending the configuration information to the user equipment, where the configuration information comprises information in regard to at least two different positioning techniques, where the configuration information is configured to be used with the user equipment to initiate at least one of the different positioning techniques.

[0070] The configuration information may comprise at least one position measurement requirement regarding at least one of the positioning techniques. The configuration information may comprise respective one or more position measurement requirements regarding the at least two of the positioning techniques. The method may comprise information configured to be used by the user equipment to switch use of a first one of the at least two different positioning techniques to a second one of the at least two different positioning techniques. The first positioning technique may be a legacy positioning technique and the second positioning technique may be an artificial intelligence or machine learning positioning technique. The first positioning technique may be an artificial intelligence or machine learning positioning technique and the second positioning technique may be a legacy positioning technique. A first one of the positioning techniques may comprise an artificial intelligence or machine learning based positioning technique, and where a second one of the positioning techniques does not comprise an artificial intelligence or machine learning based positioning technique in one example. The instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to perform receiving an indication regarding a desired change in a positioning technique and using the indication with a location management function. The instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to perform sending a confirmation of a mode switching to be performed by the user equipment. The configuration information may comprise prioritization information configured to be used with the user equipment to prioritize use of a first one of the positioning techniquesrelative to a second one of the positioning techniques. The configuration information may comprise information configured to be used with the user equipment to perform selection of at least one of the positioning techniques from the at least two positioning techniques based upon at least one positioning measurement of the user equipment. The configuration information may comprise information configured to be used with the user equipment to perform selection of at least one position measurement requirement based upon a positioning technique to be used by the user equipment. The configuration information may comprise information configured to be used with the user equipment to perform selection of at least one position measurement requirement based upon index information received with the configuration information, where the index information may be related to at least one position measurement requirement and at least one of the positioning techniques. The instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to perform: determining index information, where the index information is related to at least one position measurement requirement and at least one of the positioning techniques, and sending the index information with the configuration information to the user equipment, where the index information is configured to be used with the user equipment to select use of at least one of the position measurement requirement(s).

[0071] In accordance with one example method, a method is provided comprising: determining configuration information for a positioning operation regarding a user equipment, where the determining is based, at least partially, upon capability information received by the apparatus regarding the user equipment; and sending the configuration information to the user equipment, where the configuration information comprises information in regard to at least two different positioning techniques, where the configuration information is configured to be used with the user equipment to initiate at least one of the different positioning techniques. The configuration information may comprise at least one position measurement requirement regarding at least one of the positioning techniques. The configuration information may comprise respective one or more position measurement requirements regarding the at least two of the positioning techniques. The configuration information may comprise information configured to be used by the user equipment to switch use of a first one of the at least two different positioning techniques to a second one of the at least two different positioning techniques. The first positioning technique may be a legacy positioning technique and the second positioning technique may be an artificial intelligence or machine learning positioning technique. The first positioning technique may be an artificial intelligence or machine learning positioning technique, and the second positioning technique may be a legacy positioning technique. A first one of the positioning techniques may comprise an artificial intelligence or machine learning based positioning technique, and a second one of the positioning techniques does not comprise an artificial intelligence or machine learning based positioning technique in one example. The method may comprise receiving an indication regarding a desired change in a positioning technique and using the indication with a location management function. Themethod may comprise sending a confirmation of a mode switching to be performed by the user equipment. The configuration information may comprise prioritization information configured to be used with the user equipment to prioritize use of a first one of the positioning techniques relative to a second one of the positioning techniques. The configuration information may comprise information configured to be used with the user equipment to perform selection of at least one of the positioning techniques from the at least two positioning techniques based upon at least one positioning measurement of the user equipment. The configuration information may comprise information configured to be used with the user equipment to perform selection of at least one position measurement requirement based upon a positioning technique to be used by the user equipment. The configuration information may comprise information configured to be used with the user equipment to perform selection of at least one position measurement requirement based upon index information received with the configuration information, where the index information may be related to at least one position measurement requirement and at least one of the positioning techniques. The method may comprise: determining index information, where the index information is related to at least one position measurement requirement and at least one of the positioning techniques, and sending the index information with the configuration information to the user equipment, where the index information is configured to be used with the user equipment to select use of at least one of the position measurement requirement(s).

[0072] In accordance with one example embodiment, an apparatus is provided comprising: means for determining configuration information for a positioning operation regarding a user equipment, where the determining is based, at least partially, upon capability information received by the apparatus regarding the user equipment; and means for sending the configuration information to the user equipment, where the configuration information comprises information in regard to at least two different positioning techniques, where the configuration information is configured to be used with the user equipment to initiate at least one of the different positioning techniques.

[0073] In accordance with one example embodiment, a program storage device is provided, readable by an apparatus, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable with the apparatus for performing operations, the operations comprising: determining configuration information for a positioning operation regarding a user equipment, where the determining is based, at least partially, upon capability information received by the apparatus regarding the user equipment; and sending the configuration information to the user equipment, where the configuration information comprises information in regard to at least two different positioning techniques, where the configuration information is configured to be used with the user equipment to initiate at least one of the different positioning techniques.

[0074] In one type of alternate embodiment, the UE may be initially configured with two or more legacy positioning techniques and their requirements (at step 404), and the UE may determine to switch modes between the two or more legacy positioning techniques (at step 436).

[0075] As used herein, a “legacy” positioning technique means a positioning technique that is not based on a machine learning or artificial intelligence algorithm to obtain positioning measurements or estimate the UE location. For example, a triangulation technique using timing measurements (e.g., time of arrival) from three different transmitters such as time difference of arrival would be a legacy technique. Generally the techniques included in TR 38.857 can be considered as an example of non-AIML-based positioning technique.

[0076] The term “non-transitory,” as used herein, is a limitation of the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not a signal) as opposed to a limitation on data storage persistency (e.g., RAM vs. ROM).

[0077] As used in this application, the term “circuitry” may refer to one or more or all of the following:(a) hardware-only circuit implementations (such as implementations in only analog and / or digital circuitry) and(b) combinations of hardware circuits and software, such as (as applicable):(i) a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuit(s) with software / firmware and(ii) any portions of hardware processor(s) with software (including digital signal processor(s)), software, and memory(ies) that work together to cause an apparatus, such as a mobile phone or server, to perform various functions) and(iii) hardware circuit(s) and or processor(s), such as a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that requires software (e.g., firmware) for operation, but the software may not be present when it is not needed for operation.”

[0078] This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of this term in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term circuitry also covers an implementation of merely a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware. The term circuitry also covers, for example and if applicable to the particular claim element, a baseband integrated circuit or processor integrated circuit for a mobile device or a similar integrated circuit in server, a cellular network device, or other computing or network device.

[0079] It should be understood that the foregoing description is only illustrative. Various alternatives and modifications can be devised by those skilled in the art. For example, features recited in the various dependent claims could be combined with each other in any suitable combination(s). In addition, features from different embodiments described above could be selectively combined into a new embodiment. Accordingly, the description is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variances which fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: receiving, with the apparatus, configuration information for a positioning operation, where the configuration information comprises information regarding at least two different positioning techniques; and using the configuration information, with the apparatus, to initiate at least one of the different positioning techniques.

2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 where the configuration information comprises at least one position measurement requirement associated with least one of the positioning techniques.

3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 where the configuration information comprises respective position measurement requirements regarding the at least two positioning techniques.

4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 where the instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform switching, by the apparatus, use of a first one of the at least two different positioning techniques to a second one of the at least two different positioning techniques.

5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 4 where the first positioning technique is a legacy positioning technique and the second positioning technique is an artificial intelligence or machine learning positioning technique.

6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 4 where the first positioning technique is an artificial intelligence or machine learning based positioning technique, and the second positioning technique is a legacy positioning technique.

7. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1-4 where the apparatus is a user equipment, and where a first one of the positioning techniques comprises an artificial intelligence or machine learning based positioning technique, and a second one of the positioning techniques does not comprise an artificial intelligence or machine learning based positioning technique.

8. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 -7 where the instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform sending an indication to a location management function regarding a change in a positioning technique.

9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 8 where the instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform receiving a confirmation of a mode switching to be performed by the apparatus, and using the confirmation to perform the mode switching.

10. The apparatus as claimed in claim 9 where the instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform the mode switching with positioning operation requirements received with the confirmation to perform the mode switching.

11. The apparatus as claimed in claim 9 where the instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform the mode switching with positioning operation requirements received with the configuration information.

12. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1-11 where the instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to prioritize use of at least some of the at least two positioning techniques.

13. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1-12 where the instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform selection of at least one of the positioning techniques from the at least two positioning techniques based upon at least one positioning measurement of the apparatus.

14. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1-13 where the instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform selection of at least one position measurement requirement based upon a positioning technique to be used by the apparatus.

15. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1-14 where the instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform selection of position measurement requirement based upon index information received with the configuration information, where the index information is related to at least one position measurement requirement and at least one of the positioning techniques.

16. A method comprising: receiving, with an apparatus, configuration information for a positioning operation, where the configuration information comprises information regarding at least two different positioning techniques; andusing the configuration information, with the apparatus, to initiate at least one of the different positioning techniques.

17. An apparatus comprising: means for receiving, with the apparatus, configuration information for a positioning operation, where the configuration information comprises information regarding at least two different positioning techniques; and means for using the configuration information, with the apparatus, to initiate at least one of the different positioning techniques.

18. A program storage device readable by an apparatus, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable with the apparatus for performing operations, the operations comprising: receiving, with the apparatus, configuration information for a positioning operation, where the configuration information comprises information regarding at least two different positioning techniques; and using the configuration information, with the apparatus, to initiate at least one of the different positioning techniques.

19. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: determining configuration information for a positioning operation regarding a user equipment, where the determining is based, at least partially, upon capability information received by the apparatus regarding the user equipment; and sending the configuration information to the user equipment, where the configuration information comprises information in regard to at least two different positioning techniques, where the configuration information is configured to be used with the user equipment to initiate at least one of the different positioning techniques.

20. The apparatus as claimed in claim 19 where the configuration information comprises at least one position measurement requirement regarding at least one of the positioning techniques.

21. The apparatus as claimed in claim 19 where the configuration information comprises respective one or more position measurement requirements regarding the at least two of the positioning techniques.

22. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 19-21 where the configuration information comprises information configured to be used by the user equipment to switch use of a first one of the at least two different positioning techniques to a second one of the at least two different positioning techniques.

23. The apparatus as claimed in claim 22 where the first positioning technique is a legacy positioning technique and the second positioning technique is an artificial intelligence or machine learning positioning technique.

24. The apparatus as claimed in claim 22 where the first positioning technique is an artificial intelligence or machine learning positioning technique and the second positioning technique is a legacy positioning technique.

25. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 19-22 where a first one of the positioning techniques comprises an artificial intelligence or machine learning based positioning technique, and a second one of the positioning techniques does not comprise an artificial intelligence or machine learning based positioning technique.

26. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 19-25 where the instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform receiving an indication regarding a change in a positioning technique and using the indication with a location management function.

27. The apparatus as claimed in claim 26 where the instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform sending a confirmation of a mode switching to be performed by the user equipment.

28. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 19-27 where the configuration information comprises: prioritization information configured to be used with the user equipment to prioritize use of a first one of the positioning techniques relative to a second one of the positioning techniques; and / or information configured to be used with the user equipment to perform selection of at least one of the positioning techniques from the at least two positioning techniques based upon at least one positioning measurement of the user equipment.

29. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 19-28 where the configuration information comprises information configured to be used with the user equipment to perform selection of at least one position measurement requirement based upon a positioning technique to be used by the user equipment.

30. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 19-29 where the configuration information comprises information configured to be used with the user equipment to perform selection of at least one position measurement requirement based upon index information received with the configuration information, where the index information is related to at least one position measurement requirement and at least one of the positioning techniques.

31. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 19-30 where the instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: determining index information, where the index information is related to at least one position measurement requirement and at least one of the positioning techniques, and sending the index information with the configuration information to the user equipment, where the index information is configured to be used with the user equipment to select use of at least one of the position measurement requirement(s).

Images