Communication method and apparatus, and program product and storage medium

Abstract

A communication method and apparatus, and a program product and a storage medium. In the method, reference signal measurements between a terminal apparatus and a network apparatus and reference signal measurements between terminal apparatuses can be coordinated to implement positioning of a second terminal apparatus. In this way, it is not necessary to manually calibrate the position of a terminal apparatus, thereby ensuring the positioning efficiency, and reducing labor costs. Moreover, the fact that the measurement time of a first reference signal is close to the measurement time of a second reference signal, and / or antenna information of a first terminal apparatus for transmitting the first reference signal is the same as antenna information of the first terminal apparatus for transmitting the second reference signal is explicitly defined, and thus it can be ensured that the position of the first terminal apparatus changes slightly, thereby facilitating the improvement in the accuracy of the determined position of the second terminal apparatus.

Description

A communication method, apparatus, program product, and storage medium

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411057656.7, filed on August 1, 2024, entitled "A Communication Method, Apparatus, Program Product and Storage Medium", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method, apparatus, program product and storage medium. Background Technology

[0004] The model can be applied to communication networks to locate communication devices (such as terminal devices). One method of model-based localization is as follows: the model can output the location of the terminal device based on its fingerprint (or channel fingerprint). The fingerprint characterizes the path features of the signal transmission from the terminal device at a certain location. Before using the model for localization, a large amount of training data needs to be collected to train the model. The training data includes the location of the communication device and the fingerprint of that location. Currently, the location of communication devices is generally obtained through manual calibration, which is relatively inefficient. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method, apparatus, program product, and storage medium for providing a way to determine the location of a terminal device, thereby improving the efficiency of determining the location of the terminal device.

[0006] Firstly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method. This method can be applied to a positioning device. The positioning device can refer to the positioning device itself (e.g., a location management function (LMF) or a positioning server (e.g., a third-party server), or a module within the positioning device, or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions. The module within the positioning device can be, for example, a processor, a communication module, or a circuit or chip responsible for communication functions. The chip can be, for example, a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip), a system-on-a-chip (SoC) chip containing a modem core, or a system-in-package (SIP) chip. For ease of description, the following description uses the example of a positioning device executing this method.

[0007] The method includes: sending first information and / or second information, wherein the first information indicates measuring a first reference signal and measuring a second reference signal within a first time window, the first reference signal being a reference signal between a first terminal device and a second terminal device, and the second reference signal being a reference signal between a network device and the first terminal device; the second information indicates that the first terminal device transmits the first reference signal and the second reference signal using the same antenna information; receiving measurement information of the first reference signal and measurement information of the second reference signal; and determining the location of the second terminal device based on the measurement information of the first reference signal and the measurement information of the second reference signal.

[0008] The first terminal device can refer to a terminal device that can be accurately located using network devices. For example, the first terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​at least three network devices (such as base stations) and the transmission path of the signals from at least three base stations includes a line-of-sight (LOS) path, or the path of the signals transmitted by the first terminal device includes at least three LOS paths, or the first terminal device is an LOS terminal device, or the location of the first terminal device can be determined based on measurement information from at least three base stations. The second terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​two or fewer base stations, or the path of the signals transmitted by the second terminal device includes two or fewer LOS paths, or the second terminal device is a non-line-of-sight (NLOS) terminal device. In short, the first terminal device is easier to locate than the second terminal device and is easier to locate using base stations. The first reference signal is, for example, a reference signal transmitted via a side link (SL) or a reference signal transmitted via a Uu link, without specific limitations. The second reference signal can be an uplink reference signal or a downlink reference signal, etc. Antenna information includes, for example, antenna ports and / or antenna reference points.

[0009] In this embodiment, the positioning of the second terminal device can be achieved by combining or coordinating the measurement of reference signals (such as the second reference signal) between the terminal device and the network device with the measurement of reference signals (such as the first reference signal) between the terminal devices. This is equivalent to using a LOS terminal device to assist in the positioning of an NLOS terminal device. Thus, there is no need to manually calibrate the position of the terminal device, ensuring positioning efficiency and saving labor costs. Furthermore, the positioning of the second terminal device does not require the assistance of a network device covering it, and there are no requirements regarding the coverage of the second terminal device by the network device. This makes the positioning method applicable to various types of terminal devices, such as LOS and NLOS terminal devices, demonstrating good applicability. Additionally, the positioning device indicates that the measurement times of the first and second reference signals are close, and / or the antenna information for transmitting the first and second reference signals by the first terminal device is the same. This ensures that the first terminal device transmits the first and second reference signals at close or adjacent locations, or that the positional change of the first terminal device during the transmission of the first and second reference signals is small, which helps improve the accuracy of determining the position of the second terminal device.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: determining the time during which the second time window and the third time window overlap, wherein the first time window includes part or all of the overlapping time, the second time window is a set of candidate time windows that can be used to transmit the first reference signal, and the third time window is a set of candidate time windows that can be used to transmit the second reference signal.

[0011] The positioning device can obtain the second and third time windows from the network device, or the positioning device can pre-configure or pre-define the second and third time windows, without limitation. The second or third time window can be represented by a continuous time period (or time window), or it can be represented by multiple discrete time periods (or time windows), without specific limitation. Although the second time window includes candidate time windows that can be used to transmit the first reference signal, in actual transmission, part or all of the time in the second time window may be used to transmit the first reference signal, without specific limitation. Similarly, although the third time window includes candidate time windows that can be used to transmit the second reference signal, in actual transmission, part or all of the time in the third time window may be used to transmit the second reference signal, without specific limitation. The transmission involved in this application includes receiving (or measuring) or transmitting.

[0012] Thus, a mechanism is provided for the positioning device to determine the first time window. Furthermore, the positioning device can ensure that the first time window includes part or all of the overlapping time of the second and third time windows, ensuring that the time window for transmitting the first reference signal and the time-domain resources for the second reference signal can be determined subsequently based on the first time window.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the first information instructs the measurement of a first reference signal and a second reference signal within a first time window, including: the first information includes at least two of the start time, end time, and length of the first time window. In other words, at least two of the start time, end time, and length of the first time window are used to instruct the measurement of the first reference signal and the second reference signal within the first time window.

[0014] In this way, the information of the first time window can be clearly indicated, which makes it easier to determine the time windows for measuring the first reference signal and measuring the second reference signal.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the first information further includes the period of a first time window. The duration of the period of the first time window can be the duration of the time interval between the end time of one of the two adjacent time windows and the start time of the other of the two adjacent time windows, or the duration of the time interval between the start time of one of the two adjacent time windows and the start time of the other of the two adjacent time windows, or the duration of the time interval between the end time of one of the two adjacent time windows and the end time of the other of the two adjacent time windows.

[0016] In this way, the positioning device can indicate multiple first time windows by indicating the indication period, instead of indicating multiple first time windows separately, which helps to reduce signaling overhead.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the first information further indicates that a third reference signal is measured within a first time window, the third reference signal being a reference signal between the network device and the second terminal device; the method further includes: sending third information, the third information instructing the network device or the second terminal device to report first fingerprint information, the first fingerprint information indicating the characteristics of the path for transmitting the third reference signal between the second terminal device and the network device; and receiving measurement information of the third reference signal, wherein the measurement information of the third reference signal includes the first fingerprint information.

[0018] The first information also indicates that a third reference signal is measured within a first time window. This can be described as the first information indicating that a first reference signal, a second reference signal, and a third reference signal are measured within a first time window.

[0019] In this way, the positioning device can obtain the first fingerprint information corresponding to the location of the second terminal device, obtain more comprehensive information about the second terminal device, facilitate the collection of more accurate training data, and also help improve the accuracy of the positioning model trained based on the training data.

[0020] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: sending fourth information, the fourth information instructing the second terminal device to transmit the first reference signal and the third reference signal using the same antenna information.

[0021] In this way, the second terminal device is guaranteed to transmit the first reference signal and the third reference signal at the same or similar positions, so as to ensure the accuracy of the first fingerprint information corresponding to the position of the second terminal device, obtain more accurate training data, and thus obtain a more accurate positioning model.

[0022] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: sending fifth information, the fifth information instructing a first terminal device or a network device to report second fingerprint information, the second fingerprint information indicating the characteristics of the path for transmitting a second reference signal between the first terminal device and the network device; wherein the measurement information of the second reference signal includes the second fingerprint information.

[0023] This facilitates the positioning device in acquiring the second fingerprint information corresponding to the first terminal device, enabling the collection of more training data. Furthermore, by measuring the three reference signals, the location and fingerprint information corresponding to the two terminal devices can be obtained, which helps control the signaling overhead required for collecting training data.

[0024] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: sending a sixth message, the sixth message instructing a first terminal device or a second terminal device to measure a reference signal on a first side hop link, wherein the first reference signal is a reference signal on the first side hop link.

[0025] In this way, the first terminal device and the second terminal device can transmit the first reference signal through the first SL, making the interaction between the first terminal device and the second terminal device more convenient and flexible, and also helping to reduce the processing load of the network device.

[0026] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: sending a seventh message, the seventh message including an application identifier of a first terminal device or an application identifier of a second terminal device, the application identifier of the first terminal device being used to request the second terminal device to establish a first-side link with the first terminal device, and the application identifier of the second terminal device being used to request the first terminal device to establish a second-side link with the second terminal device; and receiving an eighth message, the eighth message indicating that the first terminal device and the second terminal device have established a first-side link.

[0027] Thus, a mechanism is provided to assist the first terminal device and the second terminal device in establishing a first SL (Search Stream). Furthermore, it ensures that the first terminal device and the second terminal device successfully establish the first SL, thereby guaranteeing the reliability of locating the second terminal device.

[0028] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method. This method can be applied to a network device side or a terminal device side (such as a first terminal device side or a second terminal device side). The network device side can refer to the network device itself (e.g., a base station), or modules within the network device, or logical modules or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions. Modules within the network device include, for example, processors, communication modules, or circuits, chips, or central units (CUs) or distributed units (DUs) responsible for communication functions. Chips include, for example, modem chips, or SoC chips or SIP chips containing modem cores. The terminal device side can refer to the terminal device itself (e.g., a mobile phone), or modules within the terminal device, or logical modules or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions. Modules within the terminal device include, for example, processors, communication modules, or circuits or chips responsible for communication functions within the network device, or chips include, for example, modem chips, or SoC chips or SIP chips containing modem cores. To simplify the description, the following text will use the network device side as the network device, the first terminal device side as the first terminal device, and the second terminal device side as the second terminal device as an example.

[0029] The method includes: receiving first information and / or second information from a positioning device, wherein the first information indicates measuring a first reference signal and measuring a second reference signal within a first time window, the first reference signal being a reference signal between a first terminal device and a second terminal device, the second reference signal being a reference signal between a network device and the first terminal device, the first reference signal and the second reference signal being used to determine the location of the second terminal device, and the second information indicating that the first terminal device transmits the first reference signal and the second reference signal using the same antenna information.

[0030] For example, the network device side, the first terminal device side, or the second terminal device side receives first information from the positioning device, and / or the network device side or the second terminal device side receives second information from the positioning device.

[0031] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: transmitting measurement information of a first reference signal; and / or, transmitting measurement information of a second reference signal.

[0032] For example, the first terminal device transmits measurement information of a first reference signal and / or measurement information of a second reference signal. Alternatively, the second terminal device transmits measurement information of the first reference signal and / or the first terminal device transmits measurement information of the second reference signal. Alternatively, the second terminal device transmits measurement information of the first reference signal and / or the network device transmits measurement information of the second reference signal. Alternatively, the first terminal device transmits measurement information of the first reference signal and / or the network device transmits measurement information of the second reference signal. Alternatively, the network device transmits measurement information of the first reference signal and / or measurement information of the second reference signal.

[0033] In one possible implementation, the first information indicates the measurement of a first reference signal and the measurement of a second reference signal within a first time window, including: the first information includes at least two of the start time, end time, and length of the first time window.

[0034] In one possible implementation, the first information also includes the period of the first time window.

[0035] In one possible implementation, after receiving the first information from the positioning device, the method further includes: determining a time window for measuring the first reference signal based on a first time window; and sending information about the time window for measuring the first reference signal to a first terminal device or a second terminal device.

[0036] For example, a network device, a first terminal device, or a second terminal device executes this possible implementation. If the possible implementation is executed by the first terminal device, then the first terminal device sends information about the time window for measuring the first reference signal to the second terminal device. If the possible implementation is executed by the second terminal device, then the second terminal device sends information about the time window for measuring the first reference signal to the first terminal device.

[0037] In one possible implementation, after receiving the first information from the positioning device, the method further includes: determining a time window for measuring the second reference signal based on a first time window; and sending information about the time window for measuring the second reference signal to the first terminal device. This possible implementation can be performed by a network device.

[0038] In one possible implementation, the first information further indicates that a third reference signal be measured within the first time window, the third reference signal being a reference signal between the network device and the second terminal device; receiving the third information, the third information indicating the reporting of first fingerprint information, the first fingerprint information indicating the characteristics of the path for transmitting the third reference signal between the second terminal device and the network device; and sending measurement information of the third reference signal, wherein the measurement information of the third reference signal includes the first fingerprint information. This possible implementation can be performed by either the second terminal device or the network device.

[0039] In one possible implementation, the method further includes receiving fourth information, which instructs the second terminal device to transmit the first reference signal and the third reference signal using the same antenna information. This possible implementation can be performed by the second terminal device or a network device.

[0040] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving fifth information, the fifth information instructing a first terminal device or a network device to report second fingerprint information, the second fingerprint information indicating characteristics of the path for transmitting a second reference signal between the first terminal device and the network device; wherein the measurement information of the second reference signal includes the second fingerprint information. This possible implementation can be performed by the first terminal device or the network device.

[0041] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving sixth information, the sixth information instructing a first terminal device or a second terminal device to measure a reference signal on a first side hop link; and measuring or transmitting a first reference signal on the first side hop link. This possible implementation can be performed by either the first terminal device or the second terminal device.

[0042] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving seventh information, the seventh information including an application identifier of a first terminal device or an application identifier of a second terminal device, wherein the application identifier of the first terminal device is used to request the second terminal device to establish a first crosslink with the first terminal device, and the application identifier of the second terminal device is used to request the first terminal device to establish a second crosslink with the second terminal device; and sending eighth information, the eighth information indicating that the first terminal device and the second terminal device have established a first crosslink. This possible implementation can be performed by either the first terminal device or the second terminal device.

[0043] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device (or communication apparatus). For example, the communication device includes a processing unit (sometimes also called a processing module) and a communication unit (sometimes also called a communication module). The communication unit is used to perform transmit and receive operations, such as functions related to sending and receiving; the communication unit may be called a transceiver unit; optionally, the communication unit includes a receiving unit and a sending unit. The processing unit is used to perform processing operations. Alternatively, the communication unit may be a transmitter and a receiver, or a transmitter and a receiver. Optionally, the communication device also includes a storage unit (sometimes also called a storage module).

[0044] The communication device can be the positioning device side of the first aspect described above, for example, it can be a positioning device, or a module (e.g., a chip system) configured in the positioning device. The communication device includes corresponding means or modules for performing the first aspect or any possible implementation described above. For example, the communication unit is used to transmit first information and / or second information, receive measurement information of a first reference signal and measurement information of a second reference signal, and determine the location of the second terminal device based on the measurement information of the first reference signal and the measurement information of the second reference signal.

[0045] The communication device can also implement any of the possible implementations in the first aspect described above, which will not be listed one by one here.

[0046] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device (or communication apparatus). For example, the communication device includes a processing unit (sometimes also called a processing module) and a communication unit (sometimes also called a communication module). The communication unit is used to perform transmit and receive operations, such as functions related to sending and receiving; the communication unit may be called a transceiver unit; optionally, the communication unit includes a receiving unit and a transmitting unit. The processing unit is used to perform processing operations. Alternatively, the communication unit may be a transmitter and a receiver, or a transmitter and a receiver. Optionally, the communication device also includes a storage unit (sometimes also called a storage module).

[0047] The communication device can be a network device side or a terminal device side (such as a first terminal device side or a second terminal device side) as described in the second aspect above. For example, it can be a network device, a module (e.g., a chip system) configured in a network device, a first terminal device, a module (e.g., a chip system) configured in a first terminal device, or a second terminal device, a module (e.g., a chip system) configured in a second terminal device. The communication device includes corresponding means or modules for performing the second aspect above or any possible implementation. For example, a communication unit is used to receive first information and / or second information.

[0048] The communication device can also implement any of the possible implementations in the second aspect described above, which will not be listed one by one here.

[0049] In one possible design, the communication device is a communication chip, the processing unit can be one or more processors or processor cores, and the communication unit can be the input / output circuit or input / output interface of the communication chip.

[0050] Fifthly, this application provides a communication device. The communication device includes one or more processors. The one or more processors are capable of executing computer programs or instructions stored in a memory, which, when executed, cause the communication device to implement the methods described in the first aspect, any possible implementation of the first aspect, the second aspect, or any possible implementation of the second aspect.

[0051] Optionally, the communication device may include a memory, in which case the memory may be coupled to one or more processors, or the memory may be configured relatively independently of one or more processors. Alternatively, the memory may exist independently of the communication device.

[0052] In one possible design, the communication device may further include an interface circuit, wherein the processor is used to communicate with other devices or components through the interface circuit.

[0053] The aforementioned communication device may be a terminal device, or a communication module within a terminal device, or a chip in the terminal responsible for communication functions, such as a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip), or a SoC or SIP chip containing a modem module. Alternatively, the aforementioned communication device may be an access network device, or a module within an access network device.

[0054] Sixthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device. The communication device includes a processor and an interface circuit. The interface circuit is used to receive signals from other communication devices besides the communication device and transmit them to the processor, or to send signals from the processor to other communication devices besides the communication device. The processor, through logic circuits or executable code instructions, is used to implement the method as described in the first aspect, any possible implementation of the first aspect, the second aspect, or any possible implementation of the second aspect. The number of processors can be one or more, and is not limited thereto.

[0055] In the specific implementation process, the communication device can be a chip, and the processor can be a transistor, gate circuit, flip-flop, and various logic circuits, etc. The specific implementation method of the processor is not limited in the embodiments of this application.

[0056] In one implementation, the communication device can be a wireless communication device, i.e., a computer device that supports wireless communication functionality. Specifically, the wireless communication device can be a terminal device such as a smartphone, or a network device such as a wireless access network device (e.g., a base station).

[0057] In another implementation, the communication device can be a component of a wireless communication device, such as an integrated circuit product like a system-on-a-chip (SoC) or communication chip. A SoC can also be called a System-on-a-Chip (SoC). A communication chip may include a baseband processing chip and a radio frequency (RF) processing chip. A baseband processing chip is sometimes referred to as a modem or baseband chip. An RF processing chip is sometimes referred to as an RF transceiver or RF chip. In physical implementation, some or all of the communication chip may be integrated within the SoC. For example, the baseband processing chip may be integrated into the SoC, while the RF processing chip may not be integrated. The interface circuit can be the RF processing chip in the wireless communication device, and the processor can be the baseband processing chip in the wireless communication device. The interface circuit can be an input / output interface, interface circuit, output circuit, input circuit, pin, or related circuit on the chip or chip system. The processor can also be a processing circuit or logic circuit.

[0058] In another implementation, the communication device can be a chip system, which may consist of chips or include chips and other discrete devices. Chip systems may include, for example, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), system-on-chips (SoCs), CPUs, network processors (NPs), digital signal processors (DSPs), microcontroller units (MCUs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), or other integrated chips.

[0059] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication system. The communication system includes any of the communication devices discussed in the third aspect and any of the communication devices discussed in the fourth aspect. For example, the communication system is used to implement the method as described in the first aspect, any possible implementation of the first aspect, the second aspect, or any possible implementation of the second aspect.

[0060] Eighthly, embodiments of this application provide a chip system. The chip system includes a processor. Optionally, the chip system may further include an interface (such as a communication interface). The processor can be used to implement any of the methods described in the first aspect and possible implementations to the fourth aspect and possible implementations. Optionally, the chip system also includes a memory. The memory is used to store a computer program (also referred to as code or instructions). The processor is used to call and run the computer program from the memory, causing a device equipped with the chip system to perform the methods described in the first aspect, any possible implementation of the first aspect, the second aspect, or any possible implementation of the second aspect. Implementations of the chip system can be referred to the content of the chip system discussed above, and will not be listed here.

[0061] Ninthly, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable storage medium. This computer-readable storage medium is used to store a computer program or instructions that, when executed, implement the methods as described in the first aspect, any possible implementation of the first aspect, the second aspect, or any possible implementation of the second aspect.

[0062] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a computer program product. When the computer program product is executed, it causes a processor to perform a method as described in the first aspect, any possible implementation of the first aspect, the second aspect, or any possible implementation of the second aspect. The computer program product includes a computer program and / or instructions, etc.

[0063] Regarding the beneficial effects of any of the technical solutions in the second to tenth aspects mentioned above, please refer to the discussion of the beneficial effects of the corresponding technical solutions in the first aspect, which will not be listed here again. Attached Figure Description

[0064] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a line-of-sight path and a non-line-of-sight path;

[0065] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an antenna;

[0066] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a line-of-sight terminal device and a non-line-of-sight terminal device;

[0067] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system applicable to an embodiment of this application;

[0068] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of another communication system applicable to the embodiments of this application;

[0069] Figure 6 shows a positioning network architecture based on NG-RAN applicable to an embodiment of this application;

[0070] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of an O-RAN system applicable to an embodiment of this application;

[0071] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a method for positioning a terminal device;

[0072] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0073] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the first time window, the time window of the first time domain resource indication, and the time window of the second time domain resource indication provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0074] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of determining a first time window according to an embodiment of this application;

[0075] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of a positioning first terminal device and a second terminal device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0076] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of a training and application model provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0077] Figures 14 to 16 are schematic diagrams of three communication methods provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0078] Figures 17 to 19 are schematic diagrams of the structures of three communication devices provided in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0079] The following describes some of the terms used in the various embodiments of this application.

[0080] 1. Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to giving machines human-like intelligence by using computer hardware and software to simulate certain intelligent behaviors of humans, including machine learning and many other methods.

[0081] 2. Machine learning (ML) refers to learning models or rules from raw data. There are many different machine learning methods, such as neural networks, decision trees, and support vector machines.

[0082] 3. A model, also known as a machine model, function, AI model, or ML model, is a functional model that maps inputs of a certain dimension to outputs of a certain dimension.

[0083] The model parameters are obtained through machine learning training. A model is a concrete implementation of one or more functions, representing the mapping relationship between the model's input and output. A model may include one or more parameters. A substructure (or submodule) of the model may include one or more parameters. For example, f(x) = ax 2 +b can be viewed as a model, where a and b correspond to the model's parameters. These parameters can be obtained through training. The process of training the model can be seen as optimizing its parameters.

[0084] In the fields of artificial intelligence (AI) or machine learning (ML), a model can be understood as an algorithm or system that, after being trained and learned from input data, is capable of making predictions or performing tasks. A model can include or be replaced by AI, ML model, AI model, algorithm, characteristic, function, or AI function, etc. An AI model can be at least one of the following: linear regression model, logistic regression model, decision tree model, support vector machine (SVM), neural network model, clustering model, Bayesian network, Q-learning model, generative adversarial network, or other machine learning model, without limitation. A neural network model is a mathematical model that mimics the behavioral characteristics of animal neural networks and performs distributed parallel information processing. A neural network model can be one or more of the following: deep neural network (DNN), feedforward neural network (FNN), convolutional neural network (CNN), and recurrent neural network (RNN), without specific limitation. According to the general approximation theorem, neural networks can theoretically approximate any continuous function, thus enabling them to learn arbitrary mappings.

[0085] In the various embodiments of this application, the model used for positioning is referred to as the positioning model. The positioning model can be regarded as an example of a model. The implementation method of the positioning model refers to the content of the model implementation method discussed here, and will not be repeated below.

[0086] 4. A dataset refers to the data used for model training, validation, and testing in machine learning. The quantity and quality of the data will affect the effectiveness of machine learning. Data used for model training can be called training data.

[0087] 5. Model training refers to training the model parameters by selecting an appropriate loss function and using optimization algorithms to minimize the loss function value.

[0088] 6. The loss function is used to measure the difference between the model's predicted value and the actual value.

[0089] 7. Model testing refers to evaluating model performance using test data after training.

[0090] 8. Model application, also known as model inference, refers to using a trained model to solve practical problems.

[0091] 9. Reference signal (RS), also known as pilot signal or pilot signal, is a signal provided by the transmitter to the receiver for channel estimation, channel detection, or data demodulation.

[0092] In Uu link (or Uu interface) communication scenarios, reference signals can include uplink reference signals and downlink reference signals. Uplink reference signals include, for example, demodulation reference signals (DMRS), sounding reference signals (SRS), or phase tracking reference signals (PTRS). DMRS can include, for example, DMRS for demodulating the physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) (simply referred to as DMRS for PUCCH) and DMRS for demodulating the physical uplink share channel (PUSCH) (simply referred to as DMRS for PUCCH). Downlink reference signals include, for example, channel state information-reference signals (CSI-RS), cell-specific reference signals (C-RS / CRS), or positioning reference signals (P-RS / PRS). It should be understood that there are various types of reference signals, and as standards evolve, the names of the above reference signals may change, and even more reference signals may emerge; therefore, no specific limitations are made. The SRS can be used for beam management, for codebook-based uplink transmission, for non-codebook-based uplink transmission, or for antenna selection; there are no specific limitations on it.

[0093] In sidelink (SL) communication scenarios, reference signals include SL-PRS, physical sidelink shared channel (PSSCH) DMRS, physical sidelink control channel (PSCCH) DMRS, or physical sidelink broadcast channel (PSBCH) DMRS, etc.

[0094] 10. Measurement information refers to the measurement results obtained by measuring a reference signal. Measurement information indicates at least one of the following: angle, time delay, power, energy, Doppler offset, or fingerprint of the path through which the reference signal is transmitted. In other words, measurement information includes at least one of angle information, time delay information, power information, energy information, Doppler offset information, or fingerprint information. The angle of the path is, for example, the angle-of-arrival (AOA) and / or the angle-of-departure (AOD). Time delay refers to the duration required for the signal to be transmitted along the path, also known as the time of arrival (TOA). Energy focuses on the total energy of the signal within a finite time, suitable for describing the transient state of the signal. Power focuses on the average energy transmission rate of the signal over an infinite time, suitable for describing continuous or steady-state signals. The characteristics of both in the frequency domain reflect the distribution of signal energy or power, affecting the detection, transmission, and processing of the signal. The Doppler frequency offset is the difference between the received signal frequency and the transmitted signal frequency; it is a manifestation of the Doppler effect.

[0095] 11. Fingerprint, also known as channel fingerprint. A fingerprint represents the characteristics of the path between devices. For each location, the multipath structure of the channel at that location is unique. Radio waves emitted by a terminal device undergo reflection and refraction, generating a specific pattern of multipath signal closely related to the surrounding environment. This multipath characteristic is considered the "fingerprint" of that location. In other words, the fingerprint is related to the location of the device; that is, a device in different locations may have different fingerprints. Furthermore, a fingerprint can represent the characteristics of the signal transmission path between a device at a certain location and other devices.

[0096] Fingerprints can be represented using channel impulse response (CIR), channel frequency response (CFR), or power delay profile (PDP), among other methods. CIR describes the propagation characteristics of a signal in the time domain, including arrival time, attenuation, reflection, and scattering. CIR can be represented as a function containing the amplitude and phase information of the signal at different time points. CFR is obtained by performing a Fourier transform on CIR, which describes the attenuation and phase changes of the signal in the frequency domain. CFR can be used to analyze the transmission characteristics of a signal at different frequencies. PDP describes the delay distribution of multipath propagation in a wireless channel.

[0097] 12. Fingerprint positioning refers to positioning based on fingerprint information.

[0098] 13. LOS or NLOS

[0099] LOS (Local Optical Operation) refers to a wireless transmission scenario where there are no obstructions on the straight-line connection between the sender and receiver. NLOS (Normally Non-Operating Optical Operation) refers to a wireless transmission scenario where there are obstructions between the sender and receiver, including all transmission scenarios other than LOS.

[0100] 14. Path, LOS path, or NLOS path

[0101] A path can also be called a route, path, propagation path, transmission path, or transmission route. The path by which a signal is transmitted from the sender to the receiver may include one (or more) paths. When there are two or more paths, these one or more paths can be called multipath, or the transmission between the sender and the receiver can be described as multipath transmission.

[0102] Any one of one or more paths can be classified as a LOS path or an NLOS path. A LOS path can also be called a LOS propagation path or LOS transmission path, etc. A NLOS path can also be called an NLOS propagation path or NLOS transmission path, etc. A LOS path is a signal transmission path without obstacles; for example, a LOS path is a straight line connecting the sender and receiver. In contrast to a LOS path, a NLOS path is a signal transmission path with obstacles. When all obstacles along the NLOS path are reflectors, the NLOS path can be called a reflection path. The number of obstacles along the NLOS path can be one or more.

[0103] For example, please refer to Figure 1, which is a schematic diagram of a LOS path and an NLOS path. As shown in Figure 1, the signal is transmitted from the transmitter to the receiver through multiple paths (such as path ad, path abcd, and path aed). Path ad does not pass through any obstacles, so path ad is a LOS path between the transmitter and the receiver. Path abcd passes through any obstacle 1 and obstacle 2, so path abcd is an NLOS path between the transmitter and the receiver. Path aed passes through any obstacle 1, so path aed is an NLOS path between the transmitter and the receiver.

[0104] 15. Antenna Reference Point (ARP): A reference point defined to determine the antenna's position. The antenna reference point can be the intersection of the bottom of the receiver antenna and the antenna's phase center (or antenna axis). Please refer to Figure 2, which is a schematic diagram of an antenna. Figure 2 illustrates that the antenna reference point is an intermediate point between the bottom marker of the antenna and the phase center of the antenna. The distance between the phase center and the antenna reference point is the phase center offset. The distance between the bottom marker and the antenna reference point is the offset between the bottom marker and the antenna reference point.

[0105] Having the same antenna reference point for two antennas can be understood as the two antennas being in the same position. The antenna reference point can be calculated by the device itself, or it can be configured in the device at the factory, meaning the device has or has installed the antenna.

[0106] 16. Resources, including time domain resources and frequency domain resources, etc.

[0107] Time-domain resources are used to indicate or correspond to the time window, time, duration, or duration of a transmission (such as sending, receiving, or measuring) signal. Time-domain resources include symbols, slots, mini-slots, partial slots, sub-frames, radio frames (or frames), or sensing slots. A symbol is, for example, an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbol.

[0108] A time slot can include at least one symbol, such as 14 symbols or 12 symbols. There can be different time slot types, and different time slot types include different numbers of symbols. For example, a mini slot contains less than 7 symbols, 2 symbols, 3 symbols, 4 symbols, etc., while a regular time slot contains 7 symbols or 14 symbols, etc.

[0109] Depending on the subcarrier spacing, the length of each symbol can vary, and therefore the time slot length can also vary. For example, a time slot with a subcarrier spacing of 15 kHz has a length of 0.5 ms, a time slot with a subcarrier spacing of 60 kHz has a length of 0.125 ms, and so on.

[0110] In 5th generation (5G) new radio (NR) systems, a time slot is a basic unit of time in the radio frame structure, containing a series of OFDM symbols. The length of a time slot can vary depending on the subcarrier spacing (SCS) to support different use cases and requirements.

[0111] A symbol refers to a symbol period in an OFDM system, which is the smallest unit of time for transmitting data. A symbol contains modulated data from multiple subcarriers. OFDM transmits data by dividing a wideband channel into multiple orthogonal narrowband subcarriers, each of which can independently carry modulated data. In 5G NR, the symbol length depends on the subcarrier spacing; a larger subcarrier spacing results in a shorter symbol period, which reduces inter-symbol interference caused by multipath propagation and adapts to rapidly changing wireless environments.

[0112] Frequency domain resources are used to indicate or correspond to the frequency resources or frequency ranges for transmitting (e.g., sending, receiving, or measuring) signals. The unit of frequency domain resources can be a frequency domain cell, or a frequency domain resource can be divided into one or more frequency domain cells. Frequency domain cells include, for example, bands, carriers, bandwidth parts (BWP), subbands, RBs, REs, or subchannels.

[0113] A subband comprises one or more RBs. RBs are fifth-generation (5G). th In generational (5G) new radio (NR) systems, an RB (Radio Restricted Base) is the basic unit for allocating frequency domain resources. An RB consists of a number of subcarriers that span some or all symbols of a time slot. Within a given time slot, the network can allocate one or more RBs for data transmission. For example, an RB may contain 12 subcarriers spaced between 15 kHz and 240 kHz.

[0114] RE is the most basic unit constituting physical layer transmission in 5G NR. Each RE corresponds to a subcarrier in the frequency domain and a symbol in the time domain. Simply put, an RE is a time-frequency cell in which a modulated data symbol or a reference signal can be transmitted.

[0115] A subchannel is the smallest unit of frequency domain resources occupied by a physical side-channel shared channel. A subchannel may include one or more resource blocks (RBs). The bandwidth of a wireless communication system in the frequency domain may include multiple RBs. For example, in the various possible bandwidths of an LTE system, the number of physical resource blocks (PRBs) included may be 6, 15, 25, 50, etc.

[0116] 17. A port, also known as an antenna port, is a logical concept. A port can be understood as a reference signal identified by the receiving side, or a spatially distinguishable reference signal. One port can be pre-configured for each virtual antenna, where each virtual antenna can be a weighted combination of multiple physical antennas. In practice, one or more physical antenna arrays can correspond to or be connected to a port. When a reference signal is transmitted, the port of the reference signal can be used to distinguish between different reference signals or the measurement results of different reference signals. Specifically, the channel carried by a certain antenna port on one symbol can be inferred from the signal carried by that antenna port on another symbol.

[0117] 18. A time window, also known as a time period, is used to represent a period of time. A time window can be determined by at least two of the following parameters: its start time (or start time, initial moment), its end time (or end time, termination moment), and its length. For example, if the start time of a time window is symbol 0 and the end time is symbol 3, then the time window covers the period from symbol 0 to symbol 3, and its length is 3 symbols. The length of a time window can also be called its duration.

[0118] The start or end time of a time window can represent a specific frame, subframe, time slot, symbol, or absolute time (such as Coordinated Universal Time, UTC), without specific limitations. Alternatively, the start or end time of a time window can be represented using a start reference time and an offset. The start reference time, for example, represents a specific frame, subframe, or time slot at the beginning of the time window. The offset, for example, represents the offset of the time window's start time relative to the start reference time symbol. For instance, the offset is the offset between the start symbol of the time window and the first symbol in the frame with the start reference time. For example, if the start reference time of a time window is time slot 1 and the offset is 2, then the start time of this time window is the (1+2)th time slot in time slot 1, i.e., the 3rd time slot.

[0119] The offset relative to the starting reference time can be one or more offsets. For example, the start time of a time window can be represented by the system frame number (SFN) start time, slot offset, and symbol offset. The SFN start time can be considered as an example of the starting reference time, and the slot offset and symbol offset can be examples of offsets.

[0120] SFN start time indicates the starting frame number of the time window. Slot offset refers to the offset between the starting slot of the time window and the first slot of the starting frame. Symbol offset refers to the offset between the starting symbol of the time window and the starting slot of the time window.

[0121] For example, if the SFN start time is 100, the slot offset is 3, and the symbol offset is 4, then the start time of this time window is the 4th symbol in the 3rd slot of frame 100.

[0122] Optionally, a time window can also appear periodically. In this case, the period of the time window can be regarded as the interval between two adjacent time windows. For example, the duration of the period can be equal to the interval between the end time of one of the two adjacent time windows and the start time of the other of the two adjacent time windows, or the duration of the period can be equal to the interval between the start time of one of the two adjacent time windows and the start time of the other of the two adjacent time windows, or the duration of the period can be equal to the interval between the end time of one of the two adjacent time windows and the end time of the other of the two adjacent time windows.

[0123] When a time window is the time window for transmitting a certain signal, then the time window belongs to the time domain resources of that signal, or the time domain resources of that signal include the time window, or the time domain resources of that signal indicate the time window, or the time window can also be replaced by time domain resources.

[0124] 19. LOS terminal equipment (or LOS user equipment (UE)) and NLOS terminal equipment (or NLOS UE)

[0125] A UE can be called a LOS UE if it is within the coverage of at least three network devices (such as base stations) and can be located based on at least three LOS paths between the UE and each of the at least three base stations. In other words, the signal path transmitted by a LOS UE includes at least three LOS paths, such as 3, 4, or 5 LOS paths. Alternatively, it can be said that the LOS UE is located within the coverage of at least three base stations, or that the LOS UE is within the coverage of at least three base stations and the signal transmission paths between the UE and each of the at least three base stations all include LOS paths. Or, the location of the LOS UE can be determined based on measurement information from at least three base stations. For example, the location of the LOS UE can be determined based on the TOA and AOA of the LOS paths between the UE and each of the at least three base stations. That is, the location of the LOS UE can be determined based on parameters of at least three LOS paths (such as parameters of 3, 4, or 5 LOS paths), including the TOA and AOA of the LOS path between one base station and the UE.

[0126] A UE is defined as an NLOS UE if it is within the coverage area of ​​two or fewer base stations. In other words, the signal path transmitted by an NLOS UE includes two or fewer LOS paths, such as 2 LOS paths, 1 LOS path, or 0 LOS paths. Alternatively, it can be said that the NLOS UE is within the coverage area of ​​two or fewer base stations. Or, it can be said that the base stations covering the NLOS UE can measure the TOA and AOA of two or fewer LOS paths.

[0127] Compared to NLOS terminal devices, LOS terminal devices are more convenient for positioning, or rather, easier to accurately locate via network devices.

[0128] For example, please refer to Figure 3, which is a schematic diagram of a LOS UE and an NLOS UE.

[0129] As shown in Figure 3, UE1 is located within the coverage area of ​​base stations 1, 2, and 3. UE1 can send signals to base stations 1, 2, and 3, and base stations 1, 2, and 3 can also send signals to UE1. Accordingly, the signal paths transmitted by UE1 can include the LOS path between UE1 and base station 1 (path bd as shown in Figure 3), the LOS path between UE1 and base station 2 (path bc as shown in Figure 3), and the LOS path between UE1 and base station 3 (path be as shown in Figure 3). Therefore, UE1 can be considered a LOS UE.

[0130] UE2 is located only within the coverage area of ​​base station 3. Accordingly, UE2 can send signals to base station 3, and base station 3 can also send signals to UE2. Consequently, the signal path transmitted by UE2 can include the LOS path between UE2 and base station 3, as shown by path ae in Figure 3. Therefore, UE2 can be considered an NLOS UE.

[0131] The terms mentioned above may have other names, or may appear as the standard evolves; no specific limitations are made in this regard.

[0132] In the various embodiments of this application, the number of nouns, unless otherwise specified, refers to "singular nouns or plural nouns," that is, "one or more." "At least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B means: A or B. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of singular or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c means: a, b, c, a and b, a and c, b and c, or a and b and c, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0133] In this application embodiment, "instruction" can include direct instruction, indirect instruction, explicit instruction, and implicit instruction. When describing a certain instruction information to indicate A, it can be understood that the instruction information carries A, directly indicates A, or indirectly indicates A. In this application, the information indicated by the instruction information is called the information to be instructed. In the specific implementation process, there are many ways to indicate the information to be instructed, such as, but not limited to, directly indicating the information to be instructed, such as the information to be instructed itself or its index. It can also indirectly indicate the information to be instructed by indicating other information, wherein there is an association between the other information and the information to be instructed. It can also indicate only a part of the information to be instructed, while the other parts of the information to be instructed are known or agreed upon in advance. For example, the instruction of specific information can also be achieved by using the arrangement order of various information in advance (e.g., protocol stipulation), thereby reducing the instruction overhead to a certain extent. In addition, the information to be instructed can be sent as a whole or divided into multiple sub-information to be sent separately, and the sending period and / or sending time of these sub-information can be the same or different.

[0134] In the embodiments of this application, "send" and "receive" indicate the direction of signal transmission. For example, "send information to XX" can be understood as the destination of the information being XX, which may include direct transmission via the air interface or indirect transmission by other units or modules via the air interface. "Receive information from YY" can be understood as the source of the information being YY, which may include direct reception from YY via the air interface or indirect reception from YY by other units or modules via the air interface. "Send" can also be understood as the "output" of the chip interface, and "receive" can also be understood as the "input" of the chip interface. In other words, sending and receiving can occur between devices, such as between network devices and terminal devices, or within a device, such as between components, modules, chips, software modules, or hardware modules within the device via a bus, wiring, or interface.

[0135] In addition, in the embodiments of this application, words such as "exemplarily," "for example," "likely," "optional," "possible implementation," "possible mode of implementation," or "possible design" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design scheme described as an "example" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design schemes. Specifically, the use of the term "example" is intended to present concepts in a concrete manner. In the embodiments of this application, "of," "corresponding / relevant," and "corresponding" may sometimes be used interchangeably, and it should be noted that their intended meanings are consistent unless their distinction is emphasized.

[0136] The various embodiments of this application are applicable to various communication systems (or communication networks, systems, etc.). Various communication systems include, for example, satellite communication systems, fifth-generation (5G) communication systems, etc. th 5G communication systems include new radio (NR), future evolution communication systems, device-to-device (D2D) communication systems, machine-to-machine (M2M) communication systems, Internet of Things (IoT) communication systems, and other communication systems. 5G communication systems include non-standalone (NSA) 5G communication systems and / or standalone (SA) 5G communication systems. Furthermore, the various embodiments of this application can also be applied to various converged communication systems, such as a converged system of satellite communication systems and 5G communication systems.

[0137] The communication system applicable to the embodiments of this application will be described below with reference to the architectural diagram of the communication system shown in Figure 4. As shown in Figure 4, the communication system 1000 includes an access network (AN) 100. Optionally, the communication system may also include a core network (CN) 200 and an Internet 300. The access network 100 may include at least one network device (or network equipment, or network-side equipment), as shown in Figure 4 as 110a and 110b. 110a is a base station, and 110b is a micro-station. The communication system 1000 may also include at least one terminal device (or terminal equipment), as shown in Figure 4 as 120a to 120j. 120a, 120e, 120f, and 120j are mobile phones, 120b is a car, 120c is a fuel dispenser, 120d is a home access point (HAP) deployed indoors or outdoors, 120g is a laptop computer, 120h is a printer, and 120i is a drone. The same terminal device or the same network device can provide different functions in different application scenarios. For example, the mobile phones in Figure 4 are 120a, 120e, 120f and 120j. Mobile phone 120a can access base station 110a, connect to car 120b, communicate directly with mobile phone 120e and access HAP. Car 120b can access HAP and communicate directly with mobile phone 120a. Mobile phone 120f can access micro-station 110b, connect to laptop 120g and printer 120h. Mobile phone 120j can control drone 120i.

[0138] 1. Network device

[0139] A network device is a network-side device with wireless transceiver capabilities. A network device can be a device, equipment, or module located on the network side of a communication system and possessing corresponding communication functions. A network device typically contains communication modules, circuits, or chips that perform the corresponding communication functions. The network device also contains program instructions for performing the corresponding communication functions, as well as corresponding program instructions. A network device can include core network devices and / or access network devices. An access network device can be a device in a radio access network (RAN) that provides wireless communication functions for terminal devices; it can be referred to as RAN equipment. The RAN can be an access network in the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), such as 4G, 5G, or future-oriented communication networks. The RAN can also be an open RAN (O-RAN or ORAN), a cloud radio access network (CRAN), or a communication network combining two or more of the above.

[0140] RAN equipment can also be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB) in a 5G mobile communication system, a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access node in a WiFi system, etc.

[0141] RAN equipment can also be a module or unit that performs some of the functions of a base station. For example, it can be a central unit / control unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), or a radio unit (RU). The CU and DU can be set up separately or included in the same network element, such as in a baseband unit (BBU). The RU can be included in radio frequency equipment or radio frequency units, such as in a remote radio unit (RRU), an active antenna unit (AAU), or a remote radio head (RRH). The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or equipment form used in the network device.

[0142] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an open (O)-RAN system, CU can also be called an O-RAN central unit (O-CU), DU can also be called an O-RAN distributed unit (O-DU), CU-CP can also be called an O-RAN central unit control plane (O-CU-CP), CU-UP can also be called an O-RAN Central Unit User Plane (O-CU-UP), and RU can also be called an O-RU. Any of the units CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules. RA equipment can be a macro base station, a micro base station, an indoor station, a relay node, or a donor node, etc.

[0143] In various embodiments of this application, the functions of the network device can be implemented by the network device itself, by modules (such as chips) within the network device, or by logic modules or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions. Alternatively, they can be implemented by a control subsystem that includes network device functions. This control subsystem, including network device functions, can be a control center in the aforementioned application scenarios such as smart grids, industrial control, intelligent transportation, and smart cities.

[0144] 2. Terminal device

[0145] A terminal device is a user-side device with wireless transceiver capabilities. Terminal devices can also be called terminal equipment, terminals, user interfaces (UEs), mobile stations, mobile terminals, etc. Terminal devices can be widely used in various scenarios, such as device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), the Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grids, smart furniture, smart offices, smart wearables, intelligent transportation, and smart cities. Terminal devices can be mobile phones, tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, wearable devices, vehicles, drones, helicopters, airplanes, ships, robots, robotic arms, smart home devices, mobile stations (MS), subscriber units, cellular phones, smartphones, wireless data cards, personal digital assistant (PDA) computers, tablet computers, wireless modems, handsets, laptop computers, or machine-type communication (MTC) terminals, etc. Terminal devices typically contain communication modules, circuits, or chips that perform the corresponding communication functions. They may also be configured with program instructions for performing these functions.

[0146] In various embodiments of this application, the means for implementing the functions of the terminal device may be implemented by the terminal device itself, or by a module (such as a chip or modem) in the terminal device, or by a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions.

[0147] Network devices and terminal devices can be fixed in location or mobile. They can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; they can also be deployed on water; and they can be deployed in the air on aircraft, balloons, and satellites. The embodiments of this application do not limit the application scenarios of the network devices and terminal devices.

[0148] The roles of network devices and terminal devices can be relative. For example, the helicopter or drone 120i in Figure 4 can be configured as a mobile network device. For terminal devices 120j that access the wireless access network 100 via 120i, terminal device 120i is a network device; however, for network device 110a, 120i is a terminal device. That is, 110a and 120i communicate via a wireless air interface protocol. Of course, 110a and 120i can also communicate via a network device-to-network device interface protocol. In this case, relative to 110a, 120i is also a network device. Therefore, both network devices and terminal devices can be collectively referred to as communication devices. 110a and 110b in Figure 4 can be called communication devices with network device functions, and 120a-120j in Figure 4 can be called communication devices with terminal device functions.

[0149] Please refer to Figure 5, which is a schematic diagram of the communication system provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 5 illustrates multiple terminal devices, a next-generation (NG) RAN (which may be abbreviated as NG-RAN), including gNBs and next-generation eNodeBs (ng-eNBs), and core network elements. The core network elements illustrated in Figure 5 include the access and mobility management function (AMF), the location management function (LMF), the enhanced serving mobile location center (E-SMLC), the service location protocol (SLP), the gateway mobile location center (GMLC), and the network exposure function (NEF).

[0150] An ng-eNB is an LTE base station, and it can include one or more transmission points (TPs). A gNB is an NR base station, and it can include one or more transmission points (TRPs). ng-eNBs and gNBs can communicate via the Xn interface.

[0151] Figure 5 illustrates an example using multiple terminal devices, including a first terminal device, a second terminal device, and a third device; the actual number of terminal devices is not limited. Both the first and second terminal devices can communicate with the access network via a Uu link. For example, either the first or second terminal device can communicate with the ng-eNB via LTE-Uu, and with the gNB via an NR-Uu link. The first and second terminal devices can communicate with each other via a PC5 interface.

[0152] The access network communicates with the AMF via the NG-C interface, and the AMF acts as a router for communication between the access network and the LMF. The AMF and LMF communicate via the NLs (such as NL1) interface. The LMF can communicate with the E-SMLC, SLP, GMLC, and NEF respectively.

[0153] In one possible implementation, the LMF collects training data, and other network elements, such as core network elements, specifically E-SMLC or SLP, can train a localization model based on the training data. In this case, the localization model can be deployed in other network elements (such as E-SMLC or SLP), without limitation. Optionally, the LMF can determine the location of the device based on the trained localization model.

[0154] In another possible implementation, the LMF can collect training data and train a localization model (or AI localization network). Other network elements (such as E-SMLC, SLP, etc.) can call the localization model in the LMF to locate the terminal device. In this case, the localization model can be deployed in the LMF or other devices, without limitation.

[0155] Figure 6 illustrates a positioning network architecture based on NG-RAN applicable to an embodiment of this application. The NG-RAN shown in Figure 6 supports the PC5 interface, i.e., the sidelink. Figure 6 illustrates multiple access network devices and multiple terminal devices. Figure 6 uses an example with two access network devices (a first access network device and a second access network device) and four terminal devices (a first terminal device, a second terminal device, a third terminal device, and a fourth terminal device). In practice, the number of access network devices and terminal devices is not limited.

[0156] The first terminal device and the second terminal device are located within the coverage area of ​​the first access network device, and the third terminal device is located within the coverage area of ​​the second access network device. The first terminal device and the second terminal device can communicate via a PC5 interface, and the second terminal device and the third terminal device can also communicate via a PC5 interface. The fourth terminal device is located outside the coverage area of ​​the first access network device and the second access network device, and the fourth terminal device can communicate with the second terminal device and the third terminal device respectively via a PC5 interface.

[0157] Figure 7 shows a schematic diagram of an O-RAN system architecture provided in an embodiment of this application. O-RAN defines the architectural connections and interface standardization between various modules within the RAN, so that such a RAN can be decomposed into multiple modules. Because of the interface standardization, it can be assembled from modules provided by different equipment vendors.

[0158] As shown in Figure 7, O-RAN can include O-CU, O-DU, and O-RU. O-CU includes O-CU-CP and O-CU-UP. The system architecture can also include an open cloud (O-cloud), a service management and orchestration framework (SMO), an open eNB (O-eNB), and a RAN intelligent controller (RIC), including near-real-time (RT) RICs (which can be abbreviated as Near-RT RICs) and non-real-time (RT) RICs (which can be abbreviated as non-RT RICs).

[0159] SMO functions similarly to a network manager, operating, maintaining, and managing cloud infrastructure.

[0160] Non-RT RICs are used to implement non-real-time intelligent management of RAN functions, such as enabling AI / ML workflows including model training and model updates, and guiding applications / functions within the Near-RT RIC based on policies. Non-RT RICs can reside within the SMO.

[0161] Near-RT RIC is used to achieve near real-time intelligent management of the RAN. Through data collection and related operations on the E2 interface, it enables near real-time control and optimization of O-RAN modules and resources.

[0162] The O-CU is used to implement the Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer, Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer, Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP) layer, and other control functions in the 3GPP standard. The O-CU includes O-CU-CP and O-CU-UP.

[0163] O-CU-CP, similar to CU-CP in the NR system, is used to implement the functions of the RRC layer and the control plane functions of the PDCP layer.

[0164] O-CU-UP, similar to CU-UP in the NR system, is used to implement the functions of the SDAP layer and the user plane functions of the PDCP layer.

[0165] O-DU, based on low-layer function segmentation, is used to implement the radio link control (RLC) layer, media access control (MAC) layer, and higher physical layer (Higher PHY) layer in the 3GPP standard. Among them, the higher physical layer functions include one or more of the following: forward error correction (FEC) encoding / decoding, scrambling / descrambling, or modulation / demodulation.

[0166] O-RU, based on low-layer function partitioning, is used to implement lower physical layer (PHY) functions and radio frequency (RF) functions in the 3GPP standard. Low PHY functions include one or more of the following: Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) / Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (iFFT), digital beamforming, or extraction and filtering of the Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH). It is similar to the Transmission Reception Point (TRP) or Remote Radio Head (RRH) in 3GPP, but includes low PHY functions such as FFT / iFFT or PRACH extraction.

[0167] O-Cloud, as a cloud computing platform, includes physical infrastructure nodes for hosting O-RAN functions such as RIC and O-DU, as well as supporting software components (such as operating systems, virtual machine monitoring, container runtimes), management, and orchestration functions.

[0168] The interfaces shown in Figure 7 will be described below.

[0169] The A1 interface serves as the interface between the Non-RT RIC and the Near-RT RIC, enabling intelligent and dynamic control of radio resources within the O-RAN. The Non-RT RIC provides policies, rich information, and ML model updates to the Near-RT RIC via the A1 interface, while the Near-RT RIC provides policy feedback to the Non-RT RIC via the A1 interface.

[0170] The E2 interface is an open interface between two endpoints used to connect the Near-RT RIC and the RAN node. RAN nodes include, for example, CU and DU in 5G, O-RAN compatible eNB in ​​4G, O-CU (O-CU-CP and / or O-CU-UP) in O-RAN, and / or O-DU, etc. The RIC can obtain data collection and feedback from the RAN node through the E2 node, and the RAN node can obtain control feedback from the Near-RT RIC through the E2 node.

[0171] The O1 interface is the interface between the management entity in the SMO and the O-RAN module, used for operation management. This interface enables FCAPS management, software management, and file management. The O2 interface is the interface between the SMO and the infrastructure management framework that supports O-RAN virtual network functions.

[0172] The Open Front Haul Control, User and Synchronization (FHCUS) plane interface includes a control plane (C-Plane), a user plane (U-Plane), and a synchronization plane (S-Plane). The control plane is used for real-time control between the O-DU and O-RU, such as transmitting beamforming weights from the O-DU to the O-RU or performing power control from the O-DU to the O-RU. The user plane is used to transmit communication data between the DU and RU for access network devices and terminals. The synchronization plane is used by the O-DU to provide clock synchronization for the O-RU.

[0173] The NG interface is the interface between NR RAN equipment (such as base stations, CUs, CU-CPs, or CU-UPs) and the NR core network. NG-u is the user plane NG interface, and NG-c is the control plane NG interface. The Xn interface is the interface between NR RAN equipment (such as base stations, CUs, CU-CPs, or CU-UPs). Xn-u is the user plane Xn interface, and Xn-c is the control plane Xn interface.

[0174] The X2 interface is used between LTE RAN devices. X2-u is the user plane X2 interface, and X2-c is the control plane X2 interface. In NR, the X2 interface is mainly used in E-UTRA-NR dual connectivity (evolved universal terrestrial radio access dual connectivity, EN-DC) scenarios, where the master station is an LTE RAN device connected to the LTE core network via the X2 interface. The E1 interface is used between CU-CP and CU-UP. The F1-C interface is used between CU-CP and DU. The F1-U interface is used between CU-UP and DU.

[0175] In the O-RAN architecture, the module that receives the reported difference between the twin channel and the measurement channel may be a CU, RT RIC, or Non-RT RIC, etc. The DU is responsible for receiving signals, signal processing, multipath measurement, channel difference calculation, etc.

[0176] The names of the interfaces and the connection methods of the units shown in Figure 7 are an example. In actual applications, the O-RAN system may include more or fewer interfaces, or more or fewer units.

[0177] To enable model-based localization of terminal devices, a large amount of training data is needed to train the model. The following section uses LMF (Local Model for Detecting and Detecting) as an example to introduce possible methods for collecting training data. It also uses the UE (User Equipment) as the terminal device and the base station as the network device as an example.

[0178] In one possible approach, the location of the terminal device is manually determined and input into the LMF (Local Model Provider). The base station receives the SRS (Short-Side Responder) signal transmitted by the terminal device, obtains the channel impulse response based on channel estimation, and sends the channel impulse response to the LMF. The LMF extracts features from the channel responses from different base stations and combines them into a fingerprint. This process collects training data for the LMF to train the model. However, this method requires manual intervention to determine the location of the terminal device, resulting in low calibration efficiency.

[0179] Therefore, another possible approach is proposed. In this approach, the location of the UE can be obtained by locating the terminal device using a base station. The following section, with reference to the schematic diagram of the location method shown in Figure 8, introduces the base station-based uplink time difference of arrival (UL-TDOA) positioning technology.

[0180] S801, the location management function (LMF) sends a location information request to the serving base station. This location information request is used to request information for location purposes, specifically, to request configuration information for the sounding reference signal (SRS). The serving base station is the base station currently serving the UE.

[0181] S802, The serving base station sends a location information response to the LMF. The location information response may carry, for example, SRS configuration information.

[0182] S803, The serving base station sends SRS configuration information to the terminal device.

[0183] S804 and LMF send a measurement request to neighboring base stations. The measurement request is used to request neighboring base stations to measure reference signals. The signal coverage area of ​​the neighboring base stations includes the UE and base stations adjacent to the serving base station.

[0184] S805 and LMF send a measurement request to the serving base station. The measurement request is used to request neighboring base stations to measure reference signals.

[0185] S806. The UE sends an SRS to the serving base station. The UE sends the SRS based on the SRS configuration information.

[0186] S807, the UE sends an SRS to the neighboring base station. The UE sends the SRS based on the SRS configuration information.

[0187] S808, The serving base station sends measurement information to the LMF. This measurement information includes the measurement results of the SRS measured by the serving base station.

[0188] S809, The neighboring base station sends measurement information to the LMF. This measurement information includes the measurement results of the SRS measured by the serving base station.

[0189] S810 and LMF calculate location. LMF can determine the UE's location based on measurement information sent by the serving base station and measurement information from neighboring base stations.

[0190] Thus, the LMF can determine the location of the UE based on the following formulas (1) and (2).

[0191] Among them, (x UE ,y UE ) represents the position of the UE, Δt 21 Δt represents the difference between the time a neighboring base station receives the SRS and the time the serving base station receives the SRS. 31 The value c represents the difference between the time it takes for another neighboring base station to receive the SRS and the time it takes for the serving base station to receive the SRS, where c represents the speed of light.

[0192] Based on the above discussion, it is clear that base stations can only locate LOS UEs. Therefore, this method is not suitable for locating NLOS UEs, meaning its applicability is poor.

[0193] In view of this, embodiments of this application provide a communication scheme. In this communication scheme, the Uu measurement between the collaborative terminal device (e.g., UE) and the network device (e.g., base station) and the positioning measurement between terminal devices are carried out. Thus, the positioning of the NLOS terminal device is achieved through LOS terminal device positioning and relative positioning between the LOS terminal device and the NLOS terminal device. There is no need to manually calibrate the position of the terminal device, which can ensure the efficiency of positioning. It also does not require the terminal device to be located to be covered by multiple base stations, making the method more applicable.

[0194] The communication method provided by the embodiments of this application is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings corresponding to the various embodiments of this application, all steps indicated by dashed lines are optional steps. Furthermore, the first terminal device and the second terminal device involved in the various embodiments of this application may, for example, be UE1 and UE2 as shown in FIG3, any two terminal devices involved in FIG4, the first terminal device and the second terminal device involved in FIG5, the first terminal device and the second terminal device involved in FIG6, or the second terminal device and the third terminal device involved in FIG6, or the second terminal device and the fourth terminal device involved in FIG6, or the third terminal device and the fourth terminal device involved in FIG6. The network device involved in the various embodiments of this application may, for example, be any base station involved in FIG3, any network device involved in FIG4, the ng-eNB or gNB involved in FIG5, the first access network device or the second access network device involved in FIG6, or at least one of O-CU, O-DU, or RIC involved in FIG7. Furthermore, the positioning devices involved in the various embodiments of this application may be, for example, core network elements in the core network involved in FIG4, or LMF, E-SMLC, SLP or servers used for positioning (such as third-party servers) involved in FIG5.

[0195] Furthermore, in the various embodiments of this application, the network device serving the first terminal device and the network device serving the second terminal device may be the same or different network devices, and no specific limitation is made in this regard. Additionally, as standards continue to evolve, the names and / or functions of the devices may change, and no limitation is made in this regard.

[0196] The following section describes a communication method illustrated in Figure 9. The steps involved in Figure 9 will be explained in detail below.

[0197] S901, the positioning device sends first information to the first device. Correspondingly, the first device receives the first information from the positioning device. The first device can have any of the following possible scenarios A1 to A5, which are listed below.

[0198] A1. The first device includes a network device. In this case, S901 can be alternatively described as: the positioning device sends first information to the network device. Accordingly, the network device receives the first information from the positioning device. If the network devices serving the first terminal device and the second terminal device are different network devices, then the positioning device can send the first information to different network devices respectively. For ease of description, the following example assumes that the network devices serving the first terminal device and the second terminal device are the same network device.

[0199] A2. The first device includes a first terminal device. In this case, S901 can be alternatively described as: the positioning device sends first information to the first terminal device. Accordingly, the first terminal device receives the first information from the positioning device. Optionally, the first terminal device may be, for example, a LOS terminal device.

[0200] A3. The first device includes a network device and a first terminal device. In this case, S901 can be alternatively described as: the positioning device sends first information to the network device and the first terminal device respectively. Correspondingly, the network device and the first terminal device receive the first information from the positioning device respectively.

[0201] A4. The first device includes a network device and a second terminal device. In this case, S901 can be alternatively described as: the positioning device sends first information to the network device and the second terminal device respectively. Correspondingly, the network device and the second terminal device receive the first information from the positioning device respectively. Optionally, the second terminal device may be, for example, an NLOS terminal device.

[0202] A5. The first device includes a first terminal device and a second terminal device. In this case, S901 can be alternatively described as: the positioning device sends first information to the network device and the second terminal device respectively. Correspondingly, the network device and the second terminal device receive the first information from the positioning device respectively.

[0203] In various embodiments of this application, when the positioning device sends information to the network device, it can do so via New Radio Positioning Protocol Annex (NRPPa) or by discovering information through related signaling of NRPPa. For example, the positioning device can send first information to the network device via NRPPa.

[0204] When a positioning device sends information (such as first information) to a first terminal device or a second terminal device, the positioning device can send the information through a network device, or it can send the information directly to the first or second terminal device. For example, when a positioning device sends information to a terminal device (such as a first or second terminal device), it can send the information through the Long Term Evolution Positioning Protocol Annex (LPPa / LPPA), or through related signaling of the LPPa. For example, the positioning device can send first information to the first terminal device through the LPPa.

[0205] The following is an introduction to the content of the first piece of information.

[0206] The first information indicates that the measurement of the first reference signal and the measurement of the second reference signal occur within the first time window. This can also be described as the first information indicating that the measurement of the first reference signal and the measurement of the second reference signal occur within the first time window. It can be understood that part or all of the time within the time window indicating the time domain resources for measuring the first reference signal is located within the first time window, and part or all of the time within the time window indicating the time domain resources for measuring the second reference signal is located within the first time window. Alternatively, it can be understood that the first time window includes part or all of the time indicated by the time domain resources for measuring the first reference signal, and part or all of the time within the time window indicating the measurement of the second reference signal. Alternatively, it can be understood that the start time and / or end time corresponding to the first time domain resource are at least within the first time window, and the start time and / or end time corresponding to the second time domain resource are at least within the first time window.

[0207] For simplicity, the time-domain resource for measuring the first reference signal will be referred to as the first time-domain resource, and the time-domain resource for measuring the second reference signal will be referred to as the second time-domain resource. The first time-domain resource can be understood as a time window, time, time window, or duration used to indicate (or determine) the reception (or measurement) or transmission of the first reference signal. The second time-domain resource can also be understood as a time window, time, time window, or duration used to indicate (or determine) the reception (or measurement) or transmission of the second reference signal.

[0208] Optionally, the first time-domain resource and the second time-domain resource can completely overlap, i.e., they are the same time-domain resource. Alternatively, the first time-domain resource and the second time-domain resource may partially overlap. Or, the first time-domain resource and the second time-domain resource may not overlap at all. Furthermore, the start time of the first time-domain resource may be later than, or earlier than, or equal to the start time of the second time-domain resource; no specific restrictions are imposed on these conditions.

[0209] Please refer to Figure 10, which is a schematic diagram of the first time window, the time window for the first time domain resource indication, and the time window for the second time domain resource indication provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0210] Figure 10(1) takes the example where the time windows of the first time domain resource indicator and the second time domain resource indicator are both located in the first time window, and the time windows of the first time domain resource indicator and the second time domain resource indicator do not overlap. As shown in Figure 10(1), the first time window includes the time window shown in t1 to t6, the time period shown in the first time domain resource indicator t2 to t3, and the time period shown in the second time domain resource indicator t4 to t5.

[0211] Figure 10(2) takes the example where the time windows of the first time domain resource indicator and the second time domain resource indicator are both located in the first time window, and the time windows of the first time domain resource indicator and the second time domain resource indicator partially overlap. As shown in Figure 10(2), the first time window includes the time period from t1 to t6, the time period from t2 to t4 of the first time domain resource indicator, and the time period from t3 to t5 of the second time domain resource indicator.

[0212] Figure 10(3) illustrates an example where a portion of the time in the time window indicated by the first time domain resource is located within the first time window, and the time window indicated by the second time domain resource is located within the first time window, and the time windows indicated by the first time domain resource and the second time domain resource do not partially overlap. As shown in Figure 10(3), the first time window includes the time period from t2 to t6, the time period from t1 to t3 indicated by the first time domain resource indicator, and the time period from t4 to t5 indicated by the second time domain resource indicator.

[0213] Figure 10(4) illustrates an example where the time window of the first time domain resource indicator is located within the first time window, and a portion of the time in the second time domain resource indicator's time window is located within the first time window, and the time windows of the first and second time domain resource indicators do not overlap. As shown in Figure 10(4), the first time window includes the time period from t1 to t5, the time period from t2 to t3 of the first time domain resource indicator, and the time period from t4 to t6 of the second time domain resource indicator.

[0214] Figure 10(5) illustrates an example where a portion of the time window of the first time domain resource indicator is located within the first time window, a portion of the time window of the second time domain resource indicator is located within the first time window, and the time windows of the first and second time domain resource indicators do not overlap. As shown in Figure 10(5), the first time window includes the time period from t2 to t5, the time period from t1 to t3 of the first time domain resource indicator, and the time period from t4 to t6 of the second time domain resource indicator.

[0215] The first reference signal is a reference signal between the first terminal device and the second terminal device. The first reference signal can be a reference signal transmitted based on a Uu link or a reference signal transmitted based on a first SL link. Transmission includes receiving or sending. The first reference signal can be a reference signal sent from the first terminal device to the second terminal device, or it can be a reference signal sent from the second terminal device to the first terminal device.

[0216] The second reference signal is a reference signal between the network device and the first terminal device. For example, the second reference signal can be a reference signal sent by the network device to the first terminal device, such as a downlink reference signal. Alternatively, the second reference signal can be a reference signal sent by the first terminal device to the network device, such as an uplink reference signal. Optionally, the case where the second reference signal is a downlink reference signal can be applied to the above-described cases A2 (i.e., the first device includes the first terminal device) and A5 (i.e., the first device includes both the first terminal device and the second terminal device).

[0217] In one possible implementation, the first information further indicates that a third reference signal be measured within a first time window; or it can be described as the first information indicating that a first reference signal, a second reference signal, and a third reference signal be measured within a first time window. The third reference signal is a reference signal between the network device and the second terminal device. For example, the third reference signal can be a reference signal sent by the network device to the second terminal device, such as a downlink reference signal. Alternatively, the third reference signal can be a reference signal sent by the second terminal device to the network device, such as an uplink reference signal. In the above possible implementations, the first device can be the first device shown in A1, A4, or A5 above.

[0218] The following section, using examples B1 to B3, describes how the first information indicator measures the first reference signal and the second reference signal within the first time window.

[0219] B1. The first information includes information about a first time window, which is used to indicate the measurement of a first reference signal and a second reference signal within the first time window. Optionally, the information about the first time window may also indicate the measurement of a third reference signal within the first time window. In other words, the information about the first time window indicates the measurement of the first reference signal, the second reference signal, and the third reference signal within the first time window.

[0220] The information for the first time window may include at least two of the following: the start time, the end time, and the length of the first time window. The length of the first time window may be, for example, 10 symbols. Optionally, the first information may also include the period of the first time window.

[0221] For example, the start time of the first time window is the 4th symbol of the 3rd time slot in 100 frames, the length (duration) of the first time window is 8 symbols, and the end time of the first time window is the 12th symbol of the 3rd time slot in 100 frames. The period of the first time window is, for example, 10 frames or 10 milliseconds (ms).

[0222] Alternatively, the first information may include an index (or identifier, number, sequence number, etc.) of the first time window. For example, the first device and the positioning device may agree on at least one time window, or the first device and the positioning device may be pre-configured with at least one time window, each of the at least one time window being associated with an index. In this way, the first device can determine the first time window from the at least one time window based on the index of the first time window.

[0223] B2. If the first information includes a first field, the first field indicates that a first reference signal and a second reference signal are measured within a first time window. Optionally, the first field also indicates that a third reference signal is measured within the first time window. In other words, the first field indicates that the first reference signal, the second reference signal, and the third reference signal are measured within the first time window.

[0224] If the first information does not include the first field, then there is no restriction on whether the measurement of the first reference signal and the measurement of the second reference signal are within the first time window. Optionally, if the first information does not include the first field, then there is no restriction on whether the measurement of the third reference signal is within the first time window.

[0225] Under B2, the information for the first time window can be pre-configured or predefined in the first device.

[0226] B3. The value of the first information indicates the measurement of the first reference signal and the measurement of the second reference signal within the first time window.

[0227] For example, if the first information is set to a first value, it indicates that a first reference signal and a second reference signal are measured within a first time window. Optionally, the first value may also indicate that a third reference signal is measured within the first time window. In other words, the first value indicates that the first reference signal, the second reference signal, and the third reference signal are measured within the first time window.

[0228] If the first information value is the second value, then there is no restriction on whether the measurement of the first reference signal and the measurement of the second reference signal are within the first time window. One of the first value and the second value may be 0, and the other may be 1. Optionally, the second value may also indicate that there is no restriction on whether the measurement of the third reference signal is within the first time window.

[0229] Under B3, the information for the first time window can be pre-configured or predefined in the first device.

[0230] The positioning device can be pre-configured or pre-defined with a first time window, or the positioning device can determine it itself. The following describes how the positioning device determines the first time window.

[0231] For example, the positioning device can acquire candidate time windows, i.e., a second time window, that can be used to transmit a first reference signal, and acquire candidate time windows, i.e., a third time window, that can be used to transmit a second reference signal. The positioning device determines the time when the second and third time windows overlap. The positioning device can pre-configure or pre-define the second and third time windows, or it can determine the second and third time windows automatically, without specific limitations. The positioning device determines the first time window based on the overlapping time. For example, the first time window is the overlapping time, or the first time window includes part or all of the overlapping time. For example, the first time window includes all of the overlapping time but its length is greater than the overlapping time. For example, the first time window is the result of adding a first duration to the start and / or end times of the overlapping time. The first duration is, for example, one time slot or two time slots, etc.

[0232] The second time window may include one or more time periods. For example, the second time window may include a continuous time window or multiple discrete time windows, which may be periodically distributed. The third time window may also include one or more time periods. For example, the third time window may include a continuous time window or multiple discrete time windows, which may be periodically distributed.

[0233] For example, if the second time window is from the 1st to the 12th time slot, and the third time window is from the 5th to the 13th time slot, then the first time window can be from the 5th to the 12th time slot.

[0234] For example, please refer to Figure 11, which is a schematic diagram of determining a first time window according to an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 11, the second time window is the time period from t2 to t5, the third time window is the time period from t1 to t3, and the overlapping time is the time period from t2 to t3. The first time window can be the time period from t2 to t4, which is the time period after the end of the overlapping time is increased by a first duration.

[0235] If the first information also indicates that a third reference signal is measured within a first time window, optionally, the positioning device can determine the first time window based on a second, third, and fourth time window. The fourth time window is a candidate time window that can be used to transmit the third reference signal.

[0236] For example, the positioning device can determine the overlapping time of the second, third, and fourth time windows as the first time window, or the first time window can include part or all of the overlapping time of the second, third, and fourth time windows. Alternatively, the positioning device can obtain the first time window by adding a first duration to the start and / or end times of the overlapping time of the second, third, and fourth time windows.

[0237] The above is an example of how the positioning device determines the first time window; in reality, there are no restrictions on the specific method of determining the first time window.

[0238] Optionally, the first information can be carried in the relevant signaling of the LPPa. For example, the first information can be carried in the new air interface downlink position reference signal measurement time window configuration (nr-DL-PRS-MeasurementTimeWindowsConfig) field of the LPPa.

[0239] In one possible implementation, when the network device receives the first information, optionally, the DU, CU, or RIC in the network device receives the first information, without specific limitation.

[0240] The first device is different, so the content of the first time domain resource and the second time domain resource determined by the first device is also different. Examples will be given below from C1 to C5.

[0241] C1. Under A1, i.e., when the first device includes a network device, the network device can determine the first time-domain resource and the second time-domain resource by referring to (or based on) the first information. The network device only needs to measure the first reference signal and the second reference signal within the first time window. This application embodiment does not limit the specific method by which the network device determines the first and second time-domain resources. For example, the network device determines the first and second time-domain resources based on resource scheduling and the first information.

[0242] The time window indicated by the first time domain resource can be part or all of the time in the second time window, and the time window indicated by the second time domain resource can be part or all of the time in the third time window.

[0243] Optionally, the network device may also send information about a first time-domain resource to the first terminal device and / or the second terminal device, and the network device may also send information about a second time-domain resource to the first terminal device. The time-domain resource information involved in the various embodiments of this application is used to indicate the time-domain resource, such as indicating at least two of the time-domain resource's start time, end time, and length. Optionally, the time-domain resource information may also include the period of the time-domain resource. For example, the information about the first time-domain resource is used to indicate the first time-domain resource, such as specifically indicating at least two of the first time-domain resource's start time, end time, and length.

[0244] For example, the second reference signal is SRS, and the second time-domain resource includes, for example, the time-frequency pattern of the transmitted SRS, such as comb-2, that is, the SRS frequency domain RE interval is 2, occupying the third and fourth symbols.

[0245] C2. Under A2, where the first device includes a first terminal device, the first terminal device can refer to the first information to determine the first time-domain resource and the second time-domain resource. Similarly, the first terminal device only needs to measure the first reference signal and the second reference signal within the first time window. This application embodiment does not limit the specific method by which the first terminal device determines the first time-domain resource and the second time-domain resource. For example, the first terminal device (UE) determines the first time-domain resource based on its own signal reception, such as the possibility of excessive data volume on a certain symbol, making it unable to process PRS, and the time distribution of PRS resources.

[0246] Optionally, the first terminal device may also send information about the first time domain resources to the second terminal device.

[0247] C3. Under A3, where the first device includes a network device and a second terminal device, either the network device or the first terminal device determines the first time-domain resource and the second time-domain resource. Alternatively, the first terminal device determines the first time-domain resource, and the network device determines the second time-domain resource.

[0248] When the network device determines the first time domain resource and the second time domain resource, optionally, the network device may also send information about the first time domain resource to the first terminal device and / or the second terminal device, and the network device may also send information about the second time domain resource to the first terminal device.

[0249] Optionally, when the first terminal device determines the first time domain resource and the second time domain resource, the first terminal device may also send information about the first time domain resource to the first terminal device.

[0250] Optionally, when the first terminal device determines the first time domain resource and the network device determines the second time domain resource, the first terminal device may send information about the first time domain resource to the second terminal device, and the network device may send information about the second time domain resource to the first terminal device.

[0251] C4. Under A4, i.e., when the first device includes a network device and a second terminal device, the second terminal device determines the first time domain resource, and the network device determines the second time domain resource.

[0252] Optionally, the second terminal device sends information about the first time domain resources to the first terminal device, and the network device sends information about the second time domain resources to the first terminal device.

[0253] C5. Under A5, where the first device includes a first terminal device and a second terminal device, the second terminal device determines a first time-domain resource, and the first terminal device determines a second time-domain resource. Optionally, the second terminal device sends information about the first time-domain resource to the first terminal device. Alternatively, the first terminal device determines both the first and second time-domain resources.

[0254] In various embodiments of this application, when a network device sends information to a terminal device (such as a first terminal device or a second terminal device), it can do so via radio resource control (RRC) signaling. For example, the network device may also send information about a first time domain resource to the first terminal device and / or the second terminal device via RRC signaling, or send information about a second time domain resource to the first terminal device via RRC signaling.

[0255] Of course, in addition to determining the first time-domain resource and the second time-domain resource, we can also determine the frequency-domain resources related to the first time-domain resource and the frequency-domain resources related to the second time-domain resource, without making specific limitations on this.

[0256] When a network device determines a first time-domain resource and / or a second time-domain resource, the determination can be made by a DU, CU, or RIC within the network device. If the CU or RIC determines the first time-domain resource and / or the second time-domain resource, the CU or RIC can also send information about the first time-domain resource and / or the second time-domain resource to the DU.

[0257] In any of the cases C1 to C5, if the third reference signal is an uplink reference signal, the network device or the first terminal device can also send information about the second time-domain resources to the positioning device. This facilitates the positioning device in coordinating with neighboring network devices (such as neighboring base stations) of the first terminal device to receive the second reference signal.

[0258] In one possible implementation, if the first information further indicates that a third reference signal is measured within a first time window, then the second terminal device or network device can also determine the time-domain resources (such as referred to as third time-domain resources) used for measuring the third reference signal. If the network device determines the third time-domain resources, then the network device can send information about the third time-domain resources to the second terminal device.

[0259] When a network device determines a third time-domain resource, it can be the DU, CU, or RIC within the network device. If the CU or RIC determines the third time-domain resource, then the CU or RIC can also send information about the third time-domain resource to the DU.

[0260] S902, the positioning device sends second information to the network device or the first terminal device. Correspondingly, the network device or the first terminal device receives the second information from the positioning device.

[0261] The second information instructs (or requests, or expects) the first terminal device to transmit the first reference signal and the second reference signal using the same antenna information (or the same antenna reference point). The antenna information includes the antenna port and / or the antenna reference point. In other words, the first terminal device transmits the first reference signal and the second reference signal using an antenna with the same antenna port and / or the same antenna reference point.

[0262] Transmission includes sending or receiving (or measurement). For example, the antenna information used by the first terminal device to send the first reference signal is the same as the antenna information used to receive the second reference signal. Or, the antenna information used by the first terminal device to receive the first reference signal is the same as the antenna information used to receive the second reference signal. Or, the antenna information used by the first terminal device to receive the first reference signal is the same as the antenna information used to send the second reference signal. Or, the antenna information used by the first terminal device to send the first reference signal is the same as the antenna information used to send the second reference signal.

[0263] The second information indicates that the first terminal device uses the same antenna information when transmitting the first reference signal and the second reference signal, but the second information does not limit which antenna information the first terminal device uses. Alternatively, the second information may also include the antenna information used to indicate that the first terminal device uses the same antenna information to transmit the first reference signal and the second reference signal.

[0264] The following example, using D1 or D2, illustrates how the second information instructs the first terminal device to transmit the first reference signal and the second reference signal using the same antenna information.

[0265] D1. If the second information includes the first field, the first field indicates that the first terminal device uses the same antenna information to transmit the first reference signal and the second reference signal. If the second information does not include the first field, then it is not restricted whether the antenna information used by the first terminal device to transmit the first reference signal and the second reference signal is the same.

[0266] D2. The value of the second information indicates that the first terminal device uses the same antenna information to transmit the first reference signal and the second reference signal. For example, if the value of the second information is the third value, it indicates that the first terminal device uses the same antenna information to transmit the first reference signal and the second reference signal. If the value of the second information is the fourth value, it does not restrict whether the antenna information used by the first terminal device to transmit the first reference signal and the second reference signal is the same. One of the third and fourth values ​​may be 0, and the other may be 1.

[0267] Optionally, the second information can also be carried in the NRPPa signaling, and there is no limitation on this.

[0268] When the positioning device sends second information to the network device, the network device can also send first indication information to the first terminal device. Correspondingly, the first terminal device receives the first indication information from the network device. For example, the positioning device can send the second information to the network device via NRPPa. The network device can send the first indication information to the first terminal device via RRC. Optionally, the second information and the first indication information can be the same information, equivalent to the network device transparently forwarding the second information. The first indication information instructs the first terminal device to transmit the first reference signal and the second reference signal using the same antenna information.

[0269] In one possible implementation, the positioning device may also send fourth information to the network device or the second terminal device. Correspondingly, the network device or the second terminal device receives the fourth information from the positioning device. For example, the positioning device may send the fourth information to the network device via NRPPa. The network device may send the fourth information to the first terminal device via RRC. The fourth information instructs the second terminal device to transmit the first reference signal and the third reference signal using the same antenna information. The content of the antenna information and the manner in which the fourth information instructs the second terminal device to transmit the first reference signal and the third reference signal using the same antenna information can be referred to respectively, as discussed above, regarding the content of the antenna information and the content of the second information instructing the first terminal device to transmit the first and second reference signals using the same antenna information; they will not be listed individually here.

[0270] If the positioning device sends the fourth information to the network device, the network device can also send the second instruction information to the second terminal device. Accordingly, the second terminal device receives the second instruction information from the network device. The second instruction information instructs the second terminal device to transmit the first reference signal and the third reference signal using the same antenna information.

[0271] At least one of steps S901 and S902 can be executed; for example, S901 may be executed, or S902 may be executed, or both S901 and S902 may be executed. In other words, at least one of steps S901 and S902 must be executed. In other words, the positioning device may send only the first information, or only the second information, or both the first and second information.

[0272] When both S901 and S902 are executed, the execution order of S901 and S902 can be arbitrary. For example, S901 can be executed first, followed by S902; or S902 can be executed first, followed by S902; or S901 and S902 can be executed simultaneously. There is no restriction on this.

[0273] When both S901 and S902 are executed, and the positioning device sends first information and second information to the same device (such as a network device, a first terminal device, or a second terminal device), the first information and the second information can be the same information or they can be different information. If the first information and the second information are different information, they can be carried in the same signaling or different signaling, without specific limitations.

[0274] In one possible implementation, when the network device receives the second information, optionally, the DU, CU, or RIC in the network device receives the second information, without specific limitation.

[0275] S903. The first terminal device or the second terminal device sends measurement information of the first reference signal to the positioning device. Correspondingly, the positioning device receives the measurement information of the first reference signal from the first terminal device or the second terminal device.

[0276] As discussed above, once the first terminal device and the second terminal device have identified the first time domain resources, they can coordinate to transmit the first reference signal.

[0277] For example, the first terminal device uses first antenna information to transmit a first reference signal to the second terminal device on a first time domain resource. Correspondingly, the second terminal device uses second antenna information to measure the first reference signal on the first time domain resource, obtaining measurement information of the first reference signal. The second terminal device then reports the measurement information of the first reference signal to the positioning device.

[0278] Optionally, the measurement information of the first reference signal includes angle information and time delay information of the path between the first terminal device and the second terminal device. Optionally, the measurement information of the second reference signal may also include at least one of fingerprint information, power information, energy information, and Doppler offset information, without specific limitation.

[0279] Alternatively, the second terminal device uses the second antenna information to send a first reference signal to the first terminal device on the first time domain resource. Correspondingly, the first terminal device uses the first antenna information to measure the first reference signal on the first time domain resource, obtaining measurement information of the first reference signal. The first terminal device then reports the measurement information of the first reference signal to the positioning device.

[0280] In one possible design, if the first reference signal is the reference signal on the first SL, and the first terminal device and the second terminal device have not yet established the first SL, then the positioning device can assist the first terminal device and the second terminal device in establishing the first SL.

[0281] For example, the positioning device can obtain the application identifiers (APP IDs) of the first terminal device and the second terminal device from the GMLC and / or NEF. Alternatively, the positioning device can pre-store the application identifiers of the first terminal device or the second terminal device. The GMLC or NEF can be used to convert the identifiers of the terminal devices, for example, converting a first type of identifier of the terminal device into a second type of identifier. The first type of identifier is, for example, a subscription permanent identifier (SUPI) or a subscription concealed identifier (SUCI), and the second type of identifier is, for example, an application identifier.

[0282] The positioning device can send a seventh message to the first terminal device. For example, the positioning device can send the seventh message via sidelink positioning protocol (SLPP) signaling. The seventh message carries the application identifier of the second terminal device, which requests the establishment of an SL with the second terminal device. Alternatively, the seventh message includes the application identifier of the second terminal device and indication information for instructing the establishment of an SL with the second terminal device. In this way, the first terminal device can request the establishment of a first SL with the second terminal device based on the application identifier of the second terminal device.

[0283] After establishing the first SL, the first terminal device can send an eighth message to the positioning device, indicating that the first terminal device and the second terminal device have established the first SL. For example, the eighth message can carry the application identifier of the first terminal device and the associated application identifier of the second terminal device, which are used to indicate that the first terminal device and the second terminal device have established the first SL. Alternatively, the eighth message can carry the application identifier of the first terminal device, the associated application identifier of the second terminal device, and indication information indicating that the first terminal device and the second terminal device have established the first SL.

[0284] Alternatively, the positioning device can send a seventh message to the second terminal device. For example, the positioning device can send the seventh message via SLPP signaling. The seventh message carries the application identifier of the first terminal device, which requests the establishment of an SL with the first terminal device. Alternatively, the seventh message includes the application identifier of the first terminal device and indication information for indicating the establishment of an SL with the first terminal device. The seventh message carries the application identifier of the first terminal device. The second terminal device can request the establishment of a first SL based on the application identifier of the first terminal device. After the first SL is established, the second terminal device can send an eighth message to the positioning device. The content of the eighth message can refer to the content of the eighth message mentioned above, and will not be repeated here.

[0285] Alternatively, the positioning device can send the application identifier of the second terminal device to the first terminal device, and send the application identifier of the first terminal device to the second terminal device. This facilitates the establishment of a first SL between the first terminal device and the second terminal device.

[0286] Optionally, the positioning device can send application identifiers of multiple NLOS terminal devices to the first terminal device, so that the first terminal device can quickly establish SL with multiple NLOS terminal devices and assist multiple NLOS terminal devices in positioning.

[0287] Optionally, before the positioning device sends the seventh information, the positioning device can determine that the first terminal device is a LOS terminal device and the second terminal device is an NLOS terminal device. For example, the positioning device identifies LOS terminal devices and NLOS terminal devices within the positioning area based on existing positioning measurements.

[0288] After establishing the first reference signal (SL), the positioning device can send a sixth message to either the first or second terminal device. The sixth message instructs either the first or second terminal device to measure the reference signal on the first SL.

[0289] S904. The network device or the first terminal device sends measurement information of the second reference signal to the positioning device.

[0290] As discussed above, once the network device and the first terminal device have identified the second time-domain resources, they can coordinate the transmission of the first reference signal.

[0291] For example, the first terminal device uses third antenna information to transmit a second reference signal to the network device on the second time domain resources. Correspondingly, the network device measures the second reference signal on the second time domain resources; for example, a DU in the network device measures the second reference signal to obtain measurement information of the second reference signal. The network device then reports the measurement information of the second reference signal to the positioning device.

[0292] Optionally, the measurement information of the second reference signal includes angle information and time delay information of the path between the network device and the first terminal device. Optionally, the measurement information of the second reference signal may further include second fingerprint information, which indicates the characteristics of the path for transmitting the second reference signal between the first terminal device and the network device. Optionally, the measurement information of the second reference signal may further include at least one of power information, energy information, and Doppler offset information, without specific limitation. Optionally, the measurement information of the second reference signal also includes type information of the second fingerprint information, which indicates that the second fingerprint information is of type CIR, CFR, or PDP, etc., and CIR, CFR, or PDP can be represented by identifier 0, identifier 1, or identifier 2, respectively.

[0293] Alternatively, the network device transmits a second reference signal to the first terminal device on the second time domain resources. Correspondingly, the first terminal device uses third antenna information to measure the second reference signal on the second time domain resources, obtaining measurement information of the second reference signal. The first terminal device then reports the measurement information of the second reference signal to the positioning device.

[0294] When the first terminal device receives the second information or the first instruction information, the first terminal device uses the same antenna information to transmit the first reference signal and the second reference signal. Therefore, the second antenna information is the same as the third antenna information. Alternatively, the antenna port of the first terminal device that receives or transmits the first reference signal is the same as the antenna port that receives or transmits the second reference signal, and / or, the antenna reference point of the first terminal device that receives or transmits the first reference signal is the same as the antenna reference point that receives or transmits the second reference signal.

[0295] If the network device and the second terminal device clearly define the third time domain resources, then the network device and the second terminal device can coordinate the transmission of the third reference signal.

[0296] For example, the second terminal device uses fourth antenna information to transmit a third reference signal to the network device on the third time domain resources. Correspondingly, the network device measures the third reference signal on the third time domain resources to obtain measurement information of the third reference signal. The network device then reports the measurement information of the third reference signal to the positioning device.

[0297] Optionally, the measurement information of the third reference signal includes angle information and time delay information of the path between the network device and the second terminal device. Optionally, the measurement information of the third reference signal may also include first fingerprint information, which indicates the characteristics of the path for transmitting the third reference signal between the second terminal device and the network device. Optionally, the measurement information of the third reference signal may also include at least one of power information, energy information, and Doppler offset information, without specific limitation. Optionally, the measurement information of the third reference signal also includes type information of the first fingerprint information, which indicates that the first fingerprint information is of type CIR, CFR, or PDP, etc., and CIR, CFR, or PDP can be represented by identifier 0, identifier 1, or 2, respectively.

[0298] Alternatively, the network device transmits a third reference signal to the second terminal device on the third time domain resources. Correspondingly, the second terminal device uses fourth antenna information to measure the third reference signal on the third time domain resources, obtaining measurement information of the third reference signal. The second terminal device then reports the measurement information of the third reference signal to the positioning device.

[0299] When the second terminal device receives the fourth information or the second indication information, the second terminal device uses the same antenna information to transmit the first reference signal and the second reference signal. Therefore, the first antenna information is the same as the fourth antenna information. Alternatively, the antenna port on which the second terminal device receives or transmits the first reference signal is the same as the antenna port on which it receives or transmits the third reference signal, and / or, the antenna reference point on which the second terminal device receives or transmits the first reference signal is the same as the antenna reference point on which it receives or transmits the third reference signal.

[0300] In one possible implementation, the positioning device sends fifth information to the network device or the first terminal device. Correspondingly, the network device or the first terminal device receives the fifth information from the positioning device. The fifth information instructs the network device or the first terminal device to report the second fingerprint information. Since the measurement information of the second reference signal includes the second fingerprint information, reporting the measurement information of the second reference signal is equivalent to reporting the second fingerprint information.

[0301] Optionally, the fifth information can be carried in the measurement request signaling or the location information request signaling. The fifth information indicates that the fingerprint should be reported, and may also indicate the type of fingerprint information requested to be reported. For example, it may request the reporting of fingerprint information of type CIR. In this case, the type of the second fingerprint information is the type of fingerprint information requested by the fifth information.

[0302] Optionally, the fourth and fifth messages can be a single message. Alternatively, the fourth and fifth messages can be carried in the same signaling message or in different signaling messages; there is no specific limitation on this.

[0303] In one possible implementation, the positioning device sends third information to the network device or the second terminal device. Correspondingly, the network device or the second terminal device receives the third information from the positioning device. The third information instructs the network device or the second terminal device to report the first fingerprint information. Since the measurement information of the third reference signal includes the first fingerprint information, reporting the measurement information of the third reference signal is equivalent to reporting the first fingerprint information.

[0304] Optionally, the third information can be carried in the measurement request signaling or the location information request signaling. The third information indicates that the fingerprint should be reported, and may also indicate the type of fingerprint information requested to be reported. In this way, the type of the first fingerprint information is the type of fingerprint information requested by the third information.

[0305] Optionally, the positioning device can send the first, second, and third information in any order, without specific limitations. For example, it can send the first, second, and third information sequentially; or, send the first, third, and second information sequentially; or, send the first, third, and second information simultaneously.

[0306] Furthermore, the first, second, and third information can all be a single piece of information. Alternatively, the second and third information can be a single piece of information. Or, the first, second, and third information can be carried in the same signaling message or in different signaling messages; no specific restrictions are imposed on this.

[0307] S905. The positioning device determines the position of the second terminal device based on the measurement information of the first reference signal and the measurement information of the second reference signal.

[0308] The positioning device can determine the position of the first terminal device based on the measurement information of the second reference signal.

[0309] For example, the positioning device can send information about the second time-domain resources to at least two neighboring base stations of the first terminal device. As shown in Figure 12, a schematic diagram for locating the first and second terminal devices, at least two neighboring base stations measure the second reference signal respectively. Thus, the positioning device obtains the measurement information of the second reference signal from at least two neighboring base stations, as well as the measurement information of the second reference signal from the network device, to determine the location of the first terminal device.

[0310] For example, if the network device is the serving base station of UE1, at least two neighboring base stations include neighboring base station 1 and neighboring base station 2. Therefore, the positioning device can determine the location of UE1 based on the following formulas (3) and (4).

[0311] Among them, (x BS1 ,y BS1 (x) represents the location of neighboring base station 1, (x) BS2 ,y BS2 (x) represents the location of neighboring base station 2, (x) BS3 ,y BS3 (x) represents the location of the serving base station. UE1 ,y UE1 ) represents the position of UE1, Δt 21 Δt represents the difference between the time when neighboring base station 1 receives the SRS and the time when the serving base station receives the SRS. 31 The value represents the difference between the time when the neighboring base station 2 receives the SRS and the time when the serving base station receives the SRS, where c represents the speed of light.

[0312] The positioning device can determine the relative position of the second terminal device and the first terminal device based on the measurement information of the first reference signal, and then determine the position of the second terminal device based on the relative position and the position of the first terminal device.

[0313] For example, continuing to refer to Figure 12, the position of the first terminal device is (x UE1 ,y UE1 The positioning device can determine the relative position (Δx, Δy) between the first terminal device and the second terminal device based on the measurement information of the first reference signal, and then determine the position (x, y) of the second terminal device. UE2 ,y UE2 ), for example, can be (x UE2 ,y UE2 )=(x UE1 -Δx,y UE1 -Δy).

[0314] Optionally, the positioning device can establish a first mapping relationship between the location of the second terminal device and the first fingerprint information based on the first fingerprint information and the location of the second terminal device. The positioning device can also establish a second mapping relationship between the location of the first terminal device and the second fingerprint information based on the second fingerprint information and the location of the first terminal device. Both the first and second mapping relationships can be stored in a database. The data in this database can be used as training data to train the positioning model. The positioning device or other devices can utilize the training data to train the positioning model.

[0315] For example, please refer to Figure 13, which is a schematic diagram of a training and application positioning model provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 13, during the model training phase, the positioning device can input training data, such as the location of the terminal device and the fingerprint information corresponding to the terminal device (specifically, the location of a second terminal device and the second fingerprint information corresponding to that location), and the location of a first terminal device and the first fingerprint information corresponding to that location, into the positioning model to train the positioning model. Figure 13 uses the positioning device training the positioning model as an example; the actual device used for training the positioning model is not limited. During the model application phase, the positioning device can input the fingerprint information of the terminal device into the positioning model, and the positioning model can then output the fingerprint of the terminal device.

[0316] The following example uses UE1 as the first terminal device, UE2 as the second terminal device, the first device as the network device, the positioning device as the LMF, the positioning device sending the first information, and the first reference signal as the reference signal on SL. The communication method shown in Figure 9 will be illustrated with the method diagram shown in Figure 14.

[0317] S1401, GMLC or NEF and LMF determine the application identifier of UE2.

[0318] For example, the LMF can identify LOS UEs and NLOS UEs within the area served by the LMF. For instance, the LMF determines that UE1 is a LOS UE and UE2 is an NLOS UE, or that UE1 can assist UE2 in location. The LMF can request the application identifier of UE1 and / or the identifier of UE2 from the GMLC or NEF. This embodiment uses obtaining the application identifier of UE2 as an example.

[0319] S1402, LMF sends the seventh information to UE1. Correspondingly, UE1 receives the seventh information from LMF. Optionally, in this embodiment, the seventh information indicates the application identifier of UE2 as an example. The content of the seventh information can refer to the content of the seventh information discussed in the method embodiment shown in Figure 9 above; repeated details will not be repeated.

[0320] S1403, UE1 and UE2 establish the first SL.

[0321] For example, UE1 establishes a first SL with UE2 based on the application identifier of UE2. The content of establishing the first SL can refer to the content of establishing the first SL discussed in the method embodiment shown in Figure 9 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0322] If a first SL has already been established between UE1 and UE2, or if UE1 and UE2 establish the first SL in another way, then steps S1401 to S1403 do not need to be executed. That is, steps S1401 to S1403 are optional steps, which are shown as dashed lines in Figure 14.

[0323] S1404, the LMF sends first information to the network device. Correspondingly, the network device receives the first information from the LMF. Optionally, in this embodiment, the first information indicates that a first reference signal, a second reference signal, and a third reference signal are measured within a first time window. The content of the first information, the content of the first time window, the content of the first reference signal, the content of the second reference signal, and the content of the third reference signal can be referred to respectively in the method embodiment shown in Figure 9 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0324] S1405, the network device sends information about the second time-domain resources to UE1. Correspondingly, UE1 receives the information about the second time-domain resources from the network device. The information about the second time-domain resources can be found in the method embodiment shown in FIG9, and will not be repeated here.

[0325] S1406, UE1 sends a second reference signal to the network device. Correspondingly, the network device receives the second reference signal from UE1.

[0326] S1407. The network device sends the measurement information of the second reference signal to the LMF. Correspondingly, the LMF receives the measurement information of the second reference signal from the network device. The content of the measurement information of the second reference signal can be referred to the content of the measurement information of the second reference signal discussed in the method embodiment shown in Figure 9 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0327] S1408, the network device sends information about the third time-domain resources to UE2. Correspondingly, UE2 receives the information about the third time-domain resources from the network device. The content of the third time-domain resource information can be referred to the content of the third time-domain resource information discussed in the method embodiment shown in FIG9, and will not be repeated here.

[0328] S1409, UE2 sends a third reference signal to the network device. Correspondingly, the network device receives the third reference signal from UE2.

[0329] S1410, the network device sends the measurement information of the third reference signal to the LMF. Correspondingly, the LMF receives the measurement information of the third reference signal from the network device. The content of the measurement information of the third reference signal can be referred to the content of the measurement information of the third reference signal discussed in the method embodiment shown in Figure 9 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0330] Steps S1408 to S1410 are optional and are shown in dashed lines in Figure 14.

[0331] S1411, The network device sends information about the first time-domain resource to UE1. Correspondingly, UE1 receives the information about the first time-domain resource from the network device. The content of the information about the first time-domain resource can be found in the method embodiment shown in FIG9.

[0332] S1412, UE1 sends a first reference signal to UE2. Correspondingly, UE2 receives the first reference information from UE1.

[0333] S1413, UE2 sends the measurement information of the first reference signal to LMF. Correspondingly, LMF receives the measurement information of the first reference signal from UE2. The content of the measurement information of the first reference signal can be referred to the content of the measurement information of the first reference signal discussed in the method embodiment shown in Figure 9 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0334] S1414, The network device sends information about the first time domain resource to UE2. Correspondingly, UE2 receives the information about the first time domain resource from the network device.

[0335] The order in which the network device sends information about the first time domain resource, the second time domain resource, and the third time domain resource can be arbitrary and is not specifically limited.

[0336] S1415, UE2 sends the first reference signal to UE1.

[0337] S1416, UE1 sends the measurement information of the first reference signal to LMF.

[0338] S1411 to S1413 represent the first possible method for obtaining measurement information of the first reference signal, and S1414 to S1416 represent the second possible method for obtaining measurement information of the first reference signal. In actual execution, either S1411 to S1413 or S1414 to S1416 are executed. That is, S1411 to S1413 are optional steps, and S1414 to S1416 are optional steps, all of which are indicated by dashed lines in Figure 14.

[0339] S1417. The positioning device determines the position of the second terminal device based on the measurement information of the first reference signal and the measurement information of the second reference signal. The method by which the positioning device determines the position of the second terminal device can refer to the method embodiment shown in Figure 9 above, which describes the determination of the position of the second terminal device, and will not be listed here again.

[0340] S1418. The positioning device establishes a database. The content of the database can refer to the database content discussed in the method embodiment shown in Figure 9 above, and will not be listed here again. S1418 is an optional step, and is shown as a dashed line in Figure 14.

[0341] When the first device is a network device, the positioning device only needs to send the first information to the network device, thus reducing signaling overhead. The network device can also determine the first time domain resources, the second time domain resources, and the third time domain resources, which is beneficial for coordinating various time domain resources and improving the efficiency of determining time domain resources. Furthermore, the first terminal device and the second terminal device can communicate via SL, facilitating communication between the terminal devices.

[0342] The following example uses UE1 as the first terminal device, UE2 as the second terminal device, a base station as the first device, LMF as the positioning device, and the reference signal as the reference signal on Uu as the first reference signal. The communication method shown in Figure 9 will be illustrated with the method diagram shown in Figure 15.

[0343] S1501, the LMF sends first information to the network device. Correspondingly, the network device receives the first information from the LMF. Optionally, in this embodiment, the first information indicates that a first reference signal, a second reference signal, and a third reference signal are measured within a first time window. The content of the first information, the content of the first time window, the content of the first reference signal, the content of the second reference signal, and the content of the third reference signal can be referred to respectively in the method embodiment shown in Figure 9 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0344] S1502, the base station sends information about the second time-domain resources to UE1. Correspondingly, UE1 receives the information about the second time-domain resources from the base station. The information about the second time-domain resources can be found in the method embodiment shown in Figure 9, and will not be repeated here.

[0345] S1503, the base station sends information about the second time-domain resources to neighboring base stations via the LMF. Correspondingly, the neighboring base station receives information about the second time-domain resources from the base station via the LMF. The neighboring base station refers to the base station corresponding to UE1.

[0346] S1504, UE1 sends a second reference signal to the base station. Correspondingly, the base station receives the second reference signal from UE1.

[0347] S1505, UE1 sends a second reference signal to the neighboring base station. Correspondingly, the base station receives the second reference signal from UE1.

[0348] S1506, The base station sends the measurement information of the second reference signal to the LMF. Correspondingly, the LMF receives the measurement information of the second reference signal from the base station. The content of the measurement information of the second reference signal can be referred to the content of the measurement information of the second reference signal discussed in the method embodiment shown in Figure 9 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0349] S1507. The neighboring base station sends the measurement information of the second reference signal to the LMF. Correspondingly, the LMF receives the measurement information of the second reference signal from the neighboring base station.

[0350] S1508, the base station sends information about the third time-domain resources to UE2. Correspondingly, UE2 receives the information about the third time-domain resources from the base station. The content of the third time-domain resource information can be referred to the content of the third time-domain resource information discussed in the method embodiment shown in Figure 9, and will not be repeated here.

[0351] S1509, UE2 sends a third reference signal to the base station. Correspondingly, the base station receives the third reference signal from UE2.

[0352] S1508-S1509 are optional steps, which are shown as dashed lines in Figure 15.

[0353] S1510, the base station sends the measurement information of the third reference signal to the LMF. Correspondingly, the LMF receives the measurement information of the third reference signal from the base station. The content of the measurement information of the third reference signal can be referred to the content of the measurement information of the third reference signal discussed in the method embodiment shown in Figure 9 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0354] S1511, The base station sends information about the first time-domain resource to UE1. Correspondingly, UE1 receives the information about the first time-domain resource from the base station. The content of the information about the first time-domain resource can be found in the method embodiment shown in FIG9.

[0355] S1512, UE1 sends a first reference signal to UE2. Correspondingly, UE2 receives the first reference information from UE1.

[0356] S1513, UE2 sends the measurement information of the first reference signal to LMF. Correspondingly, LMF receives the measurement information of the first reference signal from UE2. The content of the measurement information of the first reference signal can be referred to the content of the measurement information of the first reference signal discussed in the method embodiment shown in Figure 9 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0357] S1514. The positioning device determines the position of the second terminal device based on the measurement information of the first reference signal and the measurement information of the second reference signal.

[0358] In this embodiment, the positioning device can determine the location of the first terminal device based on measurement information from a second reference signal from a base station and measurement information from a second reference signal from a neighboring base station. Then, based on the location of the first terminal device and the measurement results of the first reference signal, the location of the second terminal device is determined. The method by which the positioning device determines the location of the second terminal device can refer to the method embodiment shown in Figure 9 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0359] S1515: The positioning device establishes a database. The content of the database can refer to the database content discussed in the method embodiment shown in Figure 9 above, and will not be listed here again. S1515 is an optional step, and is shown as a dashed line in Figure 15.

[0360] When the first device is a network device, the positioning device only needs to send the first information to the network device, thus reducing signaling overhead. The network device can also determine the first time domain resources, the second time domain resources, and the third time domain resources, which is beneficial for coordinating various time domain resources and improving the efficiency of determining time domain resources. Furthermore, the first terminal device and the second terminal device can communicate via Uu, and UE1 can synchronously send reference signals to UE2 and the base station, which helps reduce the overhead of UE1 transmitting reference signals.

[0361] The following example uses UE1 as the first terminal device, UE2 as the second terminal device, UE1 and UE2 as the first devices, a base station as the network device, an LMF as the positioning device, and the reference signal as the reference signal on Uu as the first reference signal. The communication method shown in Figure 9 will be illustrated with the method diagram shown in Figure 16.

[0362] S1601, LMF sends first information to UE2. Correspondingly, UE2 receives the first information from LMF. Optionally, in this embodiment, the first information indicates that the first reference signal, second reference signal, and third reference signal are measured within a first time window. The content of the first information, the content of the first time window, the content of the first reference signal, the content of the second reference signal, and the content of the third reference signal can be referred to respectively in the method embodiment shown in Figure 9 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0363] Thus, UE2 can determine the third time-domain resource based on the first information.

[0364] S1602, LMF sends the first message to UE1. Correspondingly, UE1 receives the first message from LMF.

[0365] Thus, UE2 can determine the first time-domain resource and the second time-domain resource based on the first information.

[0366] S1603, The base station sends a second reference signal to UE1. Correspondingly, UE1 receives the second reference signal from the base station.

[0367] S1604, UE1 sends the measurement information of the second reference signal to the LMF. Correspondingly, the LMF receives the measurement information of the second reference signal from UE1. The content of the measurement information of the second reference signal can be referred to the content of the measurement information of the second reference signal discussed in the method embodiment shown in Figure 9 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0368] S1605, UE1 sends information about the first time-domain resource to UE2. Correspondingly, UE2 receives the information about the first time-domain resource from UE1. The content of the first time-domain resource information can be referred to the content of the first time-domain resource information described in the method embodiment shown in FIG9, and will not be repeated here.

[0369] S1606, UE1 sends a first reference signal to UE2. Correspondingly, UE2 receives the first reference information from UE1.

[0370] S1607, UE2 sends the measurement information of the first reference signal to the LMF. Correspondingly, the LMF receives the measurement information of the first reference signal from UE2. The content of the measurement information of the first reference signal can be referred to the content of the measurement information of the first reference signal discussed in the method embodiment shown in Figure 9 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0371] S1608, The base station sends a third reference signal to UE2. Correspondingly, UE2 receives the third reference signal from the base station.

[0372] S1609, UE2 sends the measurement information of the third reference signal to LMF. Correspondingly, LMF receives the measurement information of the third reference signal from UE2. The content of the measurement information of the third reference signal can be referred to the content of the measurement information of the third reference signal discussed in the method embodiment shown in Figure 9 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0373] S1608-S1609 are optional steps, which are shown as dashed lines in Figure 16.

[0374] S1610. The positioning device determines the position of the second terminal device based on the measurement information of the first reference signal and the measurement information of the second reference signal. The method by which the positioning device determines the position of the second terminal device can refer to the method embodiment shown in Figure 9 above, which describes the determination of the position of the second terminal device, and will not be listed here again.

[0375] S1611. The positioning device establishes a database. The content of the database can refer to the database content discussed in the method embodiment shown in Figure 9 above, and will not be listed here again. S1611 is an optional step, and is shown as a dashed line in Figure 16.

[0376] When the first devices are UE1 and UE2, there is no need to rely on the network device to schedule time-domain resources, thus reducing the processing load of the network device. Furthermore, UE1 and UE2 can each determine their respective time-domain resources, which helps to reduce the signaling overhead of the entire communication network.

[0377] Based on the same inventive concept, this application provides a communication device. The following describes any of the communication devices illustrated in Figures 17 to 19. This communication device may be, for example, UE1 or UE2 shown in Figure 3, any terminal device involved in Figure 4, any terminal device involved in Figure 5, any terminal device involved in Figure 6, any terminal device involved in Figure 6, any base station involved in Figure 3, any network device involved in Figure 4, the ng-eNB or gNB involved in Figure 5, the first access network device or the second access network device involved in Figure 6, the O-CU and / or O-DU involved in Figure 7, the core network element in the core network involved in Figure 4, or the LMF, E-SMLC, SLP, or a server for positioning (such as a third-party server) involved in Figure 5, or a module in these devices, etc., without specific limitation.

[0378] As shown in Figure 17, the communication device 1700 may include modules or units for implementing the methods described in the embodiments above. In one possible design, the communication device 1700 includes a processing unit 1710 and a communication unit 1720. The communication unit 1720 is used to perform transmit and receive operations, such as functions related to sending and receiving; the communication unit 1720 may be referred to as a transceiver unit; optionally, the communication unit 1720 includes a receiving unit and a transmitting unit. The processing unit 1710 is used to perform processing operations. Alternatively, the communication unit 1720 may be a transmitter and a receiver, or a transmitter and a receiver. Optionally, the communication device 1700 may also include a storage unit 1730. The storage unit 1730 is used to store the device's program code or data. The storage unit 1730 is indicated by a dashed box in Figure 17 as an optional unit.

[0379] In the first embodiment, the communication device 1700 can be the positioning device in any of the method embodiments shown in Figures 9, 14 to 16, the communication module in the positioning device, or the circuit or chip in the positioning device responsible for communication functions, or it can implement the functions of the positioning device in any of the method embodiments shown in Figures 9, 14 to 16. For example, the communication device 1700 can be the communication module in a terminal device, or the circuit or chip in the terminal device responsible for communication functions.

[0380] In the above embodiments, the communication unit 1720 is used to perform actions such as sending first information and / or second information, receiving measurement information of the first reference signal and the second reference signal, and determining the location of the second terminal device based on the measurement information of the first reference signal and the second reference signal.

[0381] The communication device 1700 can also perform other steps performed by the positioning device in any of the method embodiments shown in Figures 9, 14 to 16 above, which will not be listed here one by one.

[0382] In the second embodiment, the communication device 1700 can be a network device, a communication module in a network device, or a circuit or chip responsible for communication functions in a network device, as shown in any of the method embodiments of Figures 9, 14 to 16, or implement the functions of the network device shown in any of the method embodiments of Figures 9, 14 to 16. For example, the communication device 1700 can be a communication module in a terminal device, or a circuit or chip responsible for communication functions in a terminal device.

[0383] In the above embodiments, the communication unit 1720 is used to perform tasks such as receiving first information and / or second information.

[0384] The communication device 1700 can also perform other steps performed by the network device in any of the method embodiments shown in Figures 9, 14 to 16 above, which will not be listed here one by one.

[0385] In the third embodiment, the communication device 1700 can be the first terminal device in any of the method embodiments shown in Figures 9, 14 to 16, the communication module in the first terminal device, or the circuit or chip in the first terminal device responsible for communication functions, or it can implement the functions of the first terminal device in any of the method embodiments shown in Figures 9, 14 to 16. For example, the communication device 1700 can be the communication module in the terminal device, or the circuit or chip in the terminal device responsible for communication functions.

[0386] In the above embodiments, the communication unit 1720 is used to perform tasks such as receiving first information and / or second information.

[0387] The communication device 1700 can also perform other steps executed by the first terminal device in any of the method embodiments shown in Figures 9, 14 to 16 above, which will not be listed here one by one.

[0388] In the fourth embodiment, the communication device 1700 can be a second terminal device in any of the method embodiments shown in Figures 9, 14 to 16, a communication module in the second terminal device, or a circuit or chip in the second terminal device responsible for communication functions, or it can implement the functions of the second terminal device in any of the method embodiments shown in Figures 9, 14 to 16. For example, the communication device 1700 can be a communication module in the terminal device, or a circuit or chip in the terminal device responsible for communication functions.

[0389] In the above embodiment, the communication unit 1720 is used to perform tasks such as receiving first information.

[0390] The communication device 1700 can also perform other steps executed by the second terminal device in any of the method embodiments shown in Figures 9, 14 to 16 above, which will not be listed here one by one.

[0391] In one possible design, when the communication device 1700 is a terminal device, a communication module within a terminal device, an access network device, or a communication module within an access network device, the function of the processing unit 1710 can be implemented by one or more processors. Specifically, the processor may include a modem chip, or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) chip or a SIP chip containing a modem core. The function of the communication unit 1720 can be implemented by transceiver circuitry.

[0392] In one possible design, when the communication device 1700 is a circuit or chip responsible for communication functions in a terminal device, or a circuit or chip responsible for communication functions in an access network device, such as a modem chip or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) chip or SIP chip containing a modem core, the function of the processing unit 1710 can be implemented by a circuit system including one or more processors or processor cores in the aforementioned chip. The function of the communication unit 1720 can be implemented by interface circuits or data transceiver circuits on the aforementioned chip.

[0393] It is understood that the division of units in the above-described device is merely a logical functional division. Each function can correspond to a functional unit, or two or more functions can be integrated into one functional unit. In actual implementation, all or some units can be integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be distributed across different physical entities. Furthermore, the aforementioned functional units can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of both. Whether a function is executed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0394] In one example, the functional unit in any of the above devices may be one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the above methods, such as: one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or one or more central processing units (CPUs), one or more microcontroller units (MCUs), one or more DSPs, or one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or a combination of at least two of these integrated circuit forms.

[0395] In one example, storage unit 1730 may include random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory or electrically erasable programmable memory and / or registers, etc.

[0396] The communication device shown in Figure 18 will be described below. As shown in Figure 18, the communication device 1800 includes a processor 1810. Optionally, the communication device 1800 also includes an interface circuit 1820 and a memory 1830. The processor 1810 and the interface circuit 1820 are coupled to each other. It is understood that the interface circuit 1820 can be a transceiver or an input / output interface. The memory 1830 is used to store instructions executed by the processor 1810, or to store input data required by the processor 1810 to run instructions, or to store data generated after the processor 1810 runs instructions. The interface circuit 1820 and the memory 1830 are optional modules and are shown in Figure 18 with dashed boxes. In addition, Figure 18 shows an example with one processor 1810 and one memory 1830, but the number of processors 1810 and memory 1830 is not actually limited.

[0397] The communication device 1800 is used to implement any of the method embodiments shown in Figures 9, 14 to 16. Optionally, the processor 1810 is used to implement the functions of the processing unit 1710, and the interface circuit 1820 is used to implement the functions of the communication unit 1720.

[0398] For example, the communication device 1800 can be used to implement the functions of the positioning device, network device, first terminal device, or second terminal device involved in any of the method embodiments shown in FIG9, FIG14 to FIG16.

[0399] When the communication device 1800 is a chip applied to a device (such as the terminal device or network device mentioned above), the device chip implements the functions of the device in the above method embodiments. The device chip receives information from other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the device, the information being sent to the device by other devices; or, the device chip sends information to other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the device, the information being sent to other devices by the device. Here, the communication device 1800 can be a baseband chip of a device, or a DU or other module. The DU here can be a DU under an open radio access network (O-RAN) architecture.

[0400] The processor 1810 can be a central processing unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. Furthermore, the memory involved in the various embodiments of this application can include volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM). The memory can also include non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, hard disk drives (HDDs), or solid-state drives (SSDs).

[0401] The communication device shown in Figure 19 will be described below. As shown in Figure 19, the communication device 1900 includes a processor 1910 and a transceiver 1930. The processor 1910 can also be called a processing unit, processing board, processing module, processing device, etc. The implementation of the processor 1910 can be referred to the content of the processor 1810 in Figure 18 above. The transceiver 1930 can also be called a transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver device, etc. The transceiver 1930 includes a transmitter 1931, a receiver 1932, and an antenna 1933. Optionally, the transceiver 1930 may also include radio frequency circuits and input / output devices, etc., which are not specifically limited.

[0402] Optionally, the device in transceiver 1930 used to implement the receiving function is considered a receiving module, and the device in transceiver 1930 used to implement the transmitting function is considered a transmitting module. That is, transceiver 1930 includes a receiver and a transmitter. A transceiver may sometimes be called a transceiver unit, transceiver module, or transceiver circuit, etc. A receiver may sometimes be called a receiver unit, receiving module, or receiving circuit, etc. A transmitter may sometimes be called a transmitter, transmitting module, or transmitting circuit, etc.

[0403] Optionally, the communication device 1900 may also include a memory 1920, which may store computer program code and / or data.

[0404] Processor 1910 is primarily used for processing communication protocols and data, controlling communication device 1900, executing software programs, and processing software program data. Memory 1920 is primarily used for storing software programs and data. Radio frequency (RF) circuitry is primarily used for converting baseband signals to RF signals and processing RF signals. Antenna 1933 is primarily used for transmitting and receiving RF signals in the form of electromagnetic waves. Input / output devices, such as touchscreens, displays, and keyboards, are primarily used for receiving user input data and outputting data to the user.

[0405] When data needs to be transmitted, the processor 1910 performs baseband processing on the data to be transmitted and outputs a baseband signal to the radio frequency (RF) circuit. The RF circuit then processes the baseband signal and transmits it outward as an electromagnetic wave through the antenna. When data is sent to the communication device 1900, the RF circuit receives the RF signal through the antenna, converts it into a baseband signal, and outputs it to the processor. The processor 1910 converts the baseband signal back into data and processes it. For ease of explanation, Figure 19 only shows one memory 1920, processor 1910, and transceiver 1930. In actual terminal products, there may be one or more processors 1910 and one or more memories 1920. The memory 1920 may also be referred to as a storage medium or storage device. The memory 1920 may be independent of the processor 1910 or integrated with it; there is no limitation on this.

[0406] In this embodiment, the antenna and radio frequency circuit with transceiver functions are considered as communication units of the communication device 1900, and the processor with processing functions is considered as processing units of the communication device 1900. The processor 1910 is used to execute the processing actions of the positioning device, network device, first terminal device, or second terminal device in any of the method embodiments shown in FIG9, FIG14 to FIG16, and the transceiver 1930 is used to execute the transceiver actions of the positioning device, network device, first terminal device, or second terminal device in the above embodiments.

[0407] When the communication device 1900 is a chip, the chip includes a processor and a transceiver. The transceiver can be an input / output circuit or a communication interface; the processor can be a processing module integrated on the chip, a microprocessor, or an integrated circuit. Optionally, the chip may also include a memory. In the above method embodiments, the transmitting operation of the terminal device or network device can be understood as the output of the chip, and the receiving operation of the terminal device or network device in the above method embodiments can be understood as the input of the chip.

[0408] This application provides a communication system. The communication system includes: a positioning device, a network device, a first terminal device, and a second terminal device.

[0409] The positioning device can perform the functions of the positioning device shown in any of the method embodiments shown in Figures 9, 14 to 16. The network device can perform the functions of the network device shown in any of the method embodiments shown in Figures 9, 14 to 16. The first terminal device can perform the functions of the first terminal device shown in any of the method embodiments shown in Figures 9, 14 to 16. The second terminal device can perform the functions of the second terminal device shown in any of the method embodiments shown in Figures 9, 14 to 16.

[0410] This application provides a chip system comprising a processor and an interface. The processor is used to call and execute instructions from the interface, and when the processor executes the instructions, it implements any of the method embodiments shown in Figures 9, 14 to 16.

[0411] This application provides a computer-readable storage medium for storing computer programs or instructions that, when run, implement any of the method embodiments shown in Figures 9, 14 to 16.

[0412] This application provides a program product that, when executed, enables a processor to implement any of the method embodiments shown in Figures 9, 14 to 16. This program product is, for example, a computer program product, specifically a computer program and / or instructions. The processor is, for example, a processor running in a computer.

[0413] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved entirely or partially through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented entirely or partially in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are performed entirely or partially. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, a network device, a user equipment, or other programmable device. The computer program or instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transferred from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer program or instructions can be transferred from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired or wireless means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium, such as a floppy disk, hard disk, or magnetic tape; it can also be an optical medium, such as a digital video optical disc; or it can be a semiconductor medium, such as a solid-state drive. The computer-readable storage medium may be a volatile or non-volatile storage medium, or may include both types of storage media.

[0414] In the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features of different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationship.

[0415] The various numerical designations used in the embodiments of this application are merely for descriptive convenience and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. The order of the process numbers described above does not imply the order of execution; the execution order of each process should be based on its function and internal logic.

Claims

A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Send a first message and / or a second message, wherein the first message indicates that a first reference signal and a second reference signal are measured within a first time window, the first reference signal is a reference signal between a first terminal device and a second terminal device, the second reference signal is a reference signal between a network device and the first terminal device, and the second message indicates that the first terminal device uses the same antenna information to transmit the first reference signal and the second reference signal; Receive measurement information of the first reference signal and measurement information of the second reference signal; The location of the second terminal device is determined based on the measurement information of the first reference signal and the measurement information of the second reference signal. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: The time during which the second time window and the third time window overlap is determined, wherein the first time window includes part or all of the overlapping time, the second time window is a set of candidate time windows that can be used to transmit the first reference signal, and the third time window is a set of candidate time windows that can be used to transmit the second reference signal. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first information indicates that a first reference signal and a second reference signal are measured within a first time window, including: The first information includes at least two of the start time, end time, and length of the first time window. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first information also includes the period of the first time window. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The first information also indicates that a third reference signal is measured within the first time window, the third reference signal being a reference signal between the network device and the second terminal device; the method further includes: Send a third message, the third message instructing the network device or the second terminal device to report the first fingerprint information, the first fingerprint information indicating the characteristics of the path for transmitting the third reference signal between the second terminal device and the network device; The measurement information of the third reference signal is received, wherein the measurement information of the third reference signal includes the first fingerprint information. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The method further includes: A fourth message is sent, which instructs the second terminal device to transmit the first reference signal and the third reference signal using the same antenna information. The method according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The method further includes: A fifth message is sent, which instructs the first terminal device or the network device to report second fingerprint information, wherein the second fingerprint information indicates the characteristics of the path for transmitting the second reference signal between the first terminal device and the network device; wherein the measurement information of the second reference signal includes the second fingerprint information. The method according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The antenna information indicates: antenna reference point, and / or, antenna port. The method according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The method further includes: A sixth message is sent, which instructs the first terminal device or the second terminal device to measure a reference signal on the first side link, wherein the first reference signal is a reference signal on the first side link. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a seventh message, which includes the application identifier of the first terminal device or the application identifier of the second terminal device. The application identifier of the first terminal device is used to request the second terminal device to establish a crosslink with the first terminal device, and the application identifier of the second terminal device is used to request the first terminal device to establish a crosslink with the second terminal device. The eighth message is received, indicating that the first terminal device and the second terminal device have established the first side link. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Receive first information and / or second information from a positioning device, wherein the first information indicates that a first reference signal and a second reference signal are measured within a first time window, the first reference signal is a reference signal between a first terminal device and a second terminal device, the second reference signal is a reference signal between a network device and the first terminal device, the first reference signal and the second reference signal are used to determine the location of the second terminal device, and the second information indicates that the first terminal device transmits the first reference signal and the second reference signal using the same antenna information. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send measurement information of the first reference signal; and / or send measurement information of the second reference signal. The method according to claim 11 or 12 is characterized in that, The first information indicates that a first reference signal and a second reference signal are measured within a first time window, including: The first information includes at least two of the start time, end time, and length of the first time window. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The first information also includes the period of the first time window. The method according to any one of claims 11-14, characterized in that, After receiving the first information from the positioning device, the method further includes: Based on the first time window, determine the time-domain resources for measuring the first reference signal; Information on the time-domain resources for measuring the first reference signal is sent to the first terminal device or the second terminal device. The method according to any one of claims 11-15, characterized in that, After receiving the first information from the positioning device, the method further includes: Based on the first time window, determine the time-domain resources for measuring the second reference signal; Information on the time-domain resources for measuring the second reference signal is sent to the first terminal device. The method according to any one of claims 11-16, characterized in that, The first information also indicates that a third reference signal is measured within the first time window, the third reference signal being a reference signal between the network device and the second terminal device; the method further includes: Receive third information, the third information indicating the reporting of first fingerprint information, the first fingerprint information indicating the characteristics of the path for transmitting the third reference signal between the second terminal device and the network device; The measurement information of the third reference signal is transmitted, wherein the measurement information of the third reference signal includes the first fingerprint information. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The method further includes: The device receives a fourth message, which instructs the second terminal device to transmit the first reference signal and the third reference signal using the same antenna information. The method according to any one of claims 11-18, characterized in that, The method further includes: The system receives a fifth message, which instructs the first terminal device or the network device to report second fingerprint information, wherein the second fingerprint information indicates the characteristics of the path through which the second reference signal is transmitted between the first terminal device and the network device; and wherein the measurement information of the second reference signal includes the second fingerprint information. The method according to any one of claims 11-19, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive a sixth message, the sixth message instructing the first terminal device or the second terminal device to measure a reference signal on the first side link; On the first side link, the first reference signal is measured or transmitted. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive the seventh information, which includes the application identifier of the first terminal device or the application identifier of the second terminal device. The application identifier of the first terminal device is used to request the second terminal device to establish a cross-link with the first terminal device, and the application identifier of the second terminal device is used to request the first terminal device to establish a cross-link with the second terminal device. Send an eighth message, which indicates that the first terminal device and the second terminal device have established the first side link. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes one or more processors, said one or more processors being configured to execute a computer program or instructions in memory such that the method of any one of claims 1-10, or the method of any one of claims 11-21, is performed. A computer program product, characterized in that, When the computer program product is executed, it causes the processor to perform the method of any one of claims 1-10, or the method of any one of claims 11-21. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The storage medium stores a computer program or instructions, which, when executed by a communication device, implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-10, or the method as described in any one of claims 11-21.

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