Accurate ground truth collection for ai / ML positioning

Abstract

An apparatus including: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: determining an identification of a first reference location; determining reference position information for the apparatus relative to the first reference location; determining sensor information for at least one sensor of the apparatus; and transmitting information to a network entity, where the transmitted information comprises the identification of the first reference location, the determined reference position information, and the determined sensor information.

Description

ACCURATE GROUND TRUTH COLLECTION FOR AI / ML POSITIONINGRELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to US provisional Application No. 63 / 681498 filed August 9, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The example and non-limiting embodiments relate generally to machine learning and, more particularly, to data for a ground truth.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR DEVELOPMENTS

[0003] Artificial intelligence (Al, often also referred to a machine learning, ML, or even AI / ML) is being used for many purposes in wireless networks such as cellular networks. AI / ML techniques continue to be studied in regard to wireless communications including NR air interface.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

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

[0005] In accordance with one aspect, an apparatus is provided comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: determining an identification of a first reference location; determining reference position information for the apparatus relative to the first reference location; determining sensor information for at least one sensor of the apparatus; and transmitting information to a network entity, where the transmitted information comprises the identification of the first reference location, the determined reference position information, and the determined sensor information.

[0006] In accordance with another aspect, a method is provided comprising: determining an identification of a first reference location; determining reference position information for anapparatus relative to the first reference location; determining sensor information for at least one sensor of the apparatus; and transmitting information to a network entity, where the transmitted information comprises the identification of the first reference location, the determined reference position information, and the determined sensor information.

[0007] In accordance with another aspect, an apparatus is provided comprising: means for determining an identification of a first reference location; means for determining reference position information for the apparatus relative to the first reference location; means for determining sensor information for at least one sensor of the apparatus; and means for transmitting information to a network entity, where the transmitted information comprises the identification of the first reference location, the determined reference position information, and the determined sensor information.

[0008] In accordance with another aspect, an apparatus is provided with a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: determining an identification of a first reference location; determining reference position information for the apparatus relative to the first reference location; determining sensor information for at least one sensor of the apparatus; and transmitting information to a network entity, where the transmitted information comprises the identification of the first reference location, the determined reference position information, and the determined sensor information.

[0009] In accordance with another aspect, an apparatus is provided comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: receiving information from a user equipment, where the received information comprises: an identification of a first reference location, a determined reference position information for the user equipment relative to the first reference location, and a determined sensor information for at least one sensor of the user equipment; and determining a ground truth regarding the user equipment based, at least partially, on the received information.

[0010] In accordance with another aspect, a method is provided comprising: receiving information from a user equipment, where the received information comprises: an identification of a first reference location, a determined reference position information for theuser equipment relative to the first reference location, and a determined sensor information for at least one sensor of the user equipment; and determining a ground truth regarding the user equipment based, at least partially, on the received information.

[0011] In accordance with another aspect, an apparatus is provided comprising: means for receiving information from a user equipment, where the received information comprises: an identification of a first reference location, a determined reference position information for the user equipment relative to the first reference location, and a determined sensor information for at least one sensor of the user equipment; and means for determining a ground truth regarding the user equipment based, at least partially, on the received information.

[0012] In accordance with another aspect, an apparatus is provided with a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: receiving information from a user equipment, where the received information comprises: an identification of a first reference location, a determined reference position information for the user equipment relative to the first reference location, and a determined sensor information for at least one sensor of the user equipment; and determining a ground truth regarding the user equipment based, at least partially, on the received information.

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

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

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

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

[0017] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an area of interest having a base station, multiple UEs and multiple PRUs;

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

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

[0020] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example method; and

[0021] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example method.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] The following abbreviations that may be found in the specification and / or the drawing figures are defined as follows:3GPP third generation partnership project5G fifth generation5GC 5G core network6G sixth generationAF application functionAl artificial intelligenceAMF access and mobility management functionAUSF authentication server functionCU central unitDN data networkDU distributed unit eNB (or eNodeB) evolved Node B (e.g., an LTE base station)EN-DC E-UTRA-NR dual connectivity en-gNB or En-gNB node providing NR user plane and control plane protocol terminations towards the UE, and acting as secondary node in EN-DCE-UTRA evolved universal terrestrial radio access, i.e., the LTE radio access technologygNB (or gNodeB) base station for 5G / NR, i.e., a node providing NR user plane and control plane protocol terminations towards the UE, and connected via the NG interface to the 5GCI / F interfaceLMF location management functionETE long term evolutionMAC medium access controlML machine learningMME mobility management entityNEF network exposure function ng or NG next generation ng-eNB or NG-eNB next generation eNBNR new radioNRF network repository functionNSSF network slice selection functionN / W or NW networkPCF policy control functionPDCP packet data convergence protocolPHY physical layerPRS positioning reference signalPRU positioning reference unitRAN radio access networkRel releaseRLC radio link controlRRH remote radio headRRC radio resource controlRU radio unitRx receiverSDAP service data adaptation protocolSGW serving gatewaySMF session management functionTS technical specificationTx transmitterUE user equipment (e.g., a wireless, typically mobile device)UDM unified data managementUPF user plane function

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0035] In the field of machine learning, “ground truth” is a term which is often used to refer to the true or actual values of a variable or target that one is trying to predict using an artificial intelligence (Al) or machine learning (ML) algorithm. A ground truth may be used, for example, to compare a model’s prediction and, therefore, evaluate model performance. A ground truth may be continuous or categorical variables, such as depending on a type of problem one is trying to solve. There are several types of ground truth including labeled data, annotated data, and real- world data. Ground truth may refer to true and correct labels or outputs associated with a dataset. These labels may be obtained from reliable sources or domain experts and represent the most accurate representation of the data. In supervised learning tasks, ground truth labels may be used during model training to teach the algorithm how to make predictions. The model may learn to minimize the difference between its predictions and theground truth labels. Ground truth may be used for assessing the performance of machine learning models. After training, models may be evaluated using ground truth labels to measure their accuracy, precision, recall, and other performance metrics (generally referred to as “model monitoring”). Ground truth may serve as a quality assurance mechanism, ensuring the reliability and validity of the data used for training and testing models. It may be used to help identify errors, inconsistencies, or biases in the dataset that could affect model performance. Ground truth may be used to facilitate iterative model improvement by providing feedback on model predictions. Discrepancies between predicted outputs and ground truth labels may be used to highlight areas where a model may need refinement or additional training data. These are merely some examples of use of a ground truth in regard to Al and ML.

[0036] Features as described herein may be used in relation to AI / ML-based positioning. This may be, for example, within the scope of Rel. 19 WID on Artificial Intelligence (AI) / Machine Learning (ML) for NR Air Interface (RP-234039). As described in RP-234039:AI / ML general framework for one-sided AI / ML models within the realm of what has been studied in the FS_NR_AIML_Air project [RAN2] : o Signalling and protocol aspects of Life Cycle Management (LCM) enabling functionality and model (if justified) selection, activation, deactivation, switching, fallback■ Identification related signalling is part of the above objective o Necessary signalling / mechanism(s) for LCM to facilitate model training, inference, performance monitoring, data collection (except for the purpose of CN / OAM / OTT collection of UE-sided model training data) for both UE-sided and NW-sided models o Signalling mechanism of applicable functionalities / modelsPositioning accuracy enhancements, encompassing [RAN1 / RAN2 / RAN3]: o Direct AI / ML positioning:(1stpriority) Case 1: UE-based positioning with UE-side model, direct AI / ML positioning■ (2ndpriority) Case 2b: UE-assisted / LMF-based positioning with LMF- side model, direct AI / ML positioning■ (1stpriority) Case 3b: NG-RAN node assisted positioning with LMF- side model, direct AI / ML positioning o AI / ML assisted positioning■ (2nd priority) Case 2a: UE-assisted / LMF-based positioning with UE- side model, AI / ML assisted positioning■ (1stpriority) Case 3a: NG-RAN node assisted positioning with gNB- side model, AI / ML assisted positioning o Specify necessary measurements, signalling / mechanism(s) to facilitate LCM operations specific to the Positioning accuracy enhancements use cases, if any o Investigate and specify the necessary signalling of necessary measurement enhancements (if any) o Enabling method(s) to ensure consistency between training and inference regarding NW-side additional conditions (if identified) for inference at UE for relevant positioning sub use cases

[0037] 3GPP TSG RAN WG1 #116-bis, Changsha, China, 15th - 19th April 2024, (Rl- 2402997) entitled “AI / ML for Positioning Accuracy Enhancement” also describes enhancements related to AI / ML for positioning and the work item objectives related to AI / ML positioning sub-use cases. This includes mention of a ground truth label of a target UE being generated by a LMF and provided to the target UE.

[0038] In an AI / ML positioning use case, such as with a UE for example, ground truth data may refer to the ‘true’ labels (UE location for direct positioning), and are mandatory to perform model training as well as model monitoring after its deployment and use. To get the UEposition in the past, legacy UE positioning methods were envisioned to be employed; which obviously comes with its own errors. Because of these errors associated with conventional legacy UE positioning methods, relying on this conventional approach to derive position ground truth would impact the accuracy when training A I / ML models with locations estimated using such legacy positioning methods. With features as described herein, more accurate ground truth data may be provided for an AI / ML direct positioning use case.

[0039] Features as described herein may be used to provide a method and related signaling enhancement to use multiple position related features at a UE. In an example embodiment both information from one or more sensors at a UE is considered and information related to at least one position reference unit (PRU) is considered. The example method and related signaling may provide enhancement to leverage sensors capabilities at UE side in order to derive more accurate ground truth data with PRU assistance. In one type of example, one may assume that the NW has accurate position information of one or more deployed PRUs in an area of interest. Therefore, the proximity of the UE to these PRUs, along with information from one or more sensors of the UE, may be exploited jointly in order to derive more accurate ground truth data targeted for model training (and possibly for model monitoring, such as upon request for example).

[0040] Referring also to FIG. 3, an example scenario is illustrated with a base station 170 serving multiple UEs 110 and multiple localized PRUs 300 within the area of interest. Four PRUs 300 (PRU1, PRU2, PRU3, PRU4) are shown in this example. Eight (8) UEs 110 (UE1, UE2, UE3, UE4, UE5, UE6, UE7, UE8) are shown in the area of interest in this example. In a conventional approach, the ground truth of the UEs (meaning the reference / true positions of the UEs) would be estimated with a legacy positioning method. However, features as described herein may be used to improve the accuracy and quality of the ground truth data by exploiting two factors:• Proximity to PRUs with precise and known position information which may be referred to as “absolute position”, and• ‘Internal’ sensors information, such gyroscope information for example, which may be referred to as “relative position”.

[0041] The computation of ground truth labels may be realized at the LMF side. An example LMF 200 is shown in FIG. 2. To improve the accuracy and quality of the ground truth data by exploiting these two factors, a new signaling from the UE may be provided comprising both information related to the absolute position with regard to at least one identified PRU, and information related to the relative position (such as sensor information for example).

[0042] Proposed Method for accurate ground truth labelling

[0043] The proposed approach for estimating accurate ground truth labels may include reliance on the following aspects :• Proximity to reference location corresponding to a PRU, and• Use of sensor-based information.

[0044] In one type of example embodiment, the UE does not determine the ground truth. Instead, the UE merely determines the information from the sensor(s) and the information related to the proximity PRU(s), and sends that information to the LMF for the LMF to determine the ground truth.

[0045] For the proximity aspect, in one type of example a request may be sent to the UE, such as via an application-based approach for example, for UE support. The UE support may comprise the UE determining a proximity PRU and an ID of that PRU. Referring also to FIG. 4, an example flowchart for the proximity aspect is shown as one non-limiting example. In this example, the UE may perform a search for PRUs within proximity of the UE within a local area as illustrated with block 402. For example, and with reference to Fig. 3, based upon a first search criteria and / or conditions, UE1 might only locate PRU1. Based upon a different second search criteria and / or conditions, UE1 might only locate PRU1 and PRU2. Based upon a different third search criteria and / or conditions, UE1 might only locate PRU1 and PRU2 and PRU3. These are merely some examples. One or more different methods may be used for the UE1 to search for the proximity PRU(s) such as the UE listening for a signal from the PRU or transmitting a broadcast and listening for a reply from the broadcast for example.

[0046] Based upon the search results from 402, the UE1 may determine the closest PRU as illustrated with block 404. For the example shown in FIG. 3, the PRU closest to UE1 is PRU1.One or more different methods may be used for determining the proximity of the individual PRUs relative to the UE1. For example, channel quality between the UE1 and the PRUs might be used. The channel qualities for each respective channel with a PRU would be indicative of the distance separating the UE1 from the respective PRUs. Use of channel quality is merely one example of determining the distance or proximity to determine the closest PRU. Other alternative or additional methods or combination of methods could be used. For example, it could comprise use of SINR or a received signal power (e.g. RSRP reference signal received power).

[0047] One or more different methods may be used for the UE1 to obtain the identity of the closest PRU (a proximity PRU). This may be manual and / or electronic for example. In the example shown in FIG. 4, block 406 illustrates that the UE1 may obtain the identity of PRU1 by scanning a QR code with the UE1 at the PRU1, or scanning a QR code electronically sent to the UE1 from the PRUE In one type of example use case for a manual type of scanning of a QR code, the QR code might be on a seat in a concert venue or sports stadium for example, or on a column or wall of the building near the user’s seat. A communications device at the concert venue or sports stadium might be able to interact with the LMF (such as at steps 1-2 described below with regard to FIG. 5) to send the LMF the precise location of the QR code which was scanned and an ID for that QR code as a PRU ID. In one type of example use case for scanning of a QR code electronically received by the UE, the QR code might be configured based on information regarding a user’s seat in the concert venue or sports stadium. These are merely examples, and should not be considered as limiting.

[0048] In one example use, such as with an incentive offered to a user, an operator can ask a UE if the user of the UE is willing to participate punctually to the data collection process and get in return an incentive (such as, for example, money or increase in the used offer or any grant). If the offer is accepted by the user, the user may then be required to collaborate in this process by searching for a closest PRU. In one type of example, searching for a location for a closest PRU (a proximity PRU) could be indicated by the operator via use of an application on the UE. Identifying the reference / closest PRU can be made through a scanning of a QR code in the indicated application (on the UE). In one type of example, this identification of the ‘proximity’ reference (PRU1 in this example) may be kept track at an application layer andshared with the operator. The example features described above may be used for a single PRU or multiple PRUs for example.

[0049] Obviously if the UE1 moves and becomes far from its initial reference PRU (PRU1) such that it is possibly no longer the proximity PRU, this situation may be updated in the application on the UE, and the UE may search again (or be prompted to search again) for another new proximity PRU. As illustrated with block 408 in FIG. 4, the UE may be configured to verify if the UE is still within proximity of a previously determined proximity PRU. If no, then the process may return to 402 for the UE to search for proximity PRU(s) again. If yes, the UE may wait for a timer to elapse as illustrated with block 410 before performing step 408 again.

[0050] The above described examples illustrate some approaches which may be used to allow derivation or determination of the absolute position by the UE.

[0051] Signaling enhancement

[0052] Referring also to FIG. 5, a flow diagram is shown which illustrates one type of example of different exchanges involved for a ground truth data collection initiated by the network (LMF). In this example, the LMF 200 may request the ground truth collection both from PRUs and from UEs. The UEs are considered non-PRUs in this example.

[0053] Steps 1 and 2 may be conventional messages between the LMF 200 and the PRU 300 to request data collection by the LMF and consequently collect the requested data from the PRU 300.

[0054] In Step 3, the LMF 200 may request the UE (non PRU) to share its capabilities. This request may include a request for the UE to specifically indicate the UE’s capabilities for the collection of accurate / enhanced ground truth labels (through 1. proximity information as well as 2. sensor information such as gyroscope information for example).

[0055] In Step 4, the UE 110 may send the requested information regarding its capabilities to the LMF 200, including the UE’s ability to contribute for accurate ground truth labeling or not to contribute for accurate ground truth labeling.

[0056] Based at least partially on feedback from the UE at step 4, the LMF at step 5 may select a method to be used by the UE for collection of information to be subsequently used by the LMF for ground truth determination. In one example, the LMF may select between the following options: option 1 - a first approach comprising use of a legacy positioning method application (such as which necessities to collect conventional PRS related measurements), or option 2 - a second approach which leverages PRU proximity as well as UE internal sensors information.These are merely examples. Other options may also be provided.

[0057] After the LMF has selected or determined a method to be used by the UE for collection of information to be subsequently used by the LMF for ground truth determination, as illustrated with step 6, the LMF may send a request to the UE for the UE to collect data with use of the selected or determined method.

[0058] As illustrated with step 7, the UE may identify a closest PRU (or multiple closest PRUs). This may be, for example, with use of a D2D communications discovery method, or a sidelink discovery method, or possibly through an application-layer based discovery.

[0059] As illustrated with steps 8 and 9, exchanges between UE and PRU may be provided. In this example the exchanges are used in order to assess the channel quality between the two entities UE1 and PRU1. This channel quality assessment may be used as indicative of the distance separating both of them. In one type of example, this may be extended to multiple PRUs for better accuracy.

[0060] As illustrated with step 10, the UE may perform one or more sensor based measurements. In one example this may comprise use of a gyroscope, such as to collect gyroscope-based information. However, a different type of sensor could also be used, and more than one sensor could be used.

[0061] As illustrated with step 11, the UE may share both the absolute information (PRU ID and proximity information) and the relative information (sensor-based measurements) with the LMF.

[0062] As illustrated with step 12, the LMF may evaluate or determine accurate position of the UE (ground truth label) based on the shared UE information from step 11 as well as using communicated PRU ID (from step 2) to identify its precise position of the PRU. Because the LMF would know information regarding the precise position of the PRU, the LMF may use that information and the information sent by the UE at step 11 to determine an accurate position of the UE, and use those pieces of information to establish or determine a ground truth label for a subsequent AI / ML training method.

[0063] An alternate embodiment may be provided where the UE starts to get relative positioning measurements (e.g., using gyroscope) at any time. The relative positioning measurement or relative information (which indicates UE’s displacement, direction but not an absolute position) is in regard to the UE’s position or location over time. For example, the UE may move its location or position over time, where the relative information is in regard to that movement over time (such as with use of a gyroscope measurement for example). After any specific period of time, the user may identify a PRU and use the QR-code to complement the relative positioning measurement information from the UE sensor(s) with the absolute positioning information indicated from the PRU. The UE may store radio channel measurements and relative UE position in a local dataset, and this dataset may be updated / complemented with the absolute information of the PRU. The absolute position information (exact, accurate and permanent positioning) may be, for example, a known fixed position or location.

[0064] In accordance with an example embodiment, an apparatus may be provided comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: determining an identification of a first reference location; determining reference position information for the apparatus relative to the first reference location; determining sensor information for at least one sensor of the apparatus; and transmitting information to a network entity, where the transmitted information comprises the identification of the first reference location, the determined reference position information, and the determined sensor information.

[0065] The instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to perform: receiving a capabilities request from the network entity, where the capabilities request comprises a request for the apparatus to indicate at least one of: that theapparatus is capable of collecting the information to be transmitted to the network entity as the transmitted information, or that the apparatus is not capable of collecting the information to be transmitted to the network entity as the transmitted information. The capabilities request may comprise a request for the apparatus to indicate capabilities of the apparatus for collection of the reference position information and the sensor information, where the request comprises a request to indicate for the sensor information at least one of: a type of position information, or a type of relative position information. The instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to perform: transmitting a capabilities report to the network entity, where the capabilities report comprises an indication of capabilities of the apparatus for collection of the information to be transmitted to the network entity. The instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to perform: receiving a data collection request from the network entity, where the data collection request comprises a request for the apparatus to transmit the information to the network entity. The data collection request may comprise an indication for the apparatus to use a specific method for determining the information to be transmitted to the network entity. The instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to perform: determining proximity of a plurality of reference locations relative to the apparatus. The determining of the proximity may comprise determining a channel quality between the apparatus and the plurality of reference locations. The instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to perform: determining that the first reference location is a closest one of the plurality of reference locations relative to the apparatus. The determining of the identification of the first reference location may comprise at least one of: receiving a signal from the reference location, where the signal comprises the identification; receiving a signal via a sidelink; scanning a QR code associated with the reference location; or using an application operation on the apparatus. The determining of the reference position information for the apparatus relative to the first reference location may comprise at least one of: a D2D communication discovery method, a sidelink communication discovery method, an application layer based discovery method, scanning a QR code associated with the reference location; or using an application operation on the apparatus. The first reference location may comprise a location of a position reference unit. The at least one sensor may comprise a gyroscope. The instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to perform: determining an identification of at least one second reference location; determining referenceposition information for the apparatus relative to the at least one second reference location; and transmitting further information to the network entity, where the transmitted further information comprises the identification of the at least one second reference location, and the determined reference position information for the apparatus relative to the at least one second reference location. The instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to perform: after the transmitting of the information to the network entity, and at least partially based on a change regarding proximity of the first reference location relative to the apparatus versus proximity of a second reference location relative to the apparatus, transmitting updated information comprising an identification of the second reference location and determined reference position information of the second reference location relative to the apparatus. The reference position information may represent absolute position information, and where the sensor information may represent relative information.

[0066] Referring also to FIG. 6, an example method may be provided comprising: determining an identification of a first reference location as illustrated with block 602; determining reference position information for an apparatus relative to the first reference location as illustrated with block 604; determining sensor information for at least one sensor of the apparatus as illustrated with block 606; and transmitting information to a network entity as illustrated with block 608, where the transmitted information comprises the identification of the first reference location, the determined reference position information, and the determined sensor information. The method may further comprise: receiving a capabilities request from the network entity, where the capabilities request comprises a request for the apparatus to indicate at least one of: that the apparatus is capable of collecting the information to be transmitted to the network entity as the transmitted information, or that the apparatus is not capable of collecting the information to be transmitted to the network entity as the transmitted information. The capabilities request may comprise a request for the apparatus to indicate capabilities of the apparatus for collection of the reference position information and the sensor information, where the request comprises a request to indicate for the sensor information at least one of: a type of position information, or a type of relative position information. The method may further comprise: transmitting a capabilities report to the network entity, where the capabilities report comprises an indication of capabilities of the apparatus for collection of the information to be transmitted to the network entity. The method may further comprise: receiving a data collection request from the network entity, where the data collection requestcomprises a request for the apparatus to transmit the information to the network entity. The data collection request may comprise an indication for the apparatus to use a specific method for determining the information to be transmitted to the network entity. The method may further comprise: determining proximity of a plurality of reference locations relative to the apparatus. The determining of the proximity may comprise determining a channel quality between the apparatus and the plurality of reference locations. The method may further comprise: determining that the first reference location is a closest one of the plurality of reference locations relative to the apparatus. The method may further comprise: receiving a signal from the reference location, where the signal comprises the identification; receiving a signal via a sidelink; scanning a QR code associated with the reference location; or using an application operation on the apparatus. The determining of the reference position information for the apparatus relative to the first reference location may comprise at least one of: a D2D communication discovery method, a sidelink communication discovery method, an application layer based discovery method, scanning a QR code associated with the reference location; or using an application operation on the apparatus. The first reference location may comprise a location of a position reference unit. The at least one sensor may comprise a gyroscope. The method may further comprise: determining an identification of at least one second reference location; determining reference position information for the apparatus relative to the at least one second reference location; and transmitting further information to the network entity, where the transmitted further information comprises the identification of the at least one second reference location, and the determined reference position information for the apparatus relative to the at least one second reference location. The method may further comprise: after the transmitting of the information to the network entity, and at least partially based on a change regarding proximity of the first reference location relative to the apparatus versus proximity of a second reference location relative to the apparatus, transmitting updated information comprising an identification of the second reference location and determined reference position information of the second reference location relative to the apparatus. The reference position information may represent absolute position information, and the sensor information may represent relative information.

[0067] In accordance with an example embodiment, an apparatus may be provided comprising: means for determining an identification of a first reference location; means for determining reference position information for the apparatus relative to the first referencelocation; means for determining sensor information for at least one sensor of the apparatus; and means for transmitting information to a network entity, where the transmitted information comprises the identification of the first reference location, the determined reference position information, and the determined sensor information.

[0068] In accordance with an example embodiment, an apparatus may be provided with a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: determining an identification of a first reference location; determining reference position information for the apparatus relative to the first reference location; determining sensor information for at least one sensor of the apparatus; and transmitting information to a network entity, where the transmitted information comprises the identification of the first reference location, the determined reference position information, and the determined sensor information.

[0069] In accordance with an example embodiment, an apparatus may be provided comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: receiving information from a user equipment, where the received information comprises: an identification of a first reference location, a determined reference position information for the user equipment relative to the first reference location, and a determined sensor information for at least one sensor of the user equipment; and determining a ground truth regarding the user equipment based, at least partially, on the received information.

[0070] The determining of the ground truth regarding the user equipment may comprise use of a location management function of the network entity. The determining of the ground truth regarding the user equipment may comprise use of identification information received by the apparatus from the first reference location. The instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to perform: sending a capabilities request from the apparatus for the user equipment, where the capabilities request comprises a request for the user equipment to indicate at least one of: that the user equipment is capable of collecting the information to be transmitted by the user equipment as the received information, or that the apparatus is not capable of collecting the information to be transmitted by the user equipment as the received information. The capabilities request may comprise a request for the user equipment to indicate capabilities of the user equipment for collection of the information toform the received information comprising reference position information for the determined reference position information and sensor information for the determined sensor information. The instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to perform: receiving a capabilities report from the user equipment, where the capabilities report comprises an indication of capabilities of the user equipment for collection of the information to be used to form the received information. The instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to perform: sending a data collection request from the apparatus for the user equipment, where the data collection request comprises a request for the user equipment to transmit the information for the received information. The data collection request may comprise an indication for the user equipment to use a specific method for determining the information to be transmitted for the received information. The first reference location may comprise a position reference unit. The at least one sensor may comprise a gyroscope and the sensor information comprises gyroscope sensor information. The determined ground truth may comprise at least one ground truth label. The instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to perform: sending information for the user equipment to at least partially use for determining of the reference position information comprises information for determining a channel quality between the apparatus and the first reference location. The instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to perform: sending information for the user equipment to at least partially use for determining that the first reference location is a closest one of a plurality of reference locations relative to the apparatus. The instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to perform: sending information for the user equipment to, at least partially, use for determining the identification of the first reference location for at least one of: receiving a signal from the reference location, where the signal comprises the identification; receiving a signal via a sidelink; scanning a QR code associated with the reference location; or using an application operation on the user equipment. The instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to perform: sending information for the user equipment to, at least partially, use for determining the reference position information of the user equipment relative to the first reference location for at least one of: a D2D communication discovery method, a sidelink communication discovery method, an application layer based discovery method, scanning a QR code associated with the reference location; or using an application operation on the user equipment. The instructions,when executed with the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to perform: receiving further information from the user equipment, where the received further information comprises, for determining the ground truth information, identification of at least one second reference location, and determined reference position information of the user equipment relative to the at least one second reference location. The instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to perform: after receiving of the received information, and at least partially based on a change regarding proximity of the first reference location relative to the user equipment versus proximity of a second reference location relative to the user equipment, receiving updated information comprising, for determining the ground truth, an identification of the second reference location and determined reference position information of the second reference location relative to the user equipment. The instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to perform: determining a new ground truth regarding the user equipment based, at least partially, on the received updated information. The instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to perform at least one of: using the determined ground truth for model training, or transmitting the determined ground truth for use with the user equipment for model training, or transmitting the determined ground truth for use with another entity for model training.

[0071] Referring also to FIF. 7, an example method may be provided comprising: receiving information from a user equipment as illustrated with block 702, where the received information comprises: an identification of a first reference location, a determined reference position information for the user equipment relative to the first reference location, and a determined sensor information for at least one sensor of the user equipment; and determining a ground truth regarding the user equipment based, at least partially, on the received information as illustrated with block 704. The determining of the ground truth regarding the user equipment may comprise use of a location management function of the network entity. The determining of the ground truth regarding the user equipment may comprise use of identification information received by the apparatus from the first reference location. The method may further comprise: sending a capabilities request from the apparatus for the user equipment, where the capabilities request comprises a request for the user equipment to indicate at least one of: that the user equipment is capable of collecting the information to be transmitted by the user equipment as the received information, or that the apparatus is not capable of collecting the information to be transmitted by the user equipment as the received information.The capabilities request may comprise a request for the user equipment to indicate capabilities of the user equipment for collection of the information to form the received information comprising reference position information for the determined reference position information and sensor information for the determined sensor information. The method may further comprise: receiving a capabilities report from the user equipment, where the capabilities report comprises an indication of capabilities of the user equipment for collection of the information to be used to form the received information. The method may further comprise: sending a data collection request from the apparatus for the user equipment, where the data collection request comprises a request for the user equipment to transmit the information for the received information. The data collection request may comprise an indication for the user equipment to use a specific method for determining the information to be transmitted for the received information. The first reference location may comprise a position reference unit. The at least one sensor may comprise a gyroscope and the sensor information comprises gyroscope sensor information. The determined ground truth may comprise at least one ground truth label. The method may further comprise: sending information for the user equipment to at least partially use for determining of the reference position information comprises information for determining a channel quality between the apparatus and the first reference location. The method may further comprise: sending information for the user equipment to at least partially use for determining that the first reference location is a closest one of a plurality of reference locations relative to the apparatus. The method may further comprise: sending information for the user equipment to, at least partially, use for determining the identification of the first reference location for at least one of: receiving a signal from the reference location, where the signal comprises the identification; receiving a signal via a sidelink; scanning a QR code associated with the reference location; or using an application operation on the user equipment. The method may further comprise: sending information for the user equipment to, at least partially, use for determining the reference position information of the user equipment relative to the first reference location for at least one of: a D2D communication discovery method, a sidelink communication discovery method, an application layer based discovery method, scanning a QR code associated with the reference location; or using an application operation on the user equipment. The method may further comprise: receiving further information from the user equipment, where the received further information comprises, for determining the ground truth information, identification of at least one second reference location, anddetermined reference position information of the user equipment relative to the at least one second reference location. The method may further comprise: after receiving of the received information, and at least partially based on a change regarding proximity of the first reference location relative to the user equipment versus proximity of a second reference location relative to the user equipment, receiving updated information comprising, for determining the ground truth, an identification of the second reference location and determined reference position information of the second reference location relative to the user equipment. The method may further comprise: determining a new ground truth regarding the user equipment based, at least partially, on the received updated information. The method may further comprise: using the determined ground truth for model training, or transmitting the determined ground truth for use with the user equipment for model training, or transmitting the determined ground truth for use with another entity for model training.

[0072] In accordance with an example embodiment, as apparatus may be provided comprising: means for receiving information from a user equipment, where the received information comprises: an identification of a first reference location, a determined reference position information for the user equipment relative to the first reference location, and a determined sensor information for at least one sensor of the user equipment; and means for determining a ground truth regarding the user equipment based, at least partially, on the received information.

[0073] In accordance with an example embodiment, an apparatus may be provided comprising a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: receiving information from a user equipment, where the received information comprises: an identification of a first reference location, a determined reference position information for the user equipment relative to the first reference location, and a determined sensor information for at least one sensor of the user equipment; and determining a ground truth regarding the user equipment based, at least partially, on the received information.

[0074] Features as described herein may be used for an AI / ML positioning use case. Features as described herein may be used for data collection for determining a ground truth but not necessarily only focusing on messages exchange to convey ground truth data to the requesting entity. Features as described herein may be used for with quality of location informationthrough the use of sensors generated information. Features as described herein may be used for a method or signaling which relates to the use of a gyroscope to generate accurate ground truth data targeted to an AI / ML positioning use case.

[0075] The “position information” determined by the UE may comprise the absolute position information (such as the PRU id and the proximity information for example) and the relative position information (such as the sensor(s) based measurement(s) for example).

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

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

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

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

Claims

CLAI MSWhat is claimed is:

1. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: determining an identification of a first reference location; determining reference position information for the apparatus relative to the first reference location; determining sensor information for at least one sensor of the apparatus; and transmitting information to a network entity, where the transmitted information comprises the identification of the first reference location, the determined reference position information, and the determined sensor information.

2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 where the instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: receiving a capabilities request from the network entity, where the capabilities request comprises a request for the apparatus to indicate at least one of: that the apparatus is capable of collecting the information to be transmitted to the network entity as the transmitted information, or that the apparatus is not capable of collecting the information to be transmitted to the network entity as the transmitted information.

3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 2 where the capabilities request comprises a request for the apparatus to indicate capabilities of the apparatus for collection of the reference position information and the sensor information, where the request comprises a request to indicate for the sensor information at least one of:a type of position information, or a type of relative position information.

4. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1-3 where the instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: transmitting a capabilities report to the network entity, where the capabilities report comprises an indication of capabilities of the apparatus for collection of the information to be transmitted to the network entity.

5. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1-4 where the instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: receiving a data collection request from the network entity, where the data collection request comprises a request for the apparatus to transmit the information to the network entity.

6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 5 where the data collection request comprises an indication for the apparatus to use a specific method for determining the information to be transmitted to the network entity.

7. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1-6 where the instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: determining proximity of a plurality of reference locations relative to the apparatus.

8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 7 where the determining of the proximity comprises determining a channel quality between the apparatus and the plurality of reference locations.

9. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 7-8 where the instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: determining that the first reference location is a closest one of the plurality of reference locations relative to the apparatus.

10. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1-9 where the determining of the identification of the first reference location comprises at least one of: receiving a signal from the reference location, where the signal comprises the identification; receiving a signal via a sidelink; scanning a QR code associated with the reference location; or using an application operation on the apparatus.

11. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1-10 where the determining of the reference position information for the apparatus relative to the first reference location comprises at least one of: a D2D communication discovery method, a sidelink communication discovery method, an application layer based discovery method, scanning a QR code associated with the reference location; or using an application operation on the apparatus.

12. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1-11 where the first reference location comprises a location of a position reference unit.

13. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1-12 where the at least one sensor comprises a gyroscope.

14. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1-13 where the instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: determining an identification of at least one second reference location; determining reference position information for the apparatus relative to the at least one second reference location; andtransmitting further information to the network entity, where the transmitted further information comprises the identification of the at least one second reference location, and the determined reference position information for the apparatus relative to the at least one second reference location.

15. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1-14 where the instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: after the transmitting of the information to the network entity, and at least partially based on a change regarding proximity of the first reference location relative to the apparatus versus proximity of a second reference location relative to the apparatus, transmitting updated information comprising an identification of the second reference location and determined reference position information of the second reference location relative to the apparatus.

16. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1-15 where the reference position information represents absolute position information, and where the sensor information represents relative information.

17. A method comprising: determining an identification of a first reference location; determining reference position information for an apparatus relative to the first reference location; determining sensor information for at least one sensor of the apparatus; and transmitting information to a network entity, where the transmitted information comprises the identification of the first reference location, the determined reference position information, and the determined sensor information.

18. An apparatus comprising: means for determining an identification of a first reference location;means for determining reference position information for the apparatus relative to the first reference location; means for determining sensor information for at least one sensor of the apparatus; and means for transmitting information to a network entity, where the transmitted information comprises the identification of the first reference location, the determined reference position information, and the determined sensor information.

19. A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: determining an identification of a first reference location; determining reference position information for the apparatus relative to the first reference location; determining sensor information for at least one sensor of the apparatus; and transmitting information to a network entity, where the transmitted information comprises the identification of the first reference location, the determined reference position information, and the determined sensor information.

20. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: receiving information from a user equipment, where the received information comprises: an identification of a first reference location, a determined reference position information for the user equipment relative to the first reference location, anda determined sensor information for at least one sensor of the user equipment; and determining a ground truth regarding the user equipment based, at least partially, on the received information.

21. The apparatus as claimed in claim 20 where the determining of the ground truth regarding the user equipment comprises use of a location management function of the network entity.

22. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 20-21 where the determining of the ground truth regarding the user equipment comprises use of identification information received by the apparatus from the first reference location.

23. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 20-22 where the instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: sending a capabilities request from the apparatus for the user equipment, where the capabilities request comprises a request for the user equipment to indicate at least one of: that the user equipment is capable of collecting the information to be transmitted by the user equipment as the received information, or that the apparatus is not capable of collecting the information to be transmitted by the user equipment as the received information.

24. The apparatus as claimed in claim 23 where the capabilities request comprises a request for the user equipment to indicate capabilities of the user equipment for collection of the information to form the received information comprising reference position information for the determined reference position information and sensor information for the determined sensor information.

25. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 20-24 where the instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform:receiving a capabilities report from the user equipment, where the capabilities report comprises an indication of capabilities of the user equipment for collection of the information to be used to form the received information.

26. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 20-25 where the instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: sending a data collection request from the apparatus for the user equipment, where the data collection request comprises a request for the user equipment to transmit the information for the received information.

27. The apparatus as claimed in claim 26 where the data collection request comprises an indication for the user equipment to use a specific method for determining the information to be transmitted for the received information.

28. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 20-27 where the first reference location comprises a position reference unit.

29. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 20-28 where the at least one sensor comprises a gyroscope and the sensor information comprises gyroscope sensor information.

30. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 20-29 where the determined ground truth comprises at least one ground truth label.

31. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 20-30 where the instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: sending information for the user equipment to at least partially use for determining of the reference position information comprises information for determining a channel quality between the apparatus and the first reference location.

32. The apparatus as claimed in claim 31 where the instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform:sending information for the user equipment to at least partially use for determining that the first reference location is a closest one of a plurality of reference locations relative to the apparatus.

33. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 20-32 where the instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: sending information for the user equipment to, at least partially, use for determining the identification of the first reference location for at least one of: receiving a signal from the reference location, where the signal comprises the identification; receiving a signal via a sidelink; scanning a QR code associated with the reference location; or using an application operation on the user equipment.

34. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 20-33 where the instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: sending information for the user equipment to, at least partially, use for determining the reference position information of the user equipment relative to the first reference location for at least one of: a D2D communication discovery method, a sidelink communication discovery method, an application layer based discovery method, scanning a QR code associated with the reference location; or using an application operation on the user equipment.

35. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 20-34 where the instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform:receiving further information from the user equipment, where the received further information comprises, for determining the ground truth information, identification of at least one second reference location, and determined reference position information of the user equipment relative to the at least one second reference location.

36. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 20-35 where the instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: after receiving of the received information, and at least partially based on a change regarding proximity of the first reference location relative to the user equipment versus proximity of a second reference location relative to the user equipment, receiving updated information comprising, for determining the ground truth, an identification of the second reference location and determined reference position information of the second reference location relative to the user equipment.

37. The apparatus as claimed in claim 36 where the instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: determining a new ground truth regarding the user equipment based, at least partially, on the received updated information.

38. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 20-37 where the instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least one of: using the determined ground truth for model training, or transmitting the determined ground truth for use with the user equipment for model training, or transmitting the determined ground truth for use with another entity for model training.

39. A method comprising: receiving information from a user equipment, where the received information comprises: an identification of a first reference location,a determined reference position information for the user equipment relative to the first reference location, and a determined sensor information for at least one sensor of the user equipment; and determining a ground truth regarding the user equipment based, at least partially, on the received information.

40. An apparatus comprising: means for receiving information from a user equipment, where the received information comprises: an identification of a first reference location, a determined reference position information for the user equipment relative to the first reference location, and a determined sensor information for at least one sensor of the user equipment; and means for determining a ground truth regarding the user equipment based, at least partially, on the received information.

41. A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: receiving information from a user equipment, where the received information comprises: an identification of a first reference location, a determined reference position information for the user equipment relative to the first reference location, and a determined sensor information for at least one sensor of the user equipment; anddetermining a ground truth regarding the user equipment based, at least partially, on the received information.

Images