Energy efficient asset tracking

Abstract

A UE receives a positioning measurement configuration of a threshold and a set of TRPs, determines a first set of TRPs and a second set of TRPs, wherein the first set of TRPs is determined based on the configuration of the set of TRPs, measures the first and the second set of TRPs during a first time instance, transmits a first positioning measurement report comprising positioning measurement results of the first and the second set of TRPs measured during the first time instance, measures the first set of TRPs during a second time instance, determines at least one measurement difference between the positioning measurement result of the first set of TRPs measured during the first time instance and at least one positioning measurement result of the first set of TRPs measured during the second time instance, and determines whether the at least one measurement difference meets or exceeds the threshold.

Description

[0001] ENERGY EFFICIENT ASSET TRACKING

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] Various example embodiments relate to wireless communications, particularly low power wide area (LPWA), asset tracking, and / or positioning.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] LPWA is expected to be part of 6G framework, aiming to provide ubiquitous connectivity in both rural and remote areas. Particularly for remote areas LPWA technologies are ideally suited, offering coverage in areas where traditional cellular connectivity might not be available. Furthermore, LPWA technologies have an inherent design towards energy efficiency, enabling devices to operate without battery replacement for many years, thus supporting sustainable and green 6G communication solutions. Moreover, LPWA technologies are designed to facilitate massive device deployments, accommodating a vast number of devices to scale Internet of Things (loT) effectively.

[0006] LPWA also aids in integrating communication applications with sensors, thereby ranging from environmental monitoring to smart agriculture. Particularly for the latter type of applications, sensor measurements and low-rate data transmission are crucial.

[0007] Cost-effectiveness, in terms of both device hardware and operational costs, is another advantage of LPWA technologies, which is in line with the vision of 6G to make connectivity affordable for a broader range of applications. Furthermore, the potential of LPWA expands also to collecting the data to be used in Al-based algorithms, enabling thus intelligent decisionmaking based on data analytics.

[0008] SUMMARY

[0009] An embodiment may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions. The instructions stored in the at least one memory, when executed by the at least one processor may cause the apparatus at least to perform: receiving, from a network node, a positioning measurement configuration indicating a measurement difference threshold; receiving, from the network node, a configuration of a set of transmission reception points (TRPs); determining a first set of TRPs and a second set of TRPs, wherein the first set of TRPs is determined based on the configuration of the set of TRPs; measuring the first set of TRPs and the second TRPs during a first time instance; transmitting, to the network node, a first positioning measurement report comprising positioning measurement results of the first set of TRPs and the second set of TRPs measured during the first time instance; measuring the first set of TRPs during a second time instance; determining at least one measurement difference between the positioning measurement result of the first set of TRPs measured during the first time instance and at least one positioning measurement result of the first set of TRPs measured during the second time instance; and determining whether the at least one measurement difference meets or exceeds the measurement difference threshold.

[0010] Another embodiment may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions. The instructions stored in the at least one memory, when executed by the at least one processor may cause the apparatus at least to perform: transmitting, to a user equipment, a positioning measurement configuration indicating a measurement difference threshold for a measurement difference between at least one positioning measurement of a first set of transmission reception points (TRPs) associated with a first time instance and at least one positioning measurement of the first set of TRPs associated with a second time instance; transmitting, to the user equipment, a configuration of a set of transmission reception points (TRPs); and receiving, from the user equipment, in dependence of the measurement difference threshold and the configuration of the set of TRPs, positioning measurement reporting of the first set of TRPs and a second set of TRPs.

[0011] An embodiment may be directed to a method. The method can include: receiving, from a network node, a positioning measurement configuration indicating a measurement difference threshold; receiving, from the network node, a configuration of a set of transmission reception points (TRPs); determining a first set of TRPs and a second set of TRPs, wherein the first set of TRPs is determined based on the configuration of the set of TRPs; measuring the first set of TRPs and the second TRPs during a first time instance; transmitting, to the network node, a first positioning measurement report comprising positioning measurement results of the first set of TRPs and the second set of TRPs measured during the first time instance; measuring the first set of TRPs during a second time instance; determining at least one measurement difference between the positioning measurement result of the first set of TRPs measured during the first time instance and at least one positioning measurement result of the first set of TRPs measured during the second time instance; and determining whether the at least one measurement difference meets or exceeds the measurement difference threshold.

[0012] Another embodiment may be directed to a method. The method can include: transmitting, to a user equipment, a positioning measurement configuration indicating a measurement difference threshold for a measurement difference between at least one positioning measurement of a first set of transmission reception points (TRPs) associated with a first time instance and at least one positioning measurement of the first set of TRPs associated with a second time instance; transmitting, to the user equipment, a configuration of a set of transmission reception points (TRPs); and receiving, from the user equipment, in dependence of the measurement difference threshold and the configuration of the set of TRPs, positioning measurement reporting of the first set of TRPs and a second set of TRPs.

[0013] Another embodiment may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include means for: receiving, from a network node, a positioning measurement configuration indicating a measurement difference threshold; receiving, from the network node, a configuration of a set of transmission reception points (TRPs); determining a first set of TRPs and a second set of TRPs, wherein the first set of TRPs is determined based on the configuration of the set of TRPs; measuring the first set of TRPs and the second TRPs during a first time instance; transmitting, to the network node, a first positioning measurement report comprising positioning measurement results of the first set of TRPs and the second set of TRPs measured during the first time instance; measuring the first set of TRPs during a second time instance; determining at least one measurement difference between the positioning measurement result of the first set of TRPs measured during the first time instance and at least one positioning measurement result of the first set of TRPs measured during the second time instance; and determining whether the at least one measurement difference meets or exceeds the measurement difference threshold.

[0014] Another embodiment may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include means for: transmitting, to a user equipment, a positioning measurement configuration indicating a measurement difference threshold for a measurement difference between at least one positioning measurement of a first set of transmission reception points (TRPs) associated with a first time instance and at least one positioning measurement of the first set of TRPs associated with a second time instance; transmitting, to the user equipment, a configuration of a set of transmission reception points (TRPs); and receiving, from the user equipment, in dependence of the measurement difference threshold and the configuration of the set of TRPs, positioning measurement reporting of the first set of TRPs and a second set of TRPs.

[0015] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Example embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures in which:

[0017] Figure 1 illustrates a system to which some embodiments may be applied;

[0018] Figure 2 illustrates a visual representation of asset tracking;

[0019] Figure 3 illustrates an example embodiment of asset tracking with DL-TDoA positioning;

[0020] Figure 4 illustrates an example flow diagram of communications between a user equipment and network, according to certain example embodiments;

[0021] Figure 5A illustrates an example flow chart for a method of controlling a user equipment, according to various example embodiments;

[0022] Figure 5B illustrates an example flow chart for a method of controlling a network, according to certain example embodiments;

[0023] Figure 6A illustrates an example flow chart for a method of controlling a user equipment, according to certain example embodiments;

[0024] Figure 6B illustrates an example flow chart for a method of controlling a network, according to certain example embodiments;

[0025] Figure 7A illustrates an example flow chart for a method of controlling a user equipment, according to certain example embodiments;

[0026] Figure 7B illustrates an example flow chart for a method of controlling a network, according to certain example embodiments;

[0027] Figure 8 is a simplified block diagram illustrating a device that is suitable for implementing example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0028] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

[0029] The principle of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to some example embodiments. It is to be understood that these example embodiments are described only for the purpose of illustration and help those skilled in the art to understand and implement the present disclosure, without suggesting any limitation as to the scope of the disclosure. The disclosure described herein can be implemented in various manners other than the ones described below.

[0030] The terminology used herein to describe embodiments is not intended to limit the scope. The articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are singular in that they have a single referent, however the use of the singular form in the present document should not preclude the presence of more than one referent. In other words, elements referred to in the singular can number one or more, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and / or “including,” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, items, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, items, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0031] As used herein, “at least one of the following: ” and “at least one of ” and similar wording, where the list of two or more elements are joined by “and” or “or”, mean at least any one of the elements, or at least any two or more of the elements, or at least all the elements.

[0032] Furthermore, although the numerative terminology, such as “first”, “second”, etc., may be used herein to describe various embodiments, elements, or features, it should be understood that these embodiments, elements, or features should not be limited by this numerative terminology. This numerative terminology is used herein only to distinguish one embodiment, element, or feature from another embodiment, element, or feature. For example, a first number discussed below could be called a second number, and vice versa, without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0033] In the following, different exemplifying embodiments will be described using, as an example of an access architecture to which the embodiments may be applied, a radio access architecture envisioned for 6G without restricting the embodiments to such an architecture, however. It is obvious for a person skilled in the art that the embodiments may also be applied to other kinds of communications networks having suitable means by adjusting parameters and procedures appropriately, such as e.g. 5G NR or wireless local area network (WLAN or WiFi). Figure 1 depicts examples of simplified system architectures only showing some elements and functional entities, all being logical units, whose implementation may differ from what is shown. The connections shown in Figure 1 are logical connections; the actual physical connections may be different. It is apparent to a person skilled in the art that the system typically comprises also other functions and structures than those shown in Figure 1. The embodiments are not, however, restricted to the system given as an example but a person skilled in the art may apply the solution to other communication systems provided with necessary properties.

[0034] The example of Figure 1 shows a part of an exemplifying radio access network.

[0035] A communications system typically comprises more than one (e / g)NodeB 104 in which case the (e / g)NodeBs may also be configured to communicate with one another over links, wired or wireless, designed for the purpose. These links may be used for signaling purposes. The (e / g)NodeB is a computing device configured to control the radio resources of communication system it is coupled to. The NodeB may also be referred to as a base station, an access point or any other type of interfacing device including a relay station capable of operating in a wireless environment. The (e / g)NodeB includes or is coupled to transceivers. From the transceivers of the (e / g)NodeB, a connection is provided to an antenna unit that establishes bi-directional radio links to user devices. The antenna unit may comprise a plurality of antennas or antenna elements. The (e / g)NodeB is further connected to core network 110 (CN or next generation core NGC).

[0036] The user device 100, 102 (also called UE, user equipment, user terminal, terminal device, etc.) illustrates one type of an apparatus to which resources on the air interface are allocated and assigned, and thus any feature described herein with a user device may be implemented with a corresponding apparatus, such as a relay node. An example of such a relay node is a layer 3 relay (self-backhauling relay) towards the base station. The user equipment may comprise a mobile equipment and at least one universal integrated circuit card (UICC).

[0037] The user device 100, 102 typically refers to a portable computing device that includes wireless mobile communication devices operating with or without a subscriber identification module (SIM) or UICC, including, but not limited to, the following types of devices: a mobile station (mobile phone), smartphone, personal digital assistant (PDA), handset, device using a wireless modem (alarm or measurement device, etc.), laptop and / or touch screen computer, tablet, game console, notebook, and multimedia device. It should be appreciated that a user device may also be a nearly exclusive uplink only device, of which an example is a camera or video camera loading images or video clips to a network. A user device may also be a device having capability to operate in Internet of Things (loT) network which is a scenario in which objects are provided with the ability to transfer data over a network without requiring human- to-human or human-to-computer interaction. Thus, the user devices may not enable direct user interaction or may enable only limited user interaction (e.g., during setup). The user device (or in some embodiments a layer 3 relay node) is configured to perform one or more of user equipment functionalities. The user device may also be called a terminal device, a subscriber unit, mobile station, remote terminal, access terminal, user terminal or user equipment (UE) just to mention but a few names or apparatuses. The user device may comprise one or more antennas.

[0038] Additionally, although the apparatuses have been depicted as single entities, different units, processors and / or memory units (not all shown in Figure 1) may be implemented.

[0039] The communication system is also able to communicate with other networks, such as a public switched telephone network or the Internet 112, or utilize services provided by them. The communication network may also be able to support the usage of cloud services, for example at least part of core network operations may be carried out as a cloud service (this is depicted in Figure 1 by “cloud” 114). The communication system may also comprise a central control entity, or a like, providing facilities for networks of different operators to cooperate for example in spectrum sharing.

[0040] Edge cloud may be brought into the RAN by utilizing network function virtualization (NVF) and software defined networking (SDN). Using edge cloud may mean access node operations to be carried out, at least partly, in a server, host or node operationally coupled to a remote radio head or unit (RU) or base station comprising radio parts. It is also possible that node operations will be distributed among a plurality of servers, nodes or hosts. Application of cloudRAN architecture enables RAN real time functions being carried out at the RAN side (in a distributed unit, DU 104) and non-real time functions being carried out in a centralized manner (in a central or centralized unit, CU 108). Thus, in summary, the RAN may comprise at least one distributed access node comprising a central unit, one or more distributed units communicatively connected to the central unit and one or more (remote) radio heads or units, each of which is communicatively connected to at least one of the one or more distributed units. The communication system may also utilize satellite communication to enhance or complement coverage, for example by providing backhauling. A satellite 106 may cover several satellite-enabled network entities that create on-ground cells. The on-ground cells may be created through an on-ground relay node 104 or by a gNB located on-ground or in a satellite.

[0041] It is obvious for a person skilled in the art that the depicted system is only an example of a part of a radio access system and in practice, the system may comprise a plurality of (e / g)NodeBs, the user device may have an access to a plurality of radio cells and the system may comprise also other apparatuses, such as physical layer relay nodes or other network elements, etc.

[0042] 6G architecture is targeted to enable easy integration of everything, such as a network of networks, joint communication and sensing, non-terrestrial networks and terrestrial communication. 6G systems are envisioned to encompass machine learning algorithms as well as local and distributed computing capabilities, where virtualized network functions can be distributed over core and edge computing resources. Far edge computing, where computing resources are pushed to the very edge of the network, will be part of the distributed computing environment, for example in “zero-delay” scenarios. 5G systems may also employ such capabilities.

[0043] LPWA as asset tracking solution:

[0044] LPWA loT is a promising technology for enabling widespread loT deployment. The operation of LPWA requires low power consumption and wide coverage areas, where devices may transmit small amounts of data over long distances.

[0045] Asset tracking refers to a low-cost / low-accuracy approach for positioning items (also called assets) using loT devices. It is a use case whose potential has been reported to grow in the past years, and expected to grow further once 6G LPWA solutions are standardized. Asset tracking is anticipated as one of the major applications of 6G LPWA. The benefit of LPWA is that positioning devices are of low cost, both in terms of purchasing and maintenance, thereby they offer cost efficient solutions for monitoring assets at scale.

[0046] Figure 2 illustrates a visual representation of asset tracking. In Figure 2, a device in, or attached to, an asset is configured to measure positioning reference signals (PRSs) from a set of four Transmission Reception Points (TRPs), TRP-1, TRP-2, TRP-3, TRP-4. One of the TRPs, typically the strongest one, is the serving TRP, whereas the remaining ones are neighbor TRPs, whose PRSs are nevertheless still detectable at the device. In Figure 2, TRP-1 is the serving TRP, TRP-2, TRP-3, TRP-4 are neighbor TRPs. The device sends positioning reporting to the serving TRP.

[0047] Figure 3 illustrates an example embodiment of asset tracking with Downlink Time Difference of Arrival (DL-TDoA) positioning. In DL-TDoA, the reference signal time difference (RSTD) values are formed with respect to a reference TRP, which is typically the serving TRP.

[0048] In the example embodiment of Figure 3, the device measures PRSs from the four TRPs, derives Time of Arrival (ToA) of the PRSs, and forms RSTD values between the serving TRP and neighbor TRPs. Three RSTD values are formed, i.e., the RSTD between TRP-1 and TRP- 2, the RSTD between TRP- 1 and TRP-3, and the RSTD between TRP- 1 and TRP-4. The device may send the three RSTD values as positioning reporting to the TRP-1 as illustrated in Figure 2.

[0049] Figure 2 and Figure 3 take four TRPs as example. However, in LPWA deployment system, the number of TRPs would be large and the content of reporting may comprise a larger number of RSTD values.

[0050] Existing standards for asset tracking and positioning involve a procedure which is not optimized for devices with low energy requirements. Specifically, the LTE positioning protocol (LPP) involves periodic conducting and reporting of measurements from the device to the network, which are used by the network to estimate the device’s location. As such protocol was not designed for low-energy applications, there can be many cases where the device carries out redundant measurements, which essentially do not add value to the purpose of asset tracking. For example, in low mobility scenarios, particularly related to warehouse goods tracked with low accuracy (e.g., identification of the room / area where the asset resides), assets are static for an extended period of time or displaced at a very low rate. In such cases, periodic measurement results in the device reporting similar (if not the same) measurements across consecutive reporting instances. Given the low energy / low operating expenses (OPEx) requirements for 6G LPWA devices, a continuously periodic reporting results in unnecessary conducting of measurements, thereby in unnecessary energy consumption, this is clearly not suitable for the purpose of deploying 6G LPWA for asset tracking. The embodiments to be discussed below in detail seek to address the aforementioned issue by providing solution for energy efficient asset tracking.

[0051] Embodiments of the solution relate to a UE measuring a limited number of TRPs, and assessing whether additional measurements of TRPs can be skipped for power saving purposes. In some embodiments, this involves the UE being configured on at least one criteria for determining whether measurements of the full set of TRPs or of a limited number of TRPs within this set are to be taken for the sake of power savings, and in some embodiments the UE indicating the result of such criteria checking to the network.

[0052] Figure 4 illustrates an example flow diagram of communications between a UE and network.

[0053] At 401, positioning measurement configuration may be configured by the network to the UE. In an example embodiment, the positioning measurement configuration may comprise a periodic positioning measurement mode, which configures the UE to provide periodic positioning measurement reports. In an example embodiment, the positioning measurement configuration may comprise a measurement difference threshold. In an example embodiment, the positioning measurement configuration may comprise a measurement difference threshold and a configuration associated with the measurement difference threshold. In an example embodiment, the configuration associated with the measurement difference threshold may be a condition, for example, a specified number of measurement instances, a configured time window, or, a minimum number of TRPs and a sample period, to be applied to the measurement difference threshold with which the condition is associated.

[0054] At 402, the UE obtains a measurement difference threshold. In an example embodiment, the measurement difference threshold may be signalled to the UE by the network such as at 401. In an example embodiment, the measurement difference threshold may be pre-configured. In an example embodiment, the measurement difference threshold may be pre-defined in technical specification. At 403, the UE determines a first set of TRPs and a second set of TRPs.

[0055] Reference TRP set / Reference TRP Pair(s):

[0056] Henceforth, we refer to the first set of TRPs as “reference TRP set”. For simplicity, we assume DL-TDoA as the exemplary positioning method where the measurements of TRPs are taken in pairs, by means of RSTD measurements. In this exemplary case, the reference TRP set comprises pair(s) of TRPs. Thus, the reference TRP set may be referred to as “reference TRP pair”, or “reference TRP pairs” for the DL-TDoA scenario.

[0057] The reference TRP set comprises a limited number of TRPs from a full set of TRPs, which is used at the UE side to determine whether additional TRP measurements are needed. The reference TRP set may comprise at least one TRP or at least one pair of TRPs. In an example embodiment, the reference TRP set may be selected from the TRPs provided in LPP Provide As sistanceData message.

[0058] In an example embodiment, the UE may be configured, by the network, with the reference TRP set directly, for example at 401.

[0059] In an example embodiment, the UE may be configured, by the network, with at least one rule for selecting the reference TRP set.

[0060] In a variant, the UE may be configured to select the reference TRP set based on the strongest detected Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) or Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ) value. In an example embodiment, where the reference TRP set comprises a TRP pair consisting of two TRPs, one of the TRP of the reference TRP pair is the serving TRP (or the TRP that was serving before the UE is in idle / inactive, in case of idle / inactive positioning), the other TRP(s) is then determined by the nth-strongest RSRP / RSRQ rule. For example, for the case of a single reference TRP pair, the TRP associated with the second strongest RSRP forms the reference TRP pair, together with the serving TRP. For another exemplary case where the reference TRP set consists of more than two TRPs, the TRP associated with the third strongest RSRP may form the second reference TRP pair together with the serving TRP, the TRP associated with the fourth strongest RSRP may form the third reference TRP pair together with the serving TRP, etc.

[0061] In another variant, the UE may be configured to select the reference TRP set based on the shortest time of arrival with respect to the serving TRP. Particularly for the case where the positioning method is a time-based method (e.g., DL-TDoA), where the measurement report from UE to the network comprises the Reference Signal Time Difference (RSTD) values per TRP pair, out of the set of detected TRPs, the UE may be configured to select the reference TRP set as the TRP pair with the smallest RSTD value. For example, the reference TRP set may be the pair of TRPs consisting of the serving TRP and the TRP with smallest RSTD to the serving TRP; that is, the TRP with time-of-arrival (ToA) which is closest in the time domain to the ToA associated with the serving TRP. For the case of reference TRP set consisting of more than two TRPs, the nth reference TRP pair(s) may correspond to the (n+l)th-smallest RSTD values. This variant is not limited to DL-TDoA positioning, since even if no RSTD is formed at the UE the UE may benefit from measurement instances that are close to each other in the time domain (e.g., transmitted during the same slot or over same time / frequency domain symbols).

[0062] In another variant, the UE may be configured to select the reference TRP set based on the relevant Bandwidth Parts of the respective PRS. Similar to the time-domain proximity of the measured PRS, the frequency domain proximity of the respective PRS is desirable from power savings perspective.

[0063] In another variant, the UE may be configured to select the reference TRP set based on carrier frequency of the TRPs. For example, the UE may select TRPs belonging to the same carrier frequency (intra-frequency) as the reference or serving TRP.

[0064] In another variant, the UE may be configured to select the reference TRP set based on PRS configuration of the TRPs. For example, the UE may select TRPs with PRS occurring at the same subframe so as to minimize the number of times the UE has to turn the RF modules on to conduct the measurements.

[0065] In another variant, the UE may be configured to select the reference TRP set based on a configured order of the TRPs. In an example embodiment, the configured order of the TRPs may be determined by the network based on the coarse location of the UE. In this way, the network may determine the frequency proximity of the PRS emanated by the respective TRPs, by instigating NR Positioning Protocol A (NRPPa) messages to the respective TRPs requesting for the determined PRS resources, according to the measurement order configured to the UE. In other words, in this variant the network selects the PRS resources from the respective TRPs in an order that facilitates power savings at the UE side. The second set of TRPs may be selected from the remaining TRPs of the full set of TRPs. The second set of TRPs may comprise at least one TRP or at least one pair of TRPs. The second set of TRPs may comprises all of the remaining TRPs of the full set of TRPs excluding the first set of TRPs.

[0066] At 404, the UE measures the first set of TRPs and the second set of TRPs during a first time instance. The time instance may be a time window or a period designated for positioning measurement. For example, the UE may measure RSTD values among the first set of TRPs and the second set of TRPs as explained in Figure 3.

[0067] At 405, the UE transmits, to a network node, a first positioning measurement report comprising positioning measurement results of the first set of TRPs and the second set of TRPs measured during the first time instance. For example, the UE may transmit the RSTD values among the first set of TRPs and the second set of TRPs, to the network node. The UE may position its location based on the positioning measurement results of the full set of TRPs, i.e., the first set of TRPs and the second set of TRPs. The positioning measurement results of the full set of TRPs also allow the network to determine the UE’s location.

[0068] At 406 to 407, the UE measures the first set of TRPs during a second time instance. The second time instance may be a time window or a period designated for positioning measurement, occurring later than the first time instance.

[0069] The UE may measure the first set of TRPs in at least one measurement instance as illustrated in 408. The UE may hence between 406 and 407 make measurements in multiple time windows or periods designated for positioning measurement.

[0070] The UE may measure the first set of TRPs between 406 and 407 across a specified number of measurement instances where the specified number of measurement instances can be configured for example in 401.

[0071] The UE may measure the first set of TRPs between 406 and 407 during a configured time window as illustrated in 409, where the configured time window configured for example in 401. The configured time window hence spans the at least one measurement instance of 408 and may span the multiple time windows. In an example embodiment for the configured time window, the network may configure the UE with a configured time period, which has the following starting and ending points: starting point: Time instance of the latest measurement report; ending point: a specified time or a specified duration relative to the starting point

[0072] At 410, the UE determines a measurement difference (delta) between the positioning measurement result of the first set of TRPs measured during the first time instance and at least one positioning measurement result of the first set of TRPs measured during the second time instance. In case the specified number of measurement instances is configured as condition for example in 401, the UE determines the delta across the specified number of measurement instances. In case the configured time window is configured as condition for example in 401, the UE determines the delta within the configured time window. In case the minimum number of TRPs and sample period configured as condition for example in 401, the UE determines the delta for the minimum TRPs during the sample period, for example, 3 TRPs over 4 time instances, or 4 TRPs over 2 time instances.

[0073] The UE then determines whether the delta value meets or exceeds the measurement difference threshold obtained in 402.

[0074] In case the delta doesn’t meet and nor exceed the measurement difference threshold, the UE may enter in a limited-measurements mode. In the limited-measurement mode, the UE skips measuring the second set of TRPs during the second time instance. And the UE may indicate its limited-measurements mode to the network, either explicitly or implicitly. In an example embodiment, at 411, the UE may transmit a LPP information element (IE) to the network, wherein the LPP IE is for energy efficient asset tracking. In an example embodiment, at 412, the UE may indicate to the network that it is substantially stationary. Either explicit indication indicates that the UE will not report additional measurements at least during a time period window. In another example embodiment, the UE may indicate this to the network implicitly by, at 413, inhibiting periodic positioning measurement reports.

[0075] At 414, the network may determine, for example based on the explicit indications 411 or 412, or implicitly from the lack of received periodic measurement report of 413, that the UE is in the limited measurement mode.

[0076] The network may also provide UE with at least one fallback criterion under which the UE needs to switch back to regular positioning measurement procedure, for example, in case the UE identifies high variation of its position, or undesired delay in positioning. In an example embodiment, the fallback criterion may be signalled to the UE by the network such as at 401. In an example embodiment, the fallback criterion may be pre-configured. In an example embodiment, the fallback criterion may be pre-defined in technical specification.

[0077] At 415, the UE may continue to measure the first set of TRPs and optionally inhibit periodic measurement reports until a fallback criterion is met. The UE may perform 415 during time instances subsequent to the second time instance. The UE may continue to determine and check the delta value, in case that the delta doesn’t meet and nor exceed the measurement difference threshold, and no fallback criterion met, the UE may skip measuring the second set of TRPs during the time instances subsequent to the second time instance until the fallback criterion is met. The UE may inhibit transmitting a measurement report for the first set of TRPs during time instances subsequent to the second time instance until the fallback criterion is met.

[0078] In case that the delta meets or exceeds the measurement difference threshold, or the fallback criterion met, at 416, the UE measures the second set of TRPs, at 417, the UE transmits to the network node a second positioning measurement report comprising positioning measurement results of the first set of TRPs measured during the second time instance and the second set of TRPs measured during the second time instance.

[0079] Additional TRP measurements:

[0080] Once the delta with respect to the reference TRP set meets or exceeds the measurement difference threshold, the UE realizes that the limited measurement mode condition is potentially violated.

[0081] In an example embodiment, the UE may proceed with measuring and reporting the full set of TRPs as defined in the assistance data (ProvideAssistanceData) LPP message.

[0082] In an example embodiment, the UE may carry out additional limited measurement mode condition checks. For example, the UE may deploy additional TRPs, or TRP pair(s), to the reference TRP set, and apply additional limited measurement mode condition check with respect to the additional TRPs or TRP pair(s).

[0083] In an example embodiment, the UE may measure a second TRP pair in addition to the first (reference) TRP pair, and compare the measurement difference (delta) of this second pair across one or multiple consecutive measurement instances against a second measurement difference threshold, to determine whether further TRPs (e.g., a third TRP pair) should be measured and reported. In an example embodiment, TRPs or TRP pairs may be incrementally added for measuring and reporting one more TRP or TRP pair at a time conditioned on each previously added TRP or TRP pair failing a limited measurement mode condition check.

[0084] In an example embodiment, the network may configure the UE with the number of (or a range of) the TRPs or TRP pairs that need to be compared against the respective thresholds, before a measurement of the full set of TRPs is triggered.

[0085] In an example embodiment, the UE may be configured to select reference TRP set and perform measurement on reference TRP set and additional TRP measurement based on at least one of: UE capability, expected service requirement, expected positioning requirements (e.g., reliability, accuracy, or the latency of positioning), UE available battery (energy), expected positioning session length, UE evaluation of the energy saving (achieved gain), UE inactive mode configuration, or UE inactive mode configuration (e.g., DRX periodicity)

[0086] Other types of measurements for detecting limited measurement mode conditions:

[0087] Instead of or in addition to timing-based measurements, other types of measurements such as angular and phase measurements may also be taken as a basis for evaluating whether the UE meets a limited measurement mode condition, hence determining whether further measurements are necessary. In this case, instead of measuring RSTD for at least a pair of TRPs, UE may only measure, e.g., carrier phase or angle of departure, for a single TRP, and determine the “delta” based on that. The reference TRP for such measurements may be selected similarly, for example, based on highest RSRP / RSRQ or lowest ToA. While angular or phasebased measurements help necessitating smaller number of measurements, these may come at the cost of higher UE complexity. To allow such trade-off flexibility, the network may indicate / configure UE a preferred order with regards to different types of measurements to be used for determining stationary / need for additional measurements, by taking at least UE capability information and positioning QoS requirements into account.

[0088] Alternative embodiments:

[0089] In an example embodiment, the network may configure the UE with the ability to determine based on PRS measurements whether to limit the number of TRPs / PRS it measures, without providing conditions (such as the above discussed threshold and / or condition) with respect to perform the detection. The UE may make the decision by itself on whether to conduct limited or full set of TRPs (and respective PRS) measurements.

[0090] In an example embodiment, the UE may be configured to report that it meets a limited measurement mode condition based on PRS measurements, though the implementation of such detection is left at the UE.

[0091] The technical effect of the solution is particularly visible for idle / inactive positioning, where the time length that the UE turns on its RF modules for measurements is minimized. Specifically, assuming that PRSs from multiple TRPs may be measured at the UE at variable time instances, setting the UE to minimize the number of times it turns on its RF modules for measurement purposes results in additional energy savings. For example, in case the UE turns RF modules on only once to measure two PRSs, which is more efficient than turning RF modules on two times for the same purpose, this is because each time the UE turns RF modules on to measure a PRS comes along with additional energy consumption. Particularly for energy efficient asset tracking via LPWA, any power saving at the UE side is beneficially.

[0092] Moreover, the solution saves measuring PRSs (equivalently, reference signals from respective TRPs). In fact, the number of saved TRP measurements equals the difference on the number of PRSs from non-serving cells that can be detected at the UE and the number of determined TRPs belonging to the reference TRP set, for as long the criteria to trigger additional measurements are not met. For example, if the UE is configured with a reference TRP set consisting of a single (reference) TRP pair, and the UE can detect ten TRPs besides the serving TRP (a common assumption in terrestrial positioning), then the UE saves nine PRS measurements as long as it remains in the limited measurement mode. In a typical warehouse asset tracking scenario where the UE remains substantially stationary for the majority of its lifetime, this may result in considerable measurement savings and respective energy savings at the UE.

[0093] Figure 5A illustrates an example flow diagram of a method, according to certain example embodiments. In an example embodiment, the method of Figure 5A may be performed by a network entity, or a group of multiple network elements (NE) in a 3GPP system, such as LTE or 5G-NR. In an example embodiment, the method of Figure 5 A may be performed by a UE or computer implementing an application and / or application function (AF). In an example embodiment, the method of Figure 5 A may be performed by the UE of Figure 4. In an example embodiment, the method of Figure 5 A may be performed by apparatus 800 of Figure 8.

[0094] According to certain example embodiments, the method of Figure 5 A may include, at 500, obtaining a positioning measurement configuration comprising a measurement difference threshold, at 510, determining a first set of transmission reception points (TRPs) and a second set of TRPs, at 520, measuring the first set of TRPs and the second set of TRPs during a first time instance, at 530, transmitting, to a network node, a first positioning measurement report comprising positioning measurement results of the first set of TRPs and the second set of TRPs measured during the first time instance, at 540, measuring the first set of TRPs during a second time instance, at 550, determining at least one measurement difference between the positioning measurement result of the first set of TRPs measured during the first time instance and at least one positioning measurement result of the first set of TRPs measured during the second time instance, and, at 560, determining whether the at least one measurement difference meets or exceeds the measurement difference threshold.

[0095] Figure 5B illustrates an example flow diagram of a method, according to certain example embodiments. In an example embodiment, the method of Figure 5B may be performed by a network entity, or a group of multiple network elements (NE) in a 3GPP system, such as LTE or 5G-NR. In an example embodiment, the method of Figure 5B may be performed by the network of Figure 4. In an example embodiment, the method of Figure 5B may be performed by apparatus 800 of Figure 8.

[0096] According to certain example embodiments, the method of Figure 5B may include, at 570, transmitting, to a user equipment, a positioning measurement configuration indicating a measurement difference threshold for a measurement difference between at least one positioning measurement of a first set of transmission reception points (TRPs) associated with a first time instance and at least one positioning measurement of the first set of TRPs associated with a second time instance, and, at 580, receiving, from the user equipment, in dependence of the measurement difference threshold, positioning measurement reporting of the first set of transmission reception points (TRPs) and a second set of TRPs. Figure 6A illustrates an example flow diagram of a method, according to certain example embodiments. In an example embodiment, the method of Figure 6A may be performed by a network entity, or a group of multiple network elements (NE) in a 3GPP system, such as LTE or 5G-NR. In an example embodiment, the method of Figure 6A may be performed by a UE or computer implementing an application and / or application function (AF). In an example embodiment, the method of Figure 6A may be performed by the UE of Figure 4. In an example embodiment, the method of Figure 6 A may be performed by apparatus 800 of Figure 8.

[0097] According to certain example embodiments, the method of Figure 6A may include, at 600, receiving, from a network node, a positioning measurement configuration indicating a measurement difference threshold, at 610, receiving, from the network node, a configuration of a set of transmission reception points (TRPs), at 620, determining a first set of TRPs and a second set of TRPs, wherein the first set of TRPs is determined based on the configuration of the set of TRPs, at 630, measuring the first set of TRPs and the second TRPs during a first time instance, at 640, transmitting, to the network node, a first positioning measurement report comprising positioning measurement results of the first set of TRPs and the second set of TRPs measured during the first time instance, at 650, measuring the first set of TRPs during a second time instance, at 660, determining at least one measurement difference between the positioning measurement result of the first set of TRPs measured during the first time instance and at least one positioning measurement result of the first set of TRPs measured during the second time instance, and, at 670, determining whether the at least one measurement difference meets or exceeds the measurement difference threshold.

[0098] Figure 6B illustrates an example flow diagram of a method, according to certain example embodiments. In an example embodiment, the method of Figure 6B may be performed by a network entity, or a group of multiple network elements (NE) in a 3GPP system, such as LTE or 5G-NR. In an example embodiment, the method of Figure 6B may be performed by the network of Figure 4. In an example embodiment, the method of Figure 6B may be performed by apparatus 800 of Figure 8.

[0099] According to certain example embodiments, the method of Figure 6B may include, at 680, transmitting, to a user equipment, a positioning measurement configuration indicating a measurement difference threshold for a measurement difference between at least one positioning measurement of a first set of transmission reception points (TRPs) associated with a first time instance and at least one positioning measurement of the first set of TRPs associated with a second time instance, at 685, transmitting, to the user equipment, a configuration of a set of transmission reception points (TRPs), and, at 690, receiving, from the user equipment, in dependence of the measurement difference threshold and the configuration of the set of TRPs, positioning measurement reporting of the first set of TRPs and a second set of TRPs.

[0100] Figure 7 A illustrates an example flow diagram of a method, according to certain example embodiments. In an example embodiment, the method of Figure 7A may be performed by a network entity, or a group of multiple network elements (NE) in a 3GPP system, such as LTE or 5G-NR. In an example embodiment, the method of Figure 7A may be performed by a UE or computer implementing an application and / or application function (AF). In an example embodiment, the method of Figure 7A may be performed by the UE of Figure 4. In an example embodiment, the method of Figure 7A may be performed by apparatus 800 of Figure 8.

[0101] According to certain example embodiments, the method of Figure 7A may include, at 700, receiving, from a network node, a positioning measurement configuration indicating a measurement difference threshold, at 710, receiving, from the network node, at least one rule for selecting transmission reception points (TRPs), at 720, determining a first set of TRPs and a second set of TRPs, wherein the first set of TRPs is determined based on the at least one rule for selecting TRPs, at 730, measuring the first set of TRPs and the second set of TRPs during a first time instance, at 740, transmitting, to the network node, a first positioning measurement report comprising positioning measurement results of the first set of TRPs and the second set of TRPs measured during the first time instance, at 750, measuring the first set of TRPs during a second time instance, at 760, determining at least one measurement difference between the positioning measurement result of the first set of TRPs measured during the first time instance and at least one positioning measurement result of the first set of TRPs measured during the second time instance, and, at 770, determining whether the determined at least one measurement difference meets or exceeds the measurement difference threshold.

[0102] Figure 7B illustrates an example flow diagram of a method, according to certain example embodiments. In an example embodiment, the method of Figure 7B may be performed by a network entity, or a group of multiple network elements (NE) in a 3GPP system, such as LTE or 5G-NR. In an example embodiment, the method of Figure 7B may be performed by the network of Figure 4. In an example embodiment, the method of Figure 7B may be performed by apparatus 800 of Figure 8.

[0103] According to certain example embodiments, the method of Figure 7B may include, at 780, transmitting, to a user equipment, a positioning measurement configuration indicating a measurement difference threshold for a measurement difference between at least one positioning measurement of a first set of transmission reception points (TRPs) associated with a first time instance and at least one positioning measurement of the first set of TRPs associated with a second time instance, at 785, transmitting, to the user equipment, at least one rule for selecting transmission reception points (TRPs), and, at 790, receiving, from the user equipment, in dependence of the measurement difference threshold and the at least one rule, positioning measurement reporting of the first set of TRPs and a second set of TRPs.

[0104] Figure 8 illustrates an example embodiment of an apparatus 800. The apparatus 800 may be an apparatus such as, or comprised in, a user device. The apparatus 800 may correspond to any of the user devices 100, 102 of FIG. 1. The apparatus may also be called a subscriber unit, mobile station, remote terminal, access terminal, user terminal, terminal device, user equipment (UE), vehicle, or any electric device. The apparatus 800 may be an apparatus such as, or comprised in, an access node. The apparatus 800 may correspond to the access node 104 of FIG. 1 such as (e / g)NodeB or any access node, or in general a device configured to implement the functionalities or some of the functionalities described herein. Although the apparatus 800 is illustrated as a single device, it is appreciated that, wherever applicable, functions of the apparatus 800 may be distributed to a plurality of devices.

[0105] The apparatus 800 may comprise at least one processor 802. The at least one processor 802 may comprise, for example, one or more of various processing devices or processor circuitry, such as for example a co-processor, a microprocessor, a controller, a digital signal processor (DSP), a processing circuitry with or without an accompanying DSP, or various other processing devices including integrated circuits such as, for example, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a microcontroller unit (MCU), a hardware accelerator, a special-purpose computer chip, or the like.

[0106] The apparatus 800 may further comprise at least one memory 804. The at least one memory 804 may be configured to store, for example, computer program code or the like, for example operating system software and application software. The at least one memory 804 may comprise one or more volatile memory devices, one or more non-volatile memory devices, and / or a combination thereof. For example, the at least one memory 804 may be embodied as magnetic storage devices (such as hard disk drives, floppy disks, magnetic tapes, etc.), optical magnetic storage devices, or semiconductor memories (such as mask ROM, PROM (programmable ROM), EPROM (erasable PROM), flash ROM, RAM (random access memory), etc.).

[0107] The apparatus 800 may further comprise a communication interface 808 configured to enable the apparatus 800 to transmit and / or receive information to / from other devices. In one example, the apparatus 800 may use the communication interface 808 to transmit or receive signaling information and data in accordance with at least one data communication or cellular communication protocol. The communication interface 808 may be configured to provide at least one wireless radio connection, such as, for example, a 3GPP mobile broadband connection (e.g., 3G, 4G, 5G, 6G etc.). The communication interface 808 may comprise, or be configured to be coupled to, at least one antenna to transmit and / or receive radio frequency signals. One or more of the various types of connections may be also implemented as separate communication interfaces, which may be coupled or configured to be coupled to one or more of a plurality of antennas. The communication interface 808 may comprise a receiver, a transmitter, or a transceiver.

[0108] Referring to Figure 8, when the apparatus 800 is configured to implement some functionality, some component and / or components of the apparatus 800, such as for example the at least one processor 802 and / or the at least one memory 804, may be configured to implement this functionality. Furthermore, when the at least one processor 802 is configured to implement some functionality, this functionality may be implemented using program code 806 comprised, for example, in the at least one memory 804.

[0109] The functionality described herein may be performed, at least in part, by one or more computer program product components such as for example software components. According to an example embodiment, the apparatus 800 may comprise a processor or processor circuitry, such as for example a microcontroller, configured by the program code when executed to execute the embodiments of the operations and functionality described. The program code 806 is provided as an example of instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor 802, cause performance of apparatus. Alternatively, or additionally, the functionality described herein can be performed, at least in part, by one or more hardware logic components. For example, and without limitation, illustrative types of hardware logic components that can be used include Field-programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), application-specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), application-specific Standard Products (ASSPs), System-on-a-chip systems (SOCs), Complex Programmable Logic Devices (CPLDs), Graphics Processing Units (GPUs).

[0110] The apparatus 800 may be configured to perform or cause performance of any aspect of the method(s) described herein. Further, a computer program may comprise instructions for causing, when executed, an apparatus to perform any aspect of the method(s) described herein. The computer program may be stored on a computer-readable medium. Further, the apparatus 800 may comprise means for performing any aspect of the method(s) described herein. In one example, the means may comprise the at least one processor 802, the at least one memory 804 including the program code 806 (instructions) configured to, when executed by the at least one processor 802, cause the apparatus 800 to perform the method(s). In general, computer program instructions may be executed on means providing generic processing functions. The method(s) may be thus computer-implemented, for example, algorithm(s) executable by the generic processing functions, an example of which is the at least one processor 802. The means may comprise transmission and / or reception means, for example one or more radio transmitters or receivers, which may be coupled or be configured to be coupled to one or more antennas, or transmitter(s) or receiver(s) of a wired communication interface.

[0111] As used in this application, the term ‘circuitry’ refers to all of the following: (a) hardware- only circuit implementations, such as implementations in only analog and / or digital circuitry, and (b) combinations of circuits and soft-ware (and / or firmware), such as (as applicable): (i) a combination of processor(s) or (ii) portions of processor(s) / software including digital signal processor(s), software, and memory(ies) that work together to cause an apparatus to perform various functions, and (r) circuits, such as a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that require software or firmware for operation, even if the software or firmware is not physically present. This definition of ‘circuitry’ applies to all uses of this term in this application. As a further example, as used in this application, the term ‘circuitry’ would also cover an implementation of merely a processor (or multiple processors) or a portion of a processor and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware. The term ‘circuitry’ would also cover, for example and if applicable to the particular element, a baseband integrated circuit or applications processor integrated circuit for a mobile device or a similar integrated circuit in a sensor, a cellular network device, or another network device.

[0112] Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and / or acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example embodiments of implementing the claims and other equivalent features and acts are intended to be within the scope of the claims.

[0113] It will be understood that the benefits and advantages described above may relate to one example embodiment or may relate to several example embodiments. The example embodiments are not limited to those that solve any or all of the stated problems or those that have any or all of the stated benefits and advantages. It will further be understood that reference to 'an' item may refer to one or more of those items.

[0114] The steps or operations of the methods described herein may be carried out in any suitable order, or simultaneously where appropriate. Additionally, individual blocks may be deleted from any of the methods without departing from the scope of the subject matter described herein. Aspects of any of the example embodiments described above may be combined with aspects of any of the other example embodiments described to form further example embodiments without losing the effect sought.

[0115] It will be understood that the above description is given by way of example embodiments only and that various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art. The above specification, example embodiments and data provide a complete description of the structure and use of exemplary embodiments. Although various example embodiments have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, or with reference to one or more individual embodiments, those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed example embodiments without departing from scope of this specification.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A method performed by a user equipment (UE) comprising: receiving, from a network node, a positioning measurement configuration indicating a measurement difference threshold; receiving, from the network node, a configuration of a set of transmission reception points (TRPs); determining a first set of TRPs and a second set of TRPs, wherein the first set of TRPs is determined based on the configuration of the set of TRPs; measuring the first set of TRPs and the second TRPs during a first time instance; transmitting, to the network node, a first positioning measurement report comprising positioning measurement results of the first set of TRPs and the second set of TRPs measured during the first time instance; measuring the first set of TRPs during a second time instance; determining at least one measurement difference between the positioning measurement result of the first set of TRPs measured during the first time instance and at least one positioning measurement result of the first set of TRPs measured during the second time instance; and determining whether the at least one measurement difference meets or exceeds the measurement difference threshold.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein in response to the determined measurement difference meeting or exceeding the received measurement difference threshold: measuring the second set of TRPs during the second time instance; and transmitting, to the network node, a second positioning measurement report comprising positioning measurement results of the first set of TRPs measured during the second time instance and the second set of TRPs measured during the second time instance.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein in response to the determined measurement difference not meeting and not exceeding the received measurement difference threshold: skipping measuring the second set of TRPs during the second time instance; and indicating, to the network node, that the user equipment is in a limited measurement mode.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the indicating comprises at least one of: a LTE positioning protocol (LPP) information element, a stationary indication, or an implicit indication comprising inhibiting reporting positioning measurement report.

5. The method according to any preceding claim, wherein the measurement difference threshold applies to at least one of: a specified number of measurement time instances; or a configured time window.

6. The method according to any preceding claim, wherein the measuring of a TRP of the first and / or second set of TRPs during a time instance comprising at least one of the following: timing based measurement, angular based measurement, or phase based measurement.

7. The method according to any preceding claim, further comprising: receiving at least one fallback condition from the network node.

8. The method according to any preceding claim, wherein the first set of TRPs comprises at least a first TRP or at least a first pair of TRPs, the second set of TRPs comprises at least a second TRP or at least a second pair of TRPs.

9. The method according to any preceding claim, whether the method is performed based on at least one of the following:UE capability; expected service requirement; expected positioning requirement;UE available battery; expected positioning session length;UE evaluation of the energy saving;UE idle mode configuration; orUE inactive mode configuration.

10. A method comprising: transmitting, to a user equipment, a positioning measurement configuration indicating a measurement difference threshold for a measurement difference between at least one positioning measurement of a first set of transmission reception points (TRPs) associated with a first time instance and at least one positioning measurement of the first set of TRPs associated with a second time instance; transmitting, to the user equipment, a configuration of a set of transmission reception points (TRPs); and receiving, from the user equipment, in dependence of the measurement difference threshold and the configuration of the set of TRPs, positioning measurement reporting of the first set of TRPs and a second set of TRPs.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the measurement difference threshold applies to at least one of: a specified number of measurement time instances; or a configured time window.

12. The method according to claim 10 or claim 11, further comprising:- transmitting at least one fallback condition to the user equipment; and- after determining that the user equipment is in a limited measurement mode, receiving, from the user equipment, positioning measurement reporting for the first set of TRPs and the second set of TRPs in dependence of the at least one fallback criterion.

13. An apparatus, comprising: one or more processors; andone or more memories storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the apparatus at least to perform the method of any of claims 1-9 or any of claims 10-12.

14. An apparatus, comprising means for performing the method of any of claims 1-9 or any of claims 10-12.

15. A computer program, comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to carry out the method of any of claims 1-9 or any of claims 10-12.

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