Method for using timing error information 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: sending at least one timing error, where the at least one timing error is for use in estimating a position of the apparatus.

Description

METHOD FOR USING TIMING ERROR INFORMATION FOR AI / ML POSITIONINGTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The example and non-limiting embodiments relate generally to estimating position and, more particularly, to consistency in estimating position.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR DEVELOPMENTS

[0002] 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 estimating position of a user equipment.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The following summary is merely intended to be an example. The summary is not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0004] In accordance with one aspect, an example apparatus is provided comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: sending at least one timing error, where the at least one timing error is for use in estimating a position of the apparatus.

[0005] In accordance with another aspect, an example method is provided comprising: sending at least one timing error, where the at least one timing error is for use in estimating the position of an apparatus; and collecting data for use in estimating a position of the apparatus.

[0006] In accordance with another aspect, an example apparatus is provided comprising: means for sending at least one timing error, where the at least one timing error is for use in estimating the position of the apparatus; and means for collecting data for use in estimating a position of the apparatus.

[0007] In accordance with another aspect, a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions is provided that, when executed by an apparatus, cause theapparatus to perform at least the following: sending at least one timing error, where the at least one timing error is for use in estimating the position of the apparatus.

[0008] In accordance with another aspect, an example apparatus is provided comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: sending, by the apparatus, a request for at least one timing error for use in estimating a position of the apparatus, where the at least one timing error is for a downlink position reference signal transmission.

[0009] In accordance with another aspect, an example method is provided comprising: sending a request for at least one timing error for use in estimating a position of an apparatus, where the at least one timing error is for a downlink position reference signal transmission; and collecting data for use in estimating a position of the apparatus.

[0010] In accordance with another aspect, an example apparatus is provided comprising: means for sending a request for at least one timing error for use in estimating a position of the apparatus, where the at least one timing error is for a downlink position reference signal transmission; and means for collecting data for use in estimating a position of the apparatus.

[0011] In accordance with another aspect, a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: sending a request for at least one timing error for use in estimating a position of the apparatus, where the at least one timing error is for a downlink position reference signal transmission.

[0012] In accordance with another aspect, an example apparatus is provided 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: sending information for identifying at least one timing error, where the at least one timing error is for estimating a position of the apparatus.

[0013] In accordance with another aspect, an example method is provided comprising: sending information for identifying at least one timing error, where the at least one timing erroris for estimating a position of an apparatus; and collecting data for use in estimating a position of the apparatus.

[0014] In accordance with another aspect, an example apparatus is provided comprising: means for sending information for identifying at least one timing error, where the at least one timing error is for estimating a position of the apparatus; and means for collecting data for use in estimating a position of the apparatus.

[0015] In accordance with another aspect, an example 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: sending information for identifying at least one timing error, where the at least one timing error is for estimating a position of an apparatus.

[0016] In accordance with another aspect, an example apparatus is provided comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: receiving, by the apparatus, a request for capability information of the apparatus regarding at least one timing error for use by the apparatus in estimating a position of the apparatus; and sending the capability information of the apparatus.

[0017] In accordance with another aspect, an example method is provided comprising: receiving, by an apparatus, a request for capability information of the apparatus regarding at least one timing error for use by the apparatus in estimating a position of the apparatus; and sending the capability information of the apparatus.

[0018] In accordance with another aspect, an example apparatus is provided comprising: means for receiving a request for capability information of the apparatus regarding at least one timing error for use by the apparatus in estimating a position of the apparatus; and means for sending the capability information of the apparatus.

[0019] In accordance with another aspect, an example 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, by the apparatus,a request for capability information of the apparatus regarding at least one timing error for use by the apparatus in estimating a position of the apparatus; and sending the capability information of the apparatus.

[0020] In accordance with another aspect, an example apparatus is provided comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: sending, from the apparatus, at least one timing error, where the at least one timing error is for use in estimating a position of a user equipment, and where the at least one timing error is for use with a network entity.

[0021] In accordance with another aspect, an example method is provided comprising: sending, from an apparatus, at least one timing error, where the at least one timing error is an estimated at least one timing error of a positioning model by the apparatus, where the timing errors are for use with a network entity; and collecting data for use in estimating a position of a user equipment.

[0022] In accordance with another aspect, an example apparatus is provided comprising: means for sending, from an apparatus, at least one timing error, where the at least one timing error is an estimated at least one timing error of a positioning model by the apparatus, where the timing errors are for use with a network entity; and means for collecting data for use in estimating a position of a user equipment.

[0023] In accordance with another aspect, an example 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: sending, from the apparatus, at least one timing error, where the at least one timing error is an estimated at least one timing error of a positioning model by the apparatus, where the timing errors are for use with a network entity.

[0024] In accordance with another aspect, an example apparatus is provided with 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 at least one of: sending, from the apparatus, a message having configuration information for a user equipment, where the configuration information comprises an uplink sounding reference signal with atransmitting timing error for use by the user equipment for estimating a position of the user equipment, or sending, from the apparatus, a request to a network entity for configuration information, for a user equipment, which comprises a transmitting timing error for use by the user equipment for estimating a position of the user equipment.

[0025] In accordance with another aspect, an example method is provided method comprising: sending, from an apparatus, a message having configuration information for a user equipment, where the configuration information comprises an uplink sounding reference signal with a transmitting timing error for use by the user equipment for estimating a position of the user equipment, or sending, from the apparatus, a request to a network entity for configuration information, for a user equipment, which comprises a transmitting timing error for use by the user equipment for estimating a position of the user equipment.

[0026] In accordance with another aspect, an example apparatus is provided comprising: means for sending, from the apparatus, a message having configuration information for a user equipment, where the configuration information comprises an uplink sounding reference signal with a transmitting timing error for use by the user equipment for estimating a position of the user equipment, or means for sending, from the apparatus, a request to a network entity for configuration information, for a user equipment, which comprises a transmitting timing error for use by the user equipment for estimating a position of the user equipment.

[0027] In accordance with another aspect, an example 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: sending, from the apparatus, a message having configuration information for a user equipment, where the configuration information comprises an uplink sounding reference signal with a transmitting timing error for use by the user equipment for estimating a position of the user equipment, or sending, from the apparatus, a request to a network entity for configuration information, for a user equipment, which comprises a transmitting timing error for use by the user equipment for estimating a position of the user equipment.

[0028] In accordance with another aspect, an example apparatus is provided comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least one of: receiving a message, froma network entity, regarding at least one timing error for a user equipment, where the apparatus comprises a base station; and sending, by the apparatus, configuration information regarding the user equipment, where the configuration information is based on the at least one timing error for use with another base station.

[0029] In accordance with another aspect, an example method is provided comprising: receiving a message by an apparatus, from a network entity, regarding at least one timing error for a user equipment, where the apparatus comprises a base station; and sending, by the apparatus, configuration information regarding the user equipment, where the configuration information is based on the at least one timing error for use with another base station.

[0030] In accordance with another aspect, an example apparatus is provided comprising: means for receiving a message, from a network entity, regarding at least one timing error for a user equipment, where the apparatus comprises a base station; and means for sending configuration information regarding the user equipment, where the configuration information is based on the at least one timing error for use with another base station.

[0031] In accordance with another aspect, an example 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 a message by the apparatus, from a network entity, regarding at least one timing error for a user equipment, where the apparatus comprises a base station; and sending, by the apparatus, configuration information regarding the user equipment, where the configuration information is based on the at least one timing error for use with another base station.

[0032] In accordance with another aspect, an example apparatus is provided comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: sending, from the apparatus, a request for at least one of: a reference signal comprising a transmitting timing error for use in estimating a position of a user equipment, or measurements which used a receiving timing error for use in estimating the position of the user equipment.

[0033] In accordance with another aspect, an example method is provided comprising: sending, from the apparatus, a request for at least one of: a reference signal comprising a transmittingtiming error for use in estimating a position of a user equipment, or measurements which used a receiving timing error for use in estimating the position of the user equipment.

[0034] In accordance with another aspect, an example apparatus is provided comprising: means for sending a request for at least one of: a reference signal comprising a transmitting timing error for use in estimating a position of a user equipment, or measurements which used a receiving timing error for use in estimating the position of the user equipment.

[0035] In accordance with another aspect, an example 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: sending, from the apparatus, a request for at least one of: a reference signal comprising a transmitting timing error for use in estimating a position of a user equipment, or measurements which used a receiving timing error for use in estimating the position of the user equipment.

[0036] In accordance with another aspect, an example apparatus is provided comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least one of: receiving a request for measurements with a receiving timing error, or receiving a request for capability information of the apparatus regarding at least one of: a transmitting timing error of the apparatus or the receiving timing error of the apparatus.

[0037] In accordance with another aspect, an example method is provided comprising: receiving a request for measurements with a receiving timing error, or receiving a request for capability information of the apparatus regarding at least one of: a transmitting timing error of the apparatus or the receiving timing error of the apparatus; and collecting of data with the receiving timing error.

[0038] In accordance with another aspect, an example apparatus is provided comprising: means for receiving a request for measurements with a receiving timing error, or receiving a request for capability information of the apparatus regarding at least one of: a transmitting timing error of the apparatus or the receiving timing error of the apparatus; and means for collecting of data with the receiving timing error.

[0039] In accordance with another aspect, an example 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 a request for measurements with a receiving timing error, or receiving a request for capability information of the apparatus regarding at least one of: a transmitting timing error of the apparatus or the receiving timing error of the apparatus; and collecting of data with the receiving timing error.

[0040] 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

[0041] The foregoing aspects and other features are explained in the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0042] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of one possible and non-limiting example system in which the example embodiments may be practiced;

[0043] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating examples of timing delays;

[0044] FIG. 3 is a diagram an example of the performance degradation;

[0045] FIG. 4 is illustrates an example of assistance data that may be transferred from a LMF to a UE;

[0046] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example method;

[0047] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example method;

[0048] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example method;

[0049] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example method;

[0050] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example method;

[0051] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example method;

[0052] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example method;

[0053] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example method;

[0054] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example method;

[0055] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example method;

[0056] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example method;

[0057] FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example method;

[0058] FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example method.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0059] 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 networkAl artificial intelligenceAI / ML artificial intelligence / machine learningAMF access and mobility management functionCE control elementCU central unitDL downlinkDU 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 technologyFG feature groupgNB (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 5GCGNSS global navigation satellite systemI / F interfaceIlot industrial internet of thingsLCM latent consistency modelLMF location management functionEOS line of sightLTE long term evolutionMAC medium access controlML machine learningMME mobility management entity ng or NG new generation ng-eNB or NG-eNB new generation eNBNR new radioN / W or NW networkOTT over the topPDCP packet data convergence protocolPHY physical layerProp propagationPRS position reference signalPRU position reference unitRAN radio access networkRel releaseRel-17 release 17RLC radio link controlRRH remote radio headRRC radio resource controlRSTD reference signal time differenceRTT round trip timeRU radio unitRx receiverSDAP service data adaptation protocolSGW serving gatewaySMF session management functionSRS sounding reference signalTDoA time difference of arrivalTD time delayTE timing errorTEG timing error groupTOA time of arrivalTRP transmission and reception pointTS technical specificationTx transmitterUE user equipment (e.g., a wireless, typically mobile device)UL uplinkUPF user plane functionWI work item

[0060] Turning to FIG. 1 , this figure shows a block diagram of one possible and non-limiting example of a wireless network 1 that is connected to a user equipment (UE) 10. A number of network elements are shown in the wireless network of FIG. 1 including a base station 70 and a core network 90.

[0061] In FIG. 1, the user equipment (UE) 10 is in wireless communication via radio link 11 with the base station 70 of the network 1. The UE 10 is a wireless communication device, such as a mobile device, that is configured to access the network. The UE 10 is illustrated with one or more antennas 28. The ellipses 2 indicate there could be multiple UEs 10 in wireless communication via radio links with the base station 70. The UE 10 includes one or more processors 13, one or more memories 15, and other circuitry 16. The other circuitry 16 may include one or more receivers (Rx(s)) 17 and one or more transmitters (Tx(s)) 18. One of more programs 12 is used to cause the UE 10 to perform the operations described herein. For a UE 10, the other circuitry 16 could include circuitry such as for user interface elements (not shown) like a display.

[0062] The base station 70, as a network element of the network 1 , provides the UE 10 access to network 1 and to the data network 91 via the core network 90 (e.g., via a user plane function (UPF) of the core network 90). As such, the base station 70 may be considered to be an access node or network equipment, which provides access by UE(s) 10 to the network 1. The base station 70 is illustrated as having one or more antennas 58. In general, the base station 70 may be referred to as RAN node 70, although many will make reference to this as a gNB (gNode B, a base station for NR, new radio) instead. There are, however, many other examples of RAN nodes including an eNB (evolved Node B) or TRP (Transmission-Reception Point). The term TRP is used mainly herein, and there are multiple options for this, such as a single TRP (of a base station), or distributed unit or radio unit, where multiple such units may be coupled to a central unit.

[0063] The base station 70 (or an individual TRP) includes one or more processors 73, one or more memories 75, and other circuitry 76. The other circuitry 76 includes one or more receivers (Rx(s)) 77 and one or more transmitters (Tx(s)) 78. One of more programs 72 is used to cause the base station 70 to perform the operations described herein.

[0064] It is noted that the base station 70 may instead be implemented via other wireless technologies, such as Wi-Fi (a wireless networking protocol that devices use to communicate without direct cable connections). In the case of Wi-Fi, the link 11 could be characterized as a wireless link.

[0065] Two or more base stations 70 communicate using, e.g., link(s) 79. The link(s) 79 may be wired or wireless or both and may implement, e.g., an Xn interface for 5G (fifth generation), an X2 interface for ETE (Fong Term Evolution), or other suitable interface for other standards.

[0066] The network 1 may include a core network 90, such as a second network element or elements for example, that may include core network functionality, and which provide connectivity via a link or links 81 with a data network 91, such as a telephone network and / or a data communications network (e.g., the Internet). The core network 90 includes one or more processors 93, one or more memories 95, and other circuitry 96. The other circuitry 96 includes one or more receivers (Rx(s)) 97 and one or more transmitters (Tx(s)) 98. One of more programs 92 is used to cause the core network 90 to perform the operations described herein.

[0067] The core network 90 could be a 5GC (5G core network). The core network 90 can implement or comprise multiple network functions (NF(s)) 99, and the program 92 may comprise one or more of the NFs 99. A 5G core network may use hardware such as memory and processors and a virtualization layer. It could be a single standalone computing system, a distributed computing system, or a cloud computing system. The NFs 99, as network elements, of the core network could be containers or virtual machines running on the hardware of the computing system(s) making up the core network 90.

[0068] Core network functionality for 5G may include access and mobility management functionality that is provided by a network function 99 such as, for example, an access and mobility management function (AMF), session management functionality that is provided by a network function such as a session management function (SMF). Core network functionality for access and mobility management in an LTE (Long Term Evolution) network, for example, may be provided by an MME (Mobility Management Entity) and / or SGW (Serving Gateway) functionality, which routes data to the data network. Many others are possible, as illustrated by the examples in FIG. 1: AMF; SMF; MME; SGW; GMLC (Gateway Mobile Location Center); LMF (Location Management Function); UDM (Unified Data Management) / UDR (Unified Data Repository); NRF (Network Repository Function); and / or E-SMLC (Evolved Serving Mobile Location Center). The LMF (also sometimes referred to as an LMF entity), further mentioned below, is a core network entity or core network function. These are merely exemplary core network functionality that may be provided by the core network 90, and note that both 5G and LTE core network functionality might be provided by the core network 90. The base station 70 is coupled via a backhaul link 31 to the core network 90. The base station 70 and the core network 90 may include an NG (Next Generation) interface for 5G, or an SI interface for LTE, or other suitable interface for other radio access technologies for communicating via the backhaul link 31. The term “network entity” refers to a function or functionality performed on a network. This may be, for example, the LMF. Other network entities include, for example, the core network entities noted above. Network entities may be (co-)located at one or more of a network equipment such as a RAN node, a core network node, or a network server for example.

[0069] In the data network 91, there is a computer-readable medium 94. The computer- readable medium 94 contains instructions that, when downloaded and installed into thememories 15, 75, or 95 of the corresponding UE 10, base station 70, and / or core network element(s) 90, and executed by processor(s) 13, 73, or 93, allow or cause the respective device to perform corresponding actions described herein. The computer-readable medium 94 may be implemented in other forms, such as via a compact disc or memory stick for example.

[0070] The programs 12, 72, and 92 contain instructions stored by corresponding one or more memories 15, 75, or 95. These instructions, when executed by the corresponding one or more processors 13, 73, or 93, allow or cause the corresponding apparatus 10, 70, or 90, to perform the operations described herein. The computer readable memories 15, 75, or 95 are circuitry and 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, firmware, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory and removable memory. The computer readable memories 15, 75, and 95 may be means for performing storage functions. The processors 13, 73, and 93, are circuitry and may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment. For example, these processors may include one or more of general-purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), processors based on a multi-core processor architecture, and may also include specialized circuits such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application specific circuits (ASICs), signal processing devices and other devices, or combinations of these devices, as non-limiting examples. The processors 13, 73, and 93 may be means for causing their respective apparatus to perform functions, such as those described herein. Particularly, for any apparatus having means to perform functions described herein, the means may include at least one processor, and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the performance of the apparatus.

[0071] Thereceivers 17, 77, and 97, and the transmitters 18, 78, and 98 may implement wired and / or wireless interfaces. The receivers and transmitters may be grouped together as transceivers.

[0072] The network 1 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 iscategorized 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 (such as network functions 99) that result from the network virtualization are still implemented, at some level, using hardware such as processors 73 and / or 93 and memories 75 and / or 95, and also such virtualized entities create technical effects.

[0073] In general, the various embodiments of the user equipment 10 can include, but are not limited to, wireless phones (such as smart phones, mobile phones, cellular phones, voice over Internet Protocol (IP) (VoIP) phones, and / or wireless local loop phones), tablets, portable computers, vehicles or vehicle-mounted devices for, e.g., wireless V2X (vehicle-to-everything) communication, image capture devices such as digital cameras, gaming devices, music storage and playback appliances, Internet appliances (including Internet of Things, loT, devices), loT devices with sensors and / or actuators for, e.g., automation applications, as well as portable units or terminals that incorporate combinations of such functions, laptop-embedded equipment (LEE), laptop-mounted equipment (LME), Universal Serial Bus (USB) dongles, smart devices, wireless customer-premises equipment (CPE), an Internet of Things (loT) device, a watch or other wearable, a head-mounted display (HMD), a vehicle, a drone, a medical device and applications (e.g., remote surgery), an industrial device and applications (e.g., a robot and / or other wireless devices operating in an industrial and / or an automated processing chain contexts), a consumer electronics device, a device operating on commercial and / or industrial wireless networks, and the like. That is, the UE 10 could be any end device that may be capable of wireless communication. By way of example rather than limitation, the UE may also be referred to as a communication device, terminal device (MT), a Subscriber Station (SS), a Portable Subscriber Station, a Mobile Station (MS), or an Access Terminal (AT).

[0074] Features as described herein may be used in regard to ongoing 3GPP Rel. 19 WI on AI / ML for Air Interface for the positioning use case. In particular, features as described herein may be used in regard to ensuring consistency between training and inference of AI / ML models as well as enabling data collection considering the timing errors in timing-related measurements for positioning. Features as described herein may also be used with non- AI / ML positioning.

[0075] From signal transmission (and reception) perspective, there is a delay between a digital signal generated at a baseband (BB) and the time when the radio frequency signal is transmitted from a Tx antenna (and vice versa between BB and Rx antenna).

[0076] For supporting a UE positioning, the UE and a TRP may implement an internal calibration / compensation of the Tx timing delay for the transmission of the DL PRS and the UL SRS, which may also include the calibration / compensation of the relative timing delay between different radio frequency chains in the same UE and TRP. The compensation may also possibly consider the offset of the Tx antenna phase center to the physical antenna center. However, the calibration may not be perfect. The remaining Tx timing delay after the calibration, or the un-calibrated Tx timing delay, is a Tx timing error. Similarly, from a signal reception perspective, the remaining Rx time delay after the calibration, or the un-calibrated Rx time delay, is a Rx timing error. As an example, FIG. 2 shows a TRP Tx timing delay and a UE Rx timing delays for DL PRS transmission from a TRP to a UE. FIGS. 2 and 3 are noted in Ren et al. “Progress of 3GPP Rel-17 Standards on New Radio (NR) Positioning”, CEUR WS IPIN-WiP 2021,

[0077] The real time of arrival (TOA) between the TRP and the UE for a positioning purpose should be only PropTRP-UE, and the residual error of TOA is TDTx + TDRx. Usually, TDTx and TDRx are calibrated in advance to minimize the influence of such timing delays on positioning accuracy. The remaining timing delay errors after the calibration are called the timing errors. The values of the UE and TRP Rx and Tx timing error after the coarse calibration may be in the order of several nanoseconds (ns) or more. Considering that a 1 ns timing error will lead to a 30 centimeters distance error, and target positioning requirements (e.g., for IIoT use cases is 20 centimeters in horizontal position accuracy), the impact of timing errors on positioning needs to be reduced to achieve sub-meter level positioning accuracy. FIG. 3 illustrates an example of the performance degradation due to UE Rx / TRP Tx timing errors for DL-TDOA positioning method for an indoor factory with sparse clutter and high base station height (InF-SH) scenario.

[0078] With NR Rel-17, a UE / TRP Tx timing error group (TEG) is defined to be associated with the transmissions of one or more UL SRS / DL PRS resources for the positioning purpose, which has the Tx timing errors within a certain margin. A UE / TRP Rx TEG is associated withone or more DL / UL measurements, which have the Rx timing errors within a certain margin. A UE / TRP Reception and Transmission TEG is associated with one or more UE / gNB Rx-Tx time difference measurements and one or more UL SRS / DL PRS resources for the positioning purpose, which have the ‘Rx timing errors + Tx timing errors’ within a certain margin.

[0079] Specifically, TS 38.305 defines the following for signal transmission:Tx Time Delay: From a signal transmission perspective, the time delay from the time when the digital signal is generated at baseband to the time when the RF signal is transmitted from the Tx antenna.Tx Timing Error: Result of Tx time delay involved in the transmission of a signal. It is the uncalibrated Tx time delay, or the remaining delay after the TRP / UE internal calibration / compensation of the Tx time delay, involved in the transmission of the DL-PRS / UL SRS signals. The calibration / compensation may also include the calibration / compensation of the relative time delay between different RF chains in the same TRP / UE and may also possibly consider the offset of the Tx antenna phase centre to the physical antenna centre.TRP Tx Timing Error Group (TRP Tx TEG): Tx timing errors, associated with TRP transmissions on one or more DE-PRS resources, that are within a certain margin.UE Tx Timing Error Group (UE Tx TEG): Tx timing errors, associated with UE transmissions on one or more UL SRS resources for positioning purpose, that are within a certain margin.. . .and the following for signal reception:Rx Time Delay: From a signal reception perspective, there will be a time delay from the time when the RF signal arrives at the Rx antenna to the time when the signal is digitized and time-stamped at the baseband.Rx Timing Error: Result of Rx time delay involved in the reception of a signal before reporting measurements that are obtained from the signal. It is the uncalibratedRx time delay, or the remaining delay after the UE / TRP internal calibration / compensation of the Rx time delay, involved in the reception of the DL- PRS / UL SRS signals. The calibration / compensation may also include the calibration / compensation of the relative time delay between different RF chains in the same UE / TRP and may also possibly consider the offset of the Rx antenna phase centre to the physical antenna centre.UE Rx Timing Error Group (UE Rx TEG): Rx timing errors, associated with UE reporting of one or more DL measurements (RSTD), that are within a certain margin.UE RxTx Timing Error Group (UE RxTx TEG): Rx timing errors and Tx timing errors, associated with UE reporting of one or more UE Rx-Tx time difference measurements, which have the 'Rx timing errors+Tx timing errors' differences within a certain margin.TRP Rx 'Timing Error Group' (TRP Rx TEG): Rx timing errors, associated with TRP reporting of one or more UL measurements, that are within a certain margin.TRP RxTx 'Timing Error Group' (TRP RxTx TEG): Rx timing errors and Tx timing errors, associated with TRP reporting of one or more gNB Rx-Tx time difference measurements, which have the 'Rx timing errors+Tx timing errors' differences within a certain margin.

[0080] Depending on the positioning method utilized, a UE and / or a gNB may inform a location management function (LMF) about the TEG info for their signal reception and / or transmission. This helps the LMF to apply TEG-specific timing corrections when calculating a target UE’s position. Similarly, the LMF may inform a UE about TRP TEG info to assist the UE’s calculation in the case of UE-based positioning.

[0081] In particular (based on TS 38.305, TS 37.355, and TS 38.455):In DL-TDOA method: gNB provides TRP Tx TEG association information to LMFUE reports UE Rx TEG IDs for DL RSTD measurements, to LMFFor UE-based positioning, LMF provides assistance data to UE, which contains the association information of DL-PRS resources with TRP Tx TEG IDIn UL-TDOA method:UE reports UE Tx TEG to its serving gNB, via RRC.Serving gNB reports UE configuration data to LMF, which contains the association information of SRS resources with UE Tx TEG ID gNB reports TRP Rx TEG association to LMFIn Multi-RTT method:UE reports UE Rx TEG IDs, UE Tx TEG IDs, and UE RxTx TEG IDs associated with UE Rx-Tx time difference measurements, and the association of UE Tx TEG ID and SRS, to LMF gNB reports TRP Tx TEG, TRP Rx TEG, and TRP RxTx TEG association information to LMF

[0082] Further, in UL-TDOA and multi-RTT methods, LMF may request Number of TRP Rx TEGs IE in its measurement request to gNB, and the gNB may, if supported, use it to measure the same UL SRS resource with different TRP Rx TEGs for the indicated TRP, and report the corresponding UL-RTOA and / or gNB Rx-Tx time difference measurements.

[0083] AI / ML Positioning

[0084] Features as described herein may be used in regard to AI / ML-based positioning within the scope of Rel. 19 WID on Artificial Intelligence (AI) / Machine Learning (ML) for NR Air Interface (RP-234039) which has defined the positioning use cases and the necessary specification work: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(2ndpriority) 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 anyo 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

[0085] Regarding the content of the data used for AI / ML, the following have been agreed during the ongoing Rel. 19 WI:AgreementFor training data collection of AI / ML based positioning, the collected data sample can include the following components:Part A:• channel measurement• quality indicator of channel measurement• time stamp of channel measurementPart B:• ground truth label (or its approximation)• quality indicator of label• time stamp of labelNote: “Part A” and “Part B” terminologies are only for RANI discussion purpose, and may not be used in specification.Note: contents in Part A and Part B may or may not be generated by different entities.Note: Part A and / or Part B, and their contents may or may not apply for each caseFFS: detailed definition of channel measurementAgreementFor training data collection of AI / ML based positioning, if a training data sample contains both Part A and Part B, RANI assumes that Part A and Part B in one training data sample are:• for a same UE (PRU or Non-PRU UE), and• for a same location associated with Part B.Note: the association can be discussed

[0086] Regarding the entities for generating and collecting AI / ML data, the following have been agreed during the ongoing Rel. 19 WI:Working AssumptionFor training data generation of AI / ML based positioning Case 1 , the measurement and its related data (e.g., timestamp) are generated by PRU and / or Non-PRU UE.AgreementFor training data generation of AI / ML based positioning Case 3a and 3b, the measurement and its related data (e.g., timestamp) are generated by TRP / gNB.Working AssumptionFor training data generation of AI / ML based positioning Case 2a and 2b, the channel measurement and its related data (e.g., time stamp) are generated by PRU and / or non- PRU UE.Working AssumptionFor training data generation of AI / ML based positioning Case 1, the label and its related data (e.g., time stamp) can be generated by:• PRU• Non-PRU UE with estimated location• LMFNote: transfer of the label and its related data is out of RANI scope.Working AssumptionFor training data generation of AI / ME based positioning Case 2a, the label and its related data (e.g., time stamp) can be generated by:• PRU• Non-PRU UE with estimated location• EMFNote: transfer of the label and its related data is out of RANI scope.Working AssumptionFor training data generation of AI / ML based positioning Case 2b, the label and its related data (e.g., time stamp) can be generated by:• PRU• Non-PRU UE with estimated location• LMFNote: transfer of label and its related data is out of RANI scope.AgreementFor training data generation of AI / ML based positioning Case 3a, the label and its related data (e.g., time stamp) can be generated by at least:• LMFNote: transfer of label and its related data is out of RANI scope.Note: whether other network entities can generate label for Case 3a is out of RANI scope.Working AssumptionFor training data generation of AI / ML based positioning Case 3b, the label and its related data (e.g., time stamp) can be generated by:• PRU• Non-PRU UE with estimated location• LMFNote: transfer of label and its related data is out of RANI scope.Note: It is assumed that user data privacy of non-PRU UE is preserved.

[0087] Regarding the mechanisms for collecting and use of AI / ML data for monitoring, the following have been agreed during the ongoing Rel. 19 WI:ConclusionFor training data collection of Case 1 , in terms of DL PRS configuration for collecting training data, both options are feasible by using legacy mechanisms:Option A. (UE initiated) UE makes a request to LMF on the preferred DL PRS configuration for training data collection, e.g., on-demand PRS. LMF makes the decision on determining the DL PRS configuration for training data collection and provides the assistance data to the UE.Option B. (LMF initiated) LMF determines the DL PRS configuration for training data collection and provides the assistance data to the UE.Note: the UE can be a PRU and / or a Non-PRU UE.Note: as in existing specification, the DL PRS configurations in the assistance data from LMF to UE are based on DL PRS configuration coordinated between LMF and gNB.AgreementFor model performance monitoring of AI / ML positioning Case 1, for model performance monitoring metric calculation in label-based model monitoring, study the feasibility, benefits, and potential specification impact of the following options with regard to how to generate information on ground truth label:• Option A. The target UE side performs monitoring metric calculation. o Option A-l. At least information on ground truth label of the target UE is generated by LMF and provided to the target UE.■ In one example, target UE and / or gNB sends measurement (e.g., legacy measurement) to LMF so that LMF can derive the information on ground truth label. o Option A-2. At least position calculation assistance data (e.g., existing information for UE-based positioning method) is provided from LMF to the target UE. o Option A-3. Reuse Rel- 18 assistance data transfer framework from LMF to the target UE, where the PRU measurement (e.g., legacy measurement) and the corresponding PRU location are sent via LMF to the target UE. o Option A-4. PRU measurement (and the corresponding PRU location if not already known at the UE-side) are sent from PRU to the target UE side (e.g., target UE, OTT server).■ Note: Option A-4 can be realized by implementation in a manner transparent to specification if the PRU sends information to the target UE side in a proprietary method.• Option B. The LMF performs monitoring metric calculation. o Option B-l. at least inference result (i.e., the model output corresponding to target UE’s channel measurement) of the target UE is sent by the target UE to LMF. o Option B-2. PRU’s channel measurement is sent via LMF to the target UE, and the inference result (i.e., the model output corresponding to PRU’s channel measurement) is sent by the target UE to LMF.Note: exact method to perform the monitoring metric calculation is up to implementation.Note: Other options are not precluded.AgreementFor AI / ML positioning Case 3 a, for performance monitoring metric calculation in labelbased monitoring, from RAN 1 perspective, Option A and Option B are feasible,• Option A. NG-RAN node performs monitoring metric calculation for its own model.• Option B. LMF performs monitoring metric calculation for the model located at the NG-RAN node.Note: Final selection of Option A and Option B is out of RANI scope. Potential support of Option A and / or Option B is pending RAN3 confirmation.Note: Exact method to perform monitoring metric calculation is up to implementation.Note: For Option A, RANI assumes that user data privacy needs to be preserved.ConclusionFor model performance monitoring of AI / ML positioning Case 1, for model performance monitoring metric calculation in label-based model monitoring,• Option A-4 can be realized by implementation in a manner transparent to specification if the PRU sends information to the target UE side in a proprietary method. No further discussion on Option A-4.

[0088] Regarding ensuring consistency between training and inference, there has been the following agreement in recent RANl#118bis meeting:AgreementFor AI / ML positioning Case 1, regarding the assistance data provided from LMF to UE, for ensuring consistency between training and inference,• for each of the existing assistance data IE of UE-based DL- TDOA and / or UE-based DL-AoD, study whether it should be: (a) explicitly indicated, (b) implicitly indicated and / or (c) other;• Companies can provide inputs on further enhancements of existing assistance data, including new information• Note: this does not mean that training and inference phases are mentioned in assistance data.

[0089] FIG. 4 illustrates a Table with existing assistance data (supported up to Rel-18) that may be transferred from LMF to UE in UE-based DL-TDOA (see for example Table 8.12.2.1.0- 1 in TS 38.305, Use equipment (UE) positioning in NG-RAN (Release 18), vl 8.3.0) or UE-based DL-AoD ( see for example Table 8.11.2.1.0-1 in TS 38.305, Use equipment (UE) positioning in NG-RAN (Release 18), vl 8.3.0), as applicable. Here, for the item #10 in the list, companies will discuss whether LMF provides to UE, the TRP Tx TEG ID for DL PRS resources to as in legacy or not. The legacy approach and the agreement are with regards to LMF providing assistance information to UE about TRP Tx TEG ID of DL PRS resources, so that the UE could use thisinformation to correct timing errors in its location estimate calculation in the case of UE-based positioning.

[0090] In legacy positioning, a UE and a gNB may inform a LMF about their timing errors associated with their transmission and / or reception of DL PRS and / or UL SRS when performing timing measurements, which helps the LMF to apply timing corrections when calculating the UE location estimate. Similarly, in the case of UE-based positioning, the LMF may assist the UE by providing timing error information it obtains from a gNB(s), which the UE can take into account for calculating its own position estimate. In this regard, the description above presents the details of the timing errors in positioning, and the related information signaled between entities, which are used to mitigate these errors, depending on the positioning method.

[0091] Since, AI / ML methods used for direct / assisted positioning could also take into account the timing errors associated with the measurements (e.g., ToA), the timing error plays a critical role in the measurement estimation. For example, a model regarding the UE-side might be trained with data that consists of only certain value(s) of timing error at TRP Tx and UE Rx sides (and which may be different from the ones used in inference), thereby leading to data inconsistency.

[0092] One of the challenges in AI / ML-based positioning is to ensure consistency between training and inference operations. Namely, any difference in terms of the conditions assumed during training and the conditions during the inference could impact the performance of the model. One of such conditions would be timing errors associated with transmission and / or reception of DL PRS and UL SRS, respectively for positioning as highlighted above regarding the impact of errors on the positioning estimate.

[0093] Before performing inference, it may therefore be important to check and ensure the consistency of conditions between training and inference, which enables selection of suitable configurations / functionalities and associated model to perform the inference at the respective entity. Currently, however, there is no mechanism to check and / or ensure the consistency of timing error information assumed during training and inference of AI / ML models for UE positioning. Features as described herein may be used to provide a mechanism to check and / or ensure the consistency of timing error information assumed during training and inference of AI / ML models for UE positioning.

[0094] Features as described herein may be used for ensuring consistency between training and inference of AI / ML models used for positioning considering the timing error (TE) information assumed at transmission and / or reception sides of DL PRS and / or UL SRS.

[0095] While TE information reported as per legacy procedures can be compensated by a UE, gNB, or LMF via simple methods to correct their positioning related estimates (e.g., by subtracting it from the estimated ToA), this may still not be sufficient for high-accuracy positioning. In particular, timing error information is not a single specific value, but rather expressed in terms of a margin of error values. Thus, it could actually take any value within that margin during a transmission and reception. Therefore, instead of using simple compensation methods to correct the timing errors such as subtracting the timing error from the estimated ToA, etc., TE information could be rather directly input to the AI / ML model estimating the ToA (or other timing information), which can process this information in a more advanced manner, by taking into any other relevant information, e.g., hardware conditions, temperature, calibration error, antenna panel architecture, RF components, etc. This in turn may be used to yield better corrections of timing errors and, hence, higher-accuracy estimations.

[0096] Features as described herein may be provided such that a UE and / or a gNB can inform a LMF about timing errors they have assumed for training their AI / ML models for positioning. For example, this might be the timing error information used to categorize data that is for training. This, in turn, enables configuring DL PRS and / or UL SRS transmissions and / or measurements at the UE or the gNB (depending on the positioning method and considering on UE / gNB capabilities) using certain timing error (e.g., expressed in terms of margins of error as in legacy) for inference and monitoring or model updating purposes.

[0097] In addition to ensuring consistency between training and inference for UE-side models, features may also be used to enable a UE as well as a gNB and a LMF to collect data, for AI / ML model training, monitoring, or updating purposes, flexibly using a desired Tx or Rx TE characteristic(s). In particular, features may comprise one or more of the following:• For UE-side models (Case 1, Case 2a): For inference or monitoring / updating purposes, UE may indicate to LMF, (pair(s) of) UE Rx- timing error and TRP Tx-timing error (e.g., ID, margin) the UE assumed for training, so that the LMF may take thisinformation into account. For example, the LMF may configure same TRPs to transmit DL PRS with the same TRP Tx TE to estimate the UE position. Similarly, the UE may request DL PRS, with a specific TRP Tx TE, from the LMF for collecting data for training / monitoring / updating its AI / ML model(s).• For gNB-side models (Case 3a): a gNB may indicate to a LMF, (pair(s) of) UE Tx timing error and TRP Rx timing error the gNB assumed during training, so that the LMF may take this into account for inference or monitoring / updating. For example, the LMF (or the serving gNB) may configure the UE to transmit a UL SRS with a specific UE Tx timing error. Similarly, the gNB may configure a UE it is serving or request from a LMF, a UL SRS with a specific UE Tx TE, for collecting data for training / monitoring / updating its model(s).• For LMF-side models (Case 2b, Case 3b): the LMF may request a UE or a gNB to provide measurements or transmit a DL PRS / UL SRS with a specific Rx / Tx timing error, so that the LMF can ensure consistency between training and inference of its models, or use collected data for training, monitoring, and updating its AI / ML model(s).

[0098] In the following, detailed examples for different use cases in AI / ML positioning are described.

[0099] Referring now to FIG. 5, three segments are shown for illustration purposes comprising training, monitoring and / or model updating, and inference in regard to UE-side models (Case 1, Case 2a).

[0100] For the training illustrations:• In order to collect data to train UE-side models, which comprises DL PRS measurements, a UE may request from a LMF DL PRS transmission with specific TRP Tx TE. An example is shown in Step 1. In the example embodiments, the UE may determine the TRP Tx TE based on the positioning quality of service that needs to be satisfied such as, for example, UE selecting the lowest TE for a highest accuracy requirement.• Upon the request in Step 1 , or independently without any request, the LMF may determine a DL PRS transmission configuration with a specific TRP Tx TE and request this from gNB(s) as illustrated with Step 2.• A gNB may determine a DL PRS with the specific TRP Tx TE as requested, or with a different TRP Tx TE since its conditions may not be available such as, for example, due to resource constraints, and may inform the LMF about the configuration as illustrated with Step 3.• The LMF may provide to the UE the DL PRS configuration with the specific TRP Tx TE it can use to collect data as illustrated with Step 4. The indication could be similar to the one in legacy, i.e., via LPP Provide Assistance Data message.• The UE may collect the data for training as illustrated with Step 5, such as DL PRS measurements given the specific TRP Tx TE, as well as UE Rx TE on its side.• The UE may use the collected data for training as illustrated with Step 6, and / or transfer it to another entity, e.g., a server, for training purposes.

[0101] For the monitoring and / or model updating illustrations:• As illustrated with Step 7, the UE may request the LMF to monitor the performance of its AI / ML model, or may request necessary data for monitoring / updating its model, from the LMF, such as containing DL PRS measurements associated with ground truth location information (i.e., Part A and Part B data). The UE may indicate a specific TRP Tx TE and a specific UE Rx TE that was used for training its model (e.g., in Step 6), for the LMF to consider when collecting necessary data for monitoring or updating purposes.• 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 severaltypes 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 the ground 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.• In Steps 8-10, the LMF may request the gNB(s) to configure a DL PRS with a specific TRP Tx TE similar to Steps 2-4. Note that, a specific LMF may select any other gNB, i.e., not necessarily the serving gNB, for PRS transmission, in order to collect data.• As illustrated with Step 11, the LMF may request a PRU (or another UE) to provide measurements as well as associated ground truth labels in case of label-based monitoring, using a specific UE Rx TE.• As illustrated with Step 12, the PRU may collect the requested measurements / data.• As illustrated with Step 13, the PRU may report the requested measurements / data to the LMF.• As illustrated with Step 14, the LMF may perform the monitoring of the UE’s model by itself.• As illustrated with Step 15, alternatively, or in addition to step 14, the LMF may provide the collected data for the UE to perform monitoring or model update itself, indicating the specific TRP Tx TE and UE Rx TE in the collected data.• As illustrated with Step 16, the UE may perform monitoring or model update using the data provided by the LMF.

[0102] For the inference illustrations:• As illustrated with Step 17, before performing inference, the UE may indicate a specific UE Rx TE and / or a specific TRP Tx TE the UE assumed for training its model (e.g., based on Steps 1-6).• In Steps 18-20, the LMF may request the gNB(s) to configure a DL PRS with a specific TRP Tx TE similar to Steps 2-4.• As illustrated with Step 21 , the UE may perform inference using the measurements with the specific TRP Tx TE and the specific UE Rx TE.

[0103] Referring now to FIG. 6, three segments are shown for illustration purposes comprising training, monitoring and / or model updating, and inference in regard to gNB-side models (Case 3a).

[0104] For the training illustrations:• As illustrated with Step 1 , the gNB may request UE capabilities on supported and / or applicable UE Tx TE information, e.g., supported values of error margins, for transmitting UL SRS• As illustrated with Step 2, the UE may provide the requested capability information.• As illustrated with Step 3, In order to collect data to train gNB-side models, which may comprise UL SRS measurements, the gNB may configure the UE it is serving to transmit a UL SRS with a specific UE Tx TE.o Note that the gNB may select the UE that supports UE Tx TE desired by gNB, such as based on UE capabilities. o In the example embodiments, the gNB may determine the UE Tx TE based on the positioning quality of service that needs to be satisfied, e.g., gNB selects the lowest TE for highest accuracy requirement.• As illustrated with Step 4, the gNB may inform the LMF about a configured UL SRS with UE Tx TE.• As illustrated with Step 5, the LMF may inform other gNBs regarding a configured UL SRS with UE Tx TE information such that the other gNBs may also use this opportunity to collect data if they support AI / ML.• As illustrated with Step 6, the LMF may activate a UL SRS transmission.• As illustrated with Step 7, the UE may start transmitting a UL SRS based on the configuration the UE received containing the UE Tx TE.• As illustrated with Step 8, the gNB may collect necessary training data such as UL SRS measurements.• As illustrated with Step 9, the gNB may use the collected data for training, or transfer it to another entity, e.g., OAM, for training purposes.• As illustrated with Step 10, other gNBs that are interested in this opportunity for data collection may also collect data in the similar way as serving gNB.

[0105] For the monitoring illustrations:• As illustrated with Step 11 , the gNB may request the LMF to monitor the performance of its AI / ML model, or may request necessary data for monitoring or updating its model, from the LMF, such as containing UL SRS measurements associated with ground truth location information (i.e., Part A and Part B data). The gNB may indicate specific TRP Rx TE and UE Tx TE that was used for training itsmodel (e.g., in Step 6), for LMF to consider when collecting necessary data for monitoring or model updating purposes.• As illustrated with Step 12, the LMF may request the UE capabilities on supported and / or applicable UE Tx TE information, e.g., supported values of error margins, for transmitting UL SRS• As illustrated with Step 13, the UE may provide the requested capability information.• As illustrated with Step 14, in order to collect necessary data, the LMF may request another gNB to configure a PRU (or UE) it is serving to transmit UL SRS with specific UE Tx TE, and request UL SRS measurements from the gNB with specific TRP Rx TE.• As illustrated with Steps 15-17 the gNB may configure the PRU and / or the UE it is serving to transmit a UL SRS with a specific UE Tx TE, perform requested measurements, and reports them to the LMF. Note that, in the example embodiments, the UE might be selected by the gNB or LMF, such as based on UE capabilities.• As illustrated with Step 18, the LMF may perform the monitoring of the gNB’s model by itself using the collected data.• As illustrated with Step 19, alternatively or in addition to Step 18, the LMF may provide collected data for the gNB to perform monitoring or updating the model itself, indicating the specific TRP Rx TE and the specific UE Tx TE in the collected data.• As illustrated with Step 20, gNB may perform monitoring or model updating using the data provided by LMF.

[0106] For the inference illustrations:• As illustrated with Step 21, before performing inference, the gNB may indicate a specific TRP Rx TE and / or a specific UE Tx TE the gNB assumed for training its model (e.g., based on Steps 1-7).• As illustrated with Steps 22-24, the LMF may request UE(s) to be configured with a UL SRS with the specific UE Tx TE, and the gNB may perform the configuring and informing steps.• As illustrated with Step 25, the LMF may request other gNB(s) to provide measurements as well, informing them about UL SRS configuration including the UE Tx TE.• As illustrated with Step 26, the LMF may activate the UE to transmit the UL SRS.• As illustrated with Step 27, the UE may transmit the UL SRS.• As illustrated with Step 28-29, the gNB(s) may perform inference using UL SRS measurements with the specific TRP Rx TE and the specific UE Tx TE.

[0107] As can be seen from steps 5 and 25 in FIG. 6, the LMF may inform one or more neighboring gNBs about UL SRS Tx TE. Rather than use with AI / ML, steps 5 and / or 25 may be used with legacy positioning without AI / ML. This is also true for Step 6 in FIG. 8 in that step 6 could be used without AI / ML with legacy positioning that does not use AI / ML.

[0108] Referring now to FIG. 7, an illustration is shown of an example method comprising training, monitoring and inference in regard to LMF-side models for DL positioning (Case 2b). The example method may comprise the following steps:Step 1. In order to collect data for training / monitoring / updating / inference of the LMF-side models for DL positioning, which contains DL PRS measurements, the LMF may request the gNB(s) to transmit a DL PRS with a specific TRP Tx TE. In the example embodiments, the LMF may determine the TRP Tx TE based on the positioning quality of service that needs to be satisfied such as, for example, the LMF selecting the lowest TE for a highest accuracy requirement.Step 2. the gNB may determine a DL PRS with a specific TRP Tx TE as requested, or with a different TRP Tx TE since its conditions may not be available such as, for example, due to resource constraints, and may inform the LMF about the configuration.Step 3. the LMF may provide to the UE the DL PRS configuration with the specific TRP Tx TE. The indication could be similar to the one in legacy such as, for example, via a LPP Provide Assistance Data message.Step 4. the LMF may request the UE to perform DL PRS measurements with the specific UE Rx TE, as well as to collect ground truth information such as, for example, UE location information, for monitoring, updating, and training purposes. In the latter case, the UE could be a PRU.Step 5. the UE may collect the requested data, such as DL PRS measurements given the specific TRP Tx TE as well as a UE Rx TE on its side.Step 6. the UE may report the collected data to the LMF.Step 7. the LMF may utilize the data to perform inference, monitoring, updating, or training its AI / ML model(s).

[0109] Referring now to FIG. 8, an illustration is shown comprising training, monitoring and inference in regard to LMF-side models for UL positioning (Case 3b). The example method may comprise the following steps:Step 1 - the LMF may request UE capabilities on supported and / or applicable UE Tx TE information such as, for example, supported values of error margins, for transmitting a UL SRS.Step 2 - the UE may provide the requested capability information.Step 3 -In order to collect data for training / monitoring / updating / inference of the LMF-side models for UL positioning, which contains UL SRS measurements, the LMF may request a serving gNB to configure a UE with a UL SRS with the specific Tx TE. a. In an example embodiment, the UE might be selected by the gNB or LMF, such as based on UE capabilities. The UE could be a PRU, e.g., if LMF wants to collect ground truth information, such as the UE location information.b. In an example embodiment, the LMF may determine the UE Tx TE based on the positioning quality of service that needs to be satisfied, e.g., LMF selects the lowest TE for highest accuracy requirement.Steps 4-8 may be similar to Steps 1-6 of the solution for gNB-side models, namely used to configure and activate UL SRS transmission with the specific UE Tx TE, and inform other gNB(s) about the UL SRS configuration.Step 9 - the LMF may request UL SRS measurements from gNB(s) with the specific TRP Rx TE• In an example embodiment, the LMF may determine the TRP Rx TE based on the positioning quality of service that needs to be satisfied such as, for example, the LMF may select the lowest TE for a highest accuracy requirement.Steps 10-12 - the gNB(s) may collect the requested measurements and provide to the LMF.Step 13 - the LMF may utilize the data to perform inference, monitoring, updating, or training its AI / ML model(s).

[0110] Further example embodiments:

[0111] In an example embodiment, the timing error (TE) could be indicated as in legacy, namely, as a margin of error, further mapped to a Timing Error Group (TEG) with an ID (TEG ID) corresponding to measurements from different PRS / SRS resources that have timing error margin.

[0112] In an example embodiment, the TE could be indicated as a specific error value, a number of values, or as a minimum and / or maximum value.

[0113] The above examples show that explicit ways of indicating TE may be provided. In one type of example embodiment, TRP timing error (TE) information (as well as other information in LPP Assistance Data) may be indicated explicitly or implicitly to the UE to ensure consistency between training and inference. While explicit indication may follow a legacy format, in the case of an implicit indication the network may indicate an "associated ID"which may reflect different values or changes in TE, where an explicit value(s) is only known to NW. This way, details of NW-side implementation or conditions are not revealed to the UE, and only the associated ID is checked whether conditions are consistent during training and inference. A timing error can be indicated implicitly for any of the signaling among the UE, the gNB, and the LMF.

[0114] The associated ID may correspond to a TE value or a min / max / range of TE values, or a change in them. A single associated ID may correspond to only TE information, or it may also correspond to TE information combined with one or more other information, e.g., beam / antenna information, which is indicated implicitly. The type of information (e.g., TE) and / or their actual values corresponding to an associated ID might be known only to the entity that assigns it, e.g., by LMF or gNB for TRP Tx / Rx TE, or by the UE in case of UE Tx / Rx TE, or it might be pre-exchanged between entities so that both parties know which information and / or actual values each ID refers to, whereby, later, only the ID might be exchanged to reduce signaling overhead.

[0115] In an example embodiment, the measurements may consist of (at least) timing information, such as time of arrival (ToA), e.g., measured between UE and a single TRP, time difference of arrival (TDOA) or reference signal time difference (RSTD), e.g., measured between UE and multiple TRPs, Rx-Tx time difference, e.g., measured for round-trip time (RTT) between UE and one or more TRP(s), as per their definitions in legacy positioning [3GPP TS 38.305],

[0116] In an example embodiment, the ground truth information may consist of (approximate) values of UE location coordinates, absolute and / or relative location or range (in terms of distance and / or angle) of the UE, as well as other positioning-related intermediate features such as timing information (ToA, TDoA, Rx-Tx time difference, etc.) or LOS / NLOS indicator, or power or phase information, depending on the use case, hence the AI / ML task, i.e., what is being estimated by AI / ML or AI / ML output. Positioning-related estimation may include intermediate features such as TOA, TDOA, LOS / NLOS as well as a UE‘s location estimate, e.g., location coordinates, relative location, range (distance and / or angle), etc.

[0117] In an example embodiment, the signaling between UE and LMF takes places via LPP, signaling between UE and gNB takes place via RRC or MAC, signaling between gNB and LMF takes place via NRPPa protocol.

[0118] In an example embodiment, depending on the targeted positioning accuracy, the consistency checking between training and inference based on Tx and / or RX TE can allow a margin on acceptable error gap between the TE during training and the TE during inference.

[0119] In an example embodiment, the UE or the gNB may report any change in their Tx and / or Rx TE to the LMF such as, for example, if it differs from configured / requested values associated with a measurement.

[0120] In an example embodiment, the LMF or the gNB may group UEs that share same or similar TE values such as, for example, those staying within a range or margin of values as in TEG grouping and use this group of UEs when selecting specific UEs for data collection.

[0121] In an example embodiment, the LMF may utilize the TE information to identify the antenna branch used by the UE or a gNB ,and configure the UE or a gNB to use the same antenna branch for the inference.

[0122] In accordance with one embodiment, an example apparatus is provided comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: sending at least one timing error, where the at least one timing error is for use in estimating a position of the apparatus.

[0123] The at least one timing error may comprise a receiving timing error and a transmitting timing error. The sending of the at least one timing error may comprise sending a request which comprises the at least one timing error. The request may be for use by a location management function. The instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to perform: prior to sending the at least one timing error, sending a request for a transmitting timing error from a network entity, where the transmitting timing error is for use with a downlink transmission. The at least one timing error may comprise a transmitting timing error of a transmission and reception point. The instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to perform: receiving a downlink configurationwith the requested transmitting timing error; and collecting data by the apparatus using the transmitting timing error. The instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to perform: receiving, by the apparatus, data collected with a network equipment, where the collected data comprises at least one of: collected data which used the at least one timing error, or collected data which used a different at least one timing error. The instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to perform at least one of: monitoring, by the apparatus, performance of positioning related information for the apparatus using the received collected data, or performing, by the apparatus, an inference or a positioning related estimation using a received downlink position reference signal configuration, where the downlink position reference signal configuration is based, at least partially, on the at least one timing error sent by the apparatus. The instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to perform: training of a positioning model using at least one of: the collected data, or data received from a network entity. The instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to perform: receiving, by the apparatus, a request for capability information of the apparatus regarding at least one of: a transmitting timing error of the apparatus or a receiving timing error of the apparatus; and sending the capability information of the apparatus. The instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to perform: receiving, by the apparatus, a message for configuring uplink signaling which is based, at least partially, on the sent capability information of the apparatus. The sending of the at least one timing error may be sent by the apparatus for at least one of a base station or a location management function. The sent at least one timing error may be an estimated at least one timing error of a positioning model by the apparatus.

[0124] Referring also to FIG. 9, an example method may be provided comprising: sending at least one timing error, where the at least one timing error is for use in estimating the position of an apparatus as indicated with block 902; and collecting data for use in estimating a position of the apparatus as indicated with block 904. The at least one timing error may be a receiving timing error and a transmitting timing error. The sending of the at least one timing error may comprise sending a request which comprises the at least one timing error. The request may be for use by a location management function. The method may further comprise: prior to sending the at least one timing error, sending a request for a transmitting timing error from a networkentity, where the transmitting timing error is for use with a downlink transmission. The at least one timing error may comprise a transmitting timing error of a transmission and reception point. The method may further comprise: receiving a downlink configuration with the requested transmitting timing error; and where the collecting data uses the transmitting timing error. The may further comprise: receiving, by the apparatus, data collected with a network equipment, where the data collected with the network equipment comprises at least one of: collected data which used the at least one timing error, or collected data which used a different at least one timing error. The method may further comprise: monitoring, by the apparatus, performance of positioning related information for the apparatus using the received collected data, or performing, by the apparatus, an inference or a positioning related estimation using a received downlink position reference signal configuration, where the downlink position reference signal configuration is based, at least partially, on the at least one timing error sent by the apparatus. The method may further comprise: training of a positioning model using at least one of: the collected data, or data received from a network entity. The method may further comprise: receiving, by the apparatus, a request for capability information of the apparatus regarding at least one of: a transmitting timing error of the apparatus or a receiving timing error of the apparatus; and sending the capability information of the apparatus. The method may further comprise: receiving, by the apparatus, a message for configuring uplink signaling which is based, at least partially, on the sent capability information of the apparatus. The sending of the at least one timing error may be sent by the apparatus for at least one of a base station or a location management function. The sent at least one timing error may be an estimated at least one timing error of a positioning model by the apparatus.

[0125] An example embodiment may be provided with an apparatus comprising: means for sending at least one timing error, where the at least one timing error is for use in estimating the position of the apparatus; and means for collecting data for use in estimating a position of the apparatus.

[0126] An example embodiment 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: sending at least one timing error, where the at least one timing error is for use in estimating the position of the apparatus.

[0127] An example embodiment may be provided with 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: sending, by the apparatus, a request for at least one timing error for use in estimating a position of the apparatus, where the at least one timing error is for a downlink position reference signal transmission. The at least one timing error may comprise a transmitting timing error. The apparatus may comprise a user equipment, and where the at least one timing error may comprise a transmitting timing error for a transmission and reception point. The instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to perform: receiving a downlink configuration with the requested at least one timing error; and collecting data by the apparatus using the at least one timing error. The instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to perform: training of a positioning model using at least one of: the collected data, or data received from a network entity. The instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to perform at least one of: sending, by the apparatus, a request which comprises the at least one timing error, where the at least one timing error comprises a receiving timing error and a transmitting timing error, or sending, by the apparatus, information which the apparatus used for training a positioning model, where the information comprises the receiving timing error and the transmitting timing error. The instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to perform: receiving data collected with a network equipment which used the receiving timing error and the transmitting timing error. The instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to perform: monitoring, by the apparatus, performance of positioning related information for the apparatus using the received collected data. The instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to perform: sending, by the apparatus, the receiving timing error and the transmitting timing error which the apparatus used for training of a positioning model. The instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to perform: performing, by the apparatus, an inference using a received downlink position reference signal configuration, where the downlink position reference signal configuration is based, at least partially, on the timing errors sent by the apparatus. The instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to perform: receiving, by the apparatus, a request for capability information of the apparatus regarding a transmitting timing error of the apparatus; and based at least partially on the received request,sending the capability information of the apparatus. The instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: receiving, by the apparatus, a message for configuring uplink signaling which is based, at least partially, on the sent capability information of the apparatus. The sending of the timing errors may be sent by the apparatus for at least one of a base station or a location management function. The sent timing errors may be estimated timing errors used for the training of a positioning model by the apparatus.

[0128] Referring also to FIG. 10, an example method may be provided comprising: sending a request for at least one timing error for use in estimating a position of an apparatus, where the at least one timing error is for a downlink position reference signal transmission as indicated with block 1002; and collecting data for use in estimating a position of the apparatus as indicated with block 1104. The at least one timing error may comprise a transmitting timing error. The apparatus may comprise a user equipment, and where the at least one timing error comprises a transmitting timing error for a transmission and reception point. The method may further comprise: receiving a downlink configuration with the requested at least one timing error. The method may further comprise: training of a positioning model using at least one of: the collected data, or data received from a network entity. The method may further comprise at least one of: sending, by the apparatus, a request which comprises the at least one timing error, where the at least one timing error comprises a receiving timing error and a transmitting timing error, or sending, by the apparatus, information which the apparatus used for training a positioning model, where the information comprises the receiving timing error and the transmitting timing error. The method may further comprise: receiving data, collected with a network equipment, which used the receiving timing error and the transmitting timing error, may further comprise: monitoring performance of positioning related information for the apparatus using the received collected data. The method may further comprise: sending the receiving timing error and the transmitting timing error which the apparatus used for training of a positioning model. The method may further comprise: performing an inference using a received downlink position reference signal configuration, where the downlink position reference signal configuration is based, at least partially, on the timing errors sent by the apparatus. The method may further comprise: receiving a request for capability information of the apparatus regarding a transmitting timing error of the apparatus; and based at least partially on the received request, sending the capability information of the apparatus. The instructions,when executed with the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to perform: receiving a message for configuring uplink signaling which is based, at least partially, on the sent capability information of the apparatus. The sending of the timing errors may be sent by the apparatus for at least one of a base station or a location management function. The sent timing errors may be estimated timing errors used for the training of a positioning model by the apparatus.

[0129] An example embodiment may be provided with an apparatus comprising: means for sending a request for at least one timing error for use in estimating a position of the apparatus, where the at least one timing error is for a downlink position reference signal transmission; and means for collecting data for use in estimating a position of the apparatus.

[0130] An example embodiment 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: sending a request for at least one timing error for use in estimating a position of the apparatus, where the at least one timing error is for a downlink position reference signal transmission.

[0131] An example embodiment may be provided with 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, by the apparatus, a request for capability information of the apparatus regarding at least one timing error for use by the apparatus in estimating a position of the apparatus; and sending the capability information of the apparatus.

[0132] The instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to perform: receiving, by the apparatus, a message for configuring uplink signaling which is based, at least partially, on the sent capability information of the apparatus. The apparatus may be a user equipment, and where the instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to perform: receiving, by the apparatus, a further request for capability information of the apparatus regarding at least one timing error of the apparatus for use by a location management function in estimating a position of the apparatus; and sending the capability information of the apparatus. The instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to perform: receiving an uplink signal witha transmitting timing error for use by the apparatus; and configuring the apparatus to use the received transmitting timing error for estimating a position of the apparatus.

[0133] Referring also to FIG. 11, an example embodiment may be provided with a method comprising: receiving, by an apparatus, a request for capability information of the apparatus regarding at least one timing error for use by the apparatus in estimating a position of the apparatus as illustrated with block 1102; and sending the capability information of the apparatus as illustrated with block 1104. The method may further comprise: receiving, by the apparatus, a message for configuring uplink signaling which is based, at least partially, on the sent capability information of the apparatus. The apparatus may be a user equipment, and where the method may comprise: receiving, by the apparatus, a further request for capability information of the apparatus regarding at least one timing error of the apparatus for use by a location management function in estimating a position of the apparatus; and sending the capability information of the apparatus. The method may further comprise: receiving an uplink signal with a transmitting timing error for use by the apparatus; and configuring the apparatus to use the received transmitting timing error for estimating a position of the apparatus.

[0134] An example embodiment may be provided with an apparatus comprising: means for receiving a request for capability information of the apparatus regarding at least one timing error for use by the apparatus in estimating a position of the apparatus; and means for sending the capability information of the apparatus.

[0135] An example embodiment 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: receiving, by the apparatus, a request for capability information of the apparatus regarding at least one timing error for use by the apparatus in estimating a position of the apparatus; and sending the capability information of the apparatus.

[0136] An example embodiment may be provided with 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: sending, from the apparatus, at least one timing error, where the at least one timing error is for use in estimating a position of a user equipment, and where the at least one timing error is for use with a network entity. The at least one timing error may comprise a receiving timing error and a transmitting timing error. The apparatusmay comprise a base station, where the transmitting timing error may be a transmitting timing error of the user equipment, and where the receiving timing error may be a transmission reception point receiving timing error. The sending of the at least one timing error may comprise sending a request which comprises the at least one timing error. The instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to perform: receiving, by the apparatus, data collected with a network equipment, where the collected data comprises at least one of: collected data which used the at least one timing error, or collected data which used a different at least one timing error. The instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to perform: monitoring, by the apparatus, performance of positioning related information using the received collected data. The instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to perform: sending, from the apparatus, the at least one timing error which the apparatus used for training of a positioning model of the apparatus. The instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to perform: receiving, by the apparatus, a request for uplink information for a user equipment transmitting timing error and uplink measurements based on a network equipment receiving timing error. The instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to perform: sending, from the apparatus, a message having configuration information for a user equipment, where the configuration information comprises the uplink information with a transmitting timing error for use by the user equipment for estimating the position of the user equipment, or sending, from the apparatus, a request to a network entity for configuration information for the user equipment, where the configuration information comprises an uplink sounding reference signal with the transmitting timing error for use by the user equipment for estimating the position of the user equipment. For consistency between inference and training, the gNB may want to configure a same TX TE it used for training also for inference. However for monitoring / updating or training a new model, etc., the gNB may want to configure any TX TE. The sent timing errors may be estimated timing errors used for the training of a positioning model. In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the model may be at the gNB. In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 5 the model may be at the UE. In the example embodiment shown in FIGs. 7-8 the model may be at the LMF. What is being monitored would be the gNB's model for positioning-related estimations. Note that both Rx TE and Tx TE may be important in any case since both of themimpact an estimation (at any-side model). In the future, e.g., in 6G, two-sided models (e.g., models at UE and gNB) may be provided to work together to perform an estimation.

[0137] Referring also to FIG. 12, an example embodiment may be provided with a method comprising: sending, from an apparatus, at least one timing error, where the at least one timing error is an estimated at least one timing error of a positioning model by the apparatus, where the timing errors are for use with a network entity as illustrated with block 1202; and collecting data for use in estimating a position of a user equipment, as illustrated with block 1204 The at least one timing error may comprise a receiving timing error and a transmitting timing error. The apparatus may comprise a base station, where the transmitting timing error may be a transmitting timing error of the user equipment, and where the receiving timing error may be a transmission reception point receiving timing error. The sending of the at least one timing error may comprise sending a request which comprises the at least one timing error. The method may comprise: receiving, by the apparatus, data collected with a network equipment, where the collected data comprises at least one of: collected data which used the at least one timing error, or collected data which used a different at least one timing error. The requesting gNB may itself collects data. In one example data may collected by other gNBs, and forwarded to the requesting gNB via the LMF. The method may further comprise: monitoring, by the apparatus, performance of positioning related information, using the received collected data. The instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, may comprise the apparatus to perform: sending, from the apparatus, the at least one timing error which the apparatus used for training of a positioning model of the network equipment. The method may further comprise: receiving, by the apparatus, a request for uplink information for a user equipment transmitting timing error and uplink measurements based on a network equipment receiving timing error. The method may further comprise: sending, from the apparatus, a message having configuration information for a user equipment, where the configuration information comprises the uplink information with a transmitting timing error for use by the user equipment for estimating the position of the user equipment, or sending, from the apparatus, a request to a network entity for configuration information for the user equipment, where the configuration information comprises an uplink sounding reference signal with the transmitting timing error for use by the user equipment for estimating the position of the user equipment. The sent timing errors may be estimated timing errors used for the training of a positioning model.

[0138] An example embodiment may be provided with an apparatus comprising: means for sending, from an apparatus, at least one timing error, where the at least one timing error is an estimated at least one timing error of a positioning model by the apparatus, where the timing errors are for use with a network entity; and means for collecting data for use in estimating a position of a user equipment.

[0139] An example embodiment 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: sending, from the apparatus, at least one timing error, where the at least one timing error is an estimated at least one timing error of a positioning model by the apparatus, where the timing errors are for use with a network entity.

[0140] An example embodiment may be provided with 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 at least one of: sending, from the apparatus, a message having configuration information for a user equipment, where the configuration information comprises an uplink sounding reference signal with a transmitting timing error for use by the user equipment for estimating a position of the user equipment, or sending, from the apparatus, a request to a network entity for configuration information, for a user equipment, which comprises a transmitting timing error for use by the user equipment for estimating a position of the user equipment. The transmitting timing error may be an estimated timing error used for training of a positioning model of the network equipment. The instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to perform: before sending the request or the message from the apparatus, sending a transmission and reception point receiving timing error and a user equipment transmitting timing error, where the timing errors are for use with a network entity. The sending of the transmission and reception point receiving timing error and the user equipment transmitting timing error may comprise sending a request which comprises the timing errors. The instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to perform: receiving, by the apparatus, data collected with a network equipment, where the collected data comprises at least one of: collected data which used the transmission and reception point receiving timing error and the user equipment transmitting timing error, or collected data which used a different at least one timing error. The instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to perform:monitoring, by the apparatus, performance of positioning related information using the received collected data. The instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to perform: sending, from the apparatus, the transmission and reception point receiving timing error and the user equipment transmitting timing error which the apparatus used for the training of a positioning model of the apparatus. The instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to perform, based at least partially on the sending of the transmission and reception point receiving timing error and the user equipment transmitting timing error, receiving: uplink information related to the user equipment transmitting timing error, and uplink measurements based on the transmission and reception point receiving timing error. The instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to perform: sending, by the apparatus, a request for capability information of the user equipment regarding the transmitting timing error of the user equipment; and based at least partially on the sent request, receiving the capability information of the user equipment. The instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to perform: sending, by the apparatus, a message for configuring uplink signaling which is based, at least partially, on the received capability information of the user equipment. The instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to perform: sending a message to a network entity comprising information regarding the sent message for configuring uplink signaling, where the message sent to the network entity comprises uplink configuration information for the user equipment transmitting timing error, where the message sent to the network entity is for a location management function to send at least one of: a message to the user equipment for activating an uplink transmission, or a message to a neighbor base station, also known as a neighbor network equipment, with uplink configuration information for use with the user equipment.

[0141] Referring also to FIG. 13, an example embodiment may be provided with a method comprising: sending, from an apparatus, a message having configuration information for a user equipment, where the configuration information comprises an uplink sounding reference signal with a transmitting timing error for use by the user equipment for estimating a position of the user equipment as illustrated with block 1302; or sending, from the apparatus, a request to a network entity for configuration information, for a user equipment, which comprises a transmitting timing error for use by the user equipment for estimating a position of the userequipment as illustrated with block 1304. The transmitting timing error may be an estimated timing error used for training of a positioning model of a network equipment. The method may further comprise: before sending the request or the message from the apparatus, sending a transmission and reception point receiving timing error and a user equipment transmitting timing error, where the timing errors are for use with the network entity. The sending of the transmission and reception point receiving timing error and the user equipment transmitting timing error may comprise sending a request which comprises the timing errors. The method may further comprise: receiving, by the apparatus, data collected with a network equipment, where the collected data comprises at least one of: collected data which used the transmission and reception point receiving timing error and the user equipment transmitting timing error, or collected data which used a different at least one timing error. The method may further comprise: monitoring, by the apparatus, performance of positioning related information using the received collected data. The method may further comprise: sending, from the apparatus, the transmission and reception point receiving timing error and the user equipment transmitting timing error which the apparatus used for the training of a positioning model of the network equipment. The method may further comprise, based at least partially on the sending of the transmission and reception point receiving timing error and the user equipment transmitting timing error, receiving: uplink information related to the user equipment transmitting timing error, and uplink measurements based on the transmission and reception point receiving timing error. The method may further comprise: sending, by the apparatus, a request for capability information of the user equipment regarding the transmitting timing error of the user equipment; and based at least partially on the sent request, receiving the capability information of the user equipment. The method may further comprise: sending, by the apparatus, a message for configuring uplink signaling which is based, at least partially, on the received capability information of the user equipment. The method may further comprise: sending a message to a network entity comprising information regarding the sent message for configuring uplink signaling, where the message sent to the network entity comprises uplink configuration information for the user equipment transmitting timing error, where the message sent to the network entity is for a location management function to send at least one of: a message to the user equipment for activating an uplink transmission, or a message to a neighbor base station with uplink configuration information for use with the user equipment.

[0142] An example embodiment may be provided with an apparatus comprising: means for sending, from the apparatus, a message having configuration information for a user equipment, where the configuration information comprises an uplink sounding reference signal with a transmitting timing error for use by the user equipment for estimating a position of the user equipment, or means for sending, from the apparatus, a request to a network entity for configuration information, for a user equipment, which comprises a transmitting timing error for use by the user equipment for estimating a position of the user equipment.

[0143] An example embodiment 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: sending, from the apparatus, a message having configuration information for a user equipment, where the configuration information comprises an uplink sounding reference signal with a transmitting timing error for use by the user equipment for estimating a position of the user equipment, or sending, from the apparatus, a request to a network entity for configuration information, for a user equipment, which comprises a transmitting timing error for use by the user equipment for estimating a position of the user equipment.

[0144] An example embodiment may be provided with 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 at least one of : receiving a message, from a network entity, regarding at least one timing error for a user equipment, where the apparatus comprises a base station; and sending, by the apparatus, configuration information regarding the user equipment, where the configuration information is based on the at least one timing error for use with another base station. The message may comprise a request for an uplink sounding reference signal with the at least one timing error, where the at least one timing error comprises a specific user equipment transmitting timing error.

[0145] Referring also to FIG. 14, an example embodiment may be provided with a method comprising: receiving a message by an apparatus, from a network entity, regarding at least one timing error for a user equipment, where the apparatus comprises a base station as illustrated with block 1402; and sending, by the apparatus, configuration information regarding the user equipment, where the configuration information is based on the at least one timing error foruse with another base station as illustrated with block 1404. The message may comprise a request for an uplink sounding reference signal with the at least one timing error, where the at least one timing error comprises a specific user equipment transmitting timing error.

[0146] An example embodiment may be provided with an apparatus comprising: means for receiving a message, from a network entity, regarding at least one timing error for a user equipment, where the apparatus comprises a base station; and means for sending configuration information regarding the user equipment, where the configuration information is based on the at least one timing error for use with another base station.

[0147] An example embodiment 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: receiving a message by the apparatus, from a network entity, regarding at least one timing error for a user equipment, where the apparatus comprises a base station; and sending, by the apparatus, configuration information regarding the user equipment, where the configuration information is based on the at least one timing error for use with another base station.

[0148] An example embodiment may be provided with 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: sending, from the apparatus, a request for at least one of: a reference signal comprising a transmitting timing error for use in estimating a position of a user equipment, or measurements which used a receiving timing error for use in estimating the position of the user equipment. The measurements may comprise at least one of: a time of arrival measurement, a received signal time difference measurement, a round trip time measurement, a receiving-transmitting time difference, or a time of flight measurement. The request may comprise a request for at least one of: a downlink position reference signal, or an uplink sounding reference signal. The request may be for a downlink position reference signal with a specific transmission and reception point transmitting timing error. The request may be for an uplink sounding reference signal with a specific user equipment transmitting timing error. The instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to perform: requesting capability information from the user equipment regarding at least one of: the transmitting timing error, or a receiving timing error. The instructions, whenexecuted with the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to perform: receiving the requested capability information regarding at least one of: the transmitting timing error, or the receiving timing error. The instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to perform: sending configuration information for an uplink signaling with the transmitting timing error for a neighbor base station. The instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to perform at least one of training, monitoring, inference or positioning estimation using collected information received by the apparatus, where at least one of the transmitting timing error or the receiving timing error is an estimated timing error, and where the collected information is used for training, monitoring or inference of a positioning model of the apparatus or positioning estimation. The apparatus may comprise a location management function. The sending of the request for the reference signal may be for a base station in a cell comprising the user equipment or another base station. The sending of the request for the uplink sounding reference signal may be for a base station in a cell comprising the user equipment. The sending of the request for the measurements may be for a base station in a cell comprising the user equipment or another base station.

[0149] Referring also to FIG. 15, an example embodiment may be provided with a method comprising: sending, from the apparatus, a request for at least one of a reference signal comprising a transmitting timing error for use in estimating a position of a user equipment, or measurements which used a receiving timing error for use in estimating the position of the user equipment as illustrated with block 1502. The measurements may comprise at least one of: a time of arrival measurement, a received signal time difference measurement, a round trip time measurement, a receiving-transmitting time difference, or a time of flight measurement. The request may comprise a request for at least one of: a downlink position reference signal, or an uplink sounding reference signal. The request may be for a downlink position reference signal with a specific transmission and reception point transmitting timing error. The request may be for an uplink sounding reference signal with a specific user equipment transmitting timing error. The method may further comprise: requesting capability information from the user equipment regarding at least one of: the transmitting timing error, or a receiving timing error. The method may further comprise: receiving the requested capability information regarding at least one of: the transmitting timing error, or the receiving timing error. The method may further comprise: sending configuration information for an uplink signaling with thetransmitting timing error for a neighbor base station. The method may further comprise at least one of training, monitoring, inference or positioning estimation using collected information received by the apparatus, where at least one of the transmitting timing error or the receiving timing error is an estimated timing error, and where the collected information is used for training, monitoring or inference of a positioning model of the apparatus or positioning estimation. The apparatus may comprise a location management function. The sending of the request for the reference signal may be for a base station in a cell comprising the user equipment or another base station. The sending of the request for the uplink sounding reference signal may be for a base station in a cell comprising the user equipment. The sending of the request for the measurements may be for a base station in a cell comprising the user equipment or another base station.

[0150] An example embodiment may be provided with an apparatus comprising: means for sending a request for at least one of: a reference signal comprising a transmitting timing error for use in estimating a position of a user equipment, or measurements which used a receiving timing error for use in estimating the position of the user equipment.

[0151] An example embodiment 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: sending, from the apparatus, a request for at least one of: a reference signal comprising a transmitting timing error for use in estimating a position of a user equipment, or measurements which used a receiving timing error for use in estimating the position of the user equipment.

[0152] An example embodiment may be provided with 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 at least one of: receiving a request for measurements with a receiving timing error, or receiving a request for capability information of the apparatus regarding at least one of: a transmitting timing error of the apparatus or the receiving timing error of the apparatus. The request for measurements may comprise at least one ground truth. The instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, may the apparatus to perform: collecting of data with the receiving timing error; and sending the collected data to a network entity. The collecting of the data may comprise use of atransmission reception point transmitting timing error. The instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to perform: sending the capability information of the apparatus regarding the transmitting timing error of the apparatus, and receiving an uplink configuration based on the transmitting timing error of the apparatus.

[0153] Referring also to FIG. 16, an example embodiment may be provided with a method comprising: receiving a request for measurements with a receiving timing error, or receiving a request for capability information of the apparatus regarding at least one of: a transmitting timing error of the apparatus or the receiving timing error of the apparatus; as illustrated with block 1602 and collecting of data with the receiving timing error as illustrated with block 1604. The request for measurements may comprise at least one ground truth. The method may comprise sending the collected data to a network entity. The collecting of the data may comprise use of a transmission reception point transmitting timing error. The instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to perform: sending the capability information of the apparatus regarding the transmitting timing error of the apparatus, and receiving an uplink configuration based on the transmitting timing error of the apparatus.

[0154] An example embodiment may be provided with an apparatus comprising: means for receiving a request for measurements with a receiving timing error, or receiving a request for capability information of the apparatus regarding at least one of: a transmitting timing error of the apparatus or the receiving timing error of the apparatus; and means for collecting of data with the receiving timing error.

[0155] An example embodiment 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: receiving a request for measurements with a receiving timing error, or receiving a request for capability information of the apparatus regarding at least one of: a transmitting timing error of the apparatus or the receiving timing error of the apparatus; and collecting of data with the receiving timing error.

[0156] An example embodiment may be provided with 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: sending information for identifying at least onetiming error, where the at least one timing error is for estimating a position of the apparatus. The information may comprise an ID which identifies one or more values of the at least one timing error or a change in the values. The information for identifying the at least one timing error may be for implicitly identifying at least one timing error.

[0157] Referring also to FIG. 17, an example embodiment may be provided with a method comprising: sending information for identifying at least one timing error, where the at least one timing error is for estimating a position of an apparatus as illustrated with block 1702; and collecting data for use in estimating a position of the apparatus as illustrated with block 1704.

[0158] An example embodiment may be provided with an apparatus comprising: means for sending information for identifying at least one timing error, where the at least one timing error is for estimating a position of the apparatus; and means for collecting data for use in estimating a position of the apparatus.

[0159] An example embodiment 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: sending information for identifying at least one timing error, where the at least one timing error is for estimating a position of an apparatus.

[0160] 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).

[0161] 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.”

[0162] This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of this term in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term circuitry also covers an implementation of merely a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware. The term circuitry also covers, for example and if applicable to the particular claim element, a baseband integrated circuit or processor integrated circuit for a mobile device or a similar integrated circuit in server, a cellular network device, or other computing or network device.

[0163] It should be understood that the foregoing description is only illustrative. Various alternatives and modifications can be devised by those skilled in the art. For example, features recited in the various dependent claims could be combined with each other in any suitable combination(s). In addition, features from different embodiments described above could be selectively combined into a new embodiment. Accordingly, the description is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variances which fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: sending at least one timing error, where the at least one timing error is for use in estimating a position of the apparatus.

2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , where the at least one timing error comprises a receiving timing error and a transmitting timing error.

3. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1-2, where the sending of the at least one timing error comprises sending a request which comprises the at least one timing error.

4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 3, where the request is for use by a location management function.

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: prior to sending the at least one timing error, sending a request for a transmitting timing error, where the transmitting timing error is for use with a downlink transmission.

6. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1-5, where the at least one timing error comprises a transmitting timing error of a transmission and reception point.

7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 5, where the instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: receiving a downlink configuration with the requested transmitting timing error; and collecting data by the apparatus using the transmitting timing error.

8. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1-7, where the instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: receiving data collected with a network equipment, where the collected data comprises at least one of: collected data which used the at least one timing error, or collected data which used a different at least one timing error.

9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 8, where the instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least one of: monitoring performance of positioning related information for the apparatus using the received collected data, or performing an inference or a positioning related estimation using a received downlink position reference signal configuration, where the downlink position reference signal configuration is based, at least partially, on the at least one timing error sent by the apparatus.

10. The apparatus as claimed in claim 9, where the instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: training of a positioning model using at least one of: the collected data, or data received from a network entity.

11. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1-10, where the instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: receiving a request for capability information of the apparatus regarding at least one of: a transmitting timing error of the apparatus or a receiving timing error of the apparatus; andsending the capability information of the apparatus.

12. The apparatus as claimed in claim 9, where the instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: receiving a message for configuring uplink signaling which is based, at least partially, on the sent capability information of the apparatus.

13. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1-12, where the sending of the at least one timing error is sent by the apparatus for at least one of a base station or a location management function.

14. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1-13, where the sent at least one timing error is an estimated at least one timing error of a positioning model by the apparatus.

15. 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: sending a request for at least one timing error for use in estimating a position of the apparatus, where the at least one timing error is for a downlink position reference signal transmission.

16. The apparatus as claimed in claim 15, where the at least one timing error comprises a transmitting timing error.

17. The apparatus as claimed in claim 16, where the apparatus comprises a user equipment, and where the at least one timing error comprises a transmitting timing error for a transmission and reception point.

18. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 15-17, where the instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: receiving a downlink configuration with the requested at least one timing error; andcollecting data by the apparatus using the at least one timing error.

19. The apparatus as claimed in claim 18, where the instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: training of a positioning model using at least one of: the collected data, or data received from a network entity.

20. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 15-19, where the instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least one of: sending a request which comprises the at least one timing error, where the at least one timing error comprises a receiving timing error and a transmitting timing error, or sending information which the apparatus used for training a positioning model, where the information comprises the receiving timing error and the transmitting timing error.

21. The apparatus as claimed in claim 20, where the instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: receiving data collected with a network equipment which used the receiving timing error and the transmitting timing error.

22. The apparatus as claimed in claim 21, where the instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: monitoring performance of positioning related information for the apparatus using the received collected data.

23. The apparatus as claimed in claim 22, where the instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: sending the receiving timing error and the transmitting timing error which the apparatus used for training of a positioning model.

24. The apparatus as claimed in claim 23, where the instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: performing an inference using a received downlink position reference signal configuration, where the downlink position reference signal configuration is based, at least partially, on the timing errors sent by the apparatus.

25. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 15-24, where the instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: receiving, by the apparatus, a request for capability information of the apparatus regarding a transmitting timing error of the apparatus; and based at least partially on the received request, sending the capability information of the apparatus.

26. The apparatus as claimed in claim 25, where the instructions, when executed with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: receiving a message for configuring uplink signaling which is based, at least partially, on the sent capability information of the apparatus.

27. 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: sending information for identifying at least one timing error, where the at least one timing error is for estimating a position of the apparatus.

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