Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

A communication method and apparatus, which are applied to the technical field of communications. In the method, on the basis of a phase measurement quantity obtained by measuring a first reference signal that is received by a terminal apparatus and is from a first network apparatus, a phase error obtained by measuring a first signal sent by the terminal apparatus and a direct path signal corresponding to the received first signal, a phase measurement quantity obtained by measuring a second reference signal that is received by the first network apparatus and is from the terminal apparatus, and a phase error obtained by measuring a second signal sent by the first network apparatus and a direct path signal corresponding to the received second signal, a first apparatus determines a delay from the first network apparatus sending the first reference signal to the terminal apparatus receiving the first reference signal, and a delay from the terminal apparatus sending the second reference signal to the first network apparatus receiving the second reference signal. By using a delay determined by means of the method to position a terminal apparatus, the positioning performance can be improved.

Description

Communication methods and devices

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411794146.8, filed on December 6, 2024, entitled "Communication Method and Apparatus", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method and apparatus. Background Technology

[0003] With continuous technological advancements, the location of terminal devices is increasingly crucial in various applications. Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) can be used for terminal positioning on the Earth's surface or in near-Earth space. In GNSS, reference signals are transmitted between satellites and the terminal for positioning. However, the transmission delays of these reference signals within both the satellite and terminal systems can cause positioning errors, impacting positioning performance. Improving positioning performance remains a subject of further research. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a communication method and apparatus that can improve positioning performance.

[0005] Firstly, this application provides a communication method applicable to a first device. For example, the first device may be a network device, or a component within the network device (e.g., a processor, chip, chip system, circuit, or functional module), or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the network device's functions. As another example, the first device may be a terminal device, or a component within the terminal device (e.g., a processor, chip, chip system, circuit, or functional module), or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the terminal device's functions. As yet another example, the first device may be a location management function network element, or a component within the location management function network element (e.g., a processor, chip, chip system, circuit, or functional module), or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the location management function network element's functions.

[0006] The method includes: a first device acquiring a first phase measurement, a first phase error, a second phase measurement, and a second phase error; and determining a first time delay and a second time delay based on the first phase measurement, the first phase error, the second phase measurement, and the second phase error, wherein the first time delay and the second time delay are used to determine the position of the terminal device.

[0007] The first phase measurement is obtained based on the first reference signal received by the terminal device from the first network device.

[0008] The first phase error is obtained by measuring the direct path signal corresponding to the first signal sent and received by the terminal device.

[0009] The second phase measurement is obtained based on the second reference signal received by the first network device from the terminal device.

[0010] The second phase error is obtained by measuring the direct path signal corresponding to the second signal sent and received by the first network device.

[0011] The first delay is the delay from when the first network device sends the first reference signal to when the terminal device receives the first reference signal.

[0012] The second delay is the delay between the terminal device sending the second reference signal and the first network device receiving the second reference signal.

[0013] It is evident that the phase measurement quantity corresponding to the downlink reference signal between the first network device and the terminal device (i.e., the first phase measurement quantity) is affected by the transmission delay of the downlink reference signal within the first network device, the downlink transmission delay, and the transmission delay of the downlink reference signal within the terminal device. The phase measurement quantity corresponding to the uplink reference signal between the first network device and the terminal device (i.e., the second phase measurement quantity) is affected by the transmission delay of the uplink reference signal within the terminal device, the uplink transmission delay, and the transmission delay of the uplink reference signal within the first network device. The phase error obtained by the terminal device through self-transmission and self-reception (i.e., the first phase error) is affected by the transmission delay of the signal within the terminal device. The phase error obtained by the first network device through self-transmission and self-reception (i.e., the second phase error) is affected by the transmission delay of the signal within the first network device.

[0014] This method determines the downlink and uplink transmission delays between the first network device and the terminal device based on the phase measurements of the uplink reference signal and the downlink reference signal, as well as the phase errors obtained by the terminal device and the first network device through self-transmission and self-reception. This ensures that the determined downlink and uplink transmission delays are the delays after mitigating / eliminating the signal transmission delay within the terminal device and the signal transmission delay within the first network device. Therefore, positioning based on the determined downlink and uplink transmission delays improves positioning accuracy and performance.

[0015] In one alternative implementation, a first phase measurement is associated with a first delay, the delay from signal generation to transmission by the first network device, and the delay from signal reception to signal processing by the terminal device. A second phase measurement is associated with a second delay, the delay from signal generation to transmission by the terminal device, and the delay from signal reception to signal processing by the first network device. A first phase error is associated with the delay from signal generation to transmission by the terminal device and the delay from signal reception to signal processing by the terminal device. A second phase error is associated with the delay from signal generation to transmission by the first network device and the delay from signal reception to signal processing by the first network device.

[0016] In one optional implementation, the time delay from signal reception to signal processing by the terminal device includes: the time delay from receiving the radio frequency analog signal to completing the sampling of the baseband digital signal corresponding to the radio frequency analog signal by the terminal device. The time delay from signal reception to signal processing by the first network device includes: the time delay from receiving the radio frequency analog signal to completing the sampling of the baseband digital signal corresponding to the radio frequency analog signal by the first network device.

[0017] In one optional implementation, the method further includes: a first device acquiring a first frequency point, a second frequency point, a third frequency point, and a fourth frequency point. The first frequency point is the frequency point at which the terminal device transmits a first signal, and the second frequency point is the frequency point at which the terminal device receives a direct path signal corresponding to the first signal. The third frequency point is the frequency point at which the first network device transmits a second signal, and the fourth frequency point is the frequency point at which the first network device receives a direct path signal corresponding to the second signal.

[0018] Based on the above scheme, the first device can obtain the frequency points used by the terminal device for self-transmission and self-reception, as well as the frequency points used by the first network device for self-transmission and self-reception. This is beneficial for the first device to subsequently select and determine the implementation mode of the first delay and the second delay based on the frequency point information of the self-transmission and self-reception of the terminal device and the first network device, as well as the frequency point information of the reference signals mutually transmitted by the terminal device and the first network device, thereby reducing the error between the first delay and the second delay and helping to reduce positioning errors.

[0019] In one alternative implementation, the first frequency point is different from the frequency point at which the terminal device transmits the second reference signal, and / or the second frequency point is different from the frequency point at which the terminal device receives the first reference signal.

[0020] The first device determines a first time delay and a second time delay based on a first phase measurement, a first phase error, a second phase measurement, and a second phase error, including: the first device determines a third phase error based on the first phase error, the third phase error being associated with the frequency point at which the terminal device transmits the second reference signal and the frequency point at which the terminal device receives the first reference signal; the first device determines the first time delay and the second time delay based on the first phase measurement, the third phase error, the second phase measurement, and the second phase error.

[0021] As can be seen, based on the above scheme, when the frequency point used by the terminal device for self-transmission and self-reception is different from the frequency point of the terminal device for receiving / transmitting the reference signal, the first device can not directly use the first phase error in the process of determining the first delay and the second delay. Instead, it can replace the first phase error with the third phase error associated with the frequency point of the terminal device for receiving and transmitting the reference signal. This is beneficial to reduce the error of the first delay and the second delay, thereby reducing the positioning error.

[0022] In one alternative implementation, the third frequency point is different from the frequency point at which the first network device transmits the first reference signal, and / or, the fourth frequency point is different from the frequency point at which the first network device receives the second reference signal.

[0023] The first device determines a first delay and a second delay based on a first phase measurement, a first phase error, a second phase measurement, and a second phase error, including: the first device determines a fourth phase error based on the second phase error, the fourth phase error being associated with the frequency point at which the first network device transmits a first reference signal and the frequency point at which the first network device receives a second reference signal; the first device determines the first delay and the second delay based on the first phase measurement, the first phase error, the second phase measurement, and the fourth phase error.

[0024] As can be seen, based on the above scheme, when the frequency point used by the first network device for self-transmission and self-reception is different from the frequency point of the first network device for receiving / transmitting reference signals, the first device can replace the second phase error with a fourth phase error associated with the frequency point of the first network device for receiving and transmitting reference signals instead of directly using the second phase error in determining the first delay and the second delay. This is beneficial to reduce the error of the first delay and the second delay, thereby reducing the positioning error.

[0025] In one optional implementation, the first frequency point is different from the frequency point at which the terminal device transmits the second reference signal, and / or the second frequency point is different from the frequency point at which the terminal device receives the first reference signal; and the third frequency point is different from the frequency point at which the first network device transmits the first reference signal, and / or the fourth frequency point is different from the frequency point at which the first network device receives the second reference signal.

[0026] The first device determines a first delay and a second delay based on a first phase measurement, a first phase error, a second phase measurement, and a second phase error, including: the first device determines a third phase error based on the first phase error, the third phase error being associated with the frequency point at which the terminal device transmits the second reference signal and the frequency point at which the terminal device receives the first reference signal; the first device determines a fourth phase error based on the second phase error, the fourth phase error being associated with the frequency point at which the first network device transmits the first reference signal and the frequency point at which the first network device receives the second reference signal; and the first device determines the first delay and the second delay based on the first phase measurement, the third phase error, the second phase measurement, and the fourth phase error.

[0027] As can be seen, based on the above scheme, when the frequency point used by the terminal device for self-transmission and self-reception differs from the frequency point used by the terminal device to receive / transmit the reference signal, and the frequency point used by the first network device for self-transmission and self-reception differs from the frequency point used by the first network device to receive / transmit the reference signal, the first device can, in determining the first delay and the second delay, not directly use the first phase error and the second phase error, but instead replace the first phase error with a third phase error associated with the frequency point used by the terminal device to receive and transmit the reference signal, and replace the second phase error with a fourth phase error associated with the frequency point used by the first network device to receive and transmit the reference signal. This helps to reduce the errors of the first delay and the second delay, thereby reducing the positioning error.

[0028] In one alternative implementation, the first delay is equal to the second delay; or, the first delay is not equal to the second delay. For example, in a TDD scenario, the first delay may be equal to the second delay. In an FDD scenario, the first delay is not equal to the second delay.

[0029] In one alternative implementation, the first delay is not equal to the second delay; the difference between the first delay and the second delay is determined based on ephemeris.

[0030] As can be seen, based on the above scheme, the difference between the first delay and the second delay can be determined by using ephemeris, which helps in determining the first delay and the second delay, and thus helps in determining the location of the terminal device.

[0031] In one optional implementation, the first delay is not equal to the second delay; the difference between the first delay and the second delay is related to the movement direction, movement distance, and movement speed of the first network device during a first time period. The start time of the first time period is the time when the first network device sends the first reference signal, and the end time is the time when the first network device receives the second reference signal; or, the start time of the first time period is the time when the first network device receives the second reference signal, and the end time is the time when the first network device sends the first reference signal.

[0032] In one optional implementation, the method further includes: the first device determining a carrier phase corresponding to a first reference signal based on a first time delay; the first device determining a carrier phase corresponding to a second reference signal based on a second time delay; the carrier phase corresponding to the first reference signal and the carrier phase corresponding to the second reference signal are used to determine the location of the terminal device.

[0033] Based on the above scheme, since the first delay is the downlink transmission delay after mitigating / eliminating the signal transmission delay within the terminal device and the signal transmission delay within the first network device, and the second delay is the uplink transmission delay after mitigating / eliminating the signal transmission delay within the terminal device and the signal transmission delay within the first network device, then the carrier phase corresponding to the first reference signal determined based on the first delay is the downlink carrier phase after mitigating / eliminating the phase error corresponding to the signal transmission delay within the terminal device and the phase error corresponding to the signal transmission delay within the first network device; similarly, the carrier phase corresponding to the second reference signal determined based on the second delay is the uplink carrier phase after mitigating / eliminating the phase error corresponding to the signal transmission delay within the terminal device and the phase error corresponding to the signal transmission delay within the first network device. Therefore, by determining the position of the terminal device based on the determined carrier phases corresponding to the first and second reference signals, positioning errors can be reduced and positioning performance improved.

[0034] In an optional implementation, the method further includes: a first device acquiring a third phase measurement, a fourth phase measurement, and a fifth phase error, a fifth phase measurement, and a sixth phase error. The first device determines a first time delay and a second time delay based on the first phase measurement, the first phase error, the second phase measurement, and the second phase error, including: the first device determining the first time delay, the second time delay, and a third time delay based on the first phase measurement, the first phase error, the second phase measurement, the second phase error, the third phase measurement, the fourth phase measurement, the fifth phase error, the fifth phase measurement, and the sixth phase error, wherein the first time delay, the second time delay, and the third time delay are used to determine the position of the terminal device.

[0035] The third phase measurement is obtained based on the third reference signal received by the terminal device from the second network device.

[0036] The fourth phase measurement is obtained based on the fourth reference signal received by the second network device from the first network device.

[0037] The fifth phase error is measured based on the direct path signal corresponding to the third signal sent and received by the second network device.

[0038] The fifth phase measurement is obtained based on the fifth reference signal received by the first network device from the second network device.

[0039] The sixth phase error is measured based on the direct path signal corresponding to the fourth signal sent and received by the first network device.

[0040] The third delay is the delay between the second network device sending the third reference signal and the terminal device receiving the third reference signal.

[0041] As can be seen, based on the above scheme, in addition to the first network device and the terminal device exchanging reference signals, the first network device also exchanges reference signals with the second network device, and the second network device sends reference signals to the terminal device. This method can simultaneously determine the downlink transmission delay and uplink transmission delay between the first network device and the terminal device, as well as the downlink transmission delay between the first network device and the terminal device.

[0042] This implementation method can be applied, for example, to a scenario where the second network device cannot receive the uplink signal sent by the terminal device. Based on this implementation method, the downlink transmission delay between the second network device and the terminal device that cannot receive the uplink signal sent by the terminal device can be determined. Then, the uplink transmission delay and downlink transmission delay between the first network device and the terminal device, as well as the downlink transmission delay between the second network device and the terminal device, can be used to determine the location of the terminal device, thereby ensuring positioning accuracy and improving positioning performance.

[0043] Secondly, this application provides a communication method that can be applied to a terminal device. For example, the terminal device can be a terminal equipment, a component within the terminal equipment (such as a processor, chip, chip system, circuit, or functional module), or a logic node, logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the terminal equipment.

[0044] The method includes: a terminal device sending a second reference signal to a first network device, the second reference signal being used to determine a second phase measurement; the terminal device sending a first phase measurement and a first phase error to the first device, the first phase measurement being obtained based on the first reference signal received by the terminal device from the first network device, and the first phase error being obtained based on the direct path signals corresponding to the first signal sent and the first signal received by the terminal device.

[0045] The first phase measurement, the first phase error, and the second phase measurement are used to determine the first delay and the second delay, which in turn are used to determine the location of the terminal device. The first delay is the delay from when the first network device sends the first reference signal to when the terminal device receives the first reference signal. The second delay is the delay from when the terminal device sends the second reference signal to when the first network device receives the second reference signal.

[0046] In one optional implementation, the method further includes: the terminal device sending a first frequency point and a second frequency point to the first device. The first frequency point is the frequency point at which the terminal device sends a first signal, and the second frequency point is the frequency point at which the terminal device receives a direct path signal corresponding to the first signal. The first frequency point is different from the frequency point at which the terminal device sends a second reference signal, and / or the second frequency point is different from the frequency point at which the terminal device receives the first reference signal.

[0047] In an optional implementation, the method further includes: the terminal device sending a third phase measurement to the first device, the third phase measurement being obtained based on a third reference signal received by the terminal device from the second network device. The third phase measurement is used to determine a first delay, a second delay, and a third delay by combining the first phase measurement, a first phase error, and a second phase measurement, wherein the third delay is the delay from when the second network device sends the third reference signal to when the terminal device receives the third reference signal.

[0048] The various embodiments in this aspect also have the same beneficial effects as those in the first aspect described above, which will not be described in detail here.

[0049] Thirdly, this application provides a communication method that can be applied to a network device. For example, a network device can be a network equipment, a component within a network equipment (such as a processor, chip, chip system, circuit, or functional module), or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of a network device. The following description uses a first network device as an example.

[0050] The method includes: a first network device sending a first reference signal to a terminal device, the first reference signal being used to determine a first phase measurement; the first network device sending a second phase measurement and a second phase error to the terminal device, the second phase measurement being obtained based on the second reference signal received by the first network device from the terminal device, and the second phase error being obtained based on the direct path signals corresponding to the second signal sent and received by the first network device.

[0051] The first phase measurement, the second phase measurement, and the second phase error are used to determine the first delay and the second delay, which in turn are used to determine the location of the terminal device. The first delay is the delay from when the first network device sends the first reference signal to when the terminal device receives the first reference signal. The second delay is the delay from when the terminal device sends the second reference signal to when the first network device receives the second reference signal.

[0052] In an optional implementation, the method further includes: the first network device sending a third frequency point and a fourth frequency point to the first device. The third frequency point is the frequency point at which the first network device sends the second signal, and the fourth frequency point is the frequency point at which the first network device receives the direct path signal corresponding to the second signal. The third frequency point is different from the frequency point at which the first network device sends the first reference signal, and / or, the fourth frequency point is different from the frequency point at which the first network device receives the second reference signal.

[0053] In an optional implementation, the method further includes: a first network device sending a fourth reference signal to a second network device, the fourth reference signal being used to determine a fourth phase measurement. The first network device also sends a fifth phase measurement and a sixth phase error to the first device, the fifth phase measurement being obtained based on the fifth reference signal received by the first network device from the second network device, and the sixth phase error being obtained based on the direct path signals corresponding to the fourth signal sent and received by the first network device.

[0054] The fourth phase measurement, the fifth phase measurement, and the sixth phase error are used to determine the first delay, the second delay, and the third delay by combining the first phase measurement, the second phase measurement, and the second phase error; the third delay is the delay of the second network device sending the third reference signal to the terminal device receiving the third reference signal.

[0055] The various embodiments in this aspect also have the same beneficial effects as those in the first aspect described above, which will not be described in detail here.

[0056] Fourthly, this application provides a communication method applicable to a network device. For example, the network device can be a network equipment, a component within the network equipment (e.g., a processor, chip, chip system, circuit, or functional module), or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the network equipment. The following description uses a second network device as an example.

[0057] The method includes: a second network device sending a third reference signal to a terminal device, the third reference signal being used to determine a third phase measurement; the second network device sending a fifth reference signal to a first network device, the fifth reference signal being used to determine a fifth phase measurement; and the second network device sending a fourth phase measurement and a fifth phase error to the first device, the fourth phase measurement being measured based on the fourth reference signal received by the second network device from the first network device, and the fifth phase error being measured based on the direct path signal corresponding to the third signal sent and received by the second network device.

[0058] The fourth phase measurement, the fifth phase error, the fifth phase measurement, and the third phase measurement are used to determine the first delay, the second delay, and the third delay, which in turn are used to determine the location of the terminal device. The first delay is the delay from when the first network device sends the first reference signal to when the terminal device receives the first reference signal. The second delay is the delay from when the terminal device sends the second reference signal to when the first network device receives the second reference signal. The third delay is the delay from when the second network device sends the third reference signal to when the terminal device receives the third reference signal.

[0059] In an optional implementation, the method further includes: the second network device transmitting a fifth frequency point and a sixth frequency point to the first device. The fifth frequency point is the frequency point at which the second network device transmits the third signal, and the sixth frequency point is the frequency point at which the second network device receives the direct path signal corresponding to the third signal. The fifth frequency point is different from the frequency point at which the second network device transmits the fifth reference signal, and / or, the sixth frequency point is different from the frequency point at which the second network device receives the fourth reference signal.

[0060] The various embodiments in this aspect also have the same beneficial effects as those in the first aspect described above, which will not be described in detail here.

[0061] Fifthly, this application also provides a communication device. This communication device can be a first device, a chip, or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of a first device, and has the function of implementing some or all of the embodiments described in the first aspect. Alternatively, the communication device can be a terminal device, or a chip, or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of a terminal device, and has the function of implementing some or all of the embodiments described in the second aspect. Alternatively, the communication device can be a network device, or a chip, or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of a network device, and has the function of implementing some or all of the embodiments described in the third or fourth aspect. The functions can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more units or modules corresponding to the above functions.

[0062] In one possible design, the communication device may include a processing unit configured to support the communication device in performing the corresponding functions described in the above methods. Optionally, the communication device may also include a communication unit for supporting communication between the communication device and other communication devices. Optionally, the communication device may further include a storage unit coupled to the processing unit and the communication unit, which stores necessary program instructions and data for the communication device. Additionally, the processing unit may be used to control the communication unit to transmit and receive data / signaling.

[0063] In one embodiment, the processing unit is configured to acquire a first phase measurement, a first phase error, a second phase measurement, and a second phase error. The processing unit is further configured to determine a first time delay and a second time delay based on the first phase measurement, the first phase error, the second phase measurement, and the second phase error, wherein the first time delay and the second time delay are used to determine the position of the terminal device.

[0064] The first phase measurement is obtained based on the first reference signal received by the terminal device from the first network device, and the first phase error is obtained based on the direct path signals corresponding to the first signal sent and received by the terminal device. The second phase measurement is obtained based on the second reference signal received by the first network device from the terminal device, and the second phase error is obtained based on the direct path signals corresponding to the second signal sent and received by the first network device. The first delay is the delay from the first network device sending the first reference signal to the terminal device receiving the first reference signal. The second delay is the delay from the terminal device sending the second reference signal to the first network device receiving the second reference signal.

[0065] In addition, other alternative implementations of the communication device in this regard can be found in the relevant content of the first aspect above, and will not be described in detail here.

[0066] In another embodiment, the communication unit is configured to transmit a second reference signal to the first network device, the second reference signal being used to determine a second phase measurement. The communication unit is also configured to transmit a first phase measurement and a first phase error to the first device, the first phase measurement being obtained based on the first reference signal received by the communication device from the first network device, and the first phase error being obtained based on the direct path signals corresponding to the first signal transmitted and the first signal received by the communication device.

[0067] The first phase measurement, the first phase error, and the second phase measurement are used to determine the first delay and the second delay, which in turn are used to determine the location of the communication device. The first delay is the time delay from when the first network device sends the first reference signal to when the communication device receives the first reference signal. The second delay is the time delay from when the communication device sends the second reference signal to when the first network device receives the second reference signal.

[0068] In addition, other alternative implementations of the communication device in this regard can be found in the relevant content of the second aspect above, and will not be described in detail here.

[0069] In another embodiment, the communication unit is configured to send a first reference signal to the terminal device, the first reference signal being used to determine a first phase measurement. The communication unit is also configured to send a second phase measurement and a second phase error to the first device, the second phase measurement being obtained based on the second reference signal received by the communication device from the terminal device, and the second phase error being obtained based on the direct path signals corresponding to the second signal sent and received by the communication device.

[0070] The first phase measurement, the second phase measurement, and the second phase error are used to determine the first delay and the second delay, which in turn are used to determine the location of the terminal device. The first delay is the time delay from when the communication device sends the first reference signal to when the terminal device receives the first reference signal. The second delay is the time delay from when the terminal device sends the second reference signal to when the communication device receives the second reference signal.

[0071] In addition, other alternative implementations of the communication device in this regard can be found in the relevant content of the third aspect above, and will not be described in detail here.

[0072] In another embodiment, the communication unit is configured to send a third reference signal to the terminal device, the third reference signal being used to determine a third phase measurement. The communication unit is also configured to send a fifth reference signal to the first network device, the fifth reference signal being used to determine a fifth phase measurement. The communication unit is further configured to send a fourth phase measurement and a fifth phase error to the first device, the fourth phase measurement being measured based on the fourth reference signal received by the communication device from the first network device, and the fifth phase error being measured based on the direct path signal corresponding to the third signal sent and received by the communication device.

[0073] The fourth phase measurement, the fifth phase error, the fifth phase measurement, and the third phase measurement are used to determine the first delay, the second delay, and the third delay. These three delays are used to determine the location of the terminal device. The first delay is the delay from when the first network device sends the first reference signal to when the terminal device receives the first reference signal. The second delay is the delay from when the terminal device sends the second reference signal to when the first network device receives the second reference signal. The third delay is the delay from when the communication device sends the third reference signal to when the terminal device receives the third reference signal.

[0074] In addition, other alternative implementations of the communication device in this regard can be found in the relevant content of the fourth aspect above, and will not be described in detail here.

[0075] As an example, the communication unit can be a transceiver or a communication interface, the storage unit can be a memory, and the processing unit can be a processor. The processor is coupled to the memory, which stores programs or instructions for the processor. The processor can be used to execute computer programs or instructions stored in the memory, and / or, through logic circuitry, cause the communication device to perform the methods described in the first, second, third, or fourth aspects above. The transceiver or communication interface can be used to transmit and receive signals and / or data.

[0076] In another embodiment, the communication device is a chip or chip system. The processing unit may also be a processing circuit or logic circuit; the transceiver unit may be an input / output interface, interface circuit, output circuit, input circuit, pin, or related circuit on the chip or chip system.

[0077] In one possible implementation, the processor can be used for, for example, but not limited to, baseband-related processing, and the transceiver or communication interface can be used for, for example, but not limited to, radio frequency transceiver. The aforementioned devices can be disposed on separate chips, or at least partially or entirely on the same chip. For example, the processor can be further divided into analog baseband processors and digital baseband processors. The analog baseband processor can be integrated with the transceiver (or communication interface) on the same chip, while the digital baseband processor can be disposed on a separate chip. With the continuous development of integrated circuit technology, more and more devices can be integrated on the same chip. For example, a digital baseband processor can be integrated with multiple application processors (e.g., but not limited to graphics processors, multimedia processors, etc.) on the same chip. Such a chip can be called a system-on-a-chip (SoC). Whether the various devices are disposed independently on different chips or integrated on one or more chips often depends on the needs of the product design. This application does not limit the implementation form of the aforementioned devices.

[0078] Sixthly, this application also provides a processor for executing the various methods described above. In executing these methods, the processes of sending and receiving the aforementioned information can be understood as the process of the processor outputting the aforementioned information and the process of the processor inputting the aforementioned information. When outputting the aforementioned information, the processor outputs the aforementioned information to a transceiver so that the transceiver (or communication interface) can transmit it. After being output by the processor, the aforementioned information may require further processing before reaching the transceiver (or communication interface). Similarly, when the processor receives the input information, the transceiver (or communication interface) receives the aforementioned information and inputs it into the processor. Furthermore, after the transceiver (or communication interface) receives the aforementioned information, the aforementioned information may require further processing before being input into the processor.

[0079] Unless otherwise specified, or unless it contradicts its actual function or internal logic in the relevant description, the transmission and reception operations involved by the processor can be more generally understood as processor output and reception, input and other operations, rather than transmission and reception operations directly performed by radio frequency circuits and antennas.

[0080] In implementation, the processor can be a dedicated processor for executing these methods, or it can be a processor that executes computer instructions stored in memory to execute these methods, such as a general-purpose processor. The memory can be a non-transitory memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), which can be integrated with the processor on the same chip or disposed on different chips. This application does not limit the type of memory or the arrangement of the memory and processor.

[0081] In a seventh aspect, this application also provides a communication system including means for performing the method described in the first aspect. Optionally, the system further includes means for performing the method described in the second aspect and / or means for performing the method described in the third aspect and / or means for performing the method described in the fourth aspect. Optionally, the system may also include other devices that interact with the means for performing the method described in the first aspect, and / or other devices that interact with the means for performing the method described in the second aspect, and / or other devices that interact with the means for performing the method described in the third aspect, and / or other devices that interact with the means for performing the method described in the fourth aspect.

[0082] Eighthly, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program that, when run, causes the methods described in the first, second, third, or fourth aspects above to be performed.

[0083] Ninthly, this application also provides a computer program product including instructions, the computer program product comprising: computer program code, which, when executed, causes the methods described in the first, second, third, or fourth aspects above to be performed.

[0084] In a tenth aspect, this application provides a chip including at least one processor for executing instructions to cause the methods described in the first, second, third, or fourth aspects to be performed. Optionally, the chip further includes an interface circuit for receiving the executed instructions and transmitting them to the processor. And / or, the interface circuit is used to receive information from the processor and output information. Optionally, the chip further includes a memory for storing instructions and data. Attached Figure Description

[0085] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a transparent transmission architecture provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0086] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a regenerative architecture provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0087] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a terminal positioning architecture applicable to NG-RAN provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0088] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a TDOA-based positioning method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0089] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a ranging method using a reference signal provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0090] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of an RTT-based positioning method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0091] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a Doppler frequency shift-based positioning method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0092] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the basic parameters of an ephemeris provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0093] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of a positioning error provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0094] Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0095] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of a first network device moving within a first time period according to an embodiment of this application;

[0096] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of a reference signal transmission provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0097] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of another reference signal transmission provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0098] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of another reference signal transmission provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0099] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0100] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0101] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of a terminal chip provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0102] Figure 18 is a schematic diagram of another terminal chip provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0103] The embodiments of this application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0104] The technical solutions of this application embodiment can be applied to various communication systems. For example, Global System for Mobile Communications (GSMA), Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) systems, LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD) systems, Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTX), 4th Generation (4G) mobile communication systems, 5th Generation (5G) mobile communication systems, New Radio (NR) systems, Next Generation (NG) mobile communication systems, and, with the continuous development of communication technologies, the technical solutions of this application embodiment can also be used in future communication systems. This application embodiment can also be applied to the Internet of Things (IoT), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) networks, terrestrial networks, non-terrestrial networks (NTN), GNSS, or other communication systems. Among them, GNSS, also known as Global Navigation Satellite System, is a space-based radio navigation and positioning system that can provide users with all-weather three-dimensional coordinates, velocity, and time information at any location on the Earth's surface or in near-Earth space.

[0105] For example, embodiments of this application can be applied to satellite communication networks. Satellite communication networks rely on onboard platforms. Satellites can be low-earthorbiting (LEO), medium-earth orbit (MEO), and geostationary earth orbit (GEO) satellites. Satellite network architectures include transparent transmission architectures and regenerative architectures. The following description uses a 5G mobile communication system as an example, along with accompanying drawings, to illustrate the transparent transmission architecture and the regenerative architecture.

[0106] Figure 1 illustrates a transparent transmission architecture provided in an embodiment of this application. In this architecture, signals are transmitted between the terminal and the base station via satellite and an NTN gateway. The base station is, for example, a 5G base station (gNodeB, gNB) or a next-generation eNodeB (ng-eNB). The architecture shown in Figure 1 may also include a 5G core network (CN) and a data network (DN). During communication between the terminal and the base station, the satellite communicates with the NTN gateway via the NR Uu interface, the base station communicates with the 5G core network via the NG interface, and the 5G CN communicates with the data network via the N6 interface. The network communication segment between the terminal and the base station can be referred to as a remote radio unit (RRU), which includes the satellite and the NTN gateway.

[0107] In the transparent transmission architecture, the satellite acts as an analog radio frequency repeater (RF repeater), serving as an L1 relay. The satellite performs analog domain RF filtering, frequency conversion, and amplification on signals from terminals or base stations, without altering the signal waveform. It also regenerates physical layer signals, making them invisible to protocol layers above the physical layer. The NTN gateway supports all necessary functions for forwarding NR-Uu interface signals. It can forward NR-Uu interface signals (from the terminal) relayed by the satellite to the base station, or forward NR-Uu interface signals from the base station to the satellite. The satellite, NTN gateway, and base station belong to the NG-Radio Access Network (RAN), which ensures normal communication between the terminal and the 5G CN.

[0108] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a regeneration architecture provided in an embodiment of this application. The regeneration architecture includes a terminal, a satellite, an NTN gateway, a 5G core network, and a data network. The satellite communicates with the terminal via the NR Uu interface, communicates with the 5G core network via the NG interface, and the 5G core network communicates with the data network via the N6 interface.

[0109] In a regenerative architecture, a satellite possesses all or part of the functions of a base station; it can be considered a base station, meaning the satellite can function as one. The satellite can directly process signals from terminals or directly transmit signals to terminals. For example, satellites in a regenerative architecture support radio frequency filtering, frequency conversion and amplification, as well as demodulation / decoding, encoding / modulation, and can perform error detection, correction, and recovery of signals, thereby improving signal quality.

[0110] Based on the fact that satellites possess all or part of the functions of base stations, regeneration architectures can be classified into regeneration architectures where the entire base station is satellite-borne and regeneration architectures where distributed units (DUs) are satellite-borne. In the regeneration architecture where the entire base station is satellite-borne, the satellite possesses all the functions of a base station. In the regeneration architecture where DUs are satellite-borne, the satellite possesses the functions of a DU within the base station; a DU is a partial functional component of the base station. Figure 2 illustrates the regeneration architecture where the entire base station is satellite-borne as an example.

[0111] In the regenerative architecture, the NTN gateway acts as a transport network layer node, supporting all necessary transport protocols. During the interconnection communication between the satellite and the 5G core network, the NTN gateway connects network segments using different protocols to ensure normal communication. Specifically, in the network segments between the satellite and the NTN gateway, the NG interface is the interface deployed in the satellite radio interface (SRI) (i.e., NR over SRI). The satellite and the NTN gateway belong to NG-RAN, which is used to ensure normal communication between the terminal and the 5G core network.

[0112] Alternatively, referring to Figure 2, the regenerative architecture can also include inter-satellite links (ISLs) between satellites. Different satellites can communicate with each other via the Xn interface, which can be deployed on the ISL (i.e., Xn over ISL). For example, a satellite can communicate with a terminal via the NR Uu interface and also communicate with another satellite acting as a base station via the Xn interface.

[0113] Please refer to Figure 3, which is a schematic diagram of a terminal positioning architecture applicable to NG-RAN provided in an embodiment of this application. This architecture includes a terminal, NG-RAN, a location management function (LMF) network element, and an access and mobility management function (AMF) network element. NG-RAN includes ng-eNB and gNB. The terminal can also be referred to as user equipment (UE). The number of UEs in the terminal positioning architecture applicable to NG-RAN can be one or more. Figure 3 illustrates this with four UEs, namely UE A, UE B, UE C, and UE D. Sidelink positioning can be supported when the UE is within the coverage area of ​​NG-RAN (as shown by UE A and UE B in Figure 3) or outside the coverage area of ​​NG-RAN (as shown by UE C and UE D in Figure 3).

[0114] Specifically, different UEs communicate with each other via the NR PC5 interface. UEs communicate with the ng-eNB via the LTE-Uu interface. UEs communicate with the gNB via the NR-Uu interface. ng-eNBs and gNBs communicate via the Xn interface. ng-eNBs communicate with AMF network elements via the NG-C interface. gNBs communicate with AMF network elements via the NG-C interface. AMF network elements communicate with LMF network elements via the NL1 interface.

[0115] Optionally, as shown in Figure 3, the UE in the terminal positioning architecture applicable to NG-RAN can also be replaced with a SUPL-enabled terminal (SET). The ng-eNB can also be replaced with a transmission point (TP). The gNB can also be replaced with a transmission and reception point (TRP).

[0116] Optionally, as shown in Figure 3, the terminal positioning architecture applicable to NG-RAN may also include an enhanced serving mobile location center (E-SMLC) and a secure user plane location (SUPL) location platform (SLP).

[0117] In the terminal positioning architecture applicable to NG-RAN, the LMF network element is responsible for supporting different types of location services for the target UE, including UE positioning and the transmission of auxiliary data to the UE. Its control plane and user plane are E-SMLC and SLP, respectively. The LMF network element may interact with the ng-eNB / gNB and the UE in the following ways: with the ng-eNB / gNB, information is exchanged via NRPPa messages, such as obtaining PRS, SRS configuration information, cell timing, cell location information, etc.; with the UE, information such as UE capability information, auxiliary information, and measurement information are transmitted via LPP messages. In addition, for LMF-based positioning scenarios, the LMF network element can also be used to return positioning service results (e.g., UE location estimation results) to the AMF network element.

[0118] The AMF (Automatic Location Service) element is used to receive location service requests related to the target UE from the 5G core network (5GC) location service (LCS) entity. Alternatively, the AMF element itself can initiate location services on behalf of a specific target UE and forward the location service request to the LMF element. After receiving the location information returned by the UE, the AMF element returns the location information to the 5GC LCS entity.

[0119] The UE is used to measure downlink signals from NG-RAN and other sources to support positioning.

[0120] gNB and / or ng-eNB are used to provide measurement information to the target UE and transmit the measurement information to the LMF network element.

[0121] For ease of explanation, the embodiments of this application use terminal devices and network devices as execution subjects to illustrate the corresponding methods. However, this application does not limit the execution subject of the method. For example, the device in the embodiments of this application may also be a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the device in implementing the corresponding method, or it may be a logic module or unit or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the device, etc.

[0122] 1. Terminal device

[0123] In the embodiments of this application, the terminal device may be a terminal equipment, or a chip, chip system, hardware or processor that supports the device in implementing the corresponding method (such as a chip, chip system, hardware or processor in a terminal equipment), or a logic module, software or unit that can implement all or part of the functions of the device (such as a module, software or unit in a terminal equipment), etc.

[0124] A terminal device is an entity capable of receiving and / or transmitting signals. Terminal devices can also be referred to as UE, user communication equipment, terminal, access terminal, subscriber unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station (MS), remote station, remote terminal, mobile terminal (MT), mobile device, user terminal, user agent, or user equipment.

[0125] The terminal device in this application embodiment can be a handheld device with wireless communication function, an in-vehicle device, an in-vehicle communication module or other embedded communication module, a wearable device, a computing device or other processing device connected to a wireless modem, or a device used to provide voice or data connectivity to a user. The terminal device can also be an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The terminal device can be a terminal with the function of connecting to a cellular base station. For example, the terminal device can be a cellular phone, a smartphone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a handheld computer, a mobile internet device (MID), a wireless data card, a personal computer (PC), a personal digital assistant (PDA) computer, a wireless modem, a handset, a handheld terminal, a laptop computer, a machine type communication (MTC) terminal, a wearable device (such as a smartwatch, smart bracelet, pedometer, smart glasses, etc.), an in-vehicle terminal (such as hardware or software in private vehicles, commercial vehicles, etc.), a marine terminal (such as hardware or software in private boats, commercial vessels, etc.), an airborne terminal (such as hardware or software in civil aviation, airplanes, etc.), etc.

[0126] In particular, for cases where the terminal device is an in-vehicle terminal or a chip, chip system, hardware or processor, logic module or software or unit in an in-vehicle terminal, the embodiments of this application can be applied to in-vehicle navigation and positioning scenarios and have application prospects.

[0127] Terminal devices can also include virtual reality (VR) terminal devices, augmented reality (AR) terminal devices, smart point of sale (POS) machines, customer-premises equipment (CPE), light user equipment (UE), reduced capability user equipment (REDCAP UE), wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless communication equipment in smart factories, smart home devices (e.g., refrigerators, televisions, air conditioners, electricity meters, etc.), smart robots, robotic arms, workshop equipment, wireless terminals in self-driving, wireless terminals in remote medical care, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes, and flying equipment (e.g., smart robots, hot air balloons, drones, airplanes), etc. Terminal devices can also be vehicle devices, such as vehicle devices, vehicle modules, vehicle chips, on-board units (OBUs) or telematics boxes (T-BOXs). Terminal devices can also be other devices with terminal functions. For example, a terminal device can also be a device that performs terminal functions in D2D communication.

[0128] The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the terminal. It is understood that a terminal can be referred to as a communication device. For example, a terminal can be understood as a device with terminal functions. For example, the device used to implement the terminal functions can be a terminal itself; it can also be a device capable of supporting the terminal in implementing those functions, such as a chip system, hardware circuit, software module, or hardware circuit plus software module. This device can be installed in the terminal or can be used in conjunction with the terminal.

[0129] The deployment methods of terminal devices listed above are merely examples. As standard technologies evolve, other deployment forms of terminal devices may exist, and this application does not limit them.

[0130] 2. Network devices

[0131] In this embodiment, the network device can be a network equipment, a chip, chip system, hardware, or processor that supports the device in implementing the corresponding methods (such as a chip, chip system, hardware, or processor in a network equipment), or a logic module, software, or unit that can implement all or part of the device's functions (such as a module, software, or unit in a network equipment). Furthermore, the network device can be deployed on the ground, such as a terrestrial base station. Alternatively, the network device can be a device with wireless transceiver capabilities within an NTN, such as a satellite, a device deployed on a satellite, or an airborne node. The satellite can be LEO, MEO, or GEO, etc.

[0132] Network devices are entities on the network side capable of transmitting and receiving signals, possessing wireless transceiver capabilities. Network devices include, but are not limited to: access network equipment, radio network controllers (RNCs), base station controllers (BSCs), base transceiver stations (BTSs), home network equipment (e.g., home evolved Node B, or home Node B, HNB), baseband units (BBUs), relay devices, donor nodes, wireless controllers in cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenarios, transceiver nodes, wireless backhaul nodes, TRPs, TPs, wireless fidelity (WiFi) access points (APs) (i.e., WiFi APs), integrated access and backhaul (IAB) nodes, mobile switching centers, and network devices in non-terrestrial network (NTN) communication systems, which can be deployed on high-altitude platforms or satellites, etc. Network equipment can also function as a base station in device-to-device (D2D) communication, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, drone communication, and machine-to-machine (M2M) communication. Optionally, network equipment can also be servers, wearable devices, vehicles, or in-vehicle equipment. For example, in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology, the access network equipment can be a roadside unit (RSU).

[0133] Access network equipment can be a base station (BS), a device deployed in a radio access network that provides wireless communication capabilities. Examples include evolved Node Bs (eNBs or e-NodeBs) and Node Bs in LTE systems, gNodeBs or gNBs in 5G systems, and base stations in future communication systems. A base station can contain a Base Unit (BBU) and a Remote Radio Unit (RRU). The BBU and RRU can be located in different places; for example, the RRU can be deployed remotely to a high-traffic area, while the BBU is located in the central equipment room. Alternatively, the BBU and RRU can be located in the same equipment room. They can also be different components within the same rack. Base stations can take the following forms: macro base stations, micro base stations (also called small stations), indoor stations, pico base stations, relay stations, access points, balloon stations, etc.

[0134] Optionally, multiple network devices can collaborate to assist terminal devices in achieving wireless access, with different network devices each implementing a portion of the base station's functions. For example, network devices can be central units (CUs), distributed units (DUs), CU-control plane (CPs), CU-user plane (UPs), or radio units (RUs), etc. CUs and DUs can be set up separately or included in the same network element, such as a BBU. RUs can be included in radio equipment or radio units, such as RRUs, active antenna units (AAUs), or remote radio heads (RRHs). It is understood that network devices can be CU nodes, DU nodes, or devices including both CU and DU nodes. Furthermore, CUs can be classified as network devices in the radio access network (RAN) or as network devices in the core network (CN); no restrictions are placed here.

[0135] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an open-radio access network (O-RAN) system, CU can also be called an open CU (open-CU, O-CU), DU can also be called O-DU, CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP, and RU can also be called O-RU. For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples. Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through a software module, a hardware module, or a combination of software and hardware modules.

[0136] The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technologies or device forms used in the network devices. For ease of description, a base station is used as an example of a network device in the following description. It is understood that a base station can be referred to as a communication device. For example, a base station can be understood as a device with base station functions. For example, the device used to implement the functions of a base station can be a base station; or some components in a base station, such as CU, DU, etc. It can also be a device that can support the base station in implementing this function, such as a chip system, hardware circuit, software module, or hardware circuit plus software module, which can be installed in the base station or can be used in conjunction with the base station. In the embodiments of this application, the chip system can be composed of chips or can include chips and other discrete devices.

[0137] The deployment methods of network devices listed above are merely examples. As standard technologies evolve, network devices may have other deployment forms, and this application does not limit them.

[0138] Alternatively, in this embodiment, the interaction between the network device and the terminal device can be achieved through radio resource control (RRC) messages or broadcast messages. For example, the information exchanged between the network device and the terminal device can be carried in RRC messages or broadcast messages. For instance, positioning assistance information received by the terminal device from a serving satellite can be carried in RRC messages or broadcast messages, such as in a system information block (SIB) or a positioning system information block (posSIB). As another example, positioning measurements, phase measurements, or other information sent by the terminal device to the serving satellite can be carried in RRC messages.

[0139] The interaction between LMF network elements and terminal devices can be achieved through LTE positioning protocol (LPP) messages. For example, information exchanged between LMF network elements and terminal devices can be carried in LPP messages. For instance, positioning assistance information received by the terminal device from the LMF network element can be carried in an LPP message, such as an LPP Provide Assistance Data message. Similarly, measurement information (such as phase measurements and phase errors) sent by the terminal device to the transmitting LMF network element can be carried in an LPP message, such as an LPP Provide Location Information message.

[0140] Interaction between network devices and LMF (Local Positioning Module) elements can be achieved through NR Positioning Protocol A (NRPPa) messages. For example, information exchanged between the network device and the LMF element can be carried in NRPPa messages. For instance, information sent by the LMF element to the network device requesting positioning assistance information can be carried in an NRPPa message, such as an NRPPa TRP information request. Similarly, information sent by the network device to the LMF element requesting positioning measurement information can be carried in an NRPPa message, such as an NRPPa measurement request. Finally, positioning measurement information sent by the network device to the LMF element can be carried in an NRPPa message, such as an NRPPa measurement response.

[0141] Interaction between different network devices can be achieved through the Xn interface. For example, information exchanged between different network devices is transmitted through the Xn interface.

[0142] The embodiments disclosed in this application will be presented to illustrate various aspects, embodiments, or features of this application in relation to systems including multiple devices, components, modules, etc. It should be understood and appreciated that individual systems may include additional devices, components, modules, etc., and / or may not include all the devices, components, modules, etc. discussed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, combinations of these approaches may also be used.

[0143] The relevant concepts involved in the embodiments of this application are described below.

[0144] 1. A localization method based on classification at the location solution point

[0145] Based on the location calculation location, positioning methods can be classified into: UE-based positioning methods, UE-assisted / LMF-based positioning methods, and standalone positioning methods.

[0146] In terminal-based positioning methods, when auxiliary data is available, the terminal device is responsible for calculating its position, and can also provide measurement results of reference signals.

[0147] In the terminal-assisted positioning method based on LMF network elements, the terminal device provides measurement results of the reference signal but does not perform position calculation. When auxiliary data is available, the LMF network element is responsible for calculating the terminal device's position, or other network devices may be responsible for calculating the terminal device's position.

[0148] In the independent positioning method, the terminal device performs measurement of reference signals and calculates the position of the terminal device without auxiliary data.

[0149] Auxiliary data can assist the terminal device in calculating its position. For example, auxiliary data may include spatial direction information of the reference signal, such as the azimuth, elevation, and beamwidth of the reference signal.

[0150] 2. Localization method based on classification of the sender of the reference signal

[0151] Depending on the sender of the reference signal, positioning methods can be classified as: downlink positioning method, uplink positioning method, and combined uplink and downlink positioning method.

[0152] In the downlink positioning method, the network device sends a downlink-positioning reference signal (DL-PRS), and the terminal device performs positioning measurements based on the received downlink-positioning reference signal to obtain the measurement result. This measurement result is used for the terminal device's position calculation. Therefore, the downlink positioning method is a positioning method based on the downlink (DL).

[0153] In the uplink positioning method, the terminal device sends an uplink-sounding reference signal (UL-SRS), and the network device performs positioning measurements based on the received UL-SRS to obtain the measurement results. These results are then used to calculate the terminal device's location. Therefore, the uplink positioning method is a positioning method based on the uplink (UL).

[0154] In the uplink-downlink joint positioning method, both the network device and the terminal device transmit reference signals. For example, the network device transmits a downlink positioning reference signal, and the terminal device transmits an uplink channel sounding reference signal. The terminal device and the network device respectively measure the received reference signals, and the measurement results are used for the terminal device's position calculation. Therefore, the uplink-downlink joint positioning method is a positioning method based on both the uplink and downlink.

[0155] In this embodiment, uplink refers to the transmission of signals from the terminal device to the network device. For the terminal device, uplink transmission is uplink sending. For the network device, uplink transmission is uplink receiving.

[0156] In this embodiment, downlink refers to the transmission of signals from the network device to the terminal device. For the network device, downlink transmission is downlink sending. For the terminal device, downlink transmission is downlink receiving.

[0157] 3. Location methods based on classification of measured physical quantities

[0158] Based on the different physical quantities measured, positioning methods can be classified as follows: positioning methods based on time of arrival (TOA), positioning methods based on time difference of arrival (TDOA), positioning methods based on round trip time (RTT), positioning methods based on Doppler frequency shift, positioning methods based on pseudorange, and positioning methods based on carrier phase, etc.

[0159] In one alternative approach, when the network device is a satellite or a device deployed on a satellite, the positioning method can be selected based on the number of satellites within the terminal device's line of sight. For example, if the terminal device can simultaneously detect a large number of satellites (4 or more), a pseudorange-based positioning method or a TDOA-based positioning method can be selected to determine the terminal device's location. Conversely, if the terminal device can only detect a small number of satellites (1 to 3), a Doppler shift-based positioning method can be selected to determine the terminal device's location.

[0160] The following are examples illustrating several positioning methods:

[0161] (1) TDOA-based positioning method

[0162] In the DL-based TDOA positioning method, multiple network devices transmit positioning reference signals (PRS), and the terminal device measures the arrival time of each received PRS. The terminal device's position is determined based on the difference between the arrival times of the PRS transmitted by each network device and the arrival time of the PRS transmitted by the reference network device. The measured difference between the arrival times of the PRS transmitted by each network device and the PRS transmitted by the reference network device can also be referred to as the downlink TDOA observation.

[0163] For example, referring to Figure 4, assuming network device #1 is the reference network device, the terminal device measures the arrival time of the PRS from network device #1, the arrival time of the PRS from network device #2, and the arrival time of the PRS from network device #3. The difference Δt between the arrival time of the PRS from network device #2 and the arrival time of the PRS from network device #1 is... 12 It can be used to determine the hyperbola l 12 , l 12 Can be used to characterize Δt 12 The difference Δt between the arrival time of the PRS from network device #1 and the arrival time of the PRS from network device #3. 13 It can be used to determine the hyperbola l 13 , l 13 Can be used to characterize Δt 13 Hyperbola 12 With hyperbola l 13 The intersection of these points is the location of the terminal device.

[0164] (2) RTT-based positioning method

[0165] In RTT-based positioning methods, the distance between a terminal device and a network device is determined using RTT-based ranging. The location of the terminal device can be determined by using the distances between multiple network devices and the terminal device. Specifically, in the RTT-based ranging method, the terminal device and the network device exchange reference signals; the transmission and reception times of these reference signals can be used to determine the distance between the terminal device and the network device.

[0166] For example, referring to Figure 5, the terminal device transmits a channel sounding reference signal (SRS) at time T1, and network device #1 receives the SRS at time T2. Network device #1 transmits a positioning reference signal (PRS) at time T3, and the terminal device receives the PRS at time T4. The distance d1 between the terminal device and network device #1 satisfies the following formula (1).

[0167] In formula (1), c is the speed of light.

[0168] Similarly, using an RTT-based ranging method, the distance d2 between the terminal device and network device #2 and the distance d3 between the terminal device and network device #3 are determined.

[0169] Referring to Figure 6, circle #1 is defined with the location of network device #1 as the center and d1 as the radius. Circle #2 is defined with the location of network device #2 as the center and d2 as the radius. Circle #3 is defined with the location of network device #3 as the center and d3 as the radius. The intersection of circles #1, #2, and #3 is the location of the terminal device.

[0170] (3) Positioning method based on Doppler frequency shift

[0171] In the Doppler frequency shift-based positioning method, multiple network devices transmit PRS (Presentation Signals), and the terminal device receives and measures the Doppler frequency shift from each network device's PRS. The Doppler frequency shift from each network device's PRS can be used to determine a candidate location range for the terminal device. This candidate location range is a conical surface, which can be called a "Doppler isofrequency conic surface." Therefore, based on the Doppler frequency shifts from multiple network devices' PRS, multiple Doppler isofrequency conic surfaces can be determined. The intersection of these multiple Doppler isofrequency conic surfaces with the Earth's surface is the location of the terminal device.

[0172] For example, referring to Figure 7, network device #1 sends a PRS (Pulse Reflection Signal), and the terminal device receives and measures the Doppler frequency shift of the PRS from network device #1. This Doppler frequency shift can be used to determine the Doppler isofrequency conic surface #1. The vertex of the Doppler isofrequency conic surface #1 is the position S of network device #1, and the conic angle is θ, which is the angle between the line connecting network device #1 and the terminal device and the velocity direction of network device #1. If network device #1 is located on a satellite, the velocity direction of network device #1 is the orbital direction of the satellite corresponding to network device #1. Similarly, the Doppler frequency shift of the PRS from network device #3 measured by the terminal device can be used to determine the Doppler isofrequency conic surface #2. The intersection of the Doppler isofrequency conic surfaces #1 and #2 with the Earth's surface is the position of the terminal device.

[0173] Furthermore, the positioning methods illustrated in the above examples consider scenarios where positioning is achieved using multiple network devices at a single moment. In scenarios where the network device is a satellite (i.e., satellite positioning), besides using multiple satellites at a single moment, positioning can also be achieved using the same satellite at multiple moments. Understandably, due to the high-speed motion of satellites, the same satellite at multiple moments is equivalent to multiple virtual reference satellites, thus positioning can be achieved using the same satellite at multiple moments. For example, network devices #1, #2, and #3 in Figure 4 can be replaced with the same satellite at different moments. As another example, network devices #1, #2, and #3 in Figure 5 can be replaced with the same satellite at different moments.

[0174] 4. Astrological Calendar

[0175] A satellite's ephemeris can describe its position and / or velocity. Based on ephemeris information broadcast over the network, the terminal device can determine the satellite's position and / or velocity. The ephemeris information broadcast over the network includes the ephemeris of the terminal device's serving satellite and / or neighboring satellites. In this embodiment, a serving satellite can be understood as a satellite accessed by the terminal device or a satellite providing services to the terminal device. Neighboring satellites can be understood as satellites adjacent to or near the serving satellite.

[0176] The basic parameters describing a satellite's elliptical orbit can be called orbital elements or orbital roots. A commonly used ephemeris is the Keplerian coordinate system, which can also be called Keplerian orbital elements or orbital roots. In this system, the ephemeris table includes the following satellite orbital parameters: semi-major axis a, eccentricity e, orbital inclination i0, right ascension Ω0, perigee argument / angle ω, and true anomaly M0, as shown in Figure 8.

[0177] The semi-major axis 'a' is half of the major axis of the ellipse formed by the satellite orbit; the larger the semi-major axis, the larger the ellipse.

[0178] Eccentricity e is the ratio of the distance between the foci of the ellipse formed by the satellite orbit to the major axis. The smaller the eccentricity, the more circular the orbit.

[0179] The orbital inclination i0 is the angle between the satellite's orbital plane and the Earth's equatorial plane, which determines the inclination of the ellipse formed by the satellite's orbit relative to the Earth.

[0180] The right ascension Ω0 of the ascending node is the angle within the equatorial plane from the vernal equinox to the ascending node, which determines the orientation of the ellipse formed by the satellite's orbit in space. The vernal equinox is the point on Earth where the ecliptic plane intersects the equatorial plane; the direction of the vernal equinox is the direction of the sun relative to the earth on the day of the Spring Equinox. The ascending node is the point where the satellite crosses the equatorial plane from south to north.

[0181] The perigee argument / angle ω is the angle between the ascending node and the perigee, which determines the spatial orientation of the major axis of the ellipse formed by the satellite's orbit.

[0182] The perigee is the point on an elliptical orbit around the Earth that is closest to the Earth's center.

[0183] The true perigee angle M0 is the angle swept by the satellite as it moves along its orbit from its perigee in the orbital plane. It is the angle between the orbital perigee and the satellite's position vector at a certain moment.

[0184] 5. Factors affecting positioning error

[0185] In GNSS, the location of a terminal device can be determined by using reference signals transmitted between the satellite and the terminal device. Factors affecting positioning errors in GNSS include: satellite-related errors, propagation path-related errors, and terminal device-related errors.

[0186] Errors related to the satellite include: satellite orbital errors, satellite clock errors, signal transmission delay within the satellite, and satellite antenna phase center deviation. Errors related to the propagation path include: ionospheric delay, tropospheric delay, and multipath effects. Errors related to the terminal device include: terminal device clock errors, signal transmission delay within the terminal device, and terminal device antenna phase center deviation.

[0187] The signal transmission delay within a device (e.g., network device, terminal device, satellite, the first network device mentioned later, the second network device, etc.) is the time delay caused by the influence of the device channel environment (e.g., digital filter) during the signal transmission process within the device.

[0188] The signal transmission delay within the device includes: the delay from signal generation to signal transmission, and the delay from signal reception to signal processing. Optionally, the delay from signal reception to signal processing includes: the delay from receiving the radio frequency analog signal to completing the sampling of the baseband digital signal corresponding to the radio frequency analog signal. Alternatively, the delay from signal reception to signal processing refers to the delay from satellite receiving the radio frequency analog signal to completing the sampling of the baseband digital signal corresponding to the radio frequency analog signal.

[0189] In this embodiment, the signal transmission delay within the device can also be referred to as device delay, or device channel delay / channel latency / hardware delay / hardware latency / timing error group. The delay from signal generation to signal transmission can also be referred to as transmission delay error, or the corresponding channel delay / channel latency / hardware latency / hardware latency. The delay from signal reception to signal processing can also be referred to as reception delay error, or the corresponding channel delay / channel latency / hardware latency / hardware latency. For ease of explanation, the term "hardware latency" will be used as an example below.

[0190] For example, if the network device is a satellite, satellite hardware latency includes transmit channel latency and receive channel latency. Transmit channel latency is the delay from the signal generation point within the satellite to the phase center of the satellite antenna, while receive channel latency is the delay from the phase center of the satellite antenna to the signal processing point. Positioning errors caused by satellite hardware latency can range from a few nanoseconds (ns) to tens of nanoseconds.

[0191] For example, the hardware delay of a terminal device includes transmission channel delay and reception channel delay. The transmission channel delay is the time delay for the signal to travel from the signal generation point in the terminal device to the phase center of the terminal device's antenna, while the reception channel delay is the time delay for the signal to travel from the phase center of the terminal device's antenna to the signal processing point. The positioning error caused by the hardware delay of the terminal device can range from a few nanoseconds to tens of nanoseconds.

[0192] In the case of a device-based positioning terminal, the time delay of signal transmission within the device can cause positioning errors, thus affecting positioning performance. For example, referring to Figure 9, the satellites involved in positioning include satellite A, satellite B, and satellite C. The error range caused by each satellite (referred to as: single-satellite error) is shown in the corresponding rings in Figure 9. The overlapping part of the rings corresponding to satellites A, B, and C represents the positioning error range when using satellites A, B, and C to position the terminal device.

[0193] One possible approach involves correcting the terminal position based on the instrument-calibrated hardware delay value. However, this method is complex and time-consuming, and the hardware delay value may change over time and due to environmental factors, requiring frequent instrument calibration. Therefore, this approach is practically difficult, costly, and complex.

[0194] Another possible approach is to incorporate the device's hardware delay as a parameter into the observation equations, solving them together with the ionospheric simulation coefficients to determine the location coordinates. However, this method requires sophisticated algorithms and has significant complexity.

[0195] Another possible approach relies on ground-based reference stations to determine errors such as hardware latency, and then sends the corresponding errors or calibration parameters to the terminal device to determine its location. This method requires the ground-based reference stations to be geographically close to the terminal device under test (e.g., within 20 kilometers), thus necessitating the deployment of a dense network of reference stations, which increases deployment costs.

[0196] Therefore, embodiments of this application provide a communication method that can reduce positioning errors caused by signal transmission delays within the device, thereby improving positioning performance. Furthermore, this communication method is simple to operate, low in cost, and low in complexity.

[0197] The embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0198] Please refer to Figure 10, which is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication method includes the following steps.

[0199] S101, the first device acquires the first phase measurement, the first phase error, the second phase measurement, and the second phase error.

[0200] S102, the first device determines a first time delay and a second time delay based on a first phase measurement, a first phase error, a second phase measurement, and a second phase error. The first time delay and the second time delay are used to determine the position of the terminal device.

[0201] In this embodiment, the first device may be a network device. For example, the first device is a serving network device for a terminal device, which can be understood as a network device to which the terminal device accesses or a network device that provides services to the terminal device. For example, the first device may be a serving satellite, or a chip / chip system / processor / hardware / software / unit / module, etc., capable of implementing some or all of the functions of a serving satellite.

[0202] Alternatively, the first device can also be a terminal device.

[0203] Alternatively, the first device can be a device other than a network device and a terminal device. For example, the first device can be an LMF network element, or a chip / chip system / processor / hardware / software / unit / module, etc., capable of implementing some or all of the functions of an LMF network element.

[0204] The first time delay, the second time delay, the first phase measurement, the first phase error, the second phase measurement, and the second phase error are described below.

[0205] 1. First delay and second delay

[0206] The first delay is the delay from when the first network device sends a first reference signal to when the terminal device receives the first reference signal. The second delay is the delay from when the terminal device sends a second reference signal to when the first network device receives the second reference signal. This application does not limit the types of the first and second reference signals; the first reference signal may be, for example, a PRS, and the second reference signal may be, for example, an SRS. Furthermore, the first delay can also be referred to as the downlink transmission delay between the first network device and the terminal device, and the second delay can also be referred to as the uplink transmission delay between the first network device and the terminal device.

[0207] In one possible approach, the first delay is equal to the second delay. For example, in a frequency division duplex (FDD) scenario, a terminal device can simultaneously perform downlink reception and uplink transmission, with different uplink and downlink frequencies. In this scenario, the timing at which the first network device transmits the first reference signal can be the same as the timing at which the terminal device transmits the second reference signal, and the first delay is equal to the second delay.

[0208] In another possible scenario, the first delay is not equal to the second delay. For example, in a time division duplex (TDD) scenario, the terminal device needs to perform downlink reception and uplink transmission at different times; in this scenario, the time when the first network device sends the first reference signal is different from the time when the terminal device sends the second reference signal, and the first delay is not equal to the second delay.

[0209] Optionally, for cases where the first delay is not equal to the second delay, the difference between the first and second delays can be determined based on ephemeris. For details on ephemeris, please refer to the aforementioned explanations, which will not be repeated here.

[0210] Optionally, for cases where the first delay is not equal to the second delay, the difference between the first delay and the second delay is associated with the moving direction, moving distance, and moving speed of the first network device during the first time period. The start time of the first time period is the time when the first network device transmits the first reference signal, and the end time is the time when the first network device receives the second reference signal. Alternatively, the start time of the first time period is the time when the first network device receives the second reference signal, and the end time is the time when the first network device transmits the first reference signal.

[0211] For example, a first network device sends a first reference signal at time T1 and receives a second reference signal at time T2. If T1 is earlier than T2, the difference between the first delay and the second delay is associated with the first network device's direction of movement, distance traveled, and speed during the time interval from T1 to T2. If T2 is earlier than T1, the difference between the first delay and the second delay is associated with the first network device's direction of movement, distance traveled, and speed during the time interval from T2 to T1.

[0212] For example, the direction of movement, distance of movement, and speed of movement of the first network device in the first time period can be obtained based on ephemeris.

[0213] For example, the first network device is a satellite. Referring to Figure 11, the first network device sends a first reference signal at time T1 and receives a second reference signal at time T2, where T1 is earlier than T2. ​​The position of the first network device at time T1 and at time T2 is determined based on the satellite ephemeris. Based on the position of the first network device at time T1, its position at time T2, and its direction of movement, the distance d that the first network device moves during the time interval from T1 to T2 can be determined. The speed of movement of the first network device is the speed of light c. The difference Δt between the first time delay t1 and the second time delay t2 satisfies formula (2).

[0214] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first network device may be a serving network device of the terminal device, or it may be a neighboring network device of the serving network device of the terminal device. For example, the first network device may be a serving satellite or a neighboring satellite, or it may be a chip / chip system / processor / hardware / software / unit / module, etc., capable of implementing some or all of the functions of a serving satellite or a neighboring satellite. As another example, the first device may be a serving base station or a neighboring base station, or it may be a chip / chip system / processor / hardware / software / unit / module, etc., capable of implementing some or all of the functions of a serving base station or a neighboring base station. Further details will not be elaborated upon below.

[0215] 2. First phase measurement quantity

[0216] The first phase measurement is obtained based on the first reference signal received by the terminal device from the first network device. The first phase measurement may also be referred to as the downlink carrier phase measurement.

[0217] Understandably, in this embodiment of the application, the first network device generates and transmits the first reference signal, and the terminal device receives and measures the first reference signal to obtain a first phase measurement. It is evident that the first phase measurement is related to the time delay from signal generation to transmission by the first network device, the first delay, and the time delay from signal reception to signal processing by the terminal device.

[0218] Optionally, in this embodiment, the delay from signal reception to signal processing by the terminal device includes: the delay from receiving the radio frequency analog signal to completing the sampling of the baseband digital signal corresponding to the radio frequency analog signal. Alternatively, the delay from signal reception to signal processing by the terminal device refers to the delay from receiving the radio frequency analog signal to completing the sampling of the baseband digital signal corresponding to the radio frequency analog signal.

[0219] For example, the first network device generates a first reference signal and transmits the first reference signal at frequency point f1, and the terminal device receives the first reference signal at frequency point f1 and measures the first reference signal to obtain a first phase measurement. It satisfies the following formula (3).

[0220] In formula (3), δ S,D t1 is the time delay from when the first network device generates the signal to when it transmits the signal. t1 is the time delay from when the first network device transmits the first reference signal to when the terminal device receives the first reference signal, i.e., the first delay. δ R,D It is the time delay between the terminal device receiving the signal and processing the signal.

[0221] In addition, the time delay from signal generation to signal transmission by the first network device and the time delay from signal reception to signal processing by the terminal device can be found in the foregoing descriptions, and will not be repeated here.

[0222] 3. Second phase measurement quantity

[0223] The second phase measurement is obtained based on the second reference signal received by the first network device from the terminal device. The second phase measurement may also be referred to as the uplink carrier phase measurement.

[0224] Understandably, in this embodiment, the terminal device generates and transmits a second reference signal, and the first network device receives and measures the second reference signal to obtain a second phase measurement. It is evident that the second phase measurement is related to the time delay between signal generation and transmission by the terminal device, a second delay, and the time delay between signal reception and processing by the first network device.

[0225] Optionally, in this embodiment, the delay from when the first network device receives the signal to when it processes the signal includes: the delay from when the first network device receives the radio frequency analog signal to when it completes sampling of the baseband digital signal corresponding to the radio frequency analog signal. Alternatively, the delay from when the first network device receives the signal to when it processes the signal refers to the delay from when the first network device receives the radio frequency analog signal to when it completes sampling of the baseband digital signal corresponding to the radio frequency analog signal.

[0226] For example, the terminal device generates a second reference signal and transmits the second reference signal at frequency point f2. The first network device receives the second reference signal at frequency point f2 and measures the second reference signal to obtain a second phase measurement. It satisfies the following formula (4).

[0227] In formula (4), δ R,U t1 is the time delay from when the terminal device generates the signal to when it transmits the signal. t2 is the time delay from when the terminal device transmits the second reference signal to when the first network device receives the second reference signal, i.e., the second delay. δ S,U It is the time delay from when the first network device receives the signal to when it processes the signal.

[0228] In addition, for the time delay from signal generation to signal transmission by the terminal device and the time delay from signal reception to signal processing by the first network device, please refer to the aforementioned relevant descriptions, which will not be repeated here.

[0229] 4. First phase error

[0230] The first phase error is obtained by measuring the direct path signal corresponding to the first signal sent and received by the terminal device.

[0231] Understandably, in this embodiment, the terminal device generates and transmits a first signal, and also receives and measures the direct path signal corresponding to the first signal to obtain a first phase error. Thus, the terminal device obtains the first phase error through self-transmission and self-reception. The first phase error is related to the time delay from signal generation to signal transmission and the time delay from signal reception to signal processing. The first phase error can also be understood as the phase error corresponding to the hardware delay of the terminal device. For details regarding the time delay from signal generation to signal transmission and the time delay from signal reception to signal processing, please refer to the foregoing explanations, which will not be repeated here.

[0232] For example, the first phase error is determined when the terminal device supports offline calibration. During the offline calibration process, the terminal device obtains the first phase error through self-transmission and self-reception. In this embodiment, offline calibration can also be referred to as loopback calibration or loopback self-calibration.

[0233] For example, the terminal device generates a first signal and at frequency point f a The terminal device sends the first signal at frequency f. b The system receives the direct path signal corresponding to the first signal and measures the direct path signal corresponding to the first signal to obtain the first phase error. It satisfies the following formula (5).

[0234] In formula (5), δR,D This is the time delay between the terminal device receiving the signal and processing the signal. δ R,U It is the time delay between the terminal device generating the signal and transmitting the signal.

[0235] Furthermore, the frequency at which the terminal device transmits the first signal may be the same as or different from the frequency at which the terminal device transmits the second reference signal, and the frequency at which the terminal device receives the direct path signal of the first signal may be the same as or different from the frequency at which the terminal device receives the first reference signal. For ease of explanation, the following text will use "first frequency" and "second frequency" to describe the signal. The first frequency is the frequency at which the terminal device transmits the first signal, and the second frequency is the frequency at which the terminal device receives the direct path signal of the first signal.

[0236] Example 1: When the terminal device is accurately calibrated offline, the first frequency point can be the same as the frequency point at which the terminal device transmits the second reference signal, and the second frequency point can be the same as the frequency point at which the terminal device receives the first reference signal. For example, f in formula (5) a Similar to f1 in formula (3), f in formula (5) b It is the same as f2 in formula (4).

[0237] Example 2: The inability of the terminal device to accurately calibrate offline may result in: the first frequency point being different from the frequency point at which the terminal device transmits the second reference signal, and / or, the second frequency point being different from the frequency point at which the terminal device receives the first reference signal. For example, f in formula (5) a Unlike f1 in formula (3), and / or f in formula (5) b It is different from f2 in formula (4).

[0238] The inability of the terminal device to perform accurate offline calibration may be due to limitations in the terminal device's hardware capabilities or testing methods. For example, due to limitations in the terminal device's hardware capabilities or testing methods, the terminal device can only perform offline calibration on a single frequency point or two close frequency points.

[0239] For example, suppose the frequency point f1 where the terminal device receives the first reference signal and the frequency point f2 where the terminal device transmits the second reference signal are two frequencies that are significantly separated in the frequency domain. The frequency point where the terminal device receives the first reference signal is the actual downlink frequency point, and the frequency point where the terminal device transmits the second reference signal is the actual uplink frequency point. This requires the terminal device to support a large hardware bandwidth. However, in real-world scenarios, due to limitations in the terminal device's hardware capabilities or detection methods, the terminal device can only support a small bandwidth range during offline calibration. This means that the interval between the frequency point where the terminal device transmits the first signal and the frequency point where the terminal device receives the direct path signal of the first signal cannot be too large. Suppose the terminal device transmits the first signal at frequency point f2, but due to limitations in the terminal device's hardware capabilities or detection methods, it can only receive the direct path signal of the first signal at frequency point f4. Here, f2 is equal to f4, or f2 and f4 are close, or the interval between f2 and f4 is small.

[0240] 5. Second phase error

[0241] The second phase error is obtained by measuring the direct path signal corresponding to the second signal sent and received by the first network device.

[0242] Understandably, in this embodiment, the first network device generates and transmits a second signal. The first network device also receives and measures the direct path signal corresponding to the second signal to obtain a second phase error. Thus, the first network device obtains the second phase error through self-transmission and self-reception. The second phase error is related to the time delay from signal generation to transmission and the time delay from signal reception to signal processing. The second phase error can also be understood as the phase error corresponding to the hardware delay of the first network device. For details regarding the time delay from signal generation to transmission and the time delay from signal reception to signal processing, please refer to the foregoing explanations, which will not be repeated here.

[0243] For example, the second phase error is determined when the first network device supports offline calibration. During the offline calibration process of the first network device, the first network device obtains the second phase error through self-transmission and self-reception.

[0244] For example, the first network device generates a second signal at frequency f c The first network device transmits a second signal at frequency f. d The receiver receives the direct path signal corresponding to the second signal and measures the direct path signal corresponding to the second signal to obtain the second phase error. It satisfies formula (6).

[0245] In formula (6), δ S,DIt is the time delay from when the first network device generates a signal to when it transmits the signal. δ S,U It is the time delay from when the first network device receives the signal to when it processes the signal.

[0246] Furthermore, the frequency at which the first network device transmits the second signal may be the same as or different from the frequency at which the first network device transmits the first reference signal, and the frequency at which the first network device receives the direct path signal of the second signal may be the same as or different from the frequency at which the first network device receives the second reference signal. For ease of explanation, the following text will use the terms "third frequency" and "fourth frequency," where the third frequency is the frequency at which the first network device transmits the second signal, and the fourth frequency is the frequency at which the first network device receives the direct path signal of the second signal.

[0247] Example 1: When the first network device is accurately calibrated offline, the third frequency point can be the same as the frequency point at which the first network device transmits the first reference signal, and the fourth frequency point can be the same as the frequency point at which the first network device receives the second reference signal. For example, if the first network device is accurately calibrated offline, f in formula (6) c Similar to f1 in formula (3), f in formula (6) d It is the same as f2 in formula (4).

[0248] Example 2: The inability of the first network device to perform accurate offline calibration may result in: the third frequency point being different from the frequency point at which the first network device transmits the first reference signal, and / or, the fourth frequency point being different from the frequency point at which the first network device receives the second reference signal. For example, if the first network device cannot perform accurate offline calibration, f in formula (6) c Unlike f1 in formula (3), and / or f in formula (6) d It is different from f2 in formula (4).

[0249] Among them, the offline calibration of the first network device is accurate, and the offline calibration of the first network device is not accurate. Similar to the offline calibration of the terminal device, please refer to the relevant description of the offline calibration of the terminal device mentioned above, which will not be repeated here.

[0250] The first time delay, the second time delay, the first phase measurement, the first phase error, the second phase measurement, and the second phase error have been described above. The following provides supplementary explanations for some of the content mentioned above.

[0251] Optionally, in this embodiment, the first reference signal and the second reference signal are transmitted online. For example, the first reference signal and the second reference signal are transmitted when location services are available. Optionally, in this embodiment, the first signal and the second signal are transmitted offline. For example, the first signal and the second signal are transmitted when location services are not available.

[0252] Optionally, in the embodiments of this application, the time delay from signal generation to signal transmission and the time delay from signal reception to signal processing are determined by the characteristics of the device itself, and may not be affected by the signal type or may be minimally affected by the signal type. For example, the time delay from the first network device generating the first reference signal to transmitting the first reference signal is equal to the time delay from the first network device generating the second signal to transmitting the second signal. As another example, the time delay from the first network device receiving the second reference signal to processing the second reference signal is equal to the time delay from the first network device receiving the direct path signal of the second signal to processing the direct path signal of the second signal. As another example, the time delay from the terminal device generating the second reference signal to transmitting the second reference signal is equal to the time delay from the terminal device generating the first signal to transmitting the first signal. As another example, the time delay from the terminal device receiving the first reference signal to processing the first reference signal is equal to the time delay from the terminal device receiving the direct path signal of the first signal to processing the direct path signal of the first signal.

[0253] Step S101 is described below by way of example, as described in the following optional embodiments 1.1 to 1.3.

[0254] In implementation 1.1, when the first device is a terminal device, the first device acquires a first phase measurement, a first phase error, a second phase measurement, and a second phase error, including: the terminal device obtains the first phase measurement by measuring a first reference signal received from a first network device; and obtains the first phase error by measuring the direct path signal corresponding to the first signal it transmits. Furthermore, the first network device transmits the second phase measurement and the second phase error, and correspondingly, the terminal device receives the second phase measurement and the second phase error.

[0255] In implementation 1.2, when the first device is a first network device, the first device acquires a first phase measurement, a first phase error, a second phase measurement, and a second phase error, including: the first network device obtaining a second phase measurement by measuring a second reference signal received from a terminal device; and obtaining a second phase error by measuring the direct path signal corresponding to a second signal transmitted by itself. Furthermore, the terminal device transmits the first phase measurement and the first phase error, and correspondingly, the first network device receives the first phase measurement and the first phase error.

[0256] Implementation method 1.3 addresses the case where the first device is a device other than the first network device and the terminal device. For example, the first device is an LMF network element. Another example is that the first network device is a proximity network device or a serving network device.

[0257] When the first device is a device other than the first network device and the terminal device, the first device acquires a first phase measurement, a first phase error, a second phase measurement, and a second phase error, including: the terminal device sending the first phase measurement and the first phase error, and correspondingly, the first device receiving the first phase measurement and the first phase error. Furthermore, the first network device sends the second phase measurement and the second phase error, and correspondingly, the first device receives the second phase measurement and the second phase error.

[0258] Step S102 will be described exemplarily below, as described in the following optional embodiments 2.1 to 2.3.

[0259] Implementation method 2.1 addresses the following situations: a first frequency point is the same as the frequency point at which the terminal device transmits the second reference signal; a second frequency point is the same as the frequency point at which the terminal device receives the first reference signal; a third frequency point is the same as the frequency point at which the first network device transmits the first reference signal; and a fourth frequency point is the same as the frequency point at which the first network device receives the second reference signal. Here, the first frequency point is the frequency point at which the terminal device transmits the first signal; the second frequency point is the frequency point at which the terminal device receives the direct path signal of the first signal; the third frequency point is the frequency point at which the first network device transmits the second signal; and the fourth frequency point is the frequency point at which the first network device receives the direct path signal of the second signal. This situation can be applied, for example, to scenarios where both the terminal device and the first network device can accurately perform offline calibration.

[0260] In this case, the first device can directly determine the first delay and the second delay based on the first phase measurement, the first phase error, the second phase measurement, and the second phase error.

[0261] For example, referring to Figure 12, the first network device generates a first reference signal and transmits the first reference signal at time T1 and frequency f1. The terminal device receives the first reference signal at frequency f1 and measures the first reference signal to obtain the first phase measurement. δ S,D It is the time delay from when the first network device generates a signal to when it transmits a signal, δ R,D It is the time delay between the terminal device receiving the signal and processing the signal.

[0262] The terminal device generates a second reference signal and transmits it at time T2 and frequency f2. The first network device receives and measures the second reference signal at frequency f2 to obtain the second phase measurement. δ R,U It is the time delay from when the terminal device generates a signal to when it transmits a signal, δ S,U It is the time delay from when the first network device receives the signal to when it processes the signal.

[0263] The first network device generates a second signal and transmits it at frequency f1. The first network device also receives the direct path signal corresponding to the second signal at frequency f2 and measures the direct path signal to obtain the second phase error.

[0264] The terminal device generates a first signal and transmits the first signal at frequency point f2. The terminal device also receives the direct path signal corresponding to the first signal at frequency point f1 and measures the direct path signal corresponding to the first signal to obtain the first phase error.

[0265] Case 1: The case where the first delay t1 equals the second delay t2. t1, t2, and The following system of equations (a) can be formed as shown in formula (7).

[0266] The first device can determine the values ​​of t1 and t2 by solving the system of equations (a).

[0267] Alternatively, the system of equations (a) can be further simplified to the system of equations (b), and the first device solves the system of equations (b) to determine the values ​​of t1 and t2. For example, using... For equation system (a) Reorganize and simplify as shown in formula (8).

[0268] Therefore, the simplified equation set (a) can be represented by equation set (b) as shown in equation (9).

[0269] Case 2: For the case where the first time delay t1 is not equal to the second time delay t2. In one possible approach, t1 = t2 is used directly, that is, the first device still solves equation set (a) or equation set (b) to determine the values ​​of t1 and t2. In another possible approach, "t1 = t2" in equation set (a) and equation set (b) is replaced with "Δt = |t1 - t2|", resulting in equation set (c) and equation set (d). The first device solves equation set (c) or equation set (d) to determine the values ​​of t1 and t2. Equation set (c) is shown in formula (10), and equation set (d) is shown in formula (11). The difference Δt between the first time delay and the second time delay can be found in the relevant explanations above, and will not be repeated here.

[0270] Implementation method 2.2 addresses the following situations: the first frequency point is different from the frequency point at which the terminal device transmits the second reference signal, and / or the second frequency point is different from the frequency point at which the terminal device receives the first reference signal. Here, the first frequency point is the frequency point at which the terminal device transmits the first signal, and the second frequency point is the frequency point at which the terminal device receives the direct path signal of the first signal. This situation can be applied, for example, to scenarios where the terminal device cannot accurately perform offline calibration.

[0271] In this scenario, in one possible approach, the first device directly determines the first delay and the second delay based on the first phase measurement, the first phase error, the second phase measurement, and the second phase error. In another possible approach, the first device determines a third phase error based on the first phase error, the third phase error being associated with the frequency at which the terminal device transmits the second reference signal and the frequency at which the terminal device receives the first reference signal; and determines the first delay and the second delay based on the first phase measurement, the third phase error, the second phase measurement, and the second phase error. The third phase error can, for example, be estimated based on the first phase error using algorithms such as deduction.

[0272] Optionally, the difference between the first frequency point and the frequency point at which the terminal device transmits the second reference signal is less than or equal to a first value, and / or, the difference between the second frequency point and the frequency point at which the terminal device receives the first reference signal is less than or equal to the first value. The first value may be, for example, predefined or configured, and there are no restrictions on its nature.

[0273] Understandably, the transmitting frequency used by the terminal device for offline calibration is as close as possible to the actual operating uplink frequency, so that the hardware delay of the terminal device at the transmitting frequency used for offline calibration is small or within a tolerable range compared to the hardware delay at the actual operating uplink frequency. Similarly, the receiving frequency used by the terminal device for offline calibration is as close as possible to the actual operating downlink frequency, so that the hardware delay of the terminal device at the receiving frequency used for offline calibration is small or within a tolerable range compared to the hardware delay at the actual operating downlink frequency. This helps to minimize or reduce the error between the determined first delay and the actual downlink transmission delay between the first network device and the terminal device, and minimize or reduce the error between the determined second delay and the actual uplink transmission delay between the first network device and the terminal device, thereby reducing positioning errors.

[0274] For example, referring to Figure 12, the first network device generates a first reference signal and transmits the first reference signal at time T1 and frequency f1. The terminal device receives the first reference signal at frequency f1 and measures the first reference signal to obtain the first phase measurement. δ S,DIt is the time delay from when the first network device generates a signal to when it transmits a signal, δ R,D It is the time delay between the terminal device receiving the signal and processing the signal.

[0275] The terminal device generates a second reference signal and transmits it at time T2 and frequency f2. The first network device receives and measures the second reference signal at frequency f2 to obtain the second phase measurement. δ R,U It is the time delay from when the terminal device generates a signal to when it transmits a signal, δ S,U It is the time delay from when the first network device receives the signal to when it processes the signal.

[0276] The first network device generates a second signal and transmits the second signal at frequency point f1. The first network device receives the direct path signal corresponding to the second signal at frequency point f2 and measures the direct path signal corresponding to the second signal to obtain the second phase error.

[0277] The terminal device generates a first signal and transmits the first signal at frequency point f2. The terminal device receives the direct path signal corresponding to the first signal at frequency point f3 and measures the direct path signal corresponding to the first signal to obtain the first phase error.

[0278] Case 1: For the case where the first time delay t1 equals the second time delay t2. The first device determines the values ​​of t1 and t2 based on equation set (e), equation set (f), or equation set (g). Equation set (e) is shown in formula (12). Equation set (f) is shown in formula (13). Equation set (g) is obtained by further reorganizing and simplifying equation set (f), as shown in formula (14).

[0279] In formulas (13) and (14), Based on the first phase error The determined third phase error.

[0280] Case 2: For the case where the first delay t1 is not equal to the second delay t2. In one optional approach, t1 = t2 is directly used; that is, the first device determines the values ​​of t1 and t2 based on equation set (e), equation set (f), or equation set (g). In another optional approach, "t1 = t2" in equation sets (e), (f), and (g) is replaced with "Δt = |t1 - t2|". The first device determines the values ​​of t1 and t2 based on the replaced equation set (e), equation set (f), or equation set (g). The replacement of "t1 = t2" with "Δt = |t1 - t2|" in the equation set is similar to that in Implementation 2.1, and can be referred to the relevant description in Implementation 2.1. The difference Δt between the first delay and the second delay can be found in the aforementioned description, and will not be repeated here.

[0281] Implementation method 2.3 addresses the following situations: the third frequency point differs from the frequency point at which the first network device transmits the first reference signal, and / or, the fourth frequency point differs from the frequency point at which the first network device receives the second reference signal. Here, the third frequency point is the frequency point at which the first network device transmits the second signal, and the fourth frequency point is the frequency point at which the first network device receives the direct path signal of the second signal. This situation can be applied, for example, to scenarios where the first network device cannot accurately perform offline calibration.

[0282] In this scenario, in one possible approach, the first device directly uses the first phase measurement, the first phase error, the second phase measurement, and the second phase error to determine the first delay and the second delay. In another possible approach, the first device determines a fourth phase error based on the second phase error, the fourth phase error being associated with the frequency at which the first network device transmits the first reference signal and the frequency at which the first network device receives the second reference signal; based on the first phase measurement, the first phase error, the second phase measurement, and the fourth phase error, the first delay and the second delay are determined. The fourth phase error can, for example, be estimated based on the second phase error using algorithms such as deduction.

[0283] Optionally, the difference between the third frequency point and the frequency point at which the first network device transmits the first reference signal is less than or equal to the second value, and / or, the difference between the fourth frequency point and the frequency point at which the first network device receives the second reference signal is less than or equal to the second value. This implementation is advantageous in making the error between the determined first delay and the actual downlink transmission delay between the first network device and the terminal device small or within a tolerable range, and the error between the determined second delay and the actual uplink transmission delay between the first network device and the terminal device small or within a tolerable range, thereby reducing positioning errors. Similar to the first and second frequency points in Embodiment 2.3, they will not be described again. In addition, the second value can be, for example, predefined or configured, and there is no limitation thereto. The second value can be equal to or different from the first value mentioned in Embodiment 2.2.

[0284] For example, referring to Figure 12, the first network device generates a first reference signal and transmits the first reference signal at time T1 and frequency f1. The terminal device receives the first reference signal at frequency f1 and measures the first reference signal to obtain the first phase measurement. δ S,D It is the time delay from when the first network device generates a signal to when it transmits a signal, δ R,D It is the time delay between the terminal device receiving the signal and processing the signal.

[0285] The terminal device generates a second reference signal and transmits it at time T2 and frequency f2. The first network device receives and measures the second reference signal at frequency f2 to obtain the second phase measurement. δ R,U It is the time delay from when the terminal device generates a signal to when it transmits a signal, δ S,U It is the time delay from when the first network device receives the signal to when it processes the signal.

[0286] The first network device generates a second signal and transmits it at frequency f1. The first network device receives the direct path signal corresponding to the second signal at frequency f3 and measures the direct path signal corresponding to the second signal to obtain the second phase error.

[0287] The terminal device generates a first signal and transmits the first signal at frequency point f2. The terminal device receives the direct path signal corresponding to the first signal at frequency point f1 and measures the direct path signal corresponding to the first signal to obtain the first phase error.

[0288] Case 1: For the case where the first time delay t1 equals the second time delay t2. The first device determines the values ​​of t1 and t2 based on equation set (h), equation set (i), or equation set (j). Equation set (h) is shown in formula (15). Equation set (i) is shown in formula (16). Equation set (j) is obtained by further reorganizing and simplifying equation set (i), as shown in formula (17).

[0289] In formulas (16) and (17), Based on the second phase error The determined fourth phase error.

[0290] Case 2: For the case where the first delay t1 is not equal to the second delay t2. In one optional approach, t1 = t2 is directly used; that is, the first device determines the values ​​of t1 and t2 based on equation set (h), equation set (i), or equation set (j). In another optional approach, "t1 = t2" in equation sets (h), (i), and (j) is replaced with "Δt = |t1 - t2|". The first device determines the values ​​of t1 and t2 based on the replaced equation set (h), equation set (i), or equation set (j). The replacement of "t1 = t2" with "Δt = |t1 - t2|" in the equation set is similar to that in Implementation 2.1, and can be referred to the relevant description in Implementation 2.1. The difference Δt between the first delay and the second delay can be found in the aforementioned description, and will not be repeated here.

[0291] Implementation method 2.4 addresses the following situations: the first frequency point is different from the frequency point at which the terminal device transmits the second reference signal, and / or, the second frequency point is different from the frequency point at which the terminal device receives the first reference signal. Furthermore, the third frequency point is different from the frequency point at which the first network device transmits the first reference signal, and / or, the fourth frequency point is different from the frequency point at which the first network device receives the second reference signal. Here, the first frequency point is the frequency point at which the terminal device transmits the first signal, the second frequency point is the frequency point at which the terminal device receives the direct path signal of the first signal, the third frequency point is the frequency point at which the first network device transmits the second signal, and the fourth frequency point is the frequency point at which the first network device receives the direct path signal of the second signal. This situation can be applied, for example, to scenarios where neither the terminal device nor the first network device can accurately perform offline calibration.

[0292] In this scenario, in one possible approach, the first device directly determines the first delay and the second delay based on the first phase measurement, the first phase error, the second phase measurement, and the second phase error. In another possible approach, the first device determines a third phase error based on the first phase error, the third phase error being associated with the frequency at which the terminal device transmits the second reference signal and the frequency at which the terminal device receives the first reference signal; it also determines a fourth phase error based on the second phase error, the fourth phase error being associated with the frequency at which the first network device transmits the first reference signal and the frequency at which the first network device receives the second reference signal; and finally, it determines the first delay and the second delay based on the first phase measurement, the third phase error, the second phase measurement, and the fourth phase error. Furthermore, the physical quantities in this embodiment 2.4 can also be found in the relevant descriptions in embodiments 2.2 and 2.3 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0293] For example, referring to Figure 12, the first network device generates a first reference signal and transmits the first reference signal at time T1 and frequency f1. The terminal device receives the first reference signal at frequency f1 and measures the first reference signal to obtain the first phase measurement. δ S,D It is the time delay from when the first network device generates a signal to when it transmits a signal, δ R,D It is the time delay between the terminal device receiving the signal and processing the signal.

[0294] The terminal device generates a second reference signal and transmits it at time T2 and frequency f2. The first network device receives and measures the second reference signal at frequency f2 to obtain the second phase measurement. δ R,U It is the time delay from when the terminal device generates a signal to when it transmits a signal, δ S,U It is the time delay from when the first network device receives the signal to when it processes the signal.

[0295] The first network device generates a second signal and transmits it at frequency f1. The first network device also receives the direct path signal corresponding to the second signal at frequency f3 and measures the direct path signal to obtain the second phase error.

[0296] The terminal device generates a first signal and transmits the first signal at frequency point f2. The terminal device receives the direct path signal corresponding to the first signal at frequency point f4 and measures the direct path signal corresponding to the first signal to obtain the first phase error.

[0297] Case 1: For the case where the first time delay t1 equals the second time delay t2. The first device determines the values ​​of t1 and t2 based on the system of equations (k), (l), or (m). The system of equations (k) is shown in formula (18). The system of equations (l) is shown in formula (19). The system of equations (m) is obtained by further reorganizing and simplifying the system of equations (l), as shown in formula (20).

[0298] In formulas (19) and (20), Based on the second phase error The determined fourth phase error; Based on the first phase error The determined third phase error.

[0299] Case 2: For the case where the first delay t1 is not equal to the second delay t2. In one optional approach, t1 = t2 is directly used; that is, the first device determines the values ​​of t1 and t2 based on equation set (k), equation set (l), or equation set (m). In another optional approach, "t1 = t2" in equation sets (k), (l), and (m) is replaced with "Δt = |t1 - t2|". The first device determines the values ​​of t1 and t2 based on the replaced equation set (k), equation set (l), or equation set (m). The replacement of "t1 = t2" with "Δt = |t1 - t2|" in the equation set is similar to that in Implementation 2.1, and can be referred to the relevant description in Implementation 2.1. The difference Δt between the first delay and the second delay can be found in the aforementioned description, and will not be repeated here.

[0300] In an optional implementation, the method further includes: a first device acquiring a first frequency point, a second frequency point, a third frequency point, and a fourth frequency point. The first frequency point is the frequency point at which the terminal device transmits a first signal, and the second frequency point is the frequency point at which the terminal device receives a direct path signal corresponding to the first signal. The third frequency point is the frequency point at which the first network device transmits a second signal, and the fourth frequency point is the frequency point at which the first network device receives a direct path signal corresponding to the second signal. Optionally, the first device can determine the implementation method of step S102 based on the first frequency point, the second frequency point, the third frequency point, and the fourth frequency point, for example, determining which implementation method from embodiments 2.1 to 2.4 should be used to implement step S102.

[0301] For example, if the first device is a terminal device, the first device itself can determine the first frequency point and the second frequency point. The first network device transmits the third frequency point and the fourth frequency point, and correspondingly, the first device receives the third frequency point and the fourth frequency point.

[0302] For example, if the first device is a first network device, the first device itself can determine the third frequency point and the fourth frequency point. The terminal device transmits the first frequency point and the second frequency point, and correspondingly, the first device receives the first frequency point and the second frequency point.

[0303] For example, if the first device is a device other than the first network device and the terminal device, the terminal device transmits a first frequency and a second frequency, and the first device receives the first frequency and the second frequency accordingly. The first network device transmits a third frequency and a fourth frequency, and the first device receives the third frequency and the fourth frequency accordingly.

[0304] In one optional implementation, the method further includes: a first device determining a carrier phase corresponding to a first reference signal based on a first time delay; and determining a carrier phase corresponding to a second reference signal based on a second time delay. The carrier phases corresponding to the first and second reference signals are used to determine the location of the terminal device.

[0305] Understandably, since the first delay is the delay from when the first network device sends the first reference signal to when the terminal device receives the first reference signal, and the first delay is the downlink transmission delay after mitigating / eliminating the transmission communication delay of the first network device and the reception channel delay of the terminal device, then the carrier phase corresponding to the first reference signal determined based on the first delay is the downlink carrier phase after mitigating / eliminating the phase error corresponding to the transmission communication delay of the first network device and the phase error corresponding to the reception channel delay of the terminal device. Therefore, the carrier phase corresponding to the first reference signal determined based on the first delay is the calibrated downlink carrier phase. Similarly, the carrier phase corresponding to the second reference signal determined based on the second delay is the uplink carrier phase after removing the phase error corresponding to the transmission communication delay of the terminal device and the phase error corresponding to the reception channel delay of the first network device. Therefore, the carrier phase corresponding to the second reference signal determined based on the second delay is the calibrated uplink carrier phase. Determining the position of the terminal device based on the calibrated downlink carrier phase and the calibrated uplink carrier phase can reduce positioning errors and improve positioning performance.

[0306] This application does not limit the apparatus used to perform the operation of determining the location of the terminal device. For example, the operation of determining the location of the terminal device may be performed by a first apparatus, or by an apparatus different from the first apparatus.

[0307] For example, the first device is a terminal device. After determining a first delay and a second delay, or determining the carrier phase corresponding to the first reference signal and the carrier phase corresponding to the second reference signal, the terminal device sends the first delay and the second delay, or the carrier phase corresponding to the first reference signal and the carrier phase corresponding to the second reference signal, to the network device or LMF network element. The network device or LMF network element determines the location of the terminal device based on the received first delay and second delay, or the received carrier phase corresponding to the first reference signal and the carrier phase corresponding to the second reference signal.

[0308] For example, the first device is a network device or an LMF (Light Filtering Function) element. After determining the first delay and the second delay, or determining the carrier phase corresponding to the first reference signal and the carrier phase corresponding to the second reference signal, the network device or LMF element sends the first delay and the second delay, or the carrier phase corresponding to the first reference signal and the carrier phase corresponding to the second reference signal, to the terminal device. The terminal device determines its location based on the received first delay and the second delay, or the received carrier phase corresponding to the first reference signal and the carrier phase corresponding to the second reference signal.

[0309] This application does not limit the positioning method used to determine the location of the terminal device. For example, some positioning methods (such as RTT-based positioning methods) utilize transmission delay for positioning. In this case, the location of the terminal device can be directly determined based on the transmission delay between the network device and the terminal device (including the first delay and the second delay). As another example, some positioning methods (such as positioning methods based on reference signal carrier phase measurement in 5G communication systems) utilize carrier phase for positioning. In this case, the carrier phase (including the carrier phase corresponding to the first reference signal and the carrier phase corresponding to the second reference signal) can be determined based on the transmission delay between the network device and the terminal device (including the first delay and the second delay), and then the location of the terminal device can be determined based on the determined carrier phase.

[0310] In summary, in this communication method, the first device determines a first delay and a second delay based on a first phase measurement, a first phase error, a second phase measurement, and a second phase error. The first delay and the second delay are used to determine the location of the terminal device.

[0311] Understandably, the phase measurement of the downlink reference signal between the first network device and the terminal device (i.e., the first phase measurement) is affected by the transmission channel delay of the first network device, the downlink transmission delay, and the reception channel delay of the terminal device. The phase measurement of the uplink reference signal between the first network device and the terminal device (i.e., the second phase measurement) is affected by the transmission channel delay of the terminal device, the uplink transmission delay, and the reception channel delay of the first network device. The phase error obtained by the terminal device through self-transmission and self-reception (i.e., the first phase error) is affected by the transmission channel delay and reception channel delay of the terminal device. The phase error obtained by the first network device through self-transmission and self-reception (i.e., the second phase error) is affected by the transmission channel delay and reception channel delay of the first network device.

[0312] This method determines the downlink and uplink transmission delays between the first network device and the terminal device based on the phase measurements of the uplink reference signal and the downlink reference signal, as well as the phase errors corresponding to the hardware delays of the terminal device and the first network device. This ensures that the determined downlink and uplink transmission delays are the result of mitigating / eliminating the hardware delays of the terminal device and the first network device. Therefore, positioning based on these determined downlink and uplink transmission delays improves positioning accuracy, meets high-precision positioning requirements (such as meter-level or sub-meter-level), and enhances positioning performance. Furthermore, in this method, the terminal device and the network device can calibrate their own hardware delay phase errors in real time, further improving positioning accuracy.

[0313] As can be seen, the method provided in this application, by utilizing the uplink and downlink coordination between the terminal device and the network device, as well as the offline calibration of the terminal device and the network device, can reduce / eliminate positioning errors caused by hardware latency of the terminal device and the network device, thereby improving positioning accuracy. Furthermore, this method is simple to operate and can also reduce the complexity and cost of the terminal device and the network device.

[0314] Furthermore, the method described in Figure 10 elaborates on the determination of the first and second time delays between the first network device and the terminal device. The first network device is the network device involved in the positioning process. It is evident that the first network device can both send downlink signals to the terminal device and receive uplink signals sent by the terminal device.

[0315] Among the multiple network devices participating in the positioning process, all network devices may be able to receive the uplink signal sent by the terminal device. Alternatively, due to limitations in the uplink transmission power of the terminal device or obstruction between the terminal device and the network devices, only some of the network devices participating in the positioning process may be able to receive the uplink signal sent by the terminal device, while the remaining network devices may not receive it. These two scenarios are illustrated below by example, as described in optional implementation methods 3.1 and 3.2.

[0316] For example, the multiple network devices involved in positioning may include different network devices and / or the same network device at different times. For instance, the multiple network devices involved in positioning may include network device #1, network device #2, and network device #3. Network device #1, network device #2, and network device #3 are three distinct independent network devices, or the same network device in different time units. Alternatively, network device #1 and network device #2 are the same network device in different time units, and network device #3 is another independent network device different from it. The time unit may be, for example, a single moment, a continuous time period, or a non-continuous time period. Therefore, when the network device involved in positioning is a satellite, the method provided in this application embodiment can be applied to single-satellite positioning scenarios as well as multi-satellite positioning scenarios.

[0317] Implementation method 3.1 addresses the following situation: among multiple network devices participating in positioning, all network devices can receive the uplink signal sent by the terminal device. For example, among multiple satellites participating in positioning, both the serving satellite and neighboring satellites can receive the uplink signal sent by the terminal device. As another example, among multiple base stations participating in positioning, both the serving base station and neighboring base stations can receive the uplink signal sent by the terminal device.

[0318] In this case, the determination method for the downlink and uplink transmission delays between any network device and the terminal device involved in the positioning is similar to the determination method for the first and second delays between the first network device and the terminal device, as described above. In this embodiment, the downlink transmission delay between the network device and the terminal device is the delay from when the network device sends a signal to when the terminal device receives the signal, and the uplink transmission delay between the network device and the terminal device is the delay from when the terminal device sends a signal to when the network device receives the signal.

[0319] Based on this, the downlink and uplink transmission delays between each network device and the terminal device participating in the positioning can be determined. Then, by utilizing the downlink and uplink transmission delays between the multiple network devices and the terminal device participating in the positioning, the location of the terminal device can be determined to achieve positioning.

[0320] The following example illustrates the situation by including a second network device in addition to the first network device in the multiple network devices involved in the positioning process. The second network device is capable of sending downlink signals to the terminal device and receiving uplink signals sent by the terminal device.

[0321] For example, referring to Figure 13, the first network device generates reference signal #1 (i.e., the first reference signal) and transmits reference signal #1 at time T1 and frequency f1; the terminal device receives reference signal #1 at f1 and measures reference signal #1 to obtain phase measurement quantity #1 (i.e., the first phase measurement quantity). The terminal device generates reference signal #2 (i.e., the second reference signal) and transmits reference signal #2 at time T2 and frequency f2; the first network device receives reference signal #2 at f2 and measures reference signal #2 to obtain phase measurement quantity #2 (i.e., the second phase measurement quantity).

[0322] The second network device generates reference signal #3 and transmits it at time T3 and frequency f3; the terminal device receives and measures reference signal #3 at f3 to obtain phase measurement #3. The terminal device generates reference signal #4 and transmits it at time T4 and frequency f3. 43 The first network device receives the reference signal #4 on f4 and measures the reference signal #4 to obtain the phase measurement #4.

[0323] Furthermore, the terminal device generates signal #1 (i.e., the first signal) and transmits signal #1 on f2, receives the direct path signal corresponding to signal #1 on f1, and measures the direct path signal corresponding to signal #1 to obtain phase error #1 (i.e., the first phase error). The terminal device generates signal #3 and transmits signal #3 on f4, receives the direct path signal corresponding to signal #3 on f3, and measures the direct path signal corresponding to signal #3 to obtain phase error #3.

[0324] The first network device generates signal #2 (i.e., the second signal) and transmits signal #2 on f1. It receives the direct path signal corresponding to signal #2 on f2 and measures the direct path signal corresponding to signal #2 to obtain phase error #2 (i.e., the second phase error). The first network device generates signal #4 and transmits signal #4 on f3. It receives the direct path signal corresponding to signal #4 on f4 and measures the direct path signal corresponding to signal #4 to obtain phase error #4.

[0325] The first device determines delay #1 (i.e., the first delay) and delay #2 (i.e., the second delay) based on phase measurement #1, phase measurement #2, phase error #1 and phase error #2. Delay #1 is the delay from when the first network device sends reference signal #1 to when the terminal device receives reference signal #1, and delay #2 is the delay from when the terminal device sends reference signal #2 to when the first network device receives reference signal #2.

[0326] The first device determines delay #3 and delay #4 based on phase measurement #3, phase measurement #4, phase error #3 and phase error #4. Delay #3 is the time delay from when the second network device sends reference signal #3 to when the terminal device receives reference signal #3, and delay #4 is the time delay from when the terminal device sends reference signal #4 to when the first network device receives reference signal #4.

[0327] Delay #1, delay #2, delay #3, and delay #4 are used to determine the location of the terminal device. For example, the device performing the operation of determining the location of the terminal device can directly use delay #1, delay #2, delay #3, and delay #4 to determine the location of the terminal device; or, it can use the phase carrier determined based on delay #1, the phase carrier determined based on delay #2, the phase carrier determined based on delay #3, and the phase carrier determined based on delay #4 to determine the location of the terminal device. For further details, please refer to the foregoing explanations, which will not be repeated here.

[0328] As can be seen, when the network device involved in positioning is a satellite, the method described in Implementation 3.1 can be applied to scenarios where single-satellite positioning or multiple satellites involved in positioning can receive uplink signals sent by the terminal device, ensuring positioning accuracy and improving positioning performance. Furthermore, positioning in this method does not rely on inter-satellite links, making operation simpler.

[0329] Implementation method 3.2 addresses the following situations: Among multiple network devices participating in positioning, some network devices can receive uplink signals sent by the terminal device, while others cannot. For example, among multiple satellites participating in positioning, the serving satellite can receive uplink signals sent by the terminal device, while some or all neighboring satellites cannot. As another example, among multiple satellites participating in positioning, some neighboring satellites can receive uplink signals sent by the terminal device, while the serving satellite and / or some neighboring satellites cannot. As yet another example, among multiple base stations participating in positioning, the serving base station can receive uplink signals sent by the terminal device, while some or all neighboring base stations cannot. As yet another example, among multiple base stations participating in positioning, some neighboring base stations can receive uplink signals sent by the terminal device, while the serving base station and / or some neighboring base stations cannot.

[0330] In this scenario, besides network devices capable of receiving uplink signals from the terminal device exchanging reference signals with the terminal device, and network devices unable to receive uplink signals from the terminal device sending reference signals to the terminal device, network devices capable of receiving uplink signals from the terminal device also exchange reference signals with network devices unable to receive uplink signals from the terminal device. This method can simultaneously determine the downlink and uplink transmission delays between network devices capable of receiving uplink signals from the terminal device and the terminal device, as well as the downlink transmission delays between network devices unable to receive uplink signals from the terminal device and the terminal device. Then, by utilizing the downlink and uplink transmission delays corresponding to some of the participating network devices, and the downlink delay corresponding to others, the location of the terminal device is determined, thus achieving positioning.

[0331] The following example illustrates the situation by including a second network device in addition to the first network device in the multiple network devices involved in the positioning process. The second network device can send downlink signals to the terminal device, but cannot receive uplink signals sent by the terminal device.

[0332] Optionally, the method described in Figure 10 further includes: a first device acquiring a third phase measurement, a fourth phase measurement, a fifth phase error, a fifth phase measurement, and a sixth phase error. The first device determines a first time delay and a second time delay based on the first phase measurement, the first phase error, the second phase measurement, and the second phase error, including:

[0333] The first device determines a first delay, a second delay, and a third delay based on a first phase measurement, a first phase error, a second phase measurement, a second phase error, a third phase measurement, a fourth phase measurement, a fifth phase error, a fifth phase measurement, and a sixth phase error. The first delay, the second delay, and the third delay are used to determine the location of the terminal device.

[0334] The third phase measurement is obtained based on the third reference signal received by the terminal device from the second network device.

[0335] The fourth phase measurement is obtained based on the fourth reference signal received by the second network device from the first network device.

[0336] The fifth phase error is measured based on the direct path signal corresponding to the third signal sent and received by the second network device.

[0337] The fifth phase measurement is obtained based on the fifth reference signal received by the first network device from the second network device.

[0338] The sixth phase error is measured based on the direct path signal corresponding to the fourth signal sent and received by the first network device.

[0339] The third delay is the delay between the second network device sending the third reference signal and the terminal device receiving the third reference signal.

[0340] For the first phase measurement, first phase error, second phase measurement, second phase error, first delay, and second delay, please refer to the aforementioned descriptions. The third, fourth, and fifth phase measurements are similar to the first and second phase measurements described above, and the fifth and sixth phase errors are similar to the first and second phase errors described above; please refer to the aforementioned descriptions for further details. They will not be repeated here.

[0341] In addition, the implementation of "the first device acquiring the third phase measurement, the fourth phase measurement, and the fifth phase error, the fifth phase measurement, and the sixth phase error" is similar to the aforementioned "the first device acquiring the first phase measurement, the first phase error, the second phase measurement, and the second phase error", and the relevant descriptions above can be referred to.

[0342] For example, the first device is a terminal device. The terminal device determines a first phase measurement, a first phase error, and a third phase measurement. The terminal device also receives a second phase measurement, a second phase error, a fifth phase measurement, and a sixth phase error from the first network device. The terminal device also receives a fourth phase measurement and a fifth phase error from the second network device.

[0343] For example, the first device is a first network device. The first network device determines a second phase measurement, a second phase error, a fifth phase measurement, and a sixth phase error. The first network device also receives a first phase measurement, a first phase error, and a third phase measurement sent by a terminal device. The first network device also receives a fourth phase measurement and a fifth phase error sent by a second network device.

[0344] For example, the first device is a second network device. The second network device determines a fourth phase measurement and a fifth phase error. The second network device also receives a second phase measurement, a second phase error, a fifth phase measurement, and a sixth phase error sent by the first network device. The second network device also receives a first phase measurement, a first phase error, and a third phase measurement sent by the terminal device.

[0345] For example, the first device is a device other than the terminal device, the first network device, and the second network device (e.g., an LMF network element or other network device). The first device receives a first phase measurement, a first phase error, and a third phase measurement sent by the terminal device. The first device also receives a second phase measurement, a second phase error, a fifth phase measurement, and a sixth phase error sent by the first network device. The first device also receives a fourth phase measurement and a fifth phase error sent by the second network device.

[0346] Optionally, the fifth frequency may be the same as or different from the frequency at which the second network device transmits the fifth reference signal, and the fifth frequency may be the frequency at which the second network device transmits the third signal.

[0347] The sixth frequency may be the same as or different from the frequency at which the second network device receives the fourth reference signal. The sixth frequency is the frequency at which the second network device receives the direct path signal corresponding to the third signal.

[0348] The seventh frequency may be the same as or different from the frequency at which the first network device transmits the fourth reference signal. The seventh frequency is the frequency at which the first network device transmits the fourth signal.

[0349] The eighth frequency may be the same as or different from the frequency at which the first network device receives the fifth reference signal. The eighth frequency is the frequency at which the first network device receives the direct path signal corresponding to the fourth signal.

[0350] The aforementioned frequency conditions are related to whether the second network device and the first network device can be accurately calibrated offline. The offline calibration of the second network device and the first network device is similar to that of the aforementioned terminal device and the first network device, and can be referred to the relevant descriptions, which will not be repeated here.

[0351] Example 1: For cases where the fifth frequency differs from the frequency at which the second network device transmits the fifth reference signal, and / or the sixth frequency differs from the frequency at which the second network device receives the fourth reference signal. In one alternative approach, the first device directly determines the first delay, second delay, and third delay based on the first phase measurement, the first phase error, the second phase measurement, the second phase error, the third phase measurement, the fourth phase measurement, the fifth phase error, the fifth phase measurement, and the sixth phase error. In another alternative approach, the first device does not directly use the fifth phase error in determining the first delay, second delay, and third delay. Instead, it replaces the fifth phase error with a seventh phase error, which is determined based on the fifth phase error and is associated with the frequency at which the second network device transmits the fifth reference signal and the frequency at which the second network device receives the fourth reference signal.

[0352] Example 2: For cases where the seventh frequency differs from the frequency at which the first network device transmits the fourth reference signal, and / or the eighth frequency differs from the frequency at which the first network device receives the fifth reference signal. In one alternative approach, the first device directly determines the first delay, second delay, and third delay based on the first phase measurement, the first phase error, the second phase measurement, the second phase error, the third phase measurement, the fourth phase measurement, the fifth phase error, the fifth phase measurement, and the sixth phase error. In another alternative approach, the first device does not directly use the sixth phase error in determining the first delay, second delay, and third delay. Instead, it replaces the sixth phase error with the eighth phase error, which is determined based on the sixth phase error and is associated with the frequency at which the first network device transmits the fourth reference signal and the frequency at which the first network device receives the fifth reference signal.

[0353] Example 3, for the following situations: the fifth frequency is different from the frequency at which the second network device transmits the fifth reference signal, and / or the sixth frequency is different from the frequency at which the second network device receives the fourth reference signal; and the seventh frequency is different from the frequency at which the first network device transmits the fourth reference signal, and / or the eighth frequency is different from the frequency at which the first network device receives the fifth reference signal.

[0354] In one optional approach, the first device directly determines the first delay, the second delay, and the third delay based on the first phase measurement, the first phase error, the second phase measurement, the second phase error, the third phase measurement, the fourth phase measurement, the fifth phase error, the fifth phase measurement, and the sixth phase error. In another optional approach, the first device does not directly use the fifth and sixth phase errors in determining the first, second, and third delays; instead, it replaces the fifth phase error with a seventh phase error and the sixth phase error with an eighth phase error. The seventh phase error is determined based on the fifth phase error and is associated with the frequency at which the second network device transmits the fifth reference signal and the frequency at which the second network device receives the fourth reference signal. The eighth phase error is determined based on the sixth phase error and is associated with the frequency at which the first network device transmits the fourth reference signal and the frequency at which the first network device receives the fifth reference signal.

[0355] Optionally, the method described in Figure 10 further includes: the first device acquiring a fifth frequency, a sixth frequency, a seventh frequency, and an eighth frequency. The specific implementation is similar to that of the first device acquiring the first frequency, the second frequency, the third frequency, and the fourth frequency, and will not be repeated here.

[0356] Optionally, the time delay between the first network device sending the fourth reference signal and the second network device receiving the fourth reference signal may be the same as or different from the time delay between the second network device sending the fifth reference signal and the first network device receiving the fifth reference signal. This is similar to the aforementioned first and second delays being the same or different, and can be referred to the previous descriptions of the first and second delays, which will not be repeated here.

[0357] For example, referring to Figure 14, the first network device generates a reference signal #1 (i.e., the first reference signal) and transmits the reference signal #1 at time T1 and frequency f1. The terminal device receives the reference signal #1 at f1 and measures the reference signal #1 to obtain the phase measurement quantity #1 (i.e., the first phase measurement quantity), and uses... This indicates phase measurement quantity #1.

[0358] The terminal device generates reference signal #2 (i.e., the second reference signal) and transmits it at time T2 and frequency f2. The first network device receives and measures the reference signal #2 at f2 to obtain phase measurement #2 (i.e., the second phase measurement), and then uses... This indicates phase measurement #2.

[0359] The second network device generates reference signal #3 (i.e., the third reference signal) and transmits it at time T3 and frequency f3. The terminal device receives and measures reference signal #3 at f3 to obtain phase measurement #3 (i.e., the third phase measurement), and then uses... This indicates phase measurement quantity #3.

[0360] The first network device generates reference signal #4 (i.e., the fourth reference signal) and transmits it at time T4 and frequency f4. The second network device receives and measures reference signal #4 at f4 to obtain phase measurement #4 (i.e., the fourth phase measurement), and then uses... This indicates phase measurement #4.

[0361] The second network device generates reference signal #5 (i.e., the fifth reference signal) and transmits it at time T5 and frequency f5. The first network device receives and measures reference signal #5 at f5 to obtain phase measurement quantity #5 (i.e., the fifth phase measurement quantity), and then uses... This indicates phase measurement #5.

[0362] Furthermore, the terminal device generates signal #1 and transmits signal #1 at f2, receives the direct path signal corresponding to signal #1 at f1 and measures the direct path signal corresponding to signal #1 to obtain phase error #1 (i.e., the first phase error), and then uses... This indicates a phase error of #1.

[0363] The first network device generates signal #2 and transmits signal #2 at frequency point f1. It receives the direct path signal corresponding to signal #2 at frequency f2 and measures the direct path signal corresponding to signal #2 to obtain the phase error #2 (i.e., the second phase error). This represents phase error #2. Furthermore, the first network device generates signal #3 and transmits signal #3 on f4, receives the direct path signal corresponding to signal #3 on f5, and measures the direct path signal corresponding to signal #3 to obtain phase error #3 (i.e., the sixth phase error). This indicates a phase error of #3.

[0364] The second network device generates signal #4 and transmits signal #4 on f5. It receives the direct path signal corresponding to signal #4 on f4 and measures the direct path signal corresponding to signal #4 to obtain phase error #4 (i.e., the fifth phase error). This indicates a phase error of #4.

[0365] Assume that the time delay t1 from the first network device sending reference signal #1 to the terminal device receiving reference signal #1 is equal to the time delay t2 from the terminal device sending reference signal #2 to the first network device receiving reference signal #2, and that the time delay t4 from the first network device sending reference signal #4 to the second network device receiving reference signal #4 is equal to the time delay t5 from the second network device sending reference signal #5 to the first network device receiving reference signal #5. It satisfies formula (21).

[0366] In formula (21), δ S1,D It is the time delay from when the first network device generates a signal to when it transmits the signal. δ S1,U It is the time delay from when the first network device receives the signal to when it processes the signal.

[0367] δ R,D This is the time delay between the terminal device receiving the signal and processing the signal. δ R,U It is the time delay between the terminal device generating the signal and transmitting the signal.

[0368] δ S2,D This is the time delay from when the second network device receives the signal to when it processes the signal. δ S2,U It is the time delay between the second network device generating the signal and transmitting the signal.

[0369] t3 is the time delay from when the second network device sends reference signal #3 to when the terminal device receives reference signal #3.

[0370] In formula (21), the values ​​of t4 and t5 can be determined based on ephemeris. t1, t2, t3, δ S1,D δ R,D δR,U δ S1,U δ S2,D δ S2,U The unknowns are: The system of equations shown in formula (21) consists of 10 equations. Therefore, by solving the system of equations shown in formula (21), the values ​​of t1, t2, and t3 can be determined.

[0371] Here, t1, t2, and t3 are used to determine the location of the terminal device. For example, the device performing the operation of determining the location of the terminal device can directly use t1, t2, and t3 to determine the location of the terminal device; or, it can use the phase carrier determined based on t1, the phase carrier determined based on t2, and the phase carrier determined based on t3 to determine the location of the terminal device. For more details, please refer to the relevant explanations above, which will not be repeated here.

[0372] As can be seen, when the network device involved in positioning is a satellite, the method described in Implementation 3.2 can be applied to scenarios where some of the multiple satellites involved in positioning cannot receive the uplink signal sent by the terminal device, thus ensuring positioning accuracy and improving positioning performance. Furthermore, although this method relies on inter-satellite links, it has a wider range of applicable scenarios and a broader scope of application.

[0373] In addition, in the embodiments of this application, the network device and the terminal device may communicate directly or indirectly.

[0374] For example, the first device is a terminal device. The first network device can directly send phase measurements (e.g., second phase measurement, fifth phase measurement) and phase errors (e.g., second phase error, sixth phase error) to the terminal device. Alternatively, the first network device sends phase measurements and phase errors to the LMF network element, which then sends the phase measurements and phase errors to the terminal device.

[0375] For example, the first device is a terminal device, and the first network device is a neighboring satellite. The first network device sends the phase measurement and phase error to the serving satellite or LMF network element, which then sends the phase measurement and phase error to the terminal device.

[0376] In this embodiment, different network devices can communicate directly or indirectly. For example, the first device is a first network device. The second network device can directly send the fourth phase measurement and the fifth phase error to the first network device. Alternatively, the second network device sends the fourth phase measurement and the fifth phase error to the LMF network element, and the LMF network element then sends the fourth phase measurement and the fifth phase error to the first network device.

[0377] Optionally, in this embodiment, the phase measurement quantities (e.g., first phase measurement quantity, second phase measurement quantity, third phase measurement quantity, fourth phase measurement quantity, fifth phase measurement quantity), phase errors (e.g., first phase error, second phase error, third phase error, fourth phase error, fifth phase error, sixth phase error), and frequency point information (e.g., first frequency point, second frequency point, third frequency point, fourth frequency point, fifth frequency point, sixth frequency point, seventh frequency point, eighth frequency point) are positioning auxiliary information or auxiliary data, which can assist the terminal device in calculating the position and help achieve positioning.

[0378] The embodiments of this application do not restrict the order in which the steps involved in the method are executed. For example, the order of operations such as the terminal device and the first network device exchanging reference signals, the terminal device transmitting and receiving signals, and the first network device transmitting and receiving signals is not restricted. Similarly, the order of operations such as the second network device sending a reference signal to the terminal device, the second network device transmitting and receiving signals, and the terminal device transmitting and receiving signals is not restricted. Furthermore, the order of operations such as the terminal device and the first network device exchanging reference signals, and the second network device sending a reference signal to the terminal device is not restricted. For example, in a TDD scenario, the order of operations such as the first network device sending a first reference signal to the terminal device and the terminal device sending a second reference signal to the first network device is not restricted. For example, in embodiment 3.2, the order of operations such as the first network device and the terminal device exchanging reference signals, the first network device and the second network device exchanging reference signals, and the second network device sending a reference signal to the terminal device is not restricted.

[0379] To achieve the functions of the methods provided in the embodiments of this application, the network element / device may include hardware structures and / or software modules, implementing the above functions in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or a combination of hardware structures and software modules. Whether a particular function is executed in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or a combination of hardware structures and software modules depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0380] As shown in Figure 15, this application embodiment provides a communication device 1500. The communication device 1500 can be used for the steps executed by the first device, terminal device, first network device, or second network device in the above method embodiments, as described in the relevant descriptions in the above method embodiments. The communication device 1500 can also be other communication units used to implement the methods in the method embodiments of this application. The communication device 1500 may include a processing unit 1501. Optionally, the communication device 1500 may further include a communication unit 1502, where the processing unit 1501 controls the communication unit 1502 to perform data / signaling transmission and reception. The communication unit 1502 may also be referred to as a transceiver unit. Optionally, the communication unit 1502 may include a sending unit and a receiving unit. The sending unit can be used to send data / signaling, and the receiving unit can be used to receive data / signaling. Optionally, the communication device 1500 may further include a storage unit 1503, which can be used to store information and / or data and / or instructions, etc. The storage unit 1503 can interact with the processing unit 1501 and also with the communication unit 1502.

[0381] In one possible design, regarding the case where the communication device 1500 is used to implement the function of the first device in the above method embodiment:

[0382] The processing unit 1501 is configured to acquire a first phase measurement, a first phase error, a second phase measurement, and a second phase error. The processing unit 1501 is also configured to determine a first time delay and a second time delay based on the first phase measurement, the first phase error, the second phase measurement, and the second phase error, wherein the first time delay and the second time delay are used to determine the position of the terminal device.

[0383] The first phase measurement is obtained based on the first reference signal received by the terminal device from the first network device, and the first phase error is obtained based on the direct path signals corresponding to the first signal sent and received by the terminal device. The second phase measurement is obtained based on the second reference signal received by the first network device from the terminal device, and the second phase error is obtained based on the direct path signals corresponding to the second signal sent and received by the first network device. The first delay is the delay from the first network device sending the first reference signal to the terminal device receiving the first reference signal. The second delay is the delay from the terminal device sending the second reference signal to the first network device receiving the second reference signal.

[0384] In another possible design, regarding the case where the communication device 1500 is used to implement the functions of the terminal device in the above method embodiments:

[0385] Communication unit 1502 is configured to send a second reference signal to the first network device, the second reference signal being used to determine a second phase measurement. Communication unit 1502 is also configured to send a first phase measurement and a first phase error to the first device, the first phase measurement being obtained based on the first reference signal received by communication device 1500 from the first network device, and the first phase error being obtained based on the direct path signal corresponding to the first signal sent and received by communication device 1500.

[0386] The first phase measurement, the first phase error, and the second phase measurement are used to determine the first delay and the second delay, which in turn are used to determine the position of the communication device 1500. The first delay is the time delay from when the first network device sends the first reference signal to when the communication device 1500 receives the first reference signal. The second delay is the time delay from when the communication device 1500 sends the second reference signal to when the first network device receives the second reference signal.

[0387] In another possible design, regarding the case where the communication device 1500 is used to implement the function of the first network device in the above method embodiment:

[0388] The communication unit 1502 is configured to send a first reference signal to the terminal device, the first reference signal being used to determine a first phase measurement. The communication unit 1502 is also configured to send a second phase measurement and a second phase error to the first device, the second phase measurement being obtained based on the second reference signal received by the communication device 1500 from the terminal device, and the second phase error being obtained based on the direct path signal corresponding to the second signal sent and received by the communication device 1500.

[0389] The first phase measurement, the second phase measurement, and the second phase error are used to determine the first delay and the second delay, which in turn are used to determine the location of the terminal device. The first delay is the delay from when the communication device 1500 sends the first reference signal to when the terminal device receives the first reference signal. The second delay is the delay from when the terminal device sends the second reference signal to when the communication device 1500 receives the second reference signal.

[0390] In another possible design, regarding the case where the communication device 1500 is used to implement the function of the second network device in the above method embodiments:

[0391] Communication unit 1502 is configured to send a third reference signal to the terminal device, the third reference signal being used to determine a third phase measurement. Communication unit 1502 is also configured to send a fifth reference signal to the first network device, the fifth reference signal being used to determine a fifth phase measurement. Communication device 1500 is also configured to send a fourth phase measurement and a fifth phase error to the first device, the fourth phase measurement being obtained based on the fourth reference signal received by communication device 1500 from the first network device, and the fifth phase error being obtained based on the direct path signal corresponding to the third signal sent and received by communication device 1500.

[0392] The fourth phase measurement, the fifth phase error, the fifth phase measurement, and the third phase measurement are used to determine the first delay, the second delay, and the third delay, which are then used to determine the location of the terminal device. The first delay is the delay from when the first network device sends the first reference signal to when the terminal device receives the first reference signal. The second delay is the delay from when the terminal device sends the second reference signal to when the first network device receives the second reference signal. The third delay is the delay from when the communication device 1500 sends the third reference signal to when the terminal device receives the third reference signal.

[0393] The embodiments of this application and the method embodiments shown above are based on the same concept and have the same technical effects. For the specific principles, please refer to the description of the embodiments shown above, which will not be repeated here.

[0394] This application also provides a communication device 1600, as shown in FIG16. The communication device 1600 can be used for the steps executed by the first device, terminal device, first network device, or second network device in the above method embodiments, as described in the relevant descriptions in the above method embodiments.

[0395] The communication device 1600 may include one or more processors 1601. The processor 1601 can be used to implement some or all of the functions of the terminal-side device or network-side device through logic circuits or by running computer programs. The processor 1601 may be a general-purpose processor or a special-purpose processor, etc. For example, it may be one or a combination of one or more of the following: baseband processor, digital signal processor, application-specific integrated circuit, field-programmable gate array or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic device, discrete hardware component, central processing unit (CPU), application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), digital signal processor (DSP), microprocessor unit (MPU), microcontroller unit (MCU), graphics processing unit (GPU), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), artificial intelligence processor (AI processor), or neural processing unit (NPU). The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the central processing unit can be used to control communication devices, execute software programs, and process data from software programs. Communication devices include, for example, base stations, baseband chips, terminals, terminal chips, DUs, or CUs.

[0396] Optionally, the communication device 1600 may include one or more memories 1602, which may store instructions 1604 that can be executed on the processor 1601, causing the communication device 1600 to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments. Optionally, the memory 1602 may also store data. The processor 1601 and the memory 1602 may be provided separately or integrated together.

[0397] The memory 1602 may include, but is not limited to, non-volatile memories such as cache, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), hard disk drive (HDD), or solid-state drive (SSD). The memory 1602 may also include random access memory (RAM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), ROM, or compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), etc. Memory is any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code having an instruction or data structure form and accessible by a computer, but is not limited to this. The memory in the embodiments of this application may also be a circuit or any other device capable of implementing a storage function for storing computer programs or instructions, and / or data.

[0398] Optionally, the communication device 1600 may further include a transceiver 1605 and an antenna 1606. The transceiver 1605 may be referred to as a transceiver unit, transceiver, or transceiver circuit, etc., and is used to implement the transmission and reception functions. The transceiver 1605 may include a receiver and a transmitter. The receiver may be referred to as a receiver or receiving circuit, etc., and is used to implement the receiving function; the transmitter may be referred to as a transmitter or transmitting circuit, etc., and is used to implement the transmitting function.

[0399] In one possible design, regarding the case where the communication device 1600 is used to implement the function of the first device in the above method embodiment:

[0400] Processor 1601 is configured to acquire a first phase measurement, a first phase error, a second phase measurement, and a second phase error. Processor 1601 is also configured to determine a first time delay and a second time delay based on the first phase measurement, the first phase error, the second phase measurement, and the second phase error, wherein the first time delay and the second time delay are used to determine the position of the terminal device.

[0401] The first phase measurement is obtained based on the first reference signal received by the terminal device from the first network device, and the first phase error is obtained based on the direct path signals corresponding to the first signal sent and received by the terminal device. The second phase measurement is obtained based on the second reference signal received by the first network device from the terminal device, and the second phase error is obtained based on the direct path signals corresponding to the second signal sent and received by the first network device. The first delay is the delay from the first network device sending the first reference signal to the terminal device receiving the first reference signal. The second delay is the delay from the terminal device sending the second reference signal to the first network device receiving the second reference signal.

[0402] In another possible design, regarding the case where the communication device 1600 is used to implement the function of the first network device in the above method embodiment:

[0403] Transceiver 1605 is used to transmit a first reference signal to a terminal device, the first reference signal being used to determine a first phase measurement. Transceiver 1605 is also used to transmit a second phase measurement and a second phase error to the first device, the second phase measurement being obtained based on the second reference signal received by communication device 1600 from the terminal device, and the second phase error being obtained based on the direct path signal corresponding to the second signal transmitted and received by communication device 1600.

[0404] The first phase measurement, the second phase measurement, and the second phase error are used to determine the first delay and the second delay, which in turn are used to determine the location of the terminal device. The first delay is the delay from when the communication device 1600 sends the first reference signal to when the terminal device receives the first reference signal. The second delay is the delay from when the terminal device sends the second reference signal to when the communication device 1600 receives the second reference signal.

[0405] In another possible design, regarding the case where the communication device 1600 is used to implement the function of the second network device in the above method embodiments:

[0406] Transceiver 1605 is used to transmit a third reference signal to a terminal device, the third reference signal being used to determine a third phase measurement. Transceiver 1605 is also used to transmit a fifth reference signal to a first network device, the fifth reference signal being used to determine a fifth phase measurement. Transceiver 1605 is further used to transmit a fourth phase measurement and a fifth phase error to the first device, the fourth phase measurement being measured based on the fourth reference signal received by communication device 1600 from the first network device, and the fifth phase error being measured based on the direct path signal corresponding to the third signal transmitted and received by communication device 1600.

[0407] The fourth phase measurement, the fifth phase error, the fifth phase measurement, and the third phase measurement are used to determine the first delay, the second delay, and the third delay, which are then used to determine the location of the terminal device. The first delay is the delay from when the first network device sends the first reference signal to when the terminal device receives the first reference signal. The second delay is the delay from when the terminal device sends the second reference signal to when the first network device receives the second reference signal. The third delay is the delay from when the communication device 1600 sends the third reference signal to when the terminal device receives the third reference signal.

[0408] The embodiments of this application and the method embodiments shown above are based on the same concept and have the same technical effects. For the specific principles, please refer to the description of the embodiments shown above, which will not be repeated here.

[0409] In another possible design, the processor 1601 may include a transceiver for implementing receive and transmit functions. For example, the transceiver may be a transceiver circuit, an interface, or an interface circuit. The transceiver circuit, interface, or interface circuit for implementing receive and transmit functions may be separate or integrated. The aforementioned transceiver circuit, interface, or interface circuit may be used for reading and writing code / data, or for transmitting or relaying signals.

[0410] In another possible design, the processor 1601 may optionally store instructions 1603, which, when executed on the processor 1601, cause the communication device 1600 to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments. Instructions 1603 may be embedded in the processor 1601; in this case, the processor 1601 may be implemented in hardware.

[0411] In another possible design, the communication device 1600 may include circuitry that can perform the functions of transmitting, receiving, or communicating as described in the foregoing method embodiments. The processor and transceiver described in this application embodiment can be implemented on integrated circuits (ICs), analog ICs, radio frequency integrated circuits (RFICs), mixed-signal ICs, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), printed circuit boards (PCBs), electronic devices, etc. The processor and transceiver can also be manufactured using various IC process technologies, such as complementary metal oxide semiconductors (CMOS), n-metal-oxide-semiconductor (NMOS), p-type metal oxide semiconductors (PMOS), bipolar junction transistors (BJTs), bipolar CMOS (BiCMOS), silicon germanium (SiGe), gallium arsenide (GaAs), etc.

[0412] Those skilled in the art will also understand that the various illustrative logical blocks and steps listed in the embodiments of this application can be implemented by electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of both. Whether such functionality is implemented through hardware or software depends on the specific application and the overall system design requirements. Those skilled in the art can use various methods to implement the described functionality for a specific application, but such implementation should not be construed as exceeding the scope of protection of the embodiments of this application.

[0413] The embodiments of this application and the above-described method embodiments are based on the same concept and have the same technical effects. For the specific principles, please refer to the description in the above-described method embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0414] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium for storing computer software instructions that, when executed by a communication device, implement the functions of any of the above method embodiments.

[0415] This application also provides a computer program product for storing computer software instructions, which, when executed by a communication device, implement the functions of any of the above method embodiments.

[0416] This application also provides a computer program that, when run on a computer, implements the functions of any of the above method embodiments.

[0417] This application also provides a chip including a processor. The processor is used to execute code or instructions to implement the functions of any of the above method embodiments. Optionally, the chip further includes an interface, and the processor is coupled to the interface, which is used to receive or output signals.

[0418] For example, the chip can be used to implement the functions of the terminal device described above, and the chip can also be called a terminal chip or a terminal communication chip.

[0419] For example, as shown in Figure 17, which is a schematic diagram of a terminal chip provided in an embodiment of this application, the terminal chip mainly consists of a baseband subsystem, a radio frequency (RF) subsystem, a power management subsystem, and peripherals (storage, external interfaces). The baseband subsystem is responsible for application layer processing, external interfaces, and Layer 3 (L3) / Layer 2 (L2) / Layer 1 (L1) communication protocol processing. The RF subsystem is used for the RF front-end and antenna to convert spatial electromagnetic waves into electrical signals, and performs the necessary amplification and filtering functions to achieve excellent coverage. Furthermore, the RF subsystem is connected to the baseband subsystem and can perform frequency conversion and nonlinear distortion correction of analog signals. The power management subsystem provides power management functions for the communication baseband chip. The power management subsystem can also be referred to as the power supply subsystem.

[0420] For example, as shown in Figure 18, which is a schematic diagram of another terminal chip provided in an embodiment of this application, the terminal chip includes a higher-layer protocol processor, a physical layer protocol processor, and a baseband hardware processor. The processing flow of the terminal chip is as follows: the higher-layer protocol processor implements the processing of higher-layer protocols (L2 / L3), supports encoding and decoding functions such as ASN.1, and supports standard air interface encryption and decryption, integrity protection algorithms, etc.; the physical layer protocol processor implements physical layer processing, completing downlink network search, time-frequency tracking, measurement, channel estimation, demodulation and decoding, and uplink encoding, modulation and time-frequency offset adjustment; the baseband hardware processor completes the secure boot and secure startup of the baseband system, and completes protocol layer processing (L1 / L2 / L3), etc. Optionally, the higher-layer protocol processor and / or the physical layer protocol processor may include related hardware modules and / or software modules.

[0421] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved, in whole or in part, through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented, in whole or in part, as a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium accessible to a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available media may be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., high-density digital video discs (DVDs)), or semiconductor media (e.g., SSDs), etc.

[0422] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

[0423] Furthermore, unless otherwise specified or logically conflicting, the terminology and / or descriptions of different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0424] It is understood that some optional features in the various embodiments of this application may not depend on other features in certain scenarios, or may be combined with other features in certain scenarios, without limitation.

[0425] It is understood that the solutions in the embodiments of this application can be used in combination, and the explanations or descriptions of various terms, similar operations or steps appearing in the embodiments can be referenced or explained to each other in the various embodiments, and this application does not limit them.

[0426] In this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, or B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. In the textual description of this application, the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, and c can mean: a, or, b, or, c, or, a and b, or, a and c, or, b and c, or, a, b, and c. Here, a, b, and c can each be single or multiple.

[0427] In this application, the terms "first," "second," and various numerical designations are used for ease of description and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. For example, they may be used to distinguish different messages, rather than to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such descriptions can be interchanged where appropriate to describe solutions other than those described in this application.

[0428] In this application, the terms “comprising” and “having”, and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that includes a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units that are explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units that are not explicitly listed or that are inherent to such process, method, product, or apparatus.

[0429] In this application, "for indicating" can include both direct and indirect indication. When describing an indication message as indicating A, it can include whether the indication message directly indicates A or indirectly indicates A, but does not necessarily mean that the indication message carries A.

[0430] In this application, "sending information to XX (device / network element)" can be understood as the destination of the information being that device / network element. This can include sending information directly or indirectly to that device / network element. "Receiving information from XX (device / network element), or receiving information from XX (device / network element)" can be understood as the source of the information being that device / network element. This can include receiving information directly or indirectly from that device / network element. Information may undergo necessary processing between the source and destination, such as format changes, but the destination can understand the valid information from the source.

[0431] In this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Specifically, the use of terms such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner to facilitate understanding.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Acquire the first phase measurement, the first phase error, the second phase measurement, and the second phase error; Based on the first phase measurement, the first phase error, the second phase measurement, and the second phase error, a first delay and a second delay are determined, and the first delay and the second delay are used to determine the position of the terminal device; Wherein, the first phase measurement is obtained based on the first reference signal received by the terminal device from the first network device, and the first phase error is obtained based on the direct path signal corresponding to the first signal sent by the terminal device and the first signal received. The second phase measurement is obtained based on the second reference signal received by the first network device from the terminal device, and the second phase error is obtained based on the direct path signal corresponding to the second signal sent and received by the first network device. The first delay is the delay between the first network device sending the first reference signal and the terminal device receiving the first reference signal; The second delay is the delay between the terminal device sending the second reference signal and the first network device receiving the second reference signal.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first phase measurement is associated with the first delay, the delay from when the first network device generates the signal to when it transmits the signal, and the delay from when the terminal device receives the signal to when it processes the signal. The second phase measurement is associated with the second delay, the delay from when the terminal device generates the signal to when it transmits the signal, and the delay from when the first network device receives the signal to when it processes the signal. The first phase error is related to the time delay from when the terminal device generates the signal to when it transmits the signal, and the time delay from when the terminal device receives the signal to when it processes the signal. The second phase error is related to the time delay from when the first network device generates the signal to when it transmits the signal, and the time delay from when the first network device receives the signal to when it processes the signal.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The time delay from when the terminal device receives a signal to when it processes the signal includes: the time delay from when the terminal device receives a radio frequency analog signal to when it completes sampling of the baseband digital signal corresponding to the radio frequency analog signal; The time delay from when the first network device receives a signal to when it processes the signal includes the time delay from when the first network device receives the radio frequency analog signal to when it completes sampling of the baseband digital signal corresponding to the radio frequency analog signal.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: Obtain the first frequency point, the second frequency point, the third frequency point, and the fourth frequency point; The first frequency point is the frequency point at which the terminal device transmits the first signal, and the second frequency point is the frequency point at which the terminal device receives the direct path signal corresponding to the first signal; The third frequency point is the frequency point at which the first network device sends the second signal, and the fourth frequency point is the frequency point at which the first network device receives the direct path signal corresponding to the second signal.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first frequency point is different from the frequency point at which the terminal device transmits the second reference signal, and / or the second frequency point is different from the frequency point at which the terminal device receives the first reference signal; The step of determining the first time delay and the second time delay based on the first phase measurement, the first phase error, the second phase measurement, and the second phase error includes: Based on the first phase error, a third phase error is determined, which is associated with the frequency point at which the terminal device transmits the second reference signal and the frequency point at which the terminal device receives the first reference signal. The first delay and the second delay are determined based on the first phase measurement, the third phase error, the second phase measurement, and the second phase error.

6. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The third frequency point is different from the frequency point at which the first network device transmits the first reference signal, and / or the fourth frequency point is different from the frequency point at which the first network device receives the second reference signal; The step of determining the first time delay and the second time delay based on the first phase measurement, the first phase error, the second phase measurement, and the second phase error includes: Based on the second phase error, a fourth phase error is determined, which is associated with the frequency point at which the first network device transmits the first reference signal and the frequency point at which the first network device receives the second reference signal. The first delay and the second delay are determined based on the first phase measurement, the first phase error, the second phase measurement, and the fourth phase error.

7. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first frequency point is different from the frequency point at which the terminal device transmits the second reference signal, and / or the second frequency point is different from the frequency point at which the terminal device receives the first reference signal; and the third frequency point is different from the frequency point at which the first network device transmits the first reference signal, and / or the fourth frequency point is different from the frequency point at which the first network device receives the second reference signal. The step of determining the first time delay and the second time delay based on the first phase measurement, the first phase error, the second phase measurement, and the second phase error includes: Based on the first phase error, a third phase error is determined, which is associated with the frequency point at which the terminal device transmits the second reference signal and the frequency point at which the terminal device receives the first reference signal. Based on the second phase error, a fourth phase error is determined, which is associated with the frequency point at which the first network device transmits the first reference signal and the frequency point at which the first network device receives the second reference signal. The first delay and the second delay are determined based on the first phase measurement, the third phase error, the second phase measurement, and the fourth phase error.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The first delay is equal to the second delay; or, The first delay is not equal to the second delay.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The first delay is not equal to the second delay; The difference between the first delay and the second delay is determined based on ephemeris.

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The first delay is not equal to the second delay; The difference between the first delay and the second delay is related to the moving direction, moving distance and moving speed of the first network device in the first time period; The start time of the first time period is the time when the first network device sends the first reference signal, and the end time is the time when the first network device receives the second reference signal; or, The start time of the first time period is the time when the first network device receives the second reference signal, and the end time is the time when the first network device sends the first reference signal.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The method further includes: Based on the first time delay, determine the carrier phase corresponding to the first reference signal; Based on the second time delay, determine the carrier phase corresponding to the second reference signal; The carrier phase corresponding to the first reference signal and the carrier phase corresponding to the second reference signal are used to determine the location of the terminal device.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The method further includes: Acquire the third phase measurement, the fourth phase measurement, the fifth phase error, the fifth phase measurement, and the sixth phase error; The step of determining the first time delay and the second time delay based on the first phase measurement, the first phase error, the second phase measurement, and the second phase error includes: Based on the first phase measurement, the first phase error, the second phase measurement, the second phase error, the third phase measurement, the fourth phase measurement, the fifth phase error, the fifth phase measurement, and the sixth phase error, the first delay, the second delay, and the third delay are determined, and the first delay, the second delay, and the third delay are used to determine the position of the terminal device; The third phase measurement is obtained based on the third reference signal received by the terminal device from the second network device; The fourth phase measurement is obtained based on the fourth reference signal received by the second network device from the first network device, and the fifth phase error is obtained based on the third signal sent by the second network device and the direct path signal corresponding to the received third signal. The fifth phase measurement is obtained based on the fifth reference signal received by the first network device from the second network device, and the sixth phase error is obtained based on the fourth signal sent by the first network device and the direct path signal corresponding to the received fourth signal. The third delay is the delay between the second network device sending the third reference signal and the terminal device receiving the third reference signal.

13. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Send a second reference signal to the first network device, the second reference signal being used to determine a second phase measurement; A first phase measurement and a first phase error are sent to the first device. The first phase measurement is obtained based on a first reference signal received by the terminal device from the first network device. The first phase error is obtained based on the direct path signal corresponding to the first signal sent by the terminal device and the first signal received. The first phase measurement, the first phase error, and the second phase measurement are used to determine the first delay and the second delay, and the first delay and the second delay are used to determine the position of the terminal device; The first delay is the delay between the first network device sending the first reference signal and the terminal device receiving the first reference signal; The second delay is the delay between the terminal device sending the second reference signal and the first network device receiving the second reference signal.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send the first frequency point and the second frequency point to the first device; The first frequency point is the frequency point at which the terminal device transmits the first signal, and the second frequency point is the frequency point at which the terminal device receives the direct path signal corresponding to the first signal; The first frequency point is different from the frequency point at which the terminal device transmits the second reference signal, and / or the second frequency point is different from the frequency point at which the terminal device receives the first reference signal.

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that, The method further includes: A third phase measurement is sent to the first device, the third phase measurement being obtained based on a third reference signal received by the terminal device from the second network device; The third phase measurement is used to determine the first delay, the second delay, and the third delay by combining the first phase measurement, the first phase error, and the second phase measurement. The third delay is the delay between the second network device sending the third reference signal and the terminal device receiving the third reference signal.

16. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Send a first reference signal to the terminal device, the first reference signal being used to determine a first phase measurement quantity; The first device sends a second phase measurement and a second phase error, wherein the second phase measurement is obtained based on a second reference signal received by the first network device from the terminal device, and the second phase error is obtained based on the direct path signal corresponding to the second signal sent by the first network device and the received second signal. The first phase measurement, the second phase measurement, and the second phase error are used to determine the first delay and the second delay, and the first delay and the second delay are used to determine the position of the terminal device; The first delay is the delay between the first network device sending the first reference signal and the terminal device receiving the first reference signal; The second delay is the delay between the terminal device sending the second reference signal and the first network device receiving the second reference signal.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send the third and fourth frequency points to the first device; The third frequency point is the frequency point at which the first network device sends the second signal, and the fourth frequency point is the frequency point at which the first network device receives the direct path signal corresponding to the second signal. The third frequency point is different from the frequency point at which the first network device transmits the first reference signal, and / or the fourth frequency point is different from the frequency point at which the first network device receives the second reference signal.

18. The method according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a fourth reference signal to the second network device, the fourth reference signal being used to determine a fourth phase measurement; A fifth phase measurement and a sixth phase error are sent to the first device. The fifth phase measurement is obtained based on a fifth reference signal received by the first network device from the second network device. The sixth phase error is obtained based on a fourth signal sent by the first network device and a direct path signal corresponding to the received fourth signal. The fourth phase measurement, the fifth phase measurement, and the sixth phase error are used to determine the first delay, the second delay, and the third delay by combining the first phase measurement, the second phase measurement, and the second phase error. The third delay is the delay between the second network device sending the third reference signal and the terminal device receiving the third reference signal.

19. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: A third reference signal is sent to the terminal device, the third reference signal being used to determine a third phase measurement quantity; A fifth reference signal is sent to the first network device, the fifth reference signal being used to determine a fifth phase measurement; A fourth phase measurement and a fifth phase error are sent to the first device. The fourth phase measurement is obtained based on a fourth reference signal received by the second network device from the first network device. The fifth phase error is obtained based on a third signal sent by the second network device and a direct path signal corresponding to the received third signal. The fourth phase measurement, the fifth phase error, the fifth phase measurement, and the third phase measurement are used to determine the first delay, the second delay, and the third delay, and the first delay, the second delay, and the third delay are used to determine the position of the terminal device; The first delay is the delay between the first network device sending the first reference signal and the terminal device receiving the first reference signal; The second delay is the delay between the terminal device sending the second reference signal and the first network device receiving the second reference signal; The third delay is the delay between the second network device sending the third reference signal and the terminal device receiving the third reference signal.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send the fifth and sixth frequency points to the first device; The fifth frequency point is the frequency point at which the second network device sends the third signal, and the sixth frequency point is the frequency point at which the second network device receives the direct path signal corresponding to the third signal; The fifth frequency point is different from the frequency point at which the second network device transmits the fifth reference signal, and / or the sixth frequency point is different from the frequency point at which the second network device receives the fourth reference signal.

21. A communication device, characterized in that, The apparatus includes modules or units for implementing the method of any one of claims 1 to 12, or modules or units for implementing the method of any one of claims 13 to 15, or modules or units for implementing the method of any one of claims 16 to 18, or modules or units for implementing the method of claim 19 or 20.

22. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes at least one processor; The processor is configured to cause the communication device to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 12, or to perform the method of any one of claims 13 to 15, or to perform the method of any one of claims 16 to 18, or to perform the method of claim 19 or 20, by executing a computer program or instruction stored in a memory, and / or by logic circuitry.

23. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program that, when the computer program is run, causes the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12 to be performed, or causes the method as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 15 to be performed, or causes the method as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 18 to be performed, or causes the method as claimed in claim 19 or 20 to be performed.

24. A computer program product, the computer program product comprising: Computer program code, when executed, causes the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 12 to be performed, or causes the method as described in any one of claims 13 to 15 to be performed, or causes the method as described in any one of claims 16 to 18 to be performed, or causes the method as described in claim 19 or 20 to be performed.

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