Light fidelity (li-FI) network mapping of an indoor space

Abstract

Techniques are disclosed for mapping an indoor space using light fidelity (Li-Fi) communication. An entity may obtain location information for a plurality of Li-Fi devices, that includes at least one mobile Li-Fi device. The entity may determine, based on the location information, a mapping of the indoor space, where the mapping comprises spatial information for one or more continuous areas of the indoor space based on LOS Li-Fi communication between Li-Fi devices of the plurality of Li-Fi devices. The entity may be a Li-Fi device or a server. The entity may assign locations of Li-Fi devices in LOS communication with each other to the same continuous area to help determine the mapping.

Description

Qualcomm Ref. No. 2405284WOLIGHT FIDELITY (LI-FI) NETWORK MAPPING OF AN INDOOR SPACETECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Aspects of the disclosure relate generally to wireless technologies.BACKGROUND

[0002] Wireless communication systems have developed through various generations, including a first-generation analog wireless phone service (1G), a second-generation (2G) digital wireless phone service (including interim 2.5G and 2.75G networks), a third-generation (3G) high-speed data, Internet-capable wireless service and a fourth-generation (4G) service (e.g., Long Term Evolution (LTE) or WiMax). There are presently many different types of wireless communication systems in use, including cellular and personal communications service (PCS) systems. Examples of known cellular systems include the cellular analog advanced mobile phone system (AMPS), and digital cellular systems based on code division multiple access (CDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), the Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), etc.

[0003] A fifth generation (5G) wireless standard, referred to as New Radio (NR), enables higher data transfer speeds, greater numbers of connections, and better coverage, among other improvements. The 5G standard, according to the Next Generation Mobile Networks Alliance, is designed to provide higher data rates as compared to previous standards, more accurate positioning (e.g., based on reference signals for positioning (RS-P), such as downlink, uplink, or sidelink positioning reference signals (PRS)), RF sensing, and other technical enhancements. These enhancements, as well as the use of higher frequency bands, enable improved RF sensing and 5G-based positioning.

[0004] Light fidelity (Li-Fi) is a wireless communication technology that uses light sources to transmit data which is received through light capturing devices. By modulating the intensity of the light source at a rapid rate, Li-Fi facilitates the encoding and decoding of data creating a wireless network connection.

[0005] Li-Fi systems can be designed with small, lightweight components, making them suitable for integration into tiny devices and they may use miniaturized light capturing sensors which can collect data efficiently without consuming excessive power. Li-Fi enables energy efficiency, security, miniaturization and freedom from radio frequency (RF) QC2405284WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405284WOinterference. Li-Fi systems may support various use cases. One example use case is for industrial Internet of Things (IIOT) based on low latency and low power. Another example use case is for augmented reality (AR) / virtual reality (VR), where Li-Fi can be useful in providing higher data rates with low latencies. Another example use case is for large spaces like malls, stadiums, hospitals, etc., where Li-Fi is useful in providing connectivity.

[0006] The Li-Fi standard was introduced in IEEE 802.11bb which facilitates high data speeds using light. Li-Fi facilitates secure communication since it can be bound within an enclosed space and enables low latency communication.

[0007] The support and use of Li-Fi can enable new solutions for existing problems in positioning of mobile devices and navigating around, and with mapping of, indoor areas and spaces.SUMMARY

[0008] The following presents a simplified summary relating to one or more aspects disclosed herein. Thus, the following summary should not be considered an extensive overview relating to all contemplated aspects, nor should the following summary be considered to identify key or critical elements relating to all contemplated aspects or to delineate the scope associated with any particular aspect. Accordingly, the following summary has the sole purpose to present certain concepts relating to one or more aspects relating to the mechanisms disclosed herein in a simplified form to precede the detailed description presented below.

[0009] In an aspect, a method performed by an entity for mapping an indoor space includes obtaining location information for a plurality of light fidelity (Li-Fi) devices, wherein the plurality of Li-Fi devices includes at least one mobile Li-Fi device; and determining, based on the location information for the plurality of Li-Fi devices, a mapping of the indoor space, wherein the mapping comprises spatial information for one or more continuous areas of the indoor space based on line-of-sight (LOS) Li-Fi communication between the at least one mobile Li-Fi device and one or more further Li-Fi devices of the plurality of Li-Fi devices.

[0010] In an aspect, an entity for mapping an indoor space includes one or more memories; one or more transceivers; and one or more processors communicatively coupled to the one or more memories and the one or more transceivers, the one or more processors, either alone or in combination, configured to: obtain location information for a plurality of lightQC2405284WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405284WOmfidelity (Li-Fi) devices, wherein the plurality of Li-Fi devices includes at least one mobile Li-Fi device; and determine, based on the location information for the plurality of Li-Fi devices, a mapping of the indoor space, wherein the mapping comprises spatial information for one or more continuous areas of the indoor space based on line-of-sight (LOS) Li-Fi communication between the at least one mobile Li-Fi device and one or more further Li-Fi devices of the plurality of Li-Fi devices.

[0011] In an aspect, an entity for mapping an indoor space includes means for obtaining location information for a plurality of light fidelity (Li-Fi) devices, wherein the plurality of Li-Fi devices includes at least one mobile Li-Fi device; and means for determining, based on the location information for the plurality of Li-Fi devices, a mapping of the indoor space, wherein the mapping comprises spatial information for one or more continuous areas of the indoor space based on line-of-sight (LOS) Li-Fi communication between the at least one mobile Li-Fi device and one or more further Li-Fi devices of the plurality of Li-Fi devices.

[0012] In an aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium stores computer-executable instructions that, when executed by an entity for mapping an indoor space, cause the entity for mapping the indoor space to: obtain location information for a plurality of light fidelity (Li-Fi) devices, wherein the plurality of Li-Fi devices includes at least one mobile Li-Fi device; and determine, based on the location information for the plurality of Li-Fi devices, a mapping of the indoor space, wherein the mapping comprises spatial information for one or more continuous areas of the indoor space based on line-of-sight (LOS) Li-Fi communication between the at least one mobile Li-Fi device and one or more further Li- Fi devices of the plurality of Li-Fi devices.

[0013] Other obj ects and advantages associated with the aspects disclosed herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art based on the accompanying drawings and detailed description.QC2405284WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405284WO4 / 77BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The accompanying drawings are presented to aid in the description of various aspects of the disclosure and are provided solely for illustration of the aspects and not limitation thereof.

[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates an example wireless communications system, according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0016] FIGS. 2 A, 2B, and 2C illustrate example wireless network structures, according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0017] FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C are simplified block diagrams of several sample aspects of components that may be employed in a user equipment (UE), a base station, and a network entity, respectively, and configured to support communications as taught herein.

[0018] FIG. 4 illustrates an example Long-Term Evolution (LTE) positioning protocol (LPP) capability transfer procedure, assistance data transfer procedure, and location information transfer procedure between a target device and a location server, according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 5 illustrates an example network architecture that integrates both Wi-Fi and Li-Fi technologies, according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 6 shows an example networking environment combining light fidelity (Li-Fi) and wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) networking technologies to map an indoor space, according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 7A through FIG. 7H show the positions of a Li-Fi device at various locations within or near to an indoor space and the corresponding Li-Fi access points accessible by a Li- Fi device at each such location, according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 8 is a table showing the access points accessible to a Li-Fi device at each of the locations shown in FIG. 7A through FIG. 7H.

[0023] FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B show mapping of an indoor space that is additionally based on line- of-sight (LOS) paths between two Li-Fi mobile devices, according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 10 shows a large open indoor space that is served by a single Li-Fi access point, according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 11 shows a multi-floor indoor space that may be mapped using Li-Fi devices and Li-Fi access points, according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 12 shows an example association table, according to aspects of the disclosure.QC2405284WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405284WOsm

[0027] FIG. 13 illustrates an example method for mapping an indoor space performed by an entity, according to aspects of the disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Aspects of the disclosure are provided in the following description and related drawings directed to various examples provided for illustration purposes. Alternate aspects may be devised without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Additionally, well-known elements of the disclosure will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of the disclosure.

[0029] Various aspects relate generally to mapping an indoor space. Some aspects more specifically relate to mapping an indoor space using light fidelity (Li-Fi) devices and / or Li-Fi access points. In some examples, an entity obtains location information for a plurality of Li-Fi devices, including at least one mobile Li-Fi device. Based on the location information for the plurality of Li-Fi devices, the entity generates a map of the indoor space. In an aspect, the mapping comprises spatial information for one or more continuous areas of the indoor space based on line-of-sight (LOS) Li-Fi communication between the mobile Li-Fi device and one or more further Li-Fi devices.

[0030] A continuous area or space is considered herein to be a space, area or volume within which a person or an object can freely move, or be freely moved, without being blocked by barriers such as a wall, ceiling, floor, window, door or elevator. A continuous area is generally surrounded by a boundary comprising barriers (such as walls, ceilings, floors, windows, doors or elevators) whose location and layout can be mapped. When an indoor space contains partitions or other objects or has irregularities in its boundary that limit, but do not totally block, freedom of movement, it may be divided into separate regions within each of which there is greater freedom of movement but that remain part of a single continuous space or area.

[0031] Particular aspects of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented to realize one or more of the following potential advantages. In some examples, by mapping an indoor area using Li-Fi network technology, the described techniques can be used to generate fingerprinting / heat maps that will help in maintaining continuous and accurate positioning and network coverage without outages. In an aspect, a heat map generated in this manner can assist a user equipment (UE) operating in the indoor space to quickly switch between Li-Fi access points and from Li-Fi access points to Wi-FiQC2405284WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405284WOmaccess points to ensure continuous communication coverage without any significant packet loss as the UE. Further, mapping an indoor space using Li-Fi technology may assist with positioning determinations in an emergency since the ambiguities associated with Wi-Fi positioning (e.g., floor level ambiguity) may be eliminated.

[0032] The words “exemplary” and / or “example” are used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any aspect described herein as “exemplary” and / or “example” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects. Likewise, the term “aspects of the disclosure” does not require that all aspects of the disclosure include the discussed feature, advantage or mode of operation.

[0033] Those of skill in the art will appreciate that the information and signals described below may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be referenced throughout the description below may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof, depending in part on the particular application, in part on the desired design, in part on the corresponding technology, etc.

[0034] Further, many aspects are described in terms of sequences of actions to be performed by, for example, elements of a computing device. It will be recognized that various actions described herein can be performed by specific circuits (e.g., application specific integrated circuits (ASICs)), by program instructions being executed by one or more processors, or by a combination of both. Additionally, the sequence(s) of actions described herein can be considered to be embodied entirely within any form of non- transitory computer-readable storage medium having stored therein a corresponding set of computer instructions that, upon execution, would cause or instruct an associated processor of a device to perform the functionality described herein. Thus, the various aspects of the disclosure may be embodied in a number of different forms, all of which have been contemplated to be within the scope of the claimed subject matter. In addition, for each of the aspects described herein, the corresponding form of any such aspects may be described herein as, for example, “logic configured to” perform the described action.

[0035] As used herein, the terms “user equipment” (UE) and “base station” are not intended to be specific or otherwise limited to any particular radio access technology (RAT), unless otherwise noted. In general, a UE may be any wireless communication device (e.g., a mobile phone, router, tablet computer, laptop computer, consumer asset locating device,QC2405284WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405284WOimwearable (e.g., smartwatch, glasses, augmented reality (AR) / virtual reality (VR) headset, etc.), vehicle (e.g., automobile, motorcycle, bicycle, etc.), Internet of Things (loT) device, etc.) used by a user to communicate over a wireless communications network. A UE may be mobile or may (e.g., at certain times) be stationary, and may communicate with a radio access network (RAN). As used herein, the term “UE” may be referred to interchangeably as an “access terminal” or “AT,” a “client device,” a “wireless device,” a “subscriber device,” a “subscriber terminal,” a “subscriber station,” a “user terminal” or “UT,” a “mobile device,” a “mobile terminal,” a “mobile station,” or variations thereof. Generally, UEs can communicate with a core network via a RAN, and through the core network the UEs can be connected with external networks such as the Internet and with other UEs. Of course, other mechanisms of connecting to the core network and / or the Internet are also possible for the UEs, such as over wired access networks, wireless local area network (WLAN) networks (e.g., based on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 specification, etc.) and so on.

[0036] A base station may operate according to one of several RATs in communication with UEs depending on the network in which it is deployed, and may be alternatively referred to as an access point (AP), a network node, a NodeB, an evolved NodeB (eNB), a next generation eNB (ng-eNB), a New Radio (NR) Node B (also referred to as a gNB or gNodeB), etc. A base station may be used primarily to support wireless access by UEs, including supporting data, voice, and / or signaling connections for the supported UEs. In some systems a base station may provide purely edge node signaling functions while in other systems it may provide additional control and / or network management functions. A communication link through which UEs can send signals to a base station is called an uplink (UL) channel (e.g., a reverse traffic channel, a reverse control channel, an access channel, etc.). A communication link through which the base station can send signals to UEs is called a downlink (DL) or forward link channel (e.g., a paging channel, a control channel, a broadcast channel, a forward traffic channel, etc.). As used herein the term traffic channel (TCH) can refer to either an uplink / reverse or downlink / forward traffic channel.

[0037] The term “base station” may refer to a single physical transmission-reception point (TRP) or to multiple physical TRPs that may or may not be co-located. For example, where the term “base station” refers to a single physical TRP, the physical TRP may be an antenna of the base station corresponding to a cell (or several cell sectors) of the base station.QC2405284WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405284WOsmWhere the term “base station” refers to multiple co-located physical TRPs, the physical TRPs may be an array of antennas (e.g., as in a multiple-input multiple-output (MEMO) system or where the base station employs beamforming) of the base station. Where the term “base station” refers to multiple non-co-located physical TRPs, the physical TRPs may be a distributed antenna system (DAS) (a network of spatially separated antennas connected to a common source via a transport medium) or a remote radio head (RRH) (a remote base station connected to a serving base station). Alternatively, the non-co-located physical TRPs may be the serving base station receiving the measurement report from the UE and a neighbor base station whose reference radio frequency (RF) signals the UE is measuring. Because a TRP is the point from which a base station transmits and receives wireless signals, as used herein, references to transmission from or reception at a base station are to be understood as referring to a particular TRP of the base station.

[0038] In some implementations that support positioning of UEs, a base station may not support wireless access by UEs (e.g., may not support data, voice, and / or signaling connections for UEs), but may instead transmit reference signals to UEs to be measured by the UEs, and / or may receive and measure signals transmitted by the UEs. Such a base station may be referred to as a positioning beacon (e.g., when transmitting signals to UEs) and / or as a location measurement unit (e.g., when receiving and measuring signals from UEs).

[0039] An “RF signal” comprises an electromagnetic wave of a given frequency that transports information through the space between a transmitter and a receiver. As used herein, a transmitter may transmit a single “RF signal” or multiple “RF signals” to a receiver. However, the receiver may receive multiple “RF signals” corresponding to each transmitted RF signal due to the propagation characteristics of RF signals through multipath channels. The same transmitted RF signal on different paths between the transmitter and receiver may be referred to as a “multipath” RF signal. As used herein, an RF signal may also be referred to as a “wireless signal” or simply a “signal” where it is clear from the context that the term “signal” refers to a wireless signal or an RF signal.

[0040] FIG. 1 illustrates an example wireless communications system 100, according to aspects of the disclosure. The wireless communications system 100 (which may also be referred to as a wireless wide area network (WWAN)) may include various base stations 102 (labeled “BS”) and various UEs 104. The base stations 102 may include macro cell base stations (high power cellular base stations) and / or small cell base stations (low power cellular base stations). In an aspect, the macro cell base stations may include eNBs and / orQC2405284WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405284WO9mng-eNBs where the wireless communications system 100 corresponds to an LTE network, or gNBs where the wireless communications system 100 corresponds to a NR network, or a combination of both, and the small cell base stations may include femtocells, picocells, microcells, etc.

[0041] The base stations 102 may collectively form a RAN and interface with a core network 170 (e.g., an evolved packet core (EPC) or a 5G core (5GC)) through backhaul links 122, and through the core network 170 to one or more location servers 172 (e.g., a location management function (LMF) or a secure user plane location (SUPL) location platform (SLP)). The location server(s) 172 may be part of core network 170 or may be external to core network 170. A location server 172 may be integrated with a base station 102. A UE 104 may communicate with a location server 172 directly or indirectly. For example, a UE 104 may communicate with a location server 172 via the base station 102 that is currently serving that UE 104. A UE 104 may also communicate with a location server 172 through another path, such as via an application server (not shown), via another network, such as via a wireless local area network (WLAN) access point (AP) (e.g., AP 150 described below), and so on. For signaling purposes, communication between a UE 104 and a location server 172 may be represented as an indirect connection (e.g., through the core network 170, etc.) or a direct connection (e.g., as shown via direct connection 128), with the intervening nodes (if any) omitted from a signaling diagram for clarity.

[0042] In addition to other functions, the base stations 102 may perform functions that relate to one or more of transferring user data, radio channel ciphering and deciphering, integrity protection, header compression, mobility control functions (e.g., handover, dual connectivity), inter-cell interference coordination, connection setup and release, load balancing, distribution for non-access stratum (NAS) messages, NAS node selection, synchronization, RAN sharing, multimedia broadcast multicast service (MBMS), subscriber and equipment trace, RAN information management (RIM), paging, positioning, and delivery of warning messages. The base stations 102 may communicate with each other directly or indirectly (e.g., through the EPC / 5GC) over backhaul links 134, which may be wired or wireless.

[0043] The base stations 102 may wirelessly communicate with the UEs 104. Each of the base stations 102 may provide communication coverage for a respective geographic coverage area 110. In an aspect, one or more cells may be supported by a base station 102 in each geographic coverage area 110. A “cell” is a logical communication entity used forQC2405284WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405284WOinmcommunication with a base station (e.g., over some frequency resource, referred to as a carrier frequency, component carrier, carrier, band, or the like), and may be associated with an identifier (e.g., a physical cell identifier (PCI), an enhanced cell identifier (ECI), a virtual cell identifier (VCI), a cell global identifier (CGI), etc.) for distinguishing cells operating via the same or a different carrier frequency. In some cases, different cells may be configured according to different protocol types (e.g., machine-type communication (MTC), narrowband loT (NB-IoT), enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), or others) that may provide access for different types of UEs. Because a cell is supported by a specific base station, the term “cell” may refer to either or both of the logical communication entity and the base station that supports it, depending on the context. In addition, because a TRP is typically the physical transmission point of a cell, the terms “cell” and “TRP” may be used interchangeably. In some cases, the term “cell” may also refer to a geographic coverage area of a base station (e.g., a sector), insofar as a carrier frequency can be detected and used for communication within some portion of geographic coverage areas 110.

[0044] While neighboring macro cell base station 102 geographic coverage areas 110 may partially overlap (e.g., in a handover region), some of the geographic coverage areas 110 may be substantially overlapped by a larger geographic coverage area 110. For example, a small cell base station 102' (labeled “SC” for “small cell”) may have a geographic coverage area 110' that substantially overlaps with the geographic coverage area 110 of one or more macro cell base stations 102. A network that includes both small cell and macro cell base stations may be known as a heterogeneous network. A heterogeneous network may also include home eNBs (HeNBs), which may provide service to a restricted group known as a closed subscriber group (CSG).

[0045] The communication links 120 between the base stations 102 and the UEs 104 may include uplink (also referred to as reverse link) transmissions from a UE 104 to a base station 102 and / or downlink (DL) (also referred to as forward link) transmissions from a base station 102 to a UE 104. The communication links 120 may use MIMO antenna technology, including spatial multiplexing, beamforming, and / or transmit diversity. The communication links 120 may be through one or more carrier frequencies. Allocation of carriers may be asymmetric with respect to downlink and uplink (e.g., more or less carriers may be allocated for downlink than for uplink).QC2405284WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405284WO11 / 77

[0046] The wireless communications system 100 may further include a wireless local area network (WLAN) access point (AP) 150 in communication with WLAN stations (STAs) 152 via communication links 154 in an unlicensed frequency spectrum (e.g., 5 GHz). When communicating in an unlicensed frequency spectrum, the WLAN STAs 152 and / or the WLAN AP 150 may perform a clear channel assessment (CCA) or listen before talk (LBT) procedure prior to communicating in order to determine whether the channel is available.

[0047] The small cell base station 102' may operate in a licensed and / or an unlicensed frequency spectrum. When operating in an unlicensed frequency spectrum, the small cell base station 102' may employ LTE or NR technology and use the same 5 GHz unlicensed frequency spectrum as used by the WLAN AP 150. The small cell base station 102', employing LTE / 5G in an unlicensed frequency spectrum, may boost coverage to and / or increase capacity of the access network. NR in unlicensed spectrum may be referred to as NR-U. LTE in an unlicensed spectrum may be referred to as LTE-U, licensed assisted access (LAA), or MULTEFIRE®.

[0048] The wireless communications system 100 may further include a millimeter wave (mmW) base station 180 that may operate in mmW frequencies and / or near mmW frequencies in communication with a UE 182. Extremely high frequency (EHF) is part of the RF in the electromagnetic spectrum. EHF has a range of 30 GHz to 300 GHz and a wavelength between 1 millimeter and 10 millimeters. Radio waves in this band may be referred to as a millimeter wave. Near mmW may extend down to a frequency of 3 GHz with a wavelength of 100 millimeters. The super high frequency (SHF) band extends between 3 GHz and 30 GHz, also referred to as centimeter wave. Communications using the mmW / near mmW radio frequency band have high path loss and a relatively short range. The mmW base station 180 and the UE 182 may utilize beamforming (transmit and / or receive) over a mmW communication link 184 to compensate for the extremely high path loss and short range. Further, it will be appreciated that in alternative configurations, one or more base stations 102 may also transmit using mmW or near mmW and beamforming. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the foregoing illustrations are merely examples and should not be construed to limit the various aspects disclosed herein.

[0049] Transmit beamforming is a technique for focusing an RF signal in a specific direction.Traditionally, when a network node (e.g., a base station) broadcasts an RF signal, it broadcasts the signal in all directions (omni-directionally). With transmit beamforming,QC2405284WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405284WOnmthe network node determines where a given target device (e.g., a UE) is located (relative to the transmitting network node) and projects a stronger downlink RF signal in that specific direction, thereby providing a faster (in terms of data rate) and stronger RF signal for the receiving device(s). To change the directionality of the RF signal when transmitting, a network node can control the phase and relative amplitude of the RF signal at each of the one or more transmitters that are broadcasting the RF signal. For example, a network node may use an array of antennas (referred to as a “phased array” or an “antenna array”) that creates a beam of RF waves that can be “steered” to point in different directions, without actually moving the antennas. Specifically, the RF current from the transmitter is fed to the individual antennas with the correct phase relationship so that the radio waves from the separate antennas add together to increase the radiation in a desired direction, while cancelling to suppress radiation in undesired directions.

[0050] Transmit beams may be quasi-co-located, meaning that they appear to the receiver (e.g., a UE) as having the same parameters, regardless of whether or not the transmitting antennas of the network node themselves are physically co-located. In NR, there are four types of quasi-co-location (QCL) relations. Specifically, a QCL relation of a given type means that certain parameters about a second reference RF signal on a second beam can be derived from information about a source reference RF signal on a source beam. Thus, if the source reference RF signal is QCL Type A, the receiver can use the source reference RF signal to estimate the Doppler shift, Doppler spread, average delay, and delay spread of a second reference RF signal transmitted on the same channel. If the source reference RF signal is QCL Type B, the receiver can use the source reference RF signal to estimate the Doppler shift and Doppler spread of a second reference RF signal transmitted on the same channel. If the source reference RF signal is QCL Type C, the receiver can use the source reference RF signal to estimate the Doppler shift and average delay of a second reference RF signal transmitted on the same channel. If the source reference RF signal is QCL Type D, the receiver can use the source reference RF signal to estimate the spatial receive parameter of a second reference RF signal transmitted on the same channel.

[0051] In receive beamforming, the receiver uses a receive beam to amplify RF signals detected on a given channel. For example, the receiver can increase the gain setting and / or adjust the phase setting of an array of antennas in a particular direction to amplify (e.g., to increase the gain level of) the RF signals received from that direction. Thus, when a receiver is said to beamform in a certain direction, it means the beam gain in that directionQC2405284WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405284WOumis high relative to the beam gain along other directions, or the beam gain in that direction is the highest compared to the beam gain in that direction of all other receive beams available to the receiver. This results in a stronger received signal strength (e.g., reference signal received power (RSRP), reference signal received quality (RSRQ), signal-to- interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR), etc.) of the RF signals received from that direction.

[0052] Transmit and receive beams may be spatially related. A spatial relation means that parameters for a second beam (e.g., a transmit or receive beam) for a second reference signal can be derived from information about a first beam (e.g., a receive beam or a transmit beam) for a first reference signal. For example, a UE may use a particular receive beam to receive a reference downlink reference signal (e.g., synchronization signal block (SSB)) from a base station. The UE can then form a transmit beam for sending an uplink reference signal (e.g., sounding reference signal (SRS)) to that base station based on the parameters of the receive beam.

[0053] Note that a “downlink” beam may be either a transmit beam or a receive beam, depending on the entity forming it. For example, if a base station is forming the downlink beam to transmit a reference signal to a UE, the downlink beam is a transmit beam. If the UE is forming the downlink beam, however, it is a receive beam to receive the downlink reference signal. Similarly, an “uplink” beam may be either a transmit beam or a receive beam, depending on the entity forming it. For example, if a base station is forming the uplink beam, it is an uplink receive beam, and if a UE is forming the uplink beam, it is an uplink transmit beam.

[0054] The electromagnetic spectrum is often subdivided, based on frequency / wavelength, into various classes, bands, channels, etc. In 5G NR two initial operating bands have been identified as frequency range designations FR1 (410 MHz - 7.125 GHz) and FR2 (24.25 GHz - 52.6 GHz). It should be understood that although a portion of FR1 is greater than 6 GHz, FR1 is often referred to (interchangeably) as a “Sub-6 GHz” band in various documents and articles. A similar nomenclature issue sometimes occurs with regard to FR2, which is often referred to (interchangeably) as a “millimeter wave” band in documents and articles, despite being different from the extremely high frequency (EHF) band (30 GHz - 300 GHz) which is identified by the INTERNATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATION UNION® as a “millimeter wave” band.

[0055] The frequencies between FR1 and FR2 are often referred to as mid-band frequencies.Recent 5G NR studies have identified an operating band for these mid-band frequenciesQC2405284WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405284WOas frequency range designation FR3 (7.125 GHz - 24.25 GHz). Frequency bands falling within FR3 may inherit FR1 characteristics and / or FR2 characteristics, and thus may effectively extend features of FR1 and / or FR2 into mid-band frequencies. In addition, higher frequency bands are currently being explored to extend 5GNR operation beyond 52.6 GHz. For example, three higher operating bands have been identified as frequency range designations FR4a or FR4-1 (52.6 GHz - 71 GHz), FR4 (52.6 GHz - 114.25 GHz), and FR5 (114.25 GHz - 300 GHz). Each of these higher frequency bands falls within the EHF band.

[0056] With the above aspects in mind, unless specifically stated otherwise, it should be understood that the term “sub-6 GHz” or the like if used herein may broadly represent frequencies that may be less than 6 GHz, may be within FR1, or may include mid-band frequencies. Further, unless specifically stated otherwise, it should be understood that the term “millimeter wave” or the like if used herein may broadly represent frequencies that may include mid-band frequencies, may be within FR2, FR4, FR4-a or FR4-1, and / or FR5, or may be within the EHF band.

[0057] In a multi-carrier system, such as 5G, one of the carrier frequencies is referred to as the “primary carrier” or “anchor carrier” or “primary serving cell” or “PCell,” and the remaining carrier frequencies are referred to as “secondary carriers” or “secondary serving cells” or “SCells.” In carrier aggregation, the anchor carrier is the carrier operating on the primary frequency (e.g., FR1) utilized by a UE 104 / 182 and the cell in which the UE 104 / 182 either performs the initial radio resource control (RRC) connection establishment procedure or initiates the RRC connection re-establishment procedure. The primary carrier carries all common and UE-specific control channels, and may be a carrier in a licensed frequency (however, this is not always the case). A secondary carrier is a carrier operating on a second frequency (e.g., FR2) that may be configured once the RRC connection is established between the UE 104 and the anchor carrier and that may be used to provide additional radio resources. In some cases, the secondary carrier may be a carrier in an unlicensed frequency. The secondary carrier may contain only necessary signaling information and signals, for example, those that are UE-specific may not be present in the secondary carrier, since both primary uplink and downlink carriers are typically UE-specific. This means that different UEs 104 / 182 in a cell may have different downlink primary carriers. The same is true for the uplink primary carriers. The network is able to change the primary carrier of any UE 104 / 182 at any time. This is done, forQC2405284WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405284WOismexample, to balance the load on different carriers. Because a “serving cell” (whether a PCell or an SCell) corresponds to a carrier frequency / component carrier over which some base station is communicating, the term “cell,” “serving cell,” “component carrier,” “carrier frequency,” and the like can be used interchangeably.

[0058] For example, still referring to FIG. 1, one of the frequencies utilized by the macro cell base stations 102 may be an anchor carrier (or “PCell”) and other frequencies utilized by the macro cell base stations 102 and / or the mmW base station 180 may be secondary carriers (“SCells”). The simultaneous transmission and / or reception of multiple carriers enables the UE 104 / 182 to significantly increase its data transmission and / or reception rates. For example, two 20 MHz aggregated carriers in a multi-carrier system would theoretically lead to a two-fold increase in data rate (i.e., 40 MHz), compared to that attained by a single 20 MHz carrier.

[0059] The wireless communications system 100 may further include a UE 164 that may communicate with a macro cell base station 102 over a communication link 120 and / or the mmW base station 180 over a mmW communication link 184. For example, the macro cell base station 102 may support a PCell and one or more SCells for the UE 164 and the mmW base station 180 may support one or more SCells for the UE 164.

[0060] In some cases, the UE 164 and the UE 182 may be capable of sidelink communication.Sidelink-capable UEs (SL-UEs) may communicate with base stations 102 over communication links 120 using the Uu interface (i.e., the air interface between a UE and a base station). SL-UEs (e.g., UE 164, UE 182) may also communicate directly with each other over a wireless sidelink 160 using the PC5 interface (i.e., the air interface between sidelink-capable UEs). A wireless sidelink (or just “sidelink”) is an adaptation of the core cellular (e.g., LTE, NR) standard that allows direct communication between two or more UEs without the communication needing to go through a base station. Sidelink communication may be unicast or multicast, and may be used for device-to-device (D2D) media-sharing, vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication (e.g., cellular V2X (cV2X) communication, enhanced V2X (eV2X) communication, etc.), emergency rescue applications, etc. One or more of a group of SL- UEs utilizing sidelink communications may be within the geographic coverage area 110 of a base station 102. Other SL-UEs in such a group may be outside the geographic coverage area 110 of a base station 102 or be otherwise unable to receive transmissions from a base station 102. In some cases, groups of SL-UEs communicating via sidelinkQC2405284WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405284WOcommunications may utilize a one-to-many (1 :M) system in which each SL-UE transmits to every other SL-UE in the group. In some cases, a base station 102 facilitates the scheduling of resources for sidelink communications. In other cases, sidelink communications are carried out between SL-UEs without the involvement of a base station 102.

[0061] In an aspect, the sidelink 160 may operate over a wireless communication medium of interest, which may be shared with other wireless communications between other vehicles and / or infrastructure access points, as well as other RATs. A “medium” may be composed of one or more time, frequency, and / or space communication resources (e.g., encompassing one or more channels across one or more carriers) associated with wireless communication between one or more transmitter / receiver pairs. In an aspect, the medium of interest may correspond to at least a portion of an unlicensed frequency band shared among various RATs. Although different licensed frequency bands have been reserved for certain communication systems (e.g., by a government entity such as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the United States), these systems, in particular those employing small cell access points, have recently extended operation into unlicensed frequency bands such as the Unlicensed National Information Infrastructure (U-NII) band used by wireless local area network (WLAN) technologies, most notably IEEE 802.1 lx WLAN technologies generally referred to as “Wi-Fi.” Example systems of this type include different variants of CDMA systems, TDMA systems, FDMA systems, orthogonal FDMA (OFDMA) systems, single-carrier FDMA (SC-FDMA) systems, and so on.

[0062] Note that although FIG. 1 only illustrates two of the UEs as SL-UEs (i.e., UEs 164 and 182), any of the illustrated UEs may be SL-UEs. Further, although only UE 182 was described as being capable of beamforming, any of the illustrated UEs, including UE 164, may be capable of beamforming. Where SL-UEs are capable of beamforming, they may beamform towards each other (i.e., towards other SL-UEs), towards other UEs (e.g., UEs 104), towards base stations (e.g., base stations 102, 180, small cell 102’, access point 150), etc. Thus, in some cases, UEs 164 and 182 may utilize beamforming over sidelink 160.

[0063] In the example of FIG. 1, any of the illustrated UEs (shown in FIG. 1 as a single UE 104 for simplicity) may receive signals 124 from one or more Earth orbiting space vehicles (SVs) 112 (e.g., satellites). In an aspect, the S Vs 112 may be part of a satellite positioningQC2405284WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405284WOmsystem that a UE 104 can use as an independent source of location information. A satellite positioning system typically includes a system of transmitters (e.g., SVs 112) positioned to enable receivers (e.g., UEs 104) to determine their location on or above the Earth based, at least in part, on positioning signals (e.g., signals 124) received from the transmitters. Such a transmitter typically transmits a signal marked with a repeating pseudo-random noise (PN) code of a set number of chips. While typically located in SVs 112, transmitters may sometimes be located on ground-based control stations, base stations 102, and / or other UEs 104. A UE 104 may include one or more dedicated receivers specifically designed to receive signals 124 for deriving geo location information from the SVs 112.

[0064] In a satellite positioning system, the use of signals 124 can be augmented by various satellite-based augmentation systems (SB AS) that may be associated with or otherwise enabled for use with one or more global and / or regional navigation satellite systems. For example an SBAS may include an augmentation system(s) that provides integrity information, differential corrections, etc., such as the Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS), the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS), the Multifunctional Satellite Augmentation System (MSAS), the Global Positioning System (GPS) Aided Geo Augmented Navigation or GPS and Geo Augmented Navigation system (GAGAN), and / or the like. Thus, as used herein, a satellite positioning system may include any combination of one or more global and / or regional navigation satellites associated with such one or more satellite positioning systems.

[0065] In an aspect, SVs 112 may additionally or alternatively be part of one or more nonterrestrial networks (NTNs). In an NTN, an SV 112 is connected to an earth station (also referred to as a ground station, NTN gateway, or gateway), which in turn is connected to an element in a 5G network, such as a modified base station 102 (without a terrestrial antenna) or a network node in a 5GC. This element would in turn provide access to other elements in the 5G network and ultimately to entities external to the 5G network, such as Internet web servers and other user devices. In that way, a UE 104 may receive communication signals (e.g., signals 124) from an SV 112 instead of, or in addition to, communication signals from a terrestrial base station 102.

[0066] The wireless communications system 100 may further include one or more UEs, such as UE 190, that connects indirectly to one or more communication networks via one or more device-to-device (D2D) peer-to-peer (P2P) links (referred to as “sidelinks”). In the example of FIG. 1, UE 190 has a D2D P2P link 192 with one of the UEs 104 connectedQC2405284WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405284WOismto one of the base stations 102 (e.g., through which UE 190 may indirectly obtain cellular connectivity) and a D2D P2P link 194 with WLAN STA 152 connected to the WLAN AP 150 (through which UE 190 may indirectly obtain WLAN-based Internet connectivity). In an example, the D2D P2P links 192 and 194 may be supported with any well-known D2D RAT, such as LTE Direct (LTE-D), WI-FI DIRECT®, BLUETOOTH®, and so on.

[0067] FIG.2A illustrates an example wireless network structure 200. For example, a 5GC 210 (also referred to as a Next Generation Core (NGC)) can be viewed functionally as control plane (C -plane) functions 214 (e.g., UE registration, authentication, network access, gateway selection, etc.) and user plane (U-plane) functions 212, (e.g., UE gateway function, access to data networks, IP routing, etc.) which operate cooperatively to form the core network. User plane interface (NG-U) 213 and control plane interface (NG-C) 215 connect the gNB 222 to the 5GC 210 and specifically to the user plane functions 212 and control plane functions 214, respectively. In an additional configuration, an ng-eNB 224 may also be connected to the 5GC 210 via NG-C 215 to the control plane functions 214 and NG-U 213 to user plane functions 212. Further, ng-eNB 224 may directly communicate with gNB 222 via a backhaul connection 223. In some configurations, a Next Generation RAN (NG-RAN) 220 may have one or more gNBs 222, while other configurations include one or more of both ng-eNBs 224 and gNBs 222. Either (or both) gNB 222 or ng-eNB 224 may communicate with one or more UEs 204 (e.g., any of the UEs described herein).

[0068] Another optional aspect may include a location server 230, which may be in communication with the 5GC 210 to provide location assistance for UE(s) 204. The location server 230 can be implemented as a plurality of separate servers (e.g., physically separate servers, different software modules on a single server, different software modules spread across multiple physical servers, etc.), or alternately may each correspond to a single server. The location server 230 can be configured to support one or more location services for UEs 204 that can connect to the location server 230 via the core network, 5GC 210, and / or via the Internet (not illustrated). Further, the location server 230 may be integrated into a component of the core network, or alternatively may be external to the core network (e.g., a third party server, such as an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) server or service server).QC2405284WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405284WOm

[0069] The UEs, APs and STAs shown in FIG. 1 may be capable of Li-Fi communication and may use Li-Fi signaling and communication between each other - e.g. in order to map out an indoor space as described here further down.

[0070] FIG. 2B illustrates another example wireless network structure 240. A 5GC 260 (which may correspond to 5GC 210 in FIG. 2A) can be viewed functionally as control plane functions, provided by an access and mobility management function (AMF) 264, and user plane functions, provided by a user plane function (UPF) 262, which operate cooperatively to form the core network (i.e., 5GC 260). The functions of the AMF 264 include registration management, connection management, reachability management, mobility management, lawful interception, transport for session management (SM) messages between one or more UEs 204 (e.g., any of the UEs described herein) and a session management function (SMF) 266, transparent proxy services for routing SM messages, access authentication and access authorization, transport for short message service (SMS) messages between the UE 204 and the short message service function (SMSF) (not shown), and security anchor functionality (SEAF). The AMF 264 also interacts with an authentication server function (AUSF) (not shown) and the UE 204, and receives the intermediate key that was established as a result of the UE 204 authentication process. In the case of authentication based on a UMTS (universal mobile telecommunications system) subscriber identity module (USIM), the AMF 264 retrieves the security material from the AUSF. The functions of the AMF 264 also include security context management (SCM). The SCM receives a key from the SEAF that it uses to derive access-network specific keys. The functionality of the AMF 264 also includes location services management for regulatory services, transport for location services messages between the UE 204 and a location management function (LMF) 270 (which acts as a location server 230), transport for location services messages between the NG-RAN 220 and the LMF 270, evolved packet system (EPS) bearer identifier allocation for interworking with the EPS, and UE 204 mobility event notification. In addition, the AMF 264 also supports functionalities for non-3GPP® (Third Generation Partnership Project) access networks.

[0071] Functions of the UPF 262 include acting as an anchor point for intra / inter-RAT mobility (when applicable), acting as an external protocol data unit (PDU) session point of interconnect to a data network (not shown), providing packet routing and forwarding, packet inspection, user plane policy rule enforcement (e.g., gating, redirection, trafficQC2405284WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405284WOmsteering), lawful interception (user plane collection), traffic usage reporting, quality of service (QoS) handling for the user plane (e.g., uplink / downlink rate enforcement, reflective QoS marking in the downlink), uplink traffic verification (service data flow (SDF) to QoS flow mapping), transport level packet marking in the uplink and downlink, downlink packet buffering and downlink data notification triggering, and sending and forwarding of one or more “end markers” to the source RAN node. The UPF 262 may also support transfer of location services messages over a user plane between the UE 204 and a location server, such as an SLP 272.

[0072] The functions of the SMF 266 include session management, UE Internet protocol (IP) address allocation and management, selection and control of user plane functions, configuration of traffic steering at the UPF 262 to route traffic to the proper destination, control of part of policy enforcement and QoS, and downlink data notification. The interface over which the SMF 266 communicates with the AMF 264 is referred to as the Nil interface.

[0073] Another optional aspect may include an LMF 270, which may be in communication with the 5GC 260 to provide location assistance for UEs 204. The LMF 270 can be implemented as a plurality of separate servers (e.g., physically separate servers, different software modules on a single server, different software modules spread across multiple physical servers, etc.), or alternately may each correspond to a single server. The LMF 270 can be configured to support one or more location services for UEs 204 that can connect to the LMF 270 via the core network, 5GC 260, and / or via the Internet (not illustrated). The SLP 272 may support similar functions to the LMF 270, but whereas the LMF 270 may communicate with the AMF 264, NG-RAN 220, and UEs 204 over a control plane (e.g., using interfaces and protocols intended to convey signaling messages and not voice or data), the SLP 272 may communicate with UEs 204 and external clients (e.g., third-party server 274) over a user plane (e.g., using protocols intended to carry voice and / or data like the transmission control protocol (TCP) and / or IP).

[0074] Yet another optional aspect may include a third-party server 274, which may be in communication with the LMF 270, the SLP 272, the 5GC 260 (e.g., via the AMF 264 and / or the UPF 262), the NG-RAN 220, and / or the UE 204 to obtain location information (e.g., a location estimate) for the UE 204. As such, in some cases, the third-party server 274 may be referred to as a location services (LCS) client or an external client. The third- party server 274 can be implemented as a plurality of separate servers (e.g., physicallyQC2405284WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405284WO2 mseparate servers, different software modules on a single server, different software modules spread across multiple physical servers, etc.), or alternately may each correspond to a single server.

[0075] User plane interface 263 and control plane interface 265 connect the 5GC 260, and specifically the UPF 262 and AMF 264, respectively, to one or more gNBs 222 and / or ng-eNBs 224 in the NG-RAN 220. The interface between gNB(s) 222 and / or ng-eNB(s) 224 and the AMF 264 is referred to as the “N2” interface, and the interface between gNB(s) 222 and / or ng-eNB(s) 224 and the UPF 262 is referred to as the “N3” interface. The gNB(s) 222 and / or ng-eNB(s) 224 of the NG-RAN 220 may communicate directly with each other via backhaul connections 223, referred to as the “Xn-C” interface. One or more of gNBs 222 and / or ng-eNBs 224 may communicate with one or more UEs 204 over a wireless interface, referred to as the “Uu” interface.

[0076] The functionality of a gNB 222 may be divided between a gNB central unit (gNB-CU) 226, one or more gNB distributed units (gNB-DUs) 228, and one or more gNB radio units (gNB-RUs) 229. A gNB-CU 226 is a logical node that includes the base station functions of transferring user data, mobility control, radio access network sharing, positioning, session management, and the like, except for those functions allocated exclusively to the gNB-DU(s) 228. More specifically, the gNB-CU 226 generally host the radio resource control (RRC), service data adaptation protocol (SDAP), and packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) protocols of the gNB 222. A gNB-DU 228 is a logical node that generally hosts the radio link control (RLC) and medium access control (MAC) layer of the gNB 222. Its operation is controlled by the gNB-CU 226. One gNB-DU 228 can support one or more cells, and one cell is supported by only one gNB-DU 228. The interface 232 between the gNB-CU 226 and the one or more gNB-DUs 228 is referred to as the “Fl” interface. The physical (PHY) layer functionality of a gNB 222 is generally hosted by one or more standalone gNB-RUs 229 that perform functions such as power amplification and signal transmission / reception. The interface between a gNB-DU 228 and a gNB-RU 229 is referred to as the “Fx” interface. Thus, a UE 204 communicates with the gNB-CU 226 via the RRC, SDAP, and PDCP layers, with a gNB-DU 228 via the RLC and MAC layers, and with a gNB-RU 229 via the PHY layer.

[0077] Deployment of communication systems, such as 5G NR systems, may be arranged in multiple manners with various components or constituent parts. In a 5G NR system, or network, a network node, a network entity, a mobility element of a network, a RAN node,QC2405284WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405284WO22ma core network node, a network element, or a network equipment, such as a base station, or one or more units (or one or more components) performing base station functionality, may be implemented in an aggregated or disaggregated architecture. For example, a base station (such as a Node B (NB), evolved NB (eNB), NR base station, 5G NB, AP, TRP, cell, etc.) may be implemented as an aggregated base station (also known as a standalone base station or a monolithic base station) or a disaggregated base station.

[0078] An aggregated base station may be configured to utilize a radio protocol stack that is physically or logically integrated within a single RAN node. A disaggregated base station may be configured to utilize a protocol stack that is physically or logically distributed among two or more units (such as one or more central or centralized units (CUs), one or more distributed units (DUs), or one or more radio units (RUs)). In some aspects, a CU may be implemented within a RAN node, and one or more DUs may be co-located with the CU, or alternatively, may be geographically or virtually distributed throughout one or multiple other RAN nodes. The DUs may be implemented to communicate with one or more RUs. Each of the CU, DU and RU also can be implemented as virtual units, i.e., a virtual central unit (VCU), a virtual distributed unit (VDU), or a virtual radio unit (VRU).

[0079] Base station-type operation or network design may consider aggregation characteristics of base station functionality. For example, disaggregated base stations may be utilized in an integrated access backhaul (IAB) network, an open radio access network (0-RAN (such as the network configuration sponsored by the 0-RAN ALLIANCE®)), or a virtualized radio access network (vRAN, also known as a cloud radio access network (C- RAN)). Disaggregation may include distributing functionality across two or more units at various physical locations, as well as distributing functionality for at least one unit virtually, which can enable flexibility in network design. The various units of the disaggregated base station, or disaggregated RAN architecture, can be configured for wired or wireless communication with at least one other unit.

[0080] FIG. 2C illustrates an example disaggregated base station architecture 250, according to aspects of the disclosure. The disaggregated base station architecture 250 may include one or more central units (CUs) 280 (e.g., gNB-CU 226) that can communicate directly with a core network 267 (e.g., 5GC 210, 5GC 260) via a backhaul link, or indirectly with the core network 267 through one or more disaggregated base station units (such as a Near-Real Time (Near-RT) RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) 259 via an E2 link, or a Non-Real Time (Non-RT) RIC 257 associated with a Service Management andQC2405284WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405284WO23mOrchestration (SMO) Framework 255, or both). A CU 280 may communicate with one or more DUs 285 (e.g., gNB-DUs 228) via respective midhaul links, such as an Fl interface. The DUs 285 may communicate with one or more radio units (RUs) 287 (e.g., gNB-RUs 229) via respective fronthaul links. The RUs 287 may communicate with respective UEs 204 via one or more radio frequency (RF) access links. In some implementations, the UE 204 may be simultaneously served by multiple RUs 287.

[0081] Each of the units, i.e., the CUs 280, the DUs 285, the RUs 287, as well as the Near-RT RICs 259, the Non-RT RICs 257 and the SMO Framework 255, may include one or more interfaces or be coupled to one or more interfaces configured to receive or transmit signals, data, or information (collectively, signals) via a wired or wireless transmission medium. Each of the units, or an associated processor or controller providing instructions to the communication interfaces of the units, can be configured to communicate with one or more of the other units via the transmission medium. For example, the units can include a wired interface configured to receive or transmit signals over a wired transmission medium to one or more of the other units. Additionally, the units can include a wireless interface, which may include a receiver, a transmitter or transceiver (such as a RF transceiver), configured to receive or transmit signals, or both, over a wireless transmission medium to one or more of the other units.

[0082] In some aspects, the CU 280 may host one or more higher layer control functions. Such control functions can include RRC, PDCP, service data adaptation protocol (SDAP), or the like. Each control function can be implemented with an interface configured to communicate signals with other control functions hosted by the CU 280. The CU 280 may be configured to handle user plane functionality (i.e., Central Unit - User Plane (CU- UP)), control plane functionality (i.e., Central Unit - Control Plane (CU-CP)), or a combination thereof. In some implementations, the CU 280 can be logically split into one or more CU-UP units and one or more CU-CP units. The CU-UP unit can communicate bidirectionally with the CU-CP unit via an interface, such as the El interface when implemented in an 0-RAN configuration. The CU 280 can be implemented to communicate with the DU 285, as necessary, for network control and signaling.

[0083] The DU 285 may correspond to a logical unit that includes one or more base station functions to control the operation of one or more RUs 287. In some aspects, the DU 285 may host one or more of a RLC layer, a MAC layer, and one or more high PHY layersQC2405284WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405284WO(such as modules for forward error correction (FEC) encoding and decoding, scrambling, modulation and demodulation, or the like) depending, at least in part, on a functional split, such as those defined by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP®). In some aspects, the DU 285 may further host one or more low PHY layers. Each layer (or module) can be implemented with an interface configured to communicate signals with other layers (and modules) hosted by the DU 285, or with the control functions hosted by the CU 280.

[0084] Lower-layer functionality can be implemented by one or more RUs 287. In some deployments, an RU 287, controlled by a DU 285, may correspond to a logical node that hosts RF processing functions, or low-PHY layer functions (such as performing fast Fourier transform (FFT), inverse FFT (iFFT), digital beamforming, physical random access channel (PRACH) extraction and filtering, or the like), or both, based at least in part on the functional split, such as a lower layer functional split. In such an architecture, the RU(s) 287 can be implemented to handle over the air (OTA) communication with one or more UEs 204. In some implementations, real-time and non-real-time aspects of control and user plane communication with the RU(s) 287 can be controlled by the corresponding DU 285. In some scenarios, this configuration can enable the DU(s) 285 and the CU 280 to be implemented in a cloud-based RAN architecture, such as a vRAN architecture.

[0085] The SMO Framework 255 may be configured to support RAN deployment and provisioning of non-virtualized and virtualized network elements. For non-virtualized network elements, the SMO Framework 255 may be configured to support the deployment of dedicated physical resources for RAN coverage requirements which may be managed via an operations and maintenance interface (such as an 01 interface). For virtualized network elements, the SMO Framework 255 may be configured to interact with a cloud computing platform (such as an open cloud (O-Cloud) 269) to perform network element life cycle management (such as to instantiate virtualized network elements) via a cloud computing platform interface (such as an 02 interface). Such virtualized network elements can include, but are not limited to, CUs 280, DUs 285, RUs 287 and Near-RT RICs 259. In some implementations, the SMO Framework 255 can communicate with a hardware aspect of a 4G RAN, such as an open eNB (O-eNB) 261, via an 01 interface. Additionally, in some implementations, the SMO Framework 255 can communicate directly with one or more RUs 287 via an 01 interface. The SMOQC2405284WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405284WOismFramework 255 also may include a Non-RT RIC 257 configured to support functionality of the SMO Framework 255.

[0086] The Non-RT RIC 257 may be configured to include a logical function that enables non- real-time control and optimization of RAN elements and resources, artificial intelligence / machine learning (AI / ML) workflows including model training and updates, or policy -based guidance of applications / features in the Near-RT RIC 259. The Non-RT RIC 257 may be coupled to or communicate with (such as via an Al interface) the Near- RT RIC 259. The Near-RT RIC 259 may be configured to include a logical function that enables near-real-time control and optimization of RAN elements and resources via data collection and actions over an interface (such as via an E2 interface) connecting one or more CUs 280, one or more DUs 285, or both, as well as an O-eNB, with the Near-RT RIC 259.

[0087] In some implementations, to generate AI / ML models to be deployed in the Near-RT RIC 259, the Non-RT RIC 257 may receive parameters or external enrichment information from external servers. Such information may be utilized by the Near-RT RIC 259 and may be received at the SMO Framework 255 or the Non-RT RIC 257 from non-network data sources or from network functions. In some examples, the Non-RT RIC 257 or the Near-RT RIC 259 may be configured to tune RAN behavior or performance. For example, the Non-RT RIC 257 may monitor long-term trends and patterns for performance and employ AI / ML models to perform corrective actions through the SMO Framework 255 (such as reconfiguration via 01) or via creation of RAN management policies (such as Al policies).

[0088] An estimate of a location of a UE, base station or access point (e.g. any UE, base station or access point shown in FIGs. 1 to 2C) may be referred to as a location, location estimate, estimated location, location fix, fix, position, position estimate, or position fix. An estimate of a location of a UE, base station or access point may be geodetic, thus providing location coordinates for the UE, base station or access point (e.g., latitude and longitude) which may or may not include an altitude component (e.g., height above sea level, height above or depth below ground level, floor level, or basement level). Alternatively, a location of a UE, base station or access point may be expressed as a civic location (e.g., as a postal address or the designation of some point or small area in a building such as a particular room or floor). A location of a UE, base station or access point may be expressed as an area or volume (defined either geodetically or in civic form) within whichQC2405284WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405284WO26mthe UE, base station or access point is expected to be located with some probability or confidence level (e.g., 67%, 95%, etc.). A location of a UE, base station or access point may be expressed as a relative location comprising, for example, a distance and direction from a known location or from some other UE, base station or access point. A relative location may be expressed using relative coordinates (e.g., X, Y (and Z) coordinates) defined relative to either some origin at a known location (e.g. which may be defined geodetically, in civic terms, or by reference to a point, area, or volume, e.g., indicated on a map, floor plan, or building plan) or another UE, base station or access point. In the description contained herein, the use of the term location may comprise any of these variants unless indicated otherwise.

[0089] FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C illustrate several example components (represented by corresponding blocks) that may be incorporated into a UE 302 (which may correspond to any of the UEs and mobile devices described herein), a base station 304 (which may correspond to any of the base stations and access points described herein, including WiFi and Li-Fi access points), and a network entity 306 (which may correspond to or embody any of the network functions described herein, including the location server 230 and the LMF 270, or alternatively may be independent from the NG-RAN 220 and / or 5GC 210 / 260 infrastructure depicted in FIGS. 2 A and 2B, such as a private network) to support the operations described herein. It will be appreciated that these components may be implemented in different types of apparatuses in different implementations (e.g., in an ASIC, in a system-on-chip (SoC), etc.). The illustrated components, which may not always be present necessarily, may also be incorporated into other apparatuses in a communication system. For example, other apparatuses in a system may include components similar to those described to provide similar functionality. Also, a given apparatus may contain one or more of the components. For example, an apparatus may include multiple transceiver components that enable the apparatus to operate on multiple carriers and / or communicate via different technologies.

[0090] The UE 302 and the base station 304 each include one or more wireless wide area network (WWAN) transceivers 310 and 350, respectively, providing means for communicating (e.g., means for transmitting, means for receiving, means for measuring, means fortuning, means for refraining from transmitting, etc.) via one or more wireless communication networks (not shown), such as an NR network, an LTE network, a GSM network, and / or the like. The WWAN transceivers 310 and 350 may each be connected to one or moreQC2405284WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405284WOzimantennas 316 and 356, respectively, for communicating with other network nodes, such as other UEs, access points, base stations (e.g., eNBs, gNBs), etc., via at least one designated RAT (e.g., NR, LTE, GSM, etc.) over a wireless communication medium of interest (e.g., some set of time / frequency resources in a particular frequency spectrum). The WWAN transceivers 310 and 350 may be variously configured for transmitting and encoding signals 318 and 358 (e.g., messages, indications, information, and so on), respectively, and, conversely, for receiving and decoding signals 318 and 358 (e.g., messages, indications, information, pilots, and so on), respectively, in accordance with the designated RAT. Specifically, the WWAN transceivers 310 and 350 include one or more transmitters 314 and 354, respectively, for transmitting and encoding signals 318 and 358, respectively, and one or more receivers 312 and 352, respectively, for receiving and decoding signals 318 and 358, respectively.

[0091] The UE 302 and the base station 304 each also include, at least in some cases, one or more short-range wireless transceivers 320 and 360, respectively. The short-range wireless transceivers 320 and 360 may be connected to one or more antennas 326 and 366, respectively, and provide means for communicating (e.g., means for transmitting, means for receiving, means for measuring, means for tuning, means for refraining from transmitting, etc.) with other network nodes, such as other UEs, access points, base stations, etc., via at least one designated RAT (e.g., Wi-Fi, LTE Direct, BLUETOOTH®, ZIGBEE®, Z-WAVE®, PC5, dedicated short-range communications (DSRC), wireless access for vehicular environments (WAVE), near-field communication (NFC), ultra- wideband (UWB), etc.) over a wireless communication medium of interest. The short- range wireless transceivers 320 and 360 may be variously configured for transmitting and encoding signals 328 and 368 (e.g., messages, indications, information, and so on), respectively, and, conversely, for receiving and decoding signals 328 and 368 (e.g., messages, indications, information, pilots, and so on), respectively, in accordance with the designated RAT. Specifically, the short-range wireless transceivers 320 and 360 include one or more transmitters 324 and 364, respectively, for transmitting and encoding signals 328 and 368, respectively, and one or more receivers 322 and 362, respectively, for receiving and decoding signals 328 and 368, respectively. As specific examples, the short-range wireless transceivers 320 and 360 may be Wi-Fi transceivers, BLUETOOTH® transceivers, ZIGBEE® and / or Z-WAVE® transceivers, NFCQC2405284WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405284WO28 / 77transceivers, UWB transceivers, or vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and / or vehicle-to- everything (V2X) transceivers.

[0092] The UE 302 and the base station 304 also include, at least in some cases, Li-Fi signal interfaces 330 and 370, which each include one or more Li-Fi signal receivers 332 and 372, respectively, and may optionally include one or more Li-Fi signal transmitters 334 and 374, respectively. The term “Li-Fi” is used here generically and may refer to Li-Fi as defined by IEEE (e.g. in IEEE 802.11bb) or may be any communication technology based on use of light, infrared or ultraviolet signals that is able to encode and communicate voice, data and control information similarly to Li-Fi defined by IEEE.

[0093] The Li-Fi signal receivers 332 and 372 may be connected to one or more Li-Fi elements 336 and 376, respectively, that provide means for receiving and / or measuring Li-Fi positioning / communication signals 338 and 378, respectively. The Li-Fi elements 336 and 376 may, for example, include a photo diode or digital camera (e.g. miniaturized) that is able to receive Li-Fi signals and convert these into electrical signals. The Li-Fi positioning / communication signals 338 and 378 may then be light signals, infrared signals or ultraviolet signals (e.g. carrying voice, data or control information) that may originate from another UE 302 or base station 304. The Li-Fi elements 336 and 376 may convert these signals into electrical signals still carrying and encoding the same information as the Li-Fi signals 338 and 378 and provide the electrical signals to the Li- Fi signal receiver(s) 332 and 372, respectively. The Li-Fi signal receiver(s) 332 and 372 may comprise any suitable hardware and / or software for receiving and processing the electrical signals derived from the Li-Fi positioning / communication signals 338 and 378, respectively. The Li-Fi signal receiver(s) 332 and 372 may request information and operations as appropriate from the other systems, and, at least in some cases, perform calculations to determine locations of the UE 302 and the base station 304, respectively, using measurements obtained by any suitable Li-Fi positioning system algorithm.

[0094] The optional Li-Fi signal transmitter(s) 334 and 374, when present, may be connected to the one or more Li-Fi elements 336 and 376, respectively, and may provide means for sending electrical positioning / communication signals to the one or more Li-Fi elements 336 and 376, respectively, for conversion into the Li-Fi signals 338 and 378, respectively. The Li-Fi elements 336 and 376 may, for example, include one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that are able to convert the electrical signals received from the Li-Fi signal transmitted s) 334 and 374 into the Li-Fi positioning / communication signals 338 and 378QC2405284WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405284WO29mthat may then be light signals, infrared signals or ultraviolet signals that still carry and encode the same information as the electrical signals. The Li-Fi signal transmitted s) 334 and 374 may comprise any suitable hardware and / or software for generating the electrical signals that are sent to Li-Fi elements 336 and 376 for conversion into the Li-Fi positioning / communication signals 338 and 378, respectively. The Li-Fi signal transmitter(s) 334 and 374 may request information and operations as appropriate from the other systems.

[0095] The base station 304 and the network entity 306 each include one or more network transceivers 380 and 390, respectively, providing means for communicating (e.g., means for transmitting, means for receiving, etc.) with other network entities (e.g., other base stations 304, other network entities 306). For example, the base station 304 may employ the one or more network transceivers 380 to communicate with other base stations 304 or network entities 306 over one or more wired or wireless backhaul links. As another example, the network entity 306 may employ the one or more network transceivers 390 to communicate with one or more base stations 304 over one or more wired or wireless backhaul links, or with other network entities 306 over one or more wired or wireless core network interfaces.

[0096] A transceiver may be configured to communicate over a wired, wireless link or light based link. A transceiver (whether a wired transceiver, a wireless transceiver or a light based transceiver) includes transmitter circuitry (e.g., transmitters 314, 324, 354, 364, 334, 374) and receiver circuitry (e.g., receivers 312, 322, 352, 362, 332, 374). A transceiver may be an integrated device (e.g., embodying transmitter circuitry and receiver circuitry in a single device) in some implementations, may comprise separate transmitter circuitry and separate receiver circuitry in some implementations, or may be embodied in other ways in other implementations. The transmitter circuitry and receiver circuitry of a wired transceiver (e.g., network transceivers 380 and 390 in some implementations) may be coupled to one or more wired network interface ports. Wireless transmitter circuitry (e.g., transmitters 314, 324, 354, 364) may include or be coupled to a plurality of antennas (e.g., antennas 316, 326, 356, 366), such as an antenna array, that permits the respective apparatus (e.g., UE 302, base station 304) to perform transmit “beamforming,” as described herein. Similarly, wireless receiver circuitry (e.g., receivers 312, 322, 352, 362) may include or be coupled to a plurality of antennas (e.g., antennas 316, 326, 356, 366), such as an antenna array, that permits the respective apparatus (e.g., UE 302, base stationQC2405284WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405284WO3om304) to perform receive beamforming, as described herein. In an aspect, transmitter circuitry and receiver circuitry may share the same plurality of antennas (e.g., antennas 316, 326, 356, 366), such that the respective apparatus can only receive or transmit at a given time, not both at the same time. A wireless transceiver (e.g., WWAN transceivers 310 and 350, short-range wireless transceivers 320 and 360) may also include a network listen module (NLM) or the like for performing various measurements.

[0097] As used herein, the various wireless transceivers (e.g., transceivers 310, 320, 350, and 360, and network transceivers 380 and 390 in some implementations) and wired transceivers (e.g., network transceivers 380 and 390 in some implementations) may generally be characterized as “a transceiver,” “at least one transceiver,” or “one or more transceivers.” As such, whether a particular transceiver is a wired or wireless transceiver may be inferred from the type of communication performed. For example, backhaul communication between network devices or servers will generally relate to signaling via a wired transceiver, whereas wireless communication between a UE (e.g., UE 302) and a base station (e.g., base station 304) will generally relate to signaling via a wireless transceiver.

[0098] The UE 302, the base station 304, and the network entity 306 also include other components that may be used in conjunction with the operations as disclosed herein. The UE 302, the base station 304, and the network entity 306 include one or more processors 342, 384, and 394, respectively, for providing functionality relating to, for example, wireless communication and / or Li-Fi communication, and for providing other processing functionality. The processors 342, 384, and 394 may therefore provide means for processing, such as means for determining, means for calculating, means for receiving, means for transmitting, means for indicating, etc. In an aspect, the processors 342, 384, and 394 may include, for example, one or more general purpose processors, multi-core processors, central processing units (CPUs), ASICs, digital signal processors (DSPs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), other programmable logic devices or processing circuitry, or various combinations thereof.

[0099] The UE 302, the base station 304, and the network entity 306 include memory circuitry implementing memories 340, 386, and 396 (e.g., each including a memory device), respectively, for maintaining information (e.g., information indicative of reserved resources, thresholds, parameters, and so on). The memories 340, 386, and 396 may therefore provide means for storing, means for retrieving, means for maintaining, etc. InQC2405284WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405284WO3 msome cases, the UE 302, the base station 304, and the network entity 306 may include Wi-Fi / Li-Fi positioning components 348, 388, and 398, respectively. The Wi-Fi / Li-Fi positioning components 348, 388, and 398 may be hardware circuits that are part of or coupled to the processors 342, 384, and 394, respectively, that, when executed, cause the UE 302, the base station 304, and the network entity 306 to perform the functionality described herein. In other aspects, the Wi-Fi / Li-Fi positioning components 348, 388, and 398 may be external to the processors 342, 384, and 394 (e.g., part of a modem processing system, integrated with another processing system, etc.). Alternatively, the Wi-Fi / Li-Fi positioning components 348, 388, and 398 may be memory modules stored in the memories 340, 386, and 396, respectively, that, when executed by the processors 342, 384, and 394 (or a modem processing system, another processing system, etc.), cause the UE 302, the base station 304, and the network entity 306 to perform the functionality described herein. FIG. 3A illustrates possible locations of the Wi-Fi / Li-Fi positioning component 348, which may be, for example, part of the one or more WWAN transceivers 310, the memory 340, the one or more processors 342, or any combination thereof, or may be a standalone component. FIG. 3B illustrates possible locations of the Wi-Fi / Li- Fi positioning component 388, which may be, for example, part of the one or more WWAN transceivers 350, the memory 386, the one or more processors 384, or any combination thereof, or may be a standalone component. FIG. 3C illustrates possible locations of the Wi-Fi / Li-Fi positioning component 398, which may be, for example, part of the one or more network transceivers 390, the memory 396, the one or more processors 394, or any combination thereof, or may be a standalone component.

[0100] The UE 302 may include one or more sensors 344 coupled to the one or more processors 342 to provide means for sensing or detecting movement and / or orientation information that is independent of motion data derived from signals received by the one or more WWAN transceivers 310, the one or more short-range wireless transceivers 320, and / or the Li-Fi signal interface 330. By way of example, the sensor(s) 344 may include an accelerometer (e.g., a micro-electrical mechanical systems (MEMS) device), a gyroscope, a geomagnetic sensor (e.g., a compass), an altimeter (e.g., a barometric pressure altimeter), and / or any other type of movement detection sensor. Moreover, the sensor(s) 344 may include a plurality of different types of devices and combine their outputs in order to provide motion information. For example, the sensor(s) 344 may use a combination of a multi-axis accelerometer and orientation sensors to provide the abilityQC2405284WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405284WO32mto compute positions in two-dimensional (2D) and / or three-dimensional (3D) coordinate systems.

[0101] In addition, the UE 302 includes a user interface 346 providing means for providing indications (e.g., audible and / or visual indications) to a user and / or for receiving user input (e.g., upon user actuation of a sensing device such a keypad, a touch screen, a microphone, and so on). Although not shown, the base station 304 and the network entity 306 may also include user interfaces.

[0102] Referring to the one or more processors 384 in more detail, in the downlink, IP packets from the network entity 306 may be provided to the processor 384. The one or more processors 384 may implement functionality for an RRC layer, a packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, a radio link control (RLC) layer, and a medium access control (MAC) layer. The one or more processors 384 may provide RRC layer functionality associated with broadcasting of system information (e.g., master information block (MIB), system information blocks (SIBs)), RRC connection control (e.g., RRC connection paging, RRC connection establishment, RRC connection modification, and RRC connection release), inter-RAT mobility, and measurement configuration for UE measurement reporting; PDCP layer functionality associated with header compression / decompression, security (ciphering, deciphering, integrity protection, integrity verification), and handover support functions; RLC layer functionality associated with the transfer of upper layer PDUs, error correction through automatic repeat request (ARQ), concatenation, segmentation, and reassembly of RLC service data units (SDUs), re-segmentation of RLC data PDUs, and reordering of RLC data PDUs; and MAC layer functionality associated with mapping between logical channels and transport channels, scheduling information reporting, error correction, priority handling, and logical channel prioritization.

[0103] The transmitter 354 and the receiver 352 may implement Layer- 1 (LI) functionality associated with various signal processing functions. Layer- 1, which includes a physical (PHY) layer, may include error detection on the transport channels, forward error correction (FEC) coding / decoding of the transport channels, interleaving, rate matching, mapping onto physical channels, modulation / demodulation of physical channels, and MIMO antenna processing. The transmitter 354 handles mapping to signal constellations based on various modulation schemes (e.g., binary phase-shift keying (BPSK), quadrature phase-shift keying (QPSK), M-phase-shift keying (M-PSK), M-quadrature amplitudeQC2405284WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405284WO33mmodulation (M-QAM)). The coded and modulated symbols may then be split into parallel streams. Each stream may then be mapped to an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) subcarrier, multiplexed with a reference signal (e.g., pilot) in the time and / or frequency domain, and then combined together using an inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) to produce a physical channel carrying a time domain OFDM symbol stream. The OFDM symbol stream is spatially precoded to produce multiple spatial streams. Channel estimates from a channel estimator may be used to determine the coding and modulation scheme, as well as for spatial processing. The channel estimate may be derived from a reference signal and / or channel condition feedback transmitted by the UE 302. Each spatial stream may then be provided to one or more different antennas 356. The transmitter 354 may modulate an RF carrier with a respective spatial stream for transmission.

[0104] At the UE 302, the receiver 312 receives a signal through its respective antenna(s) 316.The receiver 312 recovers information modulated onto an RF carrier and provides the information to the one or more processors 342. The transmitter 314 and the receiver 312 implement Layer-1 functionality associated with various signal processing functions. The receiver 312 may perform spatial processing on the information to recover any spatial streams destined for the UE 302. If multiple spatial streams are destined for the UE 302, they may be combined by the receiver 312 into a single OFDM symbol stream. The receiver 312 then converts the OFDM symbol stream from the time-domain to the frequency domain using a fast Fourier transform (FFT). The frequency domain signal comprises a separate OFDM symbol stream for each subcarrier of the OFDM signal. The symbols on each subcarrier, and the reference signal, are recovered and demodulated by determining the most likely signal constellation points transmitted by the base station 304. These soft decisions may be based on channel estimates computed by a channel estimator. The soft decisions are then decoded and de-interleaved to recover the data and control signals that were originally transmitted by the base station 304 on the physical channel. The data and control signals are then provided to the one or more processors 342, which implements Layer-3 (L3) and Layer-2 (L2) functionality.

[0105] In the downlink, the one or more processors 342 provides demultiplexing between transport and logical channels, packet reassembly, deciphering, header decompression, and control signal processing to recover IP packets from the core network. The one or more processors 342 are also responsible for error detection.QC2405284WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405284WO

[0106] Similar to the functionality described in connection with the downlink transmission by the base station 304, the one or more processors 342 provides RRC layer functionality associated with system information (e.g., MIB, SIBs) acquisition, RRC connections, and measurement reporting; PDCP layer functionality associated with header compression / decompression, and security (ciphering, deciphering, integrity protection, integrity verification); RLC layer functionality associated with the transfer of upper layer PDUs, error correction through ARQ, concatenation, segmentation, and reassembly of RLC SDUs, re-segmentation of RLC data PDUs, and reordering of RLC data PDUs; and MAC layer functionality associated with mapping between logical channels and transport channels, multiplexing of MAC SDUs onto transport blocks (TBs), demultiplexing of MAC SDUs from TBs, scheduling information reporting, error correction through hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ), priority handling, and logical channel prioritization.

[0107] Channel estimates derived by the channel estimator from a reference signal or feedback transmitted by the base station 304 may be used by the transmitter 314 to select the appropriate coding and modulation schemes, and to facilitate spatial processing. The spatial streams generated by the transmitter 314 may be provided to different antenna(s) 316. The transmitter 314 may modulate an RF carrier with a respective spatial stream for transmission.

[0108] The uplink transmission is processed at the base station 304 in a manner similar to that described in connection with the receiver function at the UE 302. The receiver 352 receives a signal through its respective antenna(s) 356. The receiver 352 recovers information modulated onto an RF carrier and provides the information to the one or more processors 384.

[0109] In the uplink, the one or more processors 384 provides demultiplexing between transport and logical channels, packet reassembly, deciphering, header decompression, control signal processing to recover IP packets from the UE 302. IP packets from the one or more processors 384 may be provided to the core network. The one or more processors 384 are also responsible for error detection.

[0110] For convenience, the UE 302, the base station 304, and / or the network entity 306 are shown in FIGS. 3 A, 3B, and 3C as including various components that may be configured according to the various examples described herein. It will be appreciated, however, that the illustrated components may have different functionality in different designs. In particular, various components in FIGS. 3A to 3C are optional in alternativeQC2405284WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405284WO35 mconfigurations and the various aspects include configurations that may vary due to design choice, costs, use of the device, or other considerations. For example, in case of FIG. 3 A, a particular implementation of UE 302 may omit the WWAN transceiver(s) 310 (e.g., a wearable device or tablet computer or personal computer (PC) or laptop may have Wi-Fi and / or BLUETOOTH® capability without cellular capability), or may omit the short- range wireless transceiver(s) 320 (e.g., cellular-only, etc.), or may omit the Li-Fi signal interface 330, or may omit the sensor(s) 344, and so on. In another example, in case of FIG. 3B, a particular implementation of the base station 304 may omit the WWAN transceiver(s) 350 (e.g., a Wi-Fi “hotspot” access point without cellular capability), or may omit the short-range wireless transceiver s) 360 (e.g., cellular-only, etc.), or may omit the Li-Fi signal interface 370, and so on. For brevity, illustration of the various alternative configurations is not provided herein, but would be readily understandable to one skilled in the art.

[0111] The various components of the UE 302, the base station 304, and the network entity 306 may be communicatively coupled to each other over data buses 308, 382, and 392, respectively. In an aspect, the data buses 308, 382, and 392 may form, or be part of, a communication interface of the UE 302, the base station 304, and the network entity 306, respectively. For example, where different logical entities are embodied in the same device (e.g., gNB and location server functionality incorporated into the same base station 304), the data buses 308, 382, and 392 may provide communication between them.

[0112] The components of FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C may be implemented in various ways. In some implementations, the components of FIGS. 3 A, 3B, and 3C may be implemented in one or more circuits such as, for example, one or more processors and / or one or more ASICs (which may include one or more processors). Here, each circuit may use and / or incorporate at least one memory component for storing information or executable code used by the circuit to provide this functionality. For example, some or all of the functionality represented by some of blocks 310 to 346 may be implemented by processor and memory component(s) of the UE 302 (e.g., by execution of appropriate code and / or by appropriate configuration of processor components). Similarly, some or all of the functionality represented by some of blocks 350 to 388 may be implemented by processor and memory component(s) of the base station 304 (e.g., by execution of appropriate code and / or by appropriate configuration of processor components). Also, some or all of the functionality represented by blocks 390 to 398 may be implemented by processor andQC2405284WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405284WO36mmemory component(s) of the network entity 306 (e.g., by execution of appropriate code and / or by appropriate configuration of processor components). For simplicity, various operations, acts, and / or functions are described herein as being performed “by a UE,” “by a base station,” “by a network entity,” etc. However, as will be appreciated, such operations, acts, and / or functions may actually be performed by specific components or combinations of components of the UE 302, base station 304, network entity 306, etc., such as the processors 342, 384, 394, the transceivers 310, 320, 350, and 360, the memories 340, 386, and 396, the Wi-Fi / Li-Fi positioning component 348, 388, and 398, etc.

[0113] In some designs, the network entity 306 may be implemented as a core network component. In other designs, the network entity 306 may be distinct from a network operator or operation of the cellular network infrastructure (e.g., NG RAN 220 and / or 5GC 210 / 260). For example, the network entity 306 may be a component of a private network that may be configured to communicate with the UE 302 via the base station 304 or independently from the base station 304 (e.g., over a non-cellular communication link, such as Wi-Fi).

[0114] Long-Term Evolution (LTE) positioning protocol (LPP) is used point-to-point between a location server (e.g., LMF 270) and a target device (e.g., a UE) in order to position the target device using position-related measurements obtained by one or more reference sources (physical entities or parts of physical entities that provide signals that can be measured by a target device in order to obtain the location of the target device). An LPP session is used between a location server and a target device in order to obtain location- related measurements or a location estimate or to transfer assistance data. Currently, a single LPP session is used to support a single location request and multiple LPP sessions can be used between the same endpoints to support multiple different location requests. Each LPP session comprises one or more LPP transactions (or procedures), with each LPP transaction performing a single operation (capability exchange, assistance data transfer, or location information transfer). Each LPP transaction involves the exchange of one or more LPP messages between the location server and the target device. The general format of an LPP message consists of a set of common fields followed by a body. The body (which may be empty) contains information specific to a particular message type. Each message type contains information specific to one or more positioning methods and / or information common to all positioning methods.QC2405284WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405284WO37 m

[0115] An LPP session generally includes at least a capability transfer or indication procedure, an assistance data transfer or delivery procedure, and a location information transfer or delivery procedure.

[0116] FIG. 4 illustrates an example LPP capability transfer procedure 410, LPP assistance data transfer procedure 430, and LPP location information transfer procedure 450 between a target device (labeled “Target”) and a location server (labeled “Server”), according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0117] The purpose of an LPP capability transfer procedure 410 is to enable the transfer of capabilities from the target device (e.g., a UE 204) to the location server (e.g., an LMF 270). Capabilities in this context refer to positioning and protocol capabilities related to LPP and the positioning methods supported by LPP. In the LPP capability transfer procedure 410, the location server (e.g., an LMF 270) indicates the types of capabilities needed from the target device (e.g., UE 204) in an LPP Request Capabilities message. The target device responds with an LPP Provide Capabilities message. The capabilities included in the LPP Provide Capabilities message should correspond to any capability types specified in the LPP Request Capabilities message. Specifically, for each positioning method for which a request for capabilities is included in the LPP Request Capabilities message, if the target device supports this positioning method, the target device includes the capabilities of the target device for that supported positioning method in the LPP Provide Capabilities message. For an LPP capability indication procedure, the target device provides unsolicited (i.e., without receiving an LPP Request Capabilities message) capabilities to the location server in an LPP Provide Capabilities message.

[0118] The purpose of an LPP assistance data transfer procedure 430 is to enable the target device to request assistance data from the location server to assist in positioning, and to enable the location server to transfer assistance data to the target device in the absence of a request. In the LPP assistance data transfer procedure 430, the target device sends an LPP Request Assistance Data message to the location server. The location server responds to the target device with an LPP Provide Assistance Data message containing assistance data. The transferred assistance data should match or be a subset of the assistance data requested in the LPP Request Assistance Data. The location server may also provide any not requested information that it considers useful to the target device. The location server may also transmit one or more additional LPP Provide Assistance Data messages to the target device containing further assistance data. For an LPP assistance data deliveryQC2405284WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405284WO38 / 77procedure, the location server provides unsolicited assistance data necessary for positioning. The assistance data may be provided periodically or non-periodically.

[0119] The purpose of an LPP location information transfer procedure 450 is to enable the location server to request location measurement data and / or a location estimate from the target device, and to enable the target device to transfer location measurement data and / or a location estimate to a location server in the absence of a request. In an LPP location information transfer procedure 450, the location server sends an LPP Request Location Information message to the target device to request location information, indicating the type of location information needed and potentially the associated QoS. The target device responds with an LPP Provide Location Information message to the location server to transfer location information. The location information transferred should match or be a subset of the location information requested by the LPP Request Location Information unless the location server explicitly allows additional location information. More specifically, if the requested information is compatible with the target device’s capabilities and configuration, the target device includes the requested information in an LPP Provide Location Information message. Otherwise, if the target device does not support one or more of the requested positioning methods, the target device continues to process the message as if it contained only information for the supported positioning methods and handles the signaling content of the unsupported positioning methods by LPP error detection. If requested by the LPP Request Lactation Information message, the target device sends additional LPP Provide Location Information messages to the location server to transfer additional location information. An LPP location information delivery procedure supports the delivery of positioning estimations based on unsolicited service.

[0120] LPP also defines procedures related to error indication for when a receiving endpoint (target device or location server) receives erroneous or unexpected data or detects that certain data are missing. Specifically, when a receiving endpoint determines that a received LPP message contains an error, it can return an Error message to the transmitting endpoint indicating the error or errors and discard the received / erroneous message. If the receiving endpoint is able to determine that the erroneous LPP message is an LPP Error or Abort Message, then the receiving endpoint discards the received message without returning an Error message to the transmitting endpoint.

[0121] LPP also defines procedures related to abort indication to allow a target device or location server to abort an ongoing procedure due to some unexpected event (e.g., cancellation ofQC2405284WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405284WO39 ma location request by an LCS client). An Abort procedure can also be used to stop an ongoing procedure (e.g., periodic location reporting from the target device). In an Abort procedure, a first endpoint determines that procedure P must be aborted and sends an Abort message to a second endpoint carrying the transaction ID for procedure P. The second endpoint then aborts procedure P.

[0122] NR supports a number of cellular network-based positioning technologies, including downlink-based, uplink-based, and downlink-and-uplink-based positioning methods. Downlink-based positioning methods include observed time difference of arrival (OTDOA) in LTE, downlink time difference of arrival (DL-TDOA) in NR, and downlink angle-of-departure (DL-AoD) in NR. In an OTDOA or DL-TDOA positioning procedure, a UE measures the differences between the times of arrival (ToAs) of reference signals (e.g., positioning reference signals (PRS)) received from pairs of base stations, referred to as reference signal time difference (RSTD) or time difference of arrival (TDOA) measurements, and reports them to a positioning entity. More specifically, the UE receives the identifiers (IDs) of a reference base station (e.g., a serving base station) and multiple non-reference base stations in assistance data. The UE then measures the RSTD between the reference base station and each of the non-reference base stations. Based on the known locations of the involved base stations and the RSTD measurements, the positioning entity (e.g., the UE for UE-based positioning or a location server for UE- assisted positioning) can estimate the UE’s location.

[0123] For DL-AoD positioning, the positioning entity uses a measurement report from the UE of received signal strength measurements of multiple downlink transmit beams to determine the angle(s) between the UE and the transmitting base station(s). The positioning entity can then estimate the location of the UE based on the determined angle(s) and the known location(s) of the transmitting base station(s).

[0124] Uplink-based positioning methods include uplink time difference of arrival (UL-TDOA) and uplink angle-of-arrival (UL-AoA). UL-TDOA is similar to DL-TDOA, but is based on uplink reference signals (e.g., sounding reference signals (SRS)) transmitted by the UE to multiple base stations. Specifically, a UE transmits one or more uplink reference signals that are measured by a reference base station and a plurality of non-reference base stations. Each base station then reports the reception time (referred to as the relative time of arrival (RTOA)) of the reference signal(s) to a positioning entity (e.g., a location server) that knows the locations and relative timing of the involved base stations. BasedQC2405284WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405284WOon the reception-to-reception (Rx-Rx) time difference between the reported RTOA of the reference base station and the reported RTOA of each non-reference base station, the known locations of the base stations, and their known timing offsets, the positioning entity can estimate the location of the UE using TDOA.

[0125] For UL-AoA positioning, one or more base stations measure the received signal strength of one or more uplink reference signals (e.g., SRS) received from a UE on one or more uplink receive beams. The positioning entity uses the signal strength measurements and the angle(s) of the receive beam(s) to determine the angle(s) between the UE and the base station(s). Based on the determined angle(s) and the known location(s) of the base station(s), the positioning entity can then estimate the location of the UE.

[0126] Downlink-and-uplink-based positioning methods include enhanced cell-ID (E-CID) positioning and multi-round-trip-time (RTT) positioning (also referred to as “multi-cell RTT” and “multi-RTT”). In an RTT procedure, a first entity (e.g., a base station or a UE) transmits a first RTT-related signal (e.g., a PRS or SRS) to a second entity (e.g., a UE or base station), which transmits a second RTT-related signal (e.g., an SRS or PRS) back to the first entity. Each entity measures the time difference between the time of arrival (ToA) of the received RTT-related signal and the transmission time of the transmitted RTT-related signal. This time difference is referred to as a reception-to-transmission (Rx- Tx) time difference. The Rx-Tx time difference measurement may be made, or may be adjusted, to include only a time difference between nearest slot boundaries for the received and transmitted signals. Both entities may then send their Rx-Tx time difference measurement to a location server (e.g., an LMF 270), which calculates the round trip propagation time (i.e., RTT) between the two entities from the two Rx-Tx time difference measurements (e.g., as the sum of the two Rx-Tx time difference measurements). Alternatively, one entity may send its Rx-Tx time difference measurement to the other entity, which then calculates the RTT. The distance between the two entities can be determined from the RTT and the known signal speed (e.g., the speed of light). For multi- RTT positioning, a first entity (e.g., a UE or base station) performs an RTT positioning procedure with multiple second entities (e.g., multiple base stations or UEs) to enable the location of the first entity to be determined (e.g., using multilateration) based on distances to, and the known locations of, the second entities. RTT and multi-RTT methods can be combined with other positioning techniques, such as UL-AoA and DL-AoD, to improve location accuracy.QC2405284WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405284WO41 / 77

[0127] The E-CID positioning method is based on radio resource management (RRM) measurements. In E-CID, the UE reports the serving cell ID, the timing advance (TA), and the identifiers, estimated timing, and signal strength of detected neighbor base stations. The location of the UE is then estimated based on this information and the known locations of the base station(s).

[0128] To assist positioning operations, a location server (e.g., location server 230, LMF 270, SLP 272) may provide assistance data to the UE. For example, the assistance data may include identifiers of the base stations (or the cells / TRPs of the base stations) from which to measure reference signals, the reference signal configuration parameters (e.g., the number of consecutive slots including PRS, periodicity of the consecutive slots including PRS, muting sequence, frequency hopping sequence, reference signal identifier, reference signal bandwidth, etc.), and / or other parameters applicable to the particular positioning method. Alternatively, the assistance data may originate directly from the base stations themselves (e.g., in periodically broadcasted overhead messages, etc.). In some cases, the UE may be able to detect neighbor network nodes itself without the use of assistance data.

[0129] In the case of an OTDOA or DL-TDOA positioning procedure, the assistance data may further include an expected RSTD value and an associated uncertainty, or search window, around the expected RSTD. In some cases, the value range of the expected RSTD may be + / - 500 microseconds (ps). In some cases, when any of the resources used for the positioning measurement are in FR1, the value range for the uncertainty of the expected RSTD may be + / - 32 ps. In other cases, when all of the resources used for the positioning measurement(s) are in FR2, the value range for the uncertainty of the expected RSTD may be + / - 8 ps.

[0130] A location estimate may be referred to by other names, such as a position estimate, location, position, position fix, fix, or the like. A location estimate may be geodetic and comprise coordinates (e.g., latitude, longitude, and possibly altitude) or may be civic and comprise a street address, postal address, or some other verbal description of a location. A location estimate may further be defined relative to some other known location or defined in absolute terms (e.g., using latitude, longitude, and possibly altitude). A location estimate may include an expected error or uncertainty (e.g., by including an area or volume within which the location is expected to be included with some specified or default level of confidence).QC2405284WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405284WOmm

[0131] Light Fidelity (Li-Fi) is a wireless communication technology that uses light to transmit data, as opposed to traditional Wi-Fi, which relies on radio frequencies. Li-Fi technology primarily uses visible light, infrared, and near-ultraviolet spectrums to deliver high-speed data communication.

[0132] Positioning using Li-Fi technology is not currently available for 4G LTE and 5G NR network access. However, certain aspects of the disclosure are implemented with a recognition that Li-Fi positioning may have benefits, including 1) high positioning accuracy (e.g., centimeter-level), 2) low power usage, and 3) low latency. Li-Fi communications may be advantageously used in areas having high RF interference that would otherwise interfere with Wi-Fi communications. Additionally, Li-Fi technology opens the possible use of new types of positioning beacons (e.g., light-emitting-diode (LED) light sources, vehicle headlights, overhead lighting) having miniaturized light sources and receivers.

[0133] Li-Fi technology may be used in various contexts, including applications in Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X), Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), Mixed Reality (MR), robotics, etc.

[0134] Li-Fi communications have advantages over Wi-Fi communications in certain scenarios.Li-Fi communications may, under certain scenarios, be more secure in that Li-Fi communications rely on LOS paths between Li-Fi devices for connectivity and do not propagate through solid barriers (e.g., walls, floors, ceilings, etc.). Consequently, Li-Fi technology may provide connectivity in private places without consideration of access outside the private place. For example, a restaurant can provide Li-Fi service to guests in an indoor area, while the same services are inaccessible to individuals outside of the indoor area (unlike Wi-Fi technology, which can be accessed outside of an indoor area). In an aspect, hotels can use Li-Fi technology to provide personal connectivity in each room without access by individuals outside the room, thus protecting the communications from access by eavesdroppers.

[0135] Certain aspects of the disclosure are directed to techniques that may enhance light-based positioning (LBP) by associating light measurements / detectability between Li-Fi devices with location measurements (e.g., WLAN / WWAN measurements) and / or known locations of such Li-Fi devices. To this end, aspects of the disclosure are directed to mapping spatial information for a continuous or discontinuous indoor area based, at least in part, on line-of-sight (LOS) communications and / or measurements between Li-FiQC2405284WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405284WOcomponents of a combined Wi-Fi / Li-Fi network and the corresponding locations of the Wi-Fi / Li-Fi devices within the indoor area. In an aspect, the spatial information may be represented in different manners, including 1) a map (e.g., digitally encoded), 2) a diagram or outline of a continuous or non-continuous area, 3) a location and dimensions of an area (e.g. location and dimensions of a rectangular area), 4) an identification of a boundary of an area (e.g. a map, diagram or outline or dimensions and location of walls, ceiling, floor around and / or within a room or other area), or 5) a set of locations within an area. This information can also be used to generate fingerprints / heat maps indicating RF (e.g. Wi-Fi) or Li-Fi signal availability or reception inside an indoor area, which may assist in providing continuous and / or accurate indoor positioning and / or coverage without any outages.

[0136] Certain aspects of the disclosure correlate the use of the positioning / location estimation principals employed in Wi-Fi technology with similar positioning / location estimation determinations using Li-Fi technology. The principles and techniques used in Wi-Fi location estimation may be used in the context of Li-Fi positioning to perform analogous functions. In an aspect, reverse location positioning techniques used in Wi-Fi technology may be used in a Li-Fi network to determine the location of a Li-Fi access point (AP) or a Li-Fi station (STA) via crowdsourcing information provided by different Li-Fi devices within the indoor environment. In an aspect, heat maps indicating Li-Fi or Wi-Fi signal availability may be generated by crowdsourcing such information to generate fingerprints of an indoor environment. In an aspect, Wi-Fi RTT measurement procedures and techniques may be used in the context of Li-Fi technology to exchange Li-Fi messages between an access points, UEs and stations. In an aspect, Li-Fi access points may broadcast geodetic location and / or civic location information.

[0137] FIG. 5 illustrates an example network architecture 500 that integrates both Wi-Fi and Li- Fi technologies, according to aspects of the disclosure. The network architecture 500 may be implemented as a standalone network or integrated with a more extensive network, such as a RAN network. In this example, a network architecture 500 includes a plurality of UEs 502. The plurality of UEs 502 may include a combination of UEs with Wi-Fi capabilities, UEs with Li-Fi capabilities, and / or UEs with Wi-Fi and Li-Fi capabilities. The plurality of UEs 502 may include fixed UEs (e.g., anchor UEs, UEs with known locations, etc.), mobile UEs, or a combination of such UE types. Some of the UEs 502QC2405284WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405284WO44 / 77may communicate with other UEs 502 using wireless RF and / or light communications based on the UE capabilities.

[0138] The plurality of UEs 502 in the example network 500 may be in wireless RF and / or light communication with a plurality of access points 504. The plurality of access points 504 may include a combination of access points having Wi-Fi capabilities, access points having Li-Fi capabilities, and / or access points having both Wi-Fi and Li-Fi capabilities.

[0139] In the example network 500, the APs 504 are connected for communication with a router 506. In an aspect, the router 506 may operate as the gateway between the local access points 504 and one or more external networks. In the example network shown in FIG. 5, the router 506 provides a gateway to a local network server 508. In turn, the local network server 500 may communicate with a base station / gNB / TRP 512 or other gateway of a RAN. In an aspect, the local network server 508 may be in communication with a local location server 510 or with a remote location server (e.g., location server 172 of FIG. 1) through the base station / gNB / TRP 512. In accordance with aspects of the disclosure, one or both the location servers 172 and / or 508 may coordinate the positioning and / or mapping operations described herein.

[0140] Based on the teachings of the present disclosure, it will be recognized that other configurations of Li-Fi and Wi-Fi components may be incorporated into a network, such as an example network 500, according to aspects of the disclosure. For example, network elements other than the local network server 508, local location server, and remote location server 172 may coordinate the positioning and / or mapping operations described herein. Further, other network architectures employing different network components may be employed to implement a network architecture, such as network architecture 500, according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0141] Certain aspects of the disclosure are directed to the mapping of a continuous indoor area in a network environment combining Wi-Fi and Li-Fi network technology. Since Li-Fi signals do not propagate though walls and floors (unlike Wi-Fi), a continuous indoor area (e.g., room, corridor, hall, gallery) can be mapped based on LOS paths between Li-Fi devices. According to aspects of the disclosure, Li-Fi devices that can concurrently communicate with one another are deemed to be in a continuous region of the indoor area. As such, the identities of such Li-Fi devices that are in concurrent Li-Fi communication with one another may be correlated with their locations to map the indoor space. Such mapping include spatial information for one or more of the continuous areas of the indoorQC2405284WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405284WOsmspace based on LOS Li-Fi communication between the Li-Fi devices. In an aspect, a mobile Li-Fi device may travel to different locations of the indoor area. As it moves between the different locations, the mobile Li-Fi device may provide the identities of other Li-Fi devices with which it can communicate while at each location. The accuracy of the mapping may be enhanced by increasing the number of locations (e.g., data points) for which such information is obtained.

[0142] In an aspect, all locations that see the same Li-Fi access point (e.g., Lif-Fi access point (n) where n is an index corresponding to different Li-Fi access points) are in a same continuous area A(n) (e.g., the region of the indoor space in which Li-Fi access point (n) is located). Separate areas A(i) and A(j) for Li-Fi access point (i) through Li-Fi access point (j) that overlap can be combined into a larger area A(i) + A(j). Combining continuous areas in this manner can be used to generate a map of the indoor space and to assist in determining the location of UEs (e.g., a mobile UE). In an aspect, overlapping areas (e.g., spaces having some area in common, but not limited to areas merely touching along a common boundary) may be identified and combined. Combining areas can be used for indoor mapping, which, in turn, can assist in locating UEs present in the indoor area.

[0143] FIG. 6 shows an example networking environment 600 combining Li-Fi and Wi-Fi networking technologies to map an indoor space, according to aspects of the disclosure. In this example, the network environment 600 is used (e.g. configured) to map the area of an indoor space 602. Here, the indoor space 602 includes room regions 604 and 606 joined by a corridor region 608. Room region 604 includes a window 610. Corridor region 608 includes a doorway 612 separating corridor region 608 from an entry way region 614.

[0144] The indoor space 602 includes multiple access points and UEs distributed throughout the space. In this example, access points 616, 618, and 620 are located at comers of the room region 604. Access point 616 has both Li-Fi and Wi-Fi capabilities, while access points 618 and 620 only have Li-Fi capabilities. Access point 622 is located in corridor region 608 and has both Li-Fi and Wi-Fi capabilities. Access points 624 and 626 are located at opposite comers of room region 606 and have both Li-Fi and Wi-Fi capabilities. Access point 628 is located in entryway region 614 and has both Li-Fi and Wi-Fi capabilities. Access point 642 is located at the exterior to the indoor space 602, proximate window 610, and has both Li-Fi and Wi-Fi capabilities.QC2405284WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405284WO

[0145] Certain aspects of the disclosure relate to identifying access points that have combined Li-Fi and Wi-Fi capabilities. An access point may be inferred to have both Li-Fi and WiFi capabilities when the Li-Fi and Wi-Fi communications associated with the access point have the same medium access control (MAC) address. In an aspect, such combined Li- Fi / Wi-Fi access points can be configured to allow sharing of the access point properties. Additionally, such combined Li-Fi / Wi-Fi access points may be used to increase the number of measurements available for mapping the indoor space (e.g., Li-Fi detection and measurement can instigate Wi-Fi detection and measurement and vice versa).

[0146] In an aspect, a mobile Wi-Fi device (e.g. a UE) can send a Location Civic Request (LCR) or Location Configuration Information (LCI) request to a Wi-Fi access point. The Wi-Fi access point can respond with a Location Civic Report or a Location Configuration Information Report, respectively, which includes information relating to the location of the Wi-Fi access point. Such request may be submitted to all Wi-Fi access points around the mobile Wi-Fi device, where each Wi-Fi access point responds to the request with information indicating the location of the Wi-Fi access point. The information from the requested reports may then be associated with Li-Fi measurements for better reverse positioning accuracy. In an aspect, if there is a millimeter wave cell (gNB, CPE, etc.,) accessible to the mobile Wi-Fi device, then the measurements associated with the cell along with the cell ID, SSB can also be associated with Li-Fi / Wi-Fi measurements at the same known locations.

[0147] The indoor space 602 also includes multiple mobile devices (e.g., mobile UEs) distributed throughout the indoor space. In an aspect, the mobile devices may move from the depicted locations over time so as to place them in different configurations that may be used to enhance the number of data points used to map the indoor space 602.

[0148] Although the access points in indoor spaced 602 are shown in fixed locations, it will be recognized, based on the teachings of the present disclosure, that one or more of the access points may be mobile access points. Since the Li-Fi / Wi-Fi access points need not be fixed, a process involving frequent updating of the crowdsourcing measurements can be used to update the maps regularly for subsequent use by a UE for positioning service requirements.

[0149] In FIG. 6, mobile devices 630 and 632 are located in room region 604 and have both Li- Fi and Wi-Fi capabilities. Mobile device 634 is located in corridor region 608 and only has Li-Fi capabilities. Mobile devices 636 and 638 are located in room region 606.QC2405284WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405284WOrnMobile device 636 has both Li-Fi and Wi-Fi capabilities, while mobile device 638 solely has Li-Fi capabilities. Mobile device 640 is located in entryway region 614 and has Li- Fi capabilities.

[0150] Mapping of the indoor space 602 may be based on detecting LOS paths between Li-Fi devices and the location of the Li-Fi devices within the indoor space. In an aspect, Li-Fi (and / or Wi-Fi) signal intensity and / or RTT measurements may also be used to determine the boundaries of the indoor space 602 since the signal intensity measurements would be relatively lower and the RTT measurements would be relatively greater at the boundary. A mirror or other reflective surface could be inferred when the same Li-Fi access point (e.g. as identified by a same MAC address) becomes visible (via receipt of Li-Fi signals) in two different directions. The mirror direction would normally be associated with lower Li-Fi (light) intensity measurements and higher RTT measurements. Additionally, if the Li-Fi device has a camera, images from the camera can be used to enhance mapping of the indoor space 602 (e.g., detecting doors, floors, walls, etc., and estimating the distance between the Li-Fi device and such structures).

[0151] Certain aspects of the disclosure include detecting windows (e.g., window 610) present in the indoor space 602. To this end, Li-Fi devices at locations in which the Li-Fi devices see a Li-Fi AP, via reception of Li-Fi signals from the Li-Fi AP (e.g., access point 642) that travel through a window (e.g., window 610), may use RTT and AOA measurements for such detection. In such scenarios, a given set of RTT measurement values would be in a low range when the Li-Fi device is inside a window with respect to a Li-Fi access point located outside the window, and in a high range when the Li-Fi device is outside the window. Measurement values between the low and high ranges would be infrequent in such scenarios.

[0152] Certain aspects of the disclosure include detecting doors (e.g., doorway 612) in the indoor space 602. To this end, the light transmission path between Li-Fi devices on opposite sides of the doorway can be intermittent. For example, a LOS path may exist between two Li-Fi devices on opposite sides of the doorway when the door is open. However, the same two Li-Fi devices will be typically unable to communicate or otherwise detect one another when the door is closed. Additionally, doors may be detected based on the degree of overlap between two areas, where areas connected by a door have a narrow rectangularshaped overlap area.QC2405284WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405284WO4sm

[0153] FIG. 7 A through FIG. 7H show the positions of a Li-Fi device at various locations within an indoor space and the corresponding Li-Fi access points accessible by the Li-Fi device at each such location, according to aspects of the disclosure. In these examples, the mapping information may be obtained, for example, by a mobile Li-Fi device as it moves to each of the locations identified in the figures. In an aspect, the specific location of the mobile Li-Fi device at different times may be determined using Li-Fi and / or Wi-Fi positioning techniques. Additionally, or in the alternative, the locations of the mobile Li- Fi device may be based on WWAN or GNSS positioning determinations.

[0154] FIG. 7A shows the Li-Fi access points accessible to the mobile Li-Fi device at time t_l when the Li-Fi device is positioned at location 700. In this example, access points 616, 618, 620, and 622 are accessible (e.g., in a LOS path) to the Li-Fi device while positioned at location 700. Additionally, the Li-Fi device at location 700 may use RTT and / or AoA measurements with respect to access point 642 in the detection of window 610.

[0155] In FIG. 7B, the mobile Li-Fi device is positioned at location 702 at time t_2. In this example, access points 616, 618, 620, 622 and 626 are accessible to the mobile Li-Fi device while positioned at location 702. Additionally, the Li-Fi device at location 702 may use RTT and / or AoA measurements associated with access point 642 to detect window 610.

[0156] In FIG. 7C, the mobile Li-Fi device is positioned at location 704 at time t_3. In this example, access points 616, 618, 620, 622 and 626 are accessible to the mobile Li-Fi device while positioned at location 704. Additionally, the Li-Fi device at location 702 may use RTT and / or AoA measurements in communications with access point 642 in the detection of window 610.

[0157] In FIG. 7D, the mobile Li-Fi device is positioned at location 706 at time t_4. In this example, access points 618, 622, and 626 are accessible to the mobile Li-Fi device while positioned at location 706. Additionally, the Li-Fi device at location 706 would have an intermittent LOS path with access point 628, indicating the presence of doorway 612.

[0158] In FIG. 7E, the mobile Li-Fi device is positioned at location 708 at time t_5. In this example, access points 618, 622, 624, and 626 are accessible to the mobile Li-Fi device while positioned at location 706.

[0159] In FIG. 7F, the mobile Li-Fi device is positioned at location 710 at time t_6. In this example, access points 622, 624, and 626 are accessible to the mobile Li-Fi device while positioned at location 710.QC2405284WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405284WO

[0160] In FIG. 7G, the mobile Li-Fi device is positioned at location 712 at time t_7. In this example, access points 624 and 626 are accessible to the mobile Li-Fi device while positioned at location 712.

[0161] In FIG. 7H, the mobile Li-Fi device is positioned at location 714 at time t_8. In this example, access point 628 is accessible to the mobile Li-Fi device while positioned at location 712. Additionally, access point 622 can be intermittently available to the Li-Fi device positioned at location 712, indicating the presence of doorway 612.

[0162] FIG. 8 is a table 800 showing the access points accessible to a Li-Fi device at each of the locations shown in FIG. 7A through FIG. 7H, according to aspects of the disclosure. In an aspect, the information in table 800 can be used to identify continuous areas of the indoor space 602. The accuracy and granularity of the indoor space mapping may be increased by increasing the number of locations and corresponding accessible access points.

[0163] As an example, when at each of locations 700 to 714 shown in FIGs. 700A to 700H, the Li-Fi device (e.g. a UE) may obtain location information for its current location and possibly for each Li-Fi access point that is visible to the Li-Fi device at each of locations 700 to 714 via reception of Li-Fi signals by the Li-Fi device that were transmitted by each Li-Fi access point. The location information may include an estimated absolute or relative location of the Li-Fi device and / or an estimated absolute or relative location of each visible Li-Fi access point. The location information may also or instead include location measurements (e.g. Li-Fi location measurements such as a Li-Fi AoA or RTT measurement) obtained by the Li-Fi device for signals (e.g. Li-Fi signals) received by the Li-Fi device from one or more of the visible Li-Fi access points. The location measurements may help enable an absolute or relative location of the Li-Fi device and / or of one or more of the visible access points to be obtained, e.g. by the Li-Fi device or by a server to which the Li-Fi device may send the location information. The Li-Fi device may also obtain an identification for each of the visible Li-Fi access points which may, for example, comprise a Li-Fi MAC address of each Li-Fi access point. The location information may be combined with the information shown in table 800. The Li-Fi device or a server, to which the Li-Fi device may send the combined information, may then use the combined information to help determine a mapping of the indoor space 602, where the mapping comprises spatial information for one or more continuous areas of the indoor space such as areas 604, 606 and 608, and may be determined based on line-of-sightQC2405284WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405284WOsom(LOS) Li-Fi communication between the Li-Fi device and Li-Fi access points summarized in table 800.

[0164] Seven principles (or rules) may be used (e.g. by the Li-Fi device or a server) to determine the mapping of the indoor space 602. In a first principle, if the Li-Fi device at a location LI can see an access point at a location L2 using Li-Fi signaling, then the locations LI and L2 are in the same indoor area. In a second principle, if the Li-Fi device at a location L3 can see the access point at the location L2 using Li-Fi signaling, then the locations L2 and L3 are in the same indoor area. In a third principle, if the examples for the first and second principles both occur, then the locations LI and L3 are in the same indoor area. In a fourth principle, the first, second and third principles are reused for additional locations of the Li-Fi device (e.g. the locations 700 to 714 for the Li-Fi device in FIGs. 7 A to 7H) to map out more of an indoor space. In a fifth principle, the first, second, third and fourth principles are applied to one or more additional access points to map out additional portions (e.g. other regions) of an indoor space. In a sixth principle, if two indoor spaces are found to overlap (e.g. such that there is at least a small area of intersection), then the two indoor spaces may be combined into a new and larger continuous indoor space. In a seventh principle, if two indoor spaces are found not to overlap, then the two indoor spaces may not be combined and may be treated as separate indoor spaces.

[0165] FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B show a mapping of the indoor space 602 that is additionally based on LOS paths between two Li-Fi mobile devices, according to aspects of the disclosure. In FIG. 9A, mobile Li-Fi device 802 is positioned at location 804 and mobile Li-Fi device 806 is positioned at location 808 at time t n. While in these relative positions, mobile Li- Fi device 802 and mobile Li-Fi device 806 have a LOS transmission path between them. In FIG. 9B, mobile Li-Fi device 802 has remained at location 804 while mobile Li-Fi device 806 has moved to location 812 at time t_m. While in these relative positions, mobile Li-Fi device 802 and mobile Li-Fi device 806 cannot communicate via Li-Fi transmissions since the region between the devices is obstructed by the interior walls of room region 606.

[0166] According to aspects of the disclosure, the mobile Li-Fi devices may be in sidelink Li-Fi communication with one another as they move among different locations within the indoor space (e.g., as shown in FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B). In an aspect, mobile Li-Fi devices in sidelink communication can provide additional means to map the indoor areas. In an example, a first Li-Fi device (e.g., Li-Fi device 802) at a location LI can report (e.g. to aQC2405284WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405284WOsimcrowdsourcing server): (i) its location LI or location measurements that allow its location LI to be determined; (ii) its MAC address; (iii) a MAC address of a second Li-Fi device (e.g., Li-Fi device 806); and (iv) a timestamp or time of day (TOD) when the second Li- Fi device is visible to the first Li-Fi device via Li-Fi. Similarly, the second Li-Fi device (e.g., Li-Fi device 806) at a location L2 may operate in the same manner with respect to the first Li-Fi device (e.g., Li-Fi device 802) and report information corresponding to (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv) above. In an aspect, a crowdsourcing server may match up the two MAC addresses (e.g., MAC addresses of Li-Fi devices 802 and 806) and a common TOD from the reports received from both Li-Fi devices to infer that the locations LI and L2 (for the two Li-Fi devices) are in the same continuous indoor area. In such scenarios, the mobile Li-Fi devices (e.g. which can include more than just two mobile Li-Fi devices) can be used to map out the entire indoor area as they move relative to one another throughout the indoor area without reliance on Li-Fi access points. The seven principles described previously can be used to help map out an indoor area, where the seven principles are now applied to pairs of mobile Li-Fi devices with LOS Li-Fi visibility between them.

[0167] In scenarios in which large open indoor spaces spanning multiple stories (e.g., atriums, mezzanines, etc.) are served by the same Li-Fi access point, a mobile Wi-Fi device may use barometric sensors, RTT measurements, and / or AOA measurements to determine a relative floor level location of the mobile Li-Fi device as it moves throughout the indoor space. LOS transmission paths between the Li-Fi access point and the mobile Li-Fi devices, with indications of their relative floor locations, may be used to identify separate areas of a large open indoor space that are connected vertically but not horizontally.

[0168] FIG. 10 shows a large open indoor space 1000 that is served by a single Li-Fi access point, according to aspects of the disclosure. In this example, the large open indoor space 1000 is an atrium having two mezzanine levels and a ground-floor that are served by the single Li-Fi access point. A mobile Li-Fi device is shown at each mezzanine level and the ground-floor for mapping the horizontal and vertical regions of the atrium (e.g., horizontal mappings of each of the mezzanine levels and ground-floor as well as vertical mapping of the regions encompassed by the mezzanine levels and ground-floor). The mobile Li-Fi device can observe and report LOS Li-Fi visibility of the single Li-Fi access point at each of the locations shown in FIG. 10 which can be used to verify that the large open indoor space 1000 occupies multiple vertical levels, which can enable mapping of the indoor space vertically as well as horizontally.QC2405284WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405284WO52m

[0169] FIG. 11 shows a multi-floor indoor space 1100 that may be mapped using Li-Fi devices and Li-Fi access points, according to aspects of the disclosure. In this example, at least one mobile Li-Fi device and Li-Fi access point are located on each floor. The mobile Li- Fi devices and corresponding Li-Fi access points on each floor may be used to map the horizontal areas of each floor. In an aspect, the Li-Fi access point on each floor may not communicate with mobile Li-Fi devices on other floors using Li-Fi due to the floor separation for the different floor levels. The lack of Li-Fi visibility may be used to infer that each floor level has its own continuous indoor space which can be mapped separately from the indoor spaces for the other floor levels of the multi-floor indoor space 1100.

[0170] The disclosed techniques apply to a wide range of use cases. Based on Li-Fi crowdsourcing results obtained from multiple Li-Fi capable UEs operating in an indoor space, a server may also reverse locate the Li-Fi access points, enabling other UEs to download the locations of the Li-Fi access points from the server. The reverse location of a Li-Fi access point can be enabled from Li-Fi measurements (e.g. Li-Fi signal intensity, AOA or RTT) obtained and provided to the server by Li-Fi capable UEs for Li-Fi signals transmitted by the Li-Fi access point. The reverse location can also be assisted by known locations of the Li-Fi capable UEs, which may be determined using Wi-Fi location, sensors, cellular (e.g. 4G or 5G) location, GNSS or by other means. The locations or measurements to determine the locations may also be provided to the server by the Li-Fi capable UEs.

[0171] In an aspect, the disclosed techniques may be used to generate a location fingerprint database for an entire indoor space. For example, a heat map corresponding to the Li-Fi signal coverage of Li-Fi access points can be generated and subsequently used to determine to which Li-Fi access points a UE can be camped based on the UE’s known location in the indoor space.

[0172] In an aspect, the disclosed techniques may be used to determine separate indoor areas where different sets of Li-Fi access points are located (as well as Wi-Fi access points that support Li-Fi). In this regard, it is recognized that the range of a Li-Fi access point is limited to the closed space in which it is located, while Wi-Fi can penetrate into adjacent spaces. Since the coverage of a Li-Fi access point is bounded to a closed space, a specific floor / room or region of an indoor space can be associated with a Li-Fi access point. In contrast, this is impossible with a Wi-Fi access point since Wi-Fi can penetrate through walls and floors covering multiple rooms / floors. In areas including a large continuousQC2405284WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405284WO53mindoor area (e.g., large conference room, theatre, floor of a museum, etc.), the area may be served by a single (or a few) Li-Fi access point(s) and multiple Wi-Fi access points.

[0173] In an aspect, the disclosed techniques may be used to generate an indoor map showing separate indoor areas and locations of Wi-Fi and Li-Fi access points in such areas. This mapping may employ reverse positioning by a server to create an indoor coverage map of the floor / building and the corresponding Li-Fi / Wi-Fi access points, which can be downloaded by new UEs entering the indoor space for easy routing / positioning. For example, new robotic movers, cleaners, etc., operating in a large warehouse or factory could obtain such a map from a server to facilitate easy movement, navigation and uninterrupted communication. If a UE senses that it is moving outside the coverage of a Li-Fi access point based on the map, the UE can switch to Wi-Fi communications to avoid any communication outage.

[0174] In an aspect, the disclosed techniques may be used to configure a positioning session. To this end, if a Wi-Fi access point is detected that also has Li-Fi capabilities, a location server may configure Li-Fi positioning reference signals on the Wi-Fi access point, which will enable quick and accurate positioning of UEs using Li-Fi.

[0175] FIG. 12 shows an example association table 1200, according to aspects of the disclosure.Since Li-Fi / Wi-Fi access points may not always be at fixed permanent locations, frequently crowdsourcing Li-Fi measurements from Li-Fi capable UEs may help update indoor maps regularly for other UEs to use for positioning service requirements. As an example, a robotic cleaner may download the maps which will assist it in navigation and also selecting appropriate access points for communication. Over time, it can download updated maps, in case the location of APs has changed. In another example, in case of an emergency (e.g. when a user makes an emergency call on a UE), a UE can send Li-Fi / Wi- Fi / WWAN measurements to a location server which may use the measurements to quickly determine the location of the UE.

[0176] FIG. 13 illustrates an example method for mapping an indoor space performed by an entity, according to aspects of the disclosure. At operation 1302, the entity obtains location information for a plurality of light fidelity (Li-Fi) devices, wherein the plurality of Li-Fi devices includes at least one mobile Li-Fi device. In an aspect, operation 1302 may be performed by the one or more WWAN transceivers 310, the one or more short- range wireless transceivers 320, the Li-Fi Signal Interface 330, the Li-Fi elements 336, the one or more processors 342, memory 340, and / or Wi-Fi / Li-Fi positioning componentQC2405284WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405284WO348, any or all of which may be considered means for performing this operation. In an aspect, operation 1302 may be performed by the one or more WWAN transceivers 350, the one or more short-range wireless transceivers 360, the Li-Fi Signal Interface 370, the Li-Fi elements 376, the one or more processors 384, memory 386, and / or Wi-Fi / Li-Fi positioning component 388, any or all of which may be considered means for performing this operation. In an aspect, operation 1302 may be performed by the one or more network transceivers 390, the one or more processors 394, memory 396, and / or Wi-Fi / Li-Fi positioning component 398, any or all of which may be considered means for performing this operation.

[0177] At operation 1304, the entity determines, based on the location information for the plurality of Li-Fi devices, a mapping of the indoor space, wherein the mapping comprises spatial information for one or more continuous areas of the indoor space based on line- of-sight (LOS) Li-Fi communication between the at least one mobile Li-Fi device and one or more further Li-Fi devices of the plurality of Li-Fi devices. In an aspect, operation 1304 may be performed by the one or more WWAN transceivers 310, the one or more short-range wireless transceivers 320, the Li-Fi Signal Interface 330, the Li-Fi elements 336, the one or more processors 342, memory 340, and / or Wi-Fi / Li-Fi positioning component 348, any or all of which may be considered means for performing this operation. In an aspect, operation 1304 may be performed by the one or more WWAN transceivers 350, the one or more short-range wireless transceivers 360, the Li-Fi Signal Interface 370, the Li-Fi elements 376, the one or more processors 384, memory 386, and / or Wi-Fi / Li-Fi positioning component 388, any or all of which may be considered means for performing this operation. In an aspect, operation 1304 may be performed by the one or more network transceivers 390, the one or more processors 394, memory 396, and / or Wi-Fi / Li-Fi positioning component 398, any or all of which may be considered means for performing this operation.

[0178] In some aspects, the location information for the plurality of Li-Fi devices comprises at least one of: an estimated absolute location for at least one Li-Fi device in the plurality of Li-Fi devices; an estimated relative location for at least one Li-Fi device in the plurality of Li-Fi devices; location measurements for at least one Li-Fi device in the plurality of Li-Fi devices; or some combination of these.

[0179] In some aspects, the method includes determining which Li-Fi devices of the plurality of Li-Fi devices have wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) communication capabilities based on aQC2405284WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405284WO55 mcommon Medium Access Control (MAC) address used for both Li-Fi and Wi-Fi communications.

[0180] In some aspects, the method includes configuring a user equipment (UE) to access one or more Li-Fi access points within one of the one or more continuous areas of the indoor space based on the UE being located within the one of the one or more continuous areas of the indoor space.

[0181] In some aspects, the method includes combining two continuous areas of the one or more continuous areas of the indoor space into a larger continuous area based on an overlapping area of the two continuous areas.

[0182] In some aspects, the mapping of the indoor space includes an indication of: (i) locations of one or more Li-Fi access points; (ii) a heat map (e.g. indicating Li-Fi signal coverage) associated with the one or more Li-Fi access points; (iii) locations of one or more wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) access points; (iv) a heat map (e.g. indicating Wi-Fi signal coverage) associated with the one or more Wi-Fi access points; or (v) any combination thereof.

[0183] In some aspects, the method includes configuring one or more user equipments (UEs) for communication with a Li-Fi access point based on the mapping of the indoor space.

[0184] In some aspects, the at least one mobile Li-Fi device includes wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) capabilities and the method further includes obtaining location information for the at least one mobile Li-Fi device based on performing a wireless (e.g. Wi-Fi) positioning operation for the at least one mobile Li-Fi device.

[0185] In some aspects, obtaining location information for the at least one mobile Li-Fi devices comprises performing a Li-Fi positioning operation to determine a location of the at least one mobile Li-Fi device with respect to one or more stationary Li-Fi access points of the plurality of Li-Fi devices.

[0186] In some aspects, at least one Li-Fi device of the plurality of Li-Fi devices is a stationary Li-Fi access point.

[0187] In some aspects, the method includes: providing, to a user equipment (UE), an indication of the one or more continuous areas of the indoor space; a map of the indoor space based on the one or more continuous areas of the indoor space; or a combination thereof.

[0188] In some aspects, the entity is a user equipment (e.g. UE 302), an access point (e.g. a base station 304) or a server (e.g. network entity 306).

[0189] In some aspects, the method includes receiving, from the at least one mobile Li-Fi device of the plurality of Li-Fi devices, an indication of an identity (e.g. a MAC address) of eachQC2405284WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405284WOs mof the plurality of Li-Fi devices that are currently in LOS Li-Fi communication with the at least one mobile Li-Fi device and additional location information for (e.g. a location estimate for or location measurements obtained by) the at least one mobile Li-Fi device.

[0190] In some aspects, the method includes obtaining, from each mobile Li-Fi device of the plurality of Li-Fi devices, an indication of an identity (e.g. a MAC address) of each Li-Fi device of the plurality of Li-Fi devices that are, at a particular time, contemporaneously in LOS Li-Fi communication with the each mobile Li-Fi device. In some of these aspects, the method may further include obtaining, from each mobile Li-Fi device, an identity (e.g. a MAC address) of the mobile Li-Fi device, an indication of the particular time for the each mobile Li-Fi device, and extra location information for (e.g. a location estimate for or location measurements obtained by) the mobile Li-Fi device. In some of these aspects, the method may additionally include determining a location of the each mobile Li-Fi device based on the extra location information for the each mobile Li-Fi device; identifying pairs of locations of pairs of mobile Li-Fi devices, wherein mobile Li-Fi devices in each pair of mobile Li-Fi devices are in LOS Li-Fi communication with each other at a same time or almost a same time for each mobile Li-Fi device in the each pair of mobile Li-Fi devices; and associating each pair of locations of the pairs of locations to a continuous area of the one or more continuous areas of the indoor space.

[0191] In some aspects, the method may further comprise determining a difference in elevation between at least one Li-Fi access point and at least one further Li-Fi device of the plurality of Li-Fi devices based on: barometric sensors associated with each of the at least one Li- Fi access point and the at least one further Li-Fi device; round trip time (RTT) positioning measurements associated with the at least one Li-Fi access point and the at least one further Li-Fi device; angle-of-arrival (AOA) positioning measurements associated with the at least one Li-Fi access point and the at least one further Li-Fi device; or any combination thereof.

[0192] In some aspects, the method also includes determining a position of at least one doorway based on intermittent LOS Li-Fi communication between at least two Li-Fi devices of the plurality of Li-Fi devices.

[0193] As will be appreciated, a technical advantage of the method 1300 is that it leverages the requirements of a LOS communication path between Li-Fi devices (e.g., Li-Fi capable UEs, Li-Fi capable access points) to map an indoor space. In an aspect, the mapping with Li-Fi technology may be integrated with a Wi-Fi network architecture.QC2405284WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405284WO

[0194] In the detailed description above it can be seen that different features are grouped together in examples. This manner of disclosure should not be understood as an intention that the example clauses have more features than are explicitly mentioned in each clause. Rather, the various aspects of the disclosure may include fewer than all features of an individual example clause disclosed. Therefore, the following clauses should hereby be deemed to be incorporated in the description, wherein each clause by itself can stand as a separate example. Although each dependent clause can refer in the clauses to a specific combination with one of the other clauses, the aspect(s) of that dependent clause are not limited to the specific combination. It will be appreciated that other example clauses can also include a combination of the dependent clause aspect(s) with the subject matter of any other dependent clause or independent clause or a combination of any feature with other dependent and independent clauses. The various aspects disclosed herein expressly include these combinations, unless it is explicitly expressed or can be readily inferred that a specific combination is not intended (e.g., contradictory aspects, such as defining an element as both an electrical insulator and an electrical conductor). Furthermore, it is also intended that aspects of a clause can be included in any other independent clause, even if the clause is not directly dependent on the independent clause.

[0195] Implementation examples are described in the following numbered clauses:

[0196] Clause 1. A method performed by an entity for mapping an indoor space, comprising:obtaining location information for a plurality of light fidelity (Li-Fi) devices, wherein the plurality of Li-Fi devices includes at least one mobile Li-Fi device; and determining, based on the location information for the plurality of Li-Fi devices, a mapping of the indoor space, wherein the mapping comprises spatial information for one or more continuous areas of the indoor space based on line-of-sight (LOS) Li-Fi communication between the at least one mobile Li-Fi device and one or more further Li-Fi devices of the plurality of Li-Fi devices.

[0197] Clause 2. The method of clause 1, wherein the location information for the plurality of Li-Fi devices comprises at least one of: an estimated absolute location for at least one Li- Fi device in the plurality of Li-Fi devices; an estimated relative location for at least one Li-Fi device in the plurality of Li-Fi devices; location measurements for at least one Li- Fi device in the plurality of Li-Fi devices; or some combination of these.

[0198] Clause 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising: determining which Li-Fi devices of the plurality of Li-Fi devices have wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) communication capabilitiesQC2405284WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405284WO58 / 77based on a common Medium Access Control (MAC) address used for both Li-Fi and WiFi communications.

[0199] Clause 4. The method of any of clauses 1 to 3, further comprising: configuring a user equipment (UE) to access one or more Li-Fi access points within one of the one or more continuous areas of the indoor space based on the UE being located within the one of the one or more continuous areas of the indoor space.

[0200] Clause 5. The method of any of clauses 1 to 4, further comprising: combining two continuous areas of the one or more continuous areas of the indoor space into a larger continuous area based on an overlapping area of the two continuous areas.

[0201] Clause 6. The method of clause 5, wherein: the mapping of the indoor space includes an indication of locations of one or more Li-Fi access points; a heat map associated with the one or more Li-Fi access points; locations of one or more wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) access points; a heat map associated with the one or more Wi-Fi access points; or any combination thereof.

[0202] Clause 7. The method of any of clauses 1 to 6, further comprising: configuring one or more user equipments (UEs) for communication with a Li-Fi access point based on the mapping of the indoor space.

[0203] Clause 8. The method of any of clauses 1 to 7, wherein: the at least one mobile Li-Fi device includes wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) capabilities; and the method further comprises: obtaining location information for the at least one mobile Li-Fi device based on performing a wireless positioning operation for the at least one mobile Li-Fi device.

[0204] Clause 9. The method of any of clauses 1 to 8, wherein: obtaining location information for the at least one mobile Li-Fi devices comprises performing a Li-Fi positioning operation to determine a location of the at least one mobile Li-Fi device with respect to one or more stationary Li-Fi access points of the plurality of Li-Fi devices.

[0205] Clause 10. The method of any of clauses 1 to 9, wherein: at least one Li-Fi device of the plurality of Li-Fi devices is a stationary Li-Fi access point.

[0206] Clause 11. The method of any of clauses 1 to 10, further comprising: providing, to a user equipment (UE), an indication of the one or more continuous areas of the indoor space; a map of the indoor space based on the one or more continuous areas of the indoor space; or a combination thereof.

[0207] Clause 12. The method of any of clauses 1 to 11, wherein: the entity for mapping the indoor space is a user equipment (UE); an access point; or a server.QC2405284WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405284WO59m

[0208] Clause 13. The method of any of clauses 1 to 12, further comprising: receiving, from the at least one mobile Li-Fi device of the plurality of Li-Fi devices, an indication of an identity of each of the plurality of Li-Fi devices that are currently in LOS Li-Fi communication with the at least one mobile Li-Fi device and additional location information for the at least one mobile Li-Fi device.

[0209] Clause 14. The method of any of clauses 1 to 13, further comprising: obtaining, from each mobile Li-Fi device of the plurality of Li-Fi devices, an indication of an identity of each Li-Fi device of the plurality of Li-Fi devices that are, at a particular time, contemporaneously in LOS Li-Fi communication with the each mobile Li-Fi device.

[0210] Clause 15. The method of any of clauses 13 to 14, further comprising: obtaining, from each mobile Li-Fi device, an identity of the each mobile Li-Fi device, an indication of a particular time for the each mobile Li-Fi device, and extra location information for the each mobile Li-Fi device.

[0211] Clause 16. The method of clause 15, further comprising: determining a location of each mobile Li-Fi device based on the extra location information for the each mobile Li-Fi device; identifying pairs of locations of pairs of mobile Li-Fi devices, wherein mobile Li- Fi devices in each pair of mobile Li-Fi devices are in LOS Li-Fi communication with each other at a same time or almost a same time for each mobile Li-Fi device in the each pair of mobile Li-Fi devices; and associating each pair of locations of the pairs of locations to a continuous area of the one or more continuous areas of the indoor space.

[0212] Clause 17. The method of any of clauses 1 to 16, further comprising: determining a difference in elevation between at least one Li-Fi access point and at least one further Li- Fi device of the plurality of Li-Fi devices based on barometric sensors associated with each of the at least one Li-Fi access point and the at least one further Li-Fi device; round trip time (RTT) positioning measurements associated with the at least one Li-Fi access point and the at least one further Li-Fi device; angle-of-arrival (AOA) positioning measurements associated with the at least one Li-Fi access point and the at least one further Li-Fi device; or any combination thereof.

[0213] Clause 18. The method of any of clauses 1 to 17, further comprising: determining a position of at least one doorway based on intermittent LOS Li-Fi communication between at least two Li-Fi devices of the plurality of Li-Fi devices.

[0214] Clause 19. An entity for mapping an indoor space, comprising: one or more memories;one or more transceivers; and one or more processors communicatively coupled to theQC2405284WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405284WO6omone or more memories and the one or more transceivers, the one or more processors, either alone or in combination, configured to: obtain location information for a plurality of light fidelity (Li-Fi) devices, wherein the plurality of Li-Fi devices includes at least one mobile Li-Fi device; and determine, based on the location information for the plurality of Li-Fi devices, a mapping of the indoor space, wherein the mapping comprises spatial information for one or more continuous areas of the indoor space based on line- of-sight (LOS) Li-Fi communication between the at least one mobile Li-Fi device and one or more further Li-Fi devices of the plurality of Li-Fi devices.

[0215] Clause 20. The entity for mapping the indoor space of clause 19, wherein the location information for the plurality of Li-Fi devices comprises at least one of an estimated absolute location for at least one Li-Fi device in the plurality of Li-Fi devices; an estimated relative location for at least one Li-Fi device in the plurality of Li-Fi devices; location measurements for at least one Li-Fi device in the plurality of Li-Fi devices; or some combination of these.

[0216] Clause 21. The entity for mapping the indoor space of any of clauses 19 to 20, wherein the one or more processors, either alone or in combination, are further configured to: determine which Li-Fi devices of the plurality of Li-Fi devices have wireless fidelity (WiFi) communication capabilities based on a common Medium Access Control (MAC) address used for both Li-Fi and Wi-Fi communications.

[0217] Clause 22. The entity for mapping the indoor space of any of clauses 19 to 21, wherein the one or more processors, either alone or in combination, are further configured to: configure a user equipment (UE) to access one or more Li-Fi access points within one of the one or more continuous areas of the indoor space based on the UE being located within the one of the one or more continuous areas of the indoor space.

[0218] Clause 23. The entity for mapping the indoor space of any of clauses 19 to 22, wherein the one or more processors, either alone or in combination, are further configured to: combine two continuous areas of the one or more continuous areas of the indoor space into a larger continuous area based on an overlapping area of the two continuous areas.

[0219] Clause 24. The entity for mapping the indoor space of clause 23, wherein: the mapping of the indoor space includes an indication of locations of one or more Li-Fi access points; a heat map associated with the one or more Li-Fi access points; locations of one or more wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) access points; a heat map associated with the one or more Wi-Fi access points; or any combination thereof.QC2405284WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405284WO6 m

[0220] Clause 25. The entity for mapping the indoor space of any of clauses 19 to 24, wherein the one or more processors, either alone or in combination, are further configured to: configure one or more user equipments (UEs) for communication with a Li-Fi access point based on the mapping of the indoor space.

[0221] Clause 26. The entity for mapping the indoor space of any of clauses 19 to 25, wherein:the at least one mobile Li-Fi device includes wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) capabilities; and the one or more processors, either alone or in combination, are further configured to: obtain location information for the at least one mobile Li-Fi device based on performing a wireless positioning operation for the at least one mobile Li-Fi device.

[0222] Clause 27. The entity for mapping the indoor space of any of clauses 19 to 26, wherein:obtaining location information for the at least one mobile Li-Fi devices comprises performing a Li-Fi positioning operation to determine a location of the at least one mobile Li-Fi device with respect to one or more stationary Li-Fi access points of the plurality of Li-Fi devices.

[0223] Clause 28. The entity for mapping the indoor space of any of clauses 19 to 27, wherein:at least one Li-Fi device of the plurality of Li-Fi devices is a stationary Li-Fi access point.

[0224] Clause 29. The entity for mapping the indoor space of any of clauses 19 to 28, wherein the one or more processors, either alone or in combination, are further configured to: provide, to a user equipment (UE), an indication of the one or more continuous areas of the indoor space; a map of the indoor space based on the one or more continuous areas of the indoor space; or a combination thereof.

[0225] Clause 30. The entity for mapping the indoor space of any of clauses 19 to 29, wherein:the entity is a user equipment (UE); an access point; or a server.

[0226] Clause 31. The entity for mapping the indoor space for mapping the indoor space of any of clauses 19 to 30, wherein the one or more processors, either alone or in combination, are further configured to: receive, via the one or more transceivers,, from the at least one mobile Li-Fi device of the plurality of Li-Fi devices, an indication of an identity of each of the plurality of Li-Fi devices that are currently in LOS Li-Fi communication with the at least one mobile Li-Fi device and additional location information for the at least one mobile Li-Fi device.

[0227] Clause 32. The entity for mapping the indoor space of any of clauses 19 to 31, wherein the one or more processors, either alone or in combination, are further configured to: obtain, from each mobile Li-Fi device of the plurality of Li-Fi devices, an indication ofQC2405284WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405284WO62man identity of each Li-Fi device of the plurality of Li-Fi devices that are, at a particular time, contemporaneously in LOS Li-Fi communication with the each mobile Li-Fi device.

[0228] Clause 33. The entity for mapping the indoor space of any of clauses 31 to 32, wherein the one or more processors, either alone or in combination, are further configured to: obtain, from each mobile Li-Fi device, an identity of the each mobile Li-Fi device, an indication of a particular time for the each mobile Li-Fi device, and extra location information for the each mobile Li-Fi device.

[0229] Clause 34. The entity for mapping the indoor space of clause 33, wherein the one or more processors, either alone or in combination, are further configured to: determine a location of each mobile Li-Fi device based on the extra location information for the each mobile Li-Fi device; identify pairs of locations of pairs of mobile Li-Fi devices, wherein mobile Li-Fi devices in each pair of mobile Li-Fi devices are in LOS Li-Fi communication with each other at a same time or almost a same time for each mobile Li-Fi device in the each pair of mobile Li-Fi devices; and associate each pair of locations of the pairs of locations to a continuous area of the one or more continuous areas of the indoor space.

[0230] Clause 35. The entity for mapping the indoor space of any of clauses 19 to 34, wherein the one or more processors, either alone or in combination, are further configured to: determine a difference in elevation between at least one Li-Fi access point and at least one further Li-Fi device of the plurality of Li-Fi devices based on barometric sensors associated with each of the at least one Li-Fi access point and the at least one further Li- Fi device; round trip time (RTT) positioning measurements associated with the at least one Li-Fi access point and the at least one further Li-Fi device; angle-of-arrival (AOA) positioning measurements associated with the at least one Li-Fi access point and the at least one further Li-Fi device; or any combination thereof.

[0231] Clause 36. The entity for mapping the indoor space of any of clauses 19 to 35, wherein the one or more processors, either alone or in combination, are further configured to: determine a position of at least one doorway based on intermittent LOS Li-Fi communication between at least two Li-Fi devices of the plurality of Li-Fi devices.

[0232] Clause 37. An entity for mapping an indoor space, comprising: means for obtaining location information for a plurality of light fidelity (Li-Fi) devices, wherein the plurality of Li-Fi devices includes at least one mobile Li-Fi device; and means for determining, based on the location information for the plurality of Li-Fi devices, a mapping of the indoor space, wherein the mapping comprises spatial information for one or moreQC2405284WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405284WO63mcontinuous areas of the indoor space based on line-of-sight (LOS) Li-Fi communication between the at least one mobile Li-Fi device and one or more further Li-Fi devices of the plurality of Li-Fi devices.

[0233] Clause 38. The entity for mapping the indoor space of clause 37, wherein the location information for the plurality of Li-Fi devices comprises at least one of: an estimated absolute location for at least one Li-Fi device in the plurality of Li-Fi devices; an estimated relative location for at least one Li-Fi device in the plurality of Li-Fi devices; location measurements for at least one Li-Fi device in the plurality of Li-Fi devices; or some combination of these.

[0234] Clause 39. The entity for mapping the indoor space of any of clauses 37 to 38, further comprising: means for determining which Li-Fi devices of the plurality of Li-Fi devices have wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) communication capabilities based on a common Medium Access Control (MAC) address used for both Li-Fi and Wi-Fi communications.

[0235] Clause 40. The entity for mapping the indoor space of any of clauses 37 to 39, further comprising: means for configuring a user equipment (UE) to access one or more Li-Fi access points within one of the one or more continuous areas of the indoor space based on the UE being located within the one of the one or more continuous areas of the indoor space.

[0236] Clause 41. The entity for mapping the indoor space of any of clauses 37 to 40, further comprising: means for combining two continuous areas of the one or more continuous areas of the indoor space into a larger continuous area based on an overlapping area of the two continuous areas.

[0237] Clause 42. The entity for mapping the indoor space of clause 41, wherein: the mapping of the indoor space includes an indication of locations of one or more Li-Fi access points; a heat map associated with the one or more Li-Fi access points; locations of one or more wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) access points; a heat map associated with the one or more Wi-Fi access points; or any combination thereof.

[0238] Clause 43. The entity for mapping the indoor space of any of clauses 37 to 42, further comprising: means for configuring one or more user equipments (UEs) for communication with a Li-Fi access point based on the mapping of the indoor space.

[0239] Clause 44. The entity for mapping the indoor space of any of clauses 37 to 43, wherein:the at least one mobile Li-Fi device includes wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) capabilities; and the entity for mapping the indoor space further comprises: means for obtaining locationQC2405284WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405284WOMminformation for the at least one mobile Li-Fi device based on performing a wireless positioning operation for the at least one mobile Li-Fi device.

[0240] Clause 45. The entity for mapping the indoor space of any of clauses 37 to 44, wherein:the means for obtaining location information for the at least one mobile Li-Fi devices comprises means for performing a Li-Fi positioning operation to determine a location of the at least one mobile Li-Fi device with respect to one or more stationary Li-Fi access points of the plurality of Li-Fi devices.

[0241] Clause 46. The entity for mapping the indoor space of any of clauses 37 to 45, wherein:at least one Li-Fi device of the plurality of Li-Fi devices is a stationary Li-Fi access point.

[0242] Clause 47. The entity for mapping the indoor space of any of clauses 37 to 46, further comprising: means for providing, to a user equipment (UE), an indication of the one or more continuous areas of the indoor space; a map of the indoor space based on the one or more continuous areas of the indoor space; or a combination thereof.

[0243] Clause 48. The entity for mapping the indoor space of any of clauses 37 to 47, wherein:the entity for mapping the indoor space is a user equipment (UE); an access point; or a server.

[0244] Clause 49. The entity for mapping the indoor space of any of clauses 37 to 48, further comprising: means for receiving, from the at least one mobile Li-Fi device of the plurality of Li-Fi devices, an indication of an identity of each of the plurality of Li-Fi devices that are currently in LOS Li-Fi communication with the at least one mobile Li-Fi device and additional location information for the at least one mobile Li-Fi device.

[0245] Clause 50. The entity for mapping the indoor space of any of clauses 37 to 49, further comprising: means for obtaining, from each mobile Li-Fi device of the plurality of Li-Fi devices, an indication of an identity of each Li-Fi device of the plurality of Li-Fi devices that are, at a particular time, contemporaneously in LOS Li-Fi communication with the each mobile Li-Fi device.

[0246] Clause 51. The entity for mapping the indoor space of any of clauses 49 to 50, further comprising: means for obtaining, from each mobile Li-Fi device, an identity of the each mobile Li-Fi device, an indication of a particular time for the each mobile Li-Fi device, and extra location information for the each mobile Li-Fi device.

[0247] Clause 52. The entity for mapping the indoor space of clause 51, further comprising:means for determining a location of each mobile Li-Fi device based on the extra location information for the each mobile Li-Fi device; means for identifying pairs of locations ofQC2405284WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405284WOsmpairs of mobile Li-Fi devices, wherein mobile Li-Fi devices in each pair of mobile Li-Fi devices are in LOS Li-Fi communication with each other at a same time or almost a same time for each mobile Li-Fi device in the each pair of mobile Li-Fi devices; and means for associating each pair of locations of the pairs of locations to a continuous area of the one or more continuous areas of the indoor space.

[0248] Clause 53. The entity for mapping the indoor space of any of clauses 37 to 52, further comprising: means for determining a difference in elevation between at least one Li-Fi access point and at least one further Li-Fi device of the plurality of Li-Fi devices based on barometric sensors associated with each of the at least one Li-Fi access point and the at least one further Li-Fi device; round trip time (RTT) positioning measurements associated with the at least one Li-Fi access point and the at least one further Li-Fi device; angle-of-arrival (AO A) positioning measurements associated with the at least one Li-Fi access point and the at least one further Li-Fi device; or any combination thereof.

[0249] Clause 54. The entity for mapping the indoor space of any of clauses 37 to 53, further comprising: means for determining a position of at least one doorway based on intermittent LOS Li-Fi communication between at least two Li-Fi devices of the plurality of Li-Fi devices.

[0250] Clause 55. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by an entity for mapping an indoor space, cause the entity for mapping the indoor space to: obtain location information for a plurality of light fidelity (Li-Fi) devices, wherein the plurality of Li-Fi devices includes at least one mobile Li-Fi device; and determine, based on the location information for the plurality of Li-Fi devices, a mapping of the indoor space, wherein the mapping comprises spatial information for one or more continuous areas of the indoor space based on line-of-sight (LOS) Li-Fi communication between the at least one mobile Li-Fi device and one or more further Li- Fi devices of the plurality of Li-Fi devices.

[0251] Clause 56. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of clause 55, wherein the location information for the plurality of Li-Fi devices comprises at least one of: an estimated absolute location for at least one Li-Fi device in the plurality of Li-Fi devices; an estimated relative location for at least one Li-Fi device in the plurality of Li-Fi devices; location measurements for at least one Li-Fi device in the plurality of Li-Fi devices; or some combination of these.QC2405284WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405284WO

[0252] Clause 57. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of any of clauses 55 to 56, further comprising computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the entity for mapping the indoor space, cause the entity to: determine which Li-Fi devices of the plurality of Li-Fi devices have wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) communication capabilities based on a common Medium Access Control (MAC) address used for both Li-Fi and Wi-Fi communications.

[0253] Clause 58. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of any of clauses 55 to 57, further comprising computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the entity, cause the entity to: configure a user equipment (UE) to access one or more Li-Fi access points within one of the one or more continuous areas of the indoor space based on the UE being located within the one of the one or more continuous areas of the indoor space.

[0254] Clause 59. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of any of clauses 55 to 58, further comprising computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the entity for mapping the indoor space, cause the entity for mapping the indoor space to: combine two continuous areas of the one or more continuous areas of the indoor space into a larger continuous area based on an overlapping area of the two continuous areas.

[0255] Clause 60. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of clause 59, wherein: the mapping of the indoor space includes an indication of locations of one or more Li-Fi access points; a heat map associated with the one or more Li-Fi access points; locations of one or more wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) access points; a heat map associated with the one or more Wi-Fi access points; or any combination thereof.

[0256] Clause 61. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of any of clauses 55 to 60, further comprising computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the entity for mapping the indoor space, cause the entity for mapping the indoor space to: configure one or more user equipments (UEs) for communication with a Li-Fi access point based on the mapping of the indoor space.

[0257] Clause 62. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of any of clauses 55 to 61, wherein: the at least one mobile Li-Fi device includes wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) capabilities; and the computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the entity for mapping the indoor space, cause the entity for mapping the indoor space are further configured to: obtain location information for the at least one mobile Li-Fi device based on performing a wireless positioning operation for the at least one mobile Li-Fi device.QC2405284WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405284WO

[0258] Clause 63. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of any of clauses 55 to 62, wherein: obtaining location information for the at least one mobile Li-Fi devices comprises performing a Li-Fi positioning operation to determine a location of the at least one mobile Li-Fi device with respect to one or more stationary Li-Fi access points of the plurality of Li-Fi devices.

[0259] Clause 64. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of any of clauses 55 to 63, wherein: at least one Li-Fi device of the plurality of Li-Fi devices is a stationary Li-Fi access point.

[0260] Clause 65. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of any of clauses 55 to 64, further comprising computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the entity for mapping the indoor space, cause the entity for mapping the indoor space to: provide, to a user equipment (UE), an indication of the one or more continuous areas of the indoor space; a map of the indoor space based on the one or more continuous areas of the indoor space; or a combination thereof.

[0261] Clause 66. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of any of clauses 55 to 65, wherein: the entity for mapping the indoor space is a user equipment (UE); an access point; or a server.

[0262] Clause 67. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of any of clauses 55 to 66, further comprising computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the entity for mapping the indoor space, cause the entity for mapping the indoor space to: receive, from the at least one mobile Li-Fi device of the plurality of Li-Fi devices, an indication of an identity of each of the plurality of Li-Fi devices that are currently in LOS Li-Fi communication with the at least one mobile Li-Fi device and additional location information for the at least one mobile Li-Fi device.

[0263] Clause 68. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of any of clauses 55 to 67, further comprising computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the entity for mapping the indoor space, cause the entity for mapping the indoor space to: obtain, from each mobile Li-Fi device of the plurality of Li-Fi devices, an indication of an identity of each Li-Fi device of the plurality of Li-Fi devices that are, at a particular time, contemporaneously in LOS Li-Fi communication with the each mobile Li-Fi device.

[0264] Clause 69. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of any of clauses 67 to 68, further comprising computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the entity for mapping the indoor space, cause the entity for mapping the indoor space to: obtain, fromQC2405284WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405284WO68 / 77each mobile Li-Fi device, an identity of the each mobile Li-Fi device, an indication of a particular time for the each mobile Li-Fi device, and extra location information for the each mobile Li-Fi device.

[0265] Clause 70. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of clause 69, further comprising computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the entity for mapping the indoor space, cause the entity for mapping the indoor space to: determine a location of each mobile Li-Fi device based on the extra location information for the each mobile Li-Fi device; identify pairs of locations of pairs of mobile Li-Fi devices, wherein mobile Li-Fi devices in each pair of mobile Li-Fi devices are in LOS Li-Fi communication with each other at a same time or almost a same time for each mobile Li-Fi device in the each pair of mobile Li-Fi devices; and associate each pair of locations of the pairs of locations to a continuous area of the one or more continuous areas of the indoor space.

[0266] Clause 71. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of any of clauses 55 to 70, further comprising computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the entity for mapping the indoor space, cause the entity for mapping the indoor space to: determine a difference in elevation between at least one Li-Fi access point and at least one further Li- Fi device of the plurality of Li-Fi devices based on barometric sensors associated with each of the at least one Li-Fi access point and the at least one further Li-Fi device; round trip time (RTT) positioning measurements associated with the at least one Li-Fi access point and the at least one further Li-Fi device; angle-of-arrival (AOA) positioning measurements associated with the at least one Li-Fi access point and the at least one further Li-Fi device; or any combination thereof.

[0267] Clause 72. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of any of clauses 55 to 71, further comprising computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the entity for mapping the indoor space, cause the entity for mapping the indoor space to: determine a position of at least one doorway based on intermittent LOS Li-Fi communication between at least two Li-Fi devices of the plurality of Li-Fi devices.

[0268] Those of skill in the art will appreciate that information and signals may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be referenced throughout the above description may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof.QC2405284WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405284WO69m

[0269] Further, those of skill in the art will appreciate that the various illustrative logical blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithm steps described in connection with the aspects disclosed herein may be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or combinations of both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been described above generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. Skilled artisans may implement the described functionality in varying ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0270] The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, and circuits described in connection with the aspects disclosed herein may be implemented or performed with a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an ASIC, a field-programable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, for example, a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration.

[0271] The methods, sequences and / or algorithms described in connection with the aspects disclosed herein may be embodied directly in hardware, in a software module executed by a processor, or in a combination of the two. A software module may reside in random access memory (RAM), flash memory, read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), registers, hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An example storage medium is coupled to the processor such that the processor can read information from, and write information to, the storage medium. In the alternative, the storage medium may be integral to the processor. The processor and the storage medium may reside in an ASIC. The ASIC may reside in a user terminal (e.g.,QC2405284WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405284WOi nUE). In the alternative, the processor and the storage medium may reside as discrete components in a user terminal.

[0272] In one or more example aspects, the functions described may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, the functions may be stored on or transmitted over as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media includes both computer storage media and communication media including any medium that facilitates transfer of a computer program from one place to another. A storage media may be any available media that can be accessed by a computer. By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer. Also, any connection is properly termed a computer-readable medium. For example, if the software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using a coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave, then the coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave are included in the definition of medium. Disk and disc, as used herein, includes compact disc (CD), laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk and Blu-ray disc where disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0273] While the foregoing disclosure shows illustrative aspects of the disclosure, it should be noted that various changes and modifications could be made herein without departing from the scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims. For example, the functions, steps and / or actions of the method claims in accordance with the aspects of the disclosure described herein need not be performed in any particular order. Further, no component, function, action, or instruction described or claimed herein should be construed as critical or essential unless explicitly described as such. Furthermore, as used herein, the terms “set,” “group,” and the like are intended to include one or more of the stated elements. Also, as used herein, the terms “has,” “have,” “having,” “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” and the like does not preclude the presence of oneQC2405284WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405284WOor more additional elements (e.g., an element “having” A may also have B). Further, the phrase “based on” is intended to mean “based, at least in part, on” unless explicitly stated otherwise. Also, as used herein, the term “or” is intended to be inclusive when used in a series and may be used interchangeably with “and / or,” unless explicitly stated otherwise (e.g., if used in combination with “either” or “only one of’) or the alternatives are mutually exclusive (e.g., “one or more” should not be interpreted as “one and more”). Furthermore, although components, functions, actions, and instructions may be described or claimed in the singular, the plural is contemplated unless limitation to the singular is explicitly stated. Accordingly, as used herein, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “said” are intended to include one or more of the stated elements. Additionally, as used herein, the terms “at least one” and “one or more” encompass “one” component, function, action, or instruction performing or capable of performing a described or claimed functionality and also “two or more” components, functions, actions, or instructions performing or capable of performing a described or claimed functionality in combination.QC2405284WO

Claims

Qualcomm Ref. No. 2405284WOnmCLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An entity for mapping an indoor space, comprising:one or more memories;one or more transceivers; andone or more processors communicatively coupled to the one or more memories and the one or more transceivers, the one or more processors, either alone or in combination, configured to:obtain location information for a plurality of light fidelity (Li-Fi) devices, wherein the plurality of Li-Fi devices includes at least one mobile Li-Fi device; and determine, based on the location information for the plurality of Li-Fi devices, a mapping of the indoor space, wherein the mapping comprises spatial information for one or more continuous areas of the indoor space based on line-of-sight (LOS) Li-Fi communication between the at least one mobile Li-Fi device and one or more further Li-Fi devices of the plurality of Li-Fi devices.

2. The entity for mapping the indoor space of claim 1, wherein the location information for the plurality of Li-Fi devices comprises at least one of:an estimated absolute location for at least one Li-Fi device in the plurality of Li-Fi devices;an estimated relative location for at least one Li-Fi device in the plurality of Li-Fi devices;location measurements for at least one Li-Fi device in the plurality of Li-Fi devices; orsome combination of these.

3. The entity for mapping the indoor space of claim 1, wherein the one or more processors, either alone or in combination, are further configured to:determine which Li-Fi devices of the plurality of Li-Fi devices have wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) communication capabilities based on a common Medium Access Control (MAC) address used for both Li-Fi and Wi-Fi communications.QC2405284WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405284WO73m4. The entity for mapping the indoor space of claim 1, wherein the one or more processors, either alone or in combination, are further configured to:configure a user equipment (UE) to access one or more Li-Fi access points within one of the one or more continuous areas of the indoor space based on the UE being located within the one of the one or more continuous areas of the indoor space.

5. The entity for mapping the indoor space of claim 1, wherein the one or more processors, either alone or in combination, are further configured to:combine two continuous areas of the one or more continuous areas of the indoor space into a larger continuous area based on an overlapping area of the two continuous areas.

6. The entity for mapping the indoor space of claim 5, wherein:the mapping of the indoor space includes an indication oflocations of one or more Li-Fi access points;a heat map associated with the one or more Li-Fi access points; locations of one or more wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) access points;a heat map associated with the one or more Wi-Fi access points; or any combination thereof.

7. The entity for mapping the indoor space of claim 1, wherein the one or more processors, either alone or in combination, are further configured to:configure one or more user equipments (UEs) for communication with a Li-Fi access point based on the mapping of the indoor space.

8. The entity for mapping the indoor space of claim 1, wherein:the at least one mobile Li-Fi device includes wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) capabilities; andthe one or more processors, either alone or in combination, are further configured to:obtain location information for the at least one mobile Li-Fi device based on performing a wireless positioning operation for the at least one mobile Li-Fi device.QC2405284WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405284WOurn9. The entity for mapping the indoor space of claim 1, wherein:obtaining location information for the at least one mobile Li-Fi devices comprisesperforming a Li-Fi positioning operation to determine a location of the at least one mobile Li-Fi device with respect to one or more stationary Li-Fi access points of the plurality of Li-Fi devices.

10. The entity for mapping the indoor space of claim 1, wherein:at least one Li-Fi device of the plurality of Li-Fi devices is a stationary Li-Fi access point.

11. The entity for mapping the indoor space of claim 1, wherein the one or more processors, either alone or in combination, are further configured to:provide, to a user equipment (UE), an indication ofthe one or more continuous areas of the indoor space;a map of the indoor space based on the one or more continuous areas of the indoor space; ora combination thereof.

12. The entity for mapping the indoor space of claim 1, wherein:the entity isa user equipment (UE);an access point; ora server.

13. The entity for mapping the indoor space for mapping the indoor space of claim 1, wherein the one or more processors, either alone or in combination, are further configured to:receive, via the one or more transceivers,, from the at least one mobile Li-Fi device of the plurality of Li-Fi devices, an indication of an identity of each of the plurality of Li-Fi devices that are currently in LOS Li-Fi communication with the atQC2405284WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405284WOi mleast one mobile Li-Fi device and additional location information for the at least one mobile Li-Fi device.

14. The entity for mapping the indoor space of claim 1, wherein the one or more processors, either alone or in combination, are further configured to:obtain, from each mobile Li-Fi device of the plurality of Li-Fi devices, an indication of an identity of each Li-Fi device of the plurality of Li-Fi devices that are, at a particular time, contemporaneously in LOS Li-Fi communication with the each mobile Li-Fi device.

15. The entity for mapping the indoor space of claim 13, wherein the one or more processors, either alone or in combination, are further configured to:obtain, from each mobile Li-Fi device, an identity of the each mobile Li-Fi device, an indication of a particular time for the each mobile Li-Fi device, and extra location information for the each mobile Li-Fi device.

16. The entity for mapping the indoor space of claim 15, wherein the one or more processors, either alone or in combination, are further configured to:determine a location of each mobile Li-Fi device based on the extra location information for the each mobile Li-Fi device;identify pairs of locations of pairs of mobile Li-Fi devices, wherein mobile Li-Fi devices in each pair of mobile Li-Fi devices are in LOS Li-Fi communication with each other at a same time or almost a same time for each mobile Li-Fi device in the each pair of mobile Li-Fi devices; andassociate each pair of locations of the pairs of locations to a continuous area of the one or more continuous areas of the indoor space.

17. The entity for mapping the indoor space of claim 1, wherein the one or more processors, either alone or in combination, are further configured to:determine a difference in elevation between at least one Li-Fi access point and at least one further Li-Fi device of the plurality of Li-Fi devices based onbarometric sensors associated with each of the at least one Li-Fi access point and the at least one further Li-Fi device;QC2405284WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405284WOround trip time (RTT) positioning measurements associated with the at least one Li-Fi access point and the at least one further Li-Fi device;angle-of-arrival (AO A) positioning measurements associated with the at least one Li-Fi access point and the at least one further Li-Fi device; orany combination thereof.

18. The entity for mapping the indoor space of claim 1, wherein the one or more processors, either alone or in combination, are further configured to:determine a position of at least one doorway based on intermittent LOS Li-Fi communication between at least two Li-Fi devices of the plurality of Li-Fi devices.

19. A method performed by an entity for mapping an indoor space, comprising: obtaining location information for a plurality of light fidelity (Li-Fi) devices, wherein the plurality of Li-Fi devices includes at least one mobile Li-Fi device; and determining, based on the location information for the plurality of Li-Fi devices, a mapping of the indoor space, wherein the mapping comprises spatial information for one or more continuous areas of the indoor space based on line-of-sight (LOS) Li-Fi communication between the at least one mobile Li-Fi device and one or more further Li-Fi devices of the plurality of Li-Fi devices.

20. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by an entity for mapping an indoor space, cause the entity for mapping the indoor space to:obtain location information for a plurality of light fidelity (Li-Fi) devices, wherein the plurality of Li-Fi devices includes at least one mobile Li-Fi device; and determine, based on the location information for the plurality of Li-Fi devices, a mapping of the indoor space, wherein the mapping comprises spatial information for one or more continuous areas of the indoor space based on line-of-sight (LOS) Li-Fi communication between the at least one mobile Li-Fi device and one or more further Li-Fi devices of the plurality of Li-Fi devices.QC2405284WO

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