Communication method, and apparatus

Abstract

The present application relates to the field of communications. Provided are a communication method and an apparatus. The communication method comprises: by means of first information, a first network device whose communication signal covers a first cell in which a terminal device is located, indicates to the terminal device: a first transmission resource of a first reference signal of the first network device and a second transmission resource of a second reference signal of a second network device; and the terminal device can receive the first reference signal and the second reference signal from different network devices on the basis of the first transmission resource and the second transmission resource, and perform terminal device positioning on the basis of the first reference signal and the second reference signal. Thus, the present application improves positioning accuracy.

Description

Communication methods and devices

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202510201367.8, filed on February 21, 2025, entitled "Communication Method and Apparatus", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of communications, and more particularly to communication methods and apparatus. Background Technology

[0003] In today's communication technology field, determining the location information of terminal devices is crucial for realizing numerous communication functions and applications. Traditional terrestrial network (TN) positioning technology locates terminal devices by measuring parameters such as the transmission time of wireless signals, reference signal time difference, signal strength, angle of arrival, and angle of departure. However, with the continuous development of communication technology, non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) have received widespread attention due to their unique advantages, such as achieving wide-area coverage and providing communication services to remote areas.

[0004] Currently, in the field of NTN, research on terminal device positioning is still in the development stage, and the positioning accuracy of terminal devices needs to be improved. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method and apparatus for improving the positioning accuracy of terminal devices.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] Firstly, a communication method is provided, which is applied to a terminal device located in a first cell. The execution subject of the method can be the terminal device, a component or device applied to the terminal device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the terminal device. The communication method includes: receiving first information from a first network device, the first information indicating a first transmission resource of a first reference signal of the first network device and a second transmission resource of a second reference signal of a second network device, the first and second reference signals being used to locate the terminal device; then, receiving the first reference signal based on the first transmission resource, receiving the second reference signal based on the second transmission resource, and finally locating the terminal device based on the first and second reference signals.

[0008] In the first aspect, for a terminal device within the first cell, based on the first and second transmission resources indicated by the first network device, the terminal device can receive reference signals (including the first and second reference signals) from different network devices, and perform terminal device positioning based on the received multiple reference signals, thereby improving positioning accuracy.

[0009] In one possible design, the method may further include: receiving second information from a first network device, wherein the second information is used to indicate a mapping relationship between a first reference signal and / or a second reference signal relative to a first transmission resource, the first transmission resource including transmission resources for a synchronization broadcast signal or transmission resources for a physical downlink control channel. Optionally, the mapping relationship includes at least one of the following: a frequency domain mapping relationship, a time domain mapping relationship, or a quasi-colocation relationship.

[0010] In this design, the first network device sends second information to the terminal device to indicate the mapping relationship between the first reference signal and / or the second reference signal and the first transmission resource. Based on the second information, the terminal device can more quickly determine the transmission resource of the first reference signal from the first transmission resource, thereby reducing the reference signal measurement window and measurement complexity of the terminal device.

[0011] In one possible design, the first transmission resource includes first reference signal pattern information, and the second transmission resource includes second reference signal pattern information.

[0012] In one possible design, the method may further include: receiving third information from a first network device, the third information being used to indicate adjustment information for a first transmission resource and / or adjustment information for a second transmission resource, the adjustment information for the first transmission resource including at least one of the following configured by the first network device: beam protection distance information of a first cell, a first parameter, or a second parameter, the first parameter being used to adjust the position of the reference signal occupying resource unit in the frequency domain and / or time domain, and the second parameter being used to adjust the transmission time and / or frequency of the reference signal; the adjustment information for the second transmission resource including at least one of the following configured by the second network device: beam protection distance information of the first cell, a first parameter, or a second parameter.

[0013] In this design, the first network device provides the terminal device with adjustment information for the first transmission resource and / or the second transmission resource through the third information. This enables timely adjustment of the transmission resources for the terminal device to receive the reference signal, helping the terminal device to correctly receive the reference signal, avoiding resource conflicts, and improving resource utilization efficiency.

[0014] In one possible design, the adjustment information of the first transmission resource also includes a reference object corresponding to the first parameter of the first reference signal, and the reference object includes at least one of the following: time, location, beam, reference signal, wave position, or geographical area.

[0015] In this design, the first parameter can be associated with different reference objects. Through different reference objects, the transmission resources can be distinguished and conflicts can be avoided.

[0016] In one possible design, the method may further include: sending a location request to a first network device, wherein the location request is used to request a first transmission resource and a second transmission resource.

[0017] In this design, the terminal device proactively sends a location request to the first network device, triggering the location process for the terminal device and giving it greater autonomy. This proactive approach allows the terminal device to initiate the location process promptly based on its own needs, such as entering a new area or requiring more precise location information, thus improving the timeliness and flexibility of the location process.

[0018] In one possible design, before sending a location request to the first network device, the method may further include: determining that a first condition is met, wherein the first condition includes at least one of the following: the strength of a reference signal received by the terminal device from the first network device is lower than a first threshold, and / or, the rate of change of the terminal device's position is greater than a preset threshold. Optionally, the first condition may further include: the strength of a communication signal received by the terminal device from the first network device is higher than a second threshold.

[0019] In this design, when the terminal device determines that it meets the first condition that may affect the positioning accuracy, it actively sends a positioning request to the first network device, triggering the positioning of the terminal device, which can improve the positioning accuracy.

[0020] In one possible design, the method may further include: receiving ephemeris information from a first network device, wherein the ephemeris information includes first ephemeris information of the first network device and / or second ephemeris information of a second network device, wherein the ephemeris information is used for positioning of the terminal device.

[0021] In this design, the first network device provides ephemeris information to the terminal device, which can be used by the terminal device during positioning to improve positioning accuracy.

[0022] Secondly, a communication method is provided. This method is applied to a second network device. The executing entity of the method can be the second network device, a component or device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system) applied to the second network device, or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the second network device. The communication method includes: acquiring a second transmission resource for a second reference signal, wherein the second reference signal is a reference signal used for locating a terminal device within a first cell, the first cell being a neighboring cell of the second cell, and the second cell being a cell covered by the communication signal of the second network device; and then transmitting the second reference signal to a terminal device located in the first cell based on the second transmission resource.

[0023] In the second aspect, for the second network device covering the second cell, sending a second reference signal to the terminal device in the first cell outside the second cell increases the quality of receiving the positioning reference signal and improves the positioning accuracy.

[0024] In one possible design, the method may further include: sending a second transmission resource to a first network device, the first cell being a cell covered by the communication signal of the first network device.

[0025] In this design, the method of the second network device sending the second transmission resource to the first network device improves the flexibility of resource allocation compared to simply relying on protocol configuration for the second transmission resource. It can more efficiently meet the actual needs of the first network device, avoiding resource waste or insufficiency, thereby improving the overall network system's operational efficiency and service quality.

[0026] In one possible design, the method may further include: sending second ephemeris information to a first network device, wherein the second ephemeris information is used for the positioning of the terminal device.

[0027] In this design, the second network device sends second ephemeris information to the first network device, which can be used by the terminal device for positioning.

[0028] In one possible design, the second transmission resource includes second reference signal pattern information.

[0029] In one possible design, the method may further include: sending adjustment information of a second transmission resource to a first network device, wherein the adjustment information of the second transmission resource includes at least one of the following configured by the second network device: beam protection distance information of a first cell, a first parameter, or a second parameter, wherein the first parameter is used to adjust the position of the resource unit occupied by the second reference signal in the frequency domain and / or time domain, and the second parameter is used to adjust the transmission time and / or frequency of the second reference signal.

[0030] In this design, the second network device sends adjustment information of the second transmission resources to the first network device, enabling the terminal device to adjust the transmission resources for receiving reference signals in a timely manner.

[0031] In one possible design, the adjustment information for the second transmission resource also includes the reference object corresponding to the first parameter of the second reference signal, and the reference object includes at least one of the following: time, location, beam, reference signal, wave position, or geographical area.

[0032] In this design, the first parameter can be associated with different reference objects, which can distinguish the transmission resources and avoid conflicts.

[0033] Thirdly, a communication method is provided. This method is applied to a first network device. The executing entity of the method can be the first network device, a component or device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system) applied to the first network device, or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first network device. The communication method includes: sending first information, wherein the first information is used to indicate first transmission resources of a first reference signal of the first network device and second transmission resources of a second reference signal of the second network device; the first reference signal and the second reference signal are used to locate terminal devices within a first cell; the first cell is a cell covered by the communication signal of the first network device; the neighboring cells of the first cell are second cells; and the second cell is a cell covered by the communication signal of the second network device; and sending the first reference signal.

[0034] In the third aspect, for the first network device in the first cell where the communication signal covers the terminal device, the first network device provides the first transmission resources of the first reference signal of the first network device and the second transmission resources of the second reference signal of the second network device to the terminal device in the first cell through the first information. Based on the first transmission resources and the second transmission resources, the terminal device can receive reference signals from different network devices (including the first reference signal and the second reference signal) and perform terminal device positioning based on the received multiple reference signals, thereby improving positioning accuracy.

[0035] In one possible design, the method may further include: sending second information to a terminal device, wherein the second information is used to indicate a mapping relationship between the first reference signal and / or the second reference signal and a first transmission resource, the first transmission resource including transmission resources for a synchronization broadcast signal or transmission resources for a physical downlink control channel. Optionally, the mapping relationship includes at least one of the following: a frequency domain mapping relationship, a time domain mapping relationship, or a quasi-co-addressing relationship.

[0036] In this design, the first network device sends second information to the terminal device to indicate the mapping relationship between the first reference signal and / or the second reference signal and the first transmission resource. Based on the second information, the terminal device can more quickly determine the transmission resource of the first reference signal from the first transmission resource, thereby reducing the reference signal measurement window and measurement complexity of the terminal device.

[0037] In one possible design, the first transmission resource includes first reference signal pattern information, and the second transmission resource includes second reference signal pattern information.

[0038] In one possible design, the method may further include: sending third information, the third information being used to indicate adjustment information for the first transmission resource and / or adjustment information for the second transmission resource, the adjustment information for the first transmission resource including at least one of the following configured by the first network device: beam protection distance information of the first cell, a first parameter, or a second parameter, the first parameter being used to adjust the position of the reference signal occupying resource unit in the frequency domain and / or time domain, and the second parameter being used to adjust the transmission time and / or frequency of the reference signal; the adjustment information for the second transmission resource including at least one of the following configured by the second network device: beam protection distance information of the first cell, a first parameter, or a second parameter.

[0039] In this design, the first network device provides the terminal device with adjustment information for the first transmission resource and / or the second transmission resource through the third information. This enables timely adjustment of the transmission resources for the terminal device to receive the reference signal, helping the terminal device to correctly receive the reference signal, avoiding resource conflicts, and improving resource utilization efficiency.

[0040] In one possible design, the adjustment information of the first transmission resource also includes a reference object corresponding to the first parameter of the first reference signal, and the reference object includes at least one of the following: time, location, beam, reference signal, wave position, or geographical area.

[0041] In this design, the first parameter can be associated with different reference objects. Through different reference objects, the transmission resources can be distinguished and conflicts can be avoided.

[0042] In one possible design, the method may further include: receiving a location request from a terminal device, wherein the location request is used to request a first transmission resource and a second transmission resource.

[0043] In this design, the terminal device proactively sends a location request to the first network device, triggering the location process for the terminal device and giving it greater autonomy. This proactive approach allows the terminal device to initiate the location process promptly based on its own needs, such as entering a new area or requiring more precise location information, thus improving the timeliness and flexibility of the location process.

[0044] In one possible design, the method may further include: sending ephemeris information to a terminal device, wherein the ephemeris information includes first ephemeris information of a first network device and / or second ephemeris information of a second network device, wherein the ephemeris information is used for positioning of the terminal device.

[0045] In one possible design, the method may further include receiving second ephemeris information from a second network device.

[0046] In this design, the first network device provides ephemeris information to the terminal device, which can be used by the terminal device during positioning to improve positioning accuracy.

[0047] Fourthly, a communication device is provided for implementing the method described in any one of the first to third aspects. For example, the communication device may be a terminal device as described in the first aspect; or, the communication device may be a second network device as described in the second aspect; or, the communication device may be a first network device as described in the third aspect. When the device is a chip system, it may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete components.

[0048] The communication device includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the implementation method. These modules, units, or means can be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the functions.

[0049] In some possible designs, the communication device may include a processing module and a transceiver module. The processing module can be used to implement the processing functions in any of the above aspects and any possible implementations. The transceiver module, also called a transceiver unit, is used to implement the sending and / or receiving functions in any of the above aspects and any possible implementations. The transceiver module may consist of transceiver circuitry, a transceiver, a transceiver unit, or a communication interface.

[0050] In some possible designs, the transceiver module includes a sending module and / or a receiving module, which are used to implement the sending or receiving functions in any of the above aspects and any possible implementations.

[0051] Fifthly, a communication device is provided, comprising: a processor and a communication interface; the communication interface being used to communicate with a module outside the communication device; the processor being used to execute computer programs or instructions to cause the communication device to perform the methods described in any of the aspects. For example, the communication device may be a terminal device as described in the first aspect; or, the communication device may be a second network device as described in the second aspect; or, the communication device may be a first network device as described in the third aspect. When the device is a chip system, it may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0052] A sixth aspect provides a communication device comprising: at least one processor; said processor being configured to execute a computer program or instructions stored in a memory to cause the communication device to perform the methods described in any aspect. The memory may be coupled to the processor, or the memory may exist independently of the processor; for example, the memory and the processor may be two separate modules. The memory may be located outside or within the communication device.

[0053] This communication device is used to implement the method described in any one of the first to third aspects. For example, the communication device can be a terminal device as described in the first aspect; or, the communication device can be a second network device as described in the second aspect; or, the communication device can be a first network device as described in the third aspect. When the device is a chip system, it can be composed of chips or can include chips and other discrete components.

[0054] In a seventh aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided that stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a communication device, enable the communication device to perform the method described in either aspect.

[0055] Eighthly, a computer program product containing instructions is provided, which, when run on a communication device, enables the communication device to perform the method described in either aspect.

[0056] Ninth aspect, a communication device is provided, configured to cause the communication device to perform the method described in any aspect.

[0057] In a tenth aspect, a communication system is provided, comprising the terminal device, the second network device, and the first network device described in the preceding aspects.

[0058] It is understandable that when the communication device provided in any of the fourth to sixth aspects is a chip, the sending action / function of the communication device can be understood as outputting information, and the receiving action / function of the communication device can be understood as inputting information.

[0059] The technical effects of any of the design methods in aspects four through ten can be found in the technical effects of different design methods in aspects one through three, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0060] Figures 1 and 2 are schematic diagrams of communication scenarios provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0061] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the initial access process provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0062] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the multi-round-trip delay positioning principle provided in the embodiment of this application;

[0063] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a non-terrestrial network positioning scenario provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0064] Figures 6-9 are schematic diagrams of the communication system architecture provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0065] Figure 10 is a schematic flowchart of the communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0066] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of a multi-network device positioning scenario provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0067] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the mapping information function provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0068] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the beam protection distance function provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0069] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of the transmission resource compensation function provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0070] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of the first transmission resource provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0071] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of the uplink synchronization process provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0072] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of a time-frequency resource provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0073] Figure 18 is a schematic diagram of the signal transmission mode provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0074] Figure 19 is a schematic diagram of reference points provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0075] Figures 20 and 21 are schematic diagrams of the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0076] The network architecture and business scenarios described in the embodiments of this application are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0077] Before introducing the embodiments of this application, some technologies involved in the embodiments of this application will be explained.

[0078] 1. Non-terrestrial communication networks

[0079] In the development of modern communication technologies, non-terrestrial communication networks (NTNs) are playing an increasingly crucial role. NTNs encompass nodes such as satellite networks, high-altitude platforms, and drones. With significant advantages including global coverage, long-distance transmission, flexible networking, convenient deployment, and freedom from geographical limitations, they are widely used in numerous fields such as maritime communication, positioning and navigation, disaster relief, scientific experiments, video broadcasting, and Earth observation. The integration of terrestrial 5G networks and satellite networks creates a seamless global communication network encompassing sea, land, air, space, and ground, comprehensively meeting the diverse business needs of users.

[0080] As a core component of NTN, next-generation satellite networks are exhibiting a trend towards ultra-dense and heterogeneous development. In terms of network size, they have expanded from the 66 satellites of the Iridium constellation to 720 satellites in a single network constellation, and even developed into the Starlink ultra-dense low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation with over 12,000 satellites. Simultaneously, the heterogeneous nature of satellite networks is becoming increasingly apparent, evolving from traditional single-layer communication networks to multi-layer communication networks. Their functions are also becoming increasingly complex and diverse, gradually incorporating and supporting functions such as navigation enhancement, Earth observation, and multi-dimensional on-orbit information processing.

[0081] 2. Beam operation mode of satellite communication system

[0082] In the field of satellite communications, based on the working mode of the payload (such as beams), satellite communication systems are generally divided into two types: staring (earth-fixed or quasi-earth fixed, geostationary or quasi-geostationary) and non-staring (earth-moving, earth-moving).

[0083] Non-staring systems: Over a period of time, such as times T1, T2, and T3, the satellite beam coverage area shifts as the satellite moves, as shown in Figure 1(a). This means that the covered area on the ground is constantly changing, making it suitable for dynamic monitoring or communication services over large areas.

[0084] Staring System: Within the same time period, the satellite dynamically adjusts its beam direction to approximately cover the same area of ​​the ground, as shown in Figure 1(b). This operating mode can provide continuous and stable communication or observation services to a specific area.

[0085] 3. Mobility management issues (reselection / handover of user equipment within a specific frequency band)

[0086] In LEO satellite communication systems, satellite nodes move at high speeds of approximately 7.5 km / s, causing user equipment (UEs) within a certain area of ​​bands to experience group handover (connected UEs) or group reselection (idle UEs). Taking group handover as an example, refer to the schematic diagram in Figure 2. The figure shows two high-speed moving satellites, SAT-1 and SAT-2, with their direction of motion indicated by arrow v. The ground is divided into zones such as Zone-1, Zone-2, and Zone-3, each containing multiple bands. For example, the bands in Zone-1 are marked as bw-1 to bw-6.

[0087] At time T1, the UE cluster UE-G1 (composed of multiple UEs) in a single beam position within Zone-2 is served by one or more beams of satellite SAT-2, as shown in the diagram where the SAT-2 beam points towards that beam position. As time progresses to T2, satellite SAT-2 moves to a new location due to high-speed motion, and the beam position previously serving UE-G1 is no longer covered. At this point, one or more beams of satellite SAT-1 take over serving UE-G1, as shown in the diagram where the SAT-1 beam points towards that beam position, and the UE cluster UE-G1 completes its group handover. In hopping-beam LEO satellite networks, this type of group handover caused by network movement is very common, with a handover frequency ranging from once per second to tens of seconds.

[0088] 4. Initial access method for the new air interface: Standalone (SA) networking

[0089] When using a standalone New Radio (NR) network, as shown in Figure 3, the initial access for the UE includes the following key steps:

[0090] Cell search and selection: The UE must first achieve downlink synchronization with the NR cell, and then select the NR cell with the best signal from among many cells to camp on, in order to ensure a stable communication connection.

[0091] Random access: This is a necessary step for the UE to establish a radio link with the network. Through the random access process, the UE establishes uplink synchronization with the NR cell and acquires uplink resources, laying the foundation for subsequent data transmission.

[0092] Radio Resource Control Connection Establishment: A radio signaling bearer 1 (SRB1) is established between the UE and the gNodeB to ensure reliable transmission of signaling and safeguard communication control between the two parties.

[0093] Initial context establishment: When making various event decisions or executing algorithms, the gNodeB needs to obtain the UE's context information. After completing the initial context establishment, the gNodeB can obtain all the necessary UE context, thereby making more reasonable decisions.

[0094] (Optional) Protocol Data Unit Session Establishment: The Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session is used to establish PDU connectivity service between the UE and the data network (DN), supporting PDU exchange between the two parties. The PDU session establishment process only involves the UE initiating a data service.

[0095] In the current NR initial access process, the UE will select a suitable cell for initial access based on the quality of the reference signal, thereby ensuring the efficiency and stability of the access.

[0096] 5. Ground-based network positioning methods

[0097] Positioning technology aims to determine the location of a UE by measuring relevant parameters of wireless signals in conjunction with specific positioning techniques. These measurement parameters generally include radio wave transmission time, reference signal time difference (RSTD), signal strength, angle of arrival, and angle of departure. Common positioning technologies are as follows:

[0098] Enhanced Cell Identification (E-CID): Developed from Long Term Evolution (LTE) and further evolved in NR. It primarily relies on cell quality measured by the terminal's radio resource management (RRM), specifically the reference signal received power (RSRP) / reference signal received quality (RSRQ), as fingerprint information to determine the terminal's location. It also incorporates cell ID, angle of arrival (Angle of Arrival), and timing advance (TA) information to improve positioning accuracy.

[0099] Downlink Time Difference of Arrival (DL-TDOA): Evolved from LTE Observed Time Difference of Arrival (OTDOA). The terminal measures the time difference of arrival (RSTD) of positioning reference signals (PRS) from multiple base stations. Using the time differences of arrival of a pair of base stations, a hyperbola (or hyperboloid) is plotted; the intersection of multiple hyperbolas (hyperboloids) represents the terminal's location. This technology relies on precise inter-station synchronization to ensure that the time difference of arrival accurately corresponds to the difference in propagation distance.

[0100] Uplink Time Difference of Arrival (UL-TDOA): This also originates from the evolution of LTE Uplink Time Difference of Arrival (UTDOA) in NR. Similar to the DL-TDOA method, however, its Time of Arrival (TOA) is obtained from the sounding reference signal (SRS) sent by the network measurement terminal.

[0101] Downlink angle-of-departure (DL-AOD): The terminal estimates its own orientation by measuring the PRS (Presentation Power Responsibility) of multiple stations. In Rel-16 and Rel-17, this is mainly achieved by measuring the received power of multiple different beams at the base station. Based on the relative received power of different beams and the inherent radiated power differences of different beams at each angle, the terminal's orientation is calculated. The AOD of a base station can be plotted as a ray or a cone; the intersection of multiple rays or cones represents the terminal's location.

[0102] Uplink Angle-of-Arrival (UL-AOA): The base station estimates the terminal's orientation by measuring the uplink signal (such as SRS) transmitted by the terminal. AOA includes the horizontal azimuth AOA (A-AOA) and the vertical elevation AOA (Z-AOA). Angle estimation can be determined through the phase relationship between elements; for high-frequency analog beams, it can be determined by receiving beam scanning fitting. The AOA of a base station can be plotted as a ray (A-AOA + Z-AOA) or a cone (Z-AOA); the intersection of multiple rays or cones represents the terminal's location.

[0103] Multiple round trip time (Multi-RTT) positioning technology originates from the round trip time (RTT) of a terminal in Long Term Evolution (LTE) Enhanced Cell Identifier (E-CID). Its principle is that the terminal exchanges Positioning Reference Signals (PRS) and Sounding Reference Signals (SRS) with multiple base stations (or transmit-receive points, TRPs), measuring the time difference between transmission and reception to determine the distance to each base station. In a two-dimensional scenario, the RTT of a single base station can be represented as a circle; in a three-dimensional scenario, it is represented as a sphere, and the intersection of multiple circles or spheres represents the terminal's location. Unlike Downlink Time Difference of Arrival (TDOA) positioning technology, Multi-RTT does not require precise inter-station synchronization; the terminal can independently complete RTT measurements with any base station.

[0104] Taking the measurement between the UE and the fifth-generation base station (gNodeB) as an example, as shown in Figure 4, the UE first sends an RTT measurement request to the gNodeB, transmits an SRS measurement signal at time t0, and the gNodeB performs a Time of Arrival (TOA) measurement at time t1. Subsequently, the gNodeB transmits a PRS measurement signal at time t2, and the UE performs a TOA measurement at time t3. The RTT is then calculated using the formula "RTT = (t3 - t0) - (t2 - t1)". This basic measurement process provides crucial data for Multi-RTT positioning.

[0105] 6. Non-terrestrial network positioning methods

[0106] Currently, New Radio (NR) non-terrestrial networks primarily focus on UE location identification / authentication in the radio resource control connected (RRC connected) state. As shown in Figure 5, the current approach mainly employs a multi-round-trip time (MLRT) positioning method based on a single satellite (e.g., SAT-1 shown in Figure 5), which assists UE positioning by repeatedly measuring the RTT between the satellite and the UE. At time T1, the MRT between satellite SAT-1 and the UE is RTT, which is the initial measurement of the MRT. At time T2, satellite SAT-1 moves to a new location, and the MRT between the satellite and the UE becomes RTT + delta-1, where delta-1 represents the change in delay relative to time T1. When time reaches T3, satellite SAT-1 continues to move, and the MRT between it and the UE becomes RTT + delta-2, where delta-2 is also the change in delay relative to time T1.

[0107] However, the authentication accuracy of this method is only at the 5-10km level, which is insufficient for some scenarios requiring high-precision positioning, such as those where the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) cannot provide positioning data. Examples include "non-GNSS" scenarios and "GNSS failure" scenarios. "Non-GNSS" refers to scenarios that do not rely on positioning technologies, such as positioning based on ground base stations or inertial navigation. "GNSS failure" refers to situations where the Global Navigation Satellite System is unable to function properly or provide accurate and reliable positioning services for various reasons. Therefore, this method cannot achieve the 10m-100m high-precision positioning requirement for the UE.

[0108] As introduced in the background, research on terminal positioning in the NTN field is still in its developmental stage. Current NR-NTN primarily focuses on UE location identification / authentication in RRC connected mode, often employing a single-satellite-based multi-RTT positioning method. This method assists UE positioning by repeatedly measuring the round-trip time (RTT) between the satellite and the UE. However, this method has significant drawbacks. On one hand, the inherent large time-frequency offset and high mobility characteristics of NTN systems prevent traditional TN-oriented positioning strategies from being effectively applied in NTN networks. On the other hand, existing NTN single-satellite positioning accuracy only reaches the 5-10km level, far from meeting the UE's requirement for high-precision positioning of 10m-100m in non-GNSS or GNSS failure scenarios. For example, in scenarios requiring precise location information, such as emergency rescue and autonomous driving, the current NTN positioning accuracy severely impacts the operation of related services.

[0109] Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a new high-precision terminal positioning technology suitable for NTN networks to fill the gap in existing technologies and meet the pressing needs in practical applications.

[0110] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides a communication method. The method provided in this application is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0111] The communication method provided in this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, 5G mobile communication systems, Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) systems, future communication systems, or systems integrating multiple communication systems. This application does not limit the application to these systems. 5G can also be referred to as NR.

[0112] The communication method provided in this application can be applied to various communication scenarios, such as one or more of the following communication scenarios: enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra-reliable low latency communication (URLLC), machine type communication (MTC), massive machine type communications (mMTC), device to device (D2D), vehicle to everything (V2X), vehicle to vehicle (V2V), and Internet of Things (IoT).

[0113] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, the application scenario used in this application will be described using the communication system architecture shown in Figure 6 as an example. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a possible, non-limiting system. As shown in Figure 6, the communication system 10 includes a radio access network (RAN) 100 and a core network (CN) 200. RAN 100 includes at least one RAN node (110a and 110b in Figure 6, collectively referred to as 110) and at least one terminal (120a-120j in Figure 6, collectively referred to as 120). RAN 100 may also include other RAN nodes, such as wireless relay devices and / or wireless backhaul devices (not shown in Figure 6). Terminal 120 is wirelessly connected to RAN node 110. RAN node 110 is wirelessly or wired connected to core network 200. The core network device in core network 200 and RAN node 110 in RAN 100 can be different physical devices, or they can be the same physical device integrating core network logical functions and radio access network logical functions.

[0114] RAN 100 can be a cellular system related to the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), such as 4G, 5G mobile communication systems, or future-oriented evolution systems. RAN 100 can also be an open RAN (O-RAN or ORAN), a cloud radio access network (CRAN), or a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system. RAN 100 can also be a communication system that integrates two or more of the above systems.

[0115] RAN node 110, sometimes also referred to as access network equipment, network equipment, RAN entity, or access node, constitutes part of the communication system and is used to help terminals achieve wireless access. Multiple RAN nodes 110 in communication system 10 can be of the same type or different types. In some scenarios, the roles of RAN node 110 and terminal 120 are relative. For example, network element 120i in Figure 6 can be a helicopter or drone, which can be configured as a mobile base station. For terminals 120j accessing RAN 100 through network element 120i, network element 120i is a base station; but for base station 110a, network element 120i is a terminal. RAN node 110 and terminal 120 are sometimes both referred to as communication devices. For example, network elements 110a and 110b in Figure 6 can be understood as communication devices with base station functions, and network elements 120a-120j can be understood as communication devices with terminal functions.

[0116] In one possible scenario, the RAN node can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), an access point (AP), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB), a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access node in a WiFi system. The RAN node can be a macro base station (as shown in Figure 6, 110a), a micro base station or indoor station (as shown in Figure 6, 110b), a relay node or donor node, or a radio controller in a CRAN scenario. Optionally, the RAN node can also be a server, wearable device, vehicle, or in-vehicle equipment. For example, the access network equipment in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology can be a roadside unit (RSU). All or part of the functions of the RAN node in this application can also be implemented through software functions running on hardware, or through virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform). The RAN node can also be equipped with communication modules, circuits, or chips that perform corresponding communication functions. The RAN node can also be configured with program instructions for performing corresponding communication functions, as well as corresponding program instructions. The RAN node in this application can also be a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the RAN node's functions.

[0117] In another possible scenario, multiple RAN nodes collaborate to assist the terminal in achieving wireless access, with each RAN node performing a portion of the base station's functions. For example, RAN nodes can be central units (CUs), distributed units (DUs), CU-control plane (CPs), CU-user plane (UPs), or radio units (RUs), etc. CUs and DUs can be separate entities or included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). RUs can be included in radio frequency equipment or radio frequency units, such as remote radio units (RRUs), active antenna units (AAUs), or remote radio heads (RRHs).

[0118] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an ORAN system, CU can also be called O-CU (open CU), DU can also be called O-DU, CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP, and RU can also be called O-RU. For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples. Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules.

[0119] In this embodiment, the form of the RAN node is not limited. The device used to implement the function of the RAN node can be the RAN node itself; or it can be a device that supports the RAN node in implementing this function, such as a chip system. The device can be installed in the RAN node or used in conjunction with the RAN node.

[0120] A terminal can be a device or module that accesses the aforementioned communication system and has corresponding communication functions. A terminal can also be called a terminal device, user equipment (UE), mobile station, mobile terminal, etc. Terminals can be widely used in various scenarios, such as device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grids, smart furniture, smart offices, smart wearables, smart transportation, smart cities, etc. Terminals can be mobile phones, tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, wearable devices, vehicles, drones, helicopters, airplanes, ships, robots, robotic arms, smart home devices, transportation vehicles with wireless communication capabilities, communication modules, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the device form of the terminal. A terminal typically contains a communication module, circuit, or chip that performs the corresponding communication function. The terminal can also be configured with program instructions for performing the corresponding communication function.

[0121] The embodiments of this application do not limit the device form of the terminal. The device used to implement the functions of the terminal can be the terminal itself; it can also be a device that supports the terminal in implementing the functions, such as a chip system. The device can be installed in the terminal or used in conjunction with the terminal. In the embodiments of this application, the chip system can be composed of chips or can include chips and other discrete devices. All or part of the functions of the terminal in this application can also be implemented by software functions running on hardware, or by virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform).

[0122] In one embodiment, AI nodes may also be introduced into the wireless network to support artificial intelligence (AI) technology.

[0123] AI nodes can be deployed in one or more of the following locations within the communication system: access network nodes (RAN nodes), terminal devices, or core network devices. Alternatively, AI nodes can be deployed independently, for example, in a location other than any of the aforementioned devices, such as in the host or cloud server of an over-the-top (OTT) system. AI nodes can communicate with other devices in the communication system, which can be one or more of the following: network devices, terminal devices, or core network elements.

[0124] It is understood that this application does not limit the number of AI nodes. For example, when there are multiple AI nodes, these nodes can be divided based on function, such as different AI nodes being responsible for different functions.

[0125] It can also be understood that AI nodes can be independent devices, or they can be integrated into the same device to achieve different functions. Alternatively, they can be network elements in hardware devices, software functions running on dedicated hardware, or virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform). This application does not limit the specific form of the aforementioned AI nodes.

[0126] AI nodes can be AI network elements or AI modules.

[0127] The preceding text has introduced the communication system applicable to the embodiments of this application from a macro-architectural perspective. To help deepen the understanding of this system in a practical application environment, the following will provide a more specific explanation of the communication system through several examples. It should be noted that the communication system examples listed below are for illustrative purposes and are intended to provide an intuitive understanding. The actual application scope of this application is far greater than this, and it is also compatible and adaptable to other types of communication systems, and is not limited thereto.

[0128] For example, Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a possible application framework in a communication system. This communication system can be a satellite communication system, a high altitude platform station (HAPS) communication system, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) or other non-terrestrial network system, such as an integrated communication and navigation (IcaN) system, a global navigation satellite system (GNSS), and an ultra-dense low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite communication system. The satellite communication system can be integrated with traditional mobile communication systems. For example, the mobile communication system can be a fourth-generation (4G) communication system (e.g., a long term evolution (LTE) system), a worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication system, a fifth-generation (5G) communication system (e.g., an NR system), and future mobile communication systems.

[0129] Satellite communication systems include user equipment (UE) and network equipment. User equipment can also be referred to as user terminals, mobile stations, etc. Network equipment may include one or more satellites and ground station equipment, which may also be referred to as core network equipment. Satellites can be low Earth orbit satellites, non-geostationary earth orbit (NGEO) satellites, etc. Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a satellite communication system according to an embodiment of this application. This satellite communication system includes satellites 101, 102, and 103. Each satellite can provide communication services, navigation services, and positioning services to terminal equipment through multiple beams. In this scenario, the satellites are LEO satellites, and satellite 103 is connected to the ground station equipment. The satellites use multiple beams to cover the service area, and different beams can communicate through one or more of time division, frequency division, and space division. The satellites communicate wirelessly with terminal equipment through broadcast communication signals and navigation signals, and can also communicate wirelessly with ground station equipment. The satellites mentioned in this embodiment can be satellite base stations, or may include orbital receivers or repeaters for relaying information, or network-side equipment mounted on the satellite.

[0130] Satellite communication systems include transparent and non-transparent satellite architectures. Transparent transmission, also known as bend-tube relay transmission, means that the signal only undergoes frequency conversion and amplification on the satellite; the satellite is transparent to the signal, as if it doesn't exist. Non-transparent transmission, also known as regenerative (on-board access / processing) transmission, means that the satellite has some or all of the base station functions. For example, satellites 101 and 102 in the diagram are non-transparent satellite architectures, while satellite 103 is a transparent satellite architecture. Furthermore, satellites can operate in earth-fixed, quasi-earth-fixed, or earth-moving modes.

[0131] For example, Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a possible application framework in a communication system. As shown in Figure 8, network elements in the communication system are connected through interfaces (e.g., NG, Xn) or air interfaces. These network element nodes, such as core network equipment, access network nodes (RAN nodes), terminals, or one or more devices in operations administration and maintenance (OAM), are equipped with one or more AI modules (only one is shown in Figure 8 for clarity). The access network node can be a single RAN node or can include multiple RAN nodes, for example, including CU and DU. The CU and / or DU can also be equipped with one or more AI modules. The CU can also be split into CU-CP and CU-UP, and one or more AI modules are installed in the CU-CP and / or CU-UP.

[0132] AI modules are used to implement corresponding AI functions. AI modules deployed in different network elements can be the same or different. The models of AI modules can achieve different functions depending on the parameter configurations. The models of AI modules can be configured based on one or more of the following parameters: structural parameters (e.g., at least one of the following: number of neural network layers, neural network width, inter-layer connections, neuron weights, neuron activation function, or biases in the activation function), input parameters (e.g., the type and / or dimension of the input parameters), or output parameters (e.g., the type and / or dimension of the output parameters). The biases in the activation function can also be referred to as the biases of the neural network.

[0133] In one example, the neural network mentioned above can be a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), or a generative adversarial network (GAN).

[0134] Deep Neural Networks (DNNs) are artificial neural network architectures with multiple layers of nonlinear transformation units stacked in a hierarchical structure to form deep computational models. Compared to shallow neural networks, deep neural networks have more hidden layers, allowing the network model to capture more complex data structures and higher-level abstract features.

[0135] A CNN is a deep neural network with a convolutional structure. A CNN contains a feature extractor consisting of convolutional layers and subsampling layers. This feature extractor can be viewed as a filter, and the convolution process can be seen as performing convolution between a trainable filter and an input image or a convolutional feature map.

[0136] RNN is a type of recursive neural network that takes sequence data as input, recursively moves in the direction of sequence evolution, and connects all nodes (recurrent units) in a chain-like manner.

[0137] GAN is a deep learning model. It consists of a generator and a discriminator, and is trained through adversarial learning. Its purpose is to estimate the potential distribution of data samples and generate new data samples.

[0138] An AI module can have one or more models. A model can infer an output, which includes one or more parameters. The learning, training, or inference processes of different models can be deployed on different nodes or devices, or they can be deployed on the same node or device.

[0139] In another example, Figure 9 illustrates a different possible application framework in a communication system. As shown in Figure 9, the communication system includes a RAN intelligent controller (RIC). For example, the RIC can be the AI ​​module mentioned above, used to implement AI-related functions. RICs include near-real-time RICs (near-RT RICs) and non-real-time RICs (non-RT RICs). Non-real-time RICs primarily process non-real-time information, such as data that is not sensitive to latency, with latency in the order of seconds. Real-time RICs primarily process near-real-time information, such as data that is relatively sensitive to latency, with latency in the order of tens of milliseconds.

[0140] Near real-time (NRT) RICs are used for model training and inference. For example, they are used to train AI models and then use those models for inference. NRT RICs can obtain network-side and / or terminal-side information from RAN nodes (e.g., CUs, CU-CPs, CU-UPs, DUs, and / or RUs) and / or terminals. This information can be used as training data or inference data. NRT RICs can deliver inference results to RAN nodes and / or terminals. Inference results can be exchanged between CUs and DUs, and / or between DUs and RUs. For example, a NRT RIC delivers an inference result to a DU, which then forwards it to an RU.

[0141] Non-real-time RICs are also used for model training and inference. For example, they are used to train AI models and then use those models for inference. Non-real-time RICs can obtain network-side and / or terminal-side information from RAN nodes (e.g., CUs, CU-CPs, CU-UPs, DUs, and / or RUs) and / or terminals. This information can be used as training data or inference data, and the inference results can be delivered to RAN nodes and / or terminals. Inference results can be exchanged between CUs and DUs, and / or between DUs and RUs; for example, a non-real-time RIC delivers inference results to a DU, which then forwards them to an RU.

[0142] Near real-time RICs and non-real-time RICs can also be configured as separate network elements. Near real-time RICs and non-real-time RICs can also be part of other devices. For example, near real-time RICs can be set in RAN nodes (e.g., CU, DU), while non-real-time RICs can be set in OAM, cloud servers, core network devices, or other network devices.

[0143] In conjunction with the above-described communication system, this application provides a communication method in which a first network device in a first cell where a communication signal covers the terminal device indicates to the terminal device the first transmission resource of a first reference signal of the first network device and the second transmission resource of a second reference signal of the second network device. The terminal device can receive the first reference signal and the second reference signal from different network devices based on the first transmission resource and the second transmission resource, and perform terminal device positioning based on the first reference signal and the second reference signal, thereby improving positioning accuracy.

[0144] In this application, "sending information" can refer to one device sending information to another device, or it can refer to one logical module within a device sending information to another logical module. For example, "network device sending information" can mean that the network device sends information to other devices such as terminal devices, or it can mean that logical module 1 within the network device sends information to logical module 2.

[0145] Similarly, "receiving information" refers to both a device receiving information from another device and a logical module within a device receiving information from another logical module. For example, "network device receiving information" could mean receiving information from a terminal device or logical module 1 within the network device receiving information from logical module 2.

[0146] The phrase "sending information to... (e.g., a terminal device)" and its accompanying illustrations indicate that the destination of the information is a terminal device, including direct or indirect sending. Similarly, phrases such as "receiving information from... (e.g., a terminal device)" and their accompanying illustrations indicate that the source of the information is a terminal device, including direct or indirect receiving. Information may undergo necessary processing, such as format changes, between the source and destination, but the destination device must be able to understand the valid information from the source. Similar interpretations are not repeated here.

[0147] In the following embodiments of this application, the message names, parameter names, information names, etc. between network elements are just examples, and may be different in other embodiments. The communication method of this application is not specifically limited in this regard.

[0148] In this embodiment, each network element may execute some or all of the steps. These steps or operations are merely examples, and other operations or variations may also be performed. The execution order of each step may vary, and it is not necessary to execute all operations.

[0149] This application uses terminal devices and network devices as examples of interactive executors, but does not limit the executor. For example, the method executed by the terminal device can also be executed by modules such as chips, chip systems, and processors applied to the terminal device, or by logic nodes, logic modules, or software that can implement some or all of the functions of the terminal device; it can also be implemented by the communication / processing module in the terminal device, or by circuits or chips (such as modem chips, SoC chips / SIP chips containing modem cores, GPUs / AI processors / ASICs) responsible for communication / processing functions.

[0150] The methods executed by the network device in this application can also be executed by a module (e.g., a chip, chip system, or processor) applied to the network device, or by a logical node, logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the network device. The embodiments of this application do not specifically limit this.

[0151] Figure 10 shows a flowchart of the communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 10, the method may include the following steps:

[0152] S101, the first network device sends first information to the terminal device, and correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first information from the first network device.

[0153] The first information can be sent by the first network device in the form of broadcast (such as through system broadcast message SIB1 or other SIBs), or it can be sent by the first network device through RRC configuration or RRC reconfiguration, or by the first network device in other ways.

[0154] The first network device and the second network device (mentioned later) can be network devices in an NTN. The terminal device is located in a first cell, which is the cell covered by the communication signal of the first network device. The neighboring cell of the first cell is a second cell, which is the cell covered by the communication signal of the second network device. The first information is used to indicate the first transmission resources of the first reference signal of the first network device and the second transmission resources of the second reference signal of the second network device. The first reference signal and the second reference signal are used to locate the terminal device.

[0155] There are two ways to configure the first transmission resources: one is to pre-configure according to the protocol, which allows the system to have a standard resource allocation framework when it is built, ensuring orderly and compatible communication; the other is to configure the network devices according to the real-time network status, which can flexibly adjust resources, improve utilization efficiency, and meet the communication needs under complex network conditions.

[0156] Similarly, the second transmission resources can also be pre-configured according to the protocol, quickly and stably completing resource allocation and reducing the probability of errors; they can also be obtained by the first network device from the second network device, flexibly allocating resources, realizing resource sharing and collaboration between different devices, and improving the overall network communication efficiency.

[0157] The cell covered by the reference signal of the second network device at least partially overlaps with the cell covered by the reference signal of the first network device. In other words, the network device whose cell coverage at least partially overlaps with the cell covered by the reference signal of the first network device is the second network device; that is, the second network device may include one or more network devices.

[0158] In other words, the reference signals sent by the first network device and the second network device work together to locate the terminal device. In the NTN network, each network device can obtain the corresponding first information and broadcast it to the cells covered by its own communication signal.

[0159] The aforementioned reference signal can be a PRS, a synchronization signal block (SSB), a sounding reference signal (SRS), a channel state information-reference signal (CSI-RS), or other reference signals; this application does not impose any specific limitations. For ease of explanation, this application uses a PRS as an example for illustration.

[0160] Before proceeding, let's first clarify the relationship between beams, beam positions, and cells: A cell's coverage area can encompass one or more beam positions (i.e., geographical regions). In mobile communication, network devices use different beams to cover different areas (i.e., beam positions) within a cell. For example, network devices can adjust parameters such as the beam's downtilt angle and azimuth angle to direct the beam to different locations within the cell, thereby concentrating signal energy in a specific area and achieving effective cell coverage.

[0161] Before proceeding, it's essential to clarify the intrinsic relationship between beams, beam positions, and cells: In mobile communication systems, beams and beam positions play a decisive role in cell coverage. Network equipment utilizes different beams to achieve precise coverage of various areas (beam positions) within a cell. For example, network equipment can flexibly adjust key parameters such as beam downtilt and azimuth to accurately point the beam in different directions within the cell, thereby focusing signal energy on specific areas and achieving efficient and effective cell coverage.

[0162] Therefore, in order to provide a more concise and clear description in the following content, this application will refer to the cell as a set of wave positions (i.e., associated with one or more wave positions) in the following examples.

[0163] For example, as shown in Figure 11, in one scenario, the network device includes SAT-1, SAT-2 and SAT-3 satellites, and the communication signals (e.g. SSB) of the above satellites cover six cells (referred to as bw1, bw2, ..., bw6).

[0164] As shown in Figure 11(a), the SAT-1 communication signal beam covers bw1 and bw2, the SAT-2 communication signal beam covers bw2, bw3 and bw4, and the SAT-3 communication signal beam covers bw5 and bw6.

[0165] As shown in Figure 11(b), in order to assist in the positioning of neighboring satellites, the PRS beam of SAT-1, in addition to covering its own communication beam ranges bw1 and bw2, also needs to assist in the positioning of terminal devices within the coverage range of other satellites, namely bw3, bw4 and bw5. In summary, the PRS beam coverage range of SAT-1 is {bw1, bw2, bw3, bw4, bw5}, which is called PRS Set-1.

[0166] As shown in Figure 11(c), in order to assist in the positioning of neighboring satellites, the PRS beam of SAT-2, in addition to covering its own communication beam range bw2, bw3 and bw4, also needs to assist in the positioning of terminal equipment within the coverage range of other satellites, namely bw1, bw5 and bw6. In summary, the PRS beam coverage of SAT-2 is {bw1,bw2,bw3,bw4,bw5,bw6}, which is called PRS Set-2.

[0167] As shown in Figure 11(d), in order to assist in the positioning of neighboring satellites, the PRS beam of SAT-3, in addition to covering its own communication beam range bw5 and bw6, also needs to assist in the positioning of terminal equipment within the coverage range of other satellites, namely bw2, bw3 and bw4. In summary, the PRS beam coverage of SAT-3 is {bw2,bw3,bw4,bw5,bw6}, which is called PRS Set-3.

[0168] Taking the terminal device located at bw1 as an example, the first network device includes SAT-1, and the second network device includes SAT-2 and SAT-3. The first information is used to indicate the reference signal transmission resources of SAT-1, SAT-2, and SAT-3. The first cell includes bw1 and bw2, and the second cell includes bw3, bw4, and bw5. The first reference signal and the second reference signal are used for the positioning of bw1 and bw2.

[0169] S102, the first network device sends a first reference signal to the terminal device based on the first transmission resources, and correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first reference signal from the first network device based on the first transmission resources.

[0170] S103, the second network device sends a second reference signal to the terminal device based on the second transmission resources, and correspondingly, the terminal device receives the second reference signal from the second network device based on the second transmission resources.

[0171] Specifically, after the first network device instructs the terminal device of the first cell to provide the following information via the first information: a first transmission resource for the first reference signal of the first network device and a second transmission resource for the second reference signal of the second network device, the first network device and the second network device can respectively send the first reference signal and the second reference signal to the terminal device through the above steps S102 and S103.

[0172] S104, the terminal device locates itself based on the first reference signal and the second reference signal.

[0173] Regarding the positioning principle, its specific implementation can be found in relevant technologies. The positioning principle is briefly explained below.

[0174] Based on measurements of the first and second reference signals, the terminal device can acquire a series of measurements, such as time of arrival (ToA), frequency of arrival (FoA), reference signal received power (RSRP), and reference signal time difference (RSTD). After acquiring these measurements, the terminal device will comprehensively analyze them and, in conjunction with positioning assistance information (which may include satellite ephemeris information, epoch information, uplink synchronization reference point information, timing drift rate information, or Doppler rate of change information, etc.), use appropriate positioning algorithms (such as trilateration, triangulation, etc.) to calculate its own position coordinates, thus achieving positioning.

[0175] In this embodiment of the application, for the first network device in the first cell where the communication signal covers the terminal device, the first network device provides the terminal device in the first cell with the first transmission resources of the first reference signal of the first network device and the second transmission resources of the second reference signal of the second network device through the first information. Based on the first transmission resources and the second transmission resources, the terminal device can receive reference signals from different network devices (including the first reference signal and the second reference signal) and perform terminal device positioning based on the received multiple reference signals, thereby improving positioning accuracy.

[0176] For the second network device covering the second cell, sending a second reference signal to the terminal device in the first cell outside the second cell increases the quality of the positioning reference signal received by the terminal device (such as reference signal receiving power, reference signal receiving quality, reference signal receiving signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio, etc.) and improves the positioning accuracy.

[0177] For terminal devices within the first cell, based on the first and second transmission resources indicated by the first network device, the terminal device can receive reference signals (including the first and second reference signals) from different network devices, and perform terminal device positioning based on the received multiple reference signals, thereby improving positioning accuracy.

[0178] In one embodiment, prior to step S103, the method may further include:

[0179] S105, the first network device sends the second information to the terminal device, and correspondingly, the terminal device receives the second information from the first network device.

[0180] The second information is used to indicate the mapping relationship between the first reference signal and / or the second reference signal and the first transmission resource, which includes the transmission resource of the synchronization broadcast signal or the transmission resource of the physical downlink control channel.

[0181] Optionally, the above-mentioned mapping relationship of the second reference signal can be configured by the protocol to the first network device, or the second network device can send it to the first network device.

[0182] For example, the synchronous broadcast signal transmission resources may include a set of SSBs, which consists of a primary synchronization signal (PSS), a secondary synchronization signal (SSS), and a portion of the physical broadcast channel (PBCH).

[0183] The physical downlink control channel is primarily responsible for carrying downlink control information; critical commands such as scheduling and power control rely on it for transmission. In practical applications, the transmission resources of the physical downlink control channel can include a resource set CORESET. The resource set CORESET, with its specific combination of resource blocks and symbols, ensures reliable transmission of downlink control information, guaranteeing accurate control command interaction between the base station and terminal equipment.

[0184] Optionally, the above mapping relationship includes at least one of the following: frequency domain mapping relationship (e.g., frequency offset F_Offset), time domain mapping relationship (e.g., start time offset T_Offset), or quasi-co-address relationship, etc.

[0185] In one embodiment, the above mapping relationship can be a one-to-one, one-to-many, or many-to-one mapping relationship. Specifically, a one-to-one mapping relationship means that one reference signal is associated with one communication signal transmission resource, a one-to-many mapping relationship means that one reference signal is associated with multiple first transmission resources, and a many-to-one mapping relationship means that multiple reference signals are associated with one first transmission resource.

[0186] In other words, step S102 may include:

[0187] The first network device sends a first reference signal to the terminal device based on the first transmission resources, and the terminal device receives the first reference signal from the first network device based on the first transmission resources and mapping information.

[0188] The terminal device, based on the mapping relationship indicated by the second information, can more quickly determine the transmission resources of the first reference signal from the first transmission resources.

[0189] For example, as shown in FIG12, taking the first reference signal as an example, the first transmission resource indicated by the first information in step S101 includes a set of transmission resources at multiple times: PRS Set0 to PRS SetN-1. The transmission resources of the SSB include SSB burst 0 to SSB burst N-1.

[0190] The second information indicates the mapping relationship between the first reference signal and the SSB. Based on this mapping relationship, the terminal device determines a specific transmission resource in the transmission resource set for the first reference signal. At a certain moment among multiple moments, the mapping relationship indicates that the first reference signal and SSB0 have a mapping relationship. By comparing SSB0 and the mapping relationship, the terminal device determines that resource A in PRS Set0 is used to transmit the first reference signal.

[0191] In this embodiment, the first network device sends second information to the terminal device to indicate the mapping relationship between the first reference signal and / or the second reference signal and the first transmission resource. Based on the second information, the terminal device can more quickly determine the transmission resource of the first reference signal from the first transmission resource, thereby reducing the reference signal measurement window length and measurement complexity of the terminal device.

[0192] In one embodiment, prior to step S103, the method may further include:

[0193] S106, the first network device sends third information to the terminal device, and correspondingly, the terminal device receives the third information from the first network device.

[0194] The third information is used to indicate the adjustment information of the first transmission resource and / or the adjustment information of the second transmission resource. The adjustment information of the first transmission resource includes at least one of the following configured by the first network device: the beam protection distance information of the first cell, the first parameter, or the second parameter. The first parameter is used to adjust the position of the reference signal resource unit in the frequency domain and / or time domain, and the second parameter is used to adjust the transmission time and / or frequency of the reference signal.

[0195] Optionally, the adjustment information for the second transmission resource can be sent from the second network device to the first network device.

[0196] Similarly, the adjustment information for the second transmission resource includes at least one of the following configurations of the second network device: beam protection distance information of the first cell, a first parameter, or a second parameter.

[0197] The first network device can obtain the above three types of information from the device storing the above three types of information (e.g., the first network device, the second network device, or the terminal device, etc., the terminal device mentioned here is a different terminal device from the terminal device receiving the third information).

[0198] In one possible interpretation, the first parameter can also be called the transmission resource compensation amount, and the second parameter can also be called the transmission resource offset amount.

[0199] The beam protection distance information, transmission resource compensation amount, and transmission resource offset are explained below.

[0200] Regarding beam protection distance information, different network devices are configured with different protection distances for cells. For example, as shown in Figure 13, the second network device SAT-2 is configured with a beam protection distance of Dis1 for the first cell of the first network device, and the second network device SAT-3 is configured with a beam protection distance of Dis2 for the first cell. The areas corresponding to Dis1 and Dis2 are not the same. The third information can indicate Dis1 and Dis2, or it can indicate the larger of Dis1 and Dis2, or it can indicate the smaller of Dis1 and Dis2, without restriction.

[0201] For the first network device and the terminal device, the communication beams / resources within the protection distance indicated by the beam protection distance information can be set to an inactive state.

[0202] For example, a cell / beam discontinuous transmission (CBT) mode can be used. In CBT mode, the first network device stops transmitting signals on the communication beam within the guard distance. This reduces interference between cells or beams, for example, reducing interference with reference signals and improving positioning accuracy. It also helps save system resources and reduce base station power consumption. After receiving the beam guard distance information in this scenario, the terminal device can determine that it does not need to search for the corresponding communication beam within the guard distance.

[0203] In another example, communication beams / resources can be configured for discontinuous reception (DRX) mode. For the terminal device, when communication beams / resources within this protection distance are configured for DRX, the terminal device does not need to continuously detect signals on these communication beams / resources, but instead performs intermittent detection according to a certain period. This can significantly reduce the power consumption of the terminal device, extend battery life, and will not significantly affect normal communication, because the terminal device can be in a low-power sleep state during non-detection periods.

[0204] By configuring communication beams / resources within the protection distance indicated by the beam protection distance information to an inactive state, a good balance can be achieved in terms of improving system performance (such as reducing interference) and optimizing resource utilization (such as reducing power consumption), thereby better meeting the operational needs of wireless communication systems in different scenarios.

[0205] The amount of compensation for transmission resources may include at least one of the following: the (pre)compensation amount t_Offset for the transmission time of the reference signal, or the (pre)compensation amount / (f_Offset) for the transmission frequency of the reference signal.

[0206] For example, the aforementioned transmission resource compensation amount can be a time / frequency offset relative to an agreed starting position. This agreed starting position can be explicitly defined by the communication protocol or indicated by the network device based on the actual situation. For instance, a common agreed starting position can be a frame boundary. In communication, a frame is the basic unit of data transmission, and the frame boundary serves as an important time reference point. Taking t_Offset as an example, it can provide a reliable benchmark for determining the time (pre)compensation amount; or it can be an uplink synchronization time reference point. When the terminal device and the network device perform uplink synchronization, this reference point is of great significance for accurately measuring and adjusting the signal transmission time. The reference signal transmission frequency (pre)compensation amount / (f_Offset) is the key parameter for adjusting and compensating the transmission of the reference signal from the frequency dimension.

[0207] For terminal equipment, the receiving window of the reference signal indicated by the first information can be adjusted based on the time-frequency pre-compensation information (in other words, the time-frequency range of the reference signal detection is adjusted). Based on the time-frequency pre-compensation information, the receiving window of the PRS is finely adjusted first. The receiving window is crucial for the accurate acquisition of the PRS signal. Through the time-frequency pre-compensation information, its start and end times can be dynamically adjusted to capture the signal at the optimal time. It can also precisely set the frequency range in the frequency domain. If there is a frequency offset, it can be adjusted in the frequency domain according to this information to ensure that the PRS signal falls completely within the window.

[0208] For example, as shown in Figure 14, the first network device includes SAT-1, and the second network device includes SAT-2. In scenario 1, the first transmission resource of SAT-1 and the second transmission resource of SAT-2 are far apart in the time domain, resulting in a large receiving window for the terminal device. The transmission resource compensation amount indicated in the third information instructs that the second transmission resource of SAT-2 be adjusted forward in the time domain. The adjusted second transmission resource is closer to the first transmission resource of SAT-1 in the time domain, thereby reducing the receiving window of the terminal device.

[0209] In Scenario 2, the first transmission resource of SAT-1 and the second transmission resource of SAT-2 partially overlap in the time domain, causing mutual interference between the first and second reference signals during transmission. The transmission resource compensation amount indicated in the third information specifies that the second transmission resource of SAT-2 should be adjusted backward in the time domain. After adjustment, the second transmission resource no longer overlaps with the first transmission resource of SAT-1 in the time domain, thus avoiding mutual interference between the first and second reference signals.

[0210] Optionally, the terminal device can also use time-frequency pre-compensation information for signal demodulation, where it plays a crucial role. Signal demodulation is key to restoring the modulated reference signal; based on this information, the demodulation algorithm can be optimized, taking into account the time-frequency variations during signal transmission, and the pre-compensation information can be used to calibrate the demodulated reference signal to adapt it to the actual characteristics of the signal.

[0211] The following describes the transmission resource offset in the above three information items. The transmission resource offset may include the first offset (DL-PRS-ReOffset) or the second offset (DL-PRS-ResourceSetSlot(Symbol)Offset).

[0212] DL-PRS-ReOffset refers to the offset of the downlink positioning reference signal (e.g., the first reference signal and the second reference signal of this application) at the resource element (RE) level. In the complex time-frequency resource architecture of a communication system, the resource element is the most basic unit, and each resource element corresponds to a specific subcarrier and symbol time. DL-PRS-ReOffset is used to determine the offset of the first reference signal and / or the second reference signal relative to the reference position in the time-frequency resource along the resource element dimension. By flexibly setting DL-PRS-ReOffset, the positions of the first reference signal and / or the second reference signal in the time-frequency resource can be effectively adjusted, reducing mutual interference between reference signals.

[0213] DL-PRS-ResourceSetSlot(Symbol)Offset represents the offset of the resource set of downlink positioning reference signals (e.g., the first and second reference signals of this application) in the slot or symbol dimension. In the radio frame structure, a slot is an important unit of time containing multiple symbols. This offset is used to define the starting position offset of the downlink positioning reference signal resource set relative to a certain reference slot or symbol. Based on DL-PRS-ResourceSetSlot(Symbol)Offset, the position of the first and / or second reference signal resources can be adjusted in the time domain. When multiple different types of services or signals exist in the system, by reasonably setting the slot or symbol offset, the first and second reference signals can be reasonably interleaved in time, avoiding time overlap and interference, and improving the accuracy and precision of positioning.

[0214] Optionally, the adjustment information of the first transmission resource may also include the reference object when adjusting the first parameter (transmission resource offset) of the first reference signal. The reference object may include at least one of the following: time, location, beam, wave position, reference signal, or geographical area.

[0215] In this design, the first parameter can be associated with different reference objects. Through different reference objects, the transmission resources can be distinguished and conflicts can be avoided.

[0216] For example, when the reference object includes time, the first parameter of resource unit, time slot, symbol, etc., can be associated with different time periods. For instance, during communication, different services may be transmitted in different time periods. By setting corresponding first parameters, these services can be distinguished in time, avoiding conflicts. For example, a specific combination of first parameters can be set for the first time period, and another set for the second time period, thereby achieving flexible scheduling of services in different time periods.

[0217] For example, as shown in Figure 15, the first transmission resources for the first time period and the first transmission resources for the second time period are shown respectively.

[0218] In the first time period, ReOffset = 0 and Symbol Offset = 1. When ReOffset is 0, it means that the first reference signal, at the resource element level, starts occupying resources for transmission from the default starting resource element position. When Symbol Offset is 1, it indicates that the first reference signal, in the time dimension, has shifted by 1 symbol compared to the starting position of the reference symbol. In the second time period, ReOffset = 1 and Symbol Offset = 2. When ReOffset is 1, it means that the first reference signal, at the resource element level, has shifted by 1 resource element compared to the default starting position, which indicates that the first reference signal, in the time dimension, has shifted by 2 symbols compared to the starting position of the reference symbol.

[0219] When the reference object includes a location, the first parameter can be determined based on a reference location, combined with a distance threshold. In positioning scenarios, network devices, etc., are used as reference locations. The first parameter represents the offset of the target location relative to the reference location, while the distance threshold is used to define the effective range, which helps with accurate positioning and resource allocation.

[0220] When the reference object includes a beam or wave position, the first parameter is associated with the beam or wave position, which determines the transmission and reception direction of the signal. Associating the first parameter with these parameters allows for adjustment of the positions of resource units, time slots, symbols, etc., under different beam directions or wave positions, to adapt to different signal propagation directions and coverage areas, thereby optimizing signal transmission performance.

[0221] When the reference object includes a reference signal, such as an SSB or PRS signal, the first parameter is associated with the SSB / PRS index: the Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) and Positioning Reference Signal (PRS) index are used to identify different signal sets. Associating the first parameter with them allows for flexible adjustment of resource allocation under different SSB / PRS indices, ensuring accurate transmission and reception for each signal set.

[0222] When the reference object includes a geographical region, the communication environment and needs differ in different regions. By associating the first parameter with the geographical region, resources can be configured according to regional characteristics. For example, different first parameters can be set for densely populated areas and remote areas to achieve rational allocation and efficient utilization of resources.

[0223] In one embodiment, the adjustment information of the first transmission resource may be carried in Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling, Media Access Control (MAC) control element (MAC CE) signaling, or Downlink Control Information (DCI) signaling.

[0224] For the terminal device, the reference signal transmission resources indicated by the first information can be adjusted based on the transmission resource offset, and then the reference signal, such as the first reference signal or the second reference signal, can be received based on the adjusted reference signal transmission resources.

[0225] In this embodiment of the application, the first network device provides the terminal device with adjustment information for the first transmission resource and / or the second transmission resource through the third information, which can adjust the transmission resources for the terminal device to receive the reference signal in a timely manner, help the terminal device to correctly receive the reference signal, avoid resource conflicts, and improve resource utilization efficiency.

[0226] In one embodiment, prior to step S101, the method may further include:

[0227] S107, the terminal device sends a location request to the first network device, and the first network device receives the location request from the terminal device.

[0228] The location request is used to request the first and second transmission resources. This location request can be an on-demand location request, also known as a proactive location request.

[0229] In this embodiment, the terminal device actively sends a location request to the first network device, triggering the location of the terminal device and giving it greater autonomy during the location process. This proactive approach allows the terminal device to trigger the location process promptly based on its own needs, such as when entering a new area or requiring more precise location information, thus improving the timeliness and flexibility of the location process.

[0230] In one embodiment, before sending a location request to the first network device, the method further includes:

[0231] S108, The terminal device is determined to meet the first condition.

[0232] The first condition includes at least one of the following: the strength of the reference signal received by the terminal device from the first network device is lower than a first threshold, and / or the rate of change of the terminal device's position is greater than a preset threshold. In other words, the first condition is used to determine that the terminal device does not store valid location information or does not have valid location information.

[0233] The first condition is considered met when a specific condition is met regarding the strength of the reference signal received from the first network device before the terminal device sends a location request. Specifically, if the relevant strength indicators of the reference signal, such as the Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) or the Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ), are lower than a preset first threshold, it indicates that the strength of the reference signal is at a weak level, which may affect the accuracy and stability of the positioning, thus satisfying the first condition.

[0234] From the perspective of terminal device location changes, if the rate of location change of the terminal device is abnormal, it will also be considered to meet the first condition. The rate of location change here involves multiple dimensions, which may include, for example, the degree of location jitter, the magnitude of positioning error, and positioning accuracy. Once the rate of location change of the terminal device exceeds a preset threshold, it means that the terminal device's location is in an unstable state, or the current positioning accuracy cannot meet the requirements, and the first condition is also met.

[0235] Optionally, the first condition further includes: the strength of the communication signal received by the terminal device is higher than the second threshold.

[0236] The first condition can incorporate the factor of communication signal strength. When the communication signal strength received by the terminal device is higher than the second threshold, the terminal device has a better communication foundation. At this time, by combining factors such as positioning signal and position change rate, a more comprehensive assessment of the terminal device's status can be made, leading to a more reasonable positioning decision.

[0237] Optionally, as shown in Figure 16, step S108 can be applied during the downlink and uplink synchronization processes of the terminal device. After downlink synchronization begins, the terminal device acquires system information and then executes step S108. If the first condition is met, the terminal device begins acquiring location information (e.g., performing terminal device positioning to obtain location information, or selecting enhanced preamble for access to obtain location information). Then, based on the location result determined by the location information, uplink synchronization is performed, such as time-frequency precompensation and sending a preamble. If the first condition is not met, the terminal device directly performs uplink synchronization and completes cell selection based on the location result determined by its own stored location information, improving uplink synchronization performance.

[0238] Optionally, if the first condition is met, the terminal can also perform uplink synchronization based on the network-side configuration information by selecting a preamble that meets the conditions (such as double Zadoff-Chu sequences, enhanced preambles, longer cyclic prefixes, longer guard gaps, etc. to resist the impact of large latency); otherwise, the terminal device directly performs uplink synchronization based on its own stored location information and selects a regular preamble (such as the 139 or 839 length preamble format based on Zadoff-Chu sequences defined by 5G) to improve uplink synchronization performance.

[0239] In this embodiment of the application, when the terminal device determines that the first condition that may affect the positioning accuracy is met, it actively sends a positioning request to the first network device to trigger the positioning of the terminal device, which can improve the positioning accuracy.

[0240] In one embodiment, prior to step S104, the method may further include:

[0241] S109, the first network device sends ephemeris information to the terminal device, and correspondingly, the terminal device receives the ephemeris information from the first network device.

[0242] The ephemeris information includes first ephemeris information from the first network device and / or second ephemeris information from the second network device. This ephemeris information is used for the positioning of the terminal device. The ephemeris information contains parameters such as the position and velocity of satellites (e.g., the first or second network device), allowing the terminal device to calculate the satellite position at a specific time, providing a basis for positioning algorithms such as triangulation. In other words, the ephemeris information can be used by the terminal device during step S104 to improve positioning accuracy. Alternatively, step S104 may include:

[0243] The terminal equipment locates itself based on ephemeris information, the first reference signal, and the second reference signal.

[0244] Furthermore, when the ephemeris information includes second ephemeris information, the method may further include the following steps before step S109:

[0245] S112, the second network device sends the second ephemeris information to the first network device, and correspondingly, the first network device sends the second ephemeris information to the second network device.

[0246] In this embodiment, the first network device provides ephemeris information to the terminal device, which can be used by the terminal device during positioning to improve positioning accuracy.

[0247] In one embodiment, prior to steps S102 and S103, the method may further include:

[0248] S110, the first network device sends capability information to the terminal device, and correspondingly, the terminal device receives the capability information from the first network device.

[0249] Among them, capability information is used to indicate whether a network device (such as a first network device or a second network device) supports passive positioning. In practical application scenarios, the concept of passive positioning has several alternative interpretations, such as idle-state positioning, which is positioning performed when the terminal device is in an idle state; positioning before the initial access process, which is positioning that can be carried out before the terminal device completes the initial access operation with the network; and local location calculation of the terminal device, which means that the terminal device relies on its own internal computing power to calculate its location.

[0250] For terminal devices, based on the received capability information, they can clearly know the specific situation of the network device in terms of positioning capability, without having to make invalid attempts to receive reference signals on network devices that do not support passive positioning.

[0251] Optionally, the capability information of the second network device can be configured by the protocol to the first network device, or the second network device can send the capability information to the first network device.

[0252] Optionally, step S110 may be indicated to the terminal device together with the second information indicating the mapping information in step S105.

[0253] In this embodiment, the first network device sends information to the terminal device indicating whether it supports passive positioning. Based on this, the terminal device can clearly understand the positioning capabilities of the network device and thus rationally plan its own positioning strategy. Since there is no need to waste time attempting to receive reference signals on network devices that do not support passive positioning, the terminal device can utilize network resources and its own computing resources more efficiently, thereby improving the performance and stability of the entire communication system.

[0254] In one embodiment, prior to step S101, the method may further include:

[0255] S111, the second network device acquires the second transmission resource of the second reference signal.

[0256] The second network device can obtain the second transmission resources of the second reference signal through the following means:

[0257] Option 1: Configure the second network device according to the network conditions.

[0258] Method 2: Protocol configuration.

[0259] S113, the second network device sends the second transmission resource to the first network device, and correspondingly, the first network device receives the second transmission resource from the second network device.

[0260] The preceding text described a possible method for obtaining the second transmission resource indicated by the first information of the first network device. In this embodiment, the second transmission resource is provided to the first network device by the second network device.

[0261] In this embodiment, compared to simply relying on protocol configuration for the second transmission resources, this approach improves the flexibility of resource allocation. It can more efficiently meet the actual needs of the first network device, avoiding resource waste or insufficiency, thereby improving the overall network system's operational efficiency and service quality.

[0262] In one embodiment, the first transmission resource includes first reference signal pattern information, and the second transmission resource includes second reference signal pattern information.

[0263] The following explanation uses the first reference signal pattern as an example. The explanation of the second reference signal pattern can be found in the first reference signal pattern information and will not be repeated here. The reference signal pattern is also called the reference signal design.

[0264] Furthermore, the first reference signal pattern information includes at least one of the following:

[0265] Positioning period, time offset, frequency domain start position, polarization mode, subcarrier spacing, symbol duration, cyclic prefix length, comb size, number of repetitions, or bitmap information.

[0266] In more detail, the bitmap information mentioned above can also be called silent information, which is used to indicate the location of resources that do not require the transmission of reference signals.

[0267] Specifically, in multi-cell scenarios, the system supports a muting mechanism when configuring resources for the first reference signal. This mechanism uses bitmap information to configure resource locations that do not require reference signal transmission. Through the muting mechanism, reference signals from adjacent cells can be transmitted at off-peak times in the time domain, effectively avoiding mutual interference between reference signals transmitted by different network devices. This measure not only significantly enhances the reliability of signal transmission, saves transmission resources and power consumption, but also further improves positioning performance.

[0268] Table 1 shows the time-frequency domain resource patterns of the reference signal under different cyclic prefix lengths and comb sizes.

[0269] In the time-frequency domain resources of the reference signal, "0" represents that there is no reference signal on the corresponding resource element (RE), and "1" represents that there is a reference signal on the corresponding RE. Different comb sizes (2, 4, 6, 12) correspond to different resource distribution patterns.

[0270] For example, as shown in Table 1, for “comb2”, when the comb size is 2, the resource distribution in the corresponding row shows a reference signal (position with a value of 1) according to a certain pattern; as the comb size increases to 4, 6, and 12, the distribution pattern of the reference signal on the RE becomes more complex, and the position and interval of the reference signal also change accordingly.

[0271] In the table, "NA" indicates that there is no corresponding configuration or situation under the current comb size and the parameter combination corresponding to the column. These different comb size configurations provide multiple options for the allocation of reference signals in the time-frequency domain to adapt to different communication scenarios and needs.

[0272] Table 1

[0273] Figure 17 illustrates the time-frequency domain resource mapping of the reference signal under comb6 / 6-symbol. Figure 17 is grid-like, with the horizontal axis representing the frequency domain and the vertical axis representing the time domain. Each small square represents a resource unit. Solid squares indicate the presence of a reference signal (value "1"), while hollow squares indicate its absence (value "0"). "comb6" indicates a comb size of 6, meaning the reference signal is distributed every 6 REs in the frequency domain; "6symbol" indicates that 6 symbols are involved in the time domain. This mapping method determines how the terminal device detects and uses the reference signal for positioning and other operations.

[0274] Figure 18 illustrates three examples of PRS repetition. PRS supports flexible configuration of the repetition count and offset for a single instance. The repetition count is controlled by the parameter `dl-PRS-ResourceRepetitionFactor`, which can be configured as {1,2,4,6,8,16,32}; the repetition offset is controlled by the parameter `dl-PRS-ResourceTimeGap`, which can also be configured as {1,2,4,6,8,16,32}. Specific signal transmission mode examples are as follows:

[0275] Example 1: The repetition count is configured to 8, and the repetition bias is 1. In the diagram, 8 consecutive identical units represent 8 repetitions of the signal, with a time interval of 1 unit between adjacent repetitions.

[0276] Example 2: The repetition count is configured to 4, and the repetition bias is 1. The figure shows that the signal of 4 identical units is repeatedly transmitted, and the time interval between adjacent repetitions is 1 unit.

[0277] Example 3: The repetition count is configured to 4, and the repetition bias is 4. The figure shows the signal of 4 identical units being repeatedly transmitted, but the time interval between adjacent repetitions is 4 units, and the signal and other units are interleaved in time within different repetition periods, which reflects the case of bias 4.

[0278] In one embodiment, when measuring time / frequency related information in step S104, a reference point is required, which can be flexibly set.

[0279] For example, the reference point (RP) can be an uplink time synchronization reference point. For instance, as shown in Figure 19, this scenario includes a first network device, a terminal device, a reference point, and a ground station. The first network device and the terminal device measure the Service Link Round-Trip Time (RTT); the first network device and the reference point RP interact regarding Common Time Advance (TA); and the reference point RP and the ground station measure the Feeder Link Round-Trip Time (RTT). In this case, the reference point (RP) is the uplink time synchronization reference point, i.e., the alignment point between downlink and uplink frames in the non-terrestrial network (or it can be the alignment point offset by a non-terrestrial network time offset).

[0280] As can be seen from the above description, in the communication method of this application, the first network device of the first cell where the communication signal covers the terminal device indicates to the terminal device the first transmission resource of the first reference signal of the first network device and the second transmission resource of the second reference signal of the second network device through the first information. Based on the first transmission resource and the second transmission resource, the terminal device can receive the first reference signal and the second reference signal from different network devices, and perform terminal device positioning based on the first reference signal and the second reference signal, thereby improving positioning accuracy.

[0281] It is understood that the communication method provided in this application embodiment does not limit the applicable communication system. For example, the communication method provided in this application embodiment can be applied to an O-RAN communication system. Based on the functional design of O-DU / O-CU / O-RU in the O-RAN communication system, the steps executed by the network device in the communication method provided in this application embodiment can be flexibly implemented by one or more of O-DU / O-CU / O-RU, without limitation.

[0282] In another embodiment, the communication method proposed in this application is also applicable to a chip system. Specifically, the chip system on the network side and / or the terminal device side is provided with a memory unit for storing the corresponding information for implementing the communication method of this application embodiment. Based on the corresponding information, the processor, in conjunction with a radio frequency / antenna module with transceiver functions, interacts with the other side to implement the communication method of this application embodiment.

[0283] The foregoing mainly describes the solution provided by the embodiments of this application from the perspective of the execution logic of each step. It is understood that each node, such as a network device, includes corresponding hardware structures and / or software modules to execute each function in order to achieve the above-mentioned functions. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, in conjunction with the algorithm steps of the examples described in the embodiments disclosed herein, the method of the embodiments of this application can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in a hardware or computer software-driven hardware manner depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0284] This application embodiment can divide the network device into functional modules according to the above method example. For example, each function can be divided into its own functional module, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated module can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional module. It should be noted that the module division in this application embodiment is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods.

[0285] For example, Figure 20 illustrates a possible structural schematic of a communication device. It is understood that the communication device 700 includes means of the necessary form, such as modules, units, elements, circuits, or interfaces, to be appropriately configured together to perform this solution. The communication device 700 can be a terminal device or network device as described in the above method embodiments, or it can be a component (e.g., a chip) in these devices used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments. The communication device 700 includes one or more processors 701. The processor 701 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, for example, a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the central processing unit can be used to control the communication device, execute software programs, and process data from the software programs.

[0286] Optionally, in one design, the processor 701 may include a program 703 (sometimes also referred to as code or instructions) that can be executed on the processor 701 to cause the communication device 700 to perform the methods described in the above embodiments. In yet another possible design, the communication device 700 includes circuitry (not shown in FIG20) for implementing the signal processing functions in the above embodiments.

[0287] Optionally, the communication device 700 may include one or more memories 702 storing a program 704 (sometimes referred to as code or instructions), which can be run on the processor 701 to cause the communication device 700 to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments.

[0288] Optionally, the processor 701 and / or memory 702 may include AI modules 707 and 708, which are used to implement AI-related functions. The AI ​​modules can be implemented through software, hardware, or a combination of both. For example, the AI ​​module may include a RIC module. For example, the AI ​​module may be a near real-time RIC or a non-real-time RIC.

[0289] Optionally, the processor 701 and / or memory 702 may also store data. The processor and memory may be configured separately or integrated together.

[0290] Optionally, the communication device 700 may further include a transceiver 705 and / or an antenna 706. The processor 701, sometimes referred to as a processing unit, controls the communication device. The transceiver 705, sometimes referred to as a transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, or transceiver, is used to realize the transmission and reception functions of the communication device through the antenna 706.

[0291] Figure 21 illustrates a possible exemplary block diagram of the communication device involved in the embodiments of this application. As shown in Figure 21, the communication device 900 may include modules or units for implementing the methods described above. In one possible design, the communication device 900 includes a processing unit 902 and a communication unit 903. Optionally, the communication device 900 may further include a storage unit 901 for storing device program code and / or data.

[0292] The communication device 900 can be a terminal device-side device in the above embodiments, such as a terminal device or a communication module in a terminal device, or a circuit or chip in a terminal device that is responsible for communication functions.

[0293] For example, in one embodiment, the communication unit 903 is configured to: receive first information from a first network device, the first information indicating a first transmission resource of a first reference signal of the first network device and a second transmission resource of a second reference signal of a second network device, the first reference signal and the second reference signal being used to locate the terminal device; and then, receive the first reference signal based on the first transmission resource and receive the second reference signal based on the second transmission resource. The processing unit 902 is specifically configured to: locate the terminal device based on the first reference signal and the second reference signal.

[0294] Optionally, the above-mentioned units can also be used to perform the remaining steps executed by the terminal device in the above communication method. The description of these steps can be found in the preceding text and will not be repeated here.

[0295] In one possible design, when the communication device 900 is a terminal device or a communication module within a terminal device, the function of the processing unit 902 can be implemented by one or more processors. Specifically, the processor may include a modem chip, or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) chip or a SIP chip containing a modem core. The function of the communication unit 903 can be implemented by transceiver circuitry.

[0296] In one possible design, when the communication device 900 is a circuit or chip responsible for communication functions in a terminal device, such as a modem chip or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) or SIP chip containing a modem core, the function of the processing unit 902 can be implemented by a circuit system in the aforementioned chip that includes one or more processors or processor cores. The function of the communication unit 903 can be implemented by an interface circuit or data transceiver circuit on the aforementioned chip.

[0297] In one possible design, when the communication device 900 is a terminal device or a processing module within a terminal device, the functionality of the processing unit 902 can be implemented by one or more processors. Specifically, the processor may include a GPU, or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) or SIP chip containing a GPU. Alternatively, the processor may include an AI processor, or a SoC or SIP chip containing an AI processor. Or, the processor may include an ASIC, or a SoC or SIP chip containing an ASIC. The functionality of the communication unit 903 can be implemented by transceiver circuitry.

[0298] In one possible design, when the communication device 900 is a circuit or chip in a terminal device responsible for processing functions, such as a GPU or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) or SIP chip containing a GPU, an AI processor or a SoC or SIP chip containing an AI processor, or an ASIC or a SoC or SIP chip containing an ASIC, the function of the processing unit 902 can be implemented by a circuit system in the aforementioned chip that includes one or more processors or processor cores. The function of the communication unit 903 can be implemented by interface circuitry or data transceiver circuitry on the aforementioned chip.

[0299] The communication device 900 can be a network-side device in the above embodiments, such as a network device or a communication module in a network device, or a circuit or chip in a network device that is responsible for communication functions.

[0300] For example, in one example, the communication device 900 can be the second network device in the above embodiment. In this case, the processing unit 902 is used to acquire the second transmission resources of the second reference signal, the second reference signal being a reference signal for locating a terminal device in the first cell, the first cell being a neighboring cell of the second cell, and the second cell being a cell covered by the communication signal of the second network device; the communication unit 903 is used to send the second reference signal to the terminal device located in the first cell based on the second transmission resources.

[0301] Optionally, the above-mentioned units can also be used to perform the remaining steps executed by the second network device in the above communication method, as can be seen from the above description, and will not be repeated here.

[0302] For example, in one embodiment, the communication device 900 can be the first network device in the above embodiment. The communication unit 903 is used to send first information, which indicates the first transmission resources of the first reference signal of the first network device and the second transmission resources of the second reference signal of the second network device. The first reference signal and the second reference signal are used to locate terminal devices in a first cell, where the first cell is a cell covered by the communication signal of the first network device, and the neighboring cells of the first cell are second cells, which are cells covered by the communication signal of the second network device; and to send the first reference signal.

[0303] Optionally, the above-mentioned units can also be used to perform the remaining steps executed by the first network device in the above communication method, and their descriptions can be found above and will not be repeated here.

[0304] It is understood that the division of units in the above-described device is merely a logical functional division. One function can correspond to one functional unit, or two or more functions can be integrated into one functional unit. In actual implementation, all or some units can be integrated onto a single physical entity, or distributed across different physical entities. Furthermore, the aforementioned functional units can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of both. Whether a function is executed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for specific applications, but such implementations should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0305] In one example, the functional unit in any of the above devices may be one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the above methods, such as: one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or one or more central processing units (CPUs), one or more microcontroller units (MCUs), one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), or one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or a combination of at least two of these integrated circuit forms.

[0306] In one example, storage unit 901 may include random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory or electrically erasable programmable memory and / or registers, etc.

[0307] This application embodiment also provides a communication system corresponding to a terminal device positioning scenario. The communication system may include: a terminal device, a first network device, and a second network device. The devices in the communication system may have the functions of the aforementioned communication device 900.

[0308] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium. All or part of the processes in the above method embodiments can be implemented by a computer program instructing related hardware. This program can be stored in the computer-readable storage medium, and when executed, it can include the processes of the above method embodiments. The computer-readable storage medium can be a terminal device device of any of the foregoing embodiments, such as an internal storage unit including a data sending end and / or a data receiving end, such as a hard disk or memory of the terminal device device. The computer-readable storage medium can also be an external storage device of the terminal device device, such as a plug-in hard disk, smart media card (SMC), secure digital (SD) card, flash card, etc., equipped on the terminal device device. Further, the computer-readable storage medium can include both internal storage units and external storage devices of the terminal device device. The computer-readable storage medium is used to store the computer program and other programs and data required by the terminal device device. The computer-readable storage medium can also be used to temporarily store data that has been output or will be output.

[0309] This application also provides computer instructions. All or part of the processes described in the above method embodiments can be executed by computer instructions to instruct related hardware (such as computers, processors, network devices, and terminal devices). The program can be stored in the aforementioned computer-readable storage medium.

[0310] This application also provides a computer program product that, when run on a computer, causes the above-described method embodiments to be executed.

[0311] This application also provides a chip system. The chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices, without limitation. The chip system includes a processor and a transceiver. All or part of the processes in the above method embodiments can be completed by this chip system, such as the chip system being used to implement the functions performed by the network device or terminal device in the above method embodiments.

[0312] In one possible design, the chip system further includes a memory for storing program instructions and / or data. When the chip system is running, the processor executes the program instructions stored in the memory to enable the chip system to perform the functions performed by the network device or terminal device in the above method embodiments.

[0313] In the embodiments of this application, the processor may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components, capable of implementing or executing the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly manifested as being executed by a hardware processor, or executed by a combination of hardware and software modules within the processor.

[0314] In the embodiments of this application, the memory can be non-volatile memory, such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD), or it can be volatile memory, such as random-access memory (RAM). Memory is any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures, and accessible by a computer, but is not limited thereto. The memory in the embodiments of this application can also be a circuit or any other device capable of implementing storage functions, used to store instructions and / or data.

[0315] It should be noted that the terms "first" and "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and drawings of this application are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a specific order. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but may optionally include steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products, or apparatuses.

[0316] It should be understood that in the embodiments of this application, "at least one (item)" refers to one or more, "more than one" refers to two or more, "at least two (items)" refers to two or three or more, and "and / or" is used to describe the association relationship of related objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, "A and / or B" can represent: only A exists, only B exists, and A and B exist simultaneously, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the related objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. "At least one (item) of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one (item) of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c, "a and b", "a and c", "b and c", or "a and b and c", where a, b, and c can be single or multiple. It should be understood that in the embodiments of this application, "B corresponding to A" means that B is associated with A. For example, B can be determined based on A. It should also be understood that determining B based on A does not mean determining B solely based on A; B can also be determined based on A and / or other information. Furthermore, the term "connection" in the embodiments of this application refers to various connection methods, such as direct or indirect connections, to achieve communication between devices; the embodiments of this application do not impose any limitations on this.

[0317] Unless otherwise specified, the term "transmission" in the embodiments of this application refers to bidirectional transmission, encompassing the actions of sending and / or receiving. Specifically, "transmission" in the embodiments of this application includes sending data, receiving data, or both sending and receiving data. In other words, data transmission here includes uplink and / or downlink data transmission. Data may include channels and / or signals; uplink data transmission refers to uplink channel and / or uplink signal transmission, and downlink data transmission refers to downlink channel and / or downlink signal transmission. The terms "network" and "system" in the embodiments of this application refer to the same concept; a communication system is a communication network.

[0318] Through the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, only the division of the above functional modules is used as an example. In actual applications, the above functions can be assigned to different functional modules as needed, that is, the internal structure of the device can be divided into different functional modules to complete all or part of the functions described above.

[0319] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed apparatus and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of modules or units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another device, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between devices or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0320] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. A component shown as a unit can be one or more physical units; that is, it can be located in one place or distributed in multiple different locations. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0321] Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit. If the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the embodiments of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a device, such as a microcontroller, chip, or processor, to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, ROM, RAM, magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0322] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a terminal device or a chip in the terminal device. The method includes: Receive first information from a first network device, the first information being used to indicate a first transmission resource of a first reference signal of the first network device and a second transmission resource of a second reference signal of a second network device; The first reference signal is received based on the first transmission resource; The second reference signal is received based on the second transmission resource; The terminal device is located based on the first reference signal and the second reference signal.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive second information from the first network device, wherein the second information is used to indicate the mapping relationship between the first reference signal and / or the second reference signal relative to a first transmission resource, the first transmission resource including the transmission resource of a synchronization broadcast signal or the transmission resource of a physical downlink control channel.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The mapping relationship includes at least one of the following: frequency domain mapping relationship, time domain mapping relationship, or quasi-co-addressing relationship.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The first transmission resource includes first reference signal pattern information, and the second transmission resource includes second reference signal pattern information.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The method further includes: The terminal device receives third information from a first network device, the third information indicating adjustment information for the first transmission resource and / or the second transmission resource. The adjustment information for the first transmission resource includes at least one of the following configured by the first network device: beam protection distance information of the first cell, a first parameter, or a second parameter. The terminal device is located in the first cell. The first parameter is used to adjust the position of the reference signal resource-occupying unit in the frequency domain and / or time domain, and the second parameter is used to adjust the transmission time and / or frequency of the reference signal. The adjustment information for the second transmission resource includes at least one of the following configured by the second network device: The beam protection distance information of the first cell, the first parameter, or the second parameter.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The adjustment information for the first transmission resource further includes: a reference object corresponding to the first parameter of the first reference signal, wherein the reference object includes at least one of the following: Time, location, beam, reference signal, wave position, or geographical region.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The method further includes: A location request is sent to the first network device, wherein the location request is used to request the first transmission resource and the second transmission resource.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, Before sending a location request to the first network device, the method further includes: The system is determined to meet a first condition, wherein the first condition includes at least one of the following: the strength of the reference signal received by the terminal device from the first network device is lower than a first threshold, and / or the position change rate of the terminal device is greater than a preset threshold.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first condition further includes: the strength of the communication signal received by the terminal device from the first network device is higher than the second threshold.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The method further includes: The terminal device receives ephemeris information from the first network device, wherein the ephemeris information includes first ephemeris information of the first network device and / or second ephemeris information of the second network device, and the ephemeris information is used for positioning of the terminal device.

11. A communication method, said method being applied to a second network device or a chip in the second network device, characterized in that, include: The second transmission resource for obtaining the second reference signal, wherein the second reference signal is a reference signal for locating terminal devices in the first cell, the first cell is a neighboring cell of the second cell, and the second cell is a cell covered by the communication signal of the second network device; A second reference signal is sent to the terminal device based on the second transmission resource.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The method further includes: The second transmission resource is sent to the first network device, wherein the first cell is the cell covered by the communication signal of the first network device.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send second ephemeris information to the first network device, wherein the second ephemeris information is used for the positioning of the terminal device.

14. The method according to any one of claims 11-13, characterized in that, The second transmission resource includes second reference signal pattern information.

15. The method according to any one of claims 11-14, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send the adjustment information of the second transmission resource to the first network device, wherein the adjustment information of the second transmission resource includes at least one of the following configured by the second network device: beam protection distance information of the first cell, a first parameter, or a second parameter, wherein the first parameter is used to adjust the position of the resource unit occupied by the second reference signal in the frequency domain and / or time domain, and the second parameter is used to adjust the transmission time and / or frequency of the second reference signal.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The adjustment information for the second transmission resource also includes a reference object corresponding to the first parameter of the second reference signal, wherein the reference object includes at least one of the following: Time, location, beam, reference signal, wave position, or geographical region.

17. A communication method, said method being applied to a first network device or a chip in the first network device, characterized in that, include: Send first information, the first information is used to indicate the first transmission resources of the first reference signal of the first network device and the second transmission resources of the second reference signal of the second network device, the first reference signal and the second reference signal are used to locate the terminal device in the first cell, the first cell is the cell covered by the communication signal of the first network device, the neighboring cell of the first cell is the second cell, and the second cell is the cell covered by the communication signal of the second network device; Send the first reference signal.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send second information to the terminal device, wherein the second information is used to indicate the mapping relationship between the first reference signal and / or the second reference signal and the first transmission resource, the first transmission resource including the transmission resource of the synchronization broadcast signal or the transmission resource of the physical downlink control channel.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, The mapping relationship includes at least one of the following: frequency domain mapping relationship, time domain mapping relationship, or quasi-co-addressing relationship.

20. The method according to any one of claims 17-19, characterized in that, The first transmission resource includes first reference signal pattern information, and the second transmission resource includes second reference signal pattern information.

21. The method according to any one of claims 17-20, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a third message, the third message being used to indicate the adjustment information of the first transmission resource and / or the adjustment information of the second transmission resource. The adjustment information of the first transmission resource includes at least one of the following configured by the first network device: the beam protection distance information of the first cell, a first parameter, or a second parameter. The first parameter is used to adjust the position of the reference signal resource unit in the frequency domain and / or time domain, and the second parameter is used to adjust the transmission time and / or frequency of the reference signal. The adjustment information of the second transmission resource includes at least one of the following configurations of the second network device: beam protection distance information of the first cell, a first parameter, or a second parameter.

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that, The adjustment information for the first transmission resource further includes a reference object corresponding to the first parameter of the first reference signal, wherein the reference object includes at least one of the following: Time, location, beam, reference signal, wave position, or geographical region.

23. The method according to any one of claims 17-22, characterized in that, The method further includes: A location request is received from the terminal device, wherein the location request is used to request the first transmission resource and the second transmission resource.

24. The method according to any one of claims 17-23, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send ephemeris information to the terminal device, wherein the ephemeris information includes first ephemeris information of the first network device and / or second ephemeris information of the second network device, wherein the ephemeris information is used for the positioning of the terminal device.

25. The method according to claim 24, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive the second ephemeris information from the second network device.

26. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes a module that performs the method as described in any one of claims 1-25.

27. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes a processor for supporting the communication device in performing the method as described in any one of claims 1-25.

28. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions that, when executed, cause the method described in any one of claims 1-25 to be performed.

29. A computer program product, characterized in that, When it is run on a computer, it causes the method described in any one of claims 1-25 to be performed.

30. A chip, characterized in that, The chip includes a processor for supporting the chip in performing the method as described in any one of claims 1-25.

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