Patent Description:
Examples of mobile or wireless telecommunication systems may include the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN), Long Term Evolution (LTE) Evolved UTRAN (E-UTRAN), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), MulteFire, LTE-A Pro, and/or fifth generation (<NUM>) radio access technology or new radio (NR) access technology. <NUM> wireless systems refer to the next generation (NG) of radio systems and network architecture. <NUM> is mostly built on a new radio (NR), but a <NUM> (or NG) network can also build on E-UTRA radio. It is estimated that NR may provide bitrates on the order of <NUM>-<NUM> Gbit/s or higher, and may support at least enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) and ultra-reliable low-latency-communication (URLLC) as well as massive machine type communication (mMTC). NR is expected to deliver extreme broadband and ultra-robust, low latency connectivity and massive networking to support the Internet of Things (IoT). With IoT and machine-to-machine (M2M) communication becoming more widespread, there will be a growing need for networks that meet the needs of lower power, low data rate, and long battery life. It is noted that, in <NUM>, the nodes that can provide radio access functionality to a user equipment (i.e., similar to Node B in UTRAN or eNB in LTE) may be named gNB when built on NR radio and may be named NG-eNB when built on E-UTRA radio.

<CIT> discloses systems, methods, and instrumentalities for a wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) comprising a processor configured to receive a set of gap patterns, and measurement activities associated therewith, wherein each of the gap patterns includes an identifier for the measurement activity to be performed, and measure a signal pursuant to at least one of the gap patterns to obtain a measurement.

<NPL>, discloses proposals for NR beam management supporting multi-gNB measurements for positioning. The contribution proposes how to enable necessary measurements on reference signals used for positioning that are transmitted or received within highly directional beams from or at different locations.

According to some aspects, there is provided the subject matter of the independent claims. Some further aspects are defined in the dependent claims.

It will be readily understood that the components of certain example embodiments, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following detailed description of some example embodiments of systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for positioning-specific beam refinement for neighbor cell positioning reference signal (PRS) transmission, is not intended to limit the scope of certain embodiments but is representative of selected example embodiments.

In addition, the phrase "set of" refers to a set that includes one or more of the referenced set members. As such, the phrases "set of," "one or more of," and "at least one of," or equivalent phrases, may be used interchangeably. Further, "or" is intended to mean "and/or," unless explicitly stated otherwise.

Additionally, if desired, the different functions or steps discussed below may be performed in a different order and/or concurrently with each other. Furthermore, if desired, one or more of the described functions or steps may be optional or may be combined. As such, the following description should be considered as merely illustrative of the principles and teachings of certain example embodiments, and not in limitation thereof.

In New Radio (NR), one element that differentiates the transmission of PRS with respect to LTE is that beamforming is involved. This may particularly apply to Frequency Range <NUM> (FR2), where a large number of beams is anticipated to be transmitted per cell and/or transmission point. As a result, the transmission of PRS in NR is not a straightforward extension of LTE. Currently, there are ongoing discussions with respect to how PRSs are transmitted in beamforming transmissions.

In NR, a UE may continuously perform at least intra-frequency radio resource management (RRM) measurements. The UE may additionally be configured to perform RRM measurements on other layers or radio access technologies (RATs). In general, mobility measurements are for inter-cell mobility and may be referred to as RRM measurements or Layer <NUM> mobility. For inter-cell mobility, radio resource control (RRC) signalling is usually involved. RRC may also be used for configuring measurements for synchronization signal and physical broadcast channel block (SSB)-based or channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS)-based beam management and for L1-reference signal received power (RSRP) measurements. Reference signals used for L3 mobility and/or beam management may be explicitly configured. RRM measurements may be configured for a UE by a network using the MeasObjectNR information element (IE). The IE MeasObjectNR specifies information applicable for SSB intra/inter-frequency measurements or CSI-RS intra/inter-frequency measurements.

The CSI-RS signals for beam management purposes and L3 mobility purposes may be separately configured (i.e., the actual signals, measurements, and reporting configurations are independent configurations). For beam management purposes, a UE may be configured with one or more non-zero power CSI-RS (NZP-CSI-RS) configurations. For L3 mobility purposes, the UE may be configured with CSI-RS for mobility.

Also, the SSB signals can be used for both beam management and L3 mobility. SSB-based measurements for beam management and the SSB resources to be used for L1-RSRP reporting may be explicitly configured. In current specifications, the SSB-based measurements for L3 mobility are performed by the UE during the SS block-based RRM measurement timing configuration (SMTC) window. The SMTC window determines the time duration where the UE can expect SSB time locations and where the UE performs measurements of any SSBs of any cell on a frequency layer.

Positioning methods deployed over FR2 systems may have at least the problem of hearability of PRSs. This problem can be addressed with proper beam refinement procedures, where the PRSs are sent into "narrow" CSI-RS beams towards a UE. However, such a beam refinement procedure is currently only possible for the serving cell via beam management procedures. In addition, another important aspect relates to a dynamic and on-demand allocation of PRS resources in FR2 systems. In particular, due to the beam sweeping process, a fixed allocation of PRSs to beams could lead to an inefficient and wasteful use of computing or processing resources of a transmitting device and an inefficient and wasteful use of network resources, such as time-frequency resources (e.g., time resources and/or frequency resources). This is because a large number of PRSs would have to be transmitted in many directions (i.e., in the corresponding CSI-RS beam directions), without ensuring that there are UE receivers in those directions.

To solve this issue, the concepts of dynamic and on-demand PRS transmission have been proposed. Dynamic and on-demand PRS imply that the resources allocated for a PRS transmission are adjusted (e.g., either increased or decreased), depending on given accuracy requirements. In addition, in cases where there are no UEs associated with a positioning service in an area, on-demand PRS would imply that no PRSs are transmitted to that particular area.

However, in order to be able to apply dynamic and on-demand PRSs on neighboring cells or nearby cells (e.g., cells that are different than a serving cell in which a UE is located and that may be within communicative range of the UE), beam refinement may be needed to account for sufficient hearability of neighboring cells. This is because the UEs can only detect SSB signalling from non-serving neighboring cells, and such SSB signalling is transmitted in respective SSB beams, which are typically wider than CSI-RS beams and thus cannot reach as far of a distance as CSI-RS beams and/or cannot reach a UE with as much strength as the CSI-RS beams, as illustrated in <FIG> described below. Extending this beam refinement process to neighboring cells (other than the serving cell) is difficult. This is because there is no RRC connection between a UE and the neighboring cells, (i.e., the UE cannot simply exchange messages with neighboring cells in order to identify to which CSI-RS beams a PRS should be transmitted).

Some embodiments described herein provide for applying beam refinement to neighboring cells for PRS transmission purposes (e.g., for RS hearability for OTDOA, for other-cell angle-of-departure applications, for multi-cell round-trip time (RTT) applications, and/or the like). For example, some embodiments described herein provide for beam refinement in neighboring (or nearby) cells used for dynamic and/or on-demand PRS transmission for positioning purposes. In one embodiment, a method may be deployed for identifying whether an SSB beam (or a CSI-RS beam) from a non-serving cell (e.g., a neighboring or nearby cell) is sufficient for transmitting a PRS, and if not, whether an additional operation can be performed to increase the hearability of a PRS via beam refinement (i.e., from an SSB beam to a CSI-RS beam). According to certain embodiments, the method may apply a dual-level threshold, corresponding to whether an SSB beam is sufficient to be used as is and whether an SSB beam is detectable, yet not strong enough, such that a refined CSI-RS beam needs to be used within the coverage area of that SSB beam. Moreover, in an embodiment, the method may specify corresponding signalling exchange procedures between network entities.

Some embodiments described herein can reduce sweeping overhead of network entities (e.g., by reducing an amount of PRS that a network needs to transmit to a UE), thereby conserving computing and/or processing resources of the network entities. In addition, some embodiments described herein can reduce or eliminate inefficient and wasteful use of computing or processing resources of a transmitting device and inefficient and wasteful use of network resources that would otherwise occur, as described above. Further, some embodiments described herein extend beam refinement to cells other than a serving cell, thereby providing network entities with capabilities that the network entities could not previously perform. Further, some embodiments can improve a measurement accuracy when a UE can detect a neighboring (or nearby) cell (e.g., by adding beamforming gain to a CSI-RS or PRS for improved detection).

<FIG> illustrates an example of a time-frequency mapping of downlink reference signals, according to some embodiments described herein. <FIG> illustrates an example of SS/PBCH or SSB, CSI-RS (NZP-CSI-RS) for beam management, L3 Mobility CSI-RS signals in a time-frequency grid. CSI-RS for L3 mobility may be used for performing L3/RRC/Cell mobility measurements where as NZP-CSI-RS may be used for serving cell beam management. SSB measurements may be used for beam management purposes (e.g., L1-RSRP) or for L3 mobility purposes. Downlink reference signals may be used for positioning measurement (e.g., PRSs). As described above, <FIG> is provided as an example. Embodiments are not limited to the example of <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates an example of dynamic and on-demand PRS using beam refinement in neighboring cells, according to some embodiments described herein. As shown in <FIG>, a location management component (LMC) <NUM> is assumed to be available at the RAN, which carries out the location management functionalities, and such LMC may be co-located with a central unit (CU) <NUM> of a RAN <NUM>. As further shown in <FIG>, a UE may be associated with a serving cell <NUM>, which is associated with beam management. A neighboring (or nearby cell) <NUM> is a cell to which dynamic and/or on-demand PRS using beam refinement may be extended, as described elsewhere herein. For example, the UE may perform an example method described below. As described above, <FIG> is provided as an example. Embodiments are not limited to the example of <FIG>. For example, although <FIG> shows, and is described with respect to, use of a LMC, <FIG>, and the described embodiments, may apply equally to using a location management function (LMF) at the core network or other entity in place of the LMC.

<FIG> illustrates an example flow diagram of a method, according to some embodiments described herein. <FIG> shows a flow chart of a downlink (DL) reference signal (RS) selection procedure for beam refinement request for positioning purposes, according to an embodiment. For example, the flow chart of <FIG> includes example operations that may be performed for implementing a beam refinement process for positioning purposes. During the method, a UE may apply beam refinement for a serving cell using a beam management procedure. The method may include use of a dual-level threshold to indicate a feasible downlink (DL) reference signal (RS) from a positioning perspective for serving and/or neighboring cells. The method may be applied for a serving cell (in a single or multiple transmit receive point (TRP) deployment), for neighboring (or nearby cells), or for both neighboring and serving cells.

As shown in <FIG> at <NUM>, the method may include a UE determining threshold levels LV1 and LV2 based on a network configuration. For example, LV1 and LV2 may be the dual thresholds described elsewhere herein. Other embodiments may include use of a single threshold or more than two thresholds.

The network configuration may include configuration signaling provided from a base station (BS) to the UE via RRC signaling, signaling with an LMC entity, or a combination of RRC signaling and signaling with an LMC entity. In some embodiments, one of the threshold levels can be derived from another of the threshold levels. For example, the LV1 value can be derived based on the value of LV2 (i.e., there can be a fixed offset between LV1 and LV2). The offset value (e.g., <NUM> decibels (dB), 6dB, etc.) between LV1 and LV2 may be explicitly signalled from the network. When the dual threshold is not signalled by the network (e.g., when LV2 is not provided by the network) or when a LMC or LMF detects that latency requirements are strict (e.g., as in the case where a dual threshold is not signalled), the UE may not trigger a beam refinement request, as described elsewhere herein.

In an embodiment, the method may include, at <NUM>, a UE performing L3 mobility measurements on a downlink RS for RRM purposes, for an SSB, and/or for an L3 CSI-RS. For example, the UE may perform L3 mobility measurements on the downlink RS after determining the threshold levels LV1 and LV2. In some embodiments, the UE may receive, from a network node, a request to measure a beam associated with a non-serving cell in association with determining the threshold levels and/or prior to performing the L3 mobility measurements.

The UE may compare corresponding quality levels (e.g., RSRPs) of SSB beams (or CSI-RSs for L3 mobility) from a non-serving cell (e.g., a neighboring or nearby cell) with the dual-level threshold. For example, the dual-level threshold may include LV1 and LV2, where LV1 is less than LV2.

In an embodiment, at <NUM>, the method may include the UE determining whether a quality of the DL RS is greater than or equal to LV2. If, for example, a received RSRP value from an SSB beam of a nearby cell is greater than (or greater than or equal to, in some embodiments) the LV2 level, then, at <NUM>, the method may include the UE determining that a quality level is sufficient for positioning measurements and determining to not trigger reporting for beam refinement. In this case, the SSB is identified and may be optionally reported as a candidate beam for positioning measurements of the UE. That is, no beam-refinement may be needed in this case where performing positioning-specific measurements can be performed with sufficient quality based on a quality level of a received beam. Additionally, in this case, the UE may perform the positioning-specific measurements.

In an embodiment, at <NUM>, the method may include the UE determining whether a quality of the DL RS is greater than or equal to LV1. If, for example, the received RSRP value from the SSB beam of a nearby cell is less than LV2 (or less than or equal to, in some embodiments), and greater than (or greater than or equal to, in some embodiments) LV1, then, at <NUM>, the method may include the UE triggering reporting for beam refinement (and/or providing a beam refinement request, as described elsewhere herein). In this case, the UE may determine that a nearby cell is within proximity of the UE but that the provided signal (e.g., the SSB signal) cannot be detected with sufficient quality and beam refinement may be triggered.

In some embodiments, when the method includes the UE triggering reporting for beam refinement, the UE may report a result of the above described comparison to the network. If a reporting to enable beam refinement with a nearby cell or cells is triggered, the UE may report a difference (e.g., a delta value) between a measured value of a beam and LV2. Additionally, or alternatively, the UE may report an absolute RSRP value of the SSB (or CSI-RS) below LV2 and/or an absolute RSRP value above LV1. This provides an indication to the network regarding how much signaling boost is needed by means of beam refinement.

The report transmitted from the UE to the network may include at least one of a beam index of a measured beam (e.g., an SSB index for an SSB beam), a physical layer cell identifier (PCI) of the non-serving cell, the delta value, and/or the like. In some embodiments, the UE may be configured to report at most N SSBs (or CSI-RSs), M cells, and/or the like per report, depending on a configuration of the reporting. Such report may be provided, by the UE, to an LMC located at a RAN. The LMC may be assumed to represent the RAN network element that carries out the location management functionalities. In some embodiments, the LMC may be located at the CU (see <FIG>), which is then connected to the DUs via an F1 interface.

Based on the report enabling beam refinement from the UE, the LMC may trigger measurement and reporting configuration of L3 mobility CSI-RS. Such reporting configuration may differ from RRM. For example, the UE may not evaluate these measurements for L3 mobility-related events.

In some embodiments, the reporting configuration may specify a measurement window, which is valid for N measurement periods (or N CSI-RS periods) or for which the reporting configuration is valid. The reporting of the CSI-RS for L3 mobility can be configured to be reported in an aperiodic manner, a semi-persistent manner, and/or a periodic manner.

In embodiments where the UE measures CSI-RS beams, the UE may further report beam measurements greater than (or greater than or equal to, in some embodiments) LV1. As a result, the LMC may configure PRSs on the CSI-RS beams, which may be more narrow and/or have higher beam gain. The PRSs may be associated with specific CSI-RSs to allow the UE to determine a receive (Rx) direction of the PRSs based on the CSI-RSs. After a CSI-RS has been reported, the corresponding PRS would be associated with an SSB if the CSI-RS is no longer transmitted. This reduces the network sweeping overhead and the UE could still use the SSB as a spatial reference for receiving a PRS (e.g., the UE may be capable of determining how to set, directionally, an Rx beam to receive the PRS).

Alternatively, based on receiving the report enabling beam refinement or the CSI-RS measurement report from the UE, the BS (e.g., gNB) may perform an aperiodic sweep, a semi-persistent sweep, and/or a periodic sweep of a PRS that is associated with an SSB (and/or may provide quasi-collocation (QCL) association for FR2) or with an already reported CSI-RS for L3 mobility (e.g., the UE may have a normal RRM measurement configuration for a CSI-RS). In this case, the UE may be capable of determining the PRS sweep specific for a cell, a TRP of a cell, and/or a reference signal of a cell and/or a TRP.

In some embodiments, neighbor cell refinement and serving cell refinement may be performed separately or in parallel. The dual-threshold reporting described above can include the serving cell SSB, a CSI-RS, and/or a CSI-RS for L3 Mobility. For example, and from a beam management point of view, a low quality SSB may not be used as a source RS for beam refinement, but the low quality SSB may be used for positioning measurement. Specifically, as one example, the UE can be configured to perform positioning-specific serving cell and/or neighbor cell beam reporting (e.g., RRC-level reporting of an SSB index and/or of an L3 Mobility CSI-RS, and RSRP using the dual-threshold condition described above). In some cases, the RSRP value may be optional.

In some embodiments, the UE can be configured to perform positioning-specific serving cell and/or neighbor cell beam reporting (e.g., location management function (LMF)-level reporting of an SSB index and/or of an L3 Mobility CSI-RS, and RSRP) using the dual threshold condition. In some case the RSRP value may be optional. For example, the beam reporting may be performed using a media access control control element (MAC CE) or uplink control information (UCI) on a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) or a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) (e.g., the beam reporting may be L1 or L2 signaling). Some embodiments may provide serving cell information using RRC-level reporting or LMC reporting. If L1 signaling or L2 signaling is used to report neighboring cell measurements, a PCI may be included in the report for the neighboring cell.

As further illustrated in <FIG> at <NUM>, if the UE determines that the quality of the DL RS is less than (or less than or equal to, in some embodiments) LV1 and LV2, then the method may include the UE determining to not trigger reporting based on a quality level of the DL RS not being sufficient for positioning measurement purposes. In this case, beam refinement may not be used.

As described above, <FIG> is provided as an example. Embodiments are not limited to the example of <FIG>. For example, although <FIG> describes use of a LMC to perform various operations, the embodiments described with respect to <FIG> may use a LMF or other entity to perform the various operations.

<FIG> illustrates an example flow diagram of a method, according to some embodiments described herein. For example, the method of <FIG> may be performed by one or more network entities, such as a serving cell or a LMF, with respect to implementing a beam refinement process for positioning purposes that is described with respect to <FIG>, according to an embodiment.

In an embodiment, the method may include, at <NUM>, a serving cell or a LMF receiving a reporting for beam refinement and/or a beam refinement request from a UE. For example, the serving cell (if procedures similar to that shown in and described with respect to <FIG> are being performed) or the LMF (if procedures similar to that shown in and described with respect to <FIG> are being performed) may receive a reporting similar to that described with respect to <FIG> above and the beam refinement request may be similar to that described below with respect to procedures <NUM> or <NUM>, depending on whether the serving cell or the LMF performs the receiving. In some embodiments, the serving cell or the LMF may alternatively receive a positioning measurement from the UE (e.g., when a result of a measurement described above with respect to procedure <NUM> satisfies LV2).

In some embodiments, prior to the serving cell or the LMF receiving a reporting and/or a beam refinement request, a non-serving cell may transmit SSB beams (or CSI-RSs for L3 mobility) to a UE. In some embodiments, if the UE is within range of the non-serving cell, then the UE may receive the SSB beams (or the CSI-RSs) and may perform one or more of procedures <NUM>-<NUM> described above. In addition, the serving cell or the LMF may provide, to the UE, a request to measure at least one beam associated with the non-serving cell (e.g., at least one SSB or CSI-RS that the non-serving cell transmits to the UE). In some embodiments, the request may be associated with causing the UE to perform a measurement of the at least one beam and to determine whether beam refinement is needed based on a comparison of the measurement result and multiple thresholds.

In an embodiment, at <NUM>, the method may include the serving cell or the LMF providing a PRS reconfiguration request to the non-serving cell. For example, the serving cell or the LMF may provide a PRS reconfiguration request to the non-serving cell after receiving the reporting and/or the beam refinement request from the UE. In some embodiments, the serving cell or the LMF may provide the PRS reconfiguration request in a manner similar to that described below with respect to procedures <NUM> or <NUM>, depending on whether the serving cell or the LMF performs the providing.

In an embodiment, at <NUM>, the method may include the serving cell or the LMF receiving a PRS reconfiguration response from the non-serving cell. For example, the serving cell or the LMF may receive the PRS reconfiguration response in a manner similar to that described below with respect to procedures <NUM> or <NUM>, depending on whether the serving cell or the LMF is performing the receiving.

In an embodiment, at <NUM>, the method may include the serving cell or the LMF providing a beam refinement response to the UE. For example, the serving cell or the LMF may provide a beam refinement response to the UE in a manner similar to that described below with respect to procedures <NUM> or <NUM>, depending on whether the serving cell or the LMF is performing the providing. In some embodiments, the UE may re-perform measurements based on receiving the beam refinement response, in a manner similar to that described below with respect to procedures <NUM> or <NUM>.

As described above, <FIG> is provided as an example. Embodiments are not limited to the example of <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates an example flow diagram of a method, according to some embodiments described herein. For example, the method of <FIG> may be performed by one or more network entities, such as a neighboring cell, with respect to implementing a beam refinement process for positioning purposes that is described with respect to <FIG>, according to an embodiment.

In an embodiment, at <NUM>, the method may include the neighboring cell transmitting SSB beams and/or CSI-RSs for L3 mobility. For example, the neighboring cell may transmit the SSB beams and/or the CSI-RSs to one or more UEs that are within range of the neighboring cell.

In an embodiment, at <NUM>, the method may include the neighboring cell receiving a PRS reconfiguration request. For example, the neighboring cell may receive the PRS reconfiguration request when beam refinement of the SSB beams and/or the CSI-RSs is needed, as determined by the UE. In some embodiments, the neighboring cell may receive the PRS reconfiguration request from a serving cell (as described with respect to reference number <NUM> of <FIG>) or from a LMF (as described with respect to reference number <NUM> of <FIG>). In some embodiments, the neighboring cell may implement signaling boost for a transmission of the SSBs and/or the CSI-RSs based on receiving the PRS reconfiguration request and may re-transmit the SSBs and/or the CSI-RS after implementing the signaling boost.

In an embodiment, at <NUM>, the method may include the neighboring cell transmitting a PRS reconfiguration response. For example, the neighboring cell may transmit the PRS reconfiguration response after implementing signaling boost and/or re-transmitting the SSBs and/or the CSI-RSs. In some embodiments, the neighboring cell may transmit the PRS reconfiguration response to a serving cell (as described with respect to reference number <NUM> of <FIG>) or to a LMF (as described with respect to reference number <NUM> of <FIG>).

<FIG> illustrates an example signaling diagram of a procedure, according to some embodiments described herein. For example, <FIG> shows use of Xn signaling (e.g., an Xn application protocol or signaling interface) between serving and neighboring cells. As shown in <FIG>, the signaling diagram includes a UE (shown as "UE"), a next generation RAN LMC (shown as "NG_RAN_LMC"), a neighboring next generation RAN cell (shown as "Neigh_NG_RAN"), an access and mobility management function (shown as "AMF"), a location management function (shown as "LMF"), and a gateway mobile location center ("GMLC") as various network entities.

As shown at <NUM>, the GMLC may provide a subscriber location request to the AMF. For example, the subscriber location request may be a request for location-related information for the UE. As shown at <NUM>, the AMF may provide a location service request to the NG_RAN_LMC. For example, the AMF may provide the location service request after receiving the subscriber location request from the GMLC.

As shown at <NUM>, the NG_RAN_LMC may request capabilities from the UE. For example, the NG_RAN_LMC may request the capabilities from the UE after receiving the location service request from the AMF. The capabilities may relate to an ability of the UE to perform beam refinement for neighboring cells in the manner described herein. As shown at <NUM>, the UE may provide the capabilities to the NG_RAN_LMC. For example, the UE may provide information that identifies whether the UE has one or more particular capabilities.

As shown at <NUM>, the UE may request assistance data from the NG_RAN_LMC. For example, the assistance data may be related to determining reference points for positioning measurements or for UE assistance measurements. As shown at <NUM>, the NG_RAN_LMC may request measurements from the UE. For example, the NG_RAN_LMC may request measurements of an SSB and/or a CSI-RS, as described elsewhere herein. In addition to requesting measurements, the NG_RAN_LMC may provide configurations for one or more thresholds to be used in association with performing measurements (e.g., LV1 and LV2 described above) and/or other beam refinement parameters. One or more conditions may control initiation of sending the configurations for the one or more thresholds. For example, and as described elsewhere herein, in example embodiments, the configurations for the one or more thresholds may only be sent if latency requirements are not too strict (e.g., whether a low latency application is involved, such as an application that requires a short response time for positioning purposes (e.g., less than <NUM>), which may include, for example, applications related to autonomous operation of vehicles). In other words, in example embodiments, sending the configurations may only be initiated if the resulting latency permits such operations. In some embodiments, latency requirements described herein may be implemented according to Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) TS <NUM> (e.g., may be communicated according to the procedure shown in Figure <NUM>. <NUM>-<NUM>) and TS <NUM> (e.g., may utilize the use case values shown in Table <NUM>-<NUM>).

As shown at <NUM>, the UE may perform measurements of one or more beams. For example, the UE may perform measurements of one or more beams of a neighboring cell, and may perform a comparison of the measurements to one or more thresholds, as described elsewhere herein. In addition, the UE may determine whether beam refinement is needed based on a result of the comparison. As shown at <NUM>, if beam refinement is needed, based on a result of the comparison, the UE may provide a beam refinement request to the NG_RAN_LMC. For example, the beam refinement request may include a request to boost signaling for one or more beams. Specifically, the beam refinement request may include information that indicates a difference between a measurement made by the UE and LV2 to indicate a required signaling boost.

As shown at <NUM>, the NG_RAN_LMC may provide a PRS reconfiguration request to the Neigh_NG_RAN. For example, the NG_RAN_LMC may provide the PRS reconfiguration request to the Neigh_NG_RAN to cause the Neigh_NG_RAN to implement the signaling boost. As shown at <NUM>, the Neigh_NG_RAN may provide a PRS reconfiguration response to the NG_RAN_LMC. For example, the PRS reconfiguration response may indicate to the NG_RAN_LMC that the signaling boost has been implemented and/or a value for the signaling boost.

As shown at <NUM>, the NG_RAN_LMC may provide a beam refinement response to the UE. For example, the beam refinement response may indicate that the signaling boost has been implemented by the Neigh_NG_RAN and/or an amount of the signaling boost. As shown at <NUM>, the UE may perform measurements again, in a manner similar to that described with respect to procedure <NUM> above.

As shown at <NUM>, the UE may provide the measurements to the NG_RAN_LMC. For example, the UE may provide information that identifies a result of performing the measurements after triggering reporting, in a manner similar to that described elsewhere herein. As shown at <NUM>, the NG_RAN_LMC may provide the assistance data to the UE. For example, the assistance data may be PRS assistance data. In some embodiments, the NG_RAN_LMC may provide information that identifies which beam identifiers and cell identifiers convey the PRS data that is relevant to the UE. It is noted that the PRS signals are in principle not restricted to be measured by just a single UE. For instance, if nearby UEs are requesting a positioning service, then the NG_RAN_LMC may provide PRS assistance data to that UE, and such information can be partially or entirely the same.

As shown at <NUM>, the NG_RAN_LMC may request location information from the UE. For example, a request location information message may be a LTE positioning protocol (LPP) message that is used to request positioning measurements or a position estimate from the target device (e.g., the UE). As shown at <NUM>, the UE may provide the location information to the NG_RAN_LMC. For example, the UE may provide the PRS measurements to the NG_RAN_LMC. Continuing with the previous example, the UE may report the reference signal time difference (RSTD) values between PRS transmissions, using the PRS transmissions on the indicated or configured beams and cells. A provide location information message may be a LPP message used by the target device (e.g., the UE) to provide positioning measurements or position estimates. As shown at <NUM>, the NG_RAN_LMC may provide a location service response to the AMF. For example, the location service response may identify a location of the UE, the PRS measurements, and/or the like. As shown at <NUM>, the AMF may provide a subscriber location response to the GMLC. For example, the subscriber location response may identify a location of the UE, the PRS measurements, and/or the like.

<FIG> illustrates an example signaling diagram of a procedure, according to some embodiments described herein. For example, <FIG> shows use of LMF-based signaling for a beam refinement procedure, according to an embodiment. As shown in <FIG>, the signaling diagram includes a UE (shown as "UE"), a serving next generation RAN (shown as "Serv_NG_RAN"), a neighboring next generation RAN cell (shown as "Neigh_NG_RAN"), an access and mobility management function (shown as "AMF"), a location management function (shown as "LMF"), and a gateway mobile location center (shown as "GMLC") as various network entities.

Procedures <NUM> through <NUM> of <FIG> show operations that are similar to that described with respect to reference numbers <NUM> through <NUM> of <FIG>, except that some of the operations shown with respect to procedures <NUM> through <NUM> include use of the LMF rather than the NG_RAN_LMC. As shown at <NUM>, the UE may perform measurements of one or more beams. For example, the UE may perform measurements in a manner similar to that described with respect to <FIG>. As shown at <NUM>, if a beam refinement is needed, based on a result of a comparison, the UE may provide a beam refinement request to the LMF.

As shown at <NUM>, the LMF may provide a PRS reconfiguration request to the Neigh_NG_RAN. At <NUM>, the Neigh_NG_RAN may provide a PRS reconfiguration response to the LMF. As shown at <NUM>, the LMF may provide a beam refinement response to the UE. As shown at <NUM>, the UE may perform measurements again, in a manner similar to that described with respect to procedure <NUM> above. Operations <NUM> through <NUM> show operations that are similar to that described with respect to operations <NUM> through <NUM> of <FIG>, except that some of the operations shown with respect to references numbers <NUM> through <NUM> include use of the LMF rather than the NG_RAN_LMC.

<FIG> illustrates an example of an apparatus <NUM> according to an embodiment. In an embodiment, apparatus <NUM> may be a node, host, or server in a communications network or serving such a network. For example, apparatus <NUM> may be a network node, satellite, base station, a Node B, an evolved Node B (eNB), <NUM> Node B or access point, next generation Node B (NG-NB or gNB), and/or a WLAN access point, associated with a radio access network, such as a LTE network, <NUM> or NR. In example embodiments, apparatus <NUM> may be an eNB in LTE or gNB in <NUM>. In another embodiment, apparatus <NUM> may be or may be included in a location server, such as LMF in NR. Additionally, or alternatively, apparatus <NUM> may be the NG_RAN_LMC, the Neigh_NG_RAN, the Serv_NG_RAN, the AMF, the LMF, and/or the GMLC of <FIG> and <FIG>.

In some embodiments, apparatus <NUM> may also include or be coupled to one or more antennas <NUM> for transmitting and receiving signals and/or data to and from apparatus <NUM>. Apparatus <NUM> may further include or be coupled to a transceiver <NUM> configured to transmit and receive information. The transceiver <NUM> may include, for example, a plurality of radio interfaces that may be coupled to the antenna(s) <NUM>. The radio interfaces may correspond to a plurality of radio access technologies including one or more of GSM, NB-IoT, LTE, <NUM>, WLAN, Bluetooth, BT-LE, NFC, radio frequency identifier (RFID), ultrawideband (UWB), MulteFire, and the like. The radio interface may include components, such as filters, converters (for example, digital-to-analog converters and the like), mappers, a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) module, and the like, to generate symbols for a transmission via one or more downlinks and to receive symbols (for example, via an uplink).

In addition, in some embodiments, transceiver <NUM> may be included in or may form a part of transceiver circuitry.

As introduced above, in certain embodiments, apparatus <NUM> may be a network node or RAN node, such as a base station, access point, Node B, eNB, gNB, WLAN access point, or the like and may include an LMC. In another embodiment, apparatus <NUM> may be a location server, such as an LMF.

According to certain embodiments, apparatus <NUM> may be controlled by memory <NUM> and processor <NUM> to perform the functions associated with any of the embodiments described herein, such as some operations of flow or signaling diagrams illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>.

For instance, in one embodiment, apparatus <NUM> may be controlled by memory <NUM> and processor <NUM> to provide, to a UE, a request to measure at least one beam associated with a non-serving cell. For example, the request may be associated with causing the UE to perform a measurement of the at least one beam and to determine whether beam refinement is needed based on a comparison of the measurement and multiple thresholds. In an embodiment, apparatus <NUM> may be controlled by memory <NUM> and processor <NUM> to receive, based on whether the measurement satisfies one or more of the multiple thresholds, at least one of: a positioning measurement or a reporting for beam refinement.

In an embodiment, apparatus <NUM> may be controlled by memory <NUM> and processor <NUM> to provide, prior to providing the request, a network configuration for the multiple thresholds. In an embodiment, apparatus <NUM> may be controlled by memory <NUM> and processor <NUM> to determine, prior to providing the network configuration, whether a positioning application, associated with performing the measurement, allows for latency caused by additional signaling associated with the beam refinement, and providing the network configuration depending on whether the positioning application allows for the latency. In an embodiment, apparatus <NUM> may be controlled by memory <NUM> and processor <NUM> to receive the reporting for the beam refinement based on the measurement failing to satisfy a first threshold and satisfying a second threshold. In an embodiment, apparatus <NUM> may be controlled by memory <NUM> and processor <NUM> to receive, from the UE, a beam refinement request based on the reporting for beam refinement being triggered, and providing, to the UE, a beam refinement response to the beam refinement request.

In an embodiment, apparatus <NUM> may be controlled by memory <NUM> and processor <NUM> to provide a measurement and reporting configuration to the UE based on receiving the reporting for beam refinement. In an embodiment, apparatus <NUM> may be controlled by memory <NUM> and processor <NUM> to perform a PRS sweep based on receiving the reporting.

In an embodiment, apparatus <NUM> may be controlled by memory <NUM> and processor <NUM> to transmit at least one beam to a UE. In an embodiment, apparatus <NUM> may be controlled by memory <NUM> and processor <NUM> to receive, from a network entity, a reconfiguration request after transmitting the at least one beam, where the reconfiguration request may be associated with causing apparatus <NUM> to implement a signaling boost with respect to the at least one beam. In an embodiment, apparatus <NUM> may be controlled by memory <NUM> and processor <NUM> to transmit, to the network entity, a reconfiguration response after receiving the reconfiguration request.

In an embodiment, apparatus <NUM> may be controlled by memory <NUM> and processor <NUM> to implement the signaling boost with respect to the at least one beam. In an embodiment, apparatus <NUM> may be controlled by memory <NUM> and processor <NUM> to re-transmit the at least one beam after implementing the signaling boost.

<FIG> illustrates an example of an apparatus <NUM> according to another embodiment. In an embodiment, apparatus <NUM> may be a node or element in a communications network or associated with such a network, such as a UE, mobile equipment (ME), mobile station, mobile device, stationary device, IoT device, or other device. As described herein, UE may alternatively be referred to as, for example, a mobile station, mobile equipment, mobile unit, mobile device, user device, subscriber station, wireless terminal, tablet, smart phone, IoT device, sensor or NB-IoT device, or the like. As one example, apparatus <NUM> may be implemented in, for instance, a wireless handheld device, a wireless plug-in accessory, or the like.

As discussed above, according to some embodiments, apparatus <NUM> may be a UE, mobile device, mobile station, ME, IoT device and/or NB-IoT device, for example. According to certain embodiments, apparatus <NUM> may be controlled by memory <NUM> and processor <NUM> to perform the functions associated with example embodiments described herein. For example, in some embodiments, apparatus <NUM> may be configured to perform one or more of the processes depicted in any of the flow charts or signaling diagrams described herein, such as those illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, or <FIG>.

According to some embodiments, apparatus <NUM> may be controlled by memory <NUM> and processor <NUM> to receive, from a network node, a request to measure at least one beam associated with a non-serving cell. For example, the request may be associated with causing the UE to perform a measurement of the at least one beam and to determine whether beam refinement is needed based on a comparison of the measurement and multiple thresholds. In an embodiment, apparatus <NUM> may be controlled by memory <NUM> and processor <NUM> to perform, based on whether the measurement satisfies one or more of the multiple thresholds, one of: performing a positioning measurement, triggering reporting for beam refinement, or determining to not trigger the reporting for beam refinement.

In an embodiment, apparatus <NUM> may be controlled by memory <NUM> and processor <NUM> to determine, prior to receiving the request, the multiple thresholds based on a network configuration. In an embodiment, apparatus <NUM> may be controlled by memory <NUM> and processor <NUM> to perform the measurement on an SSB, a CSI-RS, or a CSI-RS for L3 mobility management. In an embodiment, apparatus <NUM> may be controlled by memory <NUM> and processor <NUM> to perform a comparison of the measurement to a first threshold and performing the positioning measurement based on the measurement satisfying the first threshold. In an embodiment, apparatus <NUM> may be controlled by memory <NUM> and processor <NUM> to performing a comparison of the measurement to a second threshold based on the measurement failing to satisfy a first threshold and triggering the reporting for the beam refinement based on the measurement satisfying the second threshold.

In an embodiment, apparatus <NUM> may be controlled by memory <NUM> and processor <NUM> to perform a comparison of the measurement to perform a comparison of the measurement to the multiple thresholds and determining to not trigger the reporting for the beam refinement based on the measurement failing to satisfy the multiple thresholds. In an embodiment, apparatus <NUM> may be controlled by memory <NUM> and processor <NUM> to determine, prior to performing the comparison to the multiple thresholds, whether a positioning application, associated with performing the positioning measurement, allows for latency caused by additional signaling associated with the beam refinement, and perform the comparison depending on whether the positioning application allows for the latency. In an embodiment, apparatus <NUM> may be controlled by memory <NUM> and processor <NUM> to provide, to the network node, a beam refinement request based on triggering the reporting for beam refinement, and receive, from the network node, a beam refinement response to the beam refinement request.

In an embodiment, apparatus <NUM> may be controlled by memory <NUM> and processor <NUM> to receive a measurement and reporting configuration from the network node via a radio access node based on triggering the reporting. In an embodiment, apparatus <NUM> may be controlled by memory <NUM> and processor <NUM> to determining a receive (Rx) direction for a PRS sweep based on triggering the reporting.

Therefore, certain example embodiments provide several technological improvements, enhancements, and/or advantages over existing technological processes. For example, one benefit of some example embodiments is a reduction in sweeping overhead of network nodes, thereby conserving computing and/or processing resources of the network nodes. As another example, one benefit of some example embodiments is a reduction or elimination of inefficient and wasteful uses of computing or processing resources of a transmitting device and of network resources that would otherwise occur without one or more of the embodiments described herein. As another example, one benefit of some example embodiments is extension of beam refinement to cells other than a serving cell, which provides network nodes with capabilities that the network nodes could not previously perform. Accordingly, the use of some example embodiments results in improved functioning of communications networks and their nodes and, therefore constitute an improvement at least to the technological field of wireless control and management, among others.

In some example embodiments, the functionality of any of the methods, processes, signaling diagrams, algorithms or flow charts described herein may be implemented by software and/or computer program code or portions of code stored in memory or other computer readable or tangible media, and executed by a processor.

In some example embodiments, an apparatus may be included or be associated with at least one software application, module, unit or entity configured as arithmetic operation(s), or as a program or portions of it (including an added or updated software routine), executed by at least one operation processor. Programs, also called program products or computer programs, including software routines, applets and macros, may be stored in any apparatus-readable data storage medium and may include program instructions to perform particular tasks.

A computer program product may include one or more computer-executable components which, when the program is run, are configured to carry out some example embodiments. The one or more computer-executable components may be at least one software code or portions of code. Modifications and configurations required for implementing functionality of an example embodiment may be performed as routine(s), which may be implemented as added or updated software routine(s). In one example, software routine(s) may be downloaded into the apparatus.

As an example, software or a computer program code or portions of code may be in a source code form, object code form, or in some intermediate form, and it may be stored in some sort of carrier, distribution medium, or computer readable medium, which may be any entity or device capable of carrying the program. Such carriers may include a record medium, computer memory, read-only memory, photoelectrical and/or electrical carrier signal, telecommunications signal, and/or software distribution package, for example. The computer readable medium or computer readable storage medium may be a non-transitory medium.

In other example embodiments, the functionality may be performed by hardware or circuitry included in an apparatus (e.g., apparatus <NUM> or apparatus <NUM>), for example through the use of an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable gate array (PGA), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or any other combination of hardware and software. In yet another example embodiment, the functionality may be implemented as a signal, such as a non-tangible means that can be carried by an electromagnetic signal downloaded from the Internet or other network.

Example embodiments described herein apply equally to both singular and plural implementations, regardless of whether singular or plural language is used in connection with describing certain embodiments. For example, an embodiment that describes operations of a single network node equally applies to embodiments that include multiple instances of the network node, and vice versa.

Claim 1:
An apparatus (<NUM>), comprising:
means for receiving, from a network node, a request (<NUM>) to measure at least one beam associated with a non-serving cell, wherein the request is associated with causing the apparatus to perform (<NUM>) a measurement of the at least one beam and to determine whether beam refinement is needed based on a comparison of the measurement and multiple thresholds;
means for determining whether a positioning application, associated with performing a positioning measurement, allows for latency caused by additional signaling associated with the beam refinement;
means for performing, depending on whether the positioning application allows for the latency, the comparison of the measurement to the multiple thresholds;
means for determining (<NUM>) to not trigger reporting for beam refinement based on the measurement failing to satisfy the multiple thresholds.