Patent Description:
Since Release-<NUM> and an introduction in New Radio (NR), a Long Term Evolution Positioning Protocol (LPP), which is a point-to-point communication protocol between a Location Management Function (LMF) and a target device, has been agreed to be reused for User Equipment (UE) positioning in both NR and Long Term Evolution (LTE) (TS <NUM>).

At a core network, a new logical node LMF is the main server responsible for computing the UE position, based on the NR, Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA), or both RATs specific positioning methods. New Radio Positioning Protocol Annex (NRPPa) is a communication protocol between a Next Generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN) and an LMF.

<FIG> is a reproduction of Figure <NUM>-<NUM> of Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Technical Specification (TS) <NUM> V15. <NUM>, which shows the network architecture for positioning purposes. As illustrated, the Fifth Generation (<NUM>) System (5GS) architecture for positioning purposes includes a NG-RAN including a next generation Node B (gNB) and a next generation enhanced or evolved Node B (ng-eNB), and a <NUM> Core (5GC) including an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) and a LMF. The LMF may have a signaling connection to an Evolved Serving Mobile Location Center (E-SMLC) and a Secure User Plane Location (SUPL) Location Platform (SLP). Regarding this architecture, Section <NUM> of 3GPP TS <NUM> V15. <NUM> states:.

New and enhanced positioning methods have been defined in NR (TS <NUM>) such as:.

An example of signalling exchange for multi-RTT positioning (also applicable for other methods) is shown in <FIG>.

With Configured Grants, the gNB can allocate uplink resources for the initial Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) transmissions and HARQ retransmissions to UEs. Two types of configured uplink grants are defined:.

While keeping the positioning NR architecture and the existing positioning techniques as they have been defined in Release-<NUM>, one goal of Release-<NUM> positioning enhancements is to identify the possible signaling and procedures for improved accuracy, reduced latency, network efficiency, and device efficiency.

In order to meet the requirement of low latency, transmissions delays in the UL between the UE and the network should be reduced and optimized.

Currently, the UE reports its UL periodic positioning results via LPP Step <NUM> in <FIG>, as per the periodicalReporting indication defined in TS <NUM> (see extract below), which has been sent from LMF in Step <NUM>. This information element can indicate to UE the periodicity of the measurement reporting, provided the device supports such periodical reporting in its UE capabilities (informed in Step <NUM>).

For the message sent from the LMF to the gNB via NRPPa, the UE is identified in the Next Generation Application Protocol (NG-AP) transport message by temporary ID: AMF UE NGAP ID and RAN UE NGAP ID as shown below from NGAP specification (TS <NUM>).

This message is sent by the AMF and is used for carrying NRPPa message over the NG interface.

<CIT> discloses methods and apparatuses disclosed herein improve positioning based on UL signals in a wireless communication network, by sending UL transmission configuration from wireless devices, and by using that information in the network for performing UL-based positioning of the devices. Further aspects related to positioning of UEs are discussed in the following documents:.

The present disclosure provides methods, a location server, a base station and a cellular communication system as defined in the independent claims. Systems and methods are disclosed herein for signaling, over New Radio Positioning Protocol Annex (NRPPa), the periodicity of User Equipment (UE) periodical location information reporting to a next generation (NR) base station along with Quality of Service (QoS) information in terms of latency and/or accuracy. The base station can take the location information into account for prioritizing and configuring the UE's existing uplink (UL) grant(s) accordingly. The UE can then send its periodic Long-Term Evolution Positioning Protocol (LPP) Positioning report while avoiding clashes with other UL transmissions. Further, a Location Management Function (LMF) is able to compute measurements from the first few measurement reports obtained from the UE, and inform the base station to abort/release the configured grant resource.

Embodiments of a method performed by a location server (e.g. LMF) in UE positioning are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises sending one or more first NRPPa messages to a base station that serves a target UE and receiving a second NRPPa message from the base station. Herein, the one or more first NRPPa messages include an expected periodical reporting of the target UE, and provide priority indication associated with positioning requirements of the target UE so as to enable the base station to configure UL grant resources. The second NRPPa message acknowledges a success or failure of the configured UL grant resources.

In one embodiment of the method performed by the location server, the one or more first NRPPa messages sent to the base station further include a request for UL
Sounding Reference Signal (UL-SRS) configuration of the target UE from the serving base station.

In one embodiment of the method performed by the location server, the request for the UL-SRS configuration of the target UE, the expected periodical reporting of the target UE, and the priority indication associated with the positioning requirements of the target UE are sent over a same first NRPPa message from the location server to the base station.

In one embodiment of the method performed by the location server, the request for the UL-SRS configuration of the target UE, the expected periodical reporting of the target UE, and the priority indication associated with the positioning requirements of the target UE are sent over different first NRPPa messages from the location server to the base station.

In one embodiment of the method performed by the location server, the second NRPPa message received from the base station further includes a response to provide the UL-SRS configuration of the target UE from the serving base station.

In one embodiment of the method performed by the location server, the expected periodical reporting of the target UE and the priority indication associated with the positioning requirements of the target UE are sent over a same first NRPPa message from the location server to the base station.

In one embodiment of the method performed by the location server, the expected periodical reporting of the target UE and the the priority indication associated with the positioning requirements of the target UE are sent over different first NRPPa messages from the location server to the base station.

In one embodiment of the method performed by the location server, the one or more first NRPPa messages sent to the base station further include QoS information of the target UE, which provides the priority indication associated with the positioning requirements of the target UE.

In one embodiment of the method performed by the location server, the QoS information of the target UE includes at least one of QoS latency, QoS accuracy, and QoS positioning.

According to one embodiment, the method performed by the location server further comprises sending an abort indication message to the base station to indicate a stop or a release of configured grant resources.

Corresponding embodiments of a location server that performs in UE positioning are also disclosed. In one embodiment, the location server is adapted to send one or more first NRPPa messages to a base station that serves a target UE and receive a second NRPPa message from the base station. Herein, the one or more first NRPPa messages include an expected periodical reporting of the target UE, and provide priority indication associated with positioning requirements of the target UE so as to enable the base station to configure UL grant resources. The second NRPPa message acknowledges a success or failure of the configured UL grant resources.

In one embodiment, a location server that performs in UE positioning includes an interface and processing circuitry associated with the interface. The processing circuitry is configured to cause the location server to send one or more first NRPPa messages to a base station that serves a target UE and receive a second NRPPa message from the base station. Herein, the one or more first NRPPa messages include an expected periodical reporting of the target UE, and provide priority indication associated with positioning requirements of the target UE so as to enable the base station to configure UL grant resources. The second NRPPa message acknowledges a success or failure of the configured UL grant resources.

Embodiments of a method performed by a base station, which serves a target UE, in UE positioning are also disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises receiving one or more first NRPPa messages from a location server and sending a second NRPPa message to the location server. Herein, the one or more first NRPPa messages include an expected periodical reporting of the target UE, and provide priority indication associated with positioning requirements of the target UE so as to enable the base station to configure UL grant resources. The second NRPPa message acknowledges a success or failure of the configured UL grant resources.

In one embodiment of the method performed by the base station, the one or more first NRPPa messages received from the location server further includes a request for UL-SRS configuration of the target UE from the base station.

In one embodiment of the method performed by the base station, the request for UL-SRS configuration of the target UE, the expected periodical reporting of the target UE, and the priority indication associated with the positioning requirements of the target UE are received over a same first NRPPa message from the location server to the base station.

In one embodiment of the method performed by the base station, the request for UL-SRS configuration of the target UE, the expected periodical reporting of the target UE, and the priority indication associated with the positioning requirements of the target UE are received over different first NRPPa messages from the location server to the base station.

In one embodiment of the method performed by the base station, the second NRPPa message sent to the location server further include a response to provide the UL-SRS configuration of the target UE to the location server.

In one embodiment of the method performed by the base station, the expected periodical reporting of the target UE and the priority indication associated with the positioning requirements of the target UE are received over a same first NRPPa message from the location server to the base station.

In one embodiment of the method performed by the base station, the expected periodical reporting of the target UE and priority indication associated with the positioning requirements of the target UE are received over different first NRPPa messages from the location server to the base station.

In one embodiment of the method performed by the base station, the one or more first NRPPa messages received from the local server further include QoS information of the target UE, which provides the priority indication associated with the positioning requirements of the target UE.

In one embodiment of the method performed by the base station, the QoS information for the target UE includes at least one of QoS latency, QoS accuracy, and QoS positioning.

In one embodiment of the method performed by the base station, the base station includes a next generation Node B central unit (gNB-CU) and a gNB distributed-unit (gNB-DU). The gNB-CU considers the expected periodical reporting and the priority indication associated with the positioning requirements of the target UE to adapt preconfigured UL transmissions for the target UE with periodicity of the positioning reporting. In addition, the gNB-CU transmits the expected periodical reporting and the priority indication associated with the positioning requirements of the target UE to the gNB-DU.

According to one embodiment, the method performed by the base station further comprises receiving an abort indication message from the location server. The abort indication message indicates a stop or a release of configured grant resources.

According to one embodiment, the method performed by the base station further comprises prioritizing among different UEs in allocation of UL grant resources based upon the priority indication associated with the positioning requirements of the target UE received from the location server.

According to one embodiment, the method performed by the base station further comprises configuring UL grant resources for the target UE by considering the expected UE periodical reporting and the priority indication associated with the positioning requirements of the target UE received from the location server.

According to one embodiment, the method performed by the base station further comprises determining to release or abort configured UL grant resources based upon received abort indication message.

According to one embodiment, the method performed by the base station further comprises releasing the configured UL grant resources to the target UE.

Corresponding embodiments of a base station, which serves a target UE, performing in UE positioning are also disclosed. In one embodiment, the base station is adapted to receive one or more first NRPPa messages from a location server and send a second NRPPa message to the location server. Herein, the one or more first NRPPa messages include an expected periodical reporting of the target UE, and provide priority indication associated with the positioning requirements of the target UE so as to enable the base station to configure UL grant resources. The second NRPPa message acknowledges a success or failure of the configured UL grant resources.

In one embodiment, a base station, which serves a target UE, performing in UE positioning includes an interface and processing circuitry associated with the interface. The processing circuitry is configured to cause the base station to receive one or more first NRPPa messages from a location server and send a second NRPPa message to the location server. Herein, the one or more first NRPPa messages include an expected periodical reporting of the target UE, and priority indication associated with the positioning requirements of the target UE so as to enable the base station to configure UL grant resources. The second NRPPa message acknowledges a success or failure of the configured UL grant resources.

Embodiments of a method performed by a UE in UE positioning, which is served by a base station, are also disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises obtaining UL grant resources configured by the base station and providing measurements to a location server using the configured UL grant resources. Herein, the UL grant resources are configured by the base station based upon expected UE periodical reporting and priority indication associated with the positioning requirements of the UE received by the base station from the location server.

Corresponding embodiments of a UE performing in UE positioning, which is served by a base station, are also disclosed. In one embodiment, the UE is adapted to obtain UL grant resources configured by the base station and provide measurements to a location server using the configured UL grant resources. Herein, the UL grant resources are configured by the base station based upon expected UE periodical reporting and priority indication associated with the positioning requirements of the UE received by the base station from the location server.

In one embodiment, a UE performing in UE positioning, which is served by a base station, includes one or more transmitters, one or more receivers, and processing circuitry associated with the one or more transmitters and the one or more receivers. The processing circuitry is configured to cause the UE to obtain UL grant resources configured by the base station and provide measurements to a location server using the configured UL grant resources. Herein, the UL grant resources are configured by the base station based upon expected UE periodical reporting and priority indication associated with the positioning requirements of the UE received by the base station from the location server.

Certain embodiments may provide one or more of the following technical advantage(s). For example, embodiments of the present disclosure may provide any one or more of the following advantages:.

Core Network Node: As used herein, a "core network node" is any type of node in a core network or any node that implements a core network function. Some examples of a core network node include, e.g., a Mobility Management Entity (MME), a Packet Data Network Gateway (P-GW), a Service Capability Exposure Function (SCEF), a Home Subscriber Server (HSS), or the like. Some other examples of a core network node include a node implementing a Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), a User Plane Function (UPF), a Session Management Function (SMF), an Authentication Server Function (AUSF), a Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF), a Network Exposure Function (NEF), a Network Function (NF) Repository Function (NRF), a Policy Control Function (PCF), a Unified Data Management (UDM), or the like.

Transmission/Reception Point (TRP): In some embodiments, a TRP may be either a network node, a radio head, a spatial relation, or a Transmission Configuration Indicator (TCI) state. A TRP may be represented by a spatial relation or a TCI state in some embodiments. In some embodiments, a TRP may be using multiple TCI states.

In configuration of uplink (UL) grant with positioning periodical reporting, there currently exist certain challenge(s). Although, a Long Term Evolution Positioning Protocol (LPP) configures the User Equipment (UE) measurement reporting periodicity for location information reporting, this is not known to a base station (e.g., gNB). Because of this, the gNB may not be able to configure the UL grant matching the UE reporting periodicity.

To transmit on the Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH), a valid UL grant must have been pre-allocated by the gNB to the UE. Currently, the gNB does not know what is the periodical LPP reporting in Steps <NUM> or <NUM> of <FIG>, for which the UE may provide periodic location information to the LMF. The gNB knows instead whether the NRPPa measurements response in Step <NUM> above should be sent at once (on demand) or in many messages (Periodic NRPP reporting), but the gNB cannot know the UE's windows of reporting information to the LMF via LPP. This is particularly significant for positioning methods such as Downlink Time Difference of Arrival (DL-TDOA) that do not require such gNB/LMF information exchange. Therefore, the absence of such sync of UL information at gNB can prohibit in configuring UL grant properly and consequently delay signaling and impact the overall network's latency. Further, the positioning periodical reporting performed by the UE via LPP should not clash with other UL transmissions that have been configured by the gNB when the UE is in connected mode (e.g., in Range Rate Correction (RRC)).

In addition, when the LMF provides the Downlink Positioning Reference Signal (DL-PRS) Assistance data (AD), it provides a prioritized list of cells/TRPs where the UE should perform the measurement and report to the LMF via LPP. In LTE, a list of <NUM> cells is provided. For DL-TDOA, <NUM> Reference Signal Time Differences (RSTDs) could be adequate if rich reporting/Line of Sight (LOS) is available; similarly, for multi-Round Trip Time (RTT), up to <NUM> neighbor TRPs measurement can be enough to compute the location. However, the LMF as such provides several cells/TRPs list to the UE because the measurements obtained from only few cells/TRPs at times may not be enough to compute the position mainly if those are Non-Line of Sight (NLOS) and the UE has large uncertainty. It may take lots of UE power to compute the positioning, and to provide measurement results for several cells is time consuming, increases signaling load, and requires large radio resources.

On the other hand, positioning Quality of Service (QoS) as such is defined in terms of positioning accuracy and latency. The positioning QoS provides priority indication associated with positioning requirements (more details are disclosed in tables below). Some of the applications require high positioning accuracy along with faster response time (non-delay tolerant positioning application such as for autonomous driving). While some of the applications can be delay tolerant and occasional tracking with low positioning accuracy can be enough (for example tracking goods/objects whether they are still located in factory or are on the move). Depending upon the QoS need (e.g., positioning requirements), different policies can be adopted in the gNB. Larger resources can be guaranteed for non-delay tolerant applications compared to delay tolerant applications as an example. However, conventionally, the gNB is not aware of the QoS for positioning.

<FIG> illustrates one example of a cellular communications system <NUM> in which embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented. In the embodiments described herein, the cellular communications system <NUM> is a <NUM> system (5GS) including a Next Generation RAN (NG-RAN) and a <NUM> Core (5GC). In this example, the RAN includes base stations <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>, which in the 5GS include NR base stations (gNBs) and optionally next generation eNBs (ng-eNBs) (e.g., LTE RAN nodes connected to the 5GC), controlling corresponding (macro) cells <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>. The base stations <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> are generally referred to herein collectively as base stations <NUM> and individually as base station <NUM>. Likewise, the (macro) cells <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> are generally referred to herein collectively as (macro) cells <NUM> and individually as (macro) cell <NUM>. The RAN may also include a number of low power nodes <NUM>-<NUM> through <NUM>-<NUM> controlling corresponding small cells <NUM>-<NUM> through <NUM>-<NUM>. The low power nodes <NUM>-<NUM> through <NUM>-<NUM> can be small base stations (such as pico or femto base stations) or Remote Radio Heads (RRHs), or the like. Notably, while not illustrated, one or more of the small cells <NUM>-<NUM> through <NUM>-<NUM> may alternatively be provided by the base stations <NUM>. The low power nodes <NUM>-<NUM> through <NUM>-<NUM> are generally referred to herein collectively as low power nodes <NUM> and individually as low power node <NUM>. Likewise, the small cells <NUM>-<NUM> through <NUM>-<NUM> are generally referred to herein collectively as small cells <NUM> and individually as small cell <NUM>. The cellular communications system <NUM> also includes a core network <NUM>, which in the <NUM> System (5GS) is referred to as the 5GC. The base stations <NUM> (and optionally the low power nodes <NUM>) are connected to the core network <NUM>.

In the preferred embodiments described herein, for positioning purposes, the cellular communications system <NUM> has the network architecture described above with respect to <FIG>. This is illustrated in <FIG>. More specifically, as illustrated in <FIG>, for location purposes, the core network <NUM> includes an AMF <NUM>, a LMF <NUM>, optionally an Evolved Serving Mobile Location Center (E-SMLC) <NUM>, and optionally a Secure User Plane Location (SUPL) Location Platform (SLP) <NUM>. Note that, with respect to the network functions (NFs) within the 5GC (e.g., AMF <NUM>, LMF <NUM>, etc.), these NFs may be implemented as, e.g., a network element on a dedicated hardware, as a software instance running on a dedicated hardware, or as a virtualized function instantiated on an appropriate platform, e.g., a cloud infrastructure. Furthermore, the NG-RAN network includes gNB(s) <NUM>-A and optionally ng-eNB(s) <NUM>-B. In some cases, the gNB(s) may have a split architecture including gNB-CU and gNB-DU, and these two are connected by an interface called F1 (refer to TS <NUM>).

In current existing RAN design, the gNB is not aware of QoS needed for positioning. However, since the LPP is carried over control plane, such control plane then has a higher priority than user plane. In some applications, the gNB needs to serve multiple UEs who require positioning solutions with different methods and QoS requirements. In such case, if the gNB is aware of QoS for positioning then the gNB can prioritize the control plane resources among these multiple UEs. Therefore, it is desired that the LMF provides QoS (e.g., priority indication associated with positioning requirements) for each UE to the gNB.

<FIG> illustrates an example of signaling exchange for positioning among various nodes when the LMF <NUM> is the entity that performs positioning estimation in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. The steps of the procedure illustrated in <FIG> are as follows:.

Step <NUM>: performing NRPPa DL-PRS configuration information exchange between the LMF <NUM> and the gNBs, such as a serving gNB <NUM>-1A and /or neighbor gNBs <NUM>-2A, <NUM>-3A, and <NUM>-4A. Herein, the serving gNB <NUM>-1A is a currently serving base station of a target UE <NUM>.

Step <NUM>: performing LPP capability transfer between the LMF <NUM> and the target UE <NUM>.

Step <NUM>: The LMF <NUM> sends one or more NRPPa messages to the serving gNB <NUM>-1A for positioning information. The NRPPa message(s) includes a POSITIONING INFORMATION REQUEST to request uplink (UL) information (UL Sounding Reference Signal (UL-SRS) configuration information) of the target UE <NUM> from the serving gNB <NUM>-1A. Herein, the POSITIONING INFORMATION REQUEST is an exemplary request for the UL-SRS configuration information of the target UE <NUM>. In different applications, the NRPPa message(s) may include different request(s) for the UL-SRS configuration information of the target UE <NUM>. Also, the NRPPa message(s) includes an expected periodical reporting of the UE <NUM> and QoS information for the UE <NUM>. Herein the QoS information at least provides priority indication associated with positioning requirements of the UE <NUM>.

The LMF <NUM> may send the POSITIONING INFORMATION REQUEST, the expected UE periodical reporting, and the QoS information over a same NRPPa message or different NRPPa messages. For instance, when the LMF <NUM> sends the POSITIONING INFORMATION REQUEST to the serving gNB <NUM>-1A, the LMF <NUM>, in the same NRPPa message, can also request the serving gNB <NUM>-1A to consider the UE periodical reporting, with its subfields as defined in TS <NUM>, and a desired level of QoS. In another example, the LMF <NUM> may send a first NRPPa message including the POSITIONING INFORMATION REQUEST to the serving gNB <NUM>-1A; and the LMF <NUM> sends a second NRPPa message including the expected periodical reporting of the UE <NUM> and QoS information for the UE <NUM>. In addition, when the serving gNB <NUM>-1A receives the UE periodical reporting and level of QoS, the serving gNB <NUM>-1A will take them into account to configure the periodicity of UE's UL grant(s) accordingly.

In case of a split gNB architecture, the gNB-CU in the serving gNB <NUM>-1A will take into account the received UE periodical reporting and QoS information to adapt the UE preconfigured UL transmissions with the positioning reporting periodicity. The gNB-CU in the serving gNB <NUM>-1A can also provide the expected periodical reporting and the QoS information to the gNB-DU the serving gNB <NUM>-1A over the F1 interface in case some UE UL grants need to be configured via PHY/MAC layer.

In another embodiment, when the LMF <NUM> has been able to compute positioning without having the need of all the measurement reports from the UE <NUM>, the LMF <NUM> may send an abort indication message to the serving gNB <NUM>-1A to indicate the stop or the release of configured grant resources (Step 402a). If the serving gNB <NUM>-1A has a split gNB architecture, the gNB-CU will also send the abort indication to the gNB-DU.

Non-limiting examples for NRPPa signaling, which is sent from the LMF <NUM> to the serving gNB <NUM>-1A to request positioning information, are presented below.

Non-limiting examples for F1 Application Protocol (F1AP) signaling, which is sent by the gNB-CU to indicate to the gNB-DU the need to configure the UE <NUM> to transmit SRS signals for UL positioning measurement, are presented below.

The above embodiments are valid for all positioning methods, provided that the UE supports periodical LPP reporting and has communicated its capability before-hand to the LMF. For other positioning methods, such as DL-TDOA, a new NRPPa signaling can be used to send the UE expected periodical reporting and QoS latency to the gNB.

Step <NUM>: the serving gNB <NUM>-1A prioritizes among different UEs (including the target UE <NUM>) in allocation of UL grants based upon the received QoS information. Also, the serving gNB <NUM>-1A configures UL grant resources for the target UE <NUM> by considering the expected UE periodical reporting and the QoS information (Step 403a). Furthermore, if the serving gNB <NUM>-1A receives the abort indication message from the LMF <NUM>, the serving gNB <NUM>-1A may release or abort configured UL grant resources based upon received abort indication message (Step 403b). At Step 403c, the serving gNB <NUM>-1A may release the configured UL grant resources to the target UE <NUM>.

Step <NUM>: The serving gNB <NUM>-1A provides the UL-SRS configuration information of the UE <NUM> to the LMF <NUM> in a NRPPa POSITIONING INFORMATION RESPONSE message. Herein, the POSITIONING INFORMATION RESPONSE is an exemplary response to provide the UL-SRS configuration information of the UE <NUM> to the LMF316. In different applications, there might be other NRPPa response message(s) to provide the UL-SRS configuration information of the UE <NUM> to the LMF316. The serving gNB <NUM>-1A may also provide an acknowledgement of the configured UL grants (success or failure) to the LMF <NUM> via the NRPPa message. This acknowledgement can be encapsulated in the NRPPa message. NOTE: It is up to implementation on whether SRS configuration is provided earlier than DL-PRS configuration.

Step 405a: The LMF <NUM> may send a NRPPa SRS Activation Request message to the serving gNB <NUM>-1A of the target UE <NUM> to request activation of UE SRS transmission. For a semi-persistent UL-SRS, the message includes an indication of an UL-SRS resource set to be activated and may include information that indicates the spatial relation for the semi-persistent UL-SRS resource to be activated. At Step 405b, the serving gNB <NUM>-1A then activates the UE SRS transmission. The UE <NUM> begins the UL-SRS transmission according to the time domain behavior of UL-SRS resource configuration.

Step <NUM>: The LMF <NUM> sends a NRPPa MEASUREMENT REQUEST message to selected gNBs (one or more of the serving gNB <NUM>-1A and the neighbor gNBs <NUM>-2A, <NUM>-3A, and <NUM>-4A) to request Multi-RTT measurement information. This NRPPa message includes any information required for the selected gNBs to perform the measurements.

Step <NUM>: The LMF <NUM> determines that assistance data needs to be provided to the UE <NUM> (e.g., as part of a positioning procedure) and sends an LPP Provide Assistance Data message to the UE <NUM>. Such message includes any required assistance data for the UE <NUM> to perform the necessary DL-PRS measurements.

Step <NUM>: The LMF <NUM> sends a LPP Request Location Information message to the UE <NUM> to request Multi-RTT measurements.

Step 409a: The UE <NUM> performs the DL-PRS measurements from all gNBs (both serving and neighbor gNBs) provided in the assistance data at Step <NUM>. In Step 409b, each gNB configured at Step <NUM> measures the UE SRS transmissions from the UE <NUM>.

Step <NUM>: The UE <NUM> reports the DL-PRS measurements for Multi-RTT to the LMF <NUM> in a LPP Provide Location Information message using the configured grant resources.

Step <NUM>: Each gNB (each of the serving gNB <NUM>-1A and the neighbor gNBs <NUM>-2A, <NUM>-3A, and <NUM>-4A) reports the UE SRS measurements to the LMF <NUM> in a NRPPa Measurement Response message. The LMF <NUM> then determines the RTTs from the UE and gNB Rx-Tx time difference measurements for each gNB for which corresponding UL and DL measurements were provided at Steps <NUM> and <NUM> and calculates the position of the UE <NUM>.

For positioning methods that do not call for gNB/LMF exchanges besides the Step <NUM> in <FIG> (Steps <NUM>, <NUM>, 405a and 405b can be omitted), an individual new message from the LMF <NUM> to the serving gNB <NUM>-1A is needed before-hand to transmit the expected periodical reporting of the UE <NUM> and QoS information for the UE <NUM> (Step <NUM>-<NUM>), as illustrated in <FIG>. This new message allows the serving gNB <NUM>-1A to properly configure the UE <NUM> reporting and align them with UL configured grants. In addition, the serving gNB <NUM>-1A may provide an acknowledgement of the configured UL grants (success or failure) to the LMF <NUM> via NRPPa. This acknowledgement can be provided in a new NRPPa message (Step <NUM>-<NUM>).

<FIG> is a flow chart that illustrates the operations of a location server (e.g., LMF <NUM>) in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Note that while this process is described for the location server, this process is more generally applicable to any position estimation entity. As illustrated, the location server sends one or more NRPPa messages to a base station (e.g. serving gNB <NUM>-1A) serving a target UE (e.g. the UE <NUM>) (Step <NUM>). As discussed above, the one or more NRPPa messages include an expected periodical reporting of the target UE and QoS information (e.g. QoS desired level) for the target UE. In some applications, the one or more NRPPa messages may also include a POSITIONING INFORMATION REQUEST to request UL information (UL-SRS configuration) of the target UE from the serving base station. The location server may send the POSITIONING INFORMATION REQUEST, the expected UE periodical reporting, and the QoS information over a same NRPPa message or different NRPPa messages. Herein, the POSITIONING INFORMATION REQUEST is an exemplary request for the UL-SRS configuration information of the target UE. In different applications, the one or more NRPPa messages may include different request(s) for the UL-SRS configuration information of the target UE.

The location server may also send an abort indication message to the base station to indicate the stop or the release of configured grant resources for the target UE (Step <NUM>).

The location server then receives a NRPPa message from the serving base station (Step <NUM>). This received NRPPa message includes an acknowledgement of configured UL grants (success or failure). If this received NRPPa message responds to the POSITIONING INFORMATION REQUEST sent by the location server, this received NRPPa message may be a POSITIONING INFORMATION RESPONSE message (as illustrated in Step <NUM> in <FIG>) and may provide the UL-SRS configuration information. In some applications, the location server does not need UL SRS configuration. The location server only sends the UE's expected periodical reporting and the QoS information to the base station, which will take them into account. No feedback from the base station to the location server is needed.

<FIG> is a flow chart that illustrates the operations of a base station (e.g., serving gNB <NUM>-1A) serving a target UE (e.g., the UE <NUM>) in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. As illustrated, the base station receives one or more NRPPa messages from a location server (Step <NUM>). As discussed above, the one or more NRPPa messages include an expected periodical reporting of the target UE and QoS information (e.g. QoS desired level) for the target UE. In some applications, the one or more NRPPa messages may also include a POSITIONING INFORMATION REQUEST to request UL information (UL-SRS configuration) of the target UE from the base station. The base station may receive the POSITIONING INFORMATION REQUEST, the expected UE periodical reporting, and the QoS information in a same NRPPa message or different NRPPa messages. Herein, the POSITIONING INFORMATION REQUEST is an exemplary request for the UL-SRS configuration information of the target UE. In different applications, the one or more NRPPa messages may include different request(s) for the UL-SRS configuration information of the target UE.

In addition, the base station may also receive an abort indication message from the location server to indicate the stop or the release of configured grant resources for the target UE (Step <NUM>).

Next, the base station may prioritize among different UEs (including the target UE <NUM>) in allocation of UL grants based upon the received QoS information (Step <NUM>). Also, the base station configures UL grant resources for the target UE by considering the expected UE periodical reporting and the QoS information (Step <NUM>). Furthermore, if the base station receives the abort indication message from the location server, the base station may determine to release or abort configured UL grant resources based upon received abort indication message (Step <NUM>). At Step <NUM>, the base station may release the configured UL grant resources to the target UE.

The base station sends a NRPPa message to the location server (Step <NUM>). If this NRPPa message sent by the base station responds to the received POSITIONING INFORMATION REQUEST from the location server, this NRPPa message may be a POSITIONING INFORMATION RESPONSE message (as illustrated in Step <NUM> in <FIG>) and may provide the UL-SRS configuration information. In some applications, the location server does not need UL SRS configuration. The location server only sends the UE's expected periodical reporting and the QoS information to the base station, which will take them into account. No feedback from the base station to the location server is needed.

<FIG> is a schematic block diagram of a network node <NUM> (e.g., a base station <NUM>, a network node that implements some or all of the functionality of a base station described herein, or a network node on which a LMF <NUM> or location server is implemented) according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Optional features are represented by dashed boxes. As illustrated, the network node <NUM> includes a control system <NUM> that includes one or more processors <NUM> (e.g., Central Processing Units (CPUs), Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), and/or the like), memory <NUM>, and a network interface <NUM>. The one or more processors <NUM> are also referred to herein as processing circuitry. In addition, the network node <NUM> may include one or more radio units <NUM> that each includes one or more transmitters <NUM> and one or more receivers <NUM> coupled to one or more antennas <NUM>. The radio units <NUM> may be referred to or be part of radio interface circuitry. In some embodiments, the radio unit(s) <NUM> is external to the control system <NUM> and connected to the control system <NUM> via, e.g., a wired connection (e.g., an optical cable). However, in some other embodiments, the radio unit(s) <NUM> and potentially the antenna(s) <NUM> are integrated together with the control system <NUM>. The one or more processors <NUM> operate to provide one or more functions of a network node <NUM> as described herein (e.g., one or more functions of a base station, LMF, or location server described herein). In some embodiments, the function(s) are implemented in software that is stored, e.g., in the memory <NUM> and executed by the one or more processors <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic block diagram that illustrates a virtualized embodiment of the network node <NUM> according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

As used herein, a "virtualized" network node is an implementation of the network node <NUM> in which at least a portion of the functionality of the network node <NUM> is implemented as a virtual component(s) (e.g., via a virtual machine(s) executing on a physical processing node(s) in a network(s)). As illustrated, in this example, the network node <NUM> may include the control system <NUM> and/or the one or more radio units <NUM>, as described above. The control system <NUM> may be connected to the radio unit(s) <NUM> via, for example, an optical cable or the like. The network node <NUM> includes one or more processing nodes <NUM> coupled to or included as part of a network(s) <NUM>. If present, the control system <NUM> or the radio unit(s) are connected to the processing node(s) <NUM> via the network <NUM>. Each processing node <NUM> includes one or more processors <NUM> (e.g., CPUs, ASICs, FPGAs, and/or the like), memory <NUM>, and a network interface <NUM>.

In this example, functions <NUM> of the network node <NUM> described herein (e.g., one or more functions of a base station, LMF, or location server described herein) are implemented at the one or more processing nodes <NUM> or distributed across the one or more processing nodes <NUM> and the control system <NUM> and/or the radio unit(s) <NUM> in any desired manner. In some particular embodiments, some or all of the functions <NUM> of the network node <NUM> described herein are implemented as virtual components executed by one or more virtual machines implemented in a virtual environment(s) hosted by the processing node(s) <NUM>. As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, additional signaling or communication between the processing node(s) <NUM> and the control system <NUM> is used in order to carry out at least some of the desired functions <NUM>. Notably, in some embodiments, the control system <NUM> may not be included, in which case the radio unit(s) <NUM> communicates directly with the processing node(s) <NUM> via an appropriate network interface(s).

In some embodiments, a computer program including instructions which, when executed by at least one processor, causes the at least one processor to carry out the functionality of network node <NUM> or a node (e.g., a processing node <NUM>) implementing one or more of the functions <NUM> of the network node <NUM> in a virtual environment according to any of the embodiments described herein is provided.

<FIG> is a schematic block diagram of the network node <NUM> according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure. The network node <NUM> includes one or more modules <NUM>, each of which is implemented in software. The module(s) <NUM> provide the functionality of the network node <NUM> described herein (e.g., one or more functions of a base station, LMF, or location server described herein).

<FIG> is a schematic block diagram of a wireless communication device <NUM> (e.g. the UE <NUM>) according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As illustrated, the wireless communication device <NUM> includes one or more processors <NUM> (e.g., CPUs, ASICs, FPGAs, and/or the like), memory <NUM>, and one or more transceivers <NUM> each including one or more transmitters <NUM> and one or more receivers <NUM> coupled to one or more antennas <NUM>. The transceiver(s) <NUM> includes radio-front end circuitry connected to the antenna(s) <NUM> that is configured to condition signals communicated between the antenna(s) <NUM> and the processor(s) <NUM>, as will be appreciated by on of ordinary skill in the art. The processors <NUM> are also referred to herein as processing circuitry. The transceivers <NUM> are also referred to herein as radio circuitry. In some embodiments, the functionality of the wireless communication device <NUM> described above (e.g., one or more functions of the UE <NUM> described herein) may be fully or partially implemented in software that is, e.g., stored in the memory <NUM> and executed by the processor(s) <NUM>. Note that the wireless communication device <NUM> may include additional components not illustrated in <FIG> such as, e.g., one or more user interface components (e.g., an input/output interface including a display, buttons, a touch screen, a microphone, a speaker(s), and/or the like and/or any other components for allowing input of information into the wireless communication device <NUM> and/or allowing output of information from the wireless communication device <NUM>), a power supply (e.g., a battery and associated power circuitry), etc..

In some embodiments, a computer program including instructions which, when executed by at least one processor, causes the at least one processor to carry out the functionality of the wireless communication device <NUM> according to any of the embodiments described herein (e.g., one or more functions of a UE described herein) is provided.

The module(s) <NUM> provide the functionality of the wireless communication device <NUM> described herein (e.g., one or more functions of the UE <NUM> described herein).

Claim 1:
A method performed by a location server (<NUM>) for target user equipment, UE, positioning, the method comprising:
- sending (Step <NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>) one or more first New Radio Positioning Protocol Annex, NRPPa, messages to a base station (<NUM>-1A) that serves a target UE (<NUM>), wherein:
- the one or more first NRPPa messages include an expected periodical reporting of the target UE and provide priority indication associated with positioning requirements of the target UE; and
- the expected periodical reporting of the target UE at least indicates a periodicity with which the target UE reports positioning results to the location server; and
- receiving (Step <NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>) a second NRPPa message from the base station, wherein the second NRPPa message acknowledges a success or failure of uplink, UL, grant resources, wherein the UL grant resources have been configured by the base station based upon the expected periodical reporting of the target UE and the priority indication associated with the positioning requirements of the target UE.