Patent Description:
Wireless communication networks, such as those provided based on standards promulgated by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), e.g., New Radio (NR) (NR is also referred to as <NUM>), support at least a network node and more than one wireless device (WD). Device-to-Device (D2D) communication, i.e., direct communication between WDs, is also supported. In these environments, the management of WD interfaces may be useful in order to obtain positioning information related to the WDs, especially when cellular coverage is lost, or traditional positioning-determining sources are not available.

With respect to D2D, cellular-network-assisted D2D communications in both licensed and unlicensed spectrum bands can increase spectral efficiency, energy efficiency and may also reduce latency. Recognizing a technology potential, both the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and the 3GPP have defined technology-specific enablers that allow infrastructure and consumer products to operate D2D protocols. In 3GPP, for example, technical specifications released since Rel-<NUM> support sidelink communications for national safety and public safety and support vehicular communications as well.

An aspect of D2D and sidelink communications is mode selection, which is referred to as interface selection in 3GPP. Interface selection refers to the mechanism whereby a WD selects between cellular mode communications through uplink/downlink cellular interfaces of the WD and communications over the sidelink through a WD sidelink (also called PC5 interface). Mode selection or interface selection is known to have a large impact on spectral and energy efficiency as well as on latency and battery consumption.

With respect to vehicle-to-anything (V2X) communication, positioning of a vehicle is a vital part of many V2X use cases or services, such as remote control, lane crossing, autonomous parking, pre-crash warning, traffic congestion warning, instant road hazard warning, emergency break, platooning, and speed warning. Some of the V2X use cases require much higher accuracy positioning than can be achieved through positioning based on Radio Access Technology (RAT)(with reasonable deployment assumptions) based on 3GPP Rel. For instance, the positioning requirement for human-assisted, remote driving demands high accuracy positioning, which is around <NUM>. In order to achieve the high positioning accuracy, assuming that the position is calculated by a network entity, the vehicle may need to share information obtained using sensors that are onboard the vehicle.

3GPP NR is positioned to provide added value in terms of enhanced location capabilities. Operation in low frequency bands (below <NUM>) and high frequency bands (above <NUM>) and utilization of massive antenna arrays provide additional degrees of freedom to substantially improve positioning accuracy by exploiting spatial and angular domains of propagation channel in combination with time measurements. The possibility to use wide signal bandwidth in low and especially in high bands brings new performance bounds for well-known positioning techniques that are based on observed time difference of arrival (OTDOA) and uplink time difference of arrival (UTDOA), for positioning techniques based on cell-ID (CID), and for positioning techniques based on enhanced cell-ID (E-CID). The recent advances in massive antenna systems, e.g., massive Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO), can provide additional degrees of freedom to enable obtaining more accurate user location.

Specifically, Rel-<NUM> of NR introduced support for OTDOA where a reference signal for positioning is being specified. Further E-CID positioning method is expected to exploit beam and massive antenna technologies, such as by easily deriving angles of arrival/departure (AoA/AoD).

<FIG> shows an example arrangement in which vehicles and vulnerable road users may be in or out of cellular/GNSS coverage (e.g., due to lack of line of sight (LoS), or shadowing objects) and may have accurate or outdated positioning information. When vehicles and vulnerable road users (VRU) are out of cellular and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) coverage, the vehicles, the VRUs, and the network lack appropriate positioning information to provide positioning dependent services (e.g., cooperative maneuvering, VRU detection/warning, lane merge assistance). In other words, providing services that depend on information concerning V2X positioning in situations in which at least some of the participants do not have up-to-date positioning becomes difficult, if not impossible.

More specifically, for network-assisted V2X services, the existing solutions do not facilitate an interplay between a network node (eNB, gNB) and WDs unless network coverage is available. In other words, existing network-assisted solutions fail in situations, in which some of the WDs are out of network coverage.

A position-dependent solution should take advantage of cellular and GNSS coverage when available and continue providing positioning information with a graceful degradation when out of cellular/GNSS coverage. Existing solutions for positioning and position-dependent V2X services fail to provide positioning information in these conditions.

Document S2-<NUM> VIVO MOBILE COMMUNICATION CO LTD: "served by and not served by" clarification, 3GPP SA2 discloses to use radio parameters i.e., frequency band of a specific geographic area (e.g., operator managed or non-operator managed) to transmit/receive V2X communication when the WD can identify itself within the specific geographic area and is authorized to use the frequency band (e.g., PLMN authorization verification or allowed RATs for the WD). When the WD does not find authorized cell in PLMN or authorized cross-carrier operation, then the WD is not authorized to perform V2X communication over PC5 reference point.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure advantageously provide methods and apparatuses related to positioning-triggered interface selection, as defined by the appended independent claims.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a method for a WD for selecting a communication interface is provided. The WD supports communication with a network node. The method includes determining a WD positioning information status which is one of up-to-date and obsolete and a cellular coverage status, which is one of in coverage and out of coverage.

A WD state is determined based on the determined WD positioning information status and the cellular coverage status. A position information is transmitted based on the determined WD state. The method also includes selecting the communication interface based at least in part on the determined WD state.

In some embodiments of this aspect, a configuration is received, and the configuration specifies how the WD positioning information status, the cellular coverage status, and the WD state are determined. In addition, a state information table is created based at least on the received configuration. In other embodiments, the configuration further specifies transmitting the position information in accordance with a reporting mode selected from one of single-report request, periodic, event triggered, and event-triggered-periodic. In yet another embodiment of this aspect, the received configuration is one of a configuration received from the network node, a configuration based at least on subscription data, and a configuration based at least on preconfigured data.

In some embodiments of this aspect, the cellular coverage status is one of in coverage and out of coverage, and the WD positioning information status is one of up-to-date and obsolete. In another embodiment of this aspect, the determined WD state is state <NUM> when the cellular coverage status is in coverage and the WD positioning information status is up-to-date. The determined WD state is state <NUM> when the cellular coverage status is in coverage and the WD positioning information status is obsolete. The determined WD state is state <NUM> when the cellular coverage status is out of coverage and the WD positioning information status is up-to-date. The determined WD state is state <NUM> when the cellular coverage status is out of coverage and the WD positioning information status is obsolete.

In one embodiment of this aspect, transmitting the position information further includes when the WD state is state <NUM>, transmitting a position report including a WD position. When the WD state is state <NUM>, a position warning and a network support request is transmitted. When the WD state is state <NUM>, an estimated WD position using a Mode <NUM> broadcast is transmitted, and positions of surrounding wireless devices are scanning for. When the WD state is state <NUM>, a warning signal using a Mode <NUM> broadcast is transmitted. The warning signal indicates that the WD position is unknown.

In some embodiments of this aspect, selecting the communication interface further includes, when the WD state is state <NUM>, selecting as the communication interface one of a cellular interface (Uu), a Direct Communication (PC5) Mode <NUM> interface, and a PC5 Mode <NUM> interface. The communication interface selection is based at least in part on one of a received selection made by the network node and a selection made by the WD. The communication interface is selected to transmit at least the position report. When the WD state is state <NUM>, one of a Uu interface, a PC5 Mode <NUM> interface, and a PC5 Mode <NUM> interface is selected as the communication interface. The communication interface selection is based at least in part on one of a received selection made by the network node and a selection made by the WD. The communication interface is selected to transmit at least the position warning and the network support request. When the WD state is state <NUM>, a PC5 Mode <NUM> interface is selected as the communication interface. The communication interface selection is made by the WD. The communication interface is selected to transmit at least the estimated WD position using a Mode <NUM> broadcast and to scan for positions of surrounding wireless devices. When the WD state is state <NUM>, a PC5 Mode <NUM> interface is selected as the communication interface. The communication interface selection is made by the WD. The communication interface is selected to transmit at least the warning signal indicating that the WD position is unknown using a Mode <NUM> broadcast.

In some embodiments of this aspect, the network support request includes a request to the network node to transmit one of a Down Link Positioning Reference Signal (DL PRS) and Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) assistance data. In some other embodiments of this aspect, the WD position is determined based at least on information provided by a position-determining source including at least one of a DL PRS, a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), and at least one WD sensor. In some other embodiments of this aspect, the transmitted position information further includes the WD state and the position-determining source utilized to determine the WD position. In some embodiments of this aspect, determining the cellular coverage status is based at least in part on a predefined threshold. In some embodiments of this aspect, the method further includes receiving a request from the network node to listen to Mode <NUM> signals from WDs surrounding the WD, and receiving indications of sidelink resources pools.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for a network node for selecting a communication interface of a WD is provided. The network node supports communication with the WD. The method includes determining a WD positioning information status which is one of up-to-date and obsolete and a cellular coverage status of the WD, which is one of in coverage and out of coverage. A WD state is determined based on the determined WD positioning information status and the cellular coverage status. A network action is performed based on the determined WD state. In addition, the method includes selecting the WD communication interface based at least in part on the determined WD state.

In some embodiments of this aspect, the method further includes transmitting to the WD a configuration that specifies how the WD positioning information status, the cellular coverage status, and the WD state are determined. In some other embodiments of this aspect, the configuration further specifies transmitting a position information by the WD in accordance with a reporting mode selected from one of single-report request, periodic, event triggered, and event-triggered-periodic. In some embodiments of this aspect, the cellular coverage status is one of in coverage and out of coverage, and the WD positioning information status is one of up-to-date and obsolete.

In some embodiments of this aspect, the determined WD state is state <NUM> when the cellular coverage status is in coverage and the WD positioning information status is up-to-date. The determined WD state is state <NUM> when the cellular coverage status is in coverage and the WD positioning information status is obsolete. The determined WD state is state <NUM> when the cellular coverage status is out of coverage and the WD positioning information status is up-to-date. The determined WD state is state <NUM> when the cellular coverage status is out of coverage and the WD positioning information status is obsolete.

In some embodiments of this aspect, performing the network action further includes, when the WD state is state <NUM>, requesting the WD to send a position report including a WD position. When the WD state is state <NUM>, the WD position is marked as uncertain and a network support is provided. When the WD state is state <NUM>, the WD position is marked as unknown. When the WD state is state <NUM>, the WD position is marked as unknown.

In some embodiments of this aspect, selecting the WD communication interface further includes, when the WD state is state <NUM>, selecting as the WD communication interface one of a Uu interface, a PC5 Mode <NUM> interface, and a PC5 Mode <NUM> interface. The selected WD communication interface is signalable to the WD to cause the WD to transmit at least the position report. In addition, selecting the WD communication interface includes, when the WD state is state <NUM>, selecting as the WD communication interface one of a Uu interface, a PC5 Mode <NUM> interface, and a PC5 Mode <NUM> interface. The selected WD communication interface is signalable to the WD to cause the WD to transmit at least a position warning and a network support request.

In some embodiments of this aspect, providing the network support includes transmitting one of a DL PRS and RTK assistance data. In some other embodiments of this aspect, the WD position is determined based at least on information provided by a position-determining source including at least one of a DL PRS, a GNSS, and at least one WD sensor. In some embodiments of this aspect, the method includes receiving WD position information from the WD. In some other embodiments of this aspect, the received WD position information further includes the WD state and the position-determining source utilized to determine the WD position.

In some embodiments of this aspect, determining the WD state is further based on the received WD position information. In some other embodiments of this aspect, the method further includes allocating specific resource pools for Mode <NUM> position broadcast. In some embodiments of this aspect, determining the cellular coverage status is based at least in part on a predefined threshold.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a WD configured to select a communication interface is provided. The WD supports communication with a network node and includes at least one communication interface. The WD also includes processing circuitry in communication with the at least one communication interface. The processing circuitry has a processor and a memory. The processing circuitry is configured to determine a WD positioning information status which is one of up-to-date and obsolete and a cellular coverage status which is one of in coverage and out of coverage and determine a WD state based on the determined WD positioning information status and the cellular coverage status. The processing circuitry is further configured to cause transmission of position information based on the determined WD state and select the communication interface based at least in part on the determined WD state.

In some embodiments of this aspect, not according to the invention as claimed, the processing circuitry is further configured to receive a configuration that specifies how the WD positioning information status, the cellular coverage status, and the WD state are determined. The processing circuitry is also configured to create a state information table based at least on the received configuration. In some other embodiments of this aspect, the configuration further specifies transmitting the position information in accordance with a reporting mode selected from one of single-report request, periodic, event triggered, and event-triggered-periodic. In some embodiments of this aspect, the received configuration is one of a configuration received from the network node, a configuration based at least on subscription data, and a configuration based at least on preconfigured data. In some other embodiments of this aspect, the cellular coverage status is one of in coverage and out of coverage, and the WD positioning information status is one of up-to-date and obsolete.

In some embodiments of this aspect, not according to the invention as claimed, the determined WD state is state <NUM> when the cellular coverage status is in coverage and the WD positioning information status is up-to-date. The determined WD state is state <NUM> when the cellular coverage status is in coverage and the WD positioning information status is obsolete. The determined WD state is state <NUM> when the cellular coverage status is out of coverage and the WD positioning information status is up-to-date. The determined WD state is state <NUM> when the cellular coverage status is out of coverage and the WD positioning information status is obsolete.

In some embodiments of this aspect, not according to the invention as claimed, causing transmission of the position information further includes, when the WD state is state <NUM>, causing transmission of a position report including a WD position. When the WD state is state <NUM>, a position warning and a network support request are caused to be transmitted. When the WD state is state <NUM>, an estimated WD position using a Mode <NUM> broadcast is caused to be transmitted and positions of surrounding wireless devices are caused to be scanned for. In addition, when the WD state is state <NUM>, a warning signal using a Mode <NUM> broadcast is caused to be transmitted. The warning signal indicates that the WD position is unknown.

In some embodiments of this aspect, not according to the invention as claimed, selecting the communication interface further includes, when the WD state is state <NUM>, selecting as the communication interface one of a Uu interface, a PC5 Mode <NUM> interface, and a PC5 Mode <NUM> interface. The communication interface selection is based at least in part on one of a received selection made by the network node and a selection made by the WD. The communication interface is selected to transmit at least the position report. When the WD state is state <NUM>, one of a Uu interface, a PC5 Mode <NUM> interface, and a PC5 Mode <NUM> interface is selected as the communication interface. The communication interface selection is based at least in part on one of a received selection made by the network node and a selection made by the WD. The communication interface is selected to transmit at least the position warning and the network support request. When the WD state is state <NUM>, a PC5 Mode <NUM> interface is selected as the communication interface. The communication interface selection is made by the WD. The communication interface is selected to transmit at least the estimated WD position using a Mode <NUM> broadcast and to scan for positions of surrounding wireless devices. When the WD state is state <NUM>, a PC5 Mode <NUM> interface is selected as the communication interface. The communication interface selection being made by the WD. The communication interface is selected to transmit at least the warning signal indicating that the WD position is unknown using a Mode <NUM> broadcast.

In some embodiments of this aspect, not according to the invention as claimed, the network support request includes a request to the network node to transmit one of a DL PRS and RTK assistance data. In some other embodiments of this aspect, the WD position is determined based at least on information provided by a position-determining source including at least one of a DL PRS, a GNSS, and at least one WD sensor. In some embodiments of this aspect, the transmitted position information further includes the WD state and the position-determining source utilized to determine the WD position.

In some embodiments of this aspect, not according to the invention as claimed, determining the cellular coverage status is based at least in part on a predefined threshold. In some other embodiments of this aspect, the processing circuitry is further configured to receive a request from the network node to listen to Mode <NUM> signals from WDs surrounding the WD, and configured to receive indications of sidelink resources pools.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a network node configured to select a communication interface of a WD is provided. The network node supports communication with the WD. The network node includes a processing circuitry, which has a processor and a memory. The processing circuitry is configured to determine a WD positioning information status which is one of up-to-date and obsolte and a cellular coverage status of the WD which is one of in coverage and out of coverage and configured to determine a WD state based on the determined WD positioning information status and the cellular coverage status. The processing circuitry is further configured to perform a network action based on the determined WD state and to select the WD communication interface based at least in part on the determined WD state.

In some embodiments of this aspect, not according to the invention as claimed, the processing circuitry is further configured to cause transmission to the WD of a configuration that specifies how the WD positioning information status, the cellular coverage status, and the WD state are determined. In some other embodiments of this aspect, the configuration further specifies transmitting a position information by the WD in accordance with a reporting mode selected from one of single-report request, periodic, event triggered, and event-triggered-periodic. In some embodiments of this aspect, the cellular coverage status is one of in coverage and out of coverage, and the WD positioning information status is one of up-to-date and obsolete.

In some embodiments of this aspect, not according to the invention as claimed, the determined WD state is state <NUM> when the cellular coverage status is in coverage and the WD positioning information status is up-to-date. The determined WD state is state <NUM> when the cellular coverage status is in coverage and the WD positioning information status is obsolete. The determined WD state is state <NUM> when the cellular coverage status is out of coverage and the WD positioning information status is up-to-date. In addition, the determined WD state is state <NUM> when the cellular coverage status is out of coverage and the WD positioning information status is obsolete.

In some embodiments of this aspect, not according to the invention as claimed, performing the network action further includes, when the WD state is state <NUM>, causing transmission of a request the WD to send a position report including a WD position. When the WD state is state <NUM>, the WD position is marked as uncertain and a network support is provided. When the WD state is state <NUM>, the WD position is marked as unknown. When the WD state is state <NUM>, the WD position is marked as unknown.

In some embodiments of this aspect, not according to the invention as claimed, selecting the WD communication interface further includes, when the WD state is state <NUM>, selecting as the WD communication interface one of a Uu interface, a PC5 Mode <NUM> interface, and a PC5 Mode <NUM> interface. The selected WD communication interface is signalable to the WD to cause the WD to transmit at least the position report. Selecting the WD communication interface also includes, when the WD state is state <NUM>, selecting as the WD communication interface one of a Uu interface, a PC5 Mode <NUM> interface, and a PC5 Mode <NUM> interface. The selected WD communication interface is signalable to the WD to cause the WD to transmit at least a position warning and a network support request.

In some embodiments of this aspect, not according to the invention as claimed, the network support includes transmitting one of a DL PRS and RTK assistance data. In some other embodiments of this aspect, the WD position is determined based at least on information provided by a position-determining source including at least one of a PRS, a GNSS, and at least one WD sensor. In some embodiments of this aspect. In some embodiments of this aspect, the processing circuitry is further configured to receive WD position. In some other embodiments of this aspect, the received WD position information further includes the WD state and the position-determining source utilized to determine the WD position.

In some embodiments of this aspect, not according to the invention as claimed, determining the WD state is further based on the received WD position information. In some other embodiments of this aspect, the processing circuitry is further configured to allocate specific resource pools for Mode <NUM> position broadcast. In some embodiments of this aspect, determining the cellular coverage status is based at least in part on a predefined threshold.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure allow for providing position-based V2X services when a network (e.g., network node) is aware that some WDs lack up-to-date positioning information and the WDs can maintain relative positioning information with respect to each other.

In some embodiments, interface selection allows WDs to switch to D2D communications depending on the cellular/GNSS coverage and whether the available position information is up-to-date. There may be rules at the network node and the WDs that trigger sidelink communication as a fall back means to provide (gracefully degraded) V2X services when cellular assistance and positioning information are not available or not up to date.

In other embodiments, the network node and surrounding WDs take advantage of position information when available or take a graceful degradation of V2X services when WDs are out of coverage. As such, a gradual introduction of position-dependent services that are dependent of network assistance is provided. In some other embodiments, position-dependent services for some WDs can remain operational at some lower level (e.g., graceful service degradation) even when the WDs lack cellular coverage.

Before describing in detail exemplary embodiments, it is noted that the embodiments reside primarily in combinations of apparatus components and processing steps related to positioning-triggered interface selection. Accordingly, components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

The term "network node" used herein can be any kind of network node comprised in a radio network which may further comprise any of base station (BS), radio base station, base transceiver station (BTS), base station controller (BSC), radio network controller (RNC), g Node B (gNB), evolved Node B (eNB or eNodeB), Node B, multi-standard radio (MSR) radio node such as MSR BS, multi-cell/multicast coordination entity (MCE), integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node, relay node, donor node controlling relay, radio access point (AP), transmission points, transmission nodes, Remote Radio Unit (RRU), Remote Radio Head (RRH), baseband unit (BBU), a core network node (e.g., mobile management entity (MME), self-organizing network (SON) node, a coordinating node, positioning node, MDT node, etc.), an external node (e.g., 3rd party node, a node external to the current network), nodes in distributed antenna system (DAS), a spectrum access system (SAS) node, an element management system (EMS), etc. The network node may also comprise test equipment. The term "radio node" used herein may be used to also denote a wireless device (WD) such as a wireless device (WD) or a radio network node.

The WD may also be a radio communication device, target device, device to device (D2D) WD, machine type WD or WD capable of machine to machine communication (M2M), low-cost and/or low-complexity WD, a sensor equipped with WD, Tablet, mobile terminals, smart phone, laptop embedded equipped (LEE), laptop mounted equipment (LME), USB dongles, Customer Premises Equipment (CPE), an Internet of Things (IoT) device, or a Narrowband IoT (NB-IOT) device, etc..

In some embodiments, the term "WD" may be a vehicle with integrated wireless device functionality/hardware, a vehicle engaged in V2X communication/services, a wireless device inside a vehicle, the wireless device of a VRU, a wireless device supporting communication via D2D, a UE and the like.

In some embodiments, the term "radio resource" is intended to indicate a frequency resource and/or a time resource. The time resource may correspond to any type of physical resource or radio resource expressed in terms of length of time. Examples of time resources are: symbol, time slot, subframe, radio frame, transmission time interval (TTI), interleaving time, etc. The frequency resource may correspond to one or more resource elements, subcarriers, resource blocks, bandwidth part and/or any other resources in the frequency domain. The radio resource may also indicate a combination of subcarriers, time slots, codes and/or spatial dimensions.

Even though the descriptions herein may be explained in the context of one of a Downlink (DL) and an Uplink (UL) communication, it should be understood that the basic principles disclosed may also be applicable to the other of the one of the DL and the UL communication. For DL communication, the network node is the transmitter and the receiver is the WD. For the UL communication, the transmitter is the WD and the receiver is the network node.

Although some the examples herein may be explained in the context of a WD being allocated radio resources on a physical channel for a periodic reference signal (e.g., SRS), it should be understood that the principles may also be applicable to other signals and other types of resources or other channels.

In some embodiments, the allocated radio resource may be allocated for a particular signal and on a particular channel. Signaling may generally comprise one or more symbols and/or signals and/or messages. A signal may comprise or represent one or more bits. An indication may represent signaling, and/or be implemented as a signal, or as a plurality of signals. One or more signals may be included in and/or represented by a message. Signaling, in particular control signaling, may comprise a plurality of signals and/or messages, which may be transmitted on different carriers and/or be associated to different signaling processes, e.g. representing and/or pertaining to one or more such processes and/or corresponding information. An indication may comprise signaling, and/or a plurality of signals and/or messages and/or may be comprised therein, which may be transmitted on different carriers and/or be associated to different acknowledgement signaling processes, e.g. representing and/or pertaining to one or more such processes. Signaling associated to a channel may be transmitted such that represents signaling and/or information for that channel, and/or that the signaling is interpreted by the transmitter and/or receiver to belong to that channel. Such signaling may generally comply with transmission parameters and/or format/s for the channel.

A channel may generally be a logical, transport or physical channel. A channel may comprise and/or be arranged on one or more carriers, in particular a plurality of subcarriers. A channel carrying and/or for carrying control signaling/control information may be considered a control channel, in particular if it is a physical layer channel and/or if it carries control plane information. Analogously, a channel carrying and/or for carrying data signaling/user information may be considered a data channel, in particular if it is a physical layer channel and/or if it carries user plane information. A channel may be defined for a specific communication direction, or for two complementary communication directions (e.g., UL and DL, or sidelink in two directions), in which case it may be considered to have at least two component channels, one for each direction. Examples of channels comprise a channel for low latency and/or high reliability transmission, in particular a channel for Ultra-Reliable Low Latency Communication (URLLC), which may be for control and/or data. In some embodiments, the channel described herein may be an uplink channel and in further embodiments may be a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) or a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH). In some embodiments, the channel may be a downlink channel, such as, a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) or a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH).

Transmitting in downlink may pertain to transmission from the network or network node to the terminal. The terminal may be considered the WD or UE. Transmitting in uplink may pertain to transmission from the terminal to the network or network node. Transmitting in sidelink may pertain to (direct) transmission from one terminal to another. Uplink, downlink and sidelink (e.g., sidelink transmission and reception) may be considered communication directions. In some variants, uplink and downlink may also be used to described wireless communication between network nodes, e.g. for wireless backhaul and/or relay communication and/or (wireless) network communication for example between base stations or similar network nodes, in particular communication terminating at such. It may be considered that backhaul and/or relay communication and/or network communication is implemented as a form of sidelink or uplink communication or similar thereto.

Some embodiments provide arrangements for positioning-triggered interface selection.

Referring again to the drawing figures, in which like elements are referred to by like reference numerals, there is shown in <FIG> a schematic diagram of a communication system <NUM>, according to an embodiment, such as a 3GPP-type cellular network that may support standards such as LTE and/or NR (<NUM>), which comprises an access network <NUM>, such as a radio access network, and a core network <NUM>. The access network <NUM> comprises a plurality of network nodes 16a, 16b, 16c (referred to collectively as network nodes <NUM>), such as NBs, eNBs, gNBs or other types of wireless access points, each defining a corresponding coverage area 18a, 18b, 18c (referred to collectively as coverage areas <NUM>). Each network node 16a, 16b, 16c is connectable to the core network <NUM> over a wired or wireless connection <NUM>. A first wireless device (WD) 22a located in coverage area 18a is configured to wirelessly connect to, or be paged by, the corresponding network node 16a. A second WD 22b in coverage area 18b is wirelessly connectable to the corresponding network node 16b. While a plurality of WDs 22a, 22b (collectively referred to as wireless devices <NUM>) are illustrated in this example, the disclosed embodiments are equally applicable to a situation where a sole WD is in the coverage area or where a sole WD is connecting to the corresponding network node <NUM>. Note that although only two WDs <NUM> and three network nodes <NUM> are shown for convenience, the communication system may include many more WDs <NUM> and network nodes <NUM>.

A network node <NUM> is configured to include a remote interface selection unit <NUM> which is configured to cause the network node <NUM> to determine a WD <NUM> positioning information status and a cellular coverage status of the WD <NUM>, and to determine a WD <NUM> state based on the determined WD <NUM> positioning information status and the cellular coverage status. In addition, the remote interface selection unit <NUM> which is configured to cause the network node to perform a network action based on the determined WD <NUM> state, and to select a WD communication interface based at least in part on the determined WD state.

WD 22a is configured to include a WD interface selection unit 30a which is configured to cause the WD <NUM> to determine a WD positioning information status and a cellular coverage status, and to determine a WD state based on the determined WD positioning information status and the cellular coverage status. In addition, the WD interface selection unit 30a is configured to cause transmission position information based on the determined WD state and to select a communication interface based at least in part on the determined WD state.

Any WD <NUM>, e.g., WD 22b, may include a WD interface selection unit <NUM> configured to perform similar functions as the functions of the WD interface selection unit 30a included in WD 22a.

Example implementations, in accordance with an embodiment, of the WD 22a, the WD 22b, and network node <NUM> discussed in the preceding paragraphs will now be described with reference to <FIG>.

The communication system <NUM> further includes a network node <NUM> provided in a communication system <NUM> and including hardware <NUM> enabling it to communicate with the WD <NUM>. The hardware <NUM> may include a communication interface <NUM> for setting up and maintaining a wired or wireless connection with an interface of a different communication device of the communication system <NUM>, as well as a radio interface <NUM> for setting up and maintaining at least a wireless connection <NUM> with the WD 22a located in a coverage area <NUM> served by the network node <NUM> and/or a wireless connection <NUM> with the WD 22b located in a coverage area <NUM> served by the network node <NUM>.

Thus, the network node <NUM> further has software <NUM> stored internally in, for example, memory <NUM>, or stored in external memory (e.g., database, storage array, network storage device, etc.) accessible by the network node <NUM> via an external connection. The processing circuitry <NUM> may be configured to control any of the methods and/or processes described herein and/or to cause such methods, and/or processes to be performed, e.g., by network node <NUM>. Processor <NUM> corresponds to one or more processors <NUM> for performing network node <NUM> functions described herein. The memory <NUM> is configured to store data, programmatic software code and/or other information described herein. In some embodiments, the software <NUM> may include instructions that, when executed by the processor <NUM> and/or processing circuitry <NUM>, causes the processor <NUM> and/or processing circuitry <NUM> to perform the processes described herein with respect to network node <NUM>. For example, processing circuitry <NUM> of the network node <NUM> may include remote interface selection unit <NUM> configured to perform network node methods discussed herein, such as the methods discussed with reference to <FIG> and <FIG> as well as other figures.

The communication system <NUM> further includes the WD 22a already referred to. The WD 22a may have hardware <NUM> that may include a radio interface <NUM> configured to set up and maintain a wireless connection <NUM> with a network node <NUM> serving a coverage area <NUM> in which the WD 22a is currently located. In some embodiments, the radio interface <NUM> may be a cellular interface (Uu) and may be configured to support Uu communication. The hardware <NUM> may also include a sidelink interface <NUM> configured to set up and maintain a wireless connection <NUM> with other WDs <NUM>, such as WD 22b. In some embodiments, the sidelink interface <NUM> is further configured to support PC5 Mode <NUM> communication and PC5 Mode <NUM> communication. As such, the sidelink interface <NUM> may include a PC5 Mode <NUM> interface and/or a PC5 Mode <NUM> interface. The sidelink interface <NUM> may be formed as or may include, for example, one or more RF transmitters, one or more RF receivers, and/or one or more RF transceivers and may use the same RF components as the radio interface <NUM>. The radio interface <NUM> and the sidelink interface <NUM> may, both or individually, form a communication interface of WD 22a. In other words, "communication interface" as used herein refers to one or the other or both of the radio interface <NUM> and the sidelink interface <NUM>.

The hardware <NUM> of the WD 22a further includes processing circuitry <NUM>.

Thus, the WD 22a may further comprise software <NUM>, which is stored in, for example, memory <NUM> at the WD 22a, or stored in external memory (e.g., database, storage array, network storage device, etc.) accessible by the WD 22a. The client application <NUM> may be operable to provide a service to a human or non-human user via the WD 22a.

The processing circuitry <NUM> may be configured to control any of the methods and/or processes described herein and/or to cause such methods, and/or processes to be performed, e.g., by WD 22a. The processor <NUM> corresponds to one or more processors <NUM> for performing WD 22a functions described herein. The WD 22a includes memory <NUM> that is configured to store data, programmatic software code and/or other information described herein. In some embodiments, the software <NUM> and/or the client application <NUM> may include instructions that, when executed by the processor <NUM> and/or processing circuitry <NUM>, causes the processor <NUM> and/or processing circuitry <NUM> to perform the processes described herein with respect to WD 22a. For example, the processing circuitry <NUM> of the WD 22a may be configured to use resources and/or receive and/or transmit on radio resources (e.g., physical layer resources, such as, physical downlink control channel, physical downlink shared channel, physical uplink control channel and/or physical uplink shared channel, etc.) that are allocated to the WD 22a using one or more of the techniques disclosed herein.

The communication system <NUM> further includes the WD 22b already referred to. The WD 22b includes the WD interface selection unit 30b (WD interface selections units are referred to collectively herein as WD interface selection unit <NUM>). It is understood that WD22b may include any of the elements included in WD 22a and that each included element may function similarly to the corresponding element in WD 22a.

In some embodiments, the inner workings of the network node <NUM>, WD 22a and WD 22b, may be as shown in <FIG> and independently, the surrounding network topology may be that of <FIG>.

Although <FIG> and <FIG> show various "units" such as remote interface selection unit <NUM> and WD interface selection unit 30a as being within a processor, and WD interface selection unit 30b as being within WD 22b (or within a processor (not shown) in WD 22b), it is contemplated that these units may be implemented such that a portion of the unit is stored in a corresponding memory within the processing circuitry. In other words, the units may be implemented in hardware or in a combination of hardware and software within the processing circuitry.

<FIG> is a flowchart of an exemplary process in a WD <NUM> for selecting a communication interface according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Selecting a communication interface may include selecting the radio interface <NUM> and/or the sidelink interface <NUM> of the WD <NUM>. One or more Blocks and/or functions and/or methods performed by the WD <NUM> may be performed by one or more elements of WD <NUM>, such as WD interface selection unit 30a in processing circuitry <NUM>, processor <NUM>, sidelink interface <NUM>, radio interface <NUM>, etc. according to the example method. The example method includes determining (Block S <NUM>), such as via WD interface selection unit 30a, processing circuitry <NUM>, processor <NUM>, sidelink interface <NUM> and/or radio interface <NUM>, a WD positioning information status and a cellular coverage status. The method further includes determining (Block S <NUM>), such as via WD interface selection unit 30a, processing circuitry <NUM>, processor <NUM>, sidelink interface <NUM> and/or radio interface <NUM>, a WD state based on the determined WD positioning information status and the cellular coverage status. In addition, the method includes transmitting (Block S104), such as via WD interface selection unit 30a, processing circuitry <NUM>, processor <NUM>, sidelink interface <NUM> and/or radio interface <NUM>, a position information based on the determined WD state and selecting (Block S <NUM>), such as via WD interface selection unit 30a, processing circuitry <NUM>, processor <NUM>, sidelink interface <NUM> and/or radio interface <NUM>, the communication interface <NUM>, <NUM> based at least in part on the determined WD state.

In some embodiments of this aspect, a configuration is received, such as via WD interface selection unit 30a, processing circuitry <NUM>, processor <NUM>, sidelink interface <NUM> and/or radio interface <NUM>, and the configuration specifies how the WD positioning information status, the cellular coverage status, and the WD state are determined. In addition, a state information table is created, such as via WD interface selection unit 30a, processing circuitry <NUM>, processor <NUM>, sidelink interface <NUM> and/or radio interface <NUM>, based at least on the received configuration. In other embodiments, the configuration further specifies transmitting, such as via WD interface selection unit 30a, processing circuitry <NUM>, processor <NUM>, sidelink interface <NUM> and/or radio interface <NUM>, the position information in accordance with a reporting mode selected from one of single-report request, periodic, event triggered, and event-triggered-periodic. In yet another embodiment of this aspect, the received configuration is one of a configuration received, such as via WD interface selection unit 30a, processing circuitry <NUM>, processor <NUM>, sidelink interface <NUM> and/or radio interface <NUM>, from the network node, a configuration based at least on subscription data, and a configuration based at least on preconfigured data.

In some embodiments of this aspect, the cellular coverage status is one of in coverage and out of coverage, and the WD positioning information status is one of up-to-date and obsolete. In another embodiment of this aspect, the determined WD state, such as via WD interface selection unit 30a, processing circuitry <NUM>, processor <NUM>, sidelink interface <NUM> and/or radio interface <NUM>, is state <NUM> when the cellular coverage status is in coverage and the WD positioning information status is up-to-date. The determined WD state, such as via WD interface selection unit 30a, processing circuitry <NUM>, processor <NUM>, sidelink interface <NUM> and/or radio interface <NUM>, is state <NUM> when the cellular coverage status is in coverage and the WD positioning information status is obsolete. The determined WD state, such as via WD interface selection unit 30a, processing circuitry <NUM>, processor <NUM>, sidelink interface <NUM> and/or radio interface <NUM>, is state <NUM> when the cellular coverage status is out of coverage and the WD positioning information status is up-to-date. The determined WD state, such as via WD interface selection unit 30a, processing circuitry <NUM>, processor <NUM>, sidelink interface <NUM> and/or radio interface <NUM>, is state <NUM> when the cellular coverage status is out of coverage and the WD positioning information status is obsolete.

In one embodiment of this aspect, transmitting the position information further includes when the WD state is state <NUM>, transmitting, such as via WD interface selection unit 30a, processing circuitry <NUM>, processor <NUM>, sidelink interface <NUM> and/or radio interface <NUM>, a position report including a WD position. When the WD state is state <NUM>, a position warning and a network support request is transmitted, such as via WD interface selection unit 30a, processing circuitry <NUM>, processor <NUM>, sidelink interface <NUM> and/or radio interface <NUM>. When the WD state is state <NUM>, an estimated WD position using a Mode <NUM> broadcast is transmitted, such as via WD interface selection unit 30a, processing circuitry <NUM>, processor <NUM>, sidelink interface <NUM> and/or radio interface <NUM>, and positions of surrounding wireless devices are scanning for, such as via WD interface selection unit 30a, processing circuitry <NUM>, processor <NUM>, sidelink interface <NUM> and/or radio interface <NUM>. When the WD state is state <NUM>, a warning signal using a Mode <NUM> broadcast is transmitted, such as via WD interface selection unit 30a, processing circuitry <NUM>, processor <NUM>, sidelink interface <NUM> and/or radio interface <NUM>. The warning signal indicates that the WD position is unknown.

In some embodiments of this aspect, selecting the communication interface <NUM>, <NUM> further includes, when the WD state is state <NUM>, selecting as the communication interface <NUM>, <NUM>, such as via WD interface selection unit 30a, processing circuitry <NUM>, processor <NUM>, sidelink interface <NUM> and/or radio interface <NUM>, one of a cellular interface (Uu), a Direct Communication (PC5) Mode <NUM> interface, and a PC5 Mode <NUM> interface. The communication interface selection is based at least in part on one of a received selection made by the network node and a selection made by the WD. The communication interface <NUM>, <NUM> is selected to transmit, such as via WD interface selection unit 30a, processing circuitry <NUM>, processor <NUM>, sidelink interface <NUM> and/or radio interface <NUM>, at least the position report.

When the WD state is state <NUM>, one of a Uu interface, a PC5 Mode <NUM> interface, and a PC5 Mode <NUM> interface is selected as the communication interface <NUM>, <NUM>, such as via WD interface selection unit 30a, processing circuitry <NUM>, processor <NUM>, sidelink interface <NUM> and/or radio interface <NUM>. The communication interface selection is based at least in part on one of a received selection made by the network node and a selection made by the WD 22a, such as via WD interface selection unit 30a, processing circuitry <NUM>, processor <NUM>, sidelink interface <NUM> and/or radio interface <NUM>. The communication interface <NUM>, <NUM> is selected to transmit, such as via WD interface selection unit 30a, processing circuitry <NUM>, processor <NUM>, sidelink interface <NUM> and/or radio interface <NUM>, at least the position warning and the network support request.

When the WD state is state <NUM>, a PC5 Mode <NUM> interface is selected as the communication interface <NUM>, such as via WD interface selection unit 30a, processing circuitry <NUM>, processor <NUM>, sidelink interface <NUM> and/or radio interface <NUM>. The communication interface selection is made by the WD 22a, such as via WD interface selection unit 30a, processing circuitry <NUM>, processor <NUM>, sidelink interface <NUM> and/or radio interface <NUM>. The communication interface <NUM> is selected to transmit, such as via WD interface selection unit 30a, processing circuitry <NUM>, processor <NUM>, sidelink interface <NUM> and/or radio interface <NUM>, at least the estimated WD position using a Mode <NUM> broadcast and to scan, such as via WD interface selection unit 30a, processing circuitry <NUM>, processor <NUM>, sidelink interface <NUM> and/or radio interface <NUM>, for positions of surrounding wireless devices.

When the WD state is state <NUM>, a PC5 Mode <NUM> interface is selected, such as via WD interface selection unit 30a, processing circuitry <NUM>, processor <NUM>, sidelink interface <NUM> and/or radio interface <NUM>, as the communication interface <NUM>. The communication interface selection is made by the WD 22a, such as via WD interface selection unit 30a, processing circuitry <NUM>, processor <NUM>, sidelink interface <NUM> and/or radio interface <NUM>. The communication interface <NUM> is selected to transmit, such as via WD interface selection unit 30a, processing circuitry <NUM>, processor <NUM>, sidelink interface <NUM> and/or radio interface <NUM>, at least the warning signal indicating that the WD position is unknown using a Mode <NUM> broadcast.

In some embodiments of this aspect, the network support request includes a request, such as via WD interface selection unit 30a, processing circuitry <NUM>, processor <NUM>, sidelink interface <NUM> and/or radio interface <NUM>, to the network node to transmit one of a Down Link Positioning Reference Signal (DL PRS) and Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) assistance data. In some other embodiments of this aspect, the WD position is determined, such as via WD interface selection unit 30a, processing circuitry <NUM>, processor <NUM>, sidelink interface <NUM> and/or radio interface <NUM>, based at least on information provided by a position-determining source including at least one of a DL PRS, a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), and at least one WD sensor. In some other embodiments of this aspect, the transmitted position information further includes the WD state and the position-determining source utilized to determine, such as via WD interface selection unit 30a, processing circuitry <NUM>, processor <NUM>, sidelink interface <NUM> and/or radio interface <NUM>, the WD position.

In some embodiments of this aspect, determining, such as via WD interface selection unit 30a, processing circuitry <NUM>, processor <NUM>, sidelink interface <NUM> and/or radio interface <NUM>, the cellular coverage status is based at least in part on a predefined threshold. In some embodiments of this aspect, the method further includes receiving, such as via WD interface selection unit 30a, processing circuitry <NUM>, processor <NUM>, sidelink interface <NUM> and/or radio interface <NUM>, a request from the network node to listen to Mode <NUM> signals from WDs surrounding the WD, and receiving, such as via WD interface selection unit 30a, processing circuitry <NUM>, processor <NUM>, sidelink interface <NUM> and/or radio interface <NUM>, indications of sidelink resources pools.

<FIG> is a flowchart of an exemplary process in a network node <NUM> for selecting a communication interface of a WD <NUM>. Selecting a communication interface may include selecting the radio interface <NUM> and/or the sidelink interface <NUM> of WD <NUM> or components with similar functions in other WDs. One or more Blocks and/or functions and/or methods performed by network node <NUM> may be performed by one or more elements of network node <NUM> such as by remote interface selection unit <NUM> in processing circuitry <NUM>, processor <NUM>, communication interface <NUM>, radio interface <NUM>, etc. The example method includes determining (Block S <NUM>), such as via remote interface selection unit <NUM>, processing circuitry <NUM>, processor <NUM>, communication interface <NUM> and/or radio interface <NUM>, a WD positioning information status and a cellular coverage status of the WD. The method further includes determining (Block S110), such as via remote interface selection unit <NUM>, processing circuitry <NUM>, processor <NUM>, communication interface <NUM> and/or radio interface <NUM>, a WD state based on the determined WD positioning information status and the cellular coverage status. In addition, the method includes performing (Block S <NUM>), such as via remote interface selection unit <NUM>, processing circuitry <NUM>, processor <NUM>, communication interface <NUM> and/or radio interface <NUM>, a network action based on the determined WD state and selecting (Block S <NUM><NUM>), such as via remote interface selection unit <NUM>, processing circuitry <NUM>, processor <NUM>, communication interface <NUM> and/or radio interface <NUM>, the WD communication interface <NUM>, <NUM> based at least in part on the determined WD state.

In some embodiments of this aspect, the method further includes transmitting, such as via remote interface selection unit <NUM>, processing circuitry <NUM>, processor <NUM>, communication interface <NUM> and/or radio interface <NUM>, to the WD a configuration that specifies how the WD positioning information status, the cellular coverage status, and the WD state are determined. In some other embodiments of this aspect, the configuration further specifies transmitting, such as via remote interface selection unit <NUM>, processing circuitry <NUM>, processor <NUM>, communication interface <NUM> and/or radio interface <NUM>, a position information by the WD in accordance with a reporting mode selected, such as via remote interface selection unit <NUM>, processing circuitry <NUM>, processor <NUM>, communication interface <NUM> and/or radio interface <NUM>, from one of single-report request, periodic, event triggered, and event-triggered-periodic. In some embodiments of this aspect, the cellular coverage status is one of in coverage and out of coverage, and the WD positioning information status is one of up-to-date and obsolete.

In some embodiments of this aspect, the determined WD state, such as via remote interface selection unit <NUM>, processing circuitry <NUM>, processor <NUM>, communication interface <NUM> and/or radio interface <NUM>, is state <NUM> when the cellular coverage status is in coverage and the WD positioning information status is up-to-date. The determined WD state, such as via remote interface selection unit <NUM>, processing circuitry <NUM>, processor <NUM>, communication interface <NUM> and/or radio interface <NUM>, is state <NUM> when the cellular coverage status is in coverage and the WD positioning information status is obsolete. The determined WD state, such as via remote interface selection unit <NUM>, processing circuitry <NUM>, processor <NUM>, communication interface <NUM> and/or radio interface <NUM>, is state <NUM> when the cellular coverage status is out of coverage and the WD positioning information status is up-to-date. The determined WD state, such as via remote interface selection unit <NUM>, processing circuitry <NUM>, processor <NUM>, communication interface <NUM> and/or radio interface <NUM>, is state <NUM> when the cellular coverage status is out of coverage and the WD positioning information status is obsolete.

In some embodiments of this aspect, performing the network action further includes, when the WD state is state <NUM>, requesting, such as via remote interface selection unit <NUM>, processing circuitry <NUM>, processor <NUM>, communication interface <NUM> and/or radio interface <NUM>, the WD to send a position report including a WD position. When the WD state is state <NUM>, the WD position is marked, such as via remote interface selection unit <NUM>, processing circuitry <NUM>, processor <NUM>, communication interface <NUM> and/or radio interface <NUM>, as uncertain and a network support is provided, such as via remote interface selection unit <NUM>, processing circuitry <NUM>, processor <NUM>, communication interface <NUM> and/or radio interface <NUM>. When the WD state is state <NUM>, the WD position is marked, such as via remote interface selection unit <NUM>, processing circuitry <NUM>, processor <NUM>, communication interface <NUM> and/or radio interface <NUM>, as unknown. When the WD state is state <NUM>, the WD position is marked as unknown, such as via remote interface selection unit <NUM>, processing circuitry <NUM>, processor <NUM>, communication interface <NUM> and/or radio interface <NUM>.

In some embodiments of this aspect, selecting the WD communication interface <NUM>, <NUM> further includes, when the WD state is state <NUM>, selecting, such as via remote interface selection unit <NUM>, processing circuitry <NUM>, processor <NUM>, communication interface <NUM> and/or radio interface <NUM>, as the WD communication interface one of a Uu interface, a PC5 Mode <NUM> interface, and a PC5 Mode <NUM> interface. The selected WD communication interface <NUM>, <NUM> is signalable, such as via remote interface selection unit <NUM>, processing circuitry <NUM>, processor <NUM>, communication interface <NUM> and/or radio interface <NUM>, to the WD to cause the WD to transmit at least the position report. In addition, selecting the WD communication interface <NUM>, <NUM> includes, when the WD state is state <NUM>, selecting, such as via remote interface selection unit <NUM>, processing circuitry <NUM>, processor <NUM>, communication interface <NUM> and/or radio interface <NUM>, as the WD communication interface <NUM>, <NUM> one of a Uu interface, a PC5 Mode <NUM> interface, and a PC5 Mode <NUM> interface. The selected WD communication interface <NUM>, <NUM> is signalable, such as via remote interface selection unit <NUM>, processing circuitry <NUM>, processor <NUM>, communication interface <NUM> and/or radio interface <NUM>, to the WD 22a to cause the WD 22a to transmit at least a position warning and a network support request.

In some embodiments of this aspect, providing the network support includes transmitting, such as via remote interface selection unit <NUM>, processing circuitry <NUM>, processor <NUM>, communication interface <NUM> and/or radio interface <NUM>, one of a DL PRS and RTK assistance data. In some other embodiments of this aspect, the WD position is determined, such as via remote interface selection unit <NUM>, processing circuitry <NUM>, processor <NUM>, communication interface <NUM> and/or radio interface <NUM>, based at least on information provided by a position-determining source including at least one of a DL PRS, a GNSS, and at least one WD sensor. In some embodiments of this aspect, the method includes receiving, such as via remote interface selection unit <NUM>, processing circuitry <NUM>, processor <NUM>, communication interface <NUM> and/or radio interface <NUM>, WD position information from the WD. In some other embodiments of this aspect, the received WD position information further includes the WD state and the position-determining source utilized to determine the WD position.

In some embodiments of this aspect, determining the WD state is further based on the received, such as via remote interface selection unit <NUM>, processing circuitry <NUM>, processor <NUM>, communication interface <NUM> and/or radio interface <NUM>, WD position information. In some other embodiments of this aspect, the method further includes allocating, such as via remote interface selection unit <NUM>, processing circuitry <NUM>, processor <NUM>, communication interface <NUM> and/or radio interface <NUM>, specific resource pools for Mode <NUM> position broadcast. In some embodiments of this aspect, determining the cellular coverage status is based at least in part on a predefined threshold.

Having described the general process flow of arrangements of the disclosure and having provided examples of hardware and software arrangements for implementing the processes and functions of the disclosure, the sections below provide details and examples of arrangements for positioning-triggered interface selection, which may be implemented by the network node <NUM> and/or one or more wireless devices <NUM>. Some embodiments provide one or more techniques for using for positioning-triggered interface selection in order to select a communication interface of one or more WDs <NUM>. For ease of understanding, explanation is made with reference to WD 22a and its components. However, it is understood that the discussion herein with reference to WD 22a applies to all WDs <NUM>.

In some embodiments, a WD <NUM>, e.g., WD 22a, creates and maintains a status information table (Table <NUM>).

The WD 22a may create and/or maintain, such as via WD interface selection unit 30a, processing circuitry <NUM>, processor <NUM>, sidelink interface <NUM> and/or radio interface <NUM>, the status information table based at least on subscription data, pre-configuration data, or information received from the network node. In addition, the WD 22a may determine, such as via WD interface selection unit 30a, processing circuitry <NUM>, processor <NUM>, sidelink interface <NUM> and/or radio interface <NUM>, that cellular coverage status of the WD is in coverage by detecting that a reference signal received power (RSRP) and/or a received signal strength indication (RSSI) is at or above a preconfigured threshold level and/or by decoding broadcast Bose, Chaudhuri and Hoquenghem (BCH) information. In addition, the WD 22a may determine, such as via WD interface selection unit 30a, processing circuitry <NUM>, processor <NUM>, sidelink interface <NUM> and/or radio interface <NUM>, that cellular coverage status of the WD is out of coverage by detecting that a RSRP and/or a RSSI is below a preconfigured threshold level and/or by decoding broadcast BCH information.

The WD 22a may determine, such as via WD interface selection unit 30a, processing circuitry <NUM>, processor <NUM>, sidelink interface <NUM> and/or radio interface <NUM>, local positioning information, e.g., up-to-date/accurate or obsolete/inaccurate, based on GNSS signals, cellular positioning reference signals (PRS) and/or WD sensors, which may have been fused or updated with recent GNSS or PRS signals. Alternatively, or in addition, the WD 22a may determine local positioning information from surrounding WDs, e.g., WDs that use cooperative positioning techniques.

It is understood that binary information associated with each WD state, such as in/out of coverage and up-to-date/obsolete, may be extended to also include other forms of estimated accuracy (e.g. meter, sub-meter, decimeter, centimeter). Therefore, a WD <NUM> may have more states than the states included in Table <NUM>.

According to Table <NUM>, a WD 22a may have one of many states (e.g., State <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>). The WD state is state <NUM> when the WD 22a determines, such as via WD interface selection unit 30a, processing circuitry <NUM>, processor <NUM>, sidelink interface <NUM> and/or radio interface <NUM>, cellular coverage status is "in coverage" and local positioning information is up-to-date/accurate.

The WD state is state <NUM> when the WD 22a determines, such as via WD interface selection unit 30a, processing circuitry <NUM>, processor <NUM>, sidelink interface <NUM> and/or radio interface <NUM>, that the WD 22a is in cellular coverage, but the WD's local positioning information is obsolete or inaccurate. For example, the WD's locally available positioning information may be inaccurate or obsolete in situations in which the WD 22a is out of GNSS coverage, cannot decode PRS, or cannot estimate/fuse cellular and WD local sensory information. These situations may arise when the WD 22a does not have LoS measurements from surrounding network nodes, or the WD 22a determines that the WD locally available positioning information is not sufficient with respect to some preconfigured accuracy target/threshold.

The WD state is state <NUM> when the WD 22a determines, such as via WD interface selection unit 30a, processing circuitry <NUM>, processor <NUM>, sidelink interface <NUM> and/or radio interface <NUM>, that the WD 22a is out of cellular coverage, but the WD 22a has accurate positioning information, such as positioning information obtained from available GNSS signals, WD local sensory information, or from surrounding WDs. The WD state is state <NUM> when the WD 22a determines, such as via WD interface selection unit 30a, processing circuitry <NUM>, processor <NUM>, sidelink interface <NUM> and/or radio interface <NUM>, that the WD 22a is out of cellular coverage and the WD 22a does not have accurate positioning information, or the positioning information is obsolete.

Additionally, the WD 22a may be configured to provide WD state, cellular coverage status, and/or local positioning information updates to the network node or to other WDs surrounding the WD. For example, the updates may be provided to the network node <NUM> when the WD cellular coverage is in coverage, or to other WDs surrounding the WD 22a when the local positioning information of the WD 22a is out of coverage. Further, the updates provided by the WD 22a may be any one of upon request, periodic, event-triggered, and event-triggered periodic updates. The WD configuration may be obtained from subscription data, pre-configuration data, or information received from the network node <NUM>.

Similarly, Table <NUM> may also be created by and maintained on the network node <NUM> for each WD <NUM>.

Maintaining status information at the WD and signaling status information to network node - Network and WD actions based on the WD state.

In some embodiments, the WD 22a and the network node <NUM> execute actions, as detailed in Table <NUM>. The WD 22a may be configured to execute each action once, upon entering a state, or periodically while the WD 22a is in a WD state.

When the WD state is state <NUM>, the network node <NUM> may collect or request, such as via remote interface selection unit <NUM> in processing circuitry <NUM>, processor <NUM>, communication interface <NUM>, radio interface <NUM>, position information reports from the WD 22a. The collected position information may be maintained at the network node <NUM> continuously or when the network node <NUM> starts executing V2X cooperative services/ orchestration, for which information per WD <NUM> is requested. For WD detection, e.g., VRU detection, the network node <NUM> may compare positioning information with other WDs to detect dangerous or vulnerable situations. In such situations, a first WD, e.g., a vehicle, a second WD, e.g., a VRU, continuously report, such as via WD interface selection unit <NUM> in processing circuitry <NUM>, processor <NUM>, sidelink interface <NUM>, radio interface <NUM>, updated absolute position to the network node. The position of the WDs may be obtained based on processing of DL PRS with assistance data, GNSS, or using additional WD sensors and WD data, or any combination of thereof. The WD 22a may also send, such as via WD interface selection unit 30a in processing circuitry <NUM>, processor <NUM>, sidelink interface <NUM>, radio interface <NUM>, position reports independent from a request for position report from the network node <NUM>.

In addition, when the WD state is state <NUM>, the network node <NUM> selects a WD communication interface for WD 22a, such as via remote interface selection unit <NUM> in processing circuitry <NUM>, processor <NUM>, communication interface <NUM>, radio interface <NUM>. WD interfaces that may be selected include Uu, PC5 Mode <NUM>, and PC5 Mode <NUM>. The WD 22a may recommend or request a preferred interface, which includes the WD Uu interface, e.g., for transmitting position reports to the network node <NUM>. Further, the network node <NUM> may signal the selected WD communication interface to the WD 22a to cause, such as via remote interface selection unit <NUM> in processing circuitry <NUM>, processor <NUM>, communication interface <NUM>, radio interface <NUM>, the WD 22a to transmit position and/or position information, such as via a PC5 Mode <NUM> interface.

When the WD state is state <NUM>, the actions from the WD 22a and the network node <NUM> may be DL-centric. WD positioning may also be based on UL signals, such as UL-SRS. In state <NUM>, the WD 22a (having cellular coverage status in coverage) notifies the network node <NUM> of uncertainty about a WD position estimate, e.g., by transmitting a position unknown warning signal. The WD 22a may be configured to report the source of the WD position estimate (e.g. GNSS or PRS-based) or the time when the WD position was most recently determined. The WD 22a can also request network support, e.g., DL PRS signal from the network node <NUM> or RTK assistance data. The WD may also be associated with an estimated accuracy estimate (e.g. meter, sub-meter, decimeter). The network node <NUM> marks, such as via remote interface selection unit <NUM> in processing circuitry <NUM>, processor <NUM>, communication interface <NUM>, radio interface <NUM>, the WD position as uncertain and may initiate a positioning event, such as a transmitting a reference signal. Positioning events may include UL and/or DL signals.

Additionally, when the WD state is state <NUM>, the network node <NUM> selects a WD communication interface for WD 22a. WD interfaces that may be selected include Uu, PC5 Mode <NUM>, and PC5 Mode <NUM>. The WD 22a may indicate that the WD 22a will broadcast a "position unknown" warning signal via PC5 interface. Preferred WD interfaces include Uu for requesting DL reference signal and PC5 Mode <NUM> for broadcasting "position unknown" warning to surrounding WDs. Further, the network node <NUM> initiate a positioning event. In one embodiment, the positioning event is that the network node <NUM> may signal the selected WD communication interface to the WD 22a to cause, such as via remote interface selection unit <NUM> in processing circuitry <NUM>, processor <NUM>, communication interface <NUM>, radio interface <NUM>, the WD 22a to transmit at least a position warning and/or a network support request.

When the WD state is state <NUM>, the WD 22a has no cellular coverage from the network node <NUM>, and the network node <NUM> marks, such as via remote interface selection unit <NUM> in processing circuitry <NUM>, processor <NUM>, communication interface <NUM>, radio interface <NUM>, the WD position as unknown. The WD 22a determines, such as via WD interface selection unit 30a in processing circuitry <NUM>, processor <NUM>, sidelink interface <NUM>, radio interface <NUM>, that the cellular coverage status is out of coverage. The WD 22a selects a PC5 Mode <NUM> interface as the communication interface <NUM> and transmits at least an estimated position of the WD 22a using Mode <NUM>/D2D broadcast via the selected PC5 Mode <NUM> interface of WD 22a. The WD 22a may provide the source used by the WD 22a for position determination and other related information. The WD 22a may also scan for positions of surrounding WDs.

When the WD state is state <NUM>, the WD 22a has determined, such as via WD interface selection unit 30a in processing circuitry <NUM>, processor <NUM>, sidelink interface <NUM>, radio interface <NUM>, that cellular coverage status is out of coverage and that local positioning information is inaccurate or obsolete. The WD 22a selects as the communication interface <NUM> a PC5 Mode <NUM> interface and transmits, via the selected PC5 Mode <NUM> interface of WD 22a, at least a warning signal indicating that the WD position is unknown, i.e., to at least notify surrounding WDs of the presence of a WD without position information, using Mode <NUM>/D2D broadcast. The network node <NUM> marks the position of WD 22a as unknown.

Additionally, when the WD state is state <NUM> or <NUM>, the WD 22a may attempt to acquire an WD absolute position by cooperating with other WDs, exchanging available position data, and performing measurements on D2D signals. Further, a WD 22a that is within cellular coverage, e.g., having in coverage cellular coverage status, may receive a broadcast message from another WD 22b that is out of coverage and may relay the broadcast message or some of the contents of the broadcast message to the network node <NUM>. Relaying the broadcast message or some of the contents of the broadcast message to the network node <NUM> helps the network node <NUM> to maintain an accurate state of the WDs <NUM>, e.g., in accordance with Table <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the actions performed by the WD <NUM>, the surrounding WDs <NUM>, and/or the network node <NUM> facilitates safety-related services.

Due to mobility, spotty cellular coverage, or spotty GNSS coverage, availability of onboard sensors, a plurality of WDs <NUM> may be in different states at a given time. In addition, the number of WDs <NUM> of the plurality of WDs <NUM> may change with time. As such, it is important that state transitions of WDs <NUM> are smooth and that WDs <NUM> in different states exchange cellular and/or sidelink messages.

An example method providing configuration and operation of multiple WDs <NUM> according to the principles in the present disclosure is described with respect to the flow diagram of <FIG>. The example method includes a network node <NUM>, a first WD 22a (e.g., a vehicle engaged in V2X), a second WD 22b (e.g., a VRU), and a third WD 22c (e.g., a vehicle having a WD inside). One or more Blocks and/or functions and/or methods performed by network node <NUM> may be performed by one or more elements of network node <NUM> such as by remote interface selection unit <NUM> in processing circuitry <NUM>, processor <NUM>, communication interface <NUM>, radio interface <NUM>, etc. One or more Blocks and/or functions and/or methods performed by the WDs 22a, 22b, and 22c may be performed by one or more elements, or one or more elements similar/similar in function to one or more elements, of WD 22a such as by WD interface selection unit 30a in processing circuitry <NUM>, processor <NUM>, sidelink interface <NUM>, radio interface <NUM>, etc. Although all of the steps, S <NUM>-S <NUM>, of the example method may be performed, the steps are not necessarily performed in a particular order, nor are all of the steps required to be performed.

The example method includes the network node <NUM> configuring (S116) WDs 22a, 22b, and 22c, such as via remote interface selection unit <NUM> in processing circuitry <NUM>, processor <NUM>, communication interface <NUM>, radio interface <NUM>, to create and maintain status information at each WD, including local positioning information, cellular coverage status, and state of the WD. The WDs 22a, 22b, and 22c may also use subscription or preconfigured data to create and maintain status information, for example, in order to control, such as via WD interface selection unit <NUM> in processing circuitry <NUM>, processor <NUM>, sidelink interface <NUM>, radio interface <NUM>, how WD state transitions take place (e.g., when a WD should mark the WD position estimate as up-to-date or obsolete). Configuration information to create and maintain status information at each WD may further specify transmitting WD position, local positioning information, cellular coverage status, and/or WD state, in accordance with a reporting mode selected. Reporting modes include single-report request, periodic, event triggered, and event-triggered-periodic.

The example method further includes the WDs 22a, 22b, and 22c transmitting (S118) to the network node <NUM>, such as via WD interface selection unit <NUM> in processing circuitry <NUM>, processor <NUM>, sidelink interface <NUM>, radio interface <NUM>, status and state information, including a WD position, local positioning information, cellular coverage status, WD state, timing information related to the local positioning information, source of local positioning information, and/or accuracy of the local positioning information. The example method also includes the third WD 22c determining state and status information and reporting/transmitting (S120), such as via WD interface selection unit <NUM> in processing circuitry <NUM>, processor <NUM>, sidelink interface <NUM>, radio interface <NUM>, the determined state and status information to the network node <NUM>, such as transmitting a position warning signal (e.g., WD state is state <NUM>).

In addition, the example method includes the network node <NUM> marking (S122), such as via remote interface selection unit <NUM> in processing circuitry <NUM>, processor <NUM>, communication interface <NUM>, radio interface <NUM>, the WD position of the third WD 22c as uncertain/obsolete/unknown and/or transmitting (S122), such as via remote interface selection unit <NUM> in processing circuitry <NUM>, processor <NUM>, communication interface <NUM>, radio interface <NUM>, to the third WD 22c a DL PRS. The example method also includes the network node <NUM> broadcasting (S124), such as via remote interface selection unit <NUM> in processing circuitry <NUM>, processor <NUM>, communication interface <NUM>, radio interface <NUM>, information to the WDs 22a, 22b, and 22c informing the WDs 22a, 22b, and 22c to listen to Mode-<NUM> signals from surrounding WDs and/or indicating sidelink resource pools.

The example method further includes the third WD 22c switching to Mode-<NUM> interface (according to State <NUM> or State <NUM> of Table <NUM>) to broadcast (S126), such as via WD interface selection unit <NUM> in processing circuitry <NUM>, processor <NUM>, sidelink interface <NUM>, radio interface <NUM>, to the first and the second WDs 22a and 22c status and state information, which may include a WD position, local positioning information, cellular coverage status, WD state, timing information related to the local positioning information, source of local positioning information, and/or accuracy of the local positioning information. The network node <NUM> may also allocate specific resource pools specifically for Mode <NUM> position broadcast information.

Claim 1:
A method for a wireless device, WD, (<NUM>) for selecting a communication interface (<NUM>)(<NUM>), the WD (<NUM>) supporting communication with a network node (<NUM>), the method comprising:
determining (S100) a WD positioning information status which is one of up-to-date and obsolete and a cellular coverage status which is one of in coverage and out of coverage;
determining (S102) a WD state such as in/out of coverage and up-to-date/obsolete based on the determined WD positioning information status and the cellular coverage status;
transmitting (S104) a position information by the WD based on the determined WD state; and
selecting (S106) the communication interface (<NUM>)(<NUM>) based at least in part on the determined WD state.