CN114765847A

CN114765847A - RRC (radio resource control) inactive state positioning SRS (sounding reference Signal) network assisted transmission power control mechanism

Info

Publication number: CN114765847A
Application number: CN202210040670.0A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 刘建国; 陶涛; 孟艳
Original assignee: Nokia Shanghai Bell Co Ltd; Nokia Solutions and Networks Oy
Current assignee: Nokia Shanghai Bell Co Ltd; Nokia Solutions and Networks Oy
Priority date: 2021-01-15
Filing date: 2022-01-14
Publication date: 2022-07-19
Anticipated expiration: 2042-01-14
Also published as: WO2022151354A1; CN114765847B

Abstract

A method, comprising: collecting information from a user equipment or at least one network node related to configuration of positioning assistance information for the user equipment; determining rules for one or more transmit power control parameters of the user equipment for positioning reference signals in a radio resource control inactive state based on the collected information; signaling the rules and the one or more transmit power control parameters to a user equipment or at least one network node; wherein the one or more transmit power control parameters are configured for transmitting the positioning reference signal in a radio resource control inactive state based on the rule.

Description

RRC (radio resource control) inactive state positioning SRS (sounding reference Signal) network assisted transmission power control mechanism

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This application claims priority from PCT patent application No. PCT/CN2021/072167, filed on 15/1/2021. The contents of this prior application are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Technical Field

The various exemplary and non-limiting embodiments relate generally to communications, and more specifically to a network assisted transmit power control mechanism for positioning SRS (sounding reference signals) in RRC (radio resource control) inactive state.

Background

It is known to implement power saving techniques for User Equipment (UE) in a communication network.

Disclosure of Invention

According to one aspect, a method comprises: collecting information from the user equipment or at least one network node related to configuration of positioning assistance information for the user equipment; determining rules for one or more transmit power control parameters of the user equipment for positioning reference signals in a radio resource control inactive state based on the collected information; signaling the rules and the one or more transmit power control parameters to a user equipment or at least one network node; wherein the one or more transmit power control parameters are configured for transmitting the positioning reference signal in a radio resource control inactive state based on the rule.

According to one aspect, a method comprises: providing capability information to a location management function related to configuration of positioning assistance information for a user equipment; receiving rules related to one or more transmission power control parameters for positioning reference signals of the user equipment in a radio resource control inactive state based on the provided capability information; wherein the rule is received from a location management function or at least one network node; and based on the rule, determining one or more transmit power control parameters for transmitting the positioning reference signal in the radio resource control inactive state.

According to one aspect, a method comprises: providing information to a location management function related to configuration of positioning assistance information for a user equipment; receiving a signal relating to a rule and one or more transmit power control parameters based on the provided information; and sending the rules and the one or more transmit power control parameters to the user equipment; wherein the one or more transmit power control parameters are configured for transmitting the positioning reference signal in a radio resource control inactive state based on the rule.

According to one aspect, an apparatus comprises: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code; wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: collecting information from the user equipment or at least one network node related to configuration of positioning assistance information for the user equipment; determining rules for one or more transmit power control parameters for the positioning reference signals for the user equipment in a radio resource control inactive state based on the collected information; and signaling the rules and the one or more transmit power control parameters to the user equipment or the at least one network node; wherein the one or more transmit power control parameters are configured for transmitting the positioning reference signal in a radio resource control inactive state based on the rule.

According to one aspect, an apparatus comprises: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code; wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: providing capability information to a location management function related to configuration of positioning assistance information for a user equipment; receiving rules related to one or more transmit power control parameters used by the user equipment for positioning reference signals in a radio resource control inactive state based on the provided capability information; wherein the rule is received from a location management function or at least one network node; and determining one or more transmit power control parameters for transmitting the positioning reference signal in the radio resource control inactive state based on the rule.

According to one aspect, an apparatus comprises: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code; wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: providing information to a location management function related to configuration of positioning assistance information for a user equipment; receiving a signal relating to a rule and one or more transmit power control parameters based on the provided information; and sending the rules and the one or more transmit power control parameters to the user equipment; wherein the one or more transmit power control parameters are configured for transmitting the positioning reference signal in a radio resource control inactive state based on the rule.

According to one aspect, an apparatus comprises: means for collecting information from a user equipment or at least one network node related to configuration of positioning assistance information for the user equipment; means for determining rules for one or more transmit power control parameters for the user equipment to use for positioning reference signals in a radio resource control inactive state based on the collected information; and means for signalling the rules and the one or more transmit power control parameters to the user equipment or to the at least one network node; wherein the one or more transmit power control parameters are configured for transmitting the positioning reference signal in a radio resource control inactive state based on the rule.

According to one aspect, an apparatus comprises: means for providing capability information to a location management function related to configuration of positioning assistance information for a user equipment; means for receiving a rule related to one or more transmit power control parameters for a user equipment to use for positioning reference signals in a radio resource control inactive state based on the provided capability information, wherein the rule is received from a location management function or at least one network node; and means for determining one or more transmit power control parameters for sending a positioning reference signal in a radio resource control inactive state based on the rule.

According to one aspect, an apparatus comprises: means for providing information to a location management function related to configuration of positioning assistance information for a user equipment; means for receiving a signal relating to a rule and one or more transmit power control parameters based on the provided information; means for sending the rules and one or more transmit power control parameters to a user equipment; wherein the one or more transmit power control parameters are configured for transmitting the positioning reference signal in a radio resource control inactive state based on the rule.

According to one aspect, there is provided a program storage device readable by machine, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by the machine for performing operations, the operations comprising: collecting information from the user equipment or at least one network node related to configuration of positioning assistance information for the user equipment; determining rules for one or more transmit power control parameters of the user equipment for positioning reference signals in a radio resource control inactive state based on the collected information; signaling the rules and the one or more transmit power control parameters to the user equipment or to the at least one network node; wherein the one or more transmit power control parameters are configured for transmitting the positioning reference signal in a radio resource control inactive state based on the rule.

According to one aspect, there is provided a program storage device readable by machine, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by the machine for performing operations, the operations comprising: providing capability information to a location management function related to configuration of positioning assistance information for a user equipment; receiving, based on the provided capability information, rules related to one or more transmit power control parameters of the user equipment for positioning reference signals in a radio resource control inactive state; wherein the rule is received from a location management function or at least one network node; and determining, based on the rule, one or more transmit power control parameters for transmitting the positioning reference signal in the radio resource control inactive state.

According to one aspect, there is provided a program storage device readable by machine, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by the machine for performing operations, the operations comprising: providing information to a location management function related to configuration of positioning assistance information for a user equipment; receiving a signal relating to a rule and one or more transmit power control parameters based on the provided information; sending the rules and one or more transmit power control parameters to the user equipment; wherein the one or more transmit power control parameters are configured for transmitting the positioning reference signal in a radio resource control inactive state based on the rule.

Drawings

The foregoing aspects and other features are explained in the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of one possible and non-limiting system in which the illustrative embodiments may be practiced.

Fig. 2 illustrates the effect of UE mobility on uplink power control of a positioning SRS at FR 1.

Fig. 3 is an example flow diagram of network assisted transmission power control in an RRC inactive state for positioning SRS based on examples described herein.

Fig. 4 is an apparatus configured to implement a network assisted transmission power control mechanism for positioning SRS in RRC inactive state based on examples described herein.

Fig. 5 illustrates a method of implementing a network assisted transmission power control mechanism for positioning SRS in RRC inactive state based on examples described herein.

Fig. 6 illustrates another method of implementing a network assisted transmission power control mechanism for positioning SRS in RRC inactive state based on the examples described herein.

Fig. 7 illustrates another method of implementing a network assisted transmission power control mechanism for positioning SRS in RRC inactive state based on the examples described herein.

Detailed Description

The following acronyms and abbreviations that may be found in the description and/or the drawings are defined as follows:

4G: fourth generation

5G: fifth generation

5 GC: 5G core network

α: compensation factor

AMF: access and mobility management functions

ASIC: application specific integrated circuit

CG: configuration authorization

CU: central or central unit

DL: downlink link

DL-AoD: downlink departure angle

DL-PTS: downlink partial transmit sequence

DL-RS: downlink reference signal

DL-TDOA: downlink time difference of arrival

DM-RS: demodulation reference signal

And (4) DSP: digital signal processor

DU: distributed unit

eNB: evolved node B (e.g., LTE base station)

EN-DC: E-UTRA-NR double ligation

en-gNB: providing a node terminated by NR user plane and control plane protocols to a UE and acting as an auxiliary node in an EN-DC

E-UTRA: evolved universal terrestrial radio access, LTE, radio access technology

F1: control interface between CU and DU

FPGA: field programmable gate array

FR 1: frequency range 1

And g NB: base station for 5G/NR, i.e. a node providing NR user plane and control plane protocol terminations towards UEs and connected to a 5GC over an NG interface

IE: information element

I/F: interface

IIoT or (I) IoT: industrial Internet of things

I/O: input/output

In the information: information

IoT: internet of things

LCS: location services

LMC: position management component

LMF: location management function

An LMU: position measuring unit

LPP: LTE positioning protocol

LTE: long term evolution (4G)

MAC: media access control

MIB: master information block

MME: mobility management entity

Multi-RTT: multi-cell round trip time

NG or NG: new generation

ng-eNB: new generation eNB

NG-RAN: new generation wireless access network

NR: new hollow (5G)

NRPPa: NR positioning protocol A

N/W: network

P0: target received power

PBCH (physical broadcast channel): physical broadcast channel

PDCP: packet data convergence protocol

PHY: physical layer

And (3) PRS: positioning reference signal

QoS: quality of service

RACH: random access channel

RAN: wireless access network

RAT: wireless access technology

Rel or Rel-release (version)

RLC radio link control

RNA: notification area based on radio access network

RRC: radio resource control (protocol)

RRH: remote radio head

And RS: reference signal

And (4) RSRP: reference signal received power

RU: radio unit

Rx: receiver or reception

SDAP: service data adaptation protocol

SGW: service gateway

And (3) SI: learning item

SRS: sounding reference signal

And (3) SSB: synchronous signal block

TPC: transmission power control

TRP: transmitting and receiving point

And TS: specification of the technology

Tx: transmitters or transmissions

UE: user equipment (e.g. wireless, typically mobile)

UL: uplink link

UL-AoA: uplink angle of arrival

ULPC: uplink power control

UL-TDOA: uplink time difference of arrival

UPF: user plane functionality

Xn: xn network interface

Referring to fig. 1, a block diagram of one possible and non-limiting example in which these examples may be practiced is shown. User Equipment (UE)110, Radio Access Network (RAN) node 170, and network element 190 are illustrated. In the example of fig. 1, User Equipment (UE)110 is in wireless communication with wireless network 100. A UE is a wireless device that may access wireless network 100. UE 110 includes one or more processors 120, one or more memories 125, and one or more transceivers 130 interconnected by one or more buses 127. Each of the one or more transceivers 130 includes a receiver Rx 132 and a transmitter Tx 133. The one or more buses 127 may be address, data, or control buses, and may include any interconnection mechanism, such as a series of lines on a motherboard or integrated circuit, optical fibers, or other optical communication devices, etc. One or more transceivers 130 are connected to one or more antennas 128. The one or more memories 125 include computer program code 123. UE 110 includes a module 140, which module 140 includes one or both of components 140-1 and/or 140-2, which may be implemented in a variety of ways. The module 140 may be implemented in hardware as a module 140-1, such as part of one or more processors 120. The module 140-1 may also be implemented as an integrated circuit or by other hardware, such as a programmable gate array. In another example, the module 140 may be implemented as a module 140-2, the module 140-2 being implemented as computer program code 123 and being executed by the one or more processors 120. For example, the one or more memories 125 and the computer program code 123 may be configured to, with the one or more processors 120, cause the user equipment 110 to perform one or more operations as described herein. UE 110 communicates with RAN node 170 via wireless link 111. Modules 140-1 and 140-2 may be configured to implement the functionality of a UE as described herein.

RAN node 170 in this example is a base station that provides access to wireless network 100 through a wireless device, such as UE 110. The RAN node 170 may be, for example, a base station for 5G, also referred to as a new air interface (NR). In 5G, the RAN node 170 may be a NG-RAN node, which is defined as a gNB or NG-eNB. The gNB is a node that provides NR user plane and control plane protocol terminations to the UE and is connected to a 5GC (such as, for example, network element 190) via an NG interface. The NG-eNB is a node providing E-UTRA user plane and control plane protocol terminations towards UEs and is connected to the 5GC over the NG interface. The NG-RAN node may include a plurality of gnbs, which may also include a Central Unit (CU) (gNB-CU)196 and a Distributed Unit (DU) (gNB-DU) showing DU 195 therein. Note that DU 195 may include or be coupled to and control a Radio Unit (RU). The gNB-CU 196 is a logical node that hosts Radio Resource Control (RRC), SDAP, and PDCP protocols of the gNB or the RRC and PDCP protocols of the en-gNB that controls the operation of one or more gNB-DUs. The gNB-CU 196 terminates at the F1 interface with the gNB-DU 195. The F1 interface is shown as reference numeral 198, although reference numeral 198 also illustrates links between remote elements of the RAN node 170 and the centralized element of the RAN node 170, such as links between the gNB-CU 196 and the gNB-DU 195. NB-DU 195 is a logical node that hosts the RLC, MAC, and PHY layers of the gNB or engNB, and its operation is controlled in part by gNB-CU 196. One gNB-CU 196 supports one or more cells. One cell is supported by only one gNB-DU 195. The gNB-DU 195 terminates in an F1 interface 198 that interfaces with the gNB-CU 196. Note that DU 195 is considered to include transceiver 160, e.g., as part of an RU, but some examples thereof may have transceiver 160 as part of a separate RU, e.g., under control of DU 195, and connected to DU 195. The RAN node 170 may also be an eNB (evolved NodeB) base station for LTE (long term evolution), or any other suitable base station or node.

RAN node 170 includes one or more processors 152, one or more memories 155, one or more network interfaces (N/WI/f (s))161, and one or more transceivers 160 interconnected by one or more buses 157. Each of the one or more transceivers 160 includes a receiver Rx 162 and a transmitter Tx 163. One or more transceivers 160 are connected to one or more antennas 158. The one or more memories 155 include computer program code 153. CU196 may comprise processor 152, memory 155, and network interface 161. Note that DU 195 may also contain its own memory or memories and processor and/or other hardware, but these are not shown.

RAN node 170 includes a module 150, which module 150 includes one or both of components 150-1 and/or 150-2, which may be implemented in a variety of ways. The module 150 may be implemented in hardware as a module 150-1, such as part of one or more processors 152. The module 150-1 may also be implemented as an integrated circuit or by other hardware, such as a programmable gate array. In another example, module 150 may be implemented as module 150-2, which is implemented as computer program code 153 and executed by one or more processors 152. For example, the one or more memories 155 and the computer program code 153 are configured to, with the one or more processors 152, cause the RAN node 170 to perform one or more operations as described herein. Note that the functionality of module 150 may be distributed, such as between DU 195 and CU196, or implemented solely in DU 195. Modules 150-1 and 150-2 may be configured to implement the functionality of the base station described herein. Such functionality of the base station may include Location Management Functions (LMFs) implemented based on the functionality of the LMFs described herein. Such LMFs may also be implemented within RAN node 170 as Location Management Components (LMCs).

One or more network interfaces 161 communicate over a network, such as via

links

176 and 131. Two or more gnbs 170 may communicate using, for example, link 176. The link 176 may be wired or wireless or both and may implement, for example, an Xn interface for 5G, an X2 interface for LTE, or other suitable interface for other standards.

The one or more buses 157 may be address, data, or control buses, and may include any interconnection mechanism, such as a series of wires on a motherboard or integrated circuit, an optical fiber or other optical communication device, a wireless channel, or the like. For example, one or more transceivers 160 may be implemented as a Remote Radio Head (RRH)195 for LTE or a Distributed Unit (DU)195 for a gNB implementation of 5G, while other elements of RAN node 170 may be physically located differently from RRH/DU 195, and one or more buses 157 may be implemented in part, e.g., fiber optic cables or other suitable network connections to connect other elements of RAN node 170 (e.g., Central Unit (CU), gNB-CU 196) to RRH/DU 195. Reference numeral 198 also indicates those suitable network links.

It is noted that the description herein refers to "cells" performing functions, but it should be clear that the devices forming the cells can perform these functions. The cell forms part of a base station. That is, each base station may have multiple cells. For example, a single carrier frequency and associated bandwidth may have three cells, each covering one third of a 360 degree area, so that the coverage area of a single base station covers an approximately oval or circular shape. Further, each cell may correspond to one carrier, and one base station may use multiple carriers. So if there are three 120 degree cells and two carriers per carrier, the base station has a total of 6 cells.

Wireless network 100 may include one or more network elements 190, which may include core network functionality and provide connectivity to other networks via one or more links 181, such as a telephone network and/or a data communication network (e.g., the internet). Such core network functions of 5G may include Location Management Functions (LMF) and/or access and mobility management functions (amf (s)) and/or user plane functions (upf (s)) and/or Session Management Functions (SMF). Such core network functions of LTE may include MME (mobile management entity)/SGW (serving gateway) functions. These are merely example functions that may be supported by network element 190 and note that both 5G and LTE functions may be supported. RAN node 170 is coupled to network element 190 via link 131. Link 131 may be implemented as, for example, an NG interface for 5G, or an S1 interface for LTE, or other suitable interfaces for other standards. The network element 190 includes one or more processors 175, one or more memories 171, and one or more network interfaces (N/WI/f (s))180 interconnected by one or more buses 185. The one or more memories 171 include computer program code 173. The one or more memories 171 and the computer program code 173 are configured to, with the one or more processors 175, cause the network element 190 to perform one or more operations such as the functions of the LMF described herein. In some examples, a single LMF may serve a large area covered by hundreds of base stations.

Wireless network 100 may implement network virtualization, a process that combines hardware and software network resources and network functions into a single, software-based management entity, a virtual network. Network virtualization involves platform virtualization, often combined with resource virtualization. The network virtualization is as follows: externally, combining a number of networks or parts of networks into a virtual unit; or internal, which provides network-like functionality for software containers on a single system. Note that the virtualized entities resulting from network virtualization are still implemented to some extent using hardware such as the

processor

152 or 175 and the

memories

155 and 171, and that such virtualized entities also produce technical effects.

The computer-

readable memories

125, 155 and 171 may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment and may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, flash memory, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory and removable memory. The computer-

readable memories

125, 155 and 171 may be devices for performing storage functions.

Processors

120, 152, and 175 may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment, and may include one or more of general purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, Digital Signal Processors (DSPs), and processors based on a multi-core processor architecture, as non-limiting examples.

Processors

120, 152, and 175 may be devices for performing the following functions: such as controlling UE 110, RAN node 170, network elements 190, and other functions as described herein.

In general, the various embodiments of the user equipment 110 can include, but are not limited to, devices such as smart phones, tablets, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) having wireless communication capabilities, portable computers having wireless communication capabilities, image capture devices such as digital cameras having wireless communication capabilities, gaming devices having wireless communication capabilities, music storage and playback devices having wireless communication capabilities, internet devices allowing wireless internet access and browsing, tablets having wireless communication capabilities, and portable units or terminals that incorporate combinations of such functions.

UE 110, RAN node 170, and/or network element 190 (and associated memories, computer program codes, and modules) may be configured to implement the methods described herein, including methods for implementing a network-assisted transmit power control mechanism for positioning SRS in an RRC inactive state. Accordingly, the computer program code 123, the module 140-1, the module 140-2, and other elements/features shown in fig. 1 of the UE 110 may implement user equipment-related aspects of the methods described herein. Similarly, the computer program code 153, module 150-1, module 150-2, and other elements/features shown in fig. 1 of the RAN node 170 may implement the gNB/TRP related aspects of the methods as described herein. The computer program code 173 and other elements/features shown in fig. 1 of network element 190 may be configured to implement network element-related aspects (e.g., LMF-related aspects) of methods as described herein.

Having thus introduced a suitable but non-limiting technical context for the practice of the example embodiments, the example embodiments will now be described in greater detail.

Examples described herein relate to enhanced positioning for Rel-17 NR and higher versions. The description herein focuses primarily on uplink power control (ULPC) in FR1 for positioning SRS in RRC inactive state.

In Rel-16, native NR localization support is normalized. Thus, the following localization solution is now specified for NR Rel-16: downlink time difference of arrival (DL-TDOA), uplink time difference of arrival (UL-TDOA), downlink transmission angle (DL-AoD), uplink angle of arrival (UL-AoA), and Multi-cell round trip time (Multi-RTT). In addition, a new SRS for uplink positioning is introduced.

In RAN #86, a new SI was approved in terms of location enhancement in Rel-17. One of the enhanced functions in question is to support positioning of UEs in RRC inactive state. Positioning in the RRC inactive state has been widely supported and is currently included as a primary goal defined by the Rel-17 range.

In Rel-17 NR, there will be more work on NR localization, mainly focusing on IIoT. One goal of this SI is to study the enhanced functionality and solutions needed to support high accuracy (horizontal and vertical), low latency, network efficiency (scalability, RS overhead, etc.) and device efficiency (power consumption, complexity, etc.) requirements for commercial usage (including general commercial usage, especially (I) IoT usage). One of the use cases for industrial internet of things is asset tracking. Asset trackers, which are a solution for tracking the location of assets, are becoming increasingly important in terms of improved flow and increased flexibility in an industrial environment.

Open loop power control for positioning SRS is supported in Rel-16 NR. The path loss reference RS and spatial relationship information for positioning configured for one SRS resource may be a DL RS from a serving cell or a non-serving cell. Each set of SRS resources is configured with a path loss reference signal and other power control parameters. Therefore, the SRS resources in the set used for positioning use the same path loss to calculate the transmit power. Details of UL power control for positioning SRS are included in TS 38.213.

In Rel-17 NR, it is agreed to study uplink positioning reference signal (e.g. SRS) transmission in RRC inactive state and to discuss that positioning a UE should configure or pre-configure dedicated SRS resources before entering RRC inactive state, which would be beneficial for power saving and signalling overhead reduction of the UE since inactive UEs do not need to change to RRC connected state to receive SRS configuration in RRC inactive state. Typically, the TPC parameters for uplink positioning (e.g., P0, alpha, and path loss reference RS) and the spatial relationship of SRS are configured to the UE of each SRS resource. Here, the path loss reference RS may be a DL RS from a serving cell or a non-serving cell, which is used to estimate the path loss of the transmission of the positioning SRS.

When a UE in RRC inactive state moves within a RAN-based notification area (RNA), the UE does not need to notify the NG-RAN and perform handover. In this case, mobility may cause some problems for the uplink power controlled UE that locates SRS in RRC inactive state.

If the UE moves in the RNA, the transmit path loss of the positioning SRS, which is typically estimated based on the path loss reference RS configured for the SRS resources, will be invalid. Assume that a path loss reference RS for uplink power control for positioning SRS is configured with a DL RS from one cell (e.g., last serving cell) of the UE, and a plurality of LMUs (i.e., location measurement units) are configured to measure SRS from the same resource for UL positioning in RRC inactive state.

In one example, as shown in fig. 2, when the UE 110 moves from the coverage of the last serving cell 204 (i.e., location a 212) to the coverage of the anchor cell 206 (i.e., location B214), the path loss estimated based on the configured path loss reference RS becomes very large (see, e.g., path loss B220 compared to path loss a 218). In this case, the transmission of the positioning SRS, on the one hand, causes strong interference to neighboring devices; on the other hand, the positioning SRS output power is large, resulting in large UE power consumption, which is contrary to the original purpose of positioning in RRC inactive state.

In another example, as further shown in fig. 2, when UE 110 moves from the cell edge (i.e., location a 212) to the cell center (i.e., location C216), the path loss estimated based on the configured path loss reference becomes very small (see, e.g., path loss C222, as compared to path loss a 218). And therefore, the UE 110 transmits the positioning SRS at a lower power determined by the estimated path loss, which will reduce positioning SRS scalability at neighboring cells and thus impact positioning performance (e.g., positioning accuracy).

Furthermore, other power control parameters of the positioning SRS, such as P0 and alpha configured in the SRS resource set, may have the same problems as the path loss reference RS when the positioning UE 110 moves from one cell to another within the RNA 202 in the RRC inactive state, e.g., from cell-x 208 to cell-y 210.

In general, transmit power control parameters such as P0 and Alpha are determined by the network considering inter-cell interference or target QoS. If the UE still uses the power control parameters in the SRS configuration, the transmission of the positioning SRS may cause strong interference to the network or fail to meet the positioning requirements (e.g., positioning accuracy).

As disclosed herein, a network assisted TPC parameter determination mechanism for positioning SRS is proposed to solve the problems caused by mobility of UE in RRC inactive state of FR1, which is important for positioning device (e.g. asset tracking device) to reduce power consumption and processing complexity.

In various exemplary embodiments, a network assisted transmission power control mechanism is presented herein for locating SRS in RRC inactive state with low UE power consumption and complexity in view of UE mobility.

In one example embodiment, the LMF may determine and configure positioning assistance information (e.g., asset tracking tags) for the positioning UE, and then the UE may autonomously determine transmit power control parameters for positioning SRS in an RRC inactive state based on rules in the positioning assistance information. In consideration of mobility, the UE does not need to frequently enter the RRC connected state to update the positioning SRS configuration in the RRC inactive state, while maintaining a good power control effect, which is beneficial to UE energy saving and complexity reduction.

Aspects of the mechanisms described herein are summarized as follows 1-3:

1) the LMF collects information from the UE or/and the network for configuration of positioning assistance information, including but not limited to: capability, UE path loss, or/and interference information from a network node; capability information from a positioning UE; and/or a positioning request from an LCS client.

2) A network configures rules for the UE to determine transmit power control parameters for positioning the SRS in the RRC inactive state based on the collected information. In one embodiment, the LMF may instruct the positioning UE to send the positioning SRS in the RRC inactive state using a set of semi-static power control parameters (e.g., nominal path loss). In another embodiment, the LMF may instruct the positioning UE to autonomously determine a set of power control parameters based on certain metrics (e.g., SSB-RSRP for LMU/TRP, UE power state) to send the positioning SRS in an RRC inactive state.

Herein, the rules and corresponding parameters may be signaled by the LMF as positioning assistance information to the UE based on the LPP protocol, or the LMF may forward the assistance information to the gNB and then send it to the UE through the gNB, for example, through IE SRS-Config signaling. Additionally or alternatively, the positioning assistance information may be sent to the UE in an RRC connected state or in an RRC inactive state, e.g., by paging or RACH-based procedure signaling.

3) The UE autonomously determines power control parameters for the positioning SRS in the RRC inactive state based on the rule indication. The power control parameters include, but are not limited to, P0, Alpha, and path loss for transmitting SRS in RRC inactive state.

In fig. 3, a flow chart 300 for implementing examples described herein is shown. Figure 3 illustrates a flow diagram 300 of a method in which LMF 302 configures positioning assistance information for UE 110 to determine TPC parameters. The method is described below and may be summarized as steps 1-4, steps 308, 314, 316, and 324, respectively, in FIG. 3.

Step 1: in step 1, 308, LMF 302 collects capability or/and status information from UE 110 and network 170 for configuration of positioning assistance information.

LMF 302 collects information from network nodes (e.g., TRP/LMU/gNB, collectively 170) for determining TPC rules and parameters for locating SRS in RRC inactive state, including, for example: i) location of path loss between UE and network node 306, ii) interference level of network node 170 (e.g., average interference level or/and target interference level), and/or iii) capability 307 of network node 170, e.g., whether to send downlink synchronization signaling. As one example, LMF 302 may collect the above information from TRP 170 via the NRPPa protocol as in Rel-16 NR.

LMF 302 collects UE capability information 312 to support autonomous transmission power control for positioning in RRC inactive states, including but not limited to: i) a positioning mode indication used to indicate whether the UE 110 supports UL positioning in RRC inactive state. For example, if the positioning mode indication shows that UE 110 supports uplink positioning in an RRC inactive state, LMF 302 may configure UE 110 to autonomously determine TPC parameters for positioning SRS in the RRC inactive state to save UE power; and/or ii) an indication of the UE power classification, which may be used to determine what rules the UE may apply to transmit the positioning SRS. For example, LMF 302 may collect UE capability information 312 from positioning UE 110 through the LPP protocol as in Rel-16 NR.

LMF 302 collects location requirements 310 (e.g., accuracy or/and latency) from LCS client 304 based on existing location procedures in the Rel-16 NR.

And 2, step: in 314 of step 2, using the collected capabilities or/and state information (306/307/310/312), LMF 302 determines a rule for UE 110 to determine transmit power control parameters for positioning SRS in an RRC inactive state.

In one embodiment (i.e., a1), if, for example, UE 110 is a low power device or TRP 170 does not send an SSB (i.e., downlink synchronization signal), the network may instruct positioning UE 110 to use a semi-static set of transmit power control parameters in an RRC inactive state. Here, the set of power control parameters may include at least one of P0, α, and a nominal path loss for transmitting the positioning SRS. The network (e.g., LMF 302) may determine the set of parameters taking into account the collected network information (e.g., estimated path loss, interference level, or location requirements). As another example, the network (e.g., LMF 302) may determine a nominal path loss value based on an estimated UE path loss collected from TRP 170. For example, LMF 302 may select a median of the estimated path loss values from a plurality of best TRPs for the UE (e.g., 3 TRPs). For the present embodiment, the UE 110 does not need to dynamically estimate the path loss based on the configured path loss reference RS for UE power saving and further avoids using invalid/unreasonable output power to send positioning SRS in RRC inactive state.

In another embodiment (i.e., a2), the network may configure the positioning UE 110 to autonomously determine a set of power control parameters for transmitting a positioning SRS based on the results of the downlink measurements from the TRP 170. As one example, LMF 302 may instruct positioning UE 110 to select a best cell from a list of configured cells (e.g., TRP 170) as a reference cell based on RSRP measured according to SSBs or other DL-RSs (e.g., DL-PTS) from the TRP. And then UE 110 may estimate the path loss between the reference cell and UE 110 and use P0 and Alpha (a) read from the PBCH of the reference cell for sending positioning SRS.

In further embodiments (i.e., a3), LMF 302 may configure positioning UE 110 to autonomously select one of the predefined or configured rules for power control parameter determination for positioning SRS based on certain metrics, such as UE power state.

Steps 3 and 4 (items 316 and 324, respectively) are examples of rule designs that enable UE 110 to determine the transmit power parameter of a positioning SRS in an RRC inactive state. Other rules or/and combined use of rules are not excluded for the embodiments described herein.

And step 3: in step 3316, LMF 302 configures the rules and corresponding parameters as positioning assistance data for SRS-based uplink positioning.

Herein, some embodiments related to the configuration of rules and corresponding parameters for positioning the UE 110 are elaborated. In one embodiment, as illustrated by option 1318 in fig. 3, the LMF 302 may signal the positioning assistance data directly to the positioning UE 110 based on the LPP protocol. In another embodiment, LMF 302 first forwards the positioning assistance data to gNB 170 (e.g., the serving/anchor gNB 204/206 of positioning UE 110) via NRPPa protocol at 320, and then, as shown at 318 of option 2 in fig. 3, gNB 170 configures the positioning assistance data to UE 110 at 322 (e.g., via the IE SRS-Config).

In one embodiment, the positioning assistance data signaling may be sent to the UE 110 in the RRC connected state, for example, before the UE 110 enters the RRC inactive state. In another embodiment, the positioning assistance data may be signaled to the UE 110 in an RRC inactive state, e.g., based on a paging procedure, RACH, or CG-based procedure.

And 4, step 4: in step 4324, UE 110 receives positioning assistance data from LMF 302 (e.g., via TRP/gNB 170), and then determines how to obtain a state of transmit power control parameters for positioning SRS in RRC inactive state based on the rule indication in the positioning assistance data.

In some examples, LMF 302 may be present within network element 190 shown in fig. 1 and implemented by computer program code 173. In other examples, LMF 302 resides within module 150 including module 150-1 and/or module 150-2 of RAN node 170. In other examples, LMF 302 resides in another UE similar to UE 110.

Embodiments are further detailed to address UE example behavior based on rule indications (immediately numbered 1 to 3 below):

1) if the UE 110 is configured with rule a1 in step 3316, the UE 110 uses a configured set of parameters (e.g., P0, α, or nominal path loss) for transmit power control of the positioning SRS in the RRC inactive state. And then UE 110 uses the configured parameters to determine the output power of the positioning SRS.

2) If rule A2 in step 3316 is configured for UE 110, UE 110 synchronizes with the list of configured TRPs 170 and measures the SSB of TRP 170. Based on the measurement results, the UE 110 selects one of the TRPs 170 with the highest SSB-RSRP as a reference cell and then determines a transmit power parameter for the positioning SRS based on the reference cell. For example, UE 110 estimates the path loss between the reference cell and itself and reads P0 and Alpha values from the PBCH of the reference cell. UE 110 then determines the output power of the positioning SRS using the configured parameters.

3) If multiple rules (e.g., a1& a2) are predefined or configured for the UE 110 to determine the transmit power control parameters for positioning SRS in RRC inactive state, the UE 110 may be configured to autonomously select one of the configuration rules based on certain metrics, such as UE power state. If UE 110 is at a high power level (i.e., a power level above a given threshold), UE 110 may choose to measure TRP 170 and then select one best TRP 170 from the list of configured TRPs 170 as the reference cell. Finally, UE 110 may estimate path loss based on the SSB transmissions and the reference cell, or further obtain P0 and Alpha values for power control of the positioning SRS by reading the PBCH of the reference cell. If the UE 110 is at a low power level (i.e., the power level is below a given threshold), the UE 110 may choose to send the positioning SRS in the RRC inactive state using a fixed set of transmission power control parameters. In this case, UE 110 does not need to make any measurements of path loss estimates and other parameters, which would facilitate UE power savings in the case of low power level states.

In an exemplary embodiment, the network (e.g., 190) may also configure path loss or output power constraints in the positioning assistance data for transmitting the positioning SRS in the RRC inactive state. In this case, the UE 110, if configured, needs to comply with the constraints. For example, to control the interference level of the positioning SRS to the network, LMF 302 may configure a maximum path loss (or output power) constraint for positioning UE 110 via the positioning assistance information such that UE 110 sets the actual path loss (or output power) to be no greater than the configured maximum path loss (or output power). As another example, to ensure testability or coverage performance of the positioning SRS, LMF 302 may configure a minimum path loss (or output power) constraint for positioning UE 110 via the positioning assistance information such that UE 110 sets the actual path loss (or output power) such that it is not below the configured minimum path loss (or output power).

The examples described herein have several technical effects, including providing an efficient mechanism for the UE 110 to autonomously determine TPC parameters in an RRC inactive state based on network assistance. Furthermore, the examples described herein are effective to combat the adverse effects of UE mobility on positioning and network performance, such as SRS testability and network interference levels. Moreover, the examples described herein facilitate UE power savings and complexity reduction for positioning the UE 110, since inactive UEs 110 do not need to enter the RRC connected state for SRS configuration updates in view of UE mobility.

Fig. 4 is an example apparatus 400 that may be implemented in hardware, configured to implement examples described herein. The apparatus 400 includes a processor 402, at least one memory 404 including computer program code 405, wherein the at least one memory 404 and the computer program code 405 are configured to, with the at least one processor 402, cause the apparatus to implement circuits, processes, components, modules or functions (collectively referred to as signaling 406) to implement examples described herein. The apparatus 400 optionally includes a display and/or I/O interface 408 that can be used to display aspects or states of the methods described herein (e.g., at the time of execution of one of the methods or at a later time). The apparatus 400 includes one or more network (N/W) interfaces (I/f (s)) 410. N/WI/f(s)410 may be wired and/or wireless and communicate over the internet/other network via any communication technology. N/W I/F410 may include one or more transmitters and one or more receivers. N/W I/F410 may include standard well-known components such as amplifiers, filters, frequency converters, (de) modulator and encoder/decoder circuitry, and one or more antennas.

Apparatus 400 may be UE 110, RAN node 170, or network element 190 (e.g., to implement the functionality of LMF 302). Thus, processor 402 may correspond to processor 120, processor 152, or processor 175, respectively, memory 404 may correspond to memory 125, memory 155, or memory 171, respectively, computer program code 405 may correspond to computer program code 123, module 140-1, module 140-2, computer program code 153, module 150-1, module 150-2, or computer program code 173, respectively, and N/WI/F(s)410 may correspond to N/WI/F(s)161 or N/WI/F180, respectively. Alternatively, apparatus 400 may not correspond to any of UE 110, RAN node 170, or network element 190.

As shown in fig. 4, the interface 412 enables data communication between the various items of the apparatus 400. The interface 412 may be one or more buses, or the interface 412 may be one or more software interfaces configured to transfer data between items of the apparatus 400. For example, interface 412 may be one or more buses, such as an address, data, or control bus, and may include any interconnection mechanism, such as a series of wires on a motherboard or integrated circuit, optical fibers or other optical communication devices, and so forth. The apparatus 400 need not include each of the features mentioned, or may include other features as well.

References to "computer", "processor", and the like, should be understood to encompass not only computers having different architectures such as single/multi-processor architectures and sequential (von neumann)/parallel architectures, but also specialized circuits such as Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA), application specific circuits (ASIC), signal processing devices, and other processing circuits. References to computer program, instructions, code etc. should be understood to encompass software for a programmable processor or firmware such as, for example, the programmable content of a hardware device whether processor instructions or configuration settings for a fixed-function apparatus, a gate array or programmable logic device etc.

One or more memories as described herein may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, flash memory, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory and removable memory. The memory may include a database for storing data.

As used herein, the term "circuitry" may refer to the following: (a) hardware circuit implementations, such as implementations in analog and/or digital circuitry, and (b) combinations of circuitry and software (and/or firmware), such as (as applicable): (i) a combination of processors or (ii) a processor/part of software, including a digital signal processor, software and memory that work together to cause a device to perform various functions, and (c) a circuit that requires software or firmware to run, such as a microprocessor or a part of a microprocessor, even if the software or firmware is not physically present. As another example, as used herein, the term "circuitry" would also encompass an implementation of merely a processor (or multiple processors) or portion of a processor and its (or their) accompanying software and/or firmware. The term "circuitry" would also cover if applicable to the particular element, for example, a baseband integrated circuit or applications processor integrated circuit for a mobile phone or a similar integrated circuit in a server, a cellular network device, or other network device.

Fig. 5 is an example method 500 for implementing a network assisted transmission power control mechanism for positioning SRS in RRC inactive state based on the example embodiments described herein. At 502, the method includes collecting information from a user equipment or at least one network node related to configuration of positioning assistance information for the user equipment. At 504, the method includes determining rules for one or more transmit power control parameters for the user equipment to use for positioning reference signals in a radio resource control inactive state based on the collected information. At 506, the method comprises signaling the rule and the one or more transmit power control parameters to the user equipment or the at least one network node. At 508, the method includes wherein the one or more transmit power control parameters are configured for transmitting the positioning reference signal in a radio resource control inactive state based on the rule. Method 500 may be performed by network element 190, LMF 302, or apparatus 400.

Fig. 6 is another exemplary method 600 for implementing a network assisted transmission power control mechanism for positioning SRS in RRC inactive state based on the exemplary embodiments described herein. At 602, the method includes providing capability information to a location management function related to configuration of positioning assistance information for a user equipment. At 604, the method includes receiving rules related to one or more transmit power control parameters used by the user equipment for positioning reference signals in a radio resource control inactive state based on the provided capability information. At 606, the method includes where the rule is received from a location management function or from at least one network node. At 608, the method includes determining one or more transmit power control parameters for transmitting the positioning reference signal in a radio resource control inactive state based on the rule. Method 600 may be performed by UE 110 or by apparatus 400.

Fig. 7 is another example method 700 of implementing a network assisted transmission power control mechanism for locating SRS in RRC inactive state based on the example embodiments described herein. At 702, the method includes providing information to a location management function related to configuration of positioning assistance information for a user equipment. At 704, the method includes receiving a signal related to the rule and one or more transmit power control parameters based on the provided information. At 706, the method includes transmitting the rule and one or more transmit power control parameters to a user equipment. At 708, the method includes wherein the one or more transmit power control parameters are configured for transmitting the positioning reference signal in a radio resource control inactive state based on the rule. Method 700 may be performed by network node 170 or apparatus 400.

An example method includes collecting information from a user equipment or at least one network node related to configuration of positioning assistance information for the user equipment; determining rules for one or more transmit power control parameters of the user equipment for positioning reference signals in a radio resource control inactive state based on the collected information; and signaling the rules and the one or more transmit power control parameters to the user equipment or the at least one network node; wherein the one or more transmit power control parameters are configured to be used for transmitting the positioning reference signal in a radio resource control inactive state based on the rule.

Other aspects of the method may include the following. The information collected from the user equipment or the at least one network node may be at least one of: capability from at least one network node, user equipment path loss or interference; capability information from the user equipment; or a location request from a location service client. The rules for one or more transmit power control parameters for a user equipment may include: an indication of a user equipment to transmit a positioning reference signal in a radio resource control inactive state using a semi-static set of power control parameters; or an indication to the user equipment to autonomously determine a set of power control parameters for transmitting the positioning reference signal in the radio resource control inactive state based on the at least one metric. The at least one metric may be one or more of: a reference signal received power of a position measurement unit; a reference signal received power of at least one network node; or the power state of the user equipment. The signaling may include signaling the rule and the one or more transmit power control parameters to the user equipment using a long term evolution positioning protocol. The one or more transmit power control parameters of the positioning reference signal in the radio resource control inactive state may include one or more of a target received power, a back-off factor, a path loss, or an output power. The signaling may include: transmitting a rule and one or more transmit power control parameters when the user equipment is in a radio resource control connected state; or transmit the rule and the one or more transmit power control parameters through a paging procedure, a random access channel-based procedure, or a configured grant-based procedure when the user equipment is in a radio resource control inactive state. The positioning reference signal may be a sounding reference signal, a demodulation reference signal (DM-RS), a random access channel preamble, or a dedicated reference signal for positioning.

An example method, comprising: providing capability information to a location management function related to configuration of positioning assistance information for a user equipment; receiving, based on the provided capability information, rules related to one or more transmit power control parameters used by the user equipment for positioning reference signals in a radio resource control inactive state; wherein the rule is received from a location management function or at least one network node; based on the rule, one or more transmit power control parameters for transmitting a positioning reference signal in a radio resource control inactive state are determined.

Other aspects of the method may include the following. The rules for the one or more transmit power control parameters of the user equipment may include: an indication of a user equipment to transmit a positioning reference signal in a radio resource control inactive state using a semi-static set of power control parameters; or an indication to the user equipment to autonomously determine a set of power control parameters for transmitting the positioning reference signal in the radio resource control inactive state based on the at least one metric. The determining may include: determining an output power of the positioning reference signal using the semi-static power control parameter when the indication to the user equipment is to use the semi-static power control parameter set to transmit the positioning reference signal in the radio resource control inactive state; and when the indication to the user equipment is to autonomously determine a set of power control parameters for transmitting the positioning reference signal in the radio resource control inactive state based on the at least one metric: synchronizing with a list of configured one or more network nodes; measuring reference signals of one or more network nodes; based on the measurements, selecting one of the one or more network nodes having the highest reference signal received power as a reference; and determining a set of power control parameters for transmitting a positioning reference signal in a radio resource control inactive state based on the reference. When the user equipment receives the plurality of indications, the determining may include autonomously determining a set of power control parameters for transmitting the positioning reference signal in the radio resource control inactive state based on a power state of the user equipment. The at least one metric may be one or more of: a reference signal received power of a position measurement unit; a reference signal received power of at least one network node; or the power state of the user equipment. The receiving may include: receiving, by a long term evolution positioning protocol, a rule and one or more transmit power control parameters from a location management function; or receiving the rule and the one or more transmit power control parameters from the at least one network node through the positioning reference signal configuration information element. The one or more transmit power control parameters of the positioning reference signal in the radio resource control inactive state may include one or more of a target received power, a back-off factor, a path loss, or an output power. The receiving may include: receiving a rule and one or more transmit power control parameters when the user equipment is in a radio resource control connected state; or receive the rule and the one or more transmit power control parameters through a paging procedure, a random access channel-based procedure, or a configured grant-based procedure when the user equipment is in a radio resource control inactive state. The positioning reference signal may be a sounding reference signal, a demodulation reference signal, a random access channel preamble, or a positioning dedicated reference signal.

An example method includes: providing information to a location management function related to configuration of positioning assistance information for a user equipment; receiving a signal relating to a rule and one or more transmit power control parameters based on the provided information; and sending the rules and the one or more transmit power control parameters to the user equipment; wherein the one or more transmit power control parameters are configured for transmitting the positioning reference signal in a radio resource control inactive state based on the rule.

Other aspects of the method may include the following. The information provided to the location management function may be at least one of a capability, a user equipment path loss, or interference from a network node. The rules for the one or more transmit power control parameters of the user equipment may include: an indication of a user equipment to transmit a positioning reference signal in a radio resource control inactive state using a set of semi-static power control parameters; or an indication to the user equipment to autonomously determine a set of power control parameters for transmitting the positioning reference signal in the radio resource control inactive state based on the at least one metric. The at least one metric may be one or more of: a reference signal received power of a position measurement unit; a reference signal received power of a network node; or the power state of the user equipment. The rule and the one or more transmit power control parameters may be transmitted to the user equipment using a positioning reference signal configuration information element. The one or more transmit power control parameters of the positioning reference signal in the radio resource control inactive state may include one or more of a target received power, a back-off factor, a path loss, or an output power. The rule and the one or more transmit power control parameters may be transmitted when the user equipment is in a radio resource control connected state; alternatively, the rule and the one or more transmit power control parameters may be sent through a paging procedure, a random access channel-based procedure, or a configured grant-based procedure when the user equipment is in a radio resource control inactive state. The positioning reference signal may be a sounding reference signal, a demodulation reference signal, a random access channel preamble (preamble), or a positioning dedicated reference signal.

An example apparatus, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code; wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: collecting information from the user equipment or at least one network node related to configuration of positioning assistance information for the user equipment; determining rules for one or more transmit power control parameters of the user equipment for positioning reference signals in a radio resource control inactive state based on the collected information; and signaling the rules and the one or more transmit power control parameters to the user equipment or the at least one network node; wherein the one or more transmit power control parameters are configured for transmitting the positioning reference signal in a radio resource control inactive state based on the rule.

An example apparatus, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code; wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: providing capability information to a location management function related to configuration of positioning assistance information for a user equipment; receiving, based on the provided capability information, a rule related to one or more transmit power control parameters used by the user equipment for positioning reference signals in a radio resource control inactive state; wherein the rule is received from a location management function or at least one network node; and determining one or more transmit power control parameters for transmitting the positioning reference signal in the radio resource control inactive state based on the rule.

An example apparatus, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code; wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: providing information to a location management function related to configuration of positioning assistance information for a user equipment; receiving a signal relating to a rule and one or more transmit power control parameters based on the provided information; sending the rules and one or more transmit power control parameters to the user equipment; wherein the one or more transmit power control parameters are configured for transmitting the positioning reference signal in a radio resource control inactive state based on the rule.

An apparatus, comprising: means for collecting information from a user equipment or at least one network node related to configuration of positioning assistance information for the user equipment; means for determining rules for one or more transmit power control parameters used by the user equipment for positioning reference signals in a radio resource control inactive state based on the collected information; and means for signaling the rules and the one or more transmit power control parameters to the user equipment or the at least one network node; wherein the one or more transmit power control parameters are configured for transmitting the positioning reference signal in a radio resource control inactive state based on the rule.

An example apparatus, comprising: means for providing capability information to a location management function related to configuration of positioning assistance information for a user equipment; means for receiving a rule related to one or more transmit power control parameters for a user equipment to use for positioning reference signals in a radio resource control inactive state based on the provided capability information, wherein the rule is received from a location management function or at least one network node; and means for determining one or more transmit power control parameters for sending a positioning reference signal in a radio resource control inactive state based on the rule.

An example apparatus, comprising: means for providing information to a location management function related to configuration of positioning assistance information for a user equipment; means for receiving a signal relating to a rule and one or more transmit power control parameters based on the provided information; and means for sending the rules and the one or more transmit power control parameters to the user equipment; wherein the one or more transmit power control parameters are configured for transmitting the positioning reference signal in a radio resource control inactive state based on the rule.

There is provided a program storage device readable by machine, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by the machine for performing operations, the operations comprising: collecting information from the user equipment or at least one network node related to configuration of positioning assistance information for the user equipment; determining rules for one or more transmit power control parameters of the user equipment for positioning reference signals in a radio resource control inactive state based on the collected information; and sending the rules and one or more transmit power control parameter signaling to the user equipment or at least one network node; wherein the one or more transmit power control parameters are configured for transmitting the positioning reference signal in a radio resource control inactive state based on the rule.

There is provided a program storage device readable by machine, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by the machine for performing operations, the operations comprising: providing capability information to a location management function related to configuration of positioning assistance information for a user equipment; receiving, based on the provided capability information, a rule related to one or more transmit power control parameters used by the user equipment for positioning reference signals in a radio resource control inactive state; wherein the rule is received from a location management function or at least one network node; and based on the rule, determining one or more transmit power control parameters for transmitting the positioning reference signal in the radio resource control inactive state.

There is provided a program storage device readable by machine, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by the machine for performing operations, the operations comprising: providing information to a location management function related to configuration of positioning assistance for a user equipment; receiving a signal relating to a rule and one or more transmit power control parameters based on the provided information; sending the rules and one or more transmit power control parameters to the user equipment; wherein the one or more transmit power control parameters are configured to be used for transmitting the positioning reference signal in a radio resource control inactive state based on the rule.

It should be understood that the foregoing description is intended to be illustrative only. Various alternatives and modifications can be devised by those skilled in the art. For example, the features recited in the various dependent claims may be combined with each other in any suitable combination. Moreover, features from different embodiments described above may be selectively combined into new embodiments. Accordingly, the present description is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variances which fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method of communication, comprising:

collecting information from a user equipment or at least one network node related to configuration of positioning assistance information for the user equipment;

determining rules for one or more transmit power control parameters used by the user equipment for positioning reference signals in a radio resource control inactive state based on the collected information; and

signaling the rule and the one or more transmit power control parameters to the user equipment or the at least one network node;

wherein the one or more transmit power control parameters are configured for transmitting a positioning reference signal in a radio resource control inactive state based on the rule.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the information collected from the user equipment or from the at least one network node is at least one of:

capability from the at least one network node, user equipment path loss or interference;

capability information from the user equipment; or

Location requirements from a location service client.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the rules for the one or more transmit power control parameters for the user equipment comprise:

an indication of the user equipment to use a semi-static set of power control parameters to send the positioning reference signal in the radio resource control inactive state; or

An indication of the user equipment to autonomously determine a set of power control parameters for transmitting the positioning reference signal in the radio resource control inactive state based on at least one metric.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the at least one metric is one or more of:

a reference signal received power of a position measurement unit;

a reference signal received power of the at least one network node; or

A power state of the user equipment.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the signaling comprises:

signaling the rule and the one or more transmit power control parameters to the user equipment using a long term evolution positioning protocol.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more transmit power control parameters of the positioning reference signal in the radio resource control inactive state comprise one or more of a target received power, a back-off factor, a path loss, or an output power.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the signaling comprises:

transmitting the rule and the one or more transmit power control parameters when the user equipment is in a radio resource control connected state; or

Sending the rule and the one or more transmit power control parameters through a paging procedure, a random access channel-based procedure, or a configured grant-based procedure when the user equipment is in a radio resource control inactive state.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the positioning reference signal is a sounding reference signal, a demodulation reference signal, a random access channel preamble, or a dedicated reference signal for positioning.

9. A method of communication, comprising:

providing capability information to a location management function related to configuration of positioning assistance information for a user equipment;

receiving rules related to one or more transmit power control parameters used by the user equipment for positioning reference signals in a radio resource control inactive state based on the capability information provided;

wherein the rule is received from the location management function or at least one network node; and

determining the one or more transmit power control parameters for sending the positioning reference signal in a radio resource control inactive state based on the rule.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the rules for the one or more transmit power control parameters for the user equipment comprise:

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the determining comprises:

when the indication to the user equipment is to use the set of semi-static power control parameters to transmit the positioning reference signal in the radio resource control inactive state, determining an output power of the positioning reference signal using the semi-static power control parameters; and

when the indication of the user equipment is to autonomously determine a set of power control parameters based on at least one metric to transmit the positioning reference signal in the radio resource control inactive state:

synchronizing with a list of configured one or more network nodes;

measuring reference signals of the one or more network nodes;

selecting one of the one or more network nodes having a highest reference signal received power as a reference based on the measurements; and

determining the set of power control parameters for sending a positioning reference signal in a radio resource control inactive state based on the reference.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein, when the user equipment receives a plurality of indications, the determining comprises autonomously determining the set of power control parameters for transmitting the positioning reference signal in the radio resource control inactive state based on a power state of the user equipment.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein the at least one metric is one or more of:

a reference signal received power of a position measurement unit;

a reference signal received power of the at least one network node; or

A power state of the user equipment.

14. The method of claim 9, wherein the receiving comprises:

receiving the rule and the one or more transmit power control parameters from the location management function over a long term evolution positioning protocol; or

Receiving the rule and the one or more transmit power control parameters from the at least one network node through a positioning reference signal configuration information element.

15. The method of claim 9, wherein the one or more transmit power control parameters of the positioning reference signal in the radio resource control inactive state comprise one or more of a target received power, a back-off factor, a path loss, or an output power.

16. The method of claim 9, wherein the receiving comprises:

receiving the rule and the one or more transmit power control parameters when the user equipment is in a radio resource control connected state; or

Receiving the rule and the one or more transmit power control parameters through a paging procedure, a random access channel-based procedure, or a configured grant-based procedure when the user equipment is in a radio resource control inactive state.

17. The method according to any of claims 9 to 16, wherein the positioning reference signal is a sounding reference signal, a demodulation reference signal, a random access channel preamble, or a dedicated reference signal for positioning.

18. A method of communication, comprising:

providing information to a location management function related to configuration of positioning assistance information for a user equipment;

receiving a signal relating to a rule and one or more transmit power control parameters based on the information provided; and

transmitting the rule and the one or more transmit power control parameters to the user equipment;

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the information provided to the location management function is at least one of a capability, a user equipment path loss, or interference from a network node.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein the rules for the one or more transmit power control parameters for the user equipment comprise:

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the at least one metric is one or more of:

a reference signal received power of a position measurement unit;

a reference signal received power of a network node; or

A power state of the user equipment.

22. The method of claim 18, wherein the rule and the one or more transmit power control parameters are transmitted to the user equipment using a positioning reference signal configuration information element.

23. The method of claim 18, wherein the one or more transmit power control parameters of the positioning reference signal in the radio resource control inactive state comprise one or more of a target received power, a back-off factor, a path loss, or an output power.

24. The method of claim 18, wherein:

25. The method of any one of claims 18 to 24, wherein the positioning reference signal is a sounding reference signal, a demodulation reference signal, a random access channel preamble, or a dedicated reference signal for positioning.

26. A communication device, comprising:

at least one processor; and

at least one memory including computer program code;

wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to:

collecting information from a user equipment or at least one network node related to positioning assistance information configuration for the user equipment;

27. A communication device, comprising:

at least one processor; and

at least one memory including computer program code;

providing capability information to a location management function related to configuration of positioning assistance information of a user equipment;

wherein the rule is received from the location management function or the at least one network node; and

28. A communication device, comprising:

at least one processor; and

at least one memory including computer program code;

providing information to a location management function related to configuration of positioning assistance information of a user equipment;

sending the rule and the one or more transmit power control parameters to the user equipment;

29. A program storage device for communication, readable by a machine, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by the machine for performing operations, the operations comprising:

30. A program storage device for communication, readable by a machine, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by the machine for performing operations, the operations comprising:

determining one or more transmit power control parameters for transmitting the positioning reference signal in a radio resource control inactive state based on the rule.

31. A program storage device for communication, readable by a machine, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by the machine for performing operations, the operations comprising:

transmitting the transmission rule and the one or more transmit power control parameters to the user equipment;