EP4677869A1

EP4677869A1 - Procedures and signalling to enhance positioning integrity in wireless networks

Info

Publication number: EP4677869A1
Application number: EP23710286.8A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Leonardo Chiarello; Silvio MANDELLI; Marcus Roland HENNINGER; Thorsten Wild
Original assignee: Nokia Technologies Oy
Current assignee: Nokia Technologies Oy
Priority date: 2023-03-07
Filing date: 2023-03-07
Publication date: 2026-01-14
Also published as: WO2024183890A1; CN120826920A

Abstract

Systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products to support interactions between positioning and future sensing functionalities, such as an LMF, IMF, and DTMF, by leveraging sensing as an additional measurement source to improve positioning integrity operations associated with sensing in wireless networks. One method may include a LMF receiving a location service request from a location service client comprising a request for location integrity results derived from sensing information; receiving a positioning protocol assistance data request comprising a request for sensing information from a combined user equipment and integrity management function; transmitting a positioning protocol assistance data response comprising the sensing information to the combined user equipment and integrity management function; receiving a positioning protocol location information response comprising location integrity results derived from the sensing information from the combined user equipment and integrity management function; and transmitting a location service response to the location service client comprising the location integrity results.

Description

TITLE:

PROCEDURES AND SIGNALLING TO ENHANCE POSITIONING INTEGRITY IN WIRELESS NETWORKS

TECHNICAL FIELD:

[0001] Some example embodiments may generally relate to mobile or wireless telecommunication systems, such as 3^rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Long Term Evolution (LTE), 5^th generation (5G) radio access technology (RAT), new radio (NR) access technology, 6^th generation (6G), and/or other communications systems. For example, certain example embodiments may relate to systems and/or methods to support interactions between positioning and future sensing functionalities, such as a location management function (LMF), integrity management function (IMF), and digital twin management function (DTMF), by leveraging sensing as an additional measurement source to improve positioning integrity operations associated with sensing in wireless networks.

BACKGROUND:

[0002] Examples of mobile or wireless telecommunication systems may include radio frequency (RF) 5G RAT, the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN), LTE Evolved UTRAN (E-UTRAN), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-A Pro, NR access technology, and/or MulteFire Alliance. 5G wireless systems refer to the next generation (NG) of radio systems and network architecture. A 5G system is typically built on a 5G NR, but a 5G (or NG) network may also be built on E-UTRA radio. NR may be able to support service categories such as enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra-reliable low-latency- communication (URLLC), and massive machine- type communication (mMTC). NR is expected to deliver extreme broadband, ultra-robust, low-latency connectivity, and massive networking to support the Internet of Things (loT). The next generation radio access network (NG-RAN) represents the radio access network (RAN) for 5G, which may provide radio access for NR, LTE, and LTE-A. It is noted that the nodes in 5G providing radio access functionality to a user equipment (e.g., similar to the Node B in UTRAN or the Evolved Node B (eNB) in LTE) may be referred to as next- generation Node B (gNB) when built on NR radio, and may be referred to as next-generation eNB (NG-eNB) when built on E-UTRA radio.

SUMMARY:

[0003] In accordance with some example embodiments, a method may include receiving, by a location management function, a location service request from a location service client comprising a request for location integrity results derived from sensing information. The method may further include receiving, by the location management function, a positioning protocol assistance data request comprising a request for sensing information from a combined user equipment and integrity management function. The method may further include transmitting, by the location management function, a positioning protocol assistance data response comprising the sensing information to the combined user equipment and integrity management function. The method may further include receiving, by the location management function, a positioning protocol location information response comprising location integrity results derived from the sensing information from the combined user equipment and integrity management function. The method may further include transmitting, by the location management function, a location service response to the location service client comprising the location integrity results.

[0004] In accordance with certain example embodiments, an apparatus may include means for receiving a location service request from a location service client comprising a request for location. The apparatus may further include means for receiving a positioning protocol assistance data request comprising a request for sensing information from a combined user equipment and integrity management function. The apparatus may further include means for transmitting a positioning protocol assistance data response comprising the sensing information to the combined user equipment and integrity management function. The apparatus may further include means for receiving a positioning protocol location information response comprising location integrity results derived from the sensing information from the combined user equipment and integrity management function. The apparatus may further include means for transmitting a location service response to the location service client comprising the location integrity results.

[0005] In accordance with various example embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable medium may include program instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least a method. The method may include receiving a location service request from a location service client comprising a request for location. The method may further include receiving a positioning protocol assistance data request comprising a request for sensing information from a combined user equipment and integrity management function. The method may further include transmitting a positioning protocol assistance data response comprising the sensing information to the combined user equipment and integrity management function. The method may further include receiving a positioning protocol location information response comprising location integrity results derived from the sensing information from the combined user equipment and integrity management function. The method may further include transmitting a location service response to the location service client comprising the location integrity results.

[0006] In accordance with some example embodiments, a computer program product may perform a method. The method may include receiving a location service request from a location service client comprising a request for location. The method may further include receiving a positioning protocol assistance data request comprising a request for sensing information from a combined user equipment and integrity management function. The method may further include transmitting a positioning protocol assistance data response comprising the sensing information to the combined user equipment and integrity management function. The method may further include receiving a positioning protocol location information response comprising location integrity results derived from the sensing information from the combined user equipment and integrity management function. The method may further include transmitting a location service response to the location service client comprising the location integrity results. [0007] In accordance with certain example embodiments, an apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to receive a location service request from a location service client comprising a request for location. The at least one memory and instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may further cause the apparatus at least to receive a positioning protocol assistance data request comprising a request for sensing information from a combined user equipment and integrity management function. The at least one memory and instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may further cause the apparatus at least to transmit a positioning protocol assistance data response comprising the sensing information to the combined user equipment and integrity management function. The at least one memory and instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may further cause the apparatus at least to receive a positioning protocol location information response comprising location integrity results derived from the sensing information from the combined user equipment and integrity management function. The at least one memory and instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may further cause the apparatus at least to transmit a location service response to the location service client comprising the location integrity results.

[0008] In accordance with various example embodiments, an apparatus may include receiving circuitry configured to receive a location service request from a location service client comprising a request for location. The apparatus may further include receiving circuitry configured to receive a positioning protocol assistance data request comprising a request for sensing information from a combined user equipment and integrity management function. The apparatus may further include transmitting circuitry configured to transmit a positioning protocol assistance data response comprising the sensing information to the combined user equipment and integrity management function. The apparatus may further include receiving circuitry configured to receive a positioning protocol location information response comprising location integrity results derived from the sensing information from the combined user equipment and integrity management function. The apparatus may further include transmitting circuitry configured to transmit a location service response to the location service client comprising the location integrity results.

[0009] In accordance with some example embodiments, a method may include receiving, by a combined location management function and integrity management function, a location service request from a location service client comprising a request for location integrity results derived from sensing information. The method may further include transmitting, by the combined location management function and integrity management function, a request for sensing information to a digital twin management function. The method may further include receiving, by the combined location management function and integrity management function, the requested sensing information from the digital twin management function. The method may further include modifying, by the combined location management function and integrity management function, a user equipment location based on the requested sensing information. The method may further include transmitting, by the combined location management function and integrity management function, a location service response to the location service client comprising the location integrity results.

[0010] In accordance with certain example embodiments, an apparatus may include means for receiving a location service request from a location service client comprising a request for location integrity results derived from sensing information. The apparatus may further include means for transmitting a request for sensing information to a digital twin management function. The apparatus may further include means for receiving the requested sensing information from the digital twin management function. The apparatus may further include means for modifying a user equipment location based on the requested sensing information. The apparatus may further include means for transmitting a location service response to the location service client comprising the location integrity results.

[0011] In accordance with various example embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable medium may include program instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least a method. The method may include receiving a location service request from a location service client comprising a request for location integrity results derived from sensing information. The method may further include transmitting a request for sensing information to a digital twin management function. The method may further include receiving the requested sensing information from the digital twin management function. The method may further include modifying a user equipment location based on the requested sensing information. The method may further include transmitting a location service response to the location service client comprising the location integrity results.

[0012] In accordance with some example embodiments, a computer program product may perform a method. The method may include receiving a location service request from a location service client comprising a request for location integrity results derived from sensing information. The method may further include transmitting a request for sensing information to a digital twin management function. The method may further include receiving the requested sensing information from the digital twin management function. The method may further include modifying a user equipment location based on the requested sensing information. The method may further include transmitting a location service response to the location service client comprising the location integrity results.

[0013] In accordance with certain example embodiments, an apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to receive a location service request from a location service client comprising a request for location integrity results derived from sensing information. The at least one memory and instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may further cause the apparatus at least to transmit a request for sensing information to a digital twin management function. The at least one memory and instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may further cause the apparatus at least to receive the requested sensing information from the digital twin management function. The at least one memory and instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may further cause the apparatus at least to modify a user equipment location based on the requested sensing information. The at least one memory and instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may further cause the apparatus at least to transmit a location service response to the location service client comprising the location integrity results.

[0014] In accordance with various example embodiments, an apparatus may include receiving circuitry configured to receive a location service request from a location service client comprising a request for location integrity results derived from sensing information. The apparatus may further include transmitting circuitry configured to transmit a request for sensing information to a digital twin management function. The apparatus may further include receiving circuitry configured to receive the requested sensing information from the digital twin management function. The apparatus may further include modifying circuitry configured to modify a user equipment location based on the requested sensing information. The apparatus may further include transmitting circuitry configured to transmit a location service response to the location service client comprising the location integrity results.

[0015] In accordance with some example embodiments, a method may include receiving, by a combined location management function and digital twin management function, a location service request from a location service client comprising a request for location integrity results derived from sensing information. The method may further include receiving a positioning protocol location information response comprising location integrity results derived from the sensing information from an integrity management function combined into a user equipment. The method may further include transmitting a location service response to the location service client comprising the location integrity results.

[0016] In accordance with certain example embodiments, an apparatus may include means for receiving a location service request from a location service client comprising a request for location integrity results derived from sensing information. The apparatus may further include means for receiving a positioning protocol location information response comprising location integrity results derived from the sensing information from an integrity management function combined into a user equipment. The apparatus may further include means for transmitting a location service response to the location service client comprising the location integrity results. [0017] In accordance with various example embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable medium may include program instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least a method. The method may include receiving a location service request from a location service client comprising a request for location integrity results derived from sensing information. The method may further include receiving a positioning protocol location information response comprising location integrity results derived from the sensing information from an integrity management function combined into a user equipment. The method may further include transmitting a location service response to the location service client comprising the location integrity results.

[0018] In accordance with some example embodiments, a computer program product may perform a method. The method may include receiving a location service request from a location service client comprising a request for location integrity results derived from sensing information. The method may further include receiving a positioning protocol location information response comprising location integrity results derived from the sensing information from an integrity management function combined into a user equipment. The method may further include transmitting a location service response to the location service client comprising the location integrity results.

[0019] In accordance with certain example embodiments, an apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to receive a location service request from a location service client comprising a request for location integrity results derived from sensing information. The at least one memory and instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may further cause the apparatus at least to receive a positioning protocol location information response comprising location integrity results derived from the sensing information from an integrity management function combined into a user equipment. The at least one memory and instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may further cause the apparatus at least to transmit a location service response to the location service client comprising the location integrity results. [0020] In accordance with various example embodiments, an apparatus may include receiving circuitry configured to receive a location service request from a location service client comprising a request for location integrity results derived from sensing information. The apparatus may further include receiving circuitry configured to receive a positioning protocol location information response comprising location integrity results derived from the sensing information from an integrity management function combined into a user equipment. The apparatus may further include transmitting circuitry configured to transmit a location service response to the location service client comprising the location integrity results.

[0021] In accordance with some example embodiments, a method may include receiving, by a location management function, a location service request from a location service client comprising a request for location integrity results derived from sensing information. The method may further include receiving, by the location management function, a positioning protocol assistance data request comprising requesting sensing information from a combined user equipment and integrity management function. The method may further include transmitting, by the location management function, a positioning protocol assistance data response comprising the sensing measurements to the combined user equipment and integrity management function. The method may further include receiving, by the location management function, a positioning protocol location information response comprising location integrity results derived from the sensing information from the combined user equipment and integrity management function. The method may further include transmitting, by the location management function, a location service response to the location service client comprising the location integrity results.

[0022] In accordance with certain example embodiments, an apparatus may include means for receiving a location service request from a location service client comprising a request for location integrity results derived from sensing information. The apparatus may further include means for receiving a positioning protocol assistance data request comprising requesting sensing information from a combined user equipment and integrity management function. The apparatus may further include means for transmitting a positioning protocol assistance data response comprising the sensing measurements to the combined user equipment and integrity management function. The apparatus may further include means for receiving a positioning protocol location information response comprising location integrity results derived from the sensing information from the combined user equipment and integrity management function. The apparatus may further include means for transmitting a location service response to the location service client comprising the location integrity results.

[0023] In accordance with various example embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable medium may include program instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least a method. The method may include receiving a location service request from a location service client comprising a request for location integrity results derived from sensing information. The method may further include receiving a positioning protocol assistance data request comprising requesting sensing information from a combined user equipment and integrity management function. The method may further include transmitting a positioning protocol assistance data response comprising the sensing measurements to the combined user equipment and integrity management function. The method may further include receiving a positioning protocol location information response comprising location integrity results derived from the sensing information from the combined user equipment and integrity management function. The method may further include transmitting a location service response to the location service client comprising the location integrity results.

[0024] In accordance with some example embodiments, a computer program product may perform a method. The method may include receiving a location service request from a location service client comprising a request for location integrity results derived from sensing information. The method may further include receiving a positioning protocol assistance data request comprising requesting sensing information from a combined user equipment and integrity management function. The method may further include transmitting a positioning protocol assistance data response comprising the sensing measurements to the combined user equipment and integrity management function. The method may further include receiving a positioning protocol location information response comprising location integrity results derived from the sensing information from the combined user equipment and integrity management function. The method may further include transmitting a location service response to the location service client comprising the location integrity results.

[0025] In accordance with certain example embodiments, an apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to receive a location service request from a location service client comprising a request for location integrity results derived from sensing information. The at least one memory and instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may further cause the apparatus at least to receive a positioning protocol assistance data request comprising requesting sensing information from a combined user equipment and integrity management function. The at least one memory and instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may further cause the apparatus at least to transmit a positioning protocol assistance data response comprising the sensing measurements to the combined user equipment and integrity management function. The at least one memory and instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may further cause the apparatus at least to receive a positioning protocol location information response comprising location integrity results derived from the sensing information from the combined user equipment and integrity management function. The at least one memory and instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may further cause the apparatus at least to transmit a location service response to the location service client comprising the location integrity results.

[0026] In accordance with various example embodiments, an apparatus may include receiving circuitry configured to receive a location service request from a location service client comprising a request for location integrity results derived from sensing information. The apparatus may further include receiving circuitry configured to receive a positioning protocol assistance data request comprising requesting sensing information from a combined user equipment and integrity management function. The apparatus may further include transmitting circuitry configured to transmit a positioning protocol assistance data response comprising the sensing measurements to the combined user equipment and integrity management function. The apparatus may further include receiving circuitry configured to receive a positioning protocol location information response comprising location integrity results derived from the sensing information from the combined user equipment and integrity management function. The apparatus may further include transmitting circuitry configured to transmit a location service response to the location service client comprising the location integrity results. [0027] In accordance with some example embodiments, a method may include transmitting, by a first network function, a request for sensing information to a second network function. The method may further include receiving the sensing information from the second network function. The method may further include modifying a user equipment location based on the sensing information. The method may further include performing spoofing detection based on the sensing information.

[0028] In accordance with certain example embodiments, an apparatus may include means for transmitting a request for sensing information to a second network function. The apparatus may further include means for receiving the sensing information from the second network function. The apparatus may further include means for modifying a user equipment location based on the sensing information. The apparatus may further include means for performing spoofing detection based on the sensing information.

[0029] In accordance with various example embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable medium may include program instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least a method. The method may include transmitting, by a first network function, a request for sensing information to a second network function. The method may further include receiving the sensing information from the second network function. The method may further include modifying a user equipment location based on the sensing information. The method may further include performing spoofing detection based on the sensing information.

[0030] In accordance with some example embodiments, a computer program product may perform a method. The method may include transmitting, by a first network function, a request for sensing information to a second network function. The method may further include receiving the sensing information from the second network function. The method may further include modifying a user equipment location based on the sensing information. The method may further include performing spoofing detection based on the sensing information.

[0031] In accordance with certain example embodiments, an apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to transmit a request for sensing information to a second network function. The at least one memory and instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may further cause the apparatus at least to receive the sensing information from the second network function. The at least one memory and instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may further cause the apparatus at least to modify a user equipment location based on the sensing information. The at least one memory and instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may further cause the apparatus at least to perform spoofing detection based on the sensing information.

[0032] In accordance with various example embodiments, an apparatus may include transmitting circuitry configured to transmitting a request for sensing information to a second network function. The apparatus may further include receiving circuitry configured to receiving the sensing information from the second network function. The apparatus may further include modifying circuitry configured to modifying a user equipment location based on the sensing information. The apparatus may further include detecting circuitry configured to performing spoofing detection based on the sensing information.

[0033] In accordance with some example embodiments, a method may include receiving, by a first network function, a request for location integrity results from a second network function. The method may further include performing sensing measurements. The method may further include modifying a user equipment location based on sensing information. The method may further include transmitting the requested location integrity results associated with the sensing measurements to the second network function. [0034] In accordance with certain example embodiments, an apparatus may include means for receiving a request for location integrity results from a second network function. The apparatus may further include means for performing sensing measurements. The apparatus may further include means for modifying a user equipment location based on sensing information. The apparatus may further include means for transmitting the requested location integrity results associated with the sensing measurements to the second network function.

[0035] In accordance with various example embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable medium may include program instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least a method. The method may include receiving a request for location integrity results from a second network function. The method may further include performing sensing measurements. The method may further include modifying a user equipment location based on sensing information. The method may further include transmitting the requested location integrity results associated with the sensing measurements to the second network function.

[0036] In accordance with some example embodiments, a computer program product may perform a method. The method may include receiving a request for location integrity results from a second network function. The method may further include performing sensing measurements. The method may further include modifying a user equipment location based on sensing information. The method may further include transmitting the requested location integrity results associated with the sensing measurements to the second network function.

[0037] In accordance with certain example embodiments, an apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to receive a request for location integrity results from a second network function. The at least one memory and instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may further cause the apparatus at least to perform sensing measurements. The at least one memory and instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may further cause the apparatus at least to modify a user equipment location based on sensing information. The at least one memory and instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may further cause the apparatus at least to transmit the requested location integrity results associated with the sensing measurements to the second network function.

[0038] In accordance with various example embodiments, an apparatus may include receiving circuitry configured to receive a request for location integrity results from a second network function. The apparatus may further include sensing circuitry configured to perform sensing measurements. The apparatus may further include modifying circuitry configured to modify a user equipment location based on sensing information. The apparatus may further include transmitting circuitry configured to transmit the requested location integrity results associated with the sensing measurements to the second network function.

[0039] In accordance with some example embodiments, a method may include receiving, by a first network function, a location service request from a second network function comprising a request for location integrity results associated with sensing information. The method may further include transmitting a request for location integrity results to a third network function. The method may further include receiving the requested location integrity results associated with sensing measurements from the third network function. The method may further include transmitting a location service response to the second network function comprising the location integrity results.

[0040] In accordance with certain example embodiments, an apparatus may include means for receiving a location service request from a second network function comprising a request for location integrity results associated with sensing information. The apparatus may further include means for transmitting a request for location integrity results to a third network function. The apparatus may further include means for receiving the requested location integrity results associated with sensing measurements from the third network function. The apparatus may further include means for transmitting a location service response to the second network function comprising the location integrity results.

[0041] In accordance with various example embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable medium may include program instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least a method. The method may include receiving a location service request from a second network function comprising a request for location integrity results associated with sensing information. The method may further include transmitting a request for location integrity results to a third network function. The method may further include receiving the requested location integrity results associated with sensing measurements from the third network function. The method may further include transmitting a location service response to the second network function comprising the location integrity results.

[0042] In accordance with some example embodiments, a computer program product may perform a method. The method may include receiving a location service request from a second network function comprising a request for location integrity results associated with sensing information. The method may further include transmitting a request for location integrity results to a third network function. The method may further include receiving the requested location integrity results associated with sensing measurements from the third network function. The method may further include transmitting a location service response to the second network function comprising the location integrity results.

[0043] In accordance with certain example embodiments, an apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to receive a location service request from a second network function comprising a request for location integrity results associated with sensing information. The at least one memory and instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may further cause the apparatus at least to transmit a request for location integrity results to a third network function. The at least one memory and instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may further cause the apparatus at least to receive the requested location integrity results associated with sensing measurements from the third network function. The at least one memory and instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may further cause the apparatus at least to transmit a location service response to the second network function comprising the location integrity results. [0044] In accordance with various example embodiments, an apparatus may include receiving circuitry configured to receive a location service request from a second network function comprising a request for location integrity results associated with sensing information. The apparatus may further include transmitting circuitry configured to transmit a request for location integrity results to a third network function. The apparatus may further include receiving circuitry configured to receive the requested location integrity results associated with sensing measurements from the third network function. The apparatus may further include transmitting circuitry configured to transmit a location service response to the second network function comprising the location integrity results.

[0045] In accordance with some example embodiments, a method may include receiving, by a first network function, a location service request from a second network function comprising a request for location integrity results associated with sensing information. The method may further include performing sensing measurements. The method may further include modifying a user equipment location according to a false geolocation risk based upon a likelihood of false geolocation exceeding a threshold. The method may further include transmitting a location service response to the second network function comprising the location integrity results.

[0046] In accordance with certain example embodiments, an apparatus may include means for receiving a location service request from a second network function comprising a request for location integrity results associated with sensing information. The apparatus may further include means for performing sensing measurements. The apparatus may further include means for modifying a user equipment location according to a false geolocation risk based upon a likelihood of false geolocation exceeding a threshold. The apparatus may further include means for transmitting a location service response to the second network function comprising the location integrity results.

[0047] In accordance with various example embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable medium may include program instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least a method. The method may include receiving a location service request from a second network function comprising a request for location integrity results associated with sensing information. The method may further include performing sensing measurements. The method may further include modifying a user equipment location according to a false geolocation risk based upon a likelihood of false geolocation exceeding a threshold. The method may further include transmitting a location service response to the second network function comprising the location integrity results.

[0048] In accordance with some example embodiments, a computer program product may perform a method. The method may include receiving a location service request from a second network function comprising a request for location integrity results associated with sensing information. The method may further include performing sensing measurements. The method may further include modifying a user equipment location according to a false geolocation risk based upon a likelihood of false geolocation exceeding a threshold. The method may further include transmitting a location service response to the second network function comprising the location integrity results.

[0049] In accordance with certain example embodiments, an apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to receive a location service request from a second network function comprising a request for location integrity results associated with sensing information. The at least one memory and instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may further cause the apparatus at least to perform sensing measurements. The at least one memory and instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may further cause the apparatus at least to modify a user equipment location according to a false geolocation risk based upon a likelihood of false geolocation exceeding a threshold. The at least one memory and instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may further cause the apparatus at least to transmit a location service response to the second network function comprising the location integrity results.

[0050] In accordance with various example embodiments, an apparatus may include receiving circuitry configured to perform receive a location service request from a second network function comprising a request for location integrity results associated with sensing information. The apparatus may further include sensing circuitry configured to perform sensing measurements. The apparatus may further include modifying circuitry configured to modify a user equipment location according to a false geolocation risk based upon a likelihood of false geolocation exceeding a threshold. The apparatus may further include transmitting circuitry configured to transmit a location service response to the second network function comprising the location integrity results.

[0051] In accordance with some example embodiments, a method may include receiving, by a first network function, a location service request from a second network function comprising a request for location integrity results associated with sensing information. The method may further include transmitting a new radio positioning protocol A measurement request requesting sensing information to a third network function. The method may further include receiving a new radio positioning protocol A measurement report comprising the sensing information from the third network function. The method may further include modifying a user equipment location based on the sensing information. The method may further include transmitting a location service response to the second network function comprising the location integrity results.

[0052] In accordance with certain example embodiments, an apparatus may include means for receiving a location service request from a second network function comprising a request for location integrity results associated with sensing information. The apparatus may further include means for transmitting a new radio positioning protocol A measurement request requesting sensing information to a third network function. The apparatus may further include means for receiving a new radio positioning protocol A measurement report comprising the sensing information from the third network function. The apparatus may further include means for modifying a user equipment location based on the sensing information. The apparatus may further include means for transmitting a location service response to the second network function comprising the location integrity results. [0053] In accordance with various example embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable medium may include program instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least a method. The method may include receiving a location service request from a second network function comprising a request for location integrity results associated with sensing information. The method may further include transmitting a new radio positioning protocol A measurement request requesting sensing information to a third network function. The method may further include receiving a new radio positioning protocol A measurement report comprising the sensing information from the third network function. The method may further include modifying a user equipment location based on the sensing information. The method may further include transmitting a location service response to the second network function comprising the location integrity results.

[0054] In accordance with some example embodiments, a computer program product may perform a method. The method may include receiving a location service request from a second network function comprising a request for location integrity results associated with sensing information. The method may further include transmitting a new radio positioning protocol A measurement request requesting sensing information to a third network function. The method may further include receiving a new radio positioning protocol A measurement report comprising the sensing information from the third network function. The method may further include modifying a user equipment location based on the sensing information. The method may further include transmitting a location service response to the second network function comprising the location integrity results.

[0055] In accordance with certain example embodiments, an apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to receive a location service request from a second network function comprising a request for location integrity results associated with sensing information. The at least one memory and instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may further cause the apparatus at least to transmit a new radio positioning protocol A measurement request requesting sensing information to a third network function. The at least one memory and instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may further cause the apparatus at least to receive a new radio positioning protocol A measurement report comprising the sensing information from the third network function. The at least one memory and instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may further cause the apparatus at least to modify a user equipment location based on the sensing information. The at least one memory and instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may further cause the apparatus at least to transmit a location service response to the second network function comprising the location integrity results.

[0056] In accordance with various example embodiments, an apparatus may include receiving circuitry configured to receive a location service request from a second network function comprising a request for location integrity results associated with sensing information. The apparatus may further include transmitting circuitry configured to transmit a new radio positioning protocol A measurement request requesting sensing information to a third network function. The apparatus may further include receiving circuitry configured to receive a new radio positioning protocol A measurement report comprising the sensing information from the third network function. The apparatus may further include modifying circuitry configured to modify a user equipment location based on the sensing information. The apparatus may further include transmitting circuitry configured to transmit a location service response to the second network function comprising the location integrity results.

[0057] In accordance with some example embodiments, a method may include receiving, by a first network function, a location service request from a second network function comprising a request for location integrity results associated with sensing information. The method may further include transmitting a new radio positioning protocol A positioning information request requesting location integrity results associated with sensing information to a third network function. The method may further include receiving a new radio positioning protocol A positioning information response comprising the location integrity results from the third network function. The method may further include transmitting a location service response to the second network function comprising the location integrity results.

[0058] In accordance with certain example embodiments, an apparatus may include means for receiving a location service request from a second network function comprising a request for location integrity results associated with sensing information. The apparatus may further include means for transmitting a new radio positioning protocol A positioning information request requesting location integrity results associated with sensing information to a third network function. The apparatus may further include means for receiving a new radio positioning protocol A positioning information response comprising the location integrity results from the third network function. The apparatus may further include means for transmitting a location service response to the second network function comprising the location integrity results.

[0059] In accordance with various example embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable medium may include program instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least a method. The method may include receiving a location service request from a second network function comprising a request for location integrity results associated with sensing information. The method may further include transmitting a new radio positioning protocol A positioning information request requesting location integrity results associated with sensing information to a third network function. The method may further include receiving a new radio positioning protocol A positioning information response comprising the location integrity results from the third network function. The method may further include transmitting a location service response to the second network function comprising the location integrity results.

[0060] In accordance with some example embodiments, a computer program product may perform a method. The method may include receiving a location service request from a second network function comprising a request for location integrity results associated with sensing information. The method may further include transmitting a new radio positioning protocol A positioning information request requesting location integrity results associated with sensing information to a third network function. The method may further include receiving a new radio positioning protocol A positioning information response comprising the location integrity results from the third network function. The method may further include transmitting a location service response to the second network function comprising the location integrity results.

[0061] In accordance with certain example embodiments, an apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to receive a location service request from a second network function comprising a request for location integrity results associated with sensing information. The at least one memory and instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may further cause the apparatus at least to transmit a new radio positioning protocol A positioning information request requesting location integrity results associated with sensing information to a third network function. The at least one memory and instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may further cause the apparatus at least to receive a new radio positioning protocol A positioning information response comprising the location integrity results from the third network function. The at least one memory and instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may further cause the apparatus at least to transmit a location service response to the second network function comprising the location integrity results.

[0062] In accordance with various example embodiments, an apparatus may include receiving circuitry configured to receive a location service request from a second network function comprising a request for location integrity results associated with sensing information. The apparatus may further include transmitting circuitry configured to transmit a new radio positioning protocol A positioning information request requesting location integrity results associated with sensing information to a third network function. The apparatus may further include receiving circuitry configured to to receive a new radio positioning protocol A positioning information response comprising the location integrity results from the third network function. The apparatus may further include transmitting circuitry configured to transmit a location service response to the second network function comprising the location integrity results.

[0063] In accordance with some example embodiments, a method may include receiving, by a first network function, a new radio positioning protocol A positioning information request requesting location integrity results associated with sensing information to a third network function. The method may further include performing sensing measurements. The method may further include modifying a user equipment location according to a false geolocation risk based upon a likelihood of false geolocation exceeding a threshold. The method may further include transmitting a new radio positioning protocol A positioning information response comprising the location integrity results from the third network function.

[0064] In accordance with certain example embodiments, an apparatus may include means for receiving a new radio positioning protocol A positioning information request requesting location integrity results associated with sensing information to a third network function. The apparatus may further include means for performing sensing measurements. The apparatus may further include means for modifying a user equipment location according to a false geolocation risk based upon a likelihood of false geolocation exceeding a threshold. The apparatus may further include means for transmitting a new radio positioning protocol A positioning information response comprising the location integrity results from the third network function.

[0065] In accordance with various example embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable medium may include program instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least a method. The method may include receiving a new radio positioning protocol A positioning information request requesting location integrity results associated with sensing information to a third network function. The method may further include performing sensing measurements. The method may further include modifying a user equipment location according to a false geolocation risk based upon a likelihood of false geolocation exceeding a threshold. The method may further include transmitting a new radio positioning protocol A positioning information response comprising the location integrity results from the third network function.

[0066] In accordance with some example embodiments, a computer program product may perform a method. The method may include receiving a new radio positioning protocol A positioning information request requesting location integrity results associated with sensing information to a third network function. The method may further include performing sensing measurements. The method may further include modifying a user equipment location according to a false geolocation risk based upon a likelihood of false geolocation exceeding a threshold. The method may further include transmitting a new radio positioning protocol A positioning information response comprising the location integrity results from the third network function.

[0067] In accordance with certain example embodiments, an apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to receive a new radio positioning protocol A positioning information request requesting location integrity results associated with sensing information to a third network function. The at least one memory and instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may further cause the apparatus at least to perform sensing measurements. The at least one memory and instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may further cause the apparatus at least to modify a user equipment location according to a false geolocation risk based upon a likelihood of false geolocation exceeding a threshold. The at least one memory and instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may further cause the apparatus at least to transmit a new radio positioning protocol A positioning information response comprising the location integrity results from the third network function.

[0068] In accordance with various example embodiments, an apparatus may include receiving circuitry configured to receive a new radio positioning protocol A positioning information request requesting location integrity results associated with sensing information to a third network function. The apparatus may further include sensing circuitry configured to perform sensing measurements. The apparatus may further include modifying circuitry configured to modify a user equipment location according to a false geolocation risk based upon a likelihood of false geolocation exceeding a threshold. The apparatus may further include transmitting circuitry configured to transmit a new radio positioning protocol A positioning information response comprising the location integrity results from the third network function.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:

[0069] For a proper understanding of example embodiments, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0070] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a UE positioning overall architecture applicable to NG-RAN;

[0071] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a signaling diagram for location service support by a NG-RAN;

[0072] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a signaling diagram for integrity operations associated with sensing including an independent LMF, independent IMF, and independent DTMF according to certain example embodiments;

[0073] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a signaling diagram for integrity operations associated with sensing with an independent DTMF and combined UE/IMF according to certain example embodiments;

[0074] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a signaling diagram for integrity operations associated with sensing with an independent DTMF and combined LMF/IMF according to certain example embodiments;

[0075] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a signaling diagram for integrity operations associated with sensing with an independent LMF and combined DTMF/IMF according to some example embodiments;

[0076] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a signaling diagram for integrity operations associated with sensing with a combined LMF/DTMF and a combined UE/IMF according to various example embodiments; 1

[0077] FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a signaling diagram for integrity operations associated with sensing with a combined LMF/IMF/DTMF according to certain example embodiments;

[0078] FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a signaling diagram for integrity operations associated with sensing with a combined NG-RAN/DTMF and combined UE/IMF according to some example embodiments;

[0079] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a signaling diagram for integrity operations associated with sensing with a combined NG-RAN/DTMF and combined LMF/IMF according to various example embodiments;

[0080] FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a signaling diagram for integrity operations associated with sensing with a combined NG-RAN/DTMF/IMF and independent LMF according to certain example embodiments;

[0081] FIG. 12 illustrates an example of various network devices according to some example embodiments; and

[0082] FIG. 13 illustrates an example of a 5G network and system architecture according to certain example embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION:

[0083] It will be readily understood that the components of certain example embodiments, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following detailed description of some example embodiments of systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for detecting spoofed and/or untrustworthy active localization measures by sensing and leveraging sensing measurements to enhance overall positioning performance is not intended to limit the scope of certain example embodiments, but is instead representative of selected example embodiments.

[0084] Modem cellular networks, including, for example, the cellular networks implemented in fully- automated factories and smart homes, may be relied upon to provide accurate location information of one or more connected user devices, smart objects, smart inventory items, and so on. A variety of localization/positioning techniques may rely on one or more time of arrival (To A), time difference of arrival (TDoA), and/or angle of arrival/departure (AoA/AoD) measurements. In view of the increased reliance on the location information provided by the network, the network may be configured to evaluate and track a positioning integrity (PI) parameter and indicate, based on a value of het PI parameter, whether a positioning system is able to provide accurate location measurements.

[0085] Moreover, modern cellular networks may include sensing capabilities, such as, but not limited to, one or more sensing nodes or other devices supported by transceivers, processing and memory units, and other hardware and software functionality, that interconnect to form sensing networks capable of detecting environmental states and state changes, collecting and interpreting vast amounts of data for a myriad of applications in civil, military, commercial, industrial, household, and personal contexts. In some instances, the cellular networks equipped with the sensing capabilities may be configured to use, for example, reflection of radio signals within the environment to construct a digital model of that environment. The sensing networks (which may include cellular networks having sensing capabilities) may monitor and maintain a “confidence level” key performance indicator (KPI) that indicates a measure of confidence the network assigns to a currently available sensing data and/or a digital model rendered based on that sensing data.

[0086] In some instances, information obtained using the positioning and sensing capabilities of a given network may be combined to provide increasingly accurate location information resilient to malicious intervention and subversion. In particular, sensing may aid the positioning capabilities of cellular networks by detecting spoofed location measures, such as a user device that alleges to be in a given position that does not correspond to its true physical location. In one example, sensing may provide additional measurements that may be used to improve the PI, and further refine the accuracy of the position estimates.

[0087] As discussed herein, reliability and trustworthiness of active localization measures provided by a cellular network may be important, and inaccuracies or failures in positioning systems may result in, for example, production outages in factories and/or impact people’s health in safety-critical applications. The PI parameter may be indicative of a measure of trust in an accuracy of the position- related data provided by the positioning system and/or a measure of trust in the ability to provide timely and valid warnings to the location services (LCS) client when the positioning system cannot fulfill the conditions for intended operation. A protection level (PL) parameter may be a quantifiable measure of trust of a positioning accuracy and may generally indicate a statistical upper-bound of a position error (PE). In some instances, the PL parameter may be estimated based on measurements and other information.

[0088] In an example, a relationship may exist between PL, PE, and a predefined (e.g. , application- specific) alert limit (AL), which may be a maximum allowable PE such that the positioning system is available for the intended application. Accordingly, a value of the PL parameter may be used to determine whether a positioning system is considered available (i.e., if PL is greater than AL) or unavailable (i.e., if PL is less than or equal to AL). It may be important to avoid situations where the positioning system may be wrongly declared available due to a poor PL estimation, i.e. , instances when the computed PL is less than the AL, but the actual PL is greater than the AL. Such condition may lead to safety-critical situations, thus, a need exists to optimize the PL computation.

[0089] The PI of a positioning system may be affected by spoofing attacks. Spoofing may include a malicious device that broadcasts signals to falsify its own actual physical location. As just some examples, a malicious device may falsify (or “spoof’) its own location to evade geofencing mechanisms, avoid tolls, and invade safety- critical areas (e.g., airport, military base). Thus, the detection and mitigation of spoofing attacks to positioning applications may be an integral part of making mobile networks more reliable and secure. In some instances, network sensing may assist in detecting instances when the active localization information of a given device is being spoofed (or falsified). [0090] In order to support positioning of a target UE and delivery of location assistance data to a UE with NG-RAN access in 5GS, four main location-related functions may be distributed as shown in the architecture of FIG. 1. Specifically, an LMF may manage the support of different location services for target UEs, including positioning of UEs and delivery of assistance data to UEs. An access and mobility management function (AMF) may then receive all connection and session related information from the UE, and may be responsible for handling connection and mobility management tasks. The AMF may also forward all location service requests to the LMF. Finally, the gNB and NG-eNB may describe network elements of a NG- RAN that may provide measurement information for a target UE, and communicate that information to the EMF. Using the architecture depicted in FIG. 1, techniques associated with location services may be applied by a combination of UE, NG-RAN, and EMF, as shown in FIG. 2.

[0091] In GNSSs, some techniques have been developed for mitigating spoofing attacks in GNSSs, for example, based on signal quality monitoring or data encryption. However, those methods typically require investigating certain signal characteristics. Although these anti- spoofing techniques are complex, spoofing techniques themselves have also become quite complex, making it increasingly difficult to detect them. Regardless, even the most sophisticated spoofing attacks cannot change the actual physical location of the UE. Thus, additionally or alternatively to spoofing signals to check the alleged location, there is a need for anti- spoofing techniques that exploit the sensing capabilities of the network as well.

[0092] Current positioning integrity techniques have thus far been studied with respect to GNSS. For instance, receiver autonomous integrity monitoring (RAIM) may be used to compute the PE. RAT-dependent positioning integrity may be possible by reusing concepts and principles developed for GNSS positioning integrity. For UE-based integrity, a UE may send capability information to a EMF on integrity for UE-based mode using ETE Positioning Protocol (EPP) capability transfer procedure. [0093] For example, for UE-based positioning integrity mode, an LMF may send assistance data for integrity calculation to a UE. The assistance data may include information of error sources (e.g., originated from RAN node) to the UE for integrity in UE-based mode. Additionally, the LMF may send integrity requirements (e.g., target integrity risk (TIR)) to the UE in an LPP request location information message for integrity of UE-based mode. The UE may then send integrity results to the LMF using an LPP location information transfer message.

[0094] With respect to signaling for LMF-based positioning integrity mode, the UE may send capability info to the LMF using an LPP capability transfer procedure. Similarly, the LMF may send the request of integrity-related results for integrity error sources to the UE for integrity of LMF-based mode, and the request of integrity- related results for integrity error sources to the RAN for integrity of LMF-based mode. In turn, the RAN may send results related to integrity to the LMF using an NR Positioning Protocol A (NRPPa) message.

[0095] Some developments are being made on nominal integrity operations associated with sensing in order to provide integrity considering nominal error sources (e.g., UE/transmit receive point (TRP) measurement errors, synchronization errors, multipath, etc.). However, unexpected errors, such as NG-RAN faults and disruption due to intentional interference, may affect the risk assessment. Therefore, in order to improve integrity operations associated with sensing, both aspects (i.e., improving accuracy with nominal errors and providing integrity with unexpected events) should be accounted for.

[0096] Certain example embodiments described herein may have various benefits and/or advantages to overcome the disadvantages described above. For example, certain example embodiments may enhance the overall positioning performance by refining the position estimate and improving the PL computation, and enable detection of location spoofing attacks in mobile networks. Thus, certain example embodiments discussed below are directed to improvements in computer-related technology.

[0097] Some example embodiments described below may include a set of protocols and signaling to enable positioning integrity operations associated with sensing by leveraging sensing in a standardized wireless network (e.g., 3GPP RAN). This may include using digital twin and sensing measurements to improve positioning accuracy and enhance positioning integrity, for both nominal and under-attack network conditions.

[0098] Some example embodiments described below may include a DTMF that manages operations related to performing the sensing measurements, and stores the digital twin of the surrounding environment. This function may be implemented as an independent entity which only performs the sensing-related operations (FIGs. 4 and 5); as part of an IMF (FIGs. 6, 8, and 11); as part of the LMF (FIGs. 7 and 8); and/or as part of the NG-RAN (FIGs. 9-11).

[0099] Various example embodiments described below may also include an IMF for managing operations related to positioning integrity, and computing the integrity results using the sensing information provided by the DTMF. This function can be implemented as part of the UE (FIGs. 4, 7, and 9); as part of the LMF (FIGs. 5, 8, and 10); and/or as part of the DTMF (FIGs. 6, 8, and 11).

[0100] In some example embodiments, LPP and/or NRPPa may be used, depending on the configurations of the DTMF and IMF.

[0101] Certain example embodiments described below may use an information element (IE) configured to request integrity results with sensing (e.g., Request Integrity Results with Sensing), which may include various flags. For example, an IE for requesting integrity results with sensing may include a flag configured to trigger integrity procedures and operations using sensing information (e.g., IntegrityWithSensingFlag), and/or a flag configured to request location accuracy improvement using sensing information (e.g.. Improve LoccitionAccuracyFlag). Some example embodiments may also include a flag configured to request spoofing detection using sensing information (e.g., PerformSpoofingDetectionFlag). For example, if the flag configured to request spoofing detection using sensing information is true, the IE requesting integrity results with sensing may also include various parameters which may be configured to indicate a desired probability of false alarm (e.g., TargetPFA), and/or configured to indicate a desired probability of detection (e.g., TargetPD). In various example embodiments, a flag may be configured to request a statistical measure of spoofing and/or a threshold to compare the spoofing likelihood to for deriving the spoofing decision (e.g., RequestSpoofingLikelihoodFlag).

[0102] Depending upon the configuration of the network, an IE requesting integrity results with sensing may be included in any of a Location Service Request message received from an LCS client; an LPP Provide Location Information message; or an NRPPa Positioning Information Request message.

[0103] Certain example embodiments described below may also include IES configured to provide integrity results (e.g., Provide Integrity Results , along with various flags and parameters. For example, the integrity results may indicate UE position computed by fusing estimated position with active localization and with sensing measurements (e.g., ImprovedUELoc)', a flag indicating whether spoofing is or is not detected by the integrity with sensing algorithms (e.g., SpoofingFlag)', a statistical measure of spoofing (e.g., SpoofingLikelihood), such as a p-value of a statistical test; and/or a threshold (e.g., SpoofingThreshold) configured to evaluate likelihood spoofing for deriving the spoofing decision. A statistical measure of spoofing (e.g., SpoofingLikelihood) may be an estimate of the probability of ongoing spoofing attack, such as a - value of a statistical test; another example for this parameter may be a value between 0 and 1, representing the probability of an ongoing spoofing attack: 0 may indicate 0% probability of spoofing, 1 may indicate 100% probability of spoofing, and the values in between may indicate all the other probabilities.

[0104] Depending upon the configuration of the network, an IE providing integrity results with sensing may be included with a Location Service Response message to a LCS client; an LPP Provide Location Information message; and/or an NRPPa Positioning Information Response message.

[0105] Various example embodiments described below may also include an IE configured to request sensing information (e.g., Request Sensing Information), which may include various IEs. For example, a timestamp (e.g., Timestamp) may indicate the timestamp of last acquisition. In addition, a target UE information IE (e.g., Target UE information) may indicate information such as a UE location (e.g., UELoc) (for example, absolute 3D space information); a UE speed (e.g., U ESpeed) (for example, absolute 3D space information); a UE sensing confidence (e.g., U EConfidence), for example, with standard deviation (for example, absolute 3D space information); and/or UE dimensions e.g., UEDim) (for example, relative/ab solute 3D occupancy). [0106] Based upon the configuration of the network, an IE requesting sensing information may be included in an LPP Request Assistance Data message, and/or an NRPPa Measurement Request message.

[0107] Certain example embodiments described below may include an IE configured to provide sensing information (e.g., Provide Sensing Information) with various parameters and flags. For example, an IE providing sensing information may include parameters indicating line of sight (LoS) probability for UE location (e.g., ProbLoS) and/or non-line of sight (NLoS) probability for UE location (e.g., ProbNLoS). In various example embodiments, sensing information may be provided with indications of closest detected object information, for example, detected object location (e.g., ObjLoc) (absolute 3D space information); relative or absolute speed to TRP (e.g., ObjSpeed) (absolute 3D space information); detected object sensing confidence on the area of interest (e.g., Ob j Confidence) (absolute 3D space information); and/or detected object dimensions (e.g., ObjDim) (relative/absolute 3D occupancy).

[0108] Based upon the configuration of the network, an IE providing sensing information may be included as part of an LPP Provide Assistance Data message, and/or an NRPPa Measurement Report message.

[0109] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a signaling diagram for integrity operations associated with sensing including an independent LMF, independent IMF, and independent DTMF. LMF 310, IMF 320, and DTMF 330 may be similar to NE 1210, as illustrated in FIG. 12, according to certain example embodiments.

[0110] At step 301, LMF 310 may receive a location service request from an LCS client, which may also be similar to NE 1210. The location service request may include a request for integrity results with sensing, such as discussed above. [0111] At step 302, LMF 310 and IMF 320 may perform active localization and nominal integrity procedures. However, other entities may be included in active localization operations, including a UE and NG-RAN (not shown), which may be similar to UE 1220 and NE 1210, respectively, as illustrated in FIG. 12.

[0112] At step 303, LMF 310 may transmit to IMF 320 a request for integrity results with sensing, such as discussed above. At step 304, IMF 320 may transmit a request for sensing information, such as discussed above, to DTMF 330.

[0113] At step 305, DTMF 330 may perform sensing measurements. For example, to obtain the desired sensing information, DTMF 330 may request one or more TRPs to take measurements by illuminating the area with sensing signals’ transmission and receiving sensing signals scattered back to them (note that multiple TRPs may receive each signal transmitted by a TRP).

[0114] At step 306, DTMF 330 may provide to IMF 320 sensing information, such as described above, based upon the measurements performed at step 305.

[0115] At step 307, IMF 320 may determine a spoofing risk and/or refine a location of a UE, which may be similar to UE 1220, as illustrated in FIG. 12.

[0116] At step 308, IMF 320 may provide integrity results with sensing, such as discussed above, to LMF 310 in response to the request at step 303.

[0117] At step 309, IMF 320 may transmit a location service response with the integrity results, such as discussed above, received at step 308 to the LCS client.

[0118] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a signaling diagram for integrity operations associated with sensing with an independent DTMF and combined UE/IMF. UE/IMF 410 may be similar to UE 1220, and NG-RAN 420, LMF 430, and DTMF 440 may be similar to NE 1210, as illustrated in FIG. 12, according to certain example embodiments. [0119] At step 401, LMF 430 may receive a location service request from an LCS client, which may also be similar to NE 1210. The location service request may include a request for integrity results with sensing, such as discussed above.

[0120] At step 402, UE/IMF 410, NG-RAN 420, and LMF 430 may perform active localization and nominal integrity procedures. [0121] Certain example embodiments may perform a procedure as shown at step 403. For example, at step 403a, UE/IMF 410 may transmit to DTMF 440 a request for sensing information, such as described above. Based upon the request, at step 403/?, DTMF 440 may perform sensing measurements, and at step 403c, may transmit to UE/IMF 410 sensing information based upon the measurements, such as discussed above.

[0122] Various example embodiments may perform a procedure as shown at step 404. For example, at step 404a, UE/IMF 410 may transmit an LPP Request Assistance Data message, as described above, to LMF 430 requesting sensing information. At step 404/?, LMF 430 may transmit the request for sensing information to DTMF 440. At step 404c, DTMF 440 may perform sensing measurements, and at step 404d, DTMF may transmit to LMF 430 sensing information based upon the measurements, such as discussed above. At step 404e, LMF 430 may transmit to UE/IMF 410 LPP Provide Assistance Data, such as discussed above, providing the sensing information received at step 404d.

[0123] At step 405, UE/IMF 410 may determine a spoofing risk and/or refine its own location. At step 406, UE/IMF 410 may transmit a LPP Provide Location Information message, such as described above, to LMF 430 providing integrity results with sensing. At step 407, LMF 430 may transmit a location service response, such as discussed above, to the LCS client providing the integrity results with sensing. [0124] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a signaling diagram for integrity operations associated with sensing with an independent DTMF entity, and combined LMF/IMF. UE 510 may be similar to UE 1220, and NG-RAN 520, LMF/IMF 530, and DTMF 540 may be similar to NE 1210, as illustrated in FIG. 12, according to certain example embodiments.

[0125] At step 501, LMF/IMF 530 may receive a location service request from an LCS client, which may also be similar to NE 1210. The location service request may include a request for integrity results with sensing, such as discussed above.

[0126] At step 502, NG-RAN 520 and LMF/IMF 530 may perform active localization and nominal integrity procedures. [0127] At step 503, LMF/IMF 530 may transmit to DTMF 540 a request for sensing information, such as discussed above. At step 504, DTMF 540 may performing sensing measurements, and at step 505, DTMF 540 may transmit the sensing information, such as discussed above, to LMF/IMF 530 based upon the measurements performed at step 504.

[0128] At step 506, LMF/IMF 530 may determine a spoofing risk and/or refine the location of UE 510.

[0129] At step 507, LMF/IMF 530 may transmit a location service response with integrity results, such as discussed above, to the LCS client. The integrity results may be determined by LMF/IMF 530 based upon the results derived at step 506.

[0130] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a signaling diagram for integrity operations associated with sensing with an independent LMF entity, and combined IMF/DTMF. UE 610 may be similar to UE 1220, and NG-RAN 620, LMF 630, DTMF/IMF 640 may be similar to NE 1210, as illustrated in FIG. 12, according to certain example embodiments.

[0131] At step 601, LMF 630 may receive a location service request from an LCS client, which may also be similar to NE 1210. The location service request may include a request for integrity results with sensing, such as discussed above.

[0132] At step 602, UE 610, NG-RAN 620, and LMF 630 may perform active localization and nominal integrity procedures.

[0133] At step 603, LMF 630 may transmit to DTMF/IMF 640 a request for integrity results, such as discussed above. At step 604, DTMF/IMF 640 may perform sensing measurements, and at step 605, may determine a spoofing risk and/or refine a location of UE 610. At step 606, DTMF/IMF 640 may provide the requested integrity results with sensing, such as discussed above, to LMF 630.

[0134] At step 607, LMF 630 may transmit a location service response with the integrity results, such as discussed above, received at step 606 to the LCS client.

[0135] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a signaling diagram for integrity operations associated with sensing with a combined DTMF/LMF, and a combined UE/IMF. UE/IMF 710 may be similar to UE 1220, and NG-RAN 720 and LMF/DTMF 730 may be similar to NE 1210, as illustrated in FIG. 12, according to certain example embodiments.

[0136] At step 701, LMF/DTMF 730 may receive a location service request from an FCS client, which may also be similar to NE 1210. The location service request may include a request for integrity results with sensing, such as discussed above.

[0137] At step 702, UE/IMF 710, NG-RAN 720, and EMF/DTMF 730 may perform active localization and nominal integrity procedures.

[0138] At step 703, UE/IMF 710 may transmit to EMF/DTMF 730 an EPP Request Assistance Data message, such as discussed above, requesting sensing information. At step 704, LMF/DTMF 730 may perform sensing measurements. At step 705, EMF/DTMF 730 may transmit to UE/IMF 710 an EPP Provide Assistance Data message, such as discussed above, providing sensing information.

[0139] At step 706, UE/IMF 710 may determine a spoofing risk and/or refine a location of UE/IMF 710.

[0140] At step 707, UE/IMF 710 may transmit to EMF/DTMF 730 an EPP Provide Location Information message, such as discussed above, providing integrity results with sensing.

[0141] At step 708, LMF/DTMF 730 may transmit a location service response, such as discussed above, with the integrity results received at step 707 to the FCS client.

[0142] FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a signaling diagram for integrity operations associated with sensing with a combined EMF/IMF/DTMF. UE 810 may be similar to UE 1220, and NG-RAN 820 and EMF/IMF/DTMF 830 may be similar to NE 1210, as illustrated in FIG. 12, according to certain example embodiments.

[0143] At step 801, EMF/IMF/DTMF 830 may receive a location service request from an FCS client, which may also be similar to NE 1210. The location service request may include a request for integrity results with sensing, such as discussed above.

[0144] At step 802, UE 810, NG-RAN 820, and EMF/IMF/DTMF 830 may perform active localization and nominal integrity procedures.

[0145] At step 803, EMF/IMF/DTMF 830 may perform sensing measurements. At step 804, EMF/IMF/DTMF 830 may determine a spoofing risk and/or refine a location of UE 810. At step 805, LMF/IMF/DTMF 830 may transmit a location service response, such as discussed above, to the FCS client. The integrity results may be determined by EMF/IMF/DTMF 830 based upon the results derived at step 804.

[0146] FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a signaling diagram for integrity operations associated with sensing with a combined NG-RAN/DTMF, and combined UE/IMF. UE/IMF 910 may be similar to UE 1220, and NG-RAN/DTMF 920 and EMF 930 may be similar to NE 1210, as illustrated in FIG. 12, according to certain example embodiments.

[0147] At step 901, EMF 930 may receive a location service request from an FCS client, which may also be similar to NE 1210. The location service request may include a request for integrity results with sensing, such as discussed above.

[0148] At step 902, UE/IMF 910, NG-RAN/DTMF 920, and EMF 930 may perform active localization and nominal integrity procedures.

[0149] Certain example embodiments may perform a procedure similar to that shown at step 903. For example, at step 903a, UE/IMF 910 may transmit to NG-RAN/DTMF 920 a request for sensing information, such as discussed above. At step 903/?, NG- RAN/DTMF 920 may perform sensing measurements, and at step 903c, NG- RAN/DTMF 920 may transmit to UE/IMF 910 sensing information based upon the measurements, such as discussed above.

[0150] Some example embodiments may perform a procedure similar to that shown at step 904. For example, at step 904a, UE/IMF 910 may transmit to EMF 930 an EPP Request Assistance Data message, such as described above, requesting sensing information. In turn, at step 904/?, LMF 930 may transmit to NG-RAN/DTMF 920 an NRPPa Measurement Request, such as discussed above, requesting sensing information. At step 904c, NG-RAN/DTMF 920 may perform sensing measurements, and at step 904d, transmit to EMF 930 an NRPPa Measurement report, such as described above, providing the sensing information. At step 904e, EMF 930 may transmit to UE/IMF 910 an EPP Provide Assistance Data message, such as described above, providing the sensing information received at step 904d. [0151] At step 905, UE/IMF 910 may determine a spoofing risk and/or refine a location of UE/IMF 910, and at step 906, transmit to LMF 930 an LPP Provide Location Information message, such as described above, providing integrity results with sensing. At step 907, LMF 930 may transmit a location service response, such as described above, with the integrity results received at step 906 to the LCS client.

[0152] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a signaling diagram for integrity operations associated with sensing with a combined NG-RAN/DTMF, and combined LMF/IMF. UE 1010 may be similar to UE 1220, and NG-RAN/DTMF 1020 and LMF/IMF may be similar to 1030, as illustrated in FIG. 12, according to certain example embodiments. [0153] At step 1001, LMF/IMF 1030 may receive a location service request from an LCS client, which may also be similar to NE 1210. The location service request may include a request for integrity results with sensing, such as discussed above.

[0154] At step 1002, UE 1010, NG-RAN/DTMF 1020, and LMF/IMF 1030 may perform active localization and nominal integrity procedures.

[0155] At step 1003, LMF/IMF 1030 may transmit to NF-RAN/DTMF 1020 an NRPPa Measurement Report, as described above, requesting sensing information.

[0156] At step 1004, NF-RAN/DTMF 1020 may perform sensing measurements, and at step 1005, may transmit to LMF/IMF 1030 an NRPPa Measurement report, as described above, providing sensing information.

[0157] At step 1006, LMF/IMF 1030 may determine a spoofing risk and/or refine a location of UE 1010. At step 1007, LMF/IMF 1030 may transmit a location service response, such as discussed above, to the LCS client. The integrity results may be determined by LMF/IMF 1030 based upon the results derived at step 1006.

[0158] FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a signaling diagram depicting for integrity operations associated with sensing with a combined NG-RAN/DTMF/IMF. UE 1110 may be similar to UE 1220, and NG-RAN/DTMF/IMF 1120 and LMF 1130 may be similar to NE 1210, as illustrated in FIG. 12, according to certain example embodiments. [0159] At step 1101, LMF 1130 may receive a location service request from an LCS client, which may also be similar to NE 1210. The location service request may include a request for integrity results with sensing, such as discussed above. [0160] At step 1102, UE 1110, NG-RAN/DTMF/IMF 1120, and EMF 1130 may perform active localization and nominal integrity procedures.

[0161] At step 1103, EMF 1130 may transmit to NG-RAN/DTMF/IMF 1120 a NRPPa Positioning Information Request message requesting integrity results with sensing, such as described above.

[0162] At step 1104, NG-RAN/DTMF/IMF 1120 may perform sensing measurements, and at step 1105, may determine a spoofing risk and/or refine a location of UE 1110.

[0163] At step 1106, NG-RAN/DTMF/IMF 1220 may transmit to EMF 1130 an NRPPa Positioning Information Response, such as described above, providing integrity results with sensing.

[0164] At step 1107, IMF 1130 may transmit a location service response with the integrity results, such as described above, received at step 1106 to the FCS client.

[0165] FIG. 12 illustrates an example of a system according to certain example embodiments. In one example embodiment, a system may include multiple devices, such as, for example, NE 1210 and/or UE 1220.

[0166] In some example embodiments, any number of devices and functionalities may be “combined,” wherein the combined devices and functionalities are integrated into a single device or function. For example, a DTMF and/or IMF may be combined (z.e., integrated) into UE 1220.

[0167] NE 1210 may be one or more of a base station (e.g., 3G UMTS NodeB, 4G ETE Evolved NodeB, or 5G NR Next Generation NodeB), a serving gateway, a server, and/or any other access node or combination thereof.

[0168] NE 1210 may further comprise at least one gNB -centralized unit (CU), which may be associated with at least one gNB-distributed unit (DU). The at least one gNB- CU and the at least one gNB-DU may be in communication via at least one Fl interface, at least one X_n-C interface, and/or at least one NG interface via a 5^th generation core (5GC).

[0169] UE 1220 may include one or more of a mobile device, such as a mobile phone, smart phone, personal digital assistant (PDA), tablet, or portable media player, digital camera, pocket video camera, video game console, navigation unit, such as a global positioning system (GPS) device, desktop or laptop computer, single-location device, such as a sensor or smart meter, or any combination thereof. Furthermore, NE 1210 and/or UE 1220 may be one or more of a citizens broadband radio service device (CBSD).

[0170] NE 1210 and/or UE 1220 may include at least one processor, respectively indicated as 1211 and 1221. Processors 1211 and 1221 may be embodied by any computational or data processing device, such as a central processing unit (CPU), application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or comparable device. The processors may be implemented as a single controller, or a plurality of controllers or processors.

[0171] At least one memory may be provided in one or more of the devices, as indicated at 1212 and 1222. The memory may be fixed or removable. The memory may include computer program instructions or computer code contained therein. Memories 1212 and 1222 may independently be any suitable storage device, such as a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The term “non-transitory,” as used herein, may correspond to a limitation of the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not a signal) as opposed to a limitation on data storage persistency (e.g., random access memory (RAM) vs. read-only memory (ROM)). A hard disk drive (HDD), RAM, flash memory, or other suitable memory may be used. The memories may be combined on a single integrated circuit as the processor, or may be separate from the one or more processors. Furthermore, the computer program instructions stored in the memory, and which may be processed by the processors, may be any suitable form of computer program code, for example, a compiled or interpreted computer program written in any suitable programming language.

[0172] Processors 1211 and 1221, memories 1212 and 1222, and any subset thereof, may be configured to provide means corresponding to the various blocks of FIGs. 3-11. Although not shown, the devices may also include positioning hardware, such as GPS or micro electrical mechanical system (MEMS) hardware, which may be used to determine a location of the device. Other sensors are also permitted, and may be configured to determine location, elevation, velocity, orientation, and so forth, such as barometers, compasses, and the like. [0173] As shown in FIG. 12, transceivers 1213 and 1223 may be provided, and one or more devices may also include at least one antenna, respectively illustrated as 1214 and 1224. The device may have many antennas, such as an array of antennas configured for multiple input multiple output (MIMO) communications, or multiple antennas for multiple RATs. Other configurations of these devices, for example, may be provided. Transceivers 1213 and 1223 may be a transmitter, a receiver, both a transmitter and a receiver, or a unit or device that may be configured both for transmission and reception. [0174] The memory and the computer program instructions may be configured, with the processor for the particular device, to cause a hardware apparatus, such as UE, to perform any of the processes described above (z.e., FIGs. 3-11). Therefore, in certain example embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readable medium may be encoded with computer instructions that, when executed in hardware, perform a process such as one of the processes described herein. Alternatively, certain example embodiments may be performed entirely in hardware.

[0175] In certain example embodiments, an apparatus may include circuitry configured to perform any of the processes or functions illustrated in FIGs. 3-11. As used in this application, the term “circuitry” may refer to one or more or all of the following: (a) hardware-only circuit implementations (such as implementations in only analog and/or digital circuitry), (b) combinations of hardware circuits and software, such as (as applicable): (i) a combination of analog and/or digital hardware circuit(s) with software/firmware and (ii) any portions of hardware processor(s) with software (including digital signal processor(s)), software, and memory(ies) that work together to cause an apparatus, such as a mobile phone or server, to perform various functions), and (c) hardware circuit(s) and or processor(s), such as a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that requires software (e.g., firmware) for operation, but the software may not be present when it is not needed for operation. This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of this term in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term circuitry also covers an implementation of merely a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its (or their) accompanying software and/or firmware. The term circuitry also covers, for example and if applicable to the particular claim element, a baseband integrated circuit or processor integrated circuit for a mobile device or a similar integrated circuit in server, a cellular network device, or other computing or network device. [0176] FIG. 13 illustrates an example of a 5G network and system architecture according to certain example embodiments. Shown are multiple network functions that may be implemented as software operating as part of a network device or dedicated hardware, as a network device itself or dedicated hardware, or as a virtual function operating as a network device or dedicated hardware. The NE and UE illustrated in FIG. 13 may be similar to NE 1210 and UE 1220, respectively. The user plane function (UPF) may provide services such as intra-RAT and inter-RAT mobility, routing and forwarding of data packets, inspection of packets, user plane quality of service (QoS) processing, buffering of downlink packets, and/or triggering of downlink data notifications. The application function (AF) may primarily interface with the core network to facilitate application usage of traffic routing and interact with the policy framework.

[0177] According to certain example embodiments, processors 1211 and 1221, and memories 1212 and 1222, may be included in or may form a part of processing circuitry or control circuitry. In addition, in some example embodiments, transceivers 1213 and 1223 may be included in or may form a part of transceiving circuitry.

[0178] In some example embodiments, an apparatus e.g., NE 1210 and/or UE 1220) may include means for performing a method, a process, or any of the variants discussed herein. Examples of the means may include one or more processors, memory, controllers, transmitters, receivers, and/or computer program code for causing the performance of the operations.

[0179] In certain example embodiments, apparatus 1210 or 1220 may be controlled by processor 1211 and memory 1212, or processor 1221 and memory 1222, respectively, to receive a location service request from a location service client comprising a request for location; receive a positioning protocol assistance data request comprising a request for sensing information from a combined user equipment and integrity management function; transmit a positioning protocol assistance data response comprising the sensing information to the combined user equipment and integrity management function; receive a positioning protocol location information response comprising location integrity results derived from the sensing information from the combined user equipment and integrity management function; and transmit a location service response to the location service client comprising the location integrity results.

[0180] In some example embodiments, apparatus 1210 or 1220 may be controlled by processor 1211 and memory 1212, or processor 1221 and memory 1222, respectively, to receive a location service request from a location service client comprising a request for location integrity results derived from sensing information; transmit a request for sensing information to a digital twin management function; receive the requested sensing information from the digital twin management function; modify a user equipment location based on the requested sensing information; and transmit a location service response to the location service client comprising the location integrity results. [0181] In various example embodiments, apparatus 1210 or 1220 may be controlled by processor 1211 and memory 1212, or processor 1221 and memory 1222, respectively, to receive a location service request from a location service client comprising a request for location integrity results derived from sensing information; receive a positioning protocol location information response comprising location integrity results derived from the sensing information from an integrity management function combined into a user equipment; and transmit a location service response to the location service client comprising the location integrity results.

[0182] In certain example embodiments, apparatus 1210 or 1220 may be controlled by processor 1211 and memory 1212, or processor 1221 and memory 1222, respectively, to receive a location service request from a location service client comprising a request for location integrity results derived from sensing information; receive a positioning protocol assistance data request comprising requesting sensing information from a combined user equipment and integrity management function; transmit a positioning protocol assistance data response comprising the sensing measurements to the combined user equipment and integrity management function; receive a positioning protocol location information response comprising location integrity results derived from the sensing information from the combined user equipment and integrity management function; and transmit a location service response to the location service client comprising the location integrity results.

[0183] In some example embodiments, apparatus 1210 or 1220 may be controlled by processor 1211 and memory 1212, or processor 1221 and memory 1222, respectively, to transmit a request for sensing information to a first network function; receive the sensing information from the first network function; modify a user equipment location based on the sensing information; and perform spoofing detection based on the sensing information.

[0184] In various example embodiments, apparatus 1210 or 1220 may be controlled by processor 1211 and memory 1212, or processor 1221 and memory 1222, respectively, to receive a request for location integrity results from a first network function; perform sensing measurements; modify a user equipment location based on sensing information; and transmit the requested location integrity results associated with the sensing measurements to the first network function.

[0185] In certain example embodiments, apparatus 1210 or 1220 may be controlled by processor 1211 and memory 1212, or processor 1221 and memory 1222, respectively, to receive a location service request from a first network function comprising a request for location integrity results associated with sensing information; transmit a request for location integrity results to a second network function; receive the requested location integrity results associated with sensing measurements from the second network function. The at least one memory and instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may further cause the apparatus at least to transmit a location service response to the first network function comprising the location integrity results.

[0186] In some example embodiments, apparatus 1210 or 1220 may be controlled by processor 1211 and memory 1212, or processor 1221 and memory 1222, respectively, to receive a location service request from a first network function comprising a request for location integrity results associated with sensing information; perform sensing measurements; modify a user equipment location according to a false geolocation risk based upon a likelihood of false geolocation exceeding a threshold; and transmit a location service response to the first network function comprising the location integrity results.

[0187] In various example embodiments, apparatus 1210 or 1220 may be controlled by processor 1211 and memory 1212, or processor 1221 and memory 1222, respectively, to receive a location service request from a first network function comprising a request for location integrity results associated with sensing information; transmit a new radio positioning protocol A measurement request requesting sensing information to a second network function; receive a new radio positioning protocol A measurement report comprising the sensing information from the second network function; modify a user equipment location based on the sensing information; and transmit a location service response to the first network function comprising the location integrity results.

[0188] In certain example embodiments, apparatus 1210 or 1220 may be controlled by processor 1211 and memory 1212, or processor 1221 and memory 1222, respectively, to receive a location service request from a first network function comprising a request for location integrity results associated with sensing information; transmit a new radio positioning protocol A positioning information request requesting location integrity results associated with sensing information to a second network function; receive a new radio positioning protocol A positioning information response comprising the location integrity results from the second network function; and transmit a location service response to the first network function comprising the location integrity results.

[0189] In some example embodiments, apparatus 1210 or 1220 may be controlled by processor 1211 and memory 1212, or processor 1221 and memory 1222, respectively, to receive a new radio positioning protocol A positioning information request requesting location integrity results associated with sensing information to a first network function; perform sensing measurements; modify a user equipment location according to a false geolocation risk based upon a likelihood of false geolocation exceeding a threshold; and transmit a new radio positioning protocol A positioning information response comprising the location integrity results from the first network function. [0190] Various example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that includes means for performing any of the methods described herein including, for example, means for receiving a location service request from a location service client comprising a request for location; means for receiving a positioning protocol assistance data request comprising a request for sensing information from a combined user equipment and integrity management function; means for transmitting a positioning protocol assistance data response comprising the sensing information to the combined user equipment and integrity management function; means for receiving a positioning protocol location information response comprising location integrity results derived from the sensing information from the combined user equipment and integrity management function; and means for transmitting a location service response to the location service client comprising the location integrity results.

[0191] Certain example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that includes means for performing any of the methods described herein including, for example, means for receiving a location service request from a location service client comprising a request for location integrity results derived from sensing information; means for transmitting a request for sensing information to a digital twin management function; means for receiving the requested sensing information from the digital twin management function; means for modifying a user equipment location based on the requested sensing information; and means for transmitting a location service response to the location service client comprising the location integrity results.

[0192] Some example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that includes means for performing any of the methods described herein including, for example, means for receiving a location service request from a location service client comprising a request for location integrity results derived from sensing information; means for receiving a positioning protocol location information response comprising location integrity results derived from the sensing information from an integrity management function combined into a user equipment; and means for transmitting a location service response to the location service client comprising the location integrity results. [0193] Various example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that includes means for performing any of the methods described herein including, for example, means for receiving a location service request from a location service client comprising a request for location integrity results derived from sensing information; means for receiving a positioning protocol assistance data request comprising requesting sensing information from a combined user equipment and integrity management function; means for transmitting a positioning protocol assistance data response comprising the sensing measurements to the combined user equipment and integrity management function; means for receiving a positioning protocol location information response comprising location integrity results derived from the sensing information from the combined user equipment and integrity management function; and means for transmitting a location service response to the location service client comprising the location integrity results.

[0194] Certain example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that includes means for performing any of the methods described herein including, for example, means for transmitting a request for sensing information to a second network function; means for receiving the sensing information from the second network function; means for modifying a user equipment location based on the sensing information; and means for performing spoofing detection based on the sensing information.

[0195] Some example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that includes means for performing any of the methods described herein including, for example, means for receiving a request for location integrity results from a second network function. The apparatus may further include means for performing sensing measurements; means for modifying a user equipment location based on sensing information; and means for transmitting the requested location integrity results associated with the sensing measurements to the second network function.

[0196] Various example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that includes means for performing any of the methods described herein including, for example, means for receiving a location service request from a second network function comprising a request for location integrity results associated with sensing information; means for transmitting a request for location integrity results to a third network function; means for receiving the requested location integrity results associated with sensing measurements from the third network function; and means for transmitting a location service response to the second network function comprising the location integrity results.

[0197] Certain example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that includes means for performing any of the methods described herein including, for example, means for receiving a location service request from a second network function comprising a request for location integrity results associated with sensing information; means for performing sensing measurements; means for modifying a user equipment location according to a false geolocation risk based upon a likelihood of false geolocation exceeding a threshold; and means for transmitting a location service response to the second network function comprising the location integrity results.

[0198] Some example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that includes means for performing any of the methods described herein including, for example, means for receiving a location service request from a second network function comprising a request for location integrity results associated with sensing information; means for transmitting a new radio positioning protocol A measurement request requesting sensing information to a third network function; means for receiving a new radio positioning protocol A measurement report comprising the sensing information from the third network function; means for modifying a user equipment location based on the sensing information; and means for transmitting a location service response to the second network function comprising the location integrity results.

[0199] Various example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that includes means for performing any of the methods described herein including, for example, means for receiving a location service request from a second network function comprising a request for location integrity results associated with sensing information; means for transmitting a new radio positioning protocol A positioning information request requesting location integrity results associated with sensing information to a third network function; means for receiving a new radio positioning protocol A positioning information response comprising the location integrity results from the third network function; and means for transmitting a location service response to the second network function comprising the location integrity results.

[0200] Certain example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that includes means for performing any of the methods described herein including, for example, means for receiving a new radio positioning protocol A positioning information request requesting location integrity results associated with sensing information to a third network function; means for performing sensing measurements; means for modifying a user equipment location according to a false geolocation risk based upon a likelihood of false geolocation exceeding a threshold; and means for transmitting a new radio positioning protocol A positioning information response comprising the location integrity results from the third network function.

[0201] The features, structures, or characteristics of example embodiments described throughout this specification may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more example embodiments. For example, the usage of the phrases “various embodiments,” “certain embodiments,” “some embodiments,” or other similar language throughout this specification refers to the fact that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an example embodiment may be included in at least one example embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in various embodiments,” “in certain embodiments,” “in some embodiments,” or other similar language throughout this specification does not necessarily all refer to the same group of example embodiments, and the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more example embodiments.

[0202] As used herein, “at least one of the following: <a list of two or more elements>” and “at least one of <a list of two or more elements>” and similar wording, where the list of two or more elements are joined by “and” or “or,” mean at least any one of the elements, or at least any two or more of the elements, or at least all the elements.

[0203] Additionally, if desired, the different functions or procedures discussed above may be performed in a different order and/or concurrently with each other. Furthermore, if desired, one or more of the described functions or procedures may be optional or may be combined. As such, the description above should be considered as illustrative of the principles and teachings of certain example embodiments, and not in limitation thereof. [0204] One having ordinary skill in the art will readily understand that the example embodiments discussed above may be practiced with procedures in a different order, and/or with hardware elements in configurations which are different than those which are disclosed. Therefore, although some embodiments have been described based upon these example embodiments, it would be apparent to those of skill in the art that certain modifications, variations, and alternative constructions would be apparent, while remaining within the spirit and scope of the example embodiments.

Claims

WE CLAIM:

1. A method comprising: receiving, by a location management function, a location service request from a location service client comprising a request for location integrity results derived from sensing information; receiving, by the location management function, a positioning protocol assistance data request comprising a request for sensing information from a combined user equipment and integrity management function; transmitting, by the location management function, a positioning protocol assistance data response comprising the sensing information to the combined user equipment and integrity management function; receiving, by the location management function, a positioning protocol location information response comprising location integrity results derived from the sensing information from the combined user equipment and integrity management function; and transmitting, by the location management function, a location service response to the location service client comprising the location integrity results.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: forwarding the request for sensing information to a digital twin management function; receiving the sensing information from the digital twin management function.

3. A method comprising: receiving, by a combined location management function and integrity management function, a location service request from a location service client comprising a request for location integrity results derived from sensing information; transmitting, by the combined location management function and integrity management function, a request for sensing information to a digital twin management function; receiving, by the combined location management function and integrity management function, the requested sensing information from the digital twin management function; modifying, by the combined location management function and integrity management function, a user equipment location based on the requested sensing information; and transmitting, by the combined location management function and integrity management function, a location service response to the location service client comprising the location integrity results.

4. A method comprising: receiving, by a combined location management function and digital twin management function, a location service request from a location service client comprising a request for location integrity results derived from sensing information; receiving a positioning protocol location information response comprising location integrity results derived from the sensing information from an integrity management function combined into a user equipment; and transmitting a location service response to the location service client comprising the location integrity results.

5. A method comprising: receiving, by a location management function, a location service request from a location service client comprising a request for location integrity results derived from sensing information; receiving, by the location management function, a positioning protocol assistance data request comprising requesting sensing information from a combined user equipment and integrity management function; transmitting, by the location management function, a positioning protocol assistance data response comprising the sensing measurements to the combined user equipment and integrity management function; receiving, by the location management function, a positioning protocol location information response comprising location integrity results derived from the sensing information from the combined user equipment and integrity management function; and transmitting, by the location management function, a location service response to the location service client comprising the location integrity results.

6. A method comprising: transmitting, by a first network function, a request for sensing information to a second network function; receiving the sensing information from the second network function; modifying a user equipment location based on the sensing information; and performing spoofing detection based on the sensing information.

7. The method of claim 6, further comprising: transmitting a positioning protocol location information response comprising location integrity results derived from the sensing information to a location management function, wherein the first network function comprises an integrity management function combined into a user equipment, and the second network function comprises a digital twin management function.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the digital twin management function is combined into a radio access network.

9. The method of claim 6, further comprising: transmitting a positioning protocol location information response comprising location integrity results based upon the sensing information to a second network function, wherein the request for sensing information is comprised in a positioning protocol request assistance data request, the sensing information is comprised in a positioning protocol assistance data response, the first network function comprises an integrity management function combined into a user equipment, and the second network function comprises the location management function.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the location management function is combined with a digital twin management function.

11. A method comprising: receiving, by a first network function, a request for location integrity results from a second network function; performing sensing measurements; modifying a user equipment location based on sensing information; and transmitting the requested location integrity results associated with the sensing measurements to the second network function.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein: the first network function comprises a combined digital twin management function and integrity management function; and the second network function comprises a location management function.

13. A method comprising: receiving, by a first network function, a location service request from a second network function comprising a request for location integrity results associated with sensing information; transmitting a request for location integrity results to a third network function; receiving the requested location integrity results associated with sensing measurements from the third network function; and transmitting a location service response to the second network function comprising the location integrity results.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein: the first network function comprises a location management function; the second network function comprises a location service client; and the third network function comprises a combined digital twin management function and integrity management function.

15. A method comprising: receiving, by a first network function, a location service request from a second network function comprising a request for location integrity results associated with sensing information; performing sensing measurements; modifying a user equipment location according to a false geolocation risk based upon a likelihood of false geolocation exceeding a threshold; and transmitting a location service response to the second network function comprising the location integrity results.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein: the first network function comprises a combined location management function, integrity management function, and digital twin management function; and the second network function comprises a location service client.

17. A method comprising: receiving, by a first network function, a location service request from a second network function comprising a request for location integrity results associated with sensing information; transmitting a new radio positioning protocol A measurement request requesting sensing information to a third network function; receiving a new radio positioning protocol A measurement report comprising the sensing information from the third network function; modifying a user equipment location based on the sensing information; and transmitting a location service response to the second network function comprising the location integrity results.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein: the first network function comprises a combined location management function and integrity management function; the second network function comprises a location service client; and the third network function comprises a combined radio access network and digital twin management function.

19. A method comprising: receiving, by a first network function, a location service request from a second network function comprising a request for location integrity results associated with sensing information; transmitting a new radio positioning protocol A positioning information request requesting location integrity results associated with sensing information to a third network function; receiving a new radio positioning protocol A positioning information response comprising the location integrity results from the third network function; and transmitting a location service response to the second network function comprising the location integrity results.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein: the first network function comprises a location management function; the second network function comprises a location service client; and the third network function comprises a combined new generation radio access network, a digital twin management function, and an integrity management function.

21. A method comprising: receiving, by a first network function, a new radio positioning protocol A positioning information request requesting location integrity results associated with sensing information to a second network function; performing sensing measurements; modifying a user equipment location according to a false geolocation risk based upon a likelihood of false geolocation exceeding a threshold; and transmitting a new radio positioning protocol A positioning information response comprising the location integrity results from the second network function.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein: the first network function comprises a combined new generation radio access network, a digital twin management function, and an integrity management function location management function; and the second network function comprises a location management function.

23. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: receive a location service request from a location service client comprising a request for location integrity results derived from sensing information; receive a positioning protocol assistance data request comprising a request for sensing information from a combined user equipment and integrity management function; transmit a positioning protocol assistance data response comprising the sensing information to the combined user equipment and integrity management function; receive a positioning protocol location information response comprising location integrity results derived from the sensing information from the combined user equipment and integrity management function; and transmit a location service response to the location service client comprising the location integrity results.

24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the at least one memory and the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus at least to: forward the request for sensing information to a digital twin management function; receive the sensing information from the digital twin management function.

25. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: receive a location service request from a location service client comprising a request for location integrity results derived from sensing information; transmit a request for sensing information to a digital twin management function; receive the requested sensing information from the digital twin management function; modify a user equipment location based on the requested sensing information; and transmit a location service response to the location service client comprising the location integrity results.

26. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: receive a location service request from a location service client comprising a request for location integrity results derived from sensing information; receive a positioning protocol location information response comprising location integrity results derived from the sensing information from an integrity management function combined into a user equipment; and transmit a location service response to the location service client comprising the location integrity results.

27. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: receive a location service request from a location service client comprising a request for location integrity results derived from sensing information; receive a positioning protocol assistance data request comprising requesting sensing information from a combined user equipment and integrity management function; transmit a positioning protocol assistance data response comprising the sensing measurements to the combined user equipment and integrity management function; receive a positioning protocol location information response comprising location integrity results derived from the sensing information from the combined user equipment and integrity management function; and transmit a location service response to the location service client comprising the location integrity results.

28. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: transmit a request for sensing information to a first network function; receive the sensing information from the first network function; modify a user equipment location based on the sensing information; and perform spoofing detection based on the sensing information.

29. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the at least one memory and the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus at least to: transmit a positioning protocol location information response comprising location integrity results derived from the sensing information to a location management function, wherein the apparatus comprises an integrity management function combined into a user equipment, and the first network function comprises a digital twin management function.

30. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the digital twin management function is combined into a radio access network.

31. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the at least one memory and the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus at least to: transmit a positioning protocol location information response comprising location integrity results based upon the sensing information to a first network function, wherein the request for sensing information is comprised in a positioning protocol request assistance data request, the sensing information is comprised in a positioning protocol assistance data response, the apparatus comprises an integrity management function combined into a user equipment, and the first network function comprises the location management function.

32. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein the location management function is combined with a digital twin management function.

33. An apparatus comprising : at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: receive a request for location integrity results from a first network function; perform sensing measurements; modify a user equipment location based on sensing information; and transmit the requested location integrity results associated with the sensing measurements to the first network function.

34. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein: the apparatus comprises a combined digital twin management function and integrity management function; and the first network function comprises a location management function.

35. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: receive a location service request from a first network function comprising a request for location integrity results associated with sensing information; transmit a request for location integrity results to a second network function; receive the requested location integrity results associated with sensing measurements from the second network function; and transmit a location service response to the first network function comprising the location integrity results.

36. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein: the apparatus comprises a location management function; the first network function comprises a location service client; and the second network function comprises a combined digital twin management function and integrity management function.

37. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: receive a location service request from a first network function comprising a request for location integrity results associated with sensing information; perform sensing measurements; modify a user equipment location according to a false geolocation risk based upon a likelihood of false geolocation exceeding a threshold; and transmit a location service response to the first network function comprising the location integrity results.

38. The apparatus of claim 37, wherein: the apparatus comprises a combined location management function, integrity management function, and digital twin management function; and the first network function comprises a location service client.

39. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: receive a location service request from a first network function comprising a request for location integrity results associated with sensing information; transmit a new radio positioning protocol A measurement request requesting sensing information to a second network function; receive a new radio positioning protocol A measurement report comprising the sensing information from the second network function; modify a user equipment location based on the sensing information; and transmit a location service response to the first network function comprising the location integrity results.

40. The apparatus of claim 39, wherein: the apparatus comprises a combined location management function and integrity management function; the first network function comprises a location service client; and the second network function comprises a combined radio access network and digital twin management function.

41. An apparatus comprising : at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: receive a location service request from a first network function comprising a request for location integrity results associated with sensing information; transmit a new radio positioning protocol A positioning information request requesting location integrity results associated with sensing information to a second network function; receive a new radio positioning protocol A positioning information response comprising the location integrity results from the second network function; and transmit a location service response to the first network function comprising the location integrity results.

42. The apparatus of claim 41, wherein: the apparatus comprises a location management function; the first network function comprises a location service client; and the second network function comprises a combined new generation radio access network, a digital twin management function, and an integrity management function.

43. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: receive a new radio positioning protocol A positioning information request requesting location integrity results associated with sensing information to a first network function; perform sensing measurements; modify a user equipment location according to a false geolocation risk based upon a likelihood of false geolocation exceeding a threshold; and transmit a new radio positioning protocol A positioning information response comprising the location integrity results from the first network function.

44. The apparatus of claim 43, wherein: the apparatus comprises a combined new generation radio access network, a digital twin management function, and an integrity management function location management function; and the first network function comprises a location management function.

45. An apparatus comprising: means for receiving a location service request from a location service client comprising a request for location integrity results derived from sensing information; means for receiving a positioning protocol assistance data request comprising a request for sensing information from a combined user equipment and integrity management function; means for transmitting a positioning protocol assistance data response comprising the sensing information to the combined user equipment and integrity management function; means for receiving a positioning protocol location information response comprising location integrity results derived from the sensing information from the combined user equipment and integrity management function; and means for transmitting a location service response to the location service client comprising the location integrity results.

46. The apparatus of claim 45, further comprising: means for forwarding the request for sensing information to a digital twin management function; means for receiving the sensing information from the digital twin management function.

47. An apparatus comprising: means for receiving a location service request from a location service client comprising a request for location integrity results derived from sensing information; means for transmitting a request for sensing information to a digital twin management function; means for receiving the requested sensing information from the digital twin management function; means for modifying a user equipment location based on the requested sensing information; and means for transmitting a location service response to the location service client comprising the location integrity results.

48. An apparatus comprising: means for receiving a location service request from a location service client comprising a request for location integrity results derived from sensing information; means for receiving a positioning protocol location information response comprising location integrity results derived from the sensing information from an integrity management function combined into a user equipment; and means for transmitting a location service response to the location service client comprising the location integrity results.

49. An apparatus comprising: means for receiving a location service request from a location service client comprising a request for location integrity results derived from sensing information; means for receiving a positioning protocol assistance data request comprising requesting sensing information from a combined user equipment and integrity management function; means for transmitting a positioning protocol assistance data response comprising the sensing measurements to the combined user equipment and integrity management function; means for receiving a positioning protocol location information response comprising location integrity results derived from the sensing information from the combined user equipment and integrity management function; and transmit a location service response to the location service client comprising the location integrity results.

50. An apparatus comprising: means for transmitting a request for sensing information to a first network function; means for receiving the sensing information from the first network function; means for modifying a user equipment location based on the sensing information; and means for performing spoofing detection based on the sensing information.

51. The apparatus of claim 50, further comprising: means for transmitting a positioning protocol location information response comprising location integrity results derived from the sensing information to a location management function, wherein the apparatus comprises an integrity management function combined into a user equipment, and the first network function comprises a digital twin management function.

52. The apparatus of claim 51 , wherein the digital twin management function is combined into a radio access network.

53. The apparatus of claim 50, further comprising: means for transmitting a positioning protocol location information response comprising location integrity results based upon the sensing information to a first network function, wherein the request for sensing information is comprised in a positioning protocol request assistance data request, the sensing information is comprised in a positioning protocol assistance data response, the apparatus comprises an integrity management function combined into a user equipment, and the first network function comprises the location management function.

54. The apparatus of claim 53, wherein the location management function is combined with a digital twin management function.

55. An apparatus comprising: means for receiving a request for location integrity results from a first network function; means for performing sensing measurements; means for modifying a user equipment location based on sensing information; and means for transmitting the requested location integrity results associated with the sensing measurements to the first network function.

56. The apparatus of claim 55, wherein: the apparatus comprises a combined digital twin management function and integrity management function; and the first network function comprises a location management function.

57. An apparatus comprising: means for receiving a location service request from a first network function comprising a request for location integrity results associated with sensing information; means for transmitting a request for location integrity results to a second network function; means for receiving the requested location integrity results associated with sensing measurements from the second network function; and means for transmitting a location service response to the first network function comprising the location integrity results.

58. The apparatus of claim 57, wherein: the apparatus comprises a location management function; the first network function comprises a location service client; and the second network function comprises a combined digital twin management function and integrity management function.

59. An apparatus comprising: means for receiving a location service request from a first network function comprising a request for location integrity results associated with sensing information; means for performing sensing measurements; means for modifying a user equipment location according to a false geolocation risk based upon a likelihood of false geolocation exceeding a threshold; and means for transmitting a location service response to the first network function comprising the location integrity results.

60. The apparatus of claim 59, wherein: the apparatus comprises a combined location management function, integrity management function, and digital twin management function; and the first network function comprises a location service client.

61. An apparatus comprising : means for receiving a location service request from a first network function comprising a request for location integrity results associated with sensing information; means for transmitting a new radio positioning protocol A measurement request requesting sensing information to a second network function; means for receiving a new radio positioning protocol A measurement report comprising the sensing information from the second network function; means for modifying a user equipment location based on the sensing information; and means for transmitting a location service response to the first network function comprising the location integrity results.

62. The apparatus of claim 61, wherein: the apparatus comprises a combined location management function and integrity management function; the first network function comprises a location service client; and the second network function comprises a combined radio access network and digital twin management function.

63. An apparatus comprising: means for receiving a location service request from a first network function comprising a request for location integrity results associated with sensing information; means for transmitting a new radio positioning protocol A positioning information request requesting location integrity results associated with sensing information to a second network function; means for receiving a new radio positioning protocol A positioning information response comprising the location integrity results from the second network function; and means for transmitting a location service response to the first network function comprising the location integrity results.

64. The apparatus of claim 63, wherein: the apparatus comprises a location management function; the first network function comprises a location service client; and the second network function comprises a combined new generation radio access network, a digital twin management function, and an integrity management function.

65. An apparatus comprising: means for receiving a new radio positioning protocol A positioning information request requesting location integrity results associated with sensing information to a first network function; means for performing sensing measurements; means for modifying a user equipment location according to a false geolocation risk based upon a likelihood of false geolocation exceeding a threshold; and means for transmitting a new radio positioning protocol A positioning information response comprising the location integrity results from the first network function.

66. The apparatus of claim 65, wherein: the apparatus comprises a combined new generation radio access network, a digital twin management function, and an integrity management function location management function; and the first network function comprises a location management function.

67. A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least a method according to any of claims 1-22.

68. An apparatus comprising circuitry configured to perform a method according to any of claims 1-22.

69. A computer program comprising instructions, which, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform the method of any of claims 1-22.