WO2019030732A1

WO2019030732A1 - Broadcasting of positioning information in wireless communication networks

Info

Publication number: WO2019030732A1
Application number: PCT/IB2018/056058
Authority: WO
Inventors: Fredrik Gunnarsson; Henrik RYDÉN; Sara MODARRES RAZAVI
Original assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Ericsson (Publ)
Priority date: 2017-08-11
Filing date: 2018-08-10
Publication date: 2019-02-14

Abstract

Methods and related location server, radio network node, and wireless device which enable the transmission and retrieval of structured positioning information are provided. In some aspects, a radio network node receives positioning information from a location server, processes the received positioning information into several system information blocks (SIBs), generates or otherwise updates a positioning information catalog including a list of the SIBs and information about the content of each SIBs, and transmits the positioning information catalog as part of system information to one or more wireless devices. Based on the positioning information catalog they receive, the wireless devices can then decide which of the SIBs to retrieve.

Description

BROADCASTING OF POSITIONING INFORMATION IN WIRELESS

COMMUNICATION NETWORKS

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims the benefits of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/544,645, entitled "POSITIONING INFORMATION BROADCAST IN WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS", and filed at the United States Patent and Trademark Office on August 11, 2017, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present description generally relates to wireless communications and wireless communication networks, and more particularly relates to positioning information broadcasting in wireless communication networks.

BACKGROUND

[0003] UE positioning is recognized as an important feature for LTE networks due to its potential for massive commercial applications (for example intelligent transportation, entertainment, industry automation, robotics, remote operation, healthcare, smart parking and so on) as well as its relevance to US FCC E911 requirements.

[0004] Positioning in LTE is supported by the architecture illustrated in Figure 1, with direct interactions between the UE and the location server (E-SMLC) via the LTE Positioning Protocol (LPP). Moreover, there are also interactions between the location server and the eNodeB via the LPPa protocol, to some extent supported by interactions between the eNodeB and the UE via the Radio Resource Control (RRC) protocol.

[0005] The following positioning techniques are considered in LTE:

- Enhanced Cell ID. Essentially cell ID information to associate the UE to the serving area of a serving cell, and then additional information to determine a finer granularity position. - Assisted GNSS. GNSS information retrieved by the UE, supported by assistance information provided to the UE from E-SMLC.

- OTDOA (Observed Time Difference of Arrival). The UE estimates the time difference of reference signals from different base stations and transmits to the E-SMLC for multilateration. - UTDOA (Uplink TDOA). The UE is requested to transmit a specific waveform that is detected by multiple location measurement units (e.g. e Bs) at known positions. These measurements are forwarded to the E-SMLC for multilateration.

[0006] Recent enhancements in GNSS technology include Real Time Kinematic (RTK) GNSS, which is a differential GNSS positioning technology. RTK GNSS enables positioning accuracy improvement from meter level to decimeter or even centimeter level in the right conditions in realtime by exploiting the carrier phase of the GNSS signal rather than only the code phase. Support for RTK GNSS in LTE networks should therefore be provided and is under consideration in a work item for Release 15 of LTE. The support for RTK in LTE networks comprises reporting RTK correction data to the UE. Two methods of reporting RTK data to the UE are currently under discussion. The first method is to broadcast the information by extending the system information bits. The second method is to send the information to each UE individually, for example via LPP. In both cases, it is the location server that interacts with the RTK server as illustrated by Figure 1.

[0007] In order to enable user differentiation, it is also relevant to consider encryption of all or parts of the assistance data.

SUMMARY

[0008] An issue with broadcasted positioning assistance data (also referred to as assistance information and/or as positioning information) is how to efficiently provide the information to the wireless devices. Indeed, different wireless devices may have different capabilities. Furthermore, different wireless devices may need to access different parts of the information, some of which may be encrypted. Letting each wireless device scan for all the information, decrypt what it can, and use what it is capable of using is a waste of time and battery.

[0009] According to some broad embodiments, the broadcasted positioning information is efficiently structured to enable the wireless device (or UE) to determine which parts of the broadcasted assistance data it can benefit from (and possibly decrypt) and thereby only retrieve the corresponding system information blocks.

[0010] Hence, some embodiments may enable the segmentation of positioning information and the possibility for a wireless device to determine which system information blocks are useful for it. In turn, this means that the wireless device can monitor the positioning assistance data in the system information very efficiently without retrieving system information block it cannot use or decrypt.

[0011] Some embodiments may also enable the use of containers with positioning information, where the content is roughly described in the positioning catalog information. [0012] The solution may also allow a future-proof mechanism to include new positioning information as a new segment handled in the container.

[0013] According to one aspect, some embodiments include a method performed by wireless device. The method generally comprises retrieving a positioning information catalog from system information received from a radio network node, the positioning information catalog comprising a list of system information blocks, SIBs, comprising positioning information, and information about a content of each of the SIBs, determining which one or more SIBs to retrieve based at least in part on the information about the content of each of the SIBs, and retrieving the determined one or more SIBs received from the radio network node.

[0014] In some embodiments, each of the SIBs comprises a different segment of positioning information.

[0015] In some embodiments, determining which one or more SIBs to retrieve is further based, at least in part, on capabilities of the wireless device.

[0016] In some embodiments, the method may comprise, or further comprise, estimating a position of the wireless device based at least in part on the positioning information from the retrieved one or more SIBs. In such embodiments, the method may comprise, or further comprise reporting the estimated position of the wireless device to a location server.

[0017] According to another aspect, some embodiments include a wireless device adapted, configured, or otherwise operable, to perform one or more wireless device functionalities (e.g. actions, operations, steps, etc.) as described herein.

[0018] In some embodiments, the wireless device may comprise one or more communication interfaces configured to communicate with one or more radio network nodes, and processing circuitry operatively connected to the communication interface, the processing circuitry being configured to perform one or more wireless device functionalities as described herein. In some embodiments, the processing circuitry may comprise at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions which, upon being executed by the processor, configure the at least one processor to perform one or more wireless device functionalities as described herein.

[0019] In some embodiments, the wireless device may comprise one or more functional modules configured to perform one or more wireless device functionalities as described herein.

[0020] According to another aspect, some embodiments include a computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing computer-readable program instructions or code which, upon being executed by processing circuitry (e.g., at least one processor) of the wireless device, configure the processing circuitry to perform one or more wireless device functionalities as described herein.

[0021] According to another aspect, some embodiments include a method performed by a radio network node. The method generally comprises receiving, from a location server, positioning information, processing the received positioning information into several system information blocks, SIBs, generating, or updating, a positioning information catalog, the positioning information catalog comprising a list of the SIBs and information about a content of each of the SIBs, and transmitting system information to one or more wireless devices, the system information comprising the positioning information catalog.

[0022] In some embodiments, the positioning information comprises positioning information segments, and processing the received positioning information into several SIBs comprises processing the positioning information segments into the several SIBs.

[0023] In some embodiments, the method may comprise, or further comprise, transmitting the several SIBs to the one or more wireless devices.

[0024] According to another aspect, some embodiments include a radio network node adapted, configured, or otherwise operable, to perform one or more radio network node functionalities (e.g. actions, operations, steps, etc.) as described herein.

[0025] In some embodiments, the radio network node may comprise one or more communication interfaces configured to communicate with one or more wireless devices, with one or more other radio network nodes, and/or with one or more network nodes, and processing circuitry operatively connected to the communication interface, the processing circuitry being configured to perform one or more radio network node functionalities as described herein. In some embodiments, the processing circuitry may comprise at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions which, upon being executed by the processor, configure the at least one processor to perform one or more radio network node functionalities as described herein.

[0026] In some embodiments, the radio network node may comprise one or more functional modules configured to perform one or more radio network node functionalities as described herein.

[0027] According to another aspect, some embodiments include a computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing computer-readable program instructions or code which, upon being executed by processing circuitry (e.g., at least one processor) of the radio network node, configure the processing circuitry to perform one or more radio network node functionalities as described herein. [0028] According to another aspect, some embodiments include a method performed by a location server. The method generally comprises obtaining positioning information from a positioning information server, processing the obtained positioning information, wherein processing the obtained positioning information comprises generating a positioning information catalog from the obtained positioning information, and transmitting the obtained positioning information, including the positioning information catalog, to a radio network node.

[0029] In some embodiments, processing the obtained positioning information further comprises segmenting the obtained positioning information into positioning information segments, and transmitting the obtained positioning information to the radio network node comprises transmitting the positioning information segments to the radio network node.

[0030] In some embodiments, the positioning information catalog comprises a list of the positioning information segments.

[0031] In some embodiments, obtaining positioning information from a positioning information server comprises transmitting a positioning information request message to the positioning information server and receiving a positioning information response message from the positioning information server, the positioning information response message comprising the positioning information.

[0032] According to another aspect, some embodiments include a location server adapted, configured, or otherwise operable, to perform one or more location server functionalities (e.g. actions, operations, steps, etc.) as described herein.

[0033] In some embodiments, the location server may comprise one or more communication interfaces configured to communicate with one or more radio network nodes and/or with one or more network nodes, and processing circuitry operatively connected to the communication interface, the processing circuitry being configured to perform one or more location server functionalities as described herein. In some embodiments, the processing circuitry may comprise at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions which, upon being executed by the processor, configure the at least one processor to perform one or more location server functionalities as described herein.

[0034] In some embodiments, the location server may comprise one or more functional modules configured to perform one or more location server functionalities as described herein.

[0035] According to another aspect, some embodiments include a computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing computer-readable program instructions or code which, upon being executed by processing circuitry (e.g., at least one processor) of the location server, configure the processing circuitry to perform one or more location server functionalities as described herein.

[0036] This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated embodiments and is not intended to identify key or critical aspects or features of any or all embodiments or to delineate the scope of any or all embodiments. In that sense, other aspects and features will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] Exemplary embodiments will be described in more detail with reference to the following figures, in which:

[0038] Figure 1 is a block diagram of the LTE positioning architecture.

[0039] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an example communication network according to some embodiments.

[0040] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a positioning information catalog information element and of system information blocks according to some embodiments.

[0041] Figure 4 is a graph of carrier and code components of a GNSS signal.

[0042] Figure 5 is a signaling diagram according to some embodiments.

[0043] Figure 6 is a flow chart of operations of a wireless device according to some embodiments.

[0044] Figure 7 is a flow chart of operations of a radio network node according to some embodiments.

[0045] Figure 8 is a flow chart of operations of a location server according to some embodiments.

[0046] Figure 9 is a block diagram of a wireless device according to some embodiments.

[0047] Figure 10 is another block diagram of a wireless device according to some embodiments.

[0048] Figure 11 is a block diagram of a radio network node according to some embodiments.

[0049] Figure 12 is another block diagram of a radio network node according to some embodiments.

[0050] Figure 13 is a block diagram of a location server according to some embodiments.

[0051] Figure 14 is another block diagram of a location server according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] The embodiments set forth below represent information to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments. Upon reading the following description in light of the accompanying figures, those skilled in the art will understand the concepts of the description and will recognize applications of these concepts not particularly addressed herein. It should be understood that these concepts and applications fall within the scope of the description.

[0053] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known circuits, structures, and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure the understanding of the description. Those of ordinary skill in the art, with the included description, will be able to implement appropriate functionality without undue experimentation.

[0054] References in the specification to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "an example embodiment," etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to implement such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

[0055] As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," and/or "including" when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

[0056] Figure 2 illustrates an example of a wireless network 100 that may be used for wireless communications. Wireless network 100 includes wireless devices (WDs) 110A-110B (collectively referred to as wireless device or wireless devices 110) and a plurality of radio network nodes 130A-130B (e.g., Bs and/or RNCs in UMTS, eNBs in LTE, g Bs in R, etc.) (collectively referred to as radio network node or radio network nodes 130) directly or indirectly connected to a core network 210 which may comprise various core network nodes (e.g., SGSNs and/or GGSNs in UMTS, MMEs, SGWs, and/or PGWs in LTE/EPC, AMFs, SMFs, and/or UPFs in NGC, etc.). The network 100 may use any suitable radio access network (RAN) deployment scenarios, including UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network, UTRAN, Evolved UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network, EUTRAN, and Next Generation Radio Access Network, NG- RAN. Wireless devices 110 within coverage areas 115 may each be capable of communicating directly with radio network nodes 130 over a wireless interface. In some embodiments, wireless devices may also be capable of communicating with each other via device-to-device (D2D) communication.

[0057] As an example, wireless device 110A may communicate with radio network node 130A over a wireless interface. That is, wireless device 110A may transmit wireless signals to and/or receive wireless signals from radio network node 130A. The wireless signals may contain voice traffic, data traffic, control signals, and/or any other suitable information. In some embodiments, an area of wireless signal coverage associated with a radio network node 130 may be referred to as a cell.

[0058] According to some embodiments, a positioning catalog information element is proposed. The positioning catalog information element lists the positioning information segments, where each entry comprises one or more of positioning information type or types, satellite system, the protocol version of the data, the encryption key index, manufacturer, etc. Each entry is associated to a flexible positioning assistance data payload SIB, SIB X.y as shown in Figure 3.

[0059] Some embodiments also concern the structuring of positioning information in a catalog part and a payload part, suitable for flexible payload containers that may or may not be encrypted.

[0060] Positioning Assistance Data

[0061] The scope of the positioning assistance data can be comprehensive and can be structured in different ways. It can be structured according to the assistance data scope, the satellite system, the assistance data protocol version, the encryption details, the manufacturer aspects, etc. These are not mutually exclusive scope separations, and they will be described in more detail below.

[0062] Assistance Data Scope

[0063] One way to separate is according to the overall scope, such as:

- Cellular network assistance data

- GNSS assistance data for code phase measurements

- GNSS assistance data for carrier phase measurements

[0064] Cellular network assistance data can comprise information about what signals the target wireless device should search for and when/where to receive them, what signals the wireless device should transmit and when/where to transmit them, or a combination. This information comprises the positioning reference signals sent in the downlink and signals sent in the uplink to support positioning. In one mode, these signals are part of OTDOA (downlink) positioning based on device measurements of the received signal time difference (RSTD). This information is typically the same in a region and is therefore reasonable to broadcast. [0065] Another example of cellular network assistance data is to also include information about the positions and the time synchronization details of the base stations (also referred to as radio network nodes). This can enable the wireless device to position itself - a UE-based positioning method.

[0066] Another example of cellular network assistance data is to include information of the position and measurement from a reference pressure sensor. The wireless device can, by comparing the measured pressure with a reference pressure, estimate its altitude. In addition, it can also include the temperature.

[0067] GNSS assistance data for code phase measurements concerns differential methods to compensate for atmospheric disturbances, sometimes commonly referred to as differential GNSS. The information can also include satellite positioning information commonly referred to as assisted GNSS. Some of the corrections are also sent from the satellites themselves, referred to as a Satellite Based Augmentation System (SB AS).

[0068] Capable wireless devices can also estimate the carrier phase of the received signals from the satellites (see Figure 4).

[0069] Such measurements provide a very accurate range estimate except for an unknown integer number of cycles. Based on assistance data, this integer ambiguity can be resolved using Real Time Kinematics (RTK) techniques. The assistance data is based on accurate measurements from one or more accurately positioned reference stations. Either, one reference station, like the closest, can be used, or multiple stations in a network, Network RTK. In case of multiple reference stations, the system can consider using the one closest to the wireless device or interpolate between multiple reference stations to get assistance data that is better adapted to the position of the wireless device. Either, the interpolation is performed by the RTK server, and one or more virtual reference stations are sent to the device, or information about all relevant reference stations are sent to the device together with some interpolation information. Two typical methods for device interpolation are considered, FKP and MAC.

[0070] Furthermore, even more accurate satellite positions can be part of the assistance data in the form of Precise Point Positioning (PPP). Furthermore, recently, a more compact representation of assistance data have been discussed, State Space Representation (SSR).

[0071] Assistance Data per Satellite System

[0072] The assistance data can be separated based of the concerned satellite system, such as GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS etc.

[0073] Assistance Data Protocol Version [0074] The assistance data is encoded in a coding scheme. The cellular network and code phase assistance data is already today encoded in ASN. l in LTE for unicast from the location server to the wireless device (or UE) via the LTE Positioning Protocol (LPP). The assistance data has changed between releases and gradually more information has been added. Therefore, assistance data represented in ASN.1 also need a protocol or release version. ASN.1 is typically backwards compatible via an extension framework, so a wireless device supporting, e.g. Release 13, can retrieve the Release 13 relevant parts from a Release 14 assistance data block.

[0075] For Radio Technical Commission for Maritime Services (RTCM), the code phase assistance data are represented by versions 2.x and the carrier phase assistance data are represented by versions 3.x.

[0076] Assistance Data Encryption

[0077] Assistance data can be encrypted to protect the information and to enable user differentiation. In one embodiment, one subscriber group gets access to the broadcasted data and one also to the unicast data. In such a case, only one encryption group key is enough. However, it is also good to be prepared for a more segmented assistance data, supporting multiple encryption keys for separate encryption of different parts of the broadcast data.

[0078] In one embodiment, the decryption key is associated to a decryption key index, and the device can retrieve a decryption key and the associated index from the location server. In one mode, the description of the key is more descriptive than only an index.

[0079] In another embodiment, the decryption keys are hierarchical, meaning that a key that can decrypt assistance data of index i can also decrypt assistance data of a lower (or higher) index.

[0080] Manufacturer and Assistance Data

[0081] In RTCM, a tradition is to support manufacturer specific information. Therefore, the assistance data can also be segmented based on manufacturer.

[0082] Positioning Catalog Information

[0083] An example of the positioning catalog information is illustrated in Figure 3, with one system information block, SIB X, containing the catalog. The catalog is essentially a list of positioning information listings. Each listing includes the name and/or link to the system information block containing the positioning information. Furthermore, the entry may also include one or more of the scope of the assistance data, the satellite system, the protocol version, the encryption, the manufacturer, etc. [0084] Thereby, it is possible for the wireless device to understand which parts of the positioning assistance data it can benefit from and can decrypt. Thereby, the target wireless device will only retrieve these blocks and use them for positioning estimation.

[0085] In some embodiments, the positioning catalog information is placed in a dedicated system information block SIB X, for example SIB 22. Then, possible segments are placed in related SIBs, SIB X.y, for example SIB 22.1, SIB 22.2, etc. (see Figure 3).

[0086] An example of such positioning catalog information is shown below.

[0087] Each of the related SIBs, i.e. SIB X.y, can be containing only the encoded positioning assistance data:

-- ASN1START

SysLemlnlcrmaLicnBlcckTypeX. y ::- SZQUZNCZ {

gnssAssisLanceDaLa OCTDT STRING :^' CONT INING Pos.Assis Lar.ceDaLa- I s ;

¾S:M:STOEi

[0088] In the catalog, the satellite systems can be indicated via a bit string like is already used in 3 GPP:

[0089] The positioning information assistance data scope can, in some embodiments, be represented by a bit string, where each bit in the string correspond to a type of assistance data. Examples of types include DGNSS, A-GNSS, SBAS, UE-assisted OTDOA, and UE-based OTDOA. For carrier phase measurements, examples of types include VRS, MAC, FKP, PPP, SSR, etc. An alternative encoding is to represent these in ASN. l in sequences of types.

[0090] The protocol version can, in some embodiments, be represented by an enumerable, listing all possible protocol versions. The enumerable can also list the protocol type. For example:

ASN. l Rel. 15

ASN. l Rel. 16

RTCM 2.3

RTCM 3.0

- RTCM 3.1

Etc.

[0091] In some embodiments, the encryption key can be represented by a decryption key index, and if the key of a positioning information in the catalog matches the key that the device has obtained, then the device is able to decrypt the information. For example:

[0092] The manufacturer can also be represented by an enumerable, such as

- Trimble,

- Leica,

- Ericsson,

- Etc.

-- ASNISTART PosMan.iIacL.irer ::- UNUI'-ERATDD{ Lrirable, leica, ericss

!KsirasiSB:

[0093] Referring to Figure 5, a high-level signaling and operating diagram according to some embodiments is illustrated. As shown, a location server 150 transmits a positioning information request message to an RTK server 170 in order to obtain positioning information (action SI 02). The RTK server 170 responds to the request by sending a positioning information response message comprising the requested positioning information (action SI 04). Subsequently, the location server 150 processes the received positioning information (action SI 06). In some embodiments, processing the received positioning information may comprise generating a catalog of the positioning information. In some embodiments, processing the received positioning information may comprise segmenting the positioning information into segments. Optionally, the location server 150 may also encrypt the positioning information (or some or all of the positioning information segments) (action SI 08).

[0094] The location server 150 then transmits a capability request message (e.g. a RequestCapabilites message) to the wireless device 110 (also referred to as the target device) to determine the location capabilities of the wireless device 110 (action SI 10). In some embodiments, the capability request message may indicate the types of capabilities needed. In response, the wireless device 110 transmits a capability response (e.g. a ProvideCapabilites message) back to the location server 150 (action SI 12). Understandably, if the capability request message comprises one or more types of capabilities, the capability response message comprises the capabilities corresponding to the one or more types of capabilities listed in the capability request message.

[0095] If the positioning information has been encrypted by the location server 150 (see action SI 08), the wireless device 110 may request the encryption key(s) from the location server 150 or from another node storing the encryption key(s). As illustrated in Figure 5, in some embodiments, the wireless device 110 may send a decryption key request message to the location server 150 (action SI 14) which responds with a decryption key response message comprising the one or more decryption keys necessary to decrypt the positioning information (action SI 16). Understandably, if the positioning information is not encrypted, the wireless device 110 does not need to retrieve any decryption key.

[0096] At some point in time, the location server 150 transmits the positioning information (which may have been segmented) to a radio network node 130 (action SI 18). In some embodiments, the positioning information may be accompanied by a positioning information catalog. The radio network node 130 then processes the received positioning information into appropriate system information block(s) (for example, as described with respect to Figure 3) (action S120). The radio network node 130 also generates a positioning information catalog, the positioning information catalog comprising a list of the SIBs and information about a content of each of the SIBs. If the radio network node 130 receives a positioning information catalog from the location server 150, the radio network node 130 may update the received positioning information catalog into appropriate system information. The radio network node 130 then transmits or broadcasts system information to the wireless device (and possibly to the other wireless devices served by the radio network node), the system information comprising the positioning information catalog (action S122).

[0097] Upon receiving the system information, the wireless device 110 reads and analyzes, among other information, the positioning information catalog, and determines which positioning information to use or otherwise retrieve based at least in part on the information about the content of each of the SIBs (action S124). In some embodiments, determining which positioning information to use may be based, at least in part, on the capabilities of the wireless device 110. Subsequently, the wireless device 110 receives the positioning information from the radio network node 130 (action S126). If the positioning information has been previously encrypted, the wireless device 1 10 decrypts the positioning information (action S128). The wireless device 110 can then use the received positioning information to determine or estimate its position.

[0098] Figure 6 is a flow chart that illustrates at least some operations of the wireless device 110 according to some embodiments. As illustrated, the wireless device 110 may optionally receive a capability request message (e.g. a RequestCapabilities message) from a location server 150 (action S202) and transmit back a capability response message (e.g. a ProvideCapabilities message) including the requested capabilities of the wireless device 110 (action S204). The wireless device 110 may also optionally transmit a decryption key request message to the location server 150 (action S206). The decryption key request message may be used by the wireless device to request the one or more decryption keys which may be needed to decrypt the positioning information. If the wireless device 110 transmits the decryption key request message, the wireless device 110 may subsequently receive a decryption key response message including the one or more decryption keys (action S208).

[0099] The wireless device 110 retrieves the positioning information catalog from the system information transmitted (or broadcasted) by a radio network node (e.g., its serving base station), the positioning information catalog comprising a list of system information blocks, SIBs, comprising positioning information, and information about a content of each of the SIBs (action S210). Using the retrieved positioning information catalog and the information about the content of each of the SIBs, the wireless device 110 determines which positioning information to use (action S212), that is, which SIBs with positioning information it needs to retrieve. In some embodiments, this determination may be based on its capabilities. Once the wireless device 110 has determined which positioning information to use, the wireless device 110 retrieves (e.g., receives and decodes) the determined positioning information, i.e., the determined SIBs (action S214). The wireless device 110 is then able to estimate its position based at least in part on the retrieved, and previously determined, positioning information (action S216). Though not shown, the wireless device 110 can subsequently report its position, determined with the positioning information, back to the location server 150.

[0100] It is understood that in some embodiments, the blocks of the flowchart of Figure 6 may occur out of the order noted in the figure. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved.

[0101] Figure 7 is a flow chart that illustrates at least some operations of the radio network node 130 according to some embodiments. As illustrated, the radio network node 130 receives positioning information (possibly with a positioning information catalog) from a location server 150 (action S302). In some embodiments, the positioning information may have been segmented by the location server 150. The radio network node 130 then processes the received positioning information into several SIBs, each generally containing different positioning information (action S304). In some embodiments, if the received positioning information was previously segmented by the location server 150, the radio network node 130 may process the segments into the several SIBs. The radio network node 130 then generates a positioning information catalog, the positioning information catalog comprising a list of the SIBs and information about the content of each of the SIBs (action S306). If the radio network node 130 has previously received a positioning information catalog from the location server 150, the radio network node 130 may update the received positioning information catalog into appropriate system information. The radio network node 130 then transmits, or otherwise broadcasts, system information to one or more wireless devices 110, the system information comprising the positioning information catalog (action S308). The radio network node 130 subsequently transmits, or broadcasts, the several SIBs to the one or more wireless devices 110 (action S310). [0102] It is understood that in some embodiments, the blocks of the flowchart shown in Figure 7 may occur out of the order noted in the figure. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved.

[0103] Figure 8 is a flow chart that illustrates at least some operations of the location server according to some embodiments. As illustrated, the location server 150 may optionally receive a positioning information request message from a radio network node 130 (action S402). The location server 150 obtains positioning information from a positioning information server (e.g., server 170) (action S404). In some embodiments, the positioning information server may be a GNSS server or an RTK server. Other positioning information servers are also possible. In some embodiments, obtaining the positioning information from the positioning information server may comprise transmitting a positioning information request message to the positioning information server and then receiving the requested positioning information in a positioning information response message. The location server 150 then processes the obtained positioning information (action S406). In some embodiments, the processing of the obtained positioning information may comprise encoding the obtained positioning information and generating a catalog of the positioning information. The positioning information can be encoded in different ways. In some embodiments, the positioning information is only represented by an octet string, and the nature of the content is described in the positioning catalog information. In some embodiments, the location server 150 may optionally segment the received positioning information into different segments (action S408) and may also encrypt some or all of the positioning information (or the positioning information segments) (action S410). The location server 150 then transmits the encoded positioning information (which may have been segmented and/or encrypted) to the radio network node, possibly with a positioning information catalog (action S412).

[0104] It is understood that in some embodiments, the blocks of the flowchart shown in Figure 8 may occur out of the order noted in the figure. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved.

[0105] Some embodiments of a wireless device 110 will now be described with respect to Figures 9 and 10. As used herein, a "wireless device" is any type of device that has access to (i.e., may be served by) a wireless communication network by wirelessly transmitting and/or receiving signals to one or more radio network node(s). Notably, various communication standards sometimes use different terminologies when referring to or describing wireless devices. For instance, in addition to user equipment (UE), 3 GPP also uses mobile terminal (MT). For its part, 3GPP2 uses the expression access terminal (AT) and IEEE 802.11 (also known as WiFi™) uses the term station (STA).

[0106] Figure 9 is a block diagram of an exemplary wireless device 110 according to some embodiments. Wireless device 110 includes one or more of a transceiver 112, processor 114, and memory 116. In some embodiments, the transceiver 112 facilitates transmitting wireless signals to and receiving wireless signals from radio network node 130 (e.g., via transmitter(s) (Tx) 118, receiver(s) (Rx) 120 and antenna(s) 122). The processor 114 executes instructions to provide some or all of the functionalities described above as being provided by wireless device 110, and the memory 116 stores the instructions to be executed by the processor 114. In some embodiments, the processor 114 and the memory 116 form processing circuitry 124.

[0107] The processor 114 may include any suitable combination of hardware to execute instructions and manipulate data to perform some or all of the described functions of wireless device 110, such as the functions of wireless device 110 described above. In some embodiments, the processor 114 may include, for example, one or more computers, one or more central processing units (CPUs), one or more microprocessors, one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and/or other logic.

[0108] The memory 116 is generally operable to store instructions, such as a computer program, software, an application including one or more of logic, rules, algorithms, code, tables, etc. and/or other instructions capable of being executed by a processor such as processor 114. Examples of memory 116 include computer memory (for example, Random Access Memory (RAM) or Read Only Memory (ROM)), mass storage media (for example, a hard disk), removable storage media (for example, a Compact Disk (CD) or a Digital Video Disk (DVD)), and/or or any other volatile or non-volatile, non-transitory computer-readable and/or computer-executable memory devices that store information, data, and/or instructions that may be used by the processor 114 of wireless device 110.

[0109] Other embodiments of wireless device 110 may include additional components beyond those shown in Figure 9 that may be responsible for providing some aspects of the wireless device's functionalities, including any of the functionalities described above and/or any additional functionalities (including any functionality necessary to support the solution described above). As just one example, wireless device 110 may include analog and/or digital hardware 126 such as input devices and circuits and output devices and circuits. Input devices include mechanisms for entry of data into wireless device 110. For example, input devices may include input mechanisms, such as a microphone, input elements, a display, etc. Output devices may include mechanisms for outputting data in audio, video and/or hard copy format. For example, output devices may include a speaker, a display, etc.

[0110] Figure 10 is a block diagram of another exemplary wireless device 110 according to some embodiments. As illustrated, in some embodiments, the wireless device 110 may comprise a series of modules (or units) 128 configured to implement some or all of the functionalities of the wireless device 110 described above. More particularly, in some embodiments, the wireless device 110 may comprise a (first) retrieving module configured to retrieve a positioning information catalog from system information received from a radio network node, the positioning information catalog comprising a list of system information blocks, SIBs, comprising positioning information, and information about a content of each of the SIBs, a determining module configured to determine which one or more SIBs to retrieve based at least in part on the information about the content of each of the SIBs, and a (second) retrieving module configured to retrieve the determined one or more SIBs received from the radio network node. The wireless device 110 may also comprise an estimating module configured to estimate a position of the wireless device based at least in part on the positioning information from the retrieved one or more SIBs.

[0111] It will be appreciated that the various modules 128 may be implemented as combination of hardware and/or software, for instance, the processor 114, memory 116 and transceiver(s) 112 of wireless device 110 shown in Figure 9. Some embodiments may also include additional modules 128 to support additional and/or optional functionalities.

[0112] Embodiments of a radio network node 130 will now be described with respect to Figures 11 and 12. As used herein, a "radio network node" is any node in a radio access network of a wireless communication network that operates to wirelessly transmit and/or receive signals. Notably, various communication standards sometimes use different terminologies when referring to or describing radio network nodes. For instance, in addition to base station, 3 GPP also uses Node B (NB), and evolved Node B (eNB). For its part, IEEE 802.11 (also known as WiFi™) uses the term access point (AP). Some examples of a radio network node include, but are not limited to, a base station (e.g., a New Radio (NR) base station (gNB) in a Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Fifth Generation (5G) NR network or an enhanced or evolved Node B (eNB) in a 3 GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE) network), a high-power or macro base station, a low-power base station (e.g., a micro base station, a pico base station, a home eNB, or the like), and a relay node. [0113] Figure 11 is a block diagram of an exemplary radio network node 130 according to some embodiments. Radio network node 130 may include one or more of a transceiver 132, processor 134, memory 136, and communication interface 146. In some embodiments, the transceiver 132 facilitates transmitting wireless signals to and receiving wireless signals from wireless device 110 (e.g., via transmitter(s) (Tx) 138, receiver(s) (Rx) 140, and antenna(s) 142). The processor 134 executes instructions to provide some or all of the functionalities described above as being provided by a radio network node 130, the memory 136 stores the instructions to be executed by the processor 134. In some embodiments, the processor 134 and the memory 136 form processing circuitry. The communication interface(s) 146 enable the radio network 130 to communicate with other network nodes, including other radio network nodes (via a radio access network interface) and core network nodes (via a core network interface).

[0114] The processor 134 may include any suitable combination of hardware to execute instructions and manipulate data to perform some or all of the described functions of radio network node 130, such as those described above. In some embodiments, the processor 134 may include, for example, one or more computers, one or more central processing units (CPUs), one or more microprocessors, one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and/or other logic.

[0115] The memory 136 is generally operable to store instructions, such as a computer program, software, an application including one or more of logic, rules, algorithms, code, tables, etc. and/or other instructions capable of being executed by a processor such as processor 134. Examples of memory 136 include computer memory (for example, Random Access Memory (RAM) or Read Only Memory (ROM)), mass storage media (for example, a hard disk), removable storage media (for example, a Compact Disk (CD) or a Digital Video Disk (DVD)), and/or or any other volatile or non-volatile, non-transitory computer-readable and/or computer-executable memory devices that store information.

[0116] In some embodiments, the communication interface 146 is communicatively coupled to the processor 134 and may refer to any suitable device operable to receive input for radio network node 130, send output from radio network node 130, perform suitable processing of the input or output or both, communicate to other devices, or any combination of the preceding. The communication interface may include appropriate hardware (e.g., port, modem, network interface card, etc.) and software, including protocol conversion and data processing capabilities, to communicate through a network. [0117] Other embodiments of radio network node 130 may include additional components beyond those shown in Figure 11 that may be responsible for providing some aspects of the radio network node's functionalities, including any of the functionalities described above and/or any additional functionalities (including any functionality necessary to support the solutions described above). The various different types of network nodes may include components having the same physical hardware but configured (e.g., via programming) to support different radio access technologies, or may represent partly or entirely different physical components.

[0118] In some embodiments, the radio network node 130 may comprise a series of modules 148 configured to implement the functionalities of the radio network node 130 described above. Referring to Figure 12, in some embodiments, the radio network node may comprise, for instance, a receiving module configured to receive, from a location server, positioning information, a processing module configured to process the received positioning information into several system information blocks, SIBs, a generating module configured to generate, or update, a positioning information catalog, the positioning information catalog comprising a list of the SIBs and information about a content of each of the SIBs, and a transmitting module configured to transmit system information to one or more wireless devices, the system information comprising the positioning information catalog.

[0119] It will be appreciated that the various modules 148 may be implemented as combination of hardware and/or software, for instance, the processor 134, memory 136 and transceiver(s) 132 of radio network node 130 shown in Figure 11. Some embodiments may also include additional modules 148 to support additional and/or optional functionalities.

[0120] Embodiments of a location server 150 will now be described with respect to Figures 13 and 14. Starting with Figure 13, a block diagram of an exemplary location server 150, according to some embodiments, is depicted. Location server 150 includes one or more of a communication interface 166, processor 154, and memory 156. In some embodiments, the communication interface 166 facilitates the exchanges of signals and messages with other nodes, including radio network nodes (via a radio access network interface) and core network nodes (via a core network node interface). The processor 154 executes instructions to provide some or all of the functionalities described above as being provided by location server 150, and the memory 156 stores the instructions to be executed by the processor 154. In some embodiments, the processor 154 and the memory 156 form processing circuitry 164.

[0121] The processor 154 may include any suitable combination of hardware to execute instructions and manipulate data to perform some or all of the described functions of location server 150, such as the functions of location server 150 described above. In some embodiments, the processor 154 may include, for example, one or more computers, one or more central processing units (CPUs), one or more microprocessors, one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and/or other logic.

[0122] The memory 156 is generally operable to store instructions, such as a computer program, software, an application including one or more of logic, rules, algorithms, code, tables, etc. and/or other instructions capable of being executed by a processor such as processor 154. Examples of memory 156 include computer memory (for example, Random Access Memory (RAM) or Read Only Memory (ROM)), mass storage media (for example, a hard disk), removable storage media (for example, a Compact Disk (CD) or a Digital Video Disk (DVD)), and/or or any other volatile or non-volatile, non-transitory computer-readable and/or computer-executable memory devices that store information, data, and/or instructions that may be used by the processor 154 of location server 150.

[0123] Other embodiments of location server 150 may include additional components beyond those shown in Figure 13 that may be responsible for providing some aspects of the location server functionalities, including any of the functionalities described above and/or any additional functionalities (including any functionality necessary to support the solution described above). As just one example, location server may include input devices and circuits, output devices, and one or more synchronization units or circuits, which may be part of the processor.

[0124] Turning now to Figure 14, in some embodiments, the location server 150 may comprise a series of modules (or units) 168 configured to implement the functionalities of the location server 150 described above. Hence, as illustrated in Figure 14, in some embodiments, the location server 150 may comprise an obtaining module configured to obtain positioning information from a positioning information server, a processing module configured to process the obtained positioning information, wherein processing the obtained positioning information comprises generating a positioning information catalog from the obtained positioning information, and a transmitting module configured to transmit system information to one or more wireless devices, the system information comprising the positioning information catalog.

[0125] It will be appreciated that the various modules 168 may be implemented as combination of hardware and/or software, for instance, the processor 154, memory 156 and communication interface(s) 166 of location server 150 shown in Figure 13. In some embodiments, one or more of the modules 168 can comprise sub-configured to performed particular functions of the module. Some embodiments may also include additional modules 168 to support additional and/or optional functionalities.

[0126] Some embodiments may be represented as a non-transitory software product stored in a machine-readable medium (also referred to as a computer-readable medium, a processor-readable medium, or a computer usable medium having a computer readable program code embodied therein). The machine-readable medium may be any suitable tangible medium including a magnetic, optical, or electrical storage medium including a diskette, compact disk read only memory (CD-ROM), digital versatile disc read only memory (DVD-ROM) memory device (volatile or non-volatile), or similar storage mechanism. The machine-readable medium may contain various sets of instructions, code sequences, configuration information, or other data, which, when executed, cause a processor to perform steps in a method according to one or more of the described embodiments. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other instructions and operations necessary to implement the described embodiments may also be stored on the machine-readable medium. Software running from the machine-readable medium may interface with circuitry to perform the described tasks.

[0127] The above-described embodiments are intended to be examples only. Alterations, modifications and variations may be effected to the particular embodiments by those of skill in the art without departing from the scope of the description.

ABBREVIATIONS

[0128] The present description may comprise one or more of the following abbreviation:

0129] 3 GPP Third Generation Partnership Project

0130] A-GNSS Assisted-GNSS

0131] AMF Access Management Function

0132] CN Core Network

0133] D2D Device-to-Device

0134] DGNSS Differential GNSS

0135] e B evolve Node B (or eNodeB)

0136] EPC Evolved Packet Core

0137] E-SMLC Evolved Serving Mobile Location Center

0138] E-UTRAN Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network

0139] FKP Flachen Korrektur Parameter

0140] GGSN Gateway GPRS Support Node

0141] g B gNode B (a Node B supporting NR and connectivity to NGC) [0142] GNSS Global Navigation Satellite System

[0143] LTE Long Term Evolution

[0144] MAC Master Auxiliary Concept

[0145] MME Mobility Management Entity

[0146] NB Node B

[0147] NGC Next Generation Core

[0148] NR New Radio

[0149] OTDOA Observed Time Difference of Arrival

[0150] PGW Packet Data Network Gateway

[0151] RAN Radio Access Network

[0152] RNC Radio Network Controller

[0153] RRC Radio Resource Control

[0154] RTK Real Time Kinematics

[0155] PPP Precise Point Positioning

[0156] SBAS Satellite Based Augmentation System

[0157] SGSN Serving GPRS Support Node

[0158] SGW Serving Gateway

[0159] SMF Session Management Function

[0160] SSR State Space Representation

[0161] UE User Equipment

[0162] UMTS Universal Mobile Telecommunications System

[0163] UPF User Plane Function

[0164] UTRAN Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network

[0165] VRS Virtual Reference Station

[0166] WD Wireless Device

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A method in a wireless device, the method comprising:

retrieving a positioning information catalog from system information received from a radio network node, the positioning information catalog comprising a list of system information blocks, SIBs, comprising positioning information, and information about a content of each of the SIBs;

determining which one or more SIBs to retrieve based at least in part on the information about the content of each of the SIBs;

retrieving the determined one or more SIBs received from the radio network node.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the SIBs comprises a different segment of

positioning information.

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein determining which one or more SIBs to retrieve is further based, at least in part, on capabilities of the wireless device.

4. The method of any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising estimating a position of the wireless device based at least in part on the positioning information from the retrieved one or more SIBs.

5. The method of claim 4, further comprising reporting the estimated position of the wireless device to a location server.

6. A wireless device adapted to:

retrieve a positioning information catalog from system information received from a radio network node, the positioning information catalog comprising a list of system information blocks, SIBs, comprising positioning information, and information about a content of each of the SIBs;

determine which one or more SIBs to retrieve based at least in part on the information about the content of each of the SIBs;

retrieve the determined one or more SIBs received from the radio network node.

7. The wireless device of claim 6, wherein each of the SIBs comprises a different segment of positioning information.

8. The wireless device of claim 6 or 7, wherein determining which one or more SIBs to

retrieve is further based, at least in part, on capabilities of the wireless device.

9. The wireless device of any one of claims 6 to 8, further adapted to estimate a position of the wireless device based at least in part on the positioning information from the retrieved one or more SIBs.

10. The wireless device of claim 9, further adapted to report the estimated position of the wireless device to a location server.

11. A computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable instructions embodied in the medium, wherein when the computer-readable instructions are executed by processing circuitry of a wireless device, the computer-readable instructions enable the wireless device to operate according to the method of any of claims 1 to 5.

12. A method in a radio network node, the method comprising:

receiving, from a location server, positioning information;

processing the received positioning information into several system information blocks, SIBs;

generating, or updating, a positioning information catalog, the positioning information catalog comprising a list of the SIBs and information about a content of each of the SIBs;

transmitting system information to one or more wireless devices, the system information comprising the positioning information catalog.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the positioning information comprises positioning

information segments, and wherein processing the received positioning information into several SIBs comprises processing the positioning information segments into the several SIBs.

14. The method of claim 12 or 13, further comprising transmitting the several SIBs to the one or more wireless devices.

15. A radio network node adapted to:

receive, from a location server, positioning information;

process the received positioning information into several system information blocks,

SIBs;

generate, or update, a positioning information catalog, the positioning information catalog comprising a list of the SIBs and information about a content of each of the SIBs; transmit system information to one or more wireless devices, the system information comprising the positioning information catalog.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the positioning information comprises positioning

17. The method of claim 15 or 16, further comprising transmitting the several SIBs to the one or more wireless devices.

18. A computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable instructions embodied in the medium, wherein when the computer-readable instructions are executed by processing circuitry of a radio network node, the computer-readable instructions enable the radio network node to operate according to the method of any of claims 12 to 14.

19. A method in a location server, the method comprising:

obtaining positioning information from a positioning information server; processing the obtained positioning information, wherein processing the obtained positioning information comprises generating a positioning information catalog from the obtained positioning information;

transmitting the obtained positioning information, including the positioning information catalog, to a radio network node.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein processing the obtained positioning information further comprises segmenting the obtained positioning information into positioning information segments, and wherein transmitting the obtained positioning information to the radio network node comprises transmitting the positioning information segments to the radio network node.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the positioning information catalog comprises a list of the positioning information segments.

22. The method of any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein obtaining positioning information from a positioning information server comprises transmitting a positioning information request message to the positioning information server and receiving a positioning information response message from the positioning information server, the positioning information response message comprising the positioning information.

23. A location server adapted to:

obtain positioning information from a positioning information server;

process the obtained positioning information, wherein processing the obtained positioning information comprises generating a positioning information catalog from the obtained positioning information;

transmit the obtained positioning information, including the positioning information catalog, to a radio network node.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein processing the obtained positioning information further comprises segmenting the obtained positioning information into positioning information segments, and wherein transmitting the obtained positioning information to the radio network node comprises transmitting the positioning information segments to the radio network node.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein the positioning information catalog comprises a list of the positioning information segments.

26. The method of any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein obtaining positioning information from a positioning information server comprises transmitting a positioning information request message to the positioning information server and receiving a positioning information response message from the positioning information server, the positioning information response message comprising the positioning information.

27. A computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable instructions embodied in the medium, wherein when the computer-readable instructions are executed by processing circuitry of a location server, the computer-readable instructions enable the location server to operate according to the method of any of claims 19 to 22.