WO2024170109A1

WO2024170109A1 - Measurement impairment avoidance for carrier phase positioning

Info

Publication number: WO2024170109A1
Application number: PCT/EP2023/078742
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hyun-Su Cha; Satya Krishna JOSHI; Ryan Keating
Original assignee: Nokia Technologies Oy
Priority date: 2023-02-17
Filing date: 2023-10-17
Publication date: 2024-08-22

Abstract

Systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for measurement impairment avoidance for carrier phase positioning. A method may include receiving, from a first network element, information of puncturing of a direct current subcarrier resource element(s) of symbols on a positioning reference signal resource. The method may also include receiving, from the first network element, the positioning reference signal resource in consideration of the information of puncturing. The method may further include performing a positioning measurement based on the positioning reference signal resource. In addition, the method may include transmitting, to a second network element, a report of the positioning measurement.

Description

TITLE:

MEASUREMENT IMPAIRMENT AVOIDANCE FOR CARRIER PHASE

POSITIONING

FIELD:

Some example embodiments may generally relate to mobile or wireless telecommunication systems, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) or fifth generation (5G) new radio (NR) access technology, or 5G beyond, or other communications systems. For example, certain example embodiments may relate to apparatuses, systems, and/or methods for measurement impairment avoidance for carrier phase (CP) positioning.

BACKGROUND:

Examples of mobile or wireless telecommunication systems may include the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN), LTE Evolved UTRAN (E-UTRAN), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), MulteFire, LTE-A Pro, fifth generation (5G) radio access technology or NR access technology, and/or 5G- Advanced. 5G wireless systems refer to the next generation (NG) of radio systems and network architecture. 5G network technology is mostly based on NR technology, but the 5G (or NG) network can also build on E-UTRAN radio. It is estimated that NR may provide bitrates on the order of 10-20 Gbit/s or higher, and may support at least enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) and ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC) as well as massive machine-type communication (mMTC). NR is expected to deliver extreme broadband and ultra-robust, low-latency connectivity, high accuracy positioning, and massive networking to support the loT.

SUMMARY:

Some example embodiments may be directed to a method. The method may include receiving, from a first network element, information of puncturing of a direct current subcarrier resource element(s) of symbols on a positioning reference signal resource. The method may also include receiving, from the first network element, the positioning reference signal resource in consideration of the information of puncturing. The method may further include performing a positioning measurement based on the positioning reference signal resource. In addition, the method may include transmitting, to a second network element, a report of the positioning measurement. Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to receive, from a first network element, information of puncturing of a direct current subcarrier resource element(s) of symbols on a positioning reference signal resource. The apparatus may also be caused to receive, from the first network element, the positioning reference signal resource in consideration of the information of puncturing. The apparatus may further be caused to perform a positioning measurement based on the positioning reference signal resource. In addition, the apparatus may be caused to transmit, to a second network element, a report of the positioning measurement.

Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include means for receiving, from a first network element, information of puncturing of a direct current subcarrier resource element(s) of symbols on a positioning reference signal resource. The apparatus may also include means for receiving, from the first network element, the positioning reference signal resource in consideration of the information of puncturing. The apparatus may further include means for performing a positioning measurement based on the positioning reference signal resource. In addition, the apparatus may include means for transmitting, to a second network element, a report of the positioning measurement.

In accordance with other example embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable medium may be encoded with instructions that may, when executed in hardware, perform a method. The method may include receiving, from a first network element, information of puncturing of a direct current subcarrier resource element(s) of symbols on a positioning reference signal resource. The method may also include receiving, from the first network element, the positioning reference signal resource in consideration of the information of puncturing. The method may further include performing a positioning measurement based on the positioning reference signal resource. In addition, the method may include transmitting, to a second network element, a report of the positioning measurement.

Other example embodiments may be directed to a computer program product that performs a method. The method may include receiving, from a first network element, information of puncturing of a direct current subcarrier resource element(s) of symbols on a positioning reference signal resource. The method may also include receiving, from the first network element, the positioning reference signal resource in consideration of the information of puncturing. The method may further include performing a positioning measurement based on the positioning reference signal resource. In addition, the method may include transmitting, to a second network element, a report of the positioning measurement.

Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that may include circuitry configured to receive, from a first network element, information of puncturing of a direct current subcarrier resource element(s) of symbols on a positioning reference signal resource. The apparatus may also include circuitry configured to receive, from the first network element, the positioning reference signal resource in consideration of the information of puncturing. The apparatus may further include circuitry configured to perform a positioning measurement based on the positioning reference signal resource. In addition, the apparatus may include circuitry configured to transmit, to a second network element, a report of the positioning measurement.

Some example embodiments may be directed to a method. The method may include receiving, from the network element, instructions or indications to puncture a direct current subcarrier resource element(s) for symbols on a sounding reference signal resource. The method may also include transmitting the sounding reference signal with the punctured direct current subcarrier resource element(s) to the network element.

Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to receive, from the network element, instructions or indications to puncture a direct current subcarrier resource element(s) for symbols on a sounding reference signal resource. The apparatus may also be caused to transmit the sounding reference signal with the punctured direct current subcarrier resource element(s) to the network element.

Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include means for receiving, from the network element, instructions or indications to puncture a direct current subcarrier resource element(s) for symbols on a sounding reference signal resource. The apparatus may also include means for transmitting the sounding reference signal with the punctured direct current subcarrier resource element(s) to the network element.

In accordance with other example embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable medium may be encoded with instructions that may, when executed in hardware, perform a method. The method may include receiving, from the network element, instructions or indications to puncture a direct current subcarrier resource element(s) for symbols on a sounding reference signal resource. The method may also include transmitting the sounding reference signal with the punctured direct current subcarrier resource element(s) to the network element.

Other example embodiments may be directed to a computer program product that performs a method. The method may include receiving, from the network element, instructions or indications to puncture a direct current subcarrier resource element(s) for symbols on a sounding reference signal resource. The method may also include transmitting the sounding reference signal with the punctured direct current subcarrier resource element(s) to the network element.

Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that may include circuitry configured to receive, from the network element, instructions or indications to puncture a direct current subcarrier resource element(s) for symbols on a sounding reference signal resource. The apparatus may also include circuitry configured to transmit the sounding reference signal with the punctured direct current subcarrier resource element(s) to the network element.

Some example embodiments may be directed to a method. The method may include receiving, from a network element, a request to puncture a direct current subcarrier resource element(s) for symbols on a positioning reference signal resource. The method may also include transmitting, to the network element, a response to the request to puncture the direct current subcarrier resource element(s). The method may further include transmitting, to a user equipment, information of puncturing of the direct current subcarrier resource element(s). Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to receive, from a network element, a request to puncture a direct current subcarrier resource element(s) for symbols on a positioning reference signal resource. The apparatus may also be caused to transmit, to the network element, a response to the request to puncture the direct current subcarrier resource element(s). The apparatus may further be caused to transmit, to a user equipment, information of puncturing of the direct current subcarrier resource element(s).

Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include means for receiving, from a network element, a request to puncture a direct current subcarrier resource element(s) for symbols on a positioning reference signal resource. The apparatus may also include means for transmitting, to the network element, a response to the request to puncture the direct current subcarrier resource element(s). The apparatus may further include means for transmitting, to a user equipment, information of puncturing of the direct current subcarrier resource element(s).

In accordance with other example embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable medium may be encoded with instructions that may, when executed in hardware, perform a method. The method may include receiving, from a network element, a request to puncture a direct current subcarrier resource element(s) for symbols on a positioning reference signal resource. The method may also include transmitting, to the network element, a response to the request to puncture the direct current subcarrier resource element(s). The method may further include transmitting, to a user equipment, information of puncturing of the direct current subcarrier resource element(s).

Other example embodiments may be directed to a computer program product that performs a method. The method may include receiving, from a network element, a request to puncture a direct current subcarrier resource element(s) for symbols on a positioning reference signal resource. The method may also include transmitting, to the network element, a response to the request to puncture the direct current subcarrier resource element(s). The method may further include transmitting, to a user equipment, information of puncturing of the direct current subcarrier resource element(s). Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that may include circuitry configured to receive, from a network element, a request to puncture a direct current subcarrier resource element(s) for symbols on a positioning reference signal resource. The apparatus may also include circuitry configured to transmit, to the network element, a response to the request to puncture the direct current subcarrier resource element(s). The apparatus may further include circuitry configured to transmit, to a user equipment, information of puncturing of the direct current subcarrier resource element(s).

Some example embodiments may be directed to a method. The method may include configuring a user equipment to puncture a direct current subcarrier resource element(s) for symbols on a sounding reference signal resource. The method may also include receiving, from the user equipment, the sounding reference signal in consideration of the punctured direct current subcarrier resource element(s). The method may further include performing a carrier positioning measurement based on the sounding reference signal. In addition, the method may include reporting the carrier positioning measurement to a network element.

Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to configure a user equipment to puncture a direct current subcarrier resource element(s) for symbols on a sounding reference signal resource. The apparatus may also be caused to receive, from the user equipment, the sounding reference signal in consideration of the punctured direct current subcarrier resource element(s). The apparatus may further be caused to perform a carrier positioning measurement based on the sounding reference signal. In addition, the apparatus may be caused to report the carrier positioning measurement to a network element.

Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include means for configuring a user equipment to puncture a direct current subcarrier resource element(s) for symbols on a sounding reference signal resource. The apparatus may also include means for receiving, from the user equipment, the sounding reference signal in consideration of the punctured direct current subcarrier resource element(s). The apparatus may further include means for performing a carrier positioning measurement based on the sounding reference signal. In addition, the apparatus may include means for reporting the carrier positioning measurement to a network element.

In accordance with other example embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable medium may be encoded with instructions that may, when executed in hardware, perform a method. The method may include configuring a user equipment to puncture a direct current subcarrier resource element(s) for symbols on a sounding reference signal resource. The method may also include receiving, from the user equipment, the sounding reference signal in consideration of the punctured direct current subcarrier resource element(s). The method may further include performing a carrier positioning measurement based on the sounding reference signal. In addition, the method may include reporting the carrier positioning measurement to a network element.

Other example embodiments may be directed to a computer program product that performs a method. The method may include configuring a user equipment to puncture a direct current subcarrier resource element(s) for symbols on a sounding reference signal resource. The method may also include receiving, from the user equipment, the sounding reference signal in consideration of the punctured direct current subcarrier resource element(s). The method may further include performing a carrier positioning measurement based on the sounding reference signal. In addition, the method may include reporting the carrier positioning measurement to a network element.

Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that may include circuitry configured to configure a user equipment to puncture a direct current subcarrier resource element(s) for symbols on a sounding reference signal resource. The apparatus may also include circuitry configured to receive, from the user equipment, the sounding reference signal in consideration of the punctured direct current subcarrier resource element(s). The apparatus may further include circuitry configured to performing a carrier positioning measurement based on the sounding reference signal. In addition, the apparatus may include circuitry configured to report the carrier positioning measurement to a network element.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:

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

FIG. 1 illustrates an example carrier phase (CP) estimation in the time-domain (TD).

FIG. 2 illustrates an example CP estimation in the frequency- domain (FD).

FIG. 3 illustrates an example signal diagram of downlink-based (DL-based) CP positioning, according to certain example embodiments.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example signal diagram of an uplink-based (UL-based) CP positioning, according to certain example embodiments.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example flow diagram for DL carrier phase positioning (CPP), according to certain example embodiments.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example flow diagram of a method, according to certain example embodiments.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example flow diagram of another method, according to certain example embodiments.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example flow diagram of a further method, according to certain example embodiments.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example flow diagram of yet another method, according to certain example embodiments.

FIG. 10 illustrates a set of apparatuses, according to certain example embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION:

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. The following is a detailed description of some example embodiments of systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for measurement impairment avoidance for carrier phase (CP) positioning. For instance, certain example embodiments may be directed to avoiding measurement impairment for CP positioning due to a direct current (DC) subcarrier.

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 “certain embodiments,” “an example embodiment,” “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 embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in certain embodiments,” “an example embodiment,” “in some embodiments,” “in other embodiments,” or other similar language, throughout this specification do not necessarily refer to the same group of embodiments, and the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable maimer in one or more example embodiments. Further, the terms “base station”, “cell”, “node”, “gNB”, “network” or other similar language throughout this specification may be used interchangeably.

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.

The technical specifications of the 3^rd Generation Partnership Project (3 GPP) provide support for CP positioning. For example, physical layer measurements are specified to support NR downlink (DL) and uplink (UL) CP positioning for user equipment-based (UE- based), UE-assisted, and next generation-radio access network (NG-RAN) node assisted positioning. 3GPP also specifies the DL and CP measurements based on existing DL positioning reference signal (PRS) and UL sounding reference signal (SRS) for positioning. 3GPP also specifies measurements that are limited to a single carrier/PF, and corresponding new core requirements, as well as identifying and the impact on the existing RAN4 specification. The impact on existing RAN4 specification considers radio resource management (RRM) measurements without measurement gaps in connected and in active mode (including PRS measurement period/reporting), and procedures.

Generally, in UL-based CP positioning, a target UE transmits UL reference signals, and multiple transmission and reception points (TRPs) measure phase measurements, which may be used to estimate the location of target UEs. For the transmitted SRS resource from the k-th UE, the phase measurement at the i-th TRP may be denoted by equation (1):

<Ptk = d_ik + c (8_k - St + N_ik. (1)

1 zx

In equation (1), <p_ik = ~ <Ptk corresponds to the phase measurement in cycles and leaves out repeated use of 2n , and d_ik , c , S_k , 8_t , and N_ik represent respectively actual geographical distance between the Uth UE and the z-th TRP, speed of light, internal clock bias at the Uth UE, internal clock bias at the z-th TRP, and integer ambiguity of the propagated wavelength. Similar to (1), the same equation is derived for the j -th TRP such that

and the single difference measurement between two TRPs is described as the following equation (2):

In equation

Nj . From this single differential operation, the UE clock bias is cancelled, which is similar to the relative time of arrival (RTOA) measurement of uplink-time difference of arrival (UL-TDOA). The clock error between TRPs remains, but it is cancelled by a double differential operation using measurements from reference device.

It may be assumed that the K-th UE is a positioning reference unit (PRU). For the transmitted SRS from the PRU, the single difference measurement between the i-th TRP and the j-th TRP is Additionally, the following

equation (3) may be obtained:

AA»>,y = AAd_M + AAW^Z (3)

In equation

N 8. In the end, the clock error between TRPs is cancelled out. Additionally, the clock bias may be considered at the UE and the TRP, which are the main errors that explain single difference and double difference methods of the carrier phase method.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example CP estimation in the time-domain (TD), and FIG. 2 illustrates an example CP estimation in the frequency-domain (FD). With the use of PRS/SRS, the CP term (p_ik of equation (1) may be estimated using a correlation-based method (e.g., in TD or FD). In both TD and FD methods shown in FIGs. 1 and 2, the receivers need to generate a local copy of the transmitted reference signal (e.g., PRS), and perform resource element (RE) mapping the way it is mapped/transmitted, and then generate a local TD reference signal for correlation (FIG. 1 ) or perform correlation in FD (FIG. 2). To generate the local reference signal and/or perform an inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) operation in the carrier phase estimator (see FIGs. 1 and 2), an additional information in NR that the receiver may need to know is the way the DC subcarrier is handled at the transmitter. In LTE, in the DL, the DC subcarrier may not be used to avoid high interference that may be introduced due to local oscillator (LO) leakage. While in the UL, a half subcarrier shift may be employed to handle the LO leakage. However, in NR, the handling of the DC subcarrier is not specified for both DL and UL transmissions. Thus, it is left for the implementation based on the assumption that modem transceivers may be able to manage the impact/interference of LO leakage.

In view of the drawbacks described above, to achieve high accuracy positioning for the CP technique, it may be desirable to manage the interference caused by the LO leakages as the phase measurement is affected by the interference of LO leakage from the DC subcarrier. However, managing the interference caused by the LO is not currently specified in NR. As such, certain example embodiments described herein may provide one or more solutions to resolve LO leakage. For instance, certain example embodiments may provide a mechanism for UE behavior and signaling to avoid the impairment of CP measurement due to DC subcarrier used for CP measurement.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example signal diagram of DL-based CP positioning, according to certain example embodiments. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the DL-based CP positioning may involve a UE 300, gNB 305, and location management function (LMF) 310. Although only one UE 300, gNB 305, and LMF 310 is shown in FIG. 3, in other example embodiments, more than one UE 300, gNB 305, and LMF 310 may be used.

At 315, for DL-based CP positioning, the LMF 310 may initiate CP positioning, and at 320, request the UE 300 to report CP measurements for specific TRPs. In certain example embodiments, unless otherwise specified, the CP measurement may correspond to a single difference CP measurement. At 325, the LMF 310 may request the gNB 305 to puncture the DC RE(s) for the transmission of PRS resources. When the DC subcarrier RE(s) is punctured, no PRS sequence element(s) will be mapped to the DC subcarrier RE(s) on the symbols configured with PRS resource(s). In certain example embodiments, the gNB 305 may not know whether the UE 300 has been instructed, requested, or otherwise indicated to report CP measurements. As such, the request from the LMF 310 may be necessary in this type of case. At 330, the gNB 305 may confirm the request to the LMF 310 for puncturing the DC subcarrier RE(s).

At 335, gNB 305 may inform the UE 300 that the DC subcarrier RE(s) is punctured by the gNB 305 when the gNB 305 transmits PRS or PRS resources at 340. According to certain example embodiments, puncturing of RE(s) may correspond to reserving a RE and not using the reserved RE for transmission or reception of signals. As such, RS sequence element mapping to the reserved RE is not allowed. Thus, the transmitter may not map the sequence element to this RE. More specifically, the sequence element that is supposed to be allocated to this RE (e.g., index: N) may be allocated to the right next RE (index: N + 1). According to other example embodiments, puncturing of RE(s) may correspond to a RE that is still used as a resource for signal transmission and reception with “zero power transmission”. In this example, the transmitter may allocate the sequence element according to the mapping rule, but the allocation transmission power is zero. In other example embodiments, the LMF 310 may inform the UE 300 that the DC subcarrier RE(s) is punctured by the gNB 305 when the gNB 305 transmits PRS or PRS resources. In certain example embodiments, the UE 300 may know that if the frequency resource of the configured PRS includes the DC subcarrier, the DC subcarrier RE(s) may be reserved and may not be used for any signal transmission.

According to certain example embodiments, the gNB 305 may skip mapping a sequence element (e.g., PRS sequence element) to the DC subcarrier RE(s). For instance, the gNB 305 may follow a current rule, a pre-existing rule, or a legacy rule for the PRS sequence mapping except for the DC subcarrier RE(s), where the legacy rule may be according to NR PRS sequence mapping e.g., as specified in 3GPP 38.211 of Rel-16 such that the generated PN sequence elements are mapped based on resource element index(es). In other words, the gNB 305 may not allocate or exclude allocation of the PRS sequence element to the DC subcarrier RE(s). Additionally, when mapping the PRS sequence element to the DC subcarrier RE(s) is skipped, and when the UE 300 is making the measurement, the UE 300 may know that the sequence mapping was done by following the Rel-16 rule. Further, the UE 300 may assume that the PRS sequence element which is supposed to be allocated to the DC subcarrier is executed. In certain example embodiments, such behavior of the UE 300 may be configured by the gNB 305. According to other example embodiments, the sequence mapping rule configuration may be modified. When this occurs, the gNB 305 may follow the legacy rule for the sequence mapping of the PRS sequence elements to the REs before the DC subcarrier index. For example, the gNB 305 may allocate the PRS sequence elements that were supposed to be allocated from the DC subcarrier RE to the RE right before the DC subcarrier RE, to the REs from the next RE of the DC subcarrier RE to the last RE. In other words, the last PRS sequence element may be excluded. According to further example embodiments, when the sequence mapping rule configuration is modified, the UE may assume that the current or legacy sequence mapping rule is valid before the DC subcarrier RE. The UE 300 may also assume that the remaining PRS sequence elements except for the last one are allocated to the REs from the next RE of the DC subcarrier RE to the last RE of the configured PRS resource. In other words, in each symbol, there may be N PRS sequence elements to allocate to the N REs. However, if N REs include a DC subcarrier RE, “N-l” sequence elements may be allocated, and the last sequence element may be excluded for PRS sequence allocation.

In certain example embodiments, if the gNB 305 does not puncture the DC subcarrier RE(s), the gNB 305 may inform the UE 300 that it needs to cancel the received signal of the DC subcarrier on the symbols configured with PRS resources. For the cancellation operation of the received signal at the DC subcarrier RE(s), the UE 300 may need to receive the same signals two times. Additionally, the gNB 305 may need to transmit the same PRS resources at least two times. In other example embodiments, if the gNB 305 has already scheduled data transmission to another UE including the DC subcarrier for N symbols, the gNB 305 may not be able to reserve the DC subcarrier for the target UE. Instead, the gNB 305 may need to inform the UE 300 that the gNB 305 cannot reserve the DC subcarrier for the target UE.

Returning to FIG. 3, at 345, the UE 300 may perform CP measurement(s) considering the punctured REs on the symbols of the configured PRS resource(s). The UE 300 may also obtain the CP measurements for one or more TRPs. At 350, the UE 300 may report the CP measurements to the LMF 310, and at 355, the LMF 310 may estimate ethe location of the target UE.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example signal diagram of an UL-based CP positioning, according to certain example embodiments. The UL-based CP positioning may involve a UE 400, gNB 405, and LMF 410. In this example, the gNB 405 may provide the UE 400 with SRS configuration for positioning. Although only one UE 400, gNB 405, and LMF 410 is shown in FIG. 4, in other example embodiments, more than one UE 400, gNB 405, and LMF 410 may be used.

At 415, the LMF 410 may initiate UL-based CP positioning. At 420, the LMF 410 may request the gNB 405 to report CP measurements for the target UE 400. At 425, the gNB 405 may configure the UE 400 to puncture the DC subcarrier RE(s) on the symbols configured with positioning SRS resources. At 430, the UE 400 may transmit SRS or SRS resources with puncturing as indicated by the gNB 405. For instance, the UE 400 may reserve the DC subcarrier RE(s) on the symbols configured with SRS resources, and the UE 400 may not (i.e., exclude) transmit any signal over the reserved DC subcarrier RE(s). In certain example embodiments, the configuration by the gNB 405 may be for all or a part of the configured SRS resources.

According to certain example embodiments, configuration of the UE 400 by the gNB 405 may include the gNB 405 configuring the UE 400 to skip the SRS sequence element that is supposed to allocated to the DC subcarrier RE. In other example embodiments, the gNB 405 may configure the UE 400 to allocate SRS sequence elements from starting RE up to just before the DC subcarrier RE according to the positioning SRS sequence mapping rule e.g., as specified in TS 38.211 of Rel-16. The gNB 405 may also configure the UE 400 to allocate the remaining SRS sequence elements, except for the last SRS sequence element, to the remaining REs except for the DC subcarrier RE. That is, the last SRS sequence element may be excluded.

In some example embodiments, for the scheduled physical uplink shared channel/physical uplink control channel (PUSCH/PUCCH), the UE 400 behavior may be configured by the gNB 405 to, for example, not transmit the PUSCH or PUCCH although they were already scheduled. The UE 400 may be configured in this manner when the PUSCH or PUCCH was scheduled on the DC subcarrier RE(s) on the symbols configured with positioning SRS resource(s). In other example embodiments, of the scheduled PUSCH/PUCCH, the UE 400 may be configured by the gNB 405 to transmit the PUSCH or PUCCH on the DC subcarrier RE(s) in case they were already scheduled by the network (i.e., gNB 405). According to other example embodiments, the UE 400 may be informed by the gNB 405 that the gNB 405 will measure the CP measurement from the configured SRS resource. The UE 400 may then reserve the DC subcarrier RE(s) on the symbols configured with SRS resources, and exclude transmission on any signal over those reserved RE(s). In certain example embodiments, the gNB 405 may expect that the DC subcarrier RE(s) on the symbols configured with SRS resources for CP positioning is punctured. The gNB 405 may also expect that the DC subcarrier RE(s) on the symbols of SRS resources for UL- TDOA/angle of arrival (Ao A) and multi-roundtrip time (multi-RTT) positioning is not punctured.

In certain example embodiments, when the UE 400 does not puncture the DC subcarrier RE(s), the UE 400 may inform the gNB 405 that the gNB 405 (i.e., for neighbor gNBs) needs to cancel the received signal of the DC subcarrier RE(s) on the symbols configured with SRS resources. In some example embodiments, if there is already scheduled data transmission on the DC subcarrier RE(s) for the SRS symbols, the gNB 405 may not be able to reserve the DC subcarrier RE(s). The serving gNB 405 may have all the information on the data scheduling, but it may not be at the neighbor gNBs. Thus, at least the neighbor gNBs may need to know that further cancellation is necessary.

According to certain example embodiments, for the cancellation operation of the received signal at the DC subcarrier RE(s), the gNB 405 may receive the same signals two times conveyed by the DC subcarrier. In this case, the gNB 405 may transmit the same PRS resource at least two times.

Returning to FIG. 4, at 435, the gNB 405 may perform CP measurement(s) considering the punctured REs on the symbols of the configured PRS resource(s). At 440, the gNB 405 may report the CP measurement(s) to the LMF 410, and at 445, the LMF 410 may estimate the location of the target UE.

According to certain example embodiments, the UE 400 may be indicated by the LMF 410 to report DL CP measurement(s), and the UE 400 may assume that the DC subcarrier REs are not used for DL PRS transmission In this way, the DC puncturing may be implicitly indicated by the LMF 410 to the UE 400. Additionally, according to some example embodiments, the LMF 410 may send both the measurement reporting request to the UE 400 and puncturing request to the gNB 405, simultaneously.

In other example embodiments, the gNB 405 may be requested by the LMF 410 to report UL CP measurement(s), and the gNB 405 may assume that the DC subcarrier RE(s) are not used for UL SRS transmission. In this way, the DC puncturing may be implicitly indicated by the LMF 410 to the gNB 405. In further example embodiments, the LMF 410 may send both the measurement reporting request to the gNB 405 and puncturing request to the UE 400, simultaneously.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example flow diagram for DL carrier phase positioning (CPP), according to certain example embodiments. At 500, DL CPP may be initiated by the LMF 410. In some example embodiments, DL CPP initiation may be performed by the LMF 410 providing the UE 400 with positioning assistance data related to CP. For example, the LMF 410 may initiate CP by requesting the UE 400 to report CP measurement s). At 505, a determination may be made by the UE 400 as to whether the puncturing the DC subcarrier RE(s) on the PRS resources has been explicitly indicated by the LMF 410 or the gNB 405. If no, at 510, a determination may be made by the UE 400 about whether DC puncturing is implicitly assumed. If no, at 515, the UE may be configured to cancel the received signal of the DC subcarrier RE(s), and at 525, the UE may measure the DL CP.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, if at 505, it is determined that the UE 400 is explicitly indicated about whether the DC subcarrier RE(s) has been punctured, at 520, the UE 400 may determine to skip mapping a sequence element to the DC subcarrier RE(s), or modify the sequence mapping rule configuration. The UE 400 may then, at 525, measure the DL CP. As further illustrated in FIG. 5, if it is determined at 510 that DC puncturing is implicitly assumed, the flow may proceed to 520 and to 525 as previously described.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example flow diagram of a method, according to certain example embodiments. In an example embodiment, the method of FIG. 6 may be performed by a network entity, or a group of multiple network elements in a 3 GPP system, such as LTE or 5G-NR. For instance, in an example embodiment, the method of FIG. 6 may be performed by a UE similar to one of apparatuses 10 or 20 illustrated in FIG. 10.

According to certain example embodiments, the method of FIG. 6 may include, at 600, receiving, from a first network element, information of puncturing of a direct current subcarrier resource element(s) of symbols on a positioning reference signal resource. The method may also include, at 605, receiving, from the first network element, the positioning reference signal or the positioning reference signal resource in consideration of the information of puncturing. The method may further include, at 610, performing a positioning measurement based on the positioning reference signal or the positioning reference signal resource. In addition, the method may include, at 615, transmitting, to a second network element, a report of the positioning measurement.

According to certain example embodiments, the positioning measurement may be a carrier phase measurement. According to some example embodiments, performing the carrier phase measurement may include considering or assuming that a positioning reference signal sequence element that is supposed to be mapped to the direct current subcarrier resource element(s) is excluded. According to other example embodiments, the method may also include considering or assuming that a current or legacy positioning reference signal sequence mapping rule is valid before the direct current subcarrier resource element(s), and considering or assuming that remaining positioning reference signal sequence elements, except for a last sequence element, are allocated to resource elements from a next resource element of the direct current subcarrier resource element(s) to a last resource element of the configured positioning reference signal resource.

In certain example embodiments, when the information of puncturing indicates that the direct current subcarrier resource element(s) is not punctured, the method may further include receiving an indication from the network element, and in response to the indication, cancelling a received first signal of the direct current subcarrier RE(s) on symbols configured with the positioning reference signal resource. In other example embodiments, cancellation of the received first signal may include first receiving a second signal that is the same as the first received signal.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example flow diagram of another method, according to certain example embodiments. In an example embodiment, the method of FIG. 7 may be performed by a network entity, or a group of multiple network elements in a 3 GPP system, such as LTE or 5G-NR. For instance, in an example embodiment, the method of FIG. 7 may be performed by a gNB similar to one of apparatuses 10 or 20 illustrated in FIG. 10. According to certain example embodiments, the method of FIG. 7 may include, at 700, receiving, from a network element, a request to puncture a direct current subcarrier resource element(s) for symbols on a positioning reference signal resource. The method may also include, at 705, transmitting, to the network element, a response to the request to puncture the direct current subcarrier resource element(s). The method may further include, at 710, transmitting, to a user equipment, information of puncturing of the direct current subcarrier resource element(s).

According to certain example embodiments, the method may further include excluding allocation of a last positioning reference signal sequence element out of a plurality of positioning reference signal sequence elements to a resource element when the resource element comprises direct current subcarrier resource element(s). According to some example embodiments, the method may further include, when the direct current subcarrier resource element(s) is not punctured, informing the user equipment to cancel a received signal of the direct current subcarrier on symbols configured with the positioning reference signal resource. According to other example embodiments, when the direct current subcarrier resource element(s) is not punctured, the method may further include requesting the network element to configure repetition of the positioning reference signal resource.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example flow diagram of another method, according to certain example embodiments. In an example embodiment, the method of FIG. 8 may be performed by a network entity, or a group of multiple network elements in a 3 GPP system, such as LTE or 5G-NR. For instance, in an example embodiment, the method of FIG. 8 may be performed by a UE similar to one of apparatuses 10 or 20 illustrated in FIG. 10.

According to certain example embodiments, the method of FIG. 8 may include, at 800, receiving, from the network element, instructions or indications to puncture a direct current subcarrier resource element(s) for symbols on a sounding reference signal resource. The method may also include, at 805, transmitting the sounding reference signal or the sounding reference signal resource with the punctured direct current subcarrier resource element(s) to the network element.

According to certain example embodiments, the method may further include reserving the direct current subcarrier resource element(s) on the symbols configured with the sounding reference signal resource, and excluding signal transmission over the reserved direct current subcarrier resource element(s). According to some example embodiments, the method may further include skipping a sounding reference signal sequence element that is allocated to the direct current subcarrier resource element(s). According to other example embodiments, the method may also include excluding allocation of sequence elements to for all the direct current subcarrier resource elements on configured sounding reference signal symbols.

In certain example embodiments, the method may further include excluding transmission of a physical uplink shared channel or a physical uplink control channel when the physical uplink shared channel or the physical uplink control channel is scheduled on the direct current subcarrier resource element(s) on the symbols configured with the sounding reference signal resource. In some example embodiments, the method may also include transmitting on a physical uplink shared channel or a physical uplink control channel on the direct current subcarrier resource element(s) when the physical uplink shared channel or the physical uplink control channel have been scheduled by a network. In other example embodiments, the method may further include receiving an indication that the network element will measure a carrier phase measurement from the sounding reference signal, reserving the direct current subcarrier resource element(s) on the symbols configured with the sounding reference signal, and excluding signal transmission over the reserved direct current subcarrier resource element(s).

According to certain example embodiments, when the direct current subcarrier resource element is not punctured, the method may further include informing the network element to cancel a received signal of the direct current subcarrier resource element(s), or informing the network element that the direct current subcarrier resource element(s) will not be punctured.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example flow diagram of a further method, according to certain example embodiments. In an example embodiment, the method of FIG. 9 may be performed by a network entity, or a group of multiple network elements in a 3 GPP system, such as LTE or 5G-NR. For instance, in an example embodiment, the method of FIG. 9 may be performed by a gNB similar to one of apparatuses 10 or 20 illustrated in FIG. 10. According to certain example embodiments, the method of FIG. 9 may include, at 900, configuring a user equipment to puncture a direct current subcarrier resource element(s) for symbols on a sounding reference signal resource. The method may also include, at 905, receiving, from the user equipment, the sounding reference signal or the sounding reference signal resource in consideration of the punctured direct current subcarrier resource element(s). The method may further include, at 910, performing a carrier positioning measurement based on the sounding reference signal or the sounding reference signal resource. In addition, the method may include, at 915, reporting the carrier positioning measurement to a network element.

According to certain example embodiments, the method may also include configuring the user equipment to skip a sounding reference signal sequence element that is allocated to the direct current subcarrier resource element(s). According to some example embodiments, the method may further include configuring the user equipment to exclude allocation of a sounding reference signal sequence element to a last subcarrier resource element out of a plurality of subcarrier resource elements.

FIG. 10 illustrates a set of apparatuses 10 and 20 according to certain example embodiments. In certain example embodiments, the apparatus 10 may be an element in a communications network or associated with such a network, such as a UE, mobile equipment (ME), mobile station, mobile device, stationary device, loT device, or other device. It should be noted that one of ordinary skill in the art would understand that apparatus 10 may include components or features not shown in FIG. 10.

In some example embodiments, apparatus 10 may include one or more processors, one or more computer-readable storage medium (for example, memory, storage, or the like), one or more radio access components (for example, a modem, a transceiver, or the like), and/or a user interface. In some example embodiments, apparatus 10 may be configured to operate using one or more radio access technologies, such as GSM, LTE, LTE-A, NR, 5G, WLAN, WiFi, NB-IoT, Bluetooth, NFC, MulteFire, and/or any other radio access technologies. It should be noted that one of ordinary skill in the art would understand that apparatus 10 may include components or features not shown in FIG. 10.

As illustrated in the example of FIG. 10, apparatus 10 may include or be coupled to a processor 12 for processing information and executing instructions or operations. Processor 12 may be any type of general or specific purpose processor. In fact, processor 12 may include one or more of general-purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and processors based on a multicore processor architecture, as examples. While a single processor 12 is shown in FIG. 10, multiple processors may be utilized according to other example embodiments. For example, it should be understood that, in certain example embodiments, apparatus 10 may include two or more processors that may form a multiprocessor system (e.g., in this case processor 12 may represent a multiprocessor) that may support multiprocessing. According to certain example embodiments, the multiprocessor system may be tightly coupled or loosely coupled (e.g., to form a computer cluster).

Processor 12 may perform functions associated with the operation of apparatus 10 including, as some examples, precoding of antenna gain/phase parameters, encoding and decoding of individual bits forming a communication message, formatting of information, and overall control of the apparatus 10, including processes and examples illustrated in FIGs. 1-6 and 8.

Apparatus 10 may further include or be coupled to a memory 14 (internal or external), which may be coupled to processor 12, for storing information and instructions that may be executed by processor 12. Memory 14 may be one or more memories and of any type suitable to the local application environment, and may be implemented using any suitable volatile or nonvolatile data storage technology such as a semiconductor-based memory device, a magnetic memory device and system, an optical memory device and system, fixed memory, and/or removable memory. For example, memory 14 can be comprised of any combination of random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), static storage such as a magnetic or optical disk, hard disk drive (HDD), or any other type of non- transitory machine or computer readable media. The instructions stored in memory 14 may include program instructions or computer program code that, when executed by processor 12, enable the apparatus 10 to perform tasks as described herein.

In certain example embodiments, apparatus 10 may further include or be coupled to (internal or external) a drive or port that is configured to accept and read an external computer readable storage medium, such as an optical disc, USB drive, flash drive, or any other storage medium. For example, the external computer readable storage medium may store a computer program or software for execution by processor 12 and/or apparatus 10 to perform any of the methods and examples illustrated in FIGs. 1-6 and 8.

In some example embodiments, apparatus 10 may also include or be coupled to one or more antennas 15 for receiving a downlink signal and for transmitting via an UL from apparatus 10. Apparatus 10 may further include a transceiver 18 configured to transmit and receive information. The transceiver 18 may also include a radio interface (e.g., a modem) coupled to the antenna 15. The radio interface may correspond to a plurality of radio access technologies including one or more of GSM, LTE, LTE-A, 5G, NR, WLAN, NB-IoT, Bluetooth, BT-LE, NFC, RFID, UWB, and the like. The radio interface may include other components, such as filters, converters (for example, digital-to-analog converters and the like), symbol demappers, signal shaping components, an Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (IFFT) module, and the like, to process symbols, such as OFDMA symbols, carried by a downlink or an UL.

For instance, transceiver 18 may be configured to modulate information on to a carrier waveform for transmission by the antenna(s) 15 and demodulate information received via the antenna(s) 15 for further processing by other elements of apparatus 10. In other example embodiments, transceiver 18 may be capable of transmitting and receiving signals or data directly. Additionally or alternatively, in some example embodiments, apparatus 10 may include an input and/or output device (I/O device). In certain example embodiments, apparatus 10 may further include a user interface, such as a graphical user interface or touchscreen.

In certain example embodiments, memory 14 stores software modules that provide functionality when executed by processor 12. The modules may include, for example, an operating system that provides operating system functionality for apparatus 10. The memory may also store one or more functional modules, such as an application or program, to provide additional functionality for apparatus 10. The components of apparatus 10 may be implemented in hardware, or as any suitable combination of hardware and software. According to certain example embodiments, apparatus 10 may optionally be configured to communicate with apparatus 20 via a wireless or wired communications link 70 according to any radio access technology, such as NR.

According to certain example embodiments, processor 12 and memory 14 may be included in or may form a part of processing circuitry or control circuitry. In addition, in some example embodiments, transceiver 18 may be included in or may form a part of transceiving circuitry.

For instance, in certain example embodiments, apparatus 10 may be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to receive, from a first network element, information of puncturing of a direct current subcarrier resource element(s) of symbols on a positioning reference signal resource. Apparatus 10 may also be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to receive, from the first network element, the positioning reference signal resource in consideration of the information of puncturing. Apparatus 10 may further be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to perform a positioning measurement based on the positioning reference signal resource. In addition, apparatus 10 may be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to transmit, to a second network element, a report of the positioning measurement.

According to other example embodiments, apparatus 10 may be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to receive, from the network element, instructions to puncture a direct current subcarrier resource element(s) for symbols on a sounding reference signal resource. Apparatus 10 may also be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to transmit the sounding reference signal with the punctured direct current subcarrier resource element(s) to the network element.

As illustrated in the example of FIG. 10, apparatus 20 may be a network, core network element, or element in a communications network or associated with such a network, such as a gNB, BS, cell, or NW. It should be noted that one of ordinary skill in the art would understand that apparatus 20 may include components or features not shown in FIG. 10.

As illustrated in the example of FIG. 10, apparatus 20 may include a processor 22 for processing information and executing instructions or operations. Processor 22 may be any type of general or specific purpose processor. For example, processor 22 may include one or more of general -purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application- specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and processors based on a multi-core processor architecture, as examples. While a single processor 22 is shown in FIG. 10, multiple processors may be utilized according to other example embodiments. For example, it should be understood that, in certain example embodiments, apparatus 20 may include two or more processors that may form a multiprocessor system (e.g., in this case processor 22 may represent a multiprocessor) that may support multiprocessing. In certain example embodiments, the multiprocessor system may be tightly coupled or loosely coupled (e.g., to form a computer cluster).

According to certain example embodiments, processor 22 may perform functions associated with the operation of apparatus 20, which may include, for example, precoding of antenna gain/phase parameters, encoding and decoding of individual bits forming a communication message, formatting of information, and overall control of the apparatus 20, including processes and examples illustrated in FIGs. 1-5, 7, and 9.

Apparatus 20 may further include or be coupled to a memory 24 (internal or external), which may be coupled to processor 22, for storing information and instructions that may be executed by processor 22. Memory 24 may be one or more memories and of any type suitable to the local application environment, and may be implemented using any suitable volatile or nonvolatile data storage technology such as a semiconductor-based memory device, a magnetic memory device and system, an optical memory device and system, fixed memory, and/or removable memory. For example, memory 24 can be comprised of any combination of random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), static storage such as a magnetic or optical disk, hard disk drive (HDD), or any other type of non- transitory machine or computer readable media. The instructions stored in memory 24 may include program instructions or computer program code that, when executed by processor 22, enable the apparatus 20 to perform tasks as described herein.

In certain example embodiments, apparatus 20 may further include or be coupled to (internal or external) a drive or port that is configured to accept and read an external computer readable storage medium, such as an optical disc, USB drive, flash drive, or any other storage medium. For example, the external computer readable storage medium may store a computer program or software for execution by processor 22 and/or apparatus 20 to perform the methods and examples illustrated in FIGs. 1-5, 7, and 9. In certain example embodiments, apparatus 20 may also include or be coupled to one or more antennas 25 for transmitting and receiving signals and/or data to and from apparatus 20. Apparatus 20 may further include or be coupled to a transceiver 28 configured to transmit and receive information. The transceiver 28 may include, for example, a plurality of radio interfaces that may be coupled to the antenna(s) 25. The radio interfaces may correspond to a plurality of radio access technologies including one or more of GSM, NB- loT, LTE, 5G, WLAN, Bluetooth, BT-LE, NFC, radio frequency identifier (RFID), ultrawideband (UWB), MulteFire, and the like. The radio interface may include components, such as filters, converters (for example, digital-to-analog converters and the like), mappers, a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) module, and the like, to generate symbols for a transmission via one or more downlinks and to receive symbols (for example, via an UL).

As such, transceiver 28 may be configured to modulate information on to a carrier waveform for transmission by the antenna(s) 25 and demodulate information received via the antenna(s) 25 for further processing by other elements of apparatus 20. In other example embodiments, transceiver 18 may be capable of transmitting and receiving signals or data directly. Additionally or alternatively, in some example embodiments, apparatus 20 may include an input and/or output device (I/O device).

In certain example embodiment, memory 24 may store software modules that provide functionality when executed by processor 22. The modules may include, for example, an operating system that provides operating system functionality for apparatus 20. The memory may also store one or more functional modules, such as an application or program, to provide additional functionality for apparatus 20. The components of apparatus 20 may be implemented in hardware, or as any suitable combination of hardware and software.

According to some example embodiments, processor 22 and memory 24 may be included in or may form a part of processing circuitry or control circuitry. In addition, in some example embodiments, transceiver 28 may be included in or may form a part of transceiving circuitry.

As used herein, the term “circuitry” may refer to hardware-only circuitry implementations (e.g., analog and/or digital circuitry), combinations of hardware circuits and software, combinations of analog and/or digital hardware circuits with software/firmware, any portions of hardware processor(s) with software (including digital signal processors) that work together to cause an apparatus (e.g., apparatus 10 and 20) to perform various functions, and/or hardware circuit(s) and/or processor(s), or portions thereof, that use software for operation but where the software may not be present when it is not needed for operation. As a further example, as used herein, the term “circuitry” may also cover an implementation of merely a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors), or portion of a hardware circuit or processor, and its accompanying software and/or firmware. The term circuitry may also cover, for example, a baseband integrated circuit in a server, cellular network node or device, or other computing or network device.

For instance, in certain example embodiments, apparatus 20 may be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to receive, from a network element, a request to puncture a direct current subcarrier resource element(s) for symbols on a positioning reference signal resource. Apparatus 20 may also be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to transmit, to the network element, a response to the request to puncture the direct current subcarrier resource element(s). Apparatus 20 may further be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to transmit, to a user equipment, information of puncturing of the direct current subcarrier resource element(s).

According to other example embodiments, apparatus 20 may be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to configure a user equipment to puncture a direct current subcarrier resource element(s) for symbols on a sounding reference signal resource. Apparatus 20 may also be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to receive, from the user equipment, the sounding reference signal in consideration of the punctured direct current subcarrier resource element(s). Apparatus 20 may further be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to perform a carrier positioning measurement based on the sounding reference signal. In addition, apparatus 20 may be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to report the carrier positioning measurement to a network element.

In some example embodiments, an apparatus (e.g., apparatus 10 and/or apparatus 20) 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 1 operations.

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, from a first network element, information of puncturing of a direct current subcarrier resource element(s) of symbols on a positioning reference signal resource. The apparatus may also include means for receiving, from the first network element, the positioning reference signal resource in consideration of the information of puncturing. The apparatus may further include means for performing a positioning measurement based on the positioning reference signal resource. In addition, the apparatus may include means for transmitting, to a second network element, a report of the positioning measurement.

Other 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, from the network element, instructions to puncture a direct current subcarrier resource element(s) for symbols on a sounding reference signal resource. The apparatus may also include means for transmitting the sounding reference signal with the punctured direct current subcarrier resource element(s) to the network element.

Additional 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, from a network element, a request to puncture a direct current subcarrier resource element(s) for symbols on a positioning reference signal resource. The apparatus may also include means for transmitting, to the network element, a response to the request to puncture the direct current subcarrier resource element(s). The apparatus may further include means for transmitting, to a user equipment, information of puncturing of the direct current subcarrier resource element(s).

Further example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that includes means for performing any of the methods described herein including, for example, means for configuring a user equipment to puncture a direct current subcarrier resource element(s) for symbols on a sounding reference signal resource. The apparatus may also include means for receiving, from the user equipment, the sounding reference signal in consideration of the punctured direct current subcarrier resource element(s). The apparatus may further include means for performing a carrier positioning measurement based on the sounding reference signal. In addition, the apparatus may include means for reporting the carrier positioning measurement to a network element.

Certain example embodiments described herein provide several technical improvements, enhancements, and /or advantages. For instance, in some example embodiments, it may be possible to achieve accuracy enhancement. More specifically, in the NR system, DC subcarrier may be allowed for signal transmission and reception, and Rel- 16 NR introduced reference signals for both DL and UL without consideration of DC subcarrier, as major techniques were based on timing measurement. However, CP measurement is sensitive to the signal leakage by using direct current subcarrier and, thus, certain example embodiments may provide the ability to avoid CP measurement impairment while also providing high resource efficiency by reusing the current or legacy DL PRS and SRS for CP positioning.

A computer program product may include one or more computer-executable components which, when the program is run, are configured to carry out some example embodiments. The one or more computer-executable components may be at least one software code or portions of it. Modifications and configurations required for implementing functionality of certain example embodiments may be performed as routine(s), which may be implemented as added or updated software routine(s). Software routine(s) may be downloaded into the apparatus.

As an example, software or a computer program code or portions of it may be in a source code form, object code form, or in some intermediate form, and it may be stored in some sort of carrier, distribution medium, or computer readable medium, which may be any entity or device capable of carrying the program. Such carriers may include a record medium, computer memory, read-only memory, photoelectrical and/or electrical carrier signal, telecommunications signal, and software distribution package, for example. Depending on the processing power needed, the computer program may be executed in a single electronic digital computer or it may be distributed amongst a number of computers. The computer readable medium or computer readable storage medium may be a non- transitory medium. In other example embodiments, the functionality may be performed by hardware or circuitry included in an apparatus (e.g., apparatus 10 or apparatus 20), for example through the use of an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable gate array (PGA), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or any other combination of hardware and software. In yet another example embodiment, the functionality may be implemented as a signal, a non-tangible means that can be carried by an electromagnetic signal downloaded from the Internet or other network.

According to certain example embodiments, an apparatus, such as a node, device, or a corresponding component, may be configured as circuitry, a computer or a microprocessor, such as single-chip computer element, or as a chipset, including at least a memory for providing storage capacity used for arithmetic operation and an operation processor for executing the arithmetic operation.

One having ordinary skill in the art will readily understand that the disclosure as 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 the disclosure has 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 example embodiments. Although the above embodiments refer to 5G NR and LTE technology, the above embodiments may also apply to any other present or future 3GPP technology, such as LTE-advanced, and/or fourth generation (4G) technology.

Partial Glossary:

3 GPP 3rd Generation Partnership Project

5G 5 th Generation

5GCN 5G Core Network

5GS 5G System

AL Aggregation Level

BD Blind Detection

BS Base Station

BW Bandwidth

BWP Bandwidth Part DC Direct Current

DL Downlink eNB Enhanced Node B E-UTRAN Evolved UTRAN

FD Frequency Domain gNB 5G or Next Generation NodeB

LMF Location Management Function

LO Local Oscillator

LPHAP Low Power High Accuracy Positioning

LPP LTE Positioning Protocol

LTE Long Term Evolution

MIB Master Information Block

NB Narrowband

NR New Radio

NRPPa New Radio Positioning Protocol a

NW Network

PBCH Physical Broadcast Channel

PDCCH Physical Downlink Control Channel

PDSCH Physical Downlink Shared Channel

PRB Physical Resource Block

PRS Positioning Reference Signal

RE Resource Element

RRC Radio Resource Control

RRM Radio Resource Management

RSRP Refence Signal Received Power scs Subcarrier Spacing SIB System Information Block SRS Sounding Reference Signal ss Synchronization Signal SSB Synchronization Signal Block

TRP Transmission Reception Point

UE User Equipment UL Uplink

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A method, comprising: receiving, from a first network element, information of puncturing of a direct current subcarrier resource element(s) of symbols on a positioning reference signal resource; receiving, from the first network element, the positioning reference signal resource in consideration of the information of puncturing; performing a positioning measurement based on the positioning reference signal resource; and transmitting, to a second network element, a report of the positioning measurement.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the positioning measurement is a carrier phase measurement.

3. The method according to claims 1 or 2, wherein performing the carrier phase measurement comprises considering that allocation of a positioning reference signal sequence element is excluded.

4. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising: considering that a current positioning reference signal sequence mapping rule is valid before the direct current subcarrier resource element(s); and considering that remaining positioning reference signal sequence elements, except for a last sequence element, are allocated to resource elements from a next resource element of the direct current subcarrier resource element(s) to a last resource element of the configured positioning reference signal resource.

5. The method according to any of claims 1-4, wherein when the information of puncturing indicates that the direct current subcarrier resource element(s) is not punctured, the method further comprises: receiving an indication from the network element; and in response to the indication, cancelling a received first signal of the direct current subcarrier on symbols configured with the positioning reference signal resource.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein cancellation of the received first signal comprises receiving a second signal that is the same as the first received signal.

7. A method, comprising: receiving, from a network element, a request to puncture a direct current subcarrier resource element(s) for symbols on a positioning reference signal resource; transmitting, to the network element, a response to the request to puncture the direct current subcarrier resource element(s); and transmitting, to a user equipment, information of puncturing of the direct current subcarrier resource element(s).

8. The method according to claim 7, further comprising: restricting allocation of a positioning reference signal sequence element to the direct current subcarrier resource element.

9. The method according to claim 7, further comprising: excluding allocation of a last positioning reference signal sequence element out of a plurality of positioning reference signal sequence elements to a resource element when the resource element comprises direct current subcarrier resource element(s).

10. The method according to any of claims 7-9, further comprising: when the direct current subcarrier resource element(s) is not punctured, informing the user equipment to cancel a received signal of the direct current subcarrier on symbols configured with the positioning reference signal resource.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein when the direct current subcarrier resource element(s) is not punctured, the method further comprises: requesting the network element to configure repetition of the positioning reference signal resource.

12. A method, comprising: receiving, from the network element, instructions or indications to puncture a direct current subcarrier resource element(s) for symbols on a sounding reference signal resource; and transmitting the sounding reference signal with the punctured direct current subcarrier resource element(s) to the network element.

13. The method according to claim 12, further comprising: reserving the direct current subcarrier resource element(s) on the symbols configured with the sounding reference signal resource; and excluding signal transmission over the reserved direct current subcarrier resource element(s).

14. The method according to claims 12 or 13, further comprising: skipping a sounding reference signal sequence element that is allocated to the direct current subcarrier resource element(s).

15. The method according to claims 12 or 13, further comprising: excluding allocation of sequence elements to for all the direct current subcarrier resource elements on configured sounding reference signal symbols.

16. The method according to any of claims 12-15, further comprising: excluding transmission of a physical uplink shared channel or a physical uplink control channel when the physical uplink shared channel or the physical uplink control channel is scheduled on the direct current subcarrier resource element(s) on the symbols configured with the sounding reference signal resource.

17. The method according to any of claims 12-15, further comprising: transmitting on a physical uplink shared channel or a physical uplink control channel on the direct current subcarrier resource element(s) when the physical uplink shared channel or the physical uplink control channel have been scheduled by a network.

18. The method according to any of claims 12-17, further comprising: receiving an indication that the network element will measure a carrier phase measurement from the sounding reference signal; and reserving the direct current subcarrier resource element(s) on the symbols configured with the sounding reference signal; and excluding signal transmission over the reserved direct current subcarrier resource element(s).

19. The method according to any of claims 12-18, wherein when the direct current subcarrier resource element is not punctured, the method further comprises: informing the network element to cancel a received signal of the direct current subcarrier resource element(s), or informing the network element that the direct current subcarrier resource element(s) will not be punctured.

20. A method, comprising: configuring a user equipment to puncture a direct current subcarrier resource element(s) for symbols on a sounding reference signal resource; receiving, from the user equipment, the sounding reference signal in consideration of the punctured direct current subcarrier resource element(s); performing a carrier positioning measurement based on the sounding reference signal; and reporting the carrier positioning measurement to a network element.

21. The method according to claim 20, further comprising: configuring the user equipment to skip a sounding reference signal sequence element that is allocated to the direct current subcarrier resource element(s).

22. The method according to claim 20, further comprising: configuring the user equipment to exclude allocation of a sounding reference signal sequence element to a last subcarrier resource element out of a plurality of subcarrier resource elements.

23. An apparatus, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory comprising computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: receive, from a first network element, information of puncturing of a direct current subcarrier resource element(s) of symbols on a positioning reference signal resource; receive, from the first network element, the positioning reference signal resource in consideration of the information of puncturing; perform a positioning measurement based on the positioning reference signal resource; and transmit, to a second network element, a report of the positioning measurement.

24. The apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the positioning measurement is a carrier phase measurement.

25. The apparatus according to claims 23 or 24, wherein when performing the carrier phase measurement the apparatus is further caused to consider that allocation of a positioning reference signal sequence element is excluded.

26. The apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the apparatus is further caused to: consider that a current positioning reference signal sequence mapping rule is valid before the direct current subcarrier resource element(s); and consider that remaining positioning reference signal sequence elements, except for a last sequence element, are allocated to resource elements from a next resource element of the direct current subcarrier resource element(s) to a last resource element of the configured positioning reference signal resource.

27. The apparatus according to any of claims 23-26, wherein when the information of puncturing indicates that the direct current subcarrier resource element(s) is not punctured, the apparatus is further caused to: cancel a received first signal of the direct current subcarrier on symbols configured with the positioning reference signal resource.

28. The apparatus according to claim 27, wherein cancellation of the received first signal comprises receiving a second signal that is the same as the first received signal.

29. An apparatus, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory comprising computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: receive, from a network element, a request to puncture a direct current subcarrier resource element(s) for symbols on a positioning reference signal resource; transmit, to the network element, a response to the request to puncture the direct current subcarrier resource element(s); and transmit, to a user equipment, information of puncturing of the direct current subcarrier resource element(s).

30. The apparatus according to claim 29, wherein the apparatus is further caused to: restrict allocation of a positioning reference signal sequence element to the direct current subcarrier resource element.

31. The apparatus according to claim 29, wherein the apparatus is further caused to: exclude allocation of a last positioning reference signal sequence element out of a plurality of positioning reference signal sequence elements to a resource element when the resource element comprises direct current subcarrier resource element(s).

32. The apparatus according to any of claims 29-31, wherein the apparatus is further caused to: when the direct current subcarrier resource element(s) is not punctured, inform the user equipment to cancel a received signal of the direct current subcarrier on symbols configured with the positioning reference signal resource.

33. The apparatus according to claim 32, wherein when the direct current subcarrier resource element(s) is not punctured, the apparatus is further caused to: request the network element to configure repetition of the positioning reference signal resource.

34. A apparatus, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory comprising computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: receive, from the network element, instructions or indications to puncture a direct current subcarrier resource element(s) for symbols on a sounding reference signal resource; and transmit the sounding reference signal with the punctured direct current subcarrier resource element(s) to the network element.

35. The apparatus according to claim 34, wherein the apparatus is further caused to: reserve the direct current subcarrier resource element(s) on the symbols configured with the sounding reference signal resource; and exclude the sounding reference signal transmission over the reserved direct current subcarrier resource element(s).

36. The apparatus according to claims 34 or 35, wherein the apparatus is further caused to: skip a sounding reference signal sequence element that is allocated to the direct current subcarrier resource element(s).

37. The apparatus according to claims 34 or 35, wherein the apparatus is further caused to: exclude allocation of sequence elements to for all the direct current subcarrier resource elements on configured sounding reference signal symbols.

38. The apparatus according to any of claims 34-37, wherein the apparatus is further caused to: exclude transmission of a physical uplink shared channel or a physical uplink control channel when the physical uplink shared channel or the physical uplink control channel is scheduled on the direct current subcarrier resource element(s) on the symbols configured with the sounding reference signal resource.

39. The apparatus according to any of claims 34-37, wherein the apparatus is further caused to: transmit a physical uplink shared channel or a physical uplink control channel on the direct current subcarrier resource element(s) when the physical uplink shared channel or the physical uplink control channel have been scheduled by a network.

40. The apparatus according to any of claims 34-39, wherein the apparatus is further caused to: receive an indication that the network element will measure a carrier phase measurement from the sounding reference signal; and reserve the direct current subcarrier resource element(s) on the symbols configured with the sounding reference signal; and exclude the sounding reference signal transmission over the reserved direct current subcarrier resource element(s).

41. The apparatus according to any of claims 34-40, wherein when the direct current subcarrier resource element is not punctured, the apparatus is further caused to: inform the network element to cancel a received signal of the direct current subcarrier resource element(s), or inform the network element that the direct current subcarrier resource element(s) will not be punctured.

42. An apparatus, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory comprising computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: configure a user equipment to puncture a direct current subcarrier resource element(s) for symbols on a sounding reference signal resource; receive, from the user equipment, the sounding reference signal in consideration of the punctured direct current subcarrier resource element(s); perform a carrier positioning measurement based on the sounding reference signal; and report the carrier positioning measurement to a network element.

43. The apparatus according to claim 42, wherein the apparatus is further caused to: configure the user equipment to skip a sounding reference signal sequence element that is allocated to the direct current subcarrier resource element(s).

44. The apparatus according to claim 42, wherein the apparatus is further caused to: configure the user equipment to exclude allocation of a sounding reference signal sequence element to a last subcarrier resource element out of a plurality of subcarrier resource elements.

45. An apparatus, comprising: means for receiving, from a first network element, information of puncturing of a direct current subcarrier resource element(s) of symbols on a positioning reference signal resource; means for receiving, from the first network element, the positioning reference signal resource in consideration of the information of puncturing; means for performing a positioning measurement based on the positioning reference signal resource; and means for transmitting, to a second network element, a report of the positioning measurement.

46. The apparatus according to claim 45, wherein the positioning measurement is a carrier phase measurement.

47. The apparatus according to claims 45 or 46, further comprising: when performing the carrier phase measurement, means for considering that allocation of a positioning reference signal sequence element is excluded.

48. The apparatus according to claim 45, further comprising: means for considering that a current positioning reference signal sequence mapping rule is valid before the direct current subcarrier resource element(s); and means for considering that remaining positioning reference signal sequence elements, except for a last sequence element, are allocated to resource elements from a next resource element of the direct current subcarrier resource element(s) to a last resource element of the configured positioning reference signal resource.

49. The apparatus according to any of claims 45-48, wherein when the information of puncturing indicates that the direct current subcarrier resource element(s) is not punctured, the apparatus further comprises: means for receiving an indication from the network element; and means for, in response to the indication, cancelling a received first signal of the direct current subcarrier on symbols configured with the positioning reference signal resource.

50. The apparatus according to claim 49, wherein cancellation of the received first signal comprises receiving a second signal that is the same as the first received signal.

51. A apparatus, comprising: means for receiving, from a network element, a request to puncture a direct current subcarrier resource element(s) for symbols on a positioning reference signal resource; means for transmitting, to the network element, a response to the request to puncture the direct current subcarrier resource element(s); and means for transmitting, to a user equipment, information of puncturing of the direct current subcarrier resource element(s).

52. The apparatus according to claim 51, further comprising: means for restricting allocation of a positioning reference signal sequence element to the direct current subcarrier resource element.

53. The apparatus according to claim 51, further comprising: means for excluding allocation of a last positioning reference signal sequence element out of a plurality of positioning reference signal sequence elements to a resource element when the resource element comprises direct current subcarrier resource element(s).

54. The apparatus according to any of claims 51-53, further comprising: means for, when the direct current subcarrier resource element(s) is not punctured, informing the user equipment to cancel a received signal of the direct current subcarrier on symbols configured with the positioning reference signal resource.

55. The apparatus according to claim 54, wherein when the direct current subcarrier resource element(s) is not punctured, the apparatus further comprises: means for requesting the network element to configure repetition of the positioning reference signal resource.

56. A apparatus, comprising: means for receiving, from the network element, instructions or indications to puncture a direct current subcarrier resource element(s) for symbols on a sounding reference signal resource; and means for transmitting the sounding reference signal with the punctured direct current subcarrier resource element(s) to the network element.

57. The apparatus according to claim 56, further comprising: means for reserving the direct current subcarrier resource element(s) on the symbols configured with the sounding reference signal resource; and means for excluding signal transmission over the reserved direct current subcarrier resource element(s).

58. The apparatus according to claims 56 or 57, further comprising: means for skipping a sounding reference signal sequence element that is allocated to the direct current subcarrier resource element(s).

59. The apparatus according to claims 56 or 57, further comprising: means for excluding allocation of sequence elements to for all the direct current subcarrier resource elements on configured sounding reference signal symbols.

60. The apparatus according to any of claims 56-59, further comprising: means for excluding transmission of a physical uplink shared channel or a physical uplink control channel when the physical uplink shared channel or the physical uplink control channel is scheduled on the direct current subcarrier resource element(s) on the symbols configured with the sounding reference signal resource.

61. The apparatus according to any of claims 56-59, further comprising: means for transmitting on a physical uplink shared channel or a physical uplink control channel on the direct current subcarrier resource element(s) when the physical uplink shared channel or the physical uplink control channel have been scheduled by a network.

62. The apparatus according to any of claims 56-61, further comprising: means for receiving an indication that the network element will measure a carrier phase measurement from the sounding reference signal; and means for reserving the direct current subcarrier resource element(s) on the symbols configured with the sounding reference signal; and means for excluding signal transmission over the reserved direct current subcarrier resource element(s).

63. The apparatus according to any of claims 56-62, wherein when the direct current subcarrier resource element is not punctured, the apparatus further comprises: means for informing the network element to cancel a received signal of the direct current subcarrier resource element(s), or means for informing the network element that the direct current subcarrier resource element(s) will not be punctured.

64. A apparatus, comprising: means for configuring a user equipment to puncture a direct current subcarrier resource element(s) for symbols on a sounding reference signal resource; means for receiving, from the user equipment, the sounding reference signal in consideration of the punctured direct current subcarrier resource element(s); means for performing a carrier positioning measurement based on the sounding reference signal; and means for reporting the carrier positioning measurement to a network element.

65. The apparatus according to claim 64, further comprising: means for configuring the user equipment to skip a sounding reference signal sequence element that is allocated to the direct current subcarrier resource element(s).

66. The apparatus according to claim 64, further comprising: means for configuring the user equipment to exclude allocation of a sounding reference signal sequence element to a last subcarrier resource element out of a plurality of subcarrier resource elements.

67. A non- transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing the method according to any of claims 1-22.

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