WO2024099897A1

WO2024099897A1 - Positioning with discontinuous reception

Info

Publication number: WO2024099897A1
Application number: PCT/EP2023/080662
Authority: WO
Inventors: Muhammad Tayyab; Satya Krishna JOSHI
Original assignee: Nokia Technologies Oy
Priority date: 2022-11-08
Filing date: 2023-11-03
Publication date: 2024-05-16

Abstract

When discontinuous reception is used with positioning, and reference signals for positioning are received in a plurality of frequency bins, it may be that a frequency bin is missed. That may decrease an accuracy of the positioning. Hence, an apparatus receiving the reference signals, when determining that one or more frequency bins are missed, may transmit information to at least indicate the one or more frequency bins missed.

Description

DESCRIPTION

TITLE

POSITIONING WITH DISCONTINUOUS RECEPTION

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to, and the benefit of, Finnish application No. 20226008 filed on November 8, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] Various example embodiments relate to wireless communications.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Communication systems are under constant development. The 5G, 5G-Ad- vanced, and beyond future wireless networks aim to support a large variety of services, use cases and industrial verticals, some of them with accurate positioning performance requirements, even in use cases where saving power by means of discontinuous reception is of importance.

SUMMARY

[0004] The independent claims define the scope.

[0005] According to an aspect there is provided an apparatus comprising: means for receiving from a wireless network a discontinuous reception configuration, which defines at least an occurrence cycle of a first period, during which the apparatus at least monitors transmissions towards the apparatus in the wireless network; means for receiving a positioning configuration for receiving and reporting at least reference signals for positioning the apparatus, the positioning configuration defining a plurality of frequency bins for the reference signals, and at least one characteristics whose value is to be estimated; means for monitoring during occurrences of the first period at least reference signals according to the positioning configuration; means for receiving, during one or more first period within a reception occurrence reference signals according to the positioning configuration; means for obtaining measurement results of the reference signals received during the reception occurrence; means for determining, whether any frequency bin of the plurality of frequency bins was missed during the reception occurrence; means for generating, in response to one or more frequency bins being missed during the reception occurrence, information reporting the reception occurrence to at least indicate the one or more frequency bins missed; and means for transmitting said information.

[0006] In embodiments, the apparatus further comprises means for estimating values for said at least one characteristics per a reference signal transmitting apparatus, the means for estimating being configured, in response to one or more frequency bins being missed during the reception occurrence, to estimate, for said at least one characteristics, a value based on measurement results of reference signals in non-missed frequency bins; wherein the means for generating are configured to include to the information one or more estimated values and identifying information of the one or more frequency bins missed; and the means for transmitting are configured to transmit the information to a location management apparatus.

[0007] In embodiments, the apparatus further comprises means for receiving, after transmitting said information, from the location management apparatus, instructions to update said one or more estimated values by using, for the one or more frequency bins missed, measurements results obtained during a preceding reception occurrence; means for generating, in response to the instructions, one or more updated estimated values using for non-missed frequency bins measurement results obtained during the reception occurrence and, per a missed frequency bin, measurement results obtained during the preceding reception occurrence of the missed frequency bin; and means for transmitting the one or more updated estimated values to the location management apparatus.

[0008] In embodiments, the apparatus further comprises means for determining one or more channel characteristics per a reference signal transmitting apparatus during the reception occurrence; means for determining, in response to the one or more frequency bins being missed during the reception occurrence, by comparing, per a channel characteristics, the channel characteristics with a corresponding threshold, whether one or more preset conditions are fulfilled; and means for estimating values for said at least one characteristics per a reference signal transmitting apparatus, the means for estimating being configured, in response to the one or more preset conditions being fulfilled, to estimate, for said at least one characteristics, a value based on measurement results comprising measurement results of reference signals in non-missed frequency bins and, per a missed frequency bin, measurement results obtained during a preceding reception occurrence of the missed frequency bin; wherein the means for generating are configured to include to the information the one or more estimated values and identifying information of the one or more frequency bins missed; and the means for transmitting are configured to transmit the information to a location management apparatus.

[0009] In embodiments, the apparatus further comprises means for receiving from the location management information indicating a permission to use measurement results obtained during the preceding reception occurrence; wherein the one or more conditions include a condition that is fulfilled when the permission has been received.

[0010] In embodiments, the means for generating are configured to generate as said information a request for a retransmission of the one or more frequency bins missed, the request containing information on the occurrence cycle of the first period and identifying information of the one or more frequency bins missed; and the means for transmitting are configured to transmit the request to a location management apparatus.

[0011] In embodiments, the apparatus further comprises means for determining a number of frequency bins missed during the reception occurrence; and means for comparing the number to a preset threshold; wherein the means for generating are configured to generate said information in response to the number being greater than the threshold and to include to the information an indication of the occurrence cycle of the first period; and the means for transmitting are configured to transmit the information to a location management apparatus.

[0012] In embodiments, the apparatus further comprises means for determining periodicity of the reference signals; and means for determining a shift to align the periodicity with the occurrence cycle of the first period; wherein the means for generating are configured to use the shift as the indication of the occurrence cycle of the first period. [0013] In embodiments, the apparatus further comprises: means for determining periodicity of the reference signals; means for determining a number of frequency bins missed during the reception occurrence; and means for comparing the number to a preset threshold; wherein the means for generating are configured to generate said information in response to the number being greater than the threshold and to include to the information an indication of the periodicity, which indicates that one or more frequency bins were missed; and the means for transmitting are configured to transmit the information to the wireless network.

[0014] In embodiments, the reference signals are downlink reference signals for positioning.

[0015] In embodiments, the reference signals are uplink reference signals for positioning.

[0016] In embodiments, the apparatus further comprises at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, provide said means.

[0017] According to an aspect there is provided a method for an apparatus in a wireless network, the method comprising: receiving, from the wireless network, a discontinuous reception configuration, which defines at least an occurrence cycle of a first period, during which the apparatus at least monitors transmissions towards the apparatus in the wireless network; receiving a positioning configuration for receiving and reporting at least reference signals for positioning the apparatus, the positioning configuration defining a plurality of frequency bins for the reference signals, and at least one characteristics whose value is to be estimated; monitoring during occurrences of the first period at least reference signals according to the positioning configuration; receiving, during one or more first period within a reception occurrence reference signals according to the positioning configuration; obtaining measurement results of the reference signals received during the reception occurrence; determining, whether any frequency bin of the plurality of frequency bins was missed during the reception occurrence; generating, in response to one or more frequency bins being missed during the reception occurrence, information reporting the reception occurrence to at least indicate the one or more frequency bins missed; and transmitting said information.

[0018] According to an aspect there is provided a computer readable medium comprising instructions, which, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following; receiving, from the wireless network, a discontinuous reception configuration, which defines at least an occurrence cycle of a first period, during which the apparatus at least monitors transmissions towards the apparatus in the wireless network; receiving a positioning configuration for receiving and reporting at least reference signals for positioning the apparatus, the positioning configuration defining a plurality of frequency bins for the reference signals, and at least one characteristics whose value is to be estimated; monitoring during occurrences of the first period at least reference signals according to the positioning configuration; receiving, during one or more first period within a reception occurrence reference signals according to the positioning configuration; obtaining measurement results of the reference signals received during the reception occurrence; determining, whether any frequency bin of the plurality of frequency bins was missed during the reception occurrence; generating, in response to one or more frequency bins being missed during the reception occurrence, information reporting the reception occurrence to at least indicate the one or more frequency bins missed; and transmitting said information.

[0019] In an embodiment, the computer readable medium is a non-transitory computer readable medium.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0020] Embodiments are described below, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which

[0021] Figure 1 illustrates an exemplified wireless communication system;

[0022] Figure 2 illustrates an exemplified radio access network positioning architecture;

[0023] Figure 3 illustrates timing;

[0024] Figure 4 is a flow chart illustrating an example functionality;

[0025] Figures 5 to 11 illustrates an example of information exchange; and

[0026] Figures 12 to 14 are schematic block diagrams. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

[0027] The following embodiments are only presented as examples. Although the specification may refer to “an”, “one”, or “some” embodiment s) and/or example(s) in several locations, this does not necessarily mean that each such reference is to the same embodiment s) or example(s), or that a particular feature only applies to a single embodiment and/or single example. Single features of different embodiments and/or examples may also be combined to provide other embodiments and/or examples. Furthermore, words “comprising” and “including” should be understood as not limiting the described embodiments to consist of only those features that have been mentioned and such embodiments may contain also features/structures that have not been specifically mentioned. Further, although terms including ordinal numbers, such as “first”, “second”, etc., may be used for describing various elements, the structural elements are not restricted by the terms. The terms are used merely for the purpose of distinguishing an element from other elements. For example, a first positioning configuration could be termed a second positioning configuration, and similarly, a second positioning configuration could be also termed a first positioning configuration without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0028] In the following, different exemplifying embodiments will be described using, as an example of an access architecture to which the embodiments may be applied, a radio access architecture based on long term evolution advanced (LTE Advanced, LTE-A) or new radio (NR, 5G, 5G-Advanced), without restricting the embodiments to such an architecture, however. It is obvious for a person skilled in the art that the embodiments may also be applied to other kinds of communications networks having suitable means by adjusting parameters and procedures appropriately. Some examples of other options for suitable systems are the universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS) radio access network (UTRAN or E-UTRAN), long term evolution (LTE, the same as E-UTRA), wireless local area network (WLAN or WiFi), worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX), Bluetooth®, personal communications services (PCS), ZigBee®, wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA), systems using ultra-wideband (UWB) technology, sensor networks, mobile ad-hoc networks (MA- NETs) and Internet Protocol multimedia subsystems (IMS) or any combination thereof. [0029] Figure 1 depicts examples of simplified system architectures only showing some elements and functional entities, all being logical units, whose implementation may differ from what is shown. The connections shown in Figure 1 are logical connections; the actual physical connections may be different. It is apparent to a person skilled in the art that the system typically comprises also other functions and structures than those shown in Figure 1.

[0030] The embodiments are not, however, restricted to the system 100 given as an example but a person skilled in the art may apply the solution to other communication systems provided with necessary properties.

[0031] The example of Figure 1 shows a part of an exemplifying radio access network.

[0032] Figure 1 shows user devices 101, 101’ configured to be in a wireless connection on one or more communication channels in a cell with an access node (such as (e/g)NodeB) providing the cell. The physical link from a user device to a (e/g)NodeB is called uplink or reverse link and the physical link from the (e/g)NodeB to the user device is called downlink or forward link. It should be appreciated that (e/g)NodeBs or their functionalities may be implemented by using any node, host, server or access point etc. entity suitable for such a usage.

[0033] A communications system typically comprises more than one (e/g)NodeB in which case the (e/g)NodeBs may also be configured to communicate with one another over links, wired or wireless, designed for the purpose. These links may be used for signalling purposes. The (e/g)NodeB is a computing device configured to control the radio resources of communication system it is coupled to. The NodeB may also be referred to as a base station, an access point or any other type of interfacing device including a relay station capable of operating in a wireless environment. The (e/g)NodeB includes or is coupled to transceivers. From the transceivers of the (e/g)NodeB, a connection is provided to an antenna unit that establishes bi-directional radio links to devices. The antenna unit may comprise a plurality of antennas or antenna elements. The (e/g)NodeB is further connected to the core network 105 (CN or next generation core NGC). Depending on the system, the counterpart on the CN side can be a serving gateway (S-GW, routing and forwarding user data packets), packet data network gateway (P-GW), for providing connectivity of user devices (UEs) to external packet data networks, or mobile management entity (MME), or user plane function (UPF), or access and mobility management function (AMF), etc.

[0034] The user device (also called UE, user equipment, user terminal, terminal device, etc.) illustrates one type of an apparatus to which resources on the air interface are allocated and assigned, and thus any feature described herein with a user device may be implemented with a corresponding apparatus, such as a relay node. An example of such a relay node is a layer 3 relay (self-backhauling relay) towards the base station.

[0035] The user device typically refers to a computing device ( e.g. a portable computing device) that includes wireless mobile communication devices operating with or without a subscriber identification module (SIM), including, but not limited to, the following types of devices: a mobile station (mobile phone), smartphone, personal digital assistant (PDA), handset, device using a wireless modem (alarm or measurement device, etc.), laptop and/or touch screen computer, tablet, game console, notebook, and multimedia device. It should be appreciated that a user device may also be a nearly exclusive uplink only device, of which an example is a camera or video camera loading images or video clips to a network. A user device may also be a device having capability to operate in Internet of Things (loT) network which is a scenario in which objects are provided with the ability to transfer data over a network without requiring human-to- human or human-to-computer interaction, e.g., to be used in smart power grids and connected vehicles. The user device may also utilize cloud. In some applications, a user device may comprise a user portable device with radio parts (such as a watch, earphones, eyeglasses, other wearable accessories or wearables) and the computation is carried out in the cloud. The user device (or in some embodiments a layer 3 relay node) is configured to perform one or more of user equipment functionalities. The user device may also be called a subscriber unit, mobile station, remote terminal, access terminal, user terminal or user equipment (UE) just to mention but a few names or apparatuses. Further, it should be appreciated that a number of reception and/or transmission antennas in a user device may vary according to implementation and/or type of the user device.

[0036] Various techniques described herein may also be applied to a cyber-phys- ical system (CPS) (a system of collaborating computational elements controlling physical entities). CPS may enable the implementation and exploitation of massive amounts of interconnected ICT devices (sensors, actuators, processors microcontrollers, etc.) embedded in physical objects at different locations. Mobile cyber physical systems, in which the physical system in question has inherent mobility, are a subcategory of cyberphysical systems. Examples of mobile physical systems include mobile robotics and electronics transported by humans or animals.

[0037] Additionally, although the apparatuses have been depicted as single entities, different units, processors and/or memory units (not all shown in Figure 1) may be implemented.

[0038] 5G enables using multiple input - multiple output (MIMO) antennas, many more base stations or nodes than the LTE (a so-called small cell concept), including macro sites operating in co-operation with smaller stations and employing a variety of radio technologies depending on service needs, use cases and/or spectrum available. 5G mobile communications supports a wide range of use cases and related applications including video streaming, augmented reality, different ways of data sharing and various forms of machine type applications (such as (massive) machine-type communications (mMTC), including vehicular safety, different sensors and real-time control. 5G is expected to have multiple radio interfaces, namely below 6GHz, cmWave and mmWave, and also being integrable with existing legacy radio access technologies, such as the LTE. Integration with the LTE may be implemented, at least in the early phase, as a system, where macro coverage is provided by the LTE and 5G radio interface access comes from small cells by aggregation to the LTE. In other words, 5G is planned to support both inter-RAT operability (such as LTE-5G) and inter-RI operability (interradio interface operability, such as below 6GHz - cmWave, below 6GHz - cmWave - mmWave). One of the concepts considered to be used in 5G networks is network slicing in which multiple independent and dedicated virtual sub-networks (network instances) may be created within the same infrastructure to run services that have different requirements on latency, reliability, throughput and mobility.

[0039] The current architecture in LTE networks is fully distributed in the radio and fully centralized in the core network. The low latency applications and services in 5G require to bring the content close to the radio which leads to local break out and multi-access edge computing (MEC). 5G enables analytics and knowledge generation to occur at the source of the data. This approach requires leveraging resources that may not be continuously connected to a network such as laptops, smartphones, tablets and sensors. MEC provides a distributed computing environment for application and service hosting. It also has the ability to store and process content in close proximity to cellular subscribers for faster response time. Edge computing covers a wide range of technologies such as wireless sensor networks, mobile data acquisition, mobile signature analysis, cooperative distributed peer-to-peer ad hoc networking and processing also classifiable as local cloud/fog computing and grid/mesh computing, dew computing, mobile edge computing, cloudlet, distributed data storage and retrieval, autonomic self-healing networks, remote cloud services, augmented and virtual reality, data caching, Internet of Things (massive connectivity and/or latency critical), critical communications (autonomous vehicles, traffic safety, real-time analytics, time-critical control, healthcare applications).

[0040] The communication system is also able to communicate with other networks, such as a public switched telephone network or the Internet 106, or utilize services provided by them. The communication network may also be able to support the usage of cloud services, for example at least part of core network operations may be carried out as a cloud service (this is depicted in Figure 1 by “cloud” 107). The communication system may also comprise a central control entity, or a like, providing facilities for networks of different operators to cooperate for example in spectrum sharing.

[0041] Edge cloud may be brought into a radio access network (RAN) by utilizing network function virtualization (NVF) and software defined networking (SDN). Using edge cloud may mean access node operations to be carried out, at least partly, in a server, host or node operationally coupled to a remote radio head or base station comprising radio parts. It is also possible that node operations will be distributed among a plurality of servers, nodes or hosts. Application of cloudRAN architecture enables RAN real-time functions being carried out at the RAN side (in a distributed unit, DU 102) and non-real- time functions being carried out in a centralized manner (in a central unit, CU 104). Another example of distribution, the open RAN, includes also disaggregation of certain functionalities between a distributed unit and one or more radio units (illustrated as one entity, DU&RU 102).

[0042] It should also be understood that the distribution of labour between core network operations and base station operations may differ from that of the LTE or even be non-existent. Some other technology advancements probably to be used are Big Data and all-IP, which may change the way networks are being constructed and managed. 5G (or new radio, NR) networks are being designed to support multiple hierarchies, where MEC servers can be placed between the core and the base station or nodeB (gNB). It should be appreciated that MEC can be applied in 4G networks as well.

[0043] 5G may also utilize satellite communication to enhance or complement the coverage of 5G service, for example by providing backhauling. Possible use cases are providing service continuity for machine-to-machine (M2M) or Internet of Things (loT) devices or for passengers on board of vehicles, or ensuring service availability for critical communications, and future railway/maritime/aeronautical communications. Satellite communication may utilize geostationary earth orbit (GEO) satellite systems, but also low earth orbit (LEO) satellite systems, in particular mega-constellations (systems in which hundreds of (nano)satellites are deployed). Each satellite 103 in the mega-constellation may cover several satellite-enabled network entities that create on-ground cells. The on-ground cells may be created through an on-ground relay node 102 or by a gNB located on-ground or in a satellite.

[0044] It is obvious for a person skilled in the art that the depicted system is only an example of a part of a radio access system and in practice, the system may comprise a plurality of (e/g)NodeBs, the user device may have an access to a plurality of radio cells and the system may comprise also other apparatuses, such as physical layer relay nodes or other network elements, etc. At least one of the (e/g)NodeBs or may be a Home(e/g)nodeB. Additionally, in a geographical area of a radio communication system a plurality of different kinds of radio cells as well as a plurality of radio cells may be provided. Radio cells may be macro cells (or umbrella cells) which are large cells, usually having a diameter of up to tens of kilometers, or smaller cells such as micro-, femto- or picocells. The (e/g)NodeBs of Figure 1 may provide any kind of these cells. A cellular radio system may be implemented as a multilayer network including several kinds of cells. Typically, in multilayer networks, one access node provides one kind of a cell or cells, and thus a plurality of (e/g)NodeBs are required to provide such a network structure.

[0045] For fulfilling the need for improving the deployment and performance of communication systems, the concept of “plug-and-play” (e/g)NodeBs has been introduced. Typically, a network which is able to use “plug-and-play” (e/g)Node Bs, includes, in addition to Home (e/g)NodeBs (H(e/g)nodeBs), a home node B gateway, or HNB-GW (not shown in Figure 1). A HNB Gateway (HNB-GW), which is typically installed within an operator’s network may aggregate traffic from a large number of HNBs back to a core network.

[0046] 6G networks are expected to adopt flexible decentralized and/or distributed computing systems and architecture and ubiquitous computing, with local spectrum licensing, spectrum sharing, infrastructure sharing, and intelligent automated management underpinned by mobile edge computing, artificial intelligence, short-packet communication and blockchain technologies. Key features of 6G will include intelligent connected management and control functions, programmability, integrated sensing and communication, reduction of energy footprint, trustworthy infrastructure, scalability and affordability. In addition to these, 6G is also targeting new use cases covering the integration of localization and sensing capabilities into system definition to unifying user experience across physical and digital worlds.

[0047] In 5G, 5G-Advanced networks and beyond, it is envisaged that use of smart devices, that may move, will increase thereby posing different latency and accuracy requirements for positioning the smart devices in connected robotics and autonomous systems, for example. A non-limiting list of examples of such services and/or corresponding mobile smart devices include unmanned mobility with fully autonomous connected vehicles, other vehicle-to-everything (V2X) services, or smart industry with different Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) devices, such as automated guided vehicles or mobile robots or mobile robot arms. Naturally, for positioning of terminal devices, like smart phones or smart wearable devices, including different smart accessories, or other user devices, different latency and accuracy requirements for positioning them may also be posed. Further complexity to positioning create a wide variety of capabilities of different smart devices. Some of them may be reduced capability devices, with a reduced bandwidth, possibly for use cases that include power saving. The power saving may be needed, for example for smart devices comprising non-rechargeable batteries and/or batteries with requirements for longer recharging periods. For example, industrial wireless sensors may require that batteries should last few years, and wearable devices that recharging period should be more than multiple days, for example a week. Discontinuous reception provides means to save energy.

[0048] Figure 2 provides a highly simplified example of a positioning architecture disclosing operational entities to determine a position of an apparatus that may move, called in the example of Figure 2 a terminal device, as an example, for the sake of clarity. Generally, the apparatus may be any electronic device, the non-limiting examples including. a transceiver, a device, a relay, any network node, or any terminal.

[0049] Referring to Figure 2, the system 200 comprises, for positioning a terminal device (TD) 201, a plurality of apparatuses 202a, 202b configured to act as a transmission-reception point (TRP) and an apparatus 205 configured to determine a position of the terminal device. It should be appreciated that other apparatuses may be involved in the information exchange, for example information may pass via them, but for the sake of clarity they are not described in more detail herein.

[0050] The terminal device 201 is a device that may move and/or contain movable parts and is configured to communicate with a radio access network. Different examples of the terminal device 201 have been described above, without limiting terminal devices (apparatuses that may be positioned) to the listed examples. The terminal device 201 may be configured to implement any functionality described below with Figures 4 to 11, for example configured to use at least a discontinuous reception as described with Figure 3.

[0051] An apparatus 202a, 202b configured to act as a transmission-reception point, called herein a transmission-reception point, may be a base station or an access node, or an operational entity comprising one or more antennas in a base station, or an operational entity comprising one or more remote radio heads, or a remote antenna of a base station, or any other set of geographically co-located antennas forming one operational entity, for example an antenna array with one or more antenna elements, for one cell in the radio access network, or for a part of the one cell. In other words, one cell may include one or multiple transmission points, and cells in the radio access network comprise transmission-reception points.

[0052] A terminal device’s position may be estimated based at least on measurement results obtained by the terminal device on downlink signal transmissions (e.g. downlink reference signal transmissions) received from one or more transmission-reception points. A downlink reference signal transmission may be a wideband downlink reference signal transmission 210, which the terminal device, for example, a terminal device with a reduced bandwidth and/or with the discontinuous reception, may receive over a time 210’ in different frequency sub-bands, also called frequency bins 211, in a frequency hopping manner. In the non-limited illustrated example, the downlink reference signal 210 may be received in five different frequency bins. For example, if the wideband downlink reference signal transmission 210 from the TRP is Y MHz, and the terminal device has X MHz bandwidth capacity, the number N of the frequency bins is, when assuming that Y is an integer multiple of X, as follows: N= Y/X. In case Y is not an integer multiple of X, it depends on an implementation whether the result is rounded up or rounded down to the nearest integer. The terminal device’s position may be estimated using also, or alternatively, measurements results obtained by one or more transmission-reception points on uplink reference signal transmissions from the terminal device. The uplink reference signal transmission may be performed in the frequency hopping manner, and/or a terminal device may support broader bandwidth than a transmission-reception point, in which case the transmission-reception point may receive the uplink reference signal in the frequency hopping manner, i.e. in the frequency bins. It is also possible that a transmission-reception point is configured with a discontinuous reception, for example to save energy in the transmission-reception point.

[0053] In 5G and 5G Advanced, a downlink reference signal for positioning is called a positioning reference signal, and an uplink reference signal for positioning is called a sounding reference signal. However, any other term may be used for reference signals for positioning.

[0054] In 5G, 5G Advanced, and beyond, it is envisaged that a terminal device’s position, called a target device, is estimated by a location management apparatus, for example a core network element implementing a location management function, LMF. The LMF manages positioning for the target device by, for example, obtaining measurements from the terminal device 201, and by providing assistance data, for example positioning configuration to the terminal device and the transmission reception points to help determine what to monitor and report, or to transmit. However, at least part of the location management function may be distributed to be performed at the radio access network, or even in terminal devices. Hence, herein terms location management point (LMP) and location management apparatus are used as synonyms and to cover all above listed possibilities. In other words, the term location management point/location management apparatus covers any apparatus 205, including any node or server or device or entity, configured to act as the location management point to determine (estimate, compute) positions of one or more terminal devices. The location management apparatus 205 may be configured at least to transmit to an apparatus, which is to be positioned in a wireless network, i.e. the terminal device, a first positioning configuration for receiving and reporting defining directly or indirectly a plurality of frequency bins for the downlink reference signals, and at least one characteristics whose value is to be estimated at least downlink reference signals by the terminal device, the positioning configuration defining directly or indirectly a plurality of frequency bins for the downlink reference signals, and at least one characteristics whose value is to be estimated, and correspondingly, to transmit to at least one downlink reference signal transmitting apparatus, i.e. transmission-reception point, a second positioning configuration for transmitting at least downlink reference signals for positioning at least the terminal device, the positioning configuration defining for downlink reference signals at least a transmission periodicity. The location management point may be configured to transmit similar configurations for uplink reference signals for positioning at least the terminal device. For example, a third positioning configuration defining at least a transmission periodicity for uplink reference signals may be transmitted to the terminal device, and a fourth positioning configuration defining for receiving and reporting uplink reference signals may be transmitted to one or more transmission-reception points. The fourth positioning configuration may define directly or indirectly a plurality of frequency bins for the uplink reference signals, and at least one characteristics whose value is to be estimated. The location management apparatus 205 may further be configured to receive from the terminal device information reporting a reception occurrence of the downlink reference signals, and to process them, for example as will be described below with Figures 5 to 8, 10 and 11. The details how the terminal devices are finally positioned, after measurements are performed and values to report or use for positioning are determined, are not relevant for the implementations described herein, and hence there is no need to describe them in more detail herein.

[0055] Figure 3 illustrates timing of downlink reference signals and discontinuous reception. Similar timing may be applied to uplink reference signals and discontinuous reception as well.

[0056] Referring to Figure 3, a discontinuous reception DRX configuration of an apparatus defines at least an occurrence cycle 301 of a first period 302, during which the apparatus at least monitors downlink transmissions in the wireless network. The discontinuous reception herein covers any type of discontinuous reception including adaptive discontinuous reception, connected state discontinuous reception, idle state discontinuous reception, etc. The downlink transmissions may comprise a downlink reference signals, such as positioning reference signals PRS, transmitted with their transmission periodicity. As can be seen from Figure 3, at certain times the first period and reception of PRS transmission at least overlap so that the apparatus detects 303 the downlink reference signal and can process it. A reception occurrence of a downlink reference signal may comprise one or more detection occurrences 303, for example for different frequency bins. The length of the reception occurrence may be set in the first positioning configuration.

[0057] Figure 4 illustrates an example functionality of an apparatus to be positioned while the apparatus is configured to use the discontinuous reception. In the illustrated example, downlink reference signals are used as a non-limiting example. Similar functionality may be performed by an apparatus configured to use the discontinuous reception and receiving uplink reference signals from an apparatus to be positioned.

[0058] Referring to Figure 4, the apparatus receives (block 401) from a wireless network a discontinuous reception configuration, which defines at least an occurrence cycle of a first period, during which the apparatus at least monitors downlink transmissions in the wireless network, as described above with Figure 3. The wireless network may provide the discontinuous reception configuration to the apparatus through dedicated RRC (radio resource control) reconfiguration message (e.g., during handover) or in System Information Block Type 2 (SIB2) broadcasted during initial attach, for example. Further, the apparatus receives (block 402), for example from the location management apparatus, a positioning configuration for receiving and reporting at least downlink reference signals for positioning the apparatus. The positioning configuration defines a plurality of frequency bins for the downlink reference signals, and at least one characteristics whose value is to be estimated. The frequency bins may be defined directly by the positioning configuration indicating the frequency bins, or indirectly by the positioning configuration indicating the frequency band for the downlink reference signal, wherefrom the apparatus may be configured to determine frequency bins, using the bandwidth the apparatus is supporting. The characteristics may be time of arrival, angle of arrival and/or relative time of arrival, for example.

[0059] The apparatus monitors in block 403 during occurrences of the first period at least downlink reference signals according to the positioning configuration. When there is within the first period a reception occurrence of downlink reference signals, the downlink reference signal are received in block 404 during the reception occurrence, and measurement results of the downlink reference signals received during the reception occurrence are obtained in block 405. For example, the apparatus may perform measurements and determine the measurement results. Further, the apparatus determines in block 406, whether any frequency bin of the plurality of frequency bins was missed during the reception occurrence. A frequency bin may be detected as a missed frequency bin based on scheduling information in the positioning configuration and discontinuous reception cycle. A frequency bin may be detected as missed for other reasons as well. For example, a frequency bin may be considered missed based on poor measurement quality, e.g. it’s reception energy or power is low.

[0060] In response to one or more frequency bins being missed during the reception occurrence, the apparatus generates in block 407 information reporting the reception occurrence to at least indicate the one or more frequency bins missed; and said information is transmitted in block 408. The information may be transmitted towards the location management apparatus and/or to the wireless network. The information may directly indicate the one or more frequency bins missed, or the indication may be a request, for example, that indicates that one or more frequency bins were missed, otherwise the request would not have been transmitted.

[0061] Figures 5 to 11 disclose simplified examples of information exchange according to different non-limiting example implementations. In the illustrated example the time of arrival, TOA, is used as a non-limiting example of a characteristics for which values are estimated. It is straightforward measure for one skilled in the art to implement the described principles to other channel characteristics for positioning, for example to angle of arrival and/or relative time of arrival. Further, the illustrated examples relate to downlink frequency bins for the sake of clarity. It is a straightforward measure for one skilled in the art to implement the described principles to uplink frequency bins, and to use a TPR, for example, instead of the apparatus in Figures 5 to 11, as an apparatus that monitors uplink reference signals originating from the apparatus to be positioned, or from a moving TRP, if the moving TRP is an apparatus to be positioned. The apparatus to be positioned may be configured to store, at least temporarily, measurement results, for example per a frequency bin per a transmission-reception point, for possible later use. For example, a measurement result for a specific frequency bin may be stored until a new measurement result for the specific frequency bin is obtained.

[0062] Referring to Figure 5, the apparatus, i.e. the apparatus that is moving and is to be positioned, has been configured (block 5-0) with the discontinuous reception configuration and the positioning configuration for receiving and reporting at least downlink reference signals for positioning the apparatus and the configurations are applied (block 5-0), including that during the first periods reception occurrences of the downlink reference signals (messages 5-1) are monitored.

[0063] In the illustrated example it is assumed that the apparatus detects (block 5- 2) that during the reception occurrence one or more frequency bins were missed, and the apparatus estimates a value for the time of arrival (TOA) of received frequency bins per a transmission-reception point. In other words, the apparatus estimates, for said at least one characteristics, a value based on measurement results of downlink reference signals in non-missed frequency bins. The apparatus then generates information reporting the reception occurrence to include estimated one or more values for TOA in the example, and to at least indicate the one or more frequency bins missed by including to the information identifying information of the one or more frequency bins missed. For example, the identifying information may be a combination of an identifier of the transmissionreception point, downlink reference signal resource set identifier and/or a bin identifier.

[0064] The information is then transmitted (message 5-3) to the LMP, i.e. the location management apparatus.

[0065] In the illustrated example, the LMP then determines (block 5-4), in response to the information indicating that one or more frequency bins were missed during the reception occurrence and the information comprising one or more estimated values, per an estimated value, a priority of the estimated value based on the one or more frequency bins missed. For example, using the example in Figure 2, if the frequency bin missed is #1 or #5, the priority may be higher than if the frequency bin missed is #2, #3 or #4, since in the latter case there is a phase discontinuity presence, whereas when the last frequency bin(s) or the first frequency bin(s) are missing, a phase compensation is possible, since there is overlap in the non-missed frequency bins. However, in any case, the priority of the estimated values is lower than with estimated values in which no frequency bin was missed. Hence, the accuracy of the location may be estimated by taking into account lower accuracy caused by the missed frequency bins.

[0066] Referring to Figure 6, the apparatus, i.e. the apparatus that is moving and is to be positioned, has been configured (block 6-0) with the discontinuous reception configuration and the positioning configuration for receiving and reporting at least downlink reference signals for positioning the apparatus and the configurations are applied (block 6-0), including that during the first periods reception occurrences of the downlink reference signals (messages 6-1) are monitored.

[0067] In the illustrated example it is assumed that the apparatus detects (block 6- 2) that during the reception occurrence one or more frequency bins were missed, and the apparatus estimates a value for the time of arrival (TOA) of received frequency bins per a transmission-reception point. In other words, the apparatus estimates, for said at least one characteristics, a value based on measurement results of downlink reference signals in non-missed frequency bins. The apparatus then generates information reporting the reception occurrence to include estimated one or more values for TOA and to at least indicate the one or more frequency bins missed by including to the information identifying information of the one or more frequency bins missed. For example, the identifying information may be a combination of an identifier of the transmission-reception point, downlink reference signal resource set identifier and/or a bin identifier.

[0068] The information is then transmitted (message 6-3) to the LMP, i.e. the location management apparatus. In the illustrated example, the LMP then obtains (block 6-4), for example receives from the wireless network, one or more uplink channel characteristics per an uplink between the apparatus and a TRP (a downlink reference signal transmitting apparatus), or used previously obtained corresponding information, and determines (block 6-4), for example by comparing, per an uplink channel characteristics, the uplink channel characteristics with a corresponding threshold th, whether one or more preset conditions are fulfilled. A channel characteristics may be a channel flatness probability, or a coherence time of a channel, or a reference signal received power, for example.

[0069] In the illustrated example of Figure 6, it is assumed that the one or more threshold conditions are met, and the LMP transmits (message 6-5) to the apparatus an instruction to update the values that were estimated while some frequency bins were missed by using preceding reception occurrence(s). In other words, instructions to report estimated values using, for one or more frequency bins missed during the reception occurrence, measurements results obtained during a preceding reception occurrence, is transmitted to the apparatus.

[0070] The apparatus then generates updated estimated values using for nonmissed frequency bins measurement results obtained during the reception occurrence and, per a missed frequency bin, measurement results obtained during the preceding reception occurrence of the missed frequency bin. In the illustrated example the apparatus updates (block 6-6) estimated TOA values using for the missed frequency bins preceding measurement results stored, for example, to the apparatus. In other words, the apparatus does not have to perform any monitoring and obtaining measurement results, but it can reuse preceding measurement results stored, for example, in the memory of the apparatus. The apparatus then transmits (message 6-7) the updated results to the LMP for further processing.

[0071] Referring to Figure 7, the apparatus, i.e. the apparatus that is moving and is to be positioned, has been configured (block 7-0) with the discontinuous reception configuration and the positioning configuration for receiving and reporting at least downlink reference signals for positioning the apparatus and the configurations are applied (block 7-0), including that during the first periods reception occurrences of the downlink reference signals (messages 7-1) are monitored.

[0072] In the illustrated example it is assumed that the apparatus detects (block 7- 2) that during the reception occurrence one or more frequency bins were missed, and in the illustrated example, the apparatus is configured to generate, as the information reporting the reception occurrence to at least indicate the one or more frequency bins missed, a request for a retransmission of the one or more frequency bins missed. The request contains information on the occurrence cycle of the first period and identifying information of the one or more frequency bins missed, examples of which are described above. The information on the occurrence cycle of the first period may comprise information on the duration of the first period, and/or starting time of the next first period. Said information, i.e. in the illustrated example the request, is then transmitted (message 7-3) to the LMP. Message 7-3 may be “Missed bin retransmission request (next first period duration information)”, for example.

[0073] In the illustrated example, the LMP determines (block 7-4), in response to the request for a retransmission of one or more frequency bins missed, based on the identifying information of one or more TRPs (a downlink reference signal transmitting apparatus), whose frequency bin was missed, and the frequency bins missed, and transmits to one or more TRPs a request (message 7-5) to retransmit one or more frequency bins missed at a transmission time that is determined based on the information on the occurrence cycle of the first period. The one or more TRPs then retransmit (messages 7- 6) downlink reference signals for the frequency bins missed as scheduled.

[0074] The apparatus monitors during the first periods reception occurrences of the missed downlink reference signals (messages 7-6), detects (block 7-7) reception of the one or more frequency bins that were earlier missed, and in the illustrated example the apparatus estimates (block 7-7) TOA values using for the missed frequency bins measurement results obtained during retransmission and for the non-missed frequency bins measurement results obtained during the reception occurrence according to the positioning configuration. The estimated values are then transmitted (message 7-8) to the LMP.

[0075] In other words, in the example of Figure 7, only missed frequency bins are retransmitted, thereby using less transmission and reception resources in the apparatuses, and using less wireless resources.

[0076] Referring to Figure 8, the apparatus, i.e. the apparatus that is moving and is to be positioned, has been configured (block 8-0) with the discontinuous reception configuration and the positioning configuration for receiving and reporting at least downlink reference signals for positioning the apparatus and the configurations are applied (block 8-0), including that during the first periods reception occurrences of the downlink reference signals (messages 8-1) are monitored.

[0077] In the illustrated example it is assumed that the apparatus detects (block 8- 2) that during the reception occurrence one or more frequency bins were missed, and in the illustrated example, the apparatus is configured to determine, a number of the frequency bins missed and whether the number exceeds a preset threshold. The threshold may be given in the positioning configuration, for example. The threshold may be determined based on knowledge of a minimum bandwidth requirement for a required positioning accuracy and based on the number of frequency bins, which may be determined as described above with Figure 2. In the illustrated example it is assumed that the number of missed frequency bins exceeds the preset threshold (block 8-2). The apparatus is configured to generate, in response to the number being greater than the threshold, as the information reporting the reception occurrence to at least indicate the one or more frequency bins missed, a request to adjust or shift transmission of downlink reference signals to align with the first period in the discontinuous reception cycle. The request indicates that frequency bins were missed. The request contains information on the occurrence cycle of the first period. The apparatus may be configured to determine, in block 8-2, a periodicity of the downlink reference signals, and a shift to align the periodicity with the occurrence cycle of the first period. The shift may be used as the indication of the occurrence cycle of the first period. Said information, i.e. in the illustrated example the request, is then transmitted (message 8-3) to the LMP. Message 8-3 may be “Retransmission request to shift downlink reference signals periodicity ”, for example.

[0078] In the illustrated example, the LMP aligns (block 8-4), in response to the request, using the information on the occurrence cycle of the first period, the transmission of the downlink reference signals from one or more TRPs (downlink reference signal transmitting apparatuses), and transmits (message 8-5) to the one or more TRPs a new configuration for downlink reference signal transmissions, or at least an update relating to the timing, thereby shifting at least the start of the transmission periodicity. In other words, the LMP may transmit to at least one downlink reference signal transmitting apparatus a second positioning configuration for transmitting at least downlink reference signals for positioning at least the apparatus, the positioning configuration defining a plurality of frequency bins for the downlink reference signals and a transmission periodicity. The one or more TRPs then transmit (messages 8-6) downlink reference signals according to the received configuration.

[0079] The apparatus monitors during the first periods reception occurrences of the downlink reference signals (messages 8-6), and in the illustrated example, for the sake of clarity, this time no frequency bin is missed, and the apparatus estimates (block 8-7) TOA values using frequency bins measurement results obtained based on downlink reference signals (messages 8-6). The estimated values are then transmitted (message 8- 8) to the LMP.

[0080] Depending on an implementation, when the number of missed frequency bins does not exceed the preset threshold, the apparatus may be configured to estimate TOA values using non-missed frequency bins, for example as described above with Figure 5.

[0081] In the example of Figure 8, transmission of the downlink reference signal may be adjusted, for better accuracy, based on discontinuous reception settings.

[0082] Referring to Figure 9, the apparatus, i.e. the apparatus that is moving and is to be positioned, has been configured (block 9-0) with the discontinuous reception configuration and the positioning configuration for receiving and reporting at least downlink reference signals for positioning the apparatus and the configurations are applied (block 9-0), including that during the first periods reception occurrences of the downlink reference signals (messages 9-1) are monitored.

[0083] In the illustrated example it is assumed that the apparatus detects (block 9- 2) that during the reception occurrence one or more frequency bins were missed, and in the illustrated example, the apparatus is configured to determine a number of the frequency bins missed and whether the number exceeds a preset threshold. The threshold may be given in the positioning configuration, for example. The threshold may be determined based on knowledge of a minimum bandwidth requirement for a required positioning accuracy and based on the number of frequency bins, which may be determined as described above with Figure 2. In the illustrated example it is assumed that the number of missed frequency bins exceeds the preset threshold (block 9-2). The apparatus is configured to generate, in response to the number being greater than the threshold, as the information reporting the reception occurrence to at least indicate the one or more frequency bins missed, a request to adjust the discontinuous reception cycle and the first period to align with the transmission of downlink reference signals. The request indicates that frequency bins were missed. The request may contain information on frequency bins missed. Said information, i.e. in the illustrated example the request, is then transmitted (message 8-3) via at least one of the TRPs to the wireless network, to an entity determining the discontinuous reception cycle. The entity may be one of the TRPs, or an entity controlling one or more of the TRPs, for example. Message 9-3 may be “Adjust discontinuous reception with downlink reference signals periodicity”, for example.

[0084] In the illustrated example, the wireless network reconfigures, in response to the request, for example via one or more TRPs, the discontinuous reception cycle and/or the first period, which is transmitted (message 9-4) to the apparatus, for example using the earlier discontinuous reception configuration, and the apparatus update (block 9-5) its discontinuous reception configuration correspondingly.

[0085] Next time, when the TRPs then transmit (messages 9-6) downlink reference signals, the apparatus monitors, during the first periods aligned with the transmission, reception occurrences of the downlink reference signals (messages 9-6), and in the illustrated example, for the sake of clarity, this time no frequency bin is missed, and the apparatus estimates (block 9-7) TOA values using frequency bins measurement results obtained based on downlink reference signals (messages 9-6). The estimated values are then transmitted (message 9-8) to the LMP.

[0086] Depending on an implementation, when the number of missed frequency bins does not exceed the preset threshold, the apparatus may be configured to estimate TOA values using non-missed frequency bins, for example as described above with Figure 5.

[0087] In the example of Figure 9, discontinuous reception settings may be adjusted to be align with transmissions of the downlink reference signal, for better accuracy.

[0088] Referring to Figure 10, the apparatus, i.e. the apparatus that is moving and is to be positioned, has been configured (block 10-0) with the discontinuous reception configuration and the positioning configuration for receiving and reporting at least downlink reference signals for positioning the apparatus and the configurations are applied (block 10-0), including that during the first periods reception occurrences of the downlink reference signals (messages 10-1) are monitored.

[0089] In the illustrated example it is assumed that the apparatus detects (block 10-2) that during the reception occurrence one or more frequency bins were missed, and therefore the apparatus then determines one or more channel characteristics. A channel characteristics may be a channel flatness probability, or a coherence time of a channel, or a reference signal received power, for example.

[0090] The apparatus then determines, in block 10-2, for example by comparing, per a channel characteristics, the channel characteristics with a corresponding threshold th, whether one or more preset conditions are fulfilled. The one or more thresholds may be received in the positioning configuration, for example. In the illustrated example it is assumed, that the one or more preset conditions are fulfilled, and hence the apparatus estimates in block 10-2 a value for the time of arrival (TOA) per a transmission-reception point. More precisely, in the illustrated example, the apparatus estimates, for said at least one characteristics, a value based on measurement results of downlink reference signals in non-missed frequency bins, and using for the missed frequency bins preceding measurement results stored, for example, to the apparatus. In other words, the apparatus reuses preceding measurement results stored, for example, in the memory of the apparatus. The apparatus then generates (block 10-2) information reporting the reception occurrence to include estimated one or more values for TOA and to at least indicate the one or more frequency bins missed by including to the information identifying information of the one or more frequency bins missed. For example, the identifying information may be a combination of an identifier of the transmission-reception point, downlink reference signal resource set identifier and/or a bin identifier.

[0091] The information is then transmitted (message 10-3) to the LMP, i.e. the location management apparatus for further processing.

[0092] Referring to Figure 11, the apparatus, i.e. the apparatus that is moving and is to be positioned, has been configured (block 11-0) with the discontinuous reception configuration and the positioning configuration for receiving and reporting at least downlink reference signals for positioning the apparatus and the configurations are applied (block 11-0), including that during the first periods reception occurrences of the downlink reference signals are monitored. At some time, for example with the positioning configuration, or later, the LMP transmits (message 11-1) an indication that the apparatus has a permission to use, when estimating values for the one or more characteristics, for frequency bins missed during a reception occurrence, measurement results obtained during a preceding reception occurrence of a frequency bin missed, provided that also channel characteristics conditions are fulfilled. In another implementation, no channel characteristics conditions are set.

[0093] The apparatus detects in block 11-2 that the permission to use earlier obtained measurement results to estimate the one or more characteristics is received.

[0094] The apparatus monitors, during the first periods, transmissions of downlink reference signals (11-3).

[0095] In the illustrated example it is assumed that the apparatus detects (block 11-4) that during the reception occurrence one or more frequency bins were missed, and therefore the apparatus then determines one or more channel characteristics, for example as described above with Figure 10. The apparatus then determines, in block 11-4, for example by comparing, per a channel characteristics, the channel characteristics with a corresponding threshold th, whether one or more preset conditions are fulfilled. The one or more thresholds may be received in the positioning configuration, for example. In the illustrated example it is assumed, that the one or more preset conditions are fulfilled, and since also a preset condition that the permission is received is fulfilled, the apparatus estimates in block 10-4 a value for the time of arrival (TOA) per a transmission-reception point. More precisely, in the illustrated example, the apparatus estimates, for said at least one characteristic, a value based on measurement results of downlink reference signals in non-missed frequency bins, and using for the missed frequency bins preceding measurement results stored, for example, to the apparatus. In other words, the apparatus reuses preceding measurement results stored, for example, in the memory of the apparatus. The apparatus then generates (block 11-4) information reporting the reception occurrence to include estimated one or more values for TOA and to at least indicate the one or more frequency bins missed by including to the information identifying information of the one or more frequency bins missed. For example, the identifying information may be a combination of an identifier of the transmission-reception point, downlink reference signal resource set identifier and/or a bin identifier.

[0096] The information is then transmitted (message 11-5) to the LMP, i.e. the location management apparatus for further processing.

[0097] The blocks, related functions, and information exchanges (messages/sig- nals) described above by means of Figures 2 to 11 are in no absolute chronological order, and some of them may be performed simultaneously or in an order differing from the given one. Other functions can also be executed between them or within them, and other information may be transmitted, and/or other rules applied. Some of the blocks or part of the blocks or one or more pieces of information can also be left out or replaced by a corresponding block or part of the block or one or more pieces of information. Furthermore, some of the blocks in one example may be combined with another example.

[0098] Figure 12 illustrates an apparatus configured to monitor downlink reference signals in frequency bins and to determine whether one or more frequency bins are missed. Figure 13 illustrates an apparatus that may be configured to monitor uplink reference signals in frequency bins, and/or to at least transmit positioning configurations and/or discontinuous reception configurations or to implement location management functionality. Figure 14 illustrates an apparatus that may be configured to monitor reference signals in frequency bins and/or transmit positioning configurations and/or discontinuous reception configurations or to implement location management functionality. In other words, the apparatus of Figure 14 may implement distributed functionality of the apparatus illustrated in Figure 13. The apparatus 1201, 1301 may comprise one or more communication control circuitry 1220, 1320 such as at least one processor, and at least one memory 1230, 1330 including one or more algorithms 1231, 1331, such as a computer program code (software) wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code (software) are configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to carry out any one of the exemplified functionalities of the apparatus described above. Said at least one memory 1230, 1330 may also comprise at least one database 1232, 1332.

[0099] Referring to Figure 12, the one or more communication control circuitry 1220 of the apparatus 1201 comprise at least a reference signal (RS) detecting circuitry 1221, which is configured to at least perform determining whether any frequency bins was missed during a reception occurrence, and possibly other functionality, as discussed with Figures 2, 3 and 4, according to embodiments. To this end, the reference signal detecting circuitry 1221 of the apparatus 1201 is configured to carry out at least some of the functionalities of the apparatus (uplink transmitting apparatus, e.g. the apparatus to be positioned) described above, e.g., by means of Figures 2 to 12, using one or more individual circuitries.

[00100] Referring to Figure 12, the memory 1230 may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor based memory devices, flash memory, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory and removable memory.

[00101] Referring to Figure 12, the apparatus 1201 may further comprise different interfaces 1210 such as one or more communication interfaces (TX/RX) comprising hardware and/or software for realizing communication connectivity according to one or more communication protocols. The one or more communication interfaces 1210 may enable connecting to the Internet and/or to a core network of a wireless communications network via an access node, for example. The one or more communication interface 1210 may provide the apparatus with communication capabilities to communicate in a cellular communication system and enable communication to different network nodes or elements. The one or more communication interfaces 1210 may comprise standard well-known components such as an amplifier, filter, frequency-converter, (de) modulator, and encoder/decoder circuitries, controlled by the corresponding controlling units, and one or more antennas.

[00102] Referring to Figure 13, the one or more communication control circuitry 1320 of the apparatus 1301 comprise at least a positioning circuitry 1321, which is configured to perform at least some of the uplink functionalities, including generating positioning configurations, or discontinuous reception configurations, or determining whether any frequency bins were missed during a reception occurrence, as discussed with Figures 2, 3 and 4. To this end, the positioning circuitry 1321 of the apparatus 1301 is configured to carry out at least some of the functionalities of the location management apparatus, or transmission-reception point, described above, e.g., by means of Figures 2 to 11, for example, by the apparatus transmitting downlink, receiving uplink, using one or more individual circuitries.

[00103] Referring to Figure 13, the memory 1330 may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor based memory devices, flash memory, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory and removable memory.

[00104] Referring to Figure 13, the apparatus 1301 may further comprise different interfaces 1310 such as one or more communication interfaces (TX/RX) comprising hardware and/or software for realizing communication connectivity according to one or more communication protocols. The one or more communication interfaces 1310 may enable connecting to the Internet and/or to a core network of a wireless communications network. The one or more communication interface 1310 may provide the apparatus with communication capabilities to communicate in a cellular communication system and enable communication to different network nodes or elements or terminal devices or user equipments, for example. The one or more communication interfaces 1310 may comprise standard well-known components such as an amplifier, filter, frequency-converter, (de)modulator, and encoder/decoder circuitries, controlled by the corresponding controlling units, and one or more antennas.

[00105] In an embodiment, as shown in Figure 14, at least some of the functionalities of the apparatus of Figure 13 may be shared between two physically separate devices, forming one operational entity. Therefore, the apparatus may be seen to depict the operational entity comprising one or more physically separate devices for executing at least some of the described processes. Thus, the apparatus of Figure 14, utilizing such shared architecture, may comprise a remote control unit RCU 1420, such as a host computer or a server computer, operatively coupled (e.g. via a wireless or wired network) to a remote distributed unit RDU 1422 located in the base station. In an embodiment, at least some of the described processes may be performed by the RCU 1420. In an embodiment, the execution of at least some of the described processes may be shared among the RDU 1422 and the RCU 1420.

[00106] Similar to Figure 13, the apparatus of Figure 14 may comprise one or more communication control circuitry (CNTL) 1320, such as at least one processor, and at least one memory (MEM) 1330, including one or more algorithms (PROG) 1331, such as a computer program code (software) wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code (software) are configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to carry out any one of the exemplified functionalities of the apparatus described above, e.g., by means of Figures 2 to 11, by the apparatus transmitting downlink, receiving uplink, e.g. the apparatus A.

[00107] In an embodiment, the RCU 1420 may generate a virtual network through which the RCU 1420 communicates with the RDU 1422. In general, virtual networking may involve a process of combining hardware and software network resources and network functionality into a single, software-based administrative entity, a virtual network. Network virtualization may involve platform virtualization, often combined with resource virtualization. Network virtualization may be categorized as external virtual networking which combines many networks, or parts of networks, into the server computer or the host computer (e.g. to the RCU). External network virtualization is targeted to optimized network sharing. Another category is internal virtual networking which provides network-like functionality to the software containers on a single system. Virtual networking may also be used for testing the terminal device. [00108] In an embodiment, the virtual network may provide flexible distribution of operations between the RDU and the RCU. In practice, any digital signal processing task may be performed in either the RDU or the RCU and the boundary where the responsibility is shifted between the RDU and the RCU may be selected according to implementation.

[00109] In a still further embodiment, the apparatus of Figure 12 may be implemented in similar way as the apparatus of Figure 14.

[00110] As used in this application, the term ‘circuitry’ may refer to one or more or all of the following: (a) hardware-only circuit implementations, such as implementations in only analog and/or digital circuitry, and (b) combinations of hardware circuits and software (and/or firmware), such as (as applicable): (i) a combination of analog and/or digital hardware circuit(s) with software/firmware and (ii) any portions of hardware processor(s) with software, including digital signal processor(s), software, and memory(ies) that work together to cause an apparatus, such as a terminal device or an access node, to perform various functions, and (c) hardware circuit(s) and processor(s), such as a microprocessor s) or a portion of a microprocessor s), that requires software (e.g. firmware) for operation, but the software may not be present when it is not needed for operation. This definition of ‘circuitry’ applies to all uses of this term in this application, including any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term ‘circuitry’ also covers an implementation of merely a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or a portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its (or their) accompanying software and/or firmware. The term ‘circuitry’ also covers, for example and if applicable to the particular claim element, a baseband integrated circuit for an access node or a terminal device or other computing or network device.

[00111] In an embodiment, at least some of the processes described in connection with Figures 2 to 11 may be carried out by an apparatus comprising corresponding means for carrying out at least some of the described processes, for example means per a block (per a function) or means per a plurality of blocks. All, or some of, the means may be provided by at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. It should be appreciated that any of the apparatuses may be implemented by phys- ically distributed devices forming one logical apparatus. Some example means for carrying out the processes may include at least one of the following: detector, processor (including dual-core and multiple-core processors), digital signal processor, controller, receiver, transmitter, encoder, decoder, memory, RAM, ROM, software, firmware, display, user interface, display circuitry, user interface circuitry, user interface software, display software, circuit, antenna, antenna circuitry, and circuitry. In an embodiment, the at least one processor, the memory, and the computer program code form processing means or comprises one or more computer program code portions for carrying out one or more operations according to any one of the embodiments of Figures 2 to 11 or operations thereof.

[00112] Embodiments as described may also be carried out in the form of a computer process defined by a computer program or portions thereof. Embodiments of the methods described in connection with Figures 2 to 11 may be carried out by executing at least one portion of a computer program comprising corresponding instructions. The computer program may be provided as a computer readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon or as a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon. The computer program may be in source code form, object code form, or in some intermediate form, and it may be stored in some sort of carrier, which may be any entity or device capable of carrying the program. For example, the computer program may be stored on a computer program distribution medium readable by a computer or a processor. The computer program medium may be, for example but not limited to, a record medium, computer memory, read-only memory, electrical carrier signal, telecommunications signal, and software distribution package, for example. The computer program medium may be a non-transitory medium. The term “non-transitory,” as used herein, is a limitation of the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not a signal ) as opposed to a limitation on data storage persistency (e.g., RAM vs. ROM). Coding of software for carrying out the embodiments as shown and described is well within the scope of a person of ordinary skill in the art.

[00113] Even though the embodiments have been described above with reference to examples according to the accompanying drawings, it is clear that the embodiments are not restricted thereto but can be modified in several ways within the scope of the appended claims. Therefore, all words and expressions should be interpreted broadly and they are intended to illustrate, not to restrict, the embodiment. It will be obvious to a person skilled in the art that, as technology advances, the inventive concept can be implemented in various ways. Further, it is clear to a person skilled in the art that the described embodiments may, but are not required to, be combined with other embodiments in various ways.

Claims

1. An apparatus, comprising: means for receiving, from a wireless network, a discontinuous reception configuration, which comprises at least an occurrence cycle of a first period, during which the apparatus monitors transmissions towards the apparatus in the wireless network; means for receiving a positioning configuration for receiving and reporting reference signals for positioning the apparatus, the positioning configuration comprises a plurality of frequency bins for the reference signals, and at least one characteristic which value is to be estimated; means for monitoring during occurrences of the first period at least reference signals according to the positioning configuration; means for receiving, during one or more first period within a reception occurrence, reference signals according to the positioning configuration; means for obtaining measurement results of the reference signals received during the reception occurrence; means for determining, whether any frequency bin of the plurality of frequency bins was missed during the reception occurrence; means for generating, in response to one or more frequency bins being missed during the reception occurrence, information reporting the reception occurrence to indicate the one or more frequency bins missed; and means for transmitting said information.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: means for estimating values for said at least one characteristic per a reference signal transmitting apparatus, the means for estimating being configured, in response to the one or more frequency bins being missed during the reception occurrence, to estimate, for said at least one characteristic, the values based on measurement results of reference signals in non-missed frequency bins; wherein the means for generating are configured to include, to the information, one or more estimated values, and identifying the information of the one or more frequency bins missed; and the means for transmitting are configured to transmit the information to a location management apparatus.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising: means for receiving, after transmitting said information, from the location management apparatus, instructions to update said one or more estimated values by using, for the one or more frequency bins missed, measurements results obtained during a preceding reception occurrence; means for generating, in response to the instructions, one or more updated estimated values using for measurement results of non-missed frequency bins obtained during the reception occurrence and, per a missed frequency bin, measurement results obtained during the preceding reception occurrence of the missed frequency bin; and means for transmitting the one or more updated estimated values to the location management apparatus.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: means for determining one or more channel characteristic per a reference signal transmitting apparatus during the reception occurrence; means for determining, in response to the one or more frequency bins being missed during the reception occurrence, by comparing, per a channel characteristic, the channel characteristic with a corresponding threshold, whether one or more preset conditions are fulfilled; means for estimating values for said at least one characteristic per a reference signal transmitting apparatus, the means for estimating being configured, in response to the one or more preset conditions being fulfilled, to estimate, for said at least one characteristic, a value based on measurement results comprising measurement results of reference signals in non-missed frequency bins and, per a missed frequency bin, measurement results obtained during a preceding reception occurrence of the missed frequency bin; wherein the means for generating are configured to include, to the information, the one or more estimated values, and identifying the information of the one or more frequency bins missed; and the means for transmitting are configured to transmit the information to a location management apparatus.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, further comprising means for receiving from the location management information indicating a permission to use measurement results obtained during the preceding reception occurrence; wherein the one or more conditions include a condition that is fulfilled when the permission has been received.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the means for generating are configured to generate as said information a request for a retransmission of the one or more frequency bins missed, the request containing the information on the occurrence cycle of the first period and identifying the information of the one or more frequency bins missed; and the means for transmitting are configured to transmit the request to a location management apparatus.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: means for determining a number of frequency bins missed during the reception occurrence; means for comparing the number to a preset threshold; wherein the means for generating are configured to generate said information in response to the number being greater than the threshold and to include, to the information, an indication of the occurrence cycle of the first period; and the means for transmitting are configured to transmit the information to a location management apparatus.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising: means for determining periodicity of the reference signals; and means for determining a shift to align the periodicity with the occurrence cycle of the first period; wherein the means for generating are configured to use the shift as the indication of the occurrence cycle of the first period.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: means for determining periodicity of the reference signals; means for determining a number of frequency bins missed during the reception occurrence; means for comparing the number to a preset threshold; wherein the means for generating are configured to generate said information in response to the number being greater than the threshold and to include, to the information, an indication of the periodicity, which indicates that one or more frequency bins were missed; and the means for transmitting are configured to transmit the information to the wireless network.

10. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the reference signals are downlink reference signals for positioning.

11. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the reference signals are uplink reference signals for positioning.

12. The apparatus of any preceding claim, further comprising at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, provide said means.

13. An apparatus, comprising: at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: receive, from a wireless network, a discontinuous reception configuration, which comprises at least an occurrence cycle of a first period, during which the apparatus monitors transmissions towards the apparatus in the wireless network; receive a positioning configuration for receiving and reporting reference signals for positioning the apparatus, the positioning configuration comprises a plurality of frequency bins for the reference signals, and at least one characteristic whose value is to be estimated; monitor during occurrences of the first period at least reference signals according to the positioning configuration; receive, during one or more first period within a reception occurrence, reference signals according to the positioning configuration; obtain measurement results of the reference signals received during the reception occurrence; determine, whether any frequency bin of the plurality of frequency bins was missed during the reception occurrence; generate, in response to one or more frequency bins being missed during the reception occurrence, information reporting the reception occurrence to indicate the one or more frequency bins missed; and transmit said information.

14. A method for an apparatus in a wireless network, the method comprising: receiving, from the wireless network, a discontinuous reception configuration, which comprises at least an occurrence cycle of a first period, during which the apparatus monitors transmissions towards the apparatus in the wireless network; receiving a positioning configuration for receiving and reporting at least reference signals for positioning the apparatus, the positioning configuration comprises a plurality of frequency bins for the reference signals, and at least one characteristic whose value is to be estimated; monitoring during occurrences of the first period at least reference signals according to the positioning configuration; receiving, during one or more first period within a reception occurrence reference signals according to the positioning configuration; obtaining measurement results of the reference signals received during the reception occurrence; determining, whether any frequency bin of the plurality of frequency bins was missed during the reception occurrence; generating, in response to one or more frequency bins being missed during the reception occurrence, information reporting the reception occurrence to indicate the one or more frequency bins missed; and transmitting said information.

15. A computer readable medium comprising instructions, which, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following; receiving, from the wireless network, a discontinuous reception configuration, which comprises at least an occurrence cycle of a first period, during which the apparatus monitors transmissions towards the apparatus in the wireless network; receiving a positioning configuration for receiving and reporting reference signals for positioning the apparatus, the positioning configuration comprises a plurality of frequency bins for the reference signals, and at least one characteristic whose value is to be estimated; monitoring during occurrences of the first period at least reference signals according to the positioning configuration; receiving, during one or more first period within a reception occurrence reference signals according to the positioning configuration; obtaining measurement results of the reference signals received during the reception occurrence; determining, whether any frequency bin of the plurality of frequency bins was missed during the reception occurrence; generating, in response to one or more frequency bins being missed during the reception occurrence, information reporting the reception occurrence to indicate the one or more frequency bins missed; and transmitting said information.

16. The computer readable medium of claim 15, wherein the computer readable medium is a non-transitory computer readable medium.