METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MEASURING

Technical Field

Various example embodiments relate to an apparatus for measuring, in particular related to split or cooperative measuring.

Further embodiments relate to a method for measuring related to such apparatus .

Background

Wireless communications systems may e.g. be used for wireless exchange of information between two or more entities, e.g. comprising one or more terminal devices, e.g. user equipment, and one or more network devices such as e.g. base stations.

Some conventional approaches of measuring, such as e.g. for positioning involving determination of a location of a terminal device, can be prone to large latencies, for example because different measurements have to be provided in different frequency bands.

Summary

Various embodiments of the disclosure are set out by the independent claims. The exemplary embodiments and features, if any, described in this specification, that do not fall under the scope of the independent claims, are to be interpreted as examples useful for understanding various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

Some embodiments relate to an apparatus for measuring, comprising at least one transceiver, wherein the at least one transceiver is configured to transmit, by a first terminal device, a split request to a second terminal device, the split request requesting the second terminal device to perform a collaborative measurement of at least one reference signal (RS) , and to receive, by the first terminal device, a split response from the second terminal device. In some embodiments, this enables to share a task of performing RS measurements, e.g. with at least one collocated or nearby second terminal device, so that a corresponding workload of e.g. the first terminal device in this regard may be reduced by the collaborative measurement ( s ) . In some embodiments, the apparatus may be an apparatus for a wireless, for example cellular, communications system. In some embodiments, the apparatus or its functionality, respectively, may be provided in a terminal device, for example user equipment (UE) , of a communications system.

In some embodiments, the first terminal device may comprise at least one of: a) a smartphone, b) a tablet computer, c) a laptop or personal computer, d) an loT (Internet of Things) device, e) a wearable device such as e.g. a smart watch or virtual reality glasses, and f) a vehicle, for example a car, a truck, an aircraft, for example an unmanned aerial vehicle, e.g. a drone.

In some embodiments, the apparatus according to the embodiments or its functionality, respectively, may be used for or within wireless communications systems, e.g. networks, based on or at least partially adhering to third generation partnership project, 3GPP, radio standards such as 4G (fourth generation) , 5G (fifth generation) or other radio access technology.

In some embodiments, the split request and/or the split response is transmitted/ received via a sidelink between the first terminal device and the second terminal device.

In some embodiments, the collaborative measurement ( s ) may comprise collecting a different set of measurements on a same reference signal or set of reference signals. As an example, in some embodiments, the first terminal device may collect a first set of measurements on one or more specific reference signals, and the second terminal device may e.g. collect a second set of measurements on the same one or more specific reference signals, wherein the second set of measurements may comprise at least one type of measurement different from the first set of measurements.

In some embodiments, the collaborative measurement ( s ) may comprise collecting a same set of measurements (e.g., using a same type of measurement ( s ) ) on different reference signals or different sets of reference signals.

In some embodiments, the collaborative measurement ( s ) may comprise collecting a different set of measurements on different reference signals or different sets of reference signals. In some embodiments, the collaborative measurement ( s ) may comprise any combination of the aforementioned embodiments .

In some embodiments, a measurement may comprise a received power level such as e.g. RSRP (Reference Signal Received Power) , an angle of arrival (AoA) , a time of arrival (ToA) , a LOS (line of sight) indication and/or probability, etc.

In some embodiments, the at least one reference signal is a positioning reference signal .

In some embodiments, the principle according to the embodiments can e.g. be used to enhance existing measuring procedures, e.g. for speeding up a measurement acquisition, e.g. across different carriers and/or bands. In some embodiments, the principle according to the embodiments can be used to enhance existing positioning procedures, e.g. based on LPP (LTE Positioning Protocol) sessions, e.g. for speeding up a measurement acquisition across carriers and/or bands.

In some embodiments, the principle according to the embodiments enables to provide a collaborative measuring framework, for example localization framework, e.g. for 5G New Radio (NR) systems, e.g. by enabling the first terminal device, e.g. a target UE, to collaborate with one or more nearby UEs .

In some embodiments, the split request comprises at least one of: a) first information indicating to the second terminal device to collect at least a subset of measurements for a predetermined subset or part of the at least one reference signal, b) second information, wherein the second information indicates: at least one reference signal to be evaluated by the second terminal device, or the at least one reference signal to be evaluated by the first terminal device, or the at least one reference signal to be evaluated by either the first terminal device or the second terminal device, or the at least one reference signal to be evaluated by both the first terminal device and the second terminal device, c) third information, wherein the third information indicates: to perform measurements of a same type on different reference signals, or to perform measurements of different types on at least one same reference signal, or to perform measurements of different types on different reference signals .

As an example, in some embodiments, at least one of the first information, the second information, and the third information, which can also be considered as characterizing a "split proposal" from the first terminal device to the second terminal device, enables to coordinate, e.g. between the first terminal device and the second terminal device, which set(s) or subset (s) of reference signals are to be collected, e.g. measured and/or evaluated, by which device. In some embodiments, the second information may e.g. be characterized or represented by a bit field or bitmap, for example comprising two bits, e.g. enabling to differentiate between the exemplary four aspects.

Note that in some embodiments, the sets or subsets are not necessarily disjoint, which means that at least some reference signals may be measured and/or evaluated by the first terminal device and the second terminal device.

Note that in some embodiments, the predetermined subset of the at least one reference signal may also comprise the complete set of reference signals.

In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor is configured to: trigger a transmission of the split request based on at least one of the following conditions: a) a number of measurement gaps associated with measurements, b) a sidelink quality of a sidelink with the second user device, c) a power headroom, d) at least one latency target associated with the first terminal device, e) at least one accuracy target associated with the first terminal device . In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises at least one memory storing instructions, the at least one memory and the instructions configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the first terminal device to perform at least some aspects according to the embodiments .

In some embodiments, alternatively or additionally to the at least one memory, a computer readable data carrier may be provided which may e.g. at least temporarily store at least some of the instructions configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the first terminal device to perform at least some aspects according to the embodiments .

In some embodiments, inter-frequency (IF) positioning measurements may be performed during IF measurement gaps (MG) . These gaps may e.g. be configured by the network, e.g. during an RRC (radio resource control) connected state, and the IF measurement gaps may e.g. have a periodicity of 20, 40, 60, 80, 120 ms (milliseconds) , for example with a duration no longer than 6 ms, corresponding to about four PRS (positioning reference signal) subframes.

In some embodiments, the measurement gap may be used by a UE to switch carrier frequency, perform positioning measurement on the new carrier and come back to a serving cell carrier. In some embodiments, measurement gaps may be configured by a serving base station, e.g. gNB, e.g. according with requirements of an LPP session. Some details on conventional LPP sessions and measurement gaps are e.g. described in some accepted standard, such as e.g. 3GPP in TS 38.331.

In some embodiments, measurement gaps may be allocated, for example only, if there is no ongoing data traffic to a target UE, and thus some PRS measurements may be delayed until the target UE becomes available. In some conventional approaches, both a PRS down prioritization, but also carrier switching operations (e.g. carrier frequency offset compensation, beam selection, etc.) may introduce comparatively large latencies in an LPP positioning session, which may lead to the UE being unable to finalize the session within a target latency requirement (e.g. 100 ms for some applications, and e.g. 10 ms for some other applications, such as IIoT (industrial

Internet of Things) and V2X (vehicle-to-X) ) . In some conventional approaches, LPP positioning with measurement gaps may be prone to large latencies, since the target UE needs to measure multiple distinct positioning reference signals (PRS) arriving in different bands. Specifically, some MG-based positioning may require the target UE to switch multiple carriers in order to measure all selected PRS. In some conventional approaches, this operation, however, requires:

- a (serving) gNB to allocate multiple measurement gaps to the UE, which is e.g. only possible if the UE does not have ongoing and/or urgent data traffic (that is, for example, by default prioritized) ,

- the UE to switch carriers, i.e. switch RE chains, align beams, and equalize the signal, i.e. compute and compensate carrier frequency offset, compensate phase, etc.

Both of the aforementioned operations may be expensive in terms of spectral efficiency, computational complexity, and positioning latency. Furthermore, some conventional MG-based positioning approaches may be particularly unfavorable for positioning sessions triggered by time-sensitive applications (e.g. IIoT and V2X) , which may require that a target UE needs to be localized in no more than 10 ms, with a sub-meter accuracy.

In view of some conventional approaches, there is a need therefore to reduce a number of measurement gaps or to eliminate the measurement gaps entirely without compromising the localization accuracy, e.g. without reducing the number of useful measurements. In some embodiments, at least some of these goals may at least temporarily be attained by using the principle according to the embodiments.

In some embodiments, the at least one transceiver is configured to: transmit a split report to a first network device, the split report comprising at least one of the following elements: a) information indicating a collaborative measurement of the at least one reference signal with the second terminal device, b) information identifying the second terminal device, c) information representative of a distance between the first terminal device and the second terminal device, such as e.g. a receive ("RX") power level. In some embodiments, this enables to efficiently notify the network on the collaborative measurement . In some embodiments , the at least one transceiver is configured to : transmit a measurement gap request to a second network device .

In some embodiments , the at least one transceiver is configured to receive a measurement report associated with the collaborative measurement of the at least one reference signal from the second terminal device .

In some embodiments , the at least one transceiver is configured to transmit a collaborative measurement report based on the measurement report received from the second terminal device and on a measurement report of the first terminal device to a first network device . As an example , in some embodiments , the first terminal device may aggregate the measurement report received from the second terminal device and its own measurement report to obtain the collaborative measurement report .

In some embodiments , the at least one transceiver is configured to transmit a split agreement to the first network device , wherein the split agreement indicates the collaborative measurement with the second terminal device .

Further exemplary embodiments relate to an apparatus comprising means for causing a first terminal device at least to transmit a split request to a second terminal device , the split request requesting the second terminal device to perform a collaborative measurement of at least one reference signal , and to receive a split response from the second terminal device . In some embodiments , the means for causing the first terminal device at least to transmit the split request to the second terminal device may e . g . compri se at least one processor, and at least one memory storing instructions , the at least one memory and the instructions configured to , with the at least one proces sor , cause the first terminal device at least to transmit the split request .

Further exemplary embodiments relate to a method for measuring, comprising : transmitting, by a first terminal device , a split request to a second terminal device , the split request requesting the second terminal device to perform a collaborative measurement of at least one reference signal , receiving, by the first terminal device , a split response from the second terminal device . Further exemplary embodiments relate to an apparatus for measuring, comprising at least one transceiver, wherein the at least one transceiver is configured to: receive a split request from a first terminal device, the split request requesting the second terminal device to perform a collaborative measurement of at least one reference signal, transmit a split response to the first terminal device, e.g. responsive to the split request. As an example, in some embodiments, the split response may be employed to signal to the first terminal device that the second terminal device accepts the split request .

In some embodiments, the apparatus may be an apparatus for a wireless, for example cellular, communications system. In some embodiments, the apparatus or its functionality, respectively, may be provided in a terminal device, for example user equipment (UE) , of a communications system, e.g. in the second terminal device.

In some embodiments, the split request comprises at least one of the elements already exemplarily explained above with reference to the first network device or the apparatus associated with the first network device, respectively.

In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor is configured to prepare a split proposal based at least on the split request.

In some embodiments, the split proposal may optionally also be based on at least one operational parameter of the second terminal device.

In some embodiments, this enables the second terminal device e.g. to edit or modify a proposed split measurement configuration associated with the split request from the first terminal device, e.g. based on one or more operational parameters of the second terminal device such as e.g. characterizing prioritized traffic conditions and/or power limitations and the like.

In some embodiments, the at least one processor is configured to include the split proposal in the split response.

In some embodiments, the at least one transceiver is configured to transmit a measurement gap request to a network device. In some embodiments, the at least one transceiver is configured to transmit a measurement report associated with the collaborative measurement of the at least one reference signal to at least one of a first network device or the first terminal device.

In some embodiments, the at least one transceiver is configured to transmit a split agreement to the first network device, wherein the split agreement indicates the collaborative measurement with the second terminal device.

Further exemplary embodiments relate to an apparatus for measuring comprising means for causing a second terminal device at least to receive a split request from a first terminal device, the split request requesting the second terminal device to perform a collaborative measurement of at least one reference signal and to transmit a split response to the first terminal device, e.g. responsive to the split request. In some embodiments, the means for causing the second terminal device at least to receive the split request from the first terminal device may e.g. comprise at least one processor, and at least one memory storing instructions, the at least one memory and the instructions configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the second terminal device at least to receive the split request.

Further exemplary embodiments relate to a method for measuring, comprising: receiving, by a second terminal device, a split request from a first terminal device, the split request requesting the second terminal device to perform a collaborative measurement of at least one reference signal, transmitting a split response to the first terminal device, e.g. responsive to the split request.

Further exemplary embodiments relate to an apparatus, comprising at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor is configured to receive a split report from a first terminal device, wherein the split report comprising at least one of the following elements: a) information indicating a collaborative measurement of at least one reference signal with a second terminal device, b) information identifying the second terminal device, c) information representative of a distance between the first terminal device and the second terminal device, such as e.g. a receive ("RX") power level.

As mentioned above, in some embodiments, the collaborative measurement ( s ) may comprise collecting a different set of measurements on a same reference signal or set of reference signals. As an example, in some embodiments, the first terminal device may collect a first set of measurements on one or more specific reference signals, and the second terminal device may e.g. collect a second set of measurements on the same one or more specific reference signals, wherein the second set of measurements may comprise at least one type of measurement different from the first set of measurements. In some embodiments, the collaborative measurement ( s ) may comprise collecting a same set of measurements (e.g., using a same type of measurement ( s ) ) on different reference signals or different sets of reference signals. In some embodiments, the collaborative measurement ( s ) may comprise collecting a different set of measurements on different reference signals or different sets of reference signals. In some embodiments, the collaborative measurement ( s ) may comprise any combination of the aforementioned embodiments. In some embodiments, a measurement may comprise a received power level such as e.g. RSRP (Reference Signal Received Power) , an angle of arrival (AoA) , a time of arrival (ToA) , a LOS (line of sight) indication and/or probability, etc.

In some embodiments, the first network device is configured to transmit assistance data to the first terminal device.

In some embodiments, the assistance data may comprise at least one of a) a configuration of the at least one reference signal, b) at least one property of the at least one reference signal, which, in some embodiments, may e.g. enable the first terminal device to detect the at least one reference signal.

In some embodiments, e.g. for configurations relating to positioning, the first network device may be a location management function (LMF) or may be used to implement a location management function.

In some embodiments, the at least one processor is configured to indicate to the first terminal device that the collaborative measurement of the at least one reference signal with the second terminal device is allowed. In some embodiments, this may e.g. be indicated to the first terminal device on the LMF ' s initiative, e.g. as a "default allowance" .

In some embodiments, the at least one processor is configured to evaluate the split report.

In some embodiments, the at least one processor is configured to accept or reject a split agreement associated with the split report, e.g. based on the evaluation of the split report.

In some embodiments, the at least one processor is configured to perform at least one of: a) request a measurement gap reconfiguration for the first terminal device, e.g. from a currently serving base station, e.g. gNB, of the first terminal device, b) request a measurement gap configuration for the second terminal device, e.g. from a currently serving base station, e.g. gNB, of the second terminal device .

In some embodiments, the at least one processor is configured to cause the apparatus to: receive, from the first terminal device, a collaborative measurement report based on a measurement report received by the first terminal device from the second terminal device and on a measurement report of the first terminal device (in some embodiments, this may also be denoted as "combined positioning report", e.g. "combined LPP report", as determined collaboratively by the first terminal device and the second terminal device) , or receive, from the first terminal device, a measurement report of the first terminal device (for example, in positioning configurations, "split positioning report", e.g. "split LPP report", as determined by the first terminal device) , receive, from the second terminal device, a measurement report of the second terminal device (for example, in positioning configurations, "split positioning report", e.g. "split LPP report", as determined by the second terminal device) , evaluate at least one of the received reports . Further exemplary embodiments relate to an apparatus comprising means for causing a first network device at least to receive a split report from a first terminal device , the split report comprising at least one of the following elements : a) information indicating a collaborative measurement of at least one reference signal with a second terminal device , b) information identifying the second terminal device , c ) information representative of a distance between the first terminal device and the second terminal device . In some embodiments , the means for causing the first network device at least to receive a split report from a first terminal device may e . g . compri se at least one proces sor, and at least one memory storing instructions , the at least one memory and the instructions configured to , with the at least one processor, cause the first network device at least to receive the split report .

Further exemplary embodiments relate to a method compri sing : receiving, by a first network device , a split report from a first terminal device , the split report compri sing at least one of the following elements : a) information indicating a collaborative measurement of at least one reference signal with a second terminal device , b) information identi fying the second terminal device , c) information representative of a di stance between the first terminal device and the second terminal device .

Further exemplary embodiments relate to a communications system, for example a cellular communications system, comprising at least one apparatus according to the embodiments .

Further exemplary embodiments relate to a computer program or computer program product , e . g . stored on a computer-readable data carrier, compri sing instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer , cause the computer to carry out the method according to the embodiments .

Further exemplary embodiments relate to a data carrier signal characterizing and/or carrying the computer program according to the embodiments . Brief description of the Figures

Fig. 1A schematically depicts a simplified block diagram according to some embodiments,

Fig. IB schematically depicts a simplified block diagram according to some embodiments,

Fig. 2 schematically depicts a simplified block diagram according to some embodiments,

Fig. 3 schematically depicts a simplified flow chart according to some embodiments,

Fig. 4 schematically depicts a simplified block diagram according to some embodiments,

Fig. 5A schematically depicts a simplified block diagram according to some embodiments,

Fig. 5B schematically depicts a simplified block diagram according to some embodiments,

Fig. 5C schematically depicts a simplified block diagram according to some embodiments,

Fig. 6 schematically depicts a simplified flow chart according to some embodiments,

Fig. 7 schematically depicts a simplified flow chart according to some embodiments,

Fig. 8 schematically depicts a simplified block diagram according to some embodiments,

Fig. 9 schematically depicts a simplified flow chart according to some embodiments,

Fig. 10 schematically depicts a simplified flow chart according to some embodiments,

Fig. 11 schematically depicts a simplified flow chart according to some embodiments,

Fig . 12A schematically depicts a simplified block diagram according to some embodiments, Fig. 12B schematically depicts a simplified block diagram according to some embodiments,

Fig. 13 schematically depicts a simplified flow chart according to some embodiments,

Fig. 14 schematically depicts a simplified flow chart according to some embodiments,

Fig. 15 schematically depicts a simplified flow chart according to some embodiments,

Fig. 16 schematically depicts a simplified block diagram according to some embodiments,

Fig. 17 schematically depicts a simplified signaling diagram according to some embodiments,

Fig. 18 schematically depicts a simplified signaling diagram according to some embodiments,

Fig . 19A schematically depicts a simplified block diagram according to some embodiments,

Fig . 19B schematically depicts a simplified block diagram according to some embodiments

Fig. 20 schematically depicts a computer-readable data carrier according to some embodiments.

Detailed Description

Some embodiments, see for example Fig. 1A, relate to an apparatus 100 for measuring, comprising at least one transceiver 101, the at least one transceiver 101 configured to transmit 300 (Fig. 3) , by a first terminal device 10 (Fig. 2) , a split request SPLIT-REQ to a second terminal device 20, e.g. via a sidelink SL, the split request SPLITREQ requesting the second terminal device 20 to perform a collaborative measurement Ml, M2 of at least one reference signal RS, and to receive 302 a split response SPLIT-RESP from the second terminal device 20, e.g. via the sidelink SL, e.g. responsive to, e.g. based on, the split request SPLIT-REQ. In some embodiments, the at least one reference signal may comprise at least one positioning RS, PRS .

In some embodiments, this enables to share a task of performing RS measurements Ml, M2, e.g. with at least one collocated or nearby second terminal device 20, so that a corresponding workload of e.g. the first terminal device 10 in this regard may be reduced by the collaborative measurement ( s ) .

In some embodiments, the apparatus 100 may be an apparatus for a wireless, for example cellular, communications system 1000.

In some embodiments, the apparatus 100 or its functionality, respectively, may be provided in a terminal device 10, for example user equipment (UE) , of a communications system.

In some embodiments, the apparatus 100 may further comprise at least one of a processor 102, a memory 104, and instructions 106, e.g. in the form of at least one computer program.

In some embodiments, the apparatus 100 comprises the least one memory 104 storing instructions 106, the at least one memory 104 and the instructions 106 configured to, with the at least one processor 102, cause the first terminal device 10 to perform at least some aspects according to the embodiments.

In some embodiments, the apparatus 100 according to the embodiments or its functionality, respectively, may be used for or within wireless communications systems, e.g. networks, based on or at least partially adhering to third generation partnership project, 3GPP, radio standards such as 4G (fourth generation) , 5G (fifth generation) or other radio access technology.

In some embodiments, Fig. 2, the split request SPLIT-REQ and/or the split response SPLIT-RESP is transmitted/ received via the sidelink SL between the first terminal device 10 and the second terminal device 20.

In some embodiments, the collaborative measurement ( s ) Ml, M2 may comprise collecting a different set of measurements on a same reference signal RS or set of reference signals.

As an example, in some embodiments, the first terminal device 10 may collect a first set of measurements Ml on one or more specific reference signals, and the second terminal device 20 may e.g. collect a second set of measurements M2 on the same one or more specific reference signals, wherein the second set of measurements M2 may comprise at least one type of measurement different from the first set of measurements Ml .

In some embodiments, the collaborative measurement ( s ) may comprise collecting a same set of measurements (e.g., using a same type of measurement ( s ) ) on different reference signals or different sets of reference signals.

In some embodiments, the collaborative measurement ( s ) may comprise collecting a different set of measurements on different reference signals or different sets of reference signals.

In some embodiments, the collaborative measurement ( s ) may comprise any combination of the aforementioned embodiments.

In some embodiments, a measurement may comprise a received power level such as e.g. RSRP (Reference Signal Received Power) , an angle of arrival (AoA) , a time of arrival (ToA) , a LOS (line of sight) indication and/or probability, etc.

In some embodiments, the at least one reference signal includes a positioning reference signal, PRS . Note that the principle according to the embodiments is not limited to (collaborative) measurements related to positioning reference signals. Rather, in some embodiments, the (collaborative) measurements may relate to other reference signals RS than positioning reference signals PRS.

In some embodiments, the at least one reference signal may also include other types of RS, for example, but not exclusively, sidelink PRS, e.g. S-PRS, and/or RS associated with a synchronization signal block, SSB, etc. .

In some embodiments, the principle according to the embodiments can e.g. be used to enhance existing measuring procedures, e.g. for speeding up a measurement acquisition, e.g. across different carriers and/or bands.

In some embodiments, the principle according to the embodiments can be used to enhance existing measurement, for example positioning, procedures, e.g. based on LPP (LTE Positioning Protocol) sessions, e.g. for speeding up a measurement acquisition across carriers and/or bands . In some embodiments, the principle according to the embodiments enables to provide a collaborative measuring framework, for example localization framework, e.g. for 5G New Radio (NR) systems, e.g. by enabling the first terminal device, e.g. a target UE, 10 to collaborate with one or more nearby UEs 20.

In some embodiments, Fig. 4, the split request SPLIT-REQ comprises at least one of: a) first information 1-1 indicating to the second terminal device 20 to collect at least a subset of measurements for a predetermined subset or part of the at least one reference signal RS, PRS, b) second information 1-2, wherein the second information 1-2 indicates : at least one reference signal RS to be evaluated by the second terminal device 20, the at least one reference signal RS to be evaluated by the first terminal device 10, the at least one reference signal RS to be evaluated by either the first terminal device 10 or the second terminal device 20, the at least one reference signal RS to be evaluated by both the first terminal device 10 and the second terminal device 20 c) third information 1-3, wherein the third information 1-3 indicates: to perform measurements of a same type on different reference signals, or to perform measurements of different types on at least one same reference signal, or to perform measurements of different types on different reference signals.

In some embodiments, the second information 1-2 can e.g. characterize a configuration of the at least one reference signal RS.

As an example, in some embodiments, at least one of the first information 1-1, the second information 1-2, and/or the third information 1-3, which can, e.g. collectively, also be considered as characterizing a "split proposal" from the first terminal device 10 to the second terminal device 20, enables to coordinate, e.g. between the first terminal device 10 and the second terminal device 20, which set (s) or subset (s) of reference signals RS are to be collected, e.g. measured and/or evaluated, by which device 10, 20.

In some embodiments, the second information 1-2 may e.g. be characterized or represented by a bit field or bitmap, for example comprising two bits, e.g. enabling to differentiate between the exemplary four aspects mentioned above.

In some embodiments, optionally, the split request SPLIT-REQ may also comprise assistance data AD, e.g. organized in form of a list or table, e.g. characterizing a plurality of reference signals.

In some embodiments, the assistance data AD may comprise at least one of a) a configuration of the at least one reference signal RS, b) at least one property of the at least one reference signal RS, which, in some embodiments, may e.g. enable the first terminal device 10 to detect the at least one reference signal RS.

In some embodiments, the first terminal device 10 may receive such assistance data AD, e.g. from a network device 31 (Fig. 2) , and the first terminal device 10 may optionally include at least some of the assistance data AD into the split request SPLIT-REQ, e.g. as part of the second information 1-2, e.g. to enable the second terminal device 20 to detect the at least one reference signal RS.

Fig. 5A schematically depicts eight RS, e.g. as positioning reference signals PRS-1, PRS-2, PRS-3, PRS-4, PRS-5, PRS-6, PRS-7, PRS-8, as example collectively referred to as PRS ' , which are exemplarily grouped into a first subset or group G-l and a second subset or group G-2. The specific grouping G-l, G-2 of the positioning reference signals PRS' according to Fig. 5A may, in some embodiments, be attained using the information 1-1, 1-2, 1-3 associated with the split request explained above with reference to Fig. 4.

Note that in the present example of Fig. 5A, the groups G-l, G-2 define disjoint subsets of the positioning reference signals PRS' , wherein e.g. the first terminal device 10 may perform PRS measurements associated with the first group G-l, and wherein the second terminal device 20 may perform PRS measurements associated with the second group G-2. Fig. 5B schematically depicts eight positioning reference signals PRS- 1, PRS-2, PRS-3, PRS-4, PRS-5, PRS-6, PRS-7, PRS-8, collectively referred to as PRS ' , with a different grouping G-l, G-2 as compared to Fig. 5A.

Note that in some embodiments, see for example the groups G-l, G-2 of Fig. 5C, the subsets are not necessarily disjoint, which means that at least some positioning reference signals PRS-5, PRS-6 may be measured and/or evaluated by the first terminal device 10 and the second terminal device 20.

Note that in some embodiments, the predetermined subset of the at least one positioning reference signal may also comprise the complete set PRS' of positioning reference signals.

Note that the principle of the embodiments exemplarily explained above with reference to Fig. 5A, 5B, 5C in the context of PRS may, in other exemplary embodiments, and without loss of generality, also be applied to other RS, e.g. other types of RS, than the exemplarily mentioned PRS .

In some embodiments, Fig. 6, the processor 102 (Fig. 1A) is configured to trigger 310 a transmission of the split request SPLIT-REQ based on at least one of the following conditions: a) a number C-l of measurement gaps associated with measurements, b) a sidelink quality C-2 of the sidelink SL (Fig. 2) with the second terminal/user device 20, c) a power headroom C-3, d) at least one latency target C-4 associated with the first terminal device 10, e) at least one accuracy target C-6 associated with the first terminal device 10.

In some embodiments, inter-frequency (IF) RS, e.g. PRS, measurements may be performed during IF measurement gaps (MG) . These gaps may e.g. be configured by the network, e.g. during an RRC (radio resource control) connected state, and the IF measurement gaps may e.g. have a periodicity of 20, 40, 60, 80, 120 ms (milliseconds) , for example with a duration no longer than 6 ms, corresponding to about four e.g. PRS, subframes .

In some embodiments, the measurement gap may be used by a UE 10, 20 to switch carrier frequency, perform RS, e.g. positioning, measurement on the new carrier and come back to a serving cell carrier. In some embodiments, measurement gaps may be configured by a serving base station, e.g. gNB, 32, 33, e.g. according with requirements of an LPP session. Some details on conventional LPP sessions and measurement gaps are e.g. described in some accepted standard, e.g. 3GPP in TS 38.331.

In some embodiments, measurement gaps may be allocated, for example only, if there is no ongoing data traffic to a target UE 10, and thus some RS, e.g. PRS, measurements may be delayed until the target UE 10 becomes available.

In some conventional approaches, both a RS, e.g. PRS, down prioritization, but also carrier switching operations (e.g. carrier frequency offset compensation, beam selection, etc.) may introduce comparatively large latencies in an LPP positioning session, which may lead to the UE being unable to finalize the session within a target latency requirement (e.g. 100 ms for some applications, and e.g. 10 ms for some other applications, such as IIoT (industrial Internet of Things) and V2X ( vehicle-to-X) ) .

In some conventional approaches, measurement gaps, e.g. LPP positioning measurement, may be prone to large latencies, since the target UE needs to measure multiple distinct RS, e.g. PRS, arriving in different bands. Specifically, some MG-based positioning may require the target UE to switch multiple carriers in order to measure all selected PRS.

In some conventional approaches, measurement operation, however, requires :

- a (serving) gNB to allocate multiple measurement gaps to the UE, which is e.g. only possible if the UE does not have ongoing and/or urgent data traffic (that is, for example, by default prioritized) ,

- the UE to switch carriers, i.e. switch RE chains, align beams, and equalize the signal, i.e. compute and compensate carrier frequency offset, compensate phase, etc.

Both of the aforementioned operations may be expensive in terms of spectral efficiency, computational complexity, and positioning latency . Furthermore, some conventional MG-based positioning approaches may be particularly unfavorable for positioning sessions triggered by timesensitive applications (e.g. IIoT and V2X) , which may require that a target UE needs to be localized in no more than 10 ms, with a submeter accuracy.

In view of some conventional approaches, there is a need therefore to reduce a number of measurement gaps or to eliminate the measurement gaps entirely without compromising the localization accuracy, e.g. without reducing the number of useful measurements.

In some embodiments, at least some of these goals may at least temporarily be attained by using the principle according to the embodiments .

In some embodiments, Fig. 7, the at least one transceiver 101 (Fig. 1A) is configured to transmit 320 a split report SPLIT-REP to a first network device 31, the split report SPLIT-REP comprising at least one of the following elements, see Fig. 8: a) information R-l indicating a collaborative measurement of the at least one reference signal RS with the second terminal device 20, b) information R-2 identifying the second terminal device 20, c) information representative of a distance R-3 between the first terminal device 10 and the second terminal device 20, such as e.g. a receive ("RX") power level. In some embodiments, this enables to efficiently notify the network on the collaborative measurement Ml, M2 (Fig. 2) .

In some embodiments, the first network 31 (Fig. 2) device may be for example a location management function (LMF) or may be used to implement a location management function.

In some embodiments, Fig. 7, the at least one transceiver 101 (Fig. 1A) is configured to transmit 322 a measurement gap request MG-REQ-10 to a second network device 32 (Fig. 2) , e.g. a gNB serving the first terminal device 10.

In some embodiments, Fig. 7, the at least one transceiver 101 (Fig. 1A) is configured to receive 324 a measurement report M-REP-20 associated with the collaborative measurement of the at least one reference signal RS from the second terminal device 20. In some embodiments, an LPP message may be used for transmitting and/or receiving the measurement report M-REP-20.

In some embodiments, Fig. 7, the at least one transceiver 101 (Fig. 1A) is configured to transmit 326 a collaborative measurement report COLL-REP-10-20 based on the measurement report M-REP-20 received from the second terminal device 20 and/or on a measurement result M-REP-10 of the first terminal device 10 to the first network device 31.

As an example, in some embodiments, the first terminal device 10 may aggregate the measurement report M-REP-20 received from the second terminal device 20 and its own measurement result M-REP-10 to obtain the collaborative measurement report COLL-REP-10-20.

In some embodiments, the at least one transceiver 101 (Fig. 1A) is configured to transmit a split agreement, see arrow ell of Fig. 17, which is explained in detail below with further reference to Fig. 17, to the first network device 31 (Fig. 2) , wherein the split agreement indicates the collaborative measurement Ml, M2 with the second terminal device 20.

Further exemplary embodiments, see Fig. 19A, relate to an apparatus 100' comprising means 102' for causing a first terminal device 10 at least to transmit 300 a split request SPLIT-REQ to a second terminal device 20, the split request SPLIT-REQ requesting the second terminal device 20 to perform a collaborative measurement of at least one reference signal RS, and to receive a split response from the second terminal device 20.

In some embodiments, the means 102' for causing the first terminal device 10 at least to transmit the split request to the second terminal device 20 may e.g. comprise the at least one processor 102, and/or at least one memory 104 which stores the instructions 106, the at least one memory 104 and the instructions 106 configured to, with the at least one processor 102, cause the first terminal device 10 at least to transmit 300 the split request SPLIT-REQ.

Further exemplary embodiments, Fig. 3, relate to a method for measuring, comprising: transmitting 300, by a first terminal device 10 (Fig. 2) , a split request SPLIT-REQ to a second terminal device 20, the split request SPLIT-REQ requesting the second terminal device 20 to perform a collaborative measurement of at least one RS, for example PRS, receiving 302, by the first terminal device 10, a split response SPLIT-RESP from the second terminal device 20.

Further exemplary embodiments, see for example Fig. IB, 2, 9, relate to an apparatus 200 for measuring, comprising at least one transceiver 201, wherein the at least one transceiver 201 is configured to: receive a split request SPLIT-REQ requesting the second terminal device 20 to perform a collaborative measurement of at least one reference signal RS, and to transmit 352 a split response SPLIT-RESP to the first terminal device 10, e.g. via the sidelink SL, e.g. responsive to and/or based on the split request SPLIT-REQ.

Optionally, the apparatus 200 (Fig. IB) may comprise at least one of a processor 202, at least one memory 204, and instructions 206, the at least one memory 204 and the instructions 206 configured to, with the at least one processor 202, cause a second terminal device 20 to perform at least some aspects of the embodiments.. In some embodiments, the apparatus 200 may be an apparatus for a wireless, for example cellular, communications system 1000 (Fig. 2) .

In some embodiments, the apparatus 200 or its functionality, respectively, may be provided in a terminal device, for example user equipment (UE) , of a communications system, e.g. in the second terminal device 20.

In some embodiments, the split request SPLIT-REQ that can e.g. be received by the second terminal device 20 according to some embodiments, see Fig. 9, comprises at least one of the elements 1-1, 1-2, and 1-3 already exemplarily explained above with reference Fig. 4 and the first terminal device 10 or the apparatus 100 associated with the first terminal device 10, respectively.

As an example, in some embodiments, the split response SPLIT-RESP may be employed to signal to the first terminal device 10 that the second terminal device 20 accepts the split request SPLIT-REQ or a split proposal associated with and/or characterized by the split request SPLIT-REQ. In some embodiments, Fig. 10, the at least one processor 202 (Fig.

IB) is configured to prepare 355 a split proposal SPLIT-PROP based at least on the split request.

Alternatively, in some embodiments, the second terminal device 20 may modify a split proposal (e.g., an already existing split proposal) associated with and/or characterized by the received split request SPLIT-REQ, see block 350 of Fig. 9.

In some embodiments, the split proposal SPLIT-PROP may optionally also be based on at least one operational parameter of the second terminal device 20.

In some embodiments, this enables the second terminal device 20 e.g. to edit or modify a proposed split measurement configuration associated with the split request SPLIT-REQ from the first terminal device 10, e.g. based on one or more operational parameters of the second terminal device 20 such as e.g. characterizing prioritized traffic conditions and/or power limitations and the like.

In some embodiments, Fig. 10, the the at least one processor 202 is configured to include 357 the (e.g., modified or created) split proposal SPLIT-PROP in the split response SPLIT-RESP.

In some embodiments, Fig. 11, the at least one transceiver 201 is configured to transmit 360 a measurement gap request MG-REQ-20 to a network device, e.g. a gNB 33 serving the second terminal device 20.

In some embodiments, Fig. 11, the at least one transceiver 201 is configured to transmit 362 a measurement report M-REP-20 associated with the collaborative measurement of the at least one reference signal RS, e.g. PRS, to at least one of a first network device 31 (e.g., for evaluation) or the first terminal device 10 (e.g., for aggregation with measurement result (s) M-REP-10 of the first terminal device 10) .

In some embodiments, the at least one transceiver is configured to transmit a split agreement to the first network device, wherein the split agreement indicates the collaborative measurement with the second terminal device.

Further exemplary embodiments, Fig. 19B, relate to an apparatus 200' for measuring comprising means 202' for causing a second terminal device 20 (Fig. 2) at least to receive 350 (Fig. 9) a split request SPLIT-REQ from a first terminal device 10, the split request SPLITREQ requesting the second terminal device 20 to perform a collaborative measurement of at least one reference signal PRS, and to transmit a split response to the first terminal device, e.g. responsive to the split request.

In some embodiments, the means 202' for causing the second terminal device 20 at least to receive the split request from the first terminal device may e.g. comprise the at least one processor 202 (Fig. IB) , and/or at least one memory 204 storing the instructions 206, the at least one memory 204 and the instructions 206 configured to, with the at least one processor 202, cause the second terminal device 20 at least to receive the split request.

Further exemplary embodiments, Fig. 9, relate to a method for measuring, comprising: receiving 350, by a second terminal device 20, a split request SPLIT-REQ from a first terminal device 10, the split request SPLIT-REQ requesting the second terminal device 20 to perform a collaborative measurement of at least one positioning reference signal PRS, and transmitting a split response SPLIT-RESP to the first terminal device 10, e.g. responsive to the split request.

Further exemplary embodiments, Fig. 12A, relate to an apparatus 3100, comprising at least one processor 3102, and, optionally, at least one memory 3104, and optionally, instructions 3106. The apparatus 3100 may e.g. be provided to control at least some aspects of the first network device 31, which may e.g. represent an LMF entity.

In some embodiments, the at least one processor 3102 is configured to receive 382 (Fig. 13) a split report SPLIT-REP from a first terminal device 10, the split report SPLIT-REP comprising at least one of the following elements, see also Fig. 8: a) information R-l indicating a collaborative measurement of at least one RS, e.g. positioning reference signal, with a second terminal device, b) information R-2 identifying the second terminal device, c) information R-3 representative of a distance R-3 between the first terminal device 10 and the second terminal device 20.

In some embodiments, Fig. 13, the at least one processor 3102is configured to indicate 380 to the first terminal device 10 that the collaborative measurement of the at least one reference signal RS, e.g. PRS, with the second terminal device 20 is allowed.

In some embodiments, this may e.g. be indicated to the first terminal device 10 on the LMF ' s 31 initiative, e.g. in the form of a "default allowance", e.g. independent of, for example, a request from the first terminal device 10.

In some embodiments, Fig. 13, the at least one processor 3102 is configured to transmit 381, by a first network device 31, assistance data AD to the first terminal device 10.

In some embodiments, Fig. 13, the at least one processor 3102 is configured to evaluate 384 the split report SPLIT-REP.

In some embodiments, Fig. 13, the at least one processor 3102 is configured to accept 386a or reject 386b a split agreement (also see arrow ell of Fig. 17) associated with the split report SPLIT-REP, e.g. based on the evaluation 384 of the split report SPLIT-REP.

In some embodiments, Fig. 14, the at least one processor 3102 is configured to perform at least one of: a) request 390 a measurement gap reconfiguration MG-RECFG-10 for the first terminal device 10, e.g. from a currently serving base station, e.g. gNB, 32 (Fig. 2) of the first terminal device 10, b) request 392 a measurement gap configuration MG-RECFG-20 for the second terminal device 20, e.g. from a currently serving base station, e.g. gNB, 33 (Fig. 2) of the second terminal device 20.

In some embodiments, Fig. 15, the at least one processor 3102 is configured to cause the apparatus 3100 to: a) receive 395, from the first terminal device 10, a collaborative measurement report COLL-REP-10-20 based on a measurement report M- REP-20 received by the first terminal device 10 from the second terminal device 20 and/or on a measurement result M-REP-10 of the first terminal device 10 (e.g., for positioning applications according to some embodiments, "combined positioning report", e.g. "combined LPP report", as determined collaboratively by the first terminal device and the second terminal device) , b) receive 397, from the first terminal device 10, a measurement report M-REP-10' of the first terminal device 10 (e.g. , for positioning applications according to some embodiments, "split positioning report", e.g. "split LPP report", as determined by the first terminal device) , c) receive 398, from the second terminal device 20, a measurement report M-REP-20 of the second terminal device 20 (e.g. , for positioning applications according to some embodiments, "split positioning report", e.g. "split LPP report", as determined by the second terminal device) , d) evaluate 399 at least one of the received reports COLL-REP-10-20, M-REP-10', M-REP-20, e.g. , for positioning applications according to some embodiments, to determine a centroid of the first terminal device 10 and/or of the second terminal device 20.

Further exemplary embodiments, Fig. 12B, relate to an apparatus 3100' comprising means 3102' for causing a first network device 31 at least to receive 382 (Fig. 13) a split report SPLIT-REP from a first terminal device 10, the split report SPLIT-REP comprising at least one of the following elements: a) information indicating a collaborative measurement of at least one reference signal RS, e.g. PRS, with a second terminal device 20, b) information identifying the second terminal device 20, c) information representative of a distance between the first terminal device and the second terminal device. In some embodiments, the means 3102' for causing the first network device 31 at least to receive a split report from a first terminal device may e.g. comprise the at least one processor 3102, and the at least one memory 3104 storing instructions 3106, the at least one memory 3104 and the instructions 3106 configured to, with the at least one processor 3102, cause the first network device 31 at least to receive the split report.

Further exemplary embodiments, Fig. 13, relate to a method comprising: receiving 382, by a first network device 31, a split report SPLIT-REP from a first terminal device 10, the split report SPLIT-REP comprising at least one of the following elements R-l, R-2, R-3 explained above with reference to Fig. 8.

Further exemplary embodiments, Fig. 2, relate to a communications system 1000, for example a cellular communications system, comprising at least one apparatus 100, 100' , 200, 200' , 3100, 3100 ' according to the embodiments .

Fig. 16 schematically depicts a simplified block diagram according to some embodiments, showing two exemplary use cases UC1, UC2 where the principle according to the embodiments may be applied or used, e.g. for collaborative measurements related to positioning.

The first use case UC1 relates to a person P having a first terminal device pUE, e.g. a UE, and a second terminal device sUE, e.g. a smart watch or some other mobile terminal device that may at least temporarily be collocated or nearby the first terminal device pUE .

The second use case UC2 relates to a vehicle V associated with a first terminal device pUE ' , e.g. a UE, and a second terminal device sUE ' , e.g. another terminal device, which may e.g. also be built into the vehicle V. In the second use case, too, both terminal devices pUE ' , sUE ' , may at least temporarily be collocated or nearby each other.

In some embodiments, for example the terminal devices pUE, pUE ' of Fig. 16, can be localized using a collaborative PRS measuring approach based on the principle of the embodiments, wherein, for the first use case UC1, the terminal devices pUE, sUE may collaborate as exemplarily disclosed above with reference to Fig. 1A to 15 for the terminal devices 10, 20, and wherein, for the second use case UC2, the terminal devices pUE ' , sUE ' may collaborate as exemplarily disclosed above with reference to Fig. 1A to 15 for the terminal devices 10, 20.

Fig. 17 schematically depicts a simplified signaling diagram according to further embodiments, which may employ one or more of the exemplary aspects and embodiments explained above with reference to Fig. 1A to Fig. 16.

Note that the embodiment depicted by Fig. 17 is, as an illustrative example, related to positioning, but that the principle according to the embodiments is not limited to positioning.

Element pUE symbolizes a primary UE, e.g. similar to the first terminal device 10 of Fig. 2, element sUE symbolizes a secondary UE, e.g. similar to the second terminal device 20 of Fig. 2, element LMF symbolizes a first network device, e.g. implementing or representing a location management function, e.g. similar to the first network device 31 of Fig. 2, element gNB-pUE symbolizes a gNB currently serving the terminal device pUE, e.g. similar to element 32 of Fig. 2, and element gNB-sUE symbolizes a gNB currently serving the terminal device sUE, e.g. similar to element 33 of Fig. 2.

In some embodiments, a collaborate agreement el may be made between the terminal devices pUE, sUE, e.g. by either one of the terminal devices pUE, sUE . In some other embodiments, the collaborate agreement el may be defined or controlled by configuration, e.g. via a network device, and/or by standardization or the like.

In some embodiments, the entity LMF triggers a downlink (DL) based, for example NR, positioning session by sending assistance data (AD) e2, e.g. via an LPP interface.

In some embodiments, the assistance data e2 comprises a plurality of positioning reference signals PRS (Fig. 2) , e.g. organized in form of a list, to measure, each of the positioning reference signals e.g. being sent by a different transmission reception point (TRP) , e.g. on a given carrier. The entity LMF may e.g. explicitly indicate in the assistance data e2 that it allows the terminal device pUE to collaborate with another terminal device sUE, e.g. to perform position measurements ("collaboration allowance ") .

In some embodiments, the collaboration allowance may be conditional i.e. , the entity LMF may give a set of conditions that the terminal device (s) pUE, sUE should meet in order to be allowed to and/or to start collaborating, such as e.g. a minimum link quality, e.g. of a sidelink SL (Fig. 2) , a maximum distance between the terminal device pUE, sUE, etc.

Alternatively, in some other embodiments, there may be a default allowance e3 for, e.g. LPP-based, collaboration of the terminal devices pUE, sUE .

Element e4 of Fig. 17 symbolizes that the terminal device pUE evaluates whether latency and/or accuracy targets can be achieved by performing LPP positioning by itself alone, or whether collaboration with the further terminal device sUE may be beneficial. In the latter case, the first terminal device pUE may trigger a positioning session split, see block e5, between itself and the second terminal device sUE. Note that in this embodiment, the first terminal device pUE has already established a collaboration agreement el with the second terminal device sUE. In some embodiments, this may e.g. be achieved via sidelink signaling. In some embodiments, based on the collaboration agreement el and/or the abovementioned sidelink signaling to establish the collaboration agreement el, the first terminal device pUE may determine or obtain a distance between the first terminal device pUE and the second terminal device sUE.

In some embodiments, the session split may be triggered, see block e5, based on analysing positioning-related QoS (quality of service) requirements, e.g. :

- if a number of measurement gaps required to measure all positioning reference signals PRS yields unacceptable latency due to ongoing data traffic that needs to be prioritized by pUE,

- the second terminal device sUE may have better link to some TRPs than the first terminal device pUE, e.g. due to user/car blockage (Fig. 16) . As such, in some embodiments, the splitting may also be based on a link quality (as e.g. characterized by a RSRP (Reference Signal Received Power) /LOS (Line of Sight (conditions) ) optimization, e.g. for some, for example for all, involved TRPs.

In some embodiments, performing the splitting based on a link quality, e.g. for some, for example for all, involved TRPs, may require some exchange of e.g. measured SSB RSRP between the second terminal device sUE and the first terminal device pUE, e.g. as input to the split selection e6.

- the power of the first terminal device pUE may be limited, etc.

In some embodiments, the LPP split request e7 is sent to the second terminal device sUE, which is e.g. requested to perform part of the PRS measurements.

For example, in some embodiments, the first terminal device pUE may request the second terminal device sUE to measure half of the positioning reference signals PRS, and by doing this, each of the two terminal devices pUE, sUE may use, for example, only half the number of total measurement gaps, and thus, in some embodiments, the measurement session may be completed in half the time, as compared to some conventional approach.

In another example, the first terminal device pUE may ask the second terminal device sUE, e.g. via the split request e7, to measure a subset G-2 (Fig. 5A) of one or more RS, e.g. PRSs, where the subsets G-l, G-2 of the terminal devices' reference signals, e.g. PRS, are not necessarily disjoint, e.g. both terminal devices may measure a, for example small, subset of the common reference signals, e.g. PRS. By doing such a measurement, in some embodiments, the number of samples available for the common positioning reference signals PRS doubles, and the measurement accuracy is consequently increased for the common signals .

In some embodiments, the split request e7 is accompanied by original assistance data (AD) as e.g. obtained via element e2 of Fig. 17, wherein, in some embodiments, each PRS entry is marked with: "1" if the positioning reference signal should be evaluated by the second terminal device sUE, "0" if the positioning reference signal should be evaluated by first terminal device pUE, "2" if the positioning reference signal may be evaluated by either the first terminal device pUE or the second terminal device sUE, "3" if the positioning reference signal should be evaluated by both terminal devices pUE, sUE.

In some embodiments, the second terminal device sUE evaluates the request e7, see block e8, and may e.g. edit the split request or proposal, e.g. , in some embodiments, for a positioning reference signal marked with "2", the second terminal device sUE may change it to: "1" if it decides that itself can take the measurement, "0" if it decides that it cannot perform the measurement, and therefore the first terminal device pUE should take over.

In some embodiments, a reason for rejection may e.g. be a higher priority traffic at the second terminal device sUE, power limitations of the second terminal device sUE, etc.

In some embodiments, after assessing and potentially modifying the split, see block e8 of Fig. 17, the second terminal device sUE may reply, see the arrow e9, e.g. with its own preference, e.g. over a sidelink control channel. After the reply e9, the first terminal device pUE possesses now a valid LPP split, see block elO, which it may communicate to the entity LMF, see the arrow ell, e.g. over LPP, e.g. as a split agreement.

In some embodiments, using the split agreement ell, the entity LMF can be notified on the fact that the PRS measurements are made collaboratively by two different terminal devices' receivers or transceivers, e.g. in order to apply an appropriate localization method.

In some embodiments, the first terminal device pUE may append to the split agreement ell an identification (ID) of the second terminal device sUE and the distance between the first terminal device pUE and the second terminal device sUE, the latter e.g. being obtained during the establishment el of the collaboration.

In the following, in some embodiments, each terminal device pUE, sUE sends a respective measurement gap request el2, el3 to their respective serving gNBs gNB-pUE, gNB-sUE, e.g. via radio resource control, RRC, signaling, and proceed to measure, see the blocks el4, el5, their respective PRS subset.

Note that in some embodiments, if either of the gNBs gNB-pUE, gNB-sUE rejects the request el2, el3, the terminal device pair pUE-sUE is informed by either the first terminal device pUE and/or the second terminal device sUE, and the procedure may revert to a default version, which for example does not provide collaboration.

In some embodiments, the second terminal device sUE may transfer an LPP report el6 characterizing its PRS measurements to the first terminal device pUE, e.g. over the sidelink SL (Fig. 2) , and the first terminal device pUE integrates it with its own report, e.g. to be sent to the entity LMF, see the arrow el7.

In some embodiments, the entity LMF receives the combined report el7, e.g. via LPP signaling, from the first terminal device pUE and may e.g. compute a location of the first terminal device pUE based on the combined report e!7.

Fig. 18 schematically depicts a simplified signaling diagram according to further embodiments, which may employ one or more of the exemplary aspects and embodiments explained above with reference to Fig. 1A to Fig. 17. Similar to Fig. 17, the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 18 also relates to collaborative positioning measurements as example.

Elements e20, e21, e22, e23 of Fig. 18 correspond with elements e2, e4, e5, e6 of Fig. 17. Element e24 of Fig. 18 symbolizes establishment of a collaboration agreement according to some embodiments, e.g. similar to element el of Fig. 17. Elements e25, e26, e27, e28, e29 of Fig. 18 correspond with elements e7, e8, e9, elO, ell of Fig. 17.

Element e31 of Fig. 18 symbolises the entity LMF requesting a measurement gap reconfiguration for the first terminal device pUE, e.g. via NRPPa (NR Positioning Protocol A) . Element e32 of Fig. 18 symbolises the entity LMF requesting a (for example fresh) measurement gap configuration for the second terminal device sUE as an LPP collaborator of the first terminal device pUE .

Elements e33, e34 of Fig. 18 correspond with elements el4, el5 of Fig. 17.

Element e35 symbolizes the second terminal device sUE transmitting its split LPP report to the entity LMF, and element e36 symbolizes the first terminal device pUE transmitting its split LPP report to the entity LMF. Element e37 of Fig. 18 corresponds with element el8 of Fig . 17.

In other words, to summarize, the embodiment according to Fig. 18 may, in some embodiments, implement the following differentiating features as compared to the embodiment according to Fig. 17:

- the establishment e24 of the collaboration may be done after the LPP is triggered (see arrow e20) by the entity LMF, and for example only if the first terminal device pUE concludes that an LPP split is to be used.

- The split agreement is evaluated by the entity LMF, see block 30 of Fig. 18, which may e.g. accept or reject it. In some embodiments, in case of acceptance, the entity LMF may request both: a) An MG reconfiguration for the first terminal device pUE, e.g. via NRPPa, (arrow e31) , b) a fresh MG configuration for the second terminal device sUE as an LPP collaborator of the first terminal device pUE (arrow e32 ) . In some embodiments, as already mentioned above, the measurement report of the second terminal device sUE can be sent over the LPP interface, see arrow e35, to the entity LMF directly, by the second terminal device sUE (e.g., instead of being relayed by first terminal device pUE, like in the embodiment of Fig. 17) .

In still further embodiments, the principle according to the embodiments can be extended to a collaborative round trip time (RTT) or uplink (UL) session, in which a collaboration agreement of the first terminal device pUE with the second terminal device sUE may e.g. refer to at least one of the following elements:

1. : (for example for an RTT extension) : Which device measures which downlink (DL) PRS signals (e.g. , as inter alia described in the exemplary embodiments of Fig. 17, 18) .

2. : (for example for an RTT extension) : Which device collects and transfers, for example all, Tx (transmit) -Rx (receive) time difference reports back to the entity LMF (e.g., as inter alia described in the exemplary embodiments of Fig. 17, 18) .

3. : (for RTT and UL extensions) : How the devices transmit SRS (sounding reference signals) , e.g. as an RTT reply. In some exemplary embodiments, at least one of the following strategies may be applied:

3. a) SRS towards, for example all, TRPs are sent by one of the two devices 10, 20,

3.b) The two devices 10, 20 send SRS directed to disjoint sets of TRPs ,

3.c) The two devices 10, 20 send SRS directed to partly/full overlapping sets of TRPs,

3.d) The PRS and SRS split are identical, i.e., the device that measures PRS is in charge of SRS transmission, 3.e) etc.

Further exemplary embodiments, Fig. 20, relate to a computer program PRG or computer program product, e.g. stored on a computer-readable data carrier DC, comprising instructions which, when the program PRG is executed by a computer (e.g., having a processor 102, 202, 3102) , cause the computer to carry out the method according to the embodiments . Further exemplary embodiments relate to a data carrier signal DCS characterizing and/or carrying the computer program PRG according to the embodiments .

In some embodiments, a 5G NR measurement framework, for example localization framework, may be provided based on the principle according to the embodiments. As an example, in some embodiments, the first terminal device 10, pUE, e.g. target UE, is enabled to split an LPP (LTE Positioning Protocol) session with one or more collaborators (e.g., second terminal device (s) 20, sUE) and hence speed up a measurement acquisition across carriers and/or bands.

As mentioned above, in some embodiments, the measurements may relate to measuring positioning reference signals PRS . However, in further embodiments, the measurements may also relate to other RS than positioning reference signals PRS.

In some embodiments, collaborative measurement of positioning reference signals PRS as well as other reference signals RS is also possible .

In some embodiments, the 5G NR measurement framework, for example localization framework provided based on the principle according to the embodiments may comprise one or more of the following aspects and/or elements:

- new LPP, RRC and sidelink (SL) signaling, for example to establish a collaboration strategy for DL/UL/RTT positioning,

- new method at target UE 10, e.g. for assessing and splitting an LPP session, e.g. according to positioning QoS requirements of the target UE 10, new LPP, RRC and SL signaling exchange, e.g. for potentially modifying and/or accepting a session split by the collaborators 20,

- UE behavior for implementing the session split by the target UE 10 and the collaborators 20,

- new SL signaling exchange, e.g. for collecting and/or transferring positioning measurements among the collaborators. In at least some embodiments , a reduced MG positioning session, and in extreme cases , MG-less ses sions are enabled using the principle according to the embodiments .