A mechanism for measuring positioning reference signals.

Abstract

An embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a mechanism for positioning reference signal (PRS) measurement. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a first device determines channel metrics between the first device and a second device. The first device determines a number of PRS samples based on the channel metrics and a target accuracy of the PRS measurement. The first device transmits a report indicating the results of the PRS measurement. In this manner, the number of PRS samples can be reduced based on the channel metrics, thereby saving power.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to the field of telecommunications, and more particularly to methods, devices, apparatus, and computer-readable storage media for positioning reference signal measurements. [Background technology]

[0002] As communication systems evolve, new technologies are being proposed. A recent work item was conducted in the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) regarding positioning support in New Radio (NR) systems. A new reference signal for positioning has been introduced in the downlink. For example, to perform positioning, a terminal device can measure the reference signal time difference (RSTD) between positioning reference signals (PRS) from different transmission points. Alternatively, or in addition, the terminal device can measure the receive-transmit (Rx-Tx) time difference, where the time difference is the difference between two PRSs. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] Generally, the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide a solution for positioning reference signal measurements. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] In a first aspect, a first device is provided, the first device comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory containing computer program code configured, by the at least one processor, to cause the first device to at least: determine channel metrics between the first device and a second device, determine a number of positioning reference signal samples based on the channel metrics and a target accuracy of the positioning reference signal measurements, and perform positioning reference signal measurements based on the number of positioning reference signal samples.

[0005] In a second aspect, a second device is provided, the second device comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory containing computer program code configured, by the at least one processor, to cause the second device to at least: transmit mapping information to the first device, the mapping information indicating a relationship between a number of positioning reference signal samples, channel metrics, and an accuracy of the positioning reference signal measurement; and receive a report from the first device indicating a result of a PRS measurement, the PRS measurement being performed based on the number of positioning reference signal samples, the number of positioning reference signal samples being determined based on the channel metrics between the first device and the second device and a target accuracy of the positioning reference signal measurement.

[0006] In a third aspect, a method is provided, the method including: determining channel metrics between a first device and a second device; determining a number of positioning reference signal samples based on the channel metrics and a target accuracy of the positioning reference signal measurement; and performing a positioning reference signal measurement based on the number of positioning reference signal samples.

[0007] In a fourth aspect, a method is provided, the method including: transmitting, at a second device, mapping information to a first device, the mapping information indicating a relationship between a number of positioning reference signal samples, channel metrics, and an accuracy of a PRS measurement; and receiving, from the first device, a report indicating a result of a PRS measurement, the PRS measurement being performed based on the number of positioning reference signal samples, the number of positioning reference signal samples being determined based on channel metrics between the first device and the second device and a target accuracy of the positioning reference signal measurement.

[0008] In a fifth aspect, an apparatus is provided, comprising: means for determining channel metrics between a first device and a second device; means for determining a number of positioning reference signal samples based on the channel metrics and a target accuracy of the positioning reference signal measurement; and means for performing a positioning reference signal measurement based on the number of positioning reference signal samples.

[0009] In a sixth aspect, an apparatus is provided, comprising: means, at a second device, for transmitting mapping information to a first device, the mapping information indicating a relationship between a number of positioning reference signal samples, channel metrics, and an accuracy of a PRS measurement; and means for receiving, from the first device, a report indicating a result of a PRS measurement, the PRS measurement being performed based on the number of positioning reference signal samples, the number of positioning reference signal samples being determined based on channel metrics between the first device and the second device and a target accuracy of the positioning reference signal measurement.

[0010] In a seventh aspect, there is provided a computer readable medium comprising program instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the method of the third or fourth aspect.

[0011] It should be understood that this summary section is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the embodiments of the present disclosure, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Other features of the present disclosure will be readily apparent from the following description.

[0012] Some exemplary embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an example communication environment in which example embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a signaling flow diagram for positioning reference signal measurements, according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic diagram of positioning reference signal samples, according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure; [Figure 4] 1 is a flowchart of a method performed on a first device, according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] 1 is a flowchart of a method performed on a first device, according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart of a method performed on a second device, according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram of an apparatus suitable for implementing exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] 1 is a block diagram of an example computer-readable medium according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Throughout the drawings, the same or similar reference numbers represent the same or similar elements.

[0015] The principles of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to some exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are set forth for illustrative purposes only and to aid those skilled in the art in understanding and implementing the present disclosure, and are not intended to imply any limitation on the scope of the present disclosure. The embodiments described herein can be implemented in various ways other than those described below.

[0016] In the following description and claims, unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0017] In this disclosure, references such as "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "an exemplary embodiment," and the like indicate that the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not all embodiments need include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with one embodiment, it is believed to be within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic with respect to other embodiments, whether or not explicitly stated.

[0018] Although terms such as "first" and "second" may be used herein to describe various elements, it should be understood that these elements are not limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element can be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element can be referred to as a first element, without departing from the scope of the illustrated embodiments. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed terms.

[0019] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises," "including," "comprising," "has," "having," "includes," and / or "including," as used herein, specify the presence of stated features, elements, and / or components, etc., but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more of other features, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0020] As used in this application, the term "circuit" may refer to one or more or all of the following: (a) hardware-only circuit implementations (e.g., analog and / or digital-only implementations); (b) A combination of hardware circuitry and software, such as (if applicable): (i) a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuitry and software / firmware; and (ii) hardware processors (including digital signal processors) with software, software, and portions of memory that work together to cause a device, such as a mobile phone or server, to perform various functions; and (c) A hardware circuit and / or processor, such as a microprocessor or part of a microprocessor, that requires software (e.g., firmware) to operate, but where the software may not be present when not necessary for operation.

[0021] This definition of circuit applies to all uses of the term in this application, including the claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term circuit also covers implementations of simply a hardware circuit or processor (or processors) or portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware. The term circuit also covers, for example, baseband or processor integrated circuits for mobile devices, or similar integrated circuits in servers, cellular network devices, or other computing or network devices, if applicable to certain claim elements.

[0022] As used herein, the term "communication network" refers to a network conforming to an appropriate communication standard, such as New Radio (NR), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), High-Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), or Narrow Band Internet of Things (NB-IoT). Furthermore, communications between terminal devices and network devices in a communication network may be conducted according to any appropriate generation of communication protocol, including, but not limited to, first-generation (1G), second-generation (2G), 2.5G, 2.75G, third-generation (3G), fourth-generation (4G), 4.5G, fifth-generation (5G) communication protocols, and / or any other protocols currently known or developed in the future. Embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied to various communication systems. Given the rapid development of communications, there are certainly future communication technologies and systems in which the present disclosure may be embodied. The scope of the present disclosure should not be considered limited to only the aforementioned systems.

[0023] As used herein, the term "network device" refers to a node in a communication network through which a terminal device accesses the network and receives services therefrom. Depending on the terminology and technology used, a network device may refer to a base station (BS) or access point (AP), e.g., a Node B (NodeB or NB), an evolved Node B (eNodeB or eNB), a NR NB (also referred to as a gNB), a remote radio unit (RRU), a radio header (RH), a remote radio head (RRH), a relay device, an integrated access backhaul (IAB) node, a low-power node such as a femto or pico node, a satellite network device, a low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite, and a geosynchronous earth orbit (GEO) satellite, a non-terrestrial network (NTN) or non-ground network device such as an airborne network device, etc. The term "terminal device" refers to any end device capable of wireless communication. In the following description, the terms "terminal device", "terminal", "user equipment" and "UE" may be used interchangeably.

[0024] As mentioned above, it was implemented in 3GPP for positioning support in NR. According to the prior art, one enhancement specified to meet low latency targets is to reduce the number of PRS samples (reference signal occasions) at the UE. The reduction in the number of PRS samples simply sets the amount that the UE should use to meet accuracy requirements / tests. However, since the fewer the number of samples, the lower the accuracy requirements are expected to be, so there is a trade-off between accuracy and power consumption.

[0025] The NR Positioning Radio Access Network (RAN) 4 sets positioning measurement requirements (e.g., RSTD) based on the number of samples the UE receives for the PRS. The term "sample" in the RAN 4 specification refers to the number of instances of the PRS resource (e.g., one repetition of a periodic set). The more samples the UE uses to measure the PRS, the higher the power consumption. The more samples, the higher the expected positioning measurement accuracy (e.g., RSTD). Therefore, there is a natural trade-off between power consumption and accuracy. This becomes an issue for low-power devices (e.g., reduced capability (RedCap) UEs) to achieve the required accuracy while minimizing power consumption. The number of samples required to meet a certain accuracy is also related to the quality of the received signal (i.e., a signal received at relatively high power with little interference requires fewer samples to reach the target accuracy).

[0026] Moreover, if the UE needs to always use the same number of measurement samples, this will be power inefficient for the UE, because the UE will need to use more samples for some PRSs from some transmit reception points (TRPs) that are not needed, which will lead to wasted UE power.

[0027] To solve these and other potential problems, a solution for positioning reference signal (PRS) measurements is needed. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a first device determines channel metrics between the first device and a second device. The first device determines the number of PRS samples based on the channel metrics and a target accuracy for the PRS measurements. The first device transmits a report indicating the results of the PRS measurements. In this manner, the number of PRS samples can be reduced based on the channel metrics, thereby saving power at the UE.

[0028] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a communication environment 100 in which embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented. The communication environment 100, which is part of a communication network, includes devices 110-1, 110-2, ..., 110-N, which may be collectively referred to as "first devices 110." The communication environment 100 also includes a second device 120. As shown in FIG. 1 , for example, the second device 120 may communicate with the first device 110 via TRPs 130-1 and 130-2 (hereinafter collectively referred to as "TRPs 130" or individually referred to as "TRPs 130"). For example, TRP 130-1 may also be referred to as a first TRP, and TRP 130-2 may also be referred to as a second TRP.

[0029] The communication environment 100 may include any suitable number of devices and cells. In the communication environment 100, a first device 110 and a second device 120 may communicate data and / or control information with each other. When the first device 110 is a terminal device and the second device 120 is a network device, the link, i.e., the communication of data and / or control from the second device 120 to the first device 110, is referred to as a downlink (DL), and the link from the first device 110 to the second device 120 is referred to as an uplink (UL).

[0030] It should be understood that the number of first devices and cells and their connections shown in Figure 1 are provided for illustrative purposes, without implying any limitation. Communication environment 100 may include any suitable number of devices and networks configured to implement embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0031] Communications in communication environment 100 may be implemented according to any suitable communications protocol, including, but not limited to, cellular communications protocols such as first generation (1G), second generation (2G), third generation (3G), fourth generation (4G), and fifth generation (5G), wireless local network communications protocols such as Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11, and / or other protocols now known or developed in the future. Moreover, communications may utilize any suitable wireless communications technology, including, but not limited to, code division multiple access (CDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division duplex (FDD), time division duplex (TDD), multiple input multiple output (MIMO), orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), discrete Fourier transform spread OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM), and / or other technologies now known or developed in the future.

[0032] Reference is now made to FIG. 2 , which illustrates a signaling flow 200 for PRS measurement in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. For purposes of discussion, the signaling flow 200 will be described with reference to FIG. 1 . For illustrative purposes only, the signaling flow 200 may involve a first device 110-1 and a second device 120. Embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied to any suitable type of device, including RedCap devices. RedCap devices are designed to have a relatively long battery life compared to Internet of Things (IoT) devices. One such RedCap feature for extending battery life is radio resource management (RRM) relaxation for RedCap devices. Moreover, embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied to different beams or TRPs.

[0033] The first device 110-1 may determine mapping information 2010 indicating a relationship between the number of positioning reference signal (PRS) samples, the channel metrics, and the accuracy of the PRS measurements. In some embodiments, the mapping information may be determined at the first device 110-1. Alternatively, determining the mapping information may include receiving the mapping information from the second device. In other words, the second device 120 may transmit the mapping information to the first device 110-1.

[0034] In some embodiments, the mapping information may be maintained in a lookup table. Alternatively, the mapping information may be maintained in a multivariate function. In some other embodiments, the mapping information may be maintained in other adaptive routines.

[0035] The channel metrics may include any suitable parameters indicative of link quality between the devices. For example, in some exemplary embodiments, the channel metrics may indicate line-of-sight (LoS) conditions. Alternatively, or in addition, the channel metrics may indicate a signal to interference and noise ratio (SINR). In other embodiments, the channel metrics may indicate a reference signal received power (RSRP). In some other embodiments, the channel metrics may indicate a reference signal received quality (RSRQ).

[0036] A positioning reference signal (PRS) may be a primary reference signal supporting downlink-based positioning methods. As used herein, the term "PRS sample" refers to an instance / occasion of a repeated PRS signal. For example, one instance of a PRS resource set with a priority of 10 ms has four samples within a 40 ms window. Using a PRS may have the advantages of having a good level of accuracy, coverage, interference avoidance and suppression, and a wide delay spread range, since it can be received from potentially distant neighboring base stations for position estimation. This can be achieved by transmitting the PRS over multiple symbols that cover a wide or full range of the NR bandwidth and can be aggregated to accumulate power.

[0037] Table 1 below shows example mapping information between the number of PRS samples, channel metrics, and accuracy of PRS measurements. Note that the values ​​of accuracy, channel metrics, and number of PRS samples in Table 1 are merely examples and are not limiting.

[0038] [Table 1]

[0039] The first device 110-1 may obtain the PRS assistance data. For example, the core network device 210 may transmit 2020 the PRS assistance data to the first device 110-1. In some embodiments, the core network device 210 may be or may include a location management function (LMF). In one example embodiment, the LMF may be a separate unit from the core network device, and the LMF is communicatively coupled to the core network device.

[0040] The PRS assistance data may include parameters for the PRS. For example, the PRS assistance data may include the bandwidth of the PRS. Alternatively, or in addition, the PRS assistance data may include the periodicity of the PRS. In some embodiments, the PRS assistance data may include the density of occupied subcarriers in a given PRS symbol, referred to as the comb size. In a comb-N PRS, N symbols can be combined to cover all subcarriers in the frequency domain. Thus, each base station can transmit on a different set of subcarriers to avoid interference.

[0041] The first device 110-1 determines 2025 channel metrics between the first device 110-1 and the second device 120. For example, the first device 110-1 may determine channel metrics between the first device 110-1 and the TRP 130-1. The first device 110-1 may also determine channel metrics between the first device 110-1 and the TRP 130-2.

[0042] As described above, the channel metrics may indicate at least one of: LoS status, SINR, RSRP, or RSRQ. The first device 110-1 may determine the channel metrics based on any appropriate signal. For example, the channel metrics may be determined based on a synchronization signal / physical broadcast channel (SSB). Alternatively, the first device 110-1 may determine the channel metrics based on a PRS. In this case, the channel metrics may be determined based on previous measurements of the PRS. In other words, the first device 110-1 may use a previously received PRS to determine the channel metrics.

[0043] The first device 110-1 determines 2030 the number of PRS samples based on the channel metrics and the target accuracy of the PRS measurements. For example, in some embodiments, the first device 110-1 may determine the number of PRS samples based on the channel metrics, the target accuracy, and the mapping information. In some other embodiments, the first device 110-1 may determine the number of PRS samples based on a received quasi co-located signal.

[0044] In some embodiments, the target accuracy of the PRS measurement may be determined based on quality of service (QoS) requirements. QoS may refer to a measure of overall service performance experienced by users of a network. To quantitatively measure at least one of the QoS, packet loss, bit rate, throughput, transmission delay, availability, jitter, or other relevant aspects of the service may be considered. In some embodiments, the first device 110-1 may determine the target accuracy of the PRS measurement. Alternatively, the first device 110-1 may receive an indication of the target accuracy from the core network device 210.

[0045] 3, the first device 110-1 may determine that the SINR between the first device 110-1 and the TRP 130-1 is 0 dB. The target accuracy of the PRS measurement associated with the TRP 130-1 is + / - 10 nanoseconds. In this case, the first device 110-1 may determine that the number of PRS samples is 2 in accordance with Table 1, which is shown as PRS samples 310-1 and 310-2. Furthermore, the first device 110-1 may determine that the SINR between the first device 110-1 and the TRP 130-2 is -3 dB. The target accuracy of the PRS measurement associated with the TRP 130-1 is + / - 10 nanoseconds. In this case, the first device 110-1 may determine that the number of PRS samples is 4 in accordance with Table 1, which is shown as PRS samples 320-1, 320-2, 320-3, and 320-4. In other words, the channel conditions between the first device 110-1 and the TRP 130-1 are better than the channel conditions between the first device 110-1 and the TRP 130-2, and the first device 110-1 may use fewer PRS samples for the PRS measurements associated with the TRP 130-1 than for the PRS measurements associated with the TRP 130-2. In this way, the first device 110-1 may consume less power.

[0046] The second device 120 may transmit a set of positioning reference signals to the first device 110-1 2040. For example, comb-2, comb-4, comb-6, and comb-12 are several configurable comb-based PRS patterns suitable for different scenarios useful for different use cases. The PRS can also support 2 / 4 / 6 / 12 symbols in time frequency. Table 2 below shows example patterns for the PRS. Note that Table 2 is only an example and is not limiting.

[0047] [Table 2]

[0048] The first device 110-1 performs PRS measurements based on the number of PRS samples 2050. In other words, the first device 110-1 can reduce the number of measurements to reach a target accuracy. After the target accuracy is met, the first device 110-1 can stop receiving or processing the PRS, thereby saving power. In some embodiments, the channel metrics may be determined based on the PRS measurements of the first PRS sample from the PRS samples.

[0049] 3, the first device 110-1 may perform PRS measurements on PRS signals received from TRP 130-1 in PRS samples 310-1 and 310-2. The first device 110-1 may perform PRS measurements on PRS signals received from TRP 130-2 in PRS samples 320-1, 320-2, 320-3, and 320-4.

[0050] When the first device 110-1 decides that it can stop receiving / processing a PRS, there are some subtleties because the first device 110-1 can decide different times to stop processing and receive a PRS. This is for two reasons: 1) the first device 110-1 may be receiving multiple PRSs within a symbol and continue to receive PRSs from other TRPs even after the required number of samples for a particular PRS has been reached; or 2) the first device 110-1 may be using the same Rx beam to receive multiple PRSs and therefore continue to use a certain Rx beam for longer than just one PRS. In such cases, the first device 110-1 may stop processing a PRS that has reached the required number of samples, but technically does not stop receiving it until some or all PRSs within those symbols / Rx beams have been processed.

[0051] In some embodiments, the first device 110-1 may perform a PRS-RSRP measurement on the PRS sample. Alternatively, the first device 110-1 may perform a PRS-reference signal received path power (PRS-RSRPP) measurement on the PRS sample. In other embodiments, the first device 110-1 may perform a PRS reference signal time difference (RSTD) measurement. As another example, the first device 110-1 may perform a UE receive-transmit (RX-TX) time difference measurement on the PRS sample. In some embodiments, the first device 110-1 may perform at least one of the following on the PRS sample: an angle of arrival measurement, an angle of departure measurement, or a carrier phase measurement.

[0052] In some embodiments, the second device 120 may transmit performance information to the first device 110-1. In this case, the first device 110-1 may update the number of PRS samples based on the performance information. For example, if the second device 120 signals performance degradation, the mapping information may be updated to a more conservative set of values, e.g., the minimum number of samples may be increased by a fixed value.

[0053] In some other embodiments, the mapping information can be updated based on periodic checks of the validity of the mapping information. For example, if static mapping (i.e., mapping information) is implemented, dynamic mapping can be triggered periodically to compare the results of applying both methods to the same PRS. If there is a difference in relative performance, the static mapping can be updated according to the configuration provided by the dynamic mapping. In other words, the minimum number of samples in the lookup table can be updated to match the number of samples after the dynamic method has converged.

[0054] Refer to FIG. 4, which illustrates an example embodiment of a flowchart for updating PRS samples. In block 410, the first device 110-1 may determine channel metrics for the TRP / beam. As described above, the channel metrics may indicate at least one of: LoS status, SINR, RSRP, or RSRQ. In block 420, the first device 110-1 determines the number of PRS samples based on the channel metrics and a target accuracy of the PRS measurement. In block 430, the first device 110-1 may perform PRS measurements based on the number of PRS samples.

[0055] At block 440, the first device 110-1 may update the number of PRS samples. In some embodiments, the first device 110-1 may update the number of PRS samples based on a difference in the PRS measurements made. For example, if the number of PRS samples is four, the first device 110-1 may obtain a first time of arrival (TOA) estimate based on the first PRS and a second TOA estimate based on the second PRS. In this case, the first device 110-1 may compare the first TOA estimate with the second TOA estimate. If the TOA based on the first TOA estimate and the second TOA estimate converges, the first device 110-1 may stop PRS measurements and return the TOA. In this case, the first device 110-1 may update the number of PRS samples from four to two. If the TOA based on the first TOA estimate and the second TOA estimate does not converge, the first device 110-1 may obtain a third TOA estimate based on a third PRS. If the TOA based on the second TOA estimate and the third TOA estimate converges, the first device 110-1 may stop PRS measurement and return the TOA. In this case, the first device 110-1 may update the number of PRS samples from 4 to 3. Alternatively, the first device 110-1 may further perform PRS measurement for a fourth PRS.

[0056] In block 450, the first device 110-1 may stop processing PRS from a TRP / beam. Blocks 410 to 450 may be repeated for all TRPs or all beams of a TRP. In block 460, if the first device 110-1 is performing beamforming, the first device 110-1 may stop measuring PRS from an RX beam after processing of all PRS beams / TRPs in that RX beam has been stopped. Block 460 may be repeated for all UE RX beams.

[0057] In some embodiments, when the number of PRS samples is reached, the first device 110-1 may exit the measurement gap for PRS measurements. Alternatively, the first device 110-1 may prioritize PRS measurements within the measurement gap based on channel metrics. For example, the first device 110-1 may perform PRS measurements within the measurement gap first. In other words, the first device 110-1 may exit the measurement gap (MG) or prioritize specific TRPs / beams in a specific MG instance to reduce the total time the first device 110-1 needs to spend in the MG.

[0058] 2, the first device 110-1 may transmit 2060 a report indicating the results of the TRP / PRS measurements of the beam. In some embodiments, the report may be transmitted to the second device 120 and then forwarded to the core network device 210. Alternatively, or additionally, the report may be transmitted to the core network device 210. Alternatively, or additionally, the report may be transmitted or provided to an LMF (not shown in FIG. 2). In some embodiments, the core network device 210 may estimate 2070 a location of the first device 110-1 based on the report.

[0059] In some example embodiments, UE-based positioning may be applied, in which case the first device 110-1 may determine its location locally based on PRS measurements. The first device 110-1 may not need to send reports to the second device 120 or the core network device 210.

[0060] According to the embodiment of Figure 2, the first device 110-1 can determine the number of PRS samples based on channel metrics. In this case, if the channel conditions are sufficiently good, the first device 110-1 can measure fewer PRS samples. (In other words, if the channel conditions are worse, more PRS samples can be measured.) In other words, the first device 110-1 does not need to measure the same number of positioning reference signals for all TRPs, thereby saving power.

[0061] 5 shows a flowchart of an example method 500 according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. For purposes of discussion, the method 500 will be described from the perspective of the first device 110-1.

[0062] The first device 110-1 may determine mapping information indicating a relationship between the number of positioning reference signal (PRS) samples, channel metrics, and accuracy of the PRS measurements. In some embodiments, the mapping information may be determined at the first device 110-1. Alternatively, determining the mapping information may include receiving the mapping information from the second device. In other words, the second device 120 may transmit the mapping information to the first device 110-1.

[0063] In some embodiments, the mapping information may be maintained in a lookup table. Alternatively, the mapping information may be maintained in a multivariate function. In some other embodiments, the mapping information may be maintained in other adaptive routines.

[0064] The channel metrics may include any suitable parameters indicative of link quality between the devices. For example, in some embodiments, the channel metrics may indicate line-of-sight (LoS) conditions. Alternatively, or in addition, the channel metrics may indicate signal-to-interference-and-noise ratio (SINR). In other embodiments, the channel metrics may indicate reference signal received power (RSRP). In some other embodiments, the channel metrics may indicate reference signal received quality (RSRQ).

[0065] The PRS may be a primary reference signal supporting downlink-based positioning methods. As used herein, the term "PRS sample" may refer to an instance / occasion of a repeated PRS signal. Using a PRS may have the advantage of having a good level of accuracy, coverage, interference avoidance and suppression, and a wide delay spread range, as it can be received from potentially distant neighboring base stations for position estimation. This can be achieved by transmitting the PRS over multiple symbols that cover a wide / full NR bandwidth and can be aggregated to accumulate power.

[0066] The first device 110-1 may obtain PRS assistance data. For example, the core network device 210 may transmit 2020 the PRS assistance data to the first device 110-1. In some embodiments, the core network device 210 may be or may include a location management function (LMF). In one example embodiment, the LMF may be a separate unit from the core network device, and the LMF is communicatively coupled to the core network device.

[0067] The PRS assistance data may include parameters for the PRS. For example, the PRS assistance data may include the bandwidth of the PRS. Alternatively, or in addition, the PRS assistance data may include the periodicity of the PRS. In some embodiments, the PRS assistance data may include the density of occupied subcarriers in a given PRS symbol, referred to as the comb size. In a comb-N PRS, N symbols can be combined to cover all subcarriers in the frequency domain. Thus, each base station can transmit on a different set of subcarriers to avoid interference.

[0068] In block 510, the first device 110-1 determines channel metrics between the first device 110-1 and the second device 120. As described above, the channel metrics may indicate one or more of: LoS status, SINR, RSRP, or RSRQ. The first device 110-1 may determine the channel metrics based on any appropriate signal. For example, the channel metrics may be determined based on a synchronization signal / physical broadcast channel (SSB). Alternatively, the first device 110-1 may determine the channel metrics based on a PRS. In this case, the channel metrics may be determined based on previous measurements of the PRS. In other words, the first device 110-1 may use a previously received PRS to determine the channel metrics.

[0069] At block 520, the first device 110-1 determines the number of PRS samples based on the channel metrics and the target accuracy of the PRS measurements. For example, in some embodiments, the first device 110-1 may determine the number of PRS samples based on the channel metrics, the target accuracy, and the mapping information. In some other embodiments, the first device 110-1 may determine the number of PRS samples based on the received quasi-colocated signal.

[0070] In some embodiments, the target accuracy of the PRS measurement may be determined based on quality of service (QoS) requirements. QoS may refer to a measure of overall service performance experienced by users of a network. To quantitatively measure at least one of the QoS, packet loss, bit rate, throughput, transmission delay, availability, jitter, and other relevant aspects of the service may be considered. In some embodiments, the first device 110-1 may determine the target accuracy of the PRS measurement. Alternatively, the first device 110-1 may receive an indication of the target accuracy from the core network device 210.

[0071] The first device 110-1 can receive a set of positioning reference signals from the second device 120. For example, comb-2, comb-4, comb-6, and comb-12 are several configurable comb-based PRS patterns suitable for different scenarios that serve different use cases. The PRS can also support 2 / 4 / 6 / 12 symbols in time frequency.

[0072] In block 530, the first device 110-1 performs PRS measurements based on the number of PRS samples. In other words, the first device 110-1 only uses the minimum number of measurements to reach a target accuracy. After the target accuracy is met, the first device 110-1 can stop receiving or processing the PRS, thereby saving power. In some embodiments, the channel metrics may be determined based on the PRS measurements of the first PRS sample from the PRS samples.

[0073] When the first device 110-1 decides that it can stop receiving / processing a PRS, there are some subtleties, as the first device 110-1 can decide different times to stop processing and receive a PRS. This is for two reasons: 1) the first device 110-1 may be receiving multiple PRSs within a symbol and may need to continue receiving PRSs from other TRPs even after the required number of samples for a particular PRS has been reached; and 2) the first device 110-1 may be using the same Rx beam to receive multiple PRSs and therefore may still need to use the Rx beam for longer than just one PRS. In such cases, the first device 110-1 may stop processing a PRS that has reached the required number of samples, but technically does not completely stop receiving it until some or all PRSs within those symbols / Rx beams have been processed.

[0074] In some embodiments, the first device 110-1 may perform a PRS-RSRP measurement on the PRS sample. Alternatively, the first device 110-1 may perform a PRS-Reference Signal Receive Path Power (PRS-RSRPP) measurement on the PRS sample. In other embodiments, the first device 110-1 may perform a PRS Reference Signal Time Difference (RSTD) measurement. As another example, the first device 110-1 may perform a UE Receive-Transmit (RX-TX) time difference measurement on the PRS sample. In some embodiments, the first device 110-1 may perform at least one of the following on the PRS sample: an angle-of-arrival measurement, an angle-of-departure measurement, or a carrier phase measurement.

[0075] In some embodiments, the first device 110-1 may receive performance information from the second device 120. In this case, the first device 110-1 may update the number of PRS samples based on the performance information. For example, if the second device 120 signals performance degradation, the mapping information may be updated to a more conservative set of values, e.g., the minimum number of samples may be increased by a fixed value.

[0076] In some other embodiments, the mapping information can be updated based on periodic checks of the validity of the mapping information. For example, if static mapping (i.e., mapping information) is implemented, dynamic mapping can be triggered periodically to compare the results of applying both methods to the same PRS. If there is a difference in relative performance, the static mapping can be updated according to the configuration provided by the dynamic mapping. In other words, the minimum number of samples in the lookup table can be updated to match the number of samples after the dynamic method has converged.

[0077] In some embodiments, the first device 110-1 may exit the measurement gap for PRS measurements when the number of PRS samples is reached. Alternatively, the first device 110-1 may prioritize PRS measurements within the measurement gap based on channel metrics. In other words, the first device 110-1 may exit the measurement gap (MG) or prioritize specific TRPs / beams in a specific MG instance to reduce the total time the first device 110-1 needs to spend in the MG.

[0078] In some embodiments, at block 540, the first device 110-1 may transmit a report indicating the results of the TRP / PRS measurements of the beam. In some embodiments, the report may be transmitted to the second device 120 and then forwarded to the core network device 210. Alternatively, or additionally, the report may be transmitted to the core network device 210. Alternatively, or additionally, the report may be transmitted or provided to the LMF.

[0079] In some example embodiments, UE-based positioning may be applied, in which case the first device 110-1 may determine its location locally based on PRS measurements. The first device 110-1 may not need to send reports to the second device 120 or the core network device 210.

[0080] 6 illustrates a flowchart of an example method 600 according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. For purposes of discussion, the method 600 will be described from the perspective of the second device 120.

[0081] At block 610, the second device 120 may transmit mapping information indicating a relationship between the number of positioning reference signal (PRS) samples, the channel metrics, and the accuracy of the PRS measurements.

[0082] In some embodiments, the mapping information may be maintained in a lookup table. Alternatively, the mapping information may be maintained in a multivariate function. In some other embodiments, the mapping information may be maintained in other adaptive routines.

[0083] The channel metrics may include any suitable parameters indicative of link quality between the devices. For example, in some embodiments, the channel metrics may indicate line-of-sight (LoS) conditions. Alternatively, or in addition, the channel metrics may indicate signal-to-interference-and-noise ratio (SINR). In other embodiments, the channel metrics may indicate reference signal received power (RSRP). In some other embodiments, the channel metrics may indicate reference signal received quality (RSRQ).

[0084] The PRS may be a primary reference signal supporting downlink-based positioning methods. As used herein, the term "PRS sample" may refer to an instance / occasion of a repeated PRS signal. Using a PRS may have the advantage of having a good level of accuracy, coverage, interference avoidance and suppression, and a wide delay spread range, as it can be received from potentially distant neighboring base stations for position estimation. This can be achieved by transmitting the PRS over multiple symbols that can cover a wide / full NR bandwidth and aggregate to accumulate power.

[0085] The second device 120 can transmit a set of positioning reference signals to the first device 110-1. There are several configurable comb-based PRS patterns, such as comb-2, comb-4, comb-6, and comb-12, suitable for different scenarios that serve different use cases. The PRS can also support 2 / 4 / 6 / 12 symbols in time frequency.

[0086] In some embodiments, the second device 120 may transmit performance information to the first device 110-1. In this case, the first device 110-1 may update the number of PRS samples based on the performance information. For example, if the second device 120 signals performance degradation, the mapping information may be updated to a more conservative set of values, e.g., the minimum number of samples may be increased by a fixed value.

[0087] At block 620, the second device 120 receives a report indicating the results of the TRP / PRS measurements of the beam. In some embodiments, the report may be sent to the second device 120 and then forwarded to the core network device 210. Alternatively, or additionally, the report may be sent to the core network device 210. Alternatively, or additionally, the report may be sent or provided to the LMF.

[0088] In some exemplary embodiments, an apparatus (e.g., first device 110) capable of performing any of method 500 may comprise means for performing each operation of method 500. The means may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the means may be implemented in a circuit or a software module. The first apparatus may be implemented as or included in first device 110. In some exemplary embodiments, the means may comprise at least one processor and at least one memory containing computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to cause the at least one processor to cause the performance of the apparatus.

[0089] In some embodiments, an apparatus comprises: means for determining channel metrics between a first device and a second device; means for determining a number of positioning reference signal samples based on the channel metrics and a target accuracy of the positioning reference signal measurement; and means for performing a positioning reference signal measurement based on the number of positioning reference signal samples.

[0090] In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises means for transmitting a report indicating the results of the PRS measurement to the second device.

[0091] In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises means for receiving, from the second device, mapping information indicating a relationship between a number of positioning reference signal samples, a channel metric, and an accuracy of the PRS measurement.

[0092] In some embodiments, the apparatus may comprise means for determining a number of positioning reference signal samples based on channel metrics, a target accuracy, and mapping information.

[0093] In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises means for determining a target accuracy of the PRS measurement based on a quality of service (QoS) requirement between the first device and the second device.

[0094] In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises means for receiving an indication of a target accuracy of the PRS measurement from a core network device.

[0095] In some embodiments, the channel metrics indicate at least one of: line of sight (LoS) status, signal-to-interference-and-noise ratio (SINR), reference signal received power (RSRP), or reference signal received quality (RSRQ).

[0096] In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises means for determining channel metrics based on previous measurements of a positioning reference signal.

[0097] In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises means for dynamically updating the number of positioning reference signal samples based on PRS measurements.

[0098] In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises means for receiving performance information from the second device and means for updating a number of positioning reference signal samples based on the performance information.

[0099] In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises means for ceasing to receive or process subsequent positioning reference signals following a determination that the target accuracy has been met.

[0100] In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises means for exiting a measurement gap for the PRS measurement in accordance with determining that the number of positioning reference signal samples has been reached.

[0101] In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises means for prioritizing PRS measurements within a measurement gap based on channel metrics.

[0102] In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises means for determining a number of positioning reference signal samples based on a received pseudo-colocated signal.

[0103] In some embodiments, the PRS measurements include at least one of: a PRS-RSRP measurement, a PRS-Reference Signal Receive Path Power (PRS-RSRPP) measurement, a PRS Reference Signal Time Difference (RSTD) measurement, a User Equipment (UE) Receive-Transmit Time Difference measurement, an Angle of Arrival measurement, an Angle of Launch measurement, or a Carrier Phase measurement.

[0104] In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises means for determining a receive beam; and means for stopping PRS measurements on the receive beam in accordance with determining that the number of positioning reference signal samples has been reached.

[0105] In some embodiments, the first device comprises a terminal device and the second device comprises a network device.

[0106] 7 is a simplified block diagram of a device 700 suitable for implementing an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The device 700 may be provided to implement a communications device such as, for example, the first device 110 or the second device 120 as shown in FIG. 1. As shown, the device 700 includes one or more processors 710, one or more memories 720 coupled to the processors 710, and one or more communications modules 740 coupled to the processors 710.

[0107] The communications module 740 is for bidirectional communication. The communications module 740 has one or more communications interfaces to facilitate communication with one or more other modules or devices. The communications interfaces may represent any interface necessary for communication with other network elements. In some exemplary embodiments, the communications module 740 may include at least one antenna.

[0108] The processor 710 may be of any type suitable for the local technology network and may include, by way of non-limiting example, one or more of the following: general purpose computers, application specific computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs) and processors based on multi-core processor architectures, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs). The device 700 may have multiple processors, such as application specific integrated circuit chips time-controlled by a clock that synchronizes the main processor.

[0109] The memory 720 can include one or more nonvolatile memories and one or more volatile memories. Examples of nonvolatile memory include, but are not limited to, read-only memory (ROM) 724, electrically programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, hard disks, compact disks (CDs), digital video disks (DVDs), optical disks, laser disks, and other magnetic and / or optical storage devices. Examples of volatile memory include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM) 722 and other volatile memories that do not persist during power-down durations.

[0110] The computer program 730 includes computer-executable instructions that are executed by the associated processor 710. The program 730 may be stored in a memory, for example, the ROM 724. The processor 710 can load the program 730 into the RAM 722 to perform any appropriate actions and processes.

[0111] An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may be implemented by a program 730 such that the device 700 may perform any process of the present disclosure, such as those discussed with reference to Figures 2 through 6. An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may also be implemented by hardware or a combination of software and hardware.

[0112] In some exemplary embodiments, the program 730 may be tangibly contained in a computer-readable medium that may be included in the device 700 (such as in memory 720) or other storage device accessible by the device 700. The device 700 may load the program 730 from the computer-readable medium into RAM 722 for execution. The computer-readable medium may include any type of tangible non-volatile storage device, such as ROM, EPROM, flash memory, hard disks, CDs, DVDs, and other magnetic and / or optical storage devices. Figure 8 shows an example of a computer-readable medium 700 in the form of an optical storage disk. The computer-readable medium has the program 730 stored thereon.

[0113] In general, various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in hardware or special purpose circuits, software, logic, or any combination thereof. Some aspects may be implemented in hardware, while other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software that may be executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device. While various aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated and described using block diagrams, flowcharts, or some other graphical representations, it should be understood that the blocks, apparatus, systems, techniques, or methods described herein may be implemented in, by way of non-limiting example, hardware, software, firmware, special purpose circuits or logic, general purpose hardware or controller, or other computing device, or some combination thereof.

[0114] The present disclosure also provides at least one computer program product tangibly stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The computer program product includes computer-executable instructions, such as those included in program modules, that execute on a target physical or virtual processor device to perform any of the methods described above with reference to FIGS. 2 through 6. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, libraries, objects, classes, components, data structures, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. The functionality of the program modules may be combined or split among program modules as desired in various embodiments. The machine-executable instructions of the program modules may be executed in local or distributed devices. In a distributed device, the program modules may be located in both local and remote storage media.

[0115] Program code for executing the methods of the present disclosure can be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. The program code can be provided to a processor or controller of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus such that, when executed by the processor or controller, the functionality / acts specified in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams are implemented. The program code can be executed entirely on the machine, partially on the machine as a stand-alone software package, partially on the machine and partially on a remote machine, or entirely on a remote machine or server.

[0116] In the context of the present disclosure, computer program code or associated data may be carried by any suitable carrier to enable a device, apparatus, or processor to perform the various processes and operations as described above. Examples of carriers include signals, computer-readable media, etc.

[0117] The computer-readable medium may be a computer-readable signal medium or a computer-readable storage medium. Computer-readable media include, but are not limited to, electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, apparatus, or devices, or any suitable combination thereof. More specific examples of computer-readable storage media include an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination thereof.

[0118] Additionally, although operations are depicted in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring such operations to be performed in the particular order or sequentially shown, or that all of the operations depicted be performed, to achieve desirable results. In certain situations, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Similarly, while details of several specific implementations are included in the above discussion, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the disclosure, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to particular embodiments. Certain features that are described in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination.

[0119] Although the present disclosure has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the present disclosure, as defined in the appended claims, is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

Claims

1. a first device, at least one processor; at least one memory containing computer program code; Equipped with The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to be transmitted by the at least one processor to the first device, at least: determining channel metrics between the first device and the second device; determining a number of positioning reference signal samples based on channel metrics and a target accuracy of the positioning reference signal measurements; Making a positioning reference signal measurement based on the number of positioning reference signal samples A first device configured to:

2. At least one memory and computer program code are stored in the first device by at least one processor, further comprising: receiving mapping information from the second device indicating a relationship between the number of positioning reference signal samples, the channel metrics, and the accuracy of the PRS measurements; The first device of claim 1 configured to:

3. At least one memory and computer program code are configured to be executed by at least one processor on the first device, Determining a number of positioning reference signal samples based on channel metrics, target accuracy, and mapping information. The first device of claim 2 , configured to cause the number of positioning reference signal samples to be determined by:

4. At least one memory and computer program code are stored in the first device by at least one processor, further comprising: Determine a target accuracy of the PRS measurement based on a quality of service (QoS) requirement between the first device and the second device.

4. A first device according to claim 1, configured to:

5. At least one memory and computer program code are stored in the first device by at least one processor, further comprising: Receive an indication of target accuracy of PRS measurements from a core network device 5. A first device according to claim 1, configured to:

6. Channel metrics are Line of sight (LoS) status, Signal to Interference and Noise Ratio (SINR), Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP), or Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ) 6. The first device according to claim 1, wherein the first device exhibits at least one of the following:

7. At least one memory and computer program code are configured to be executed by at least one processor on the first device, Determining channel metrics based on previous measurements of positioning reference signals 7. The first device of claim 1, configured to cause channel metrics to be determined by:

8. At least one memory and computer program code are stored in the first device by at least one processor, further comprising: Dynamically updating the number of positioning reference signal samples based on PRS measurements 8. A first device according to claim 1, configured to:

9. At least one memory and computer program code are stored in the first device by at least one processor, further comprising: receiving performance information from a second device; Update the number of positioning signal samples based on performance information 8. A first device according to claim 1, configured to:

10. At least one memory and computer program code are stored in the first device by at least one processor, further comprising: pursuant to determining that the target accuracy has been met, stopping receiving or processing subsequent positioning reference signals.

10. The first device according to claim 1 , configured to:

11. At least one memory and computer program code are stored in the first device by at least one processor, further comprising: Exiting a measurement gap for PRS measurements upon determining that the number of positioning reference signal samples has been reached.

10. The first device according to claim 1 , configured to:

12. At least one memory and computer program code are stored in the first device by at least one processor, further comprising: Prioritizing PRS measurements within measurement gaps based on channel metrics - Patent Application 20070122933 10. The first device according to claim 1 , configured to:

13. At least one memory and computer program code are configured to be executed by at least one processor on the first device, Determining a number of positioning reference signal samples based on the received pseudo-colocated signal 10. The first device according to claim 1, configured to cause the number of positioning reference signal samples to be determined by:

14. PRS measurements are PRS-RSRP measurement, PRS-Reference Signal Receive Path Power (PRS-RSRPP) measurement; PRS reference signal time difference (RSTD) measurement, User Equipment (UE) receive-transmit time difference measurements; arrival angle measurement, Escape angle measurement, or Carrier Phase Measurement 14. The first device according to claim 1, comprising at least one of:

15. At least one memory and computer program code are stored in the first device by at least one processor, further comprising: Determine the receiving beam, and stopping PRS measurements on the receive beam upon determining that the number of positioning reference signal samples has been reached.

15. A first device according to claim 1, configured to:

16. At least one memory and computer program code are stored in the first device by at least one processor, further comprising: causing the second device to transmit a report indicating the results of the PRS measurements; 16. A first device according to claim 1, configured to:

17. The first device of claim 1 , wherein the first device comprises a terminal device and the second device comprises a network device.

18. determining, at the first device, channel metrics between the first device and the second device; determining, at the first device, a number of positioning reference signal samples based on channel metrics and a target accuracy of the positioning reference signal measurement; performing a positioning reference signal measurement based on the number of positioning reference signal samples; A method comprising:

19. receiving mapping information from the second device indicating a relationship between a number of positioning reference signal samples, a channel metric, and an accuracy of the PRS measurement; 20. The method of claim 18, further comprising:

20. Determining the number of positioning reference signal samples Determining a number of positioning reference signal samples based on channel metrics, target accuracy, and mapping information.

20. The method of claim 19, comprising:

21. Determining a target accuracy of the PRS measurement based on a quality of service (QoS) requirement between the first device and the second device.

21. The method of any one of claims 18 to 20, further comprising:

22. Receiving an indication of a target accuracy of the PRS measurement from a core network device 22. The method of any one of claims 18 to 21, further comprising:

23. Channel metrics are Line of sight (LoS) status, Signal to Interference and Noise Ratio (SINR), Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP), or Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ) 23. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 22, wherein the method exhibits at least one of the following:

24. Determining channel metrics Determining channel metrics based on previous measurements of positioning reference signals 24. The method of any one of claims 18 to 23, comprising:

25. Dynamically updating the number of positioning reference signal samples based on PRS measurements 25. The method of any one of claims 18 to 24, further comprising:

26. receiving performance information from a second device; updating the number of positioning reference signal samples based on the performance information; 25. The method of any one of claims 18 to 24, further comprising:

27. halting receiving or processing subsequent positioning reference signals pursuant to determining that the target accuracy has been met.

27. The method of any one of claims 18 to 26, further comprising:

28. Exiting a measurement gap for PRS measurements in accordance with determining that a number of positioning reference signal samples has been reached.

27. The method of any one of claims 18 to 26, further comprising:

29. Prioritizing PRS measurements within measurement gaps based on channel metrics - Patents.com 27. The method of any one of claims 18 to 26, further comprising:

30. Determining the number of positioning reference signal samples Determining a number of positioning reference signal samples based on the received pseudo-colocated signal 27. The method of any one of claims 18 to 26, comprising:

31. PRS measurements are PRS-RSRP measurement, PRS-Reference Signal Receive Path Power (PRS-RSRPP) measurement; PRS reference signal time difference (RSTD) measurement, User Equipment (UE) receive-transmit time difference measurements; Arrival angle measurement, Escape angle measurement, or Carrier Phase Measurement 31. The method of any one of claims 18 to 30, comprising at least one of:

32. determining a receive beam; and stopping PRS measurements on the receive beam upon determining that the number of positioning reference signal samples has been reached.

32. The method of any one of claims 18 to 31, further comprising:

33. transmitting a report indicating the results of the PRS measurements to the second device; 33. The method of any one of claims 18 to 32, further comprising:

34. 34. The method of any one of claims 18 to 33, wherein the first device comprises a terminal device and the second device comprises a network device.

35. means, at the first device, for determining channel metrics between the first device and the second device; means, at the first device, for determining a number of positioning reference signal samples based on channel metrics and a target accuracy of the positioning reference signal measurements; means for making a positioning reference signal measurement based on the number of positioning reference signal samples; An apparatus comprising:

36. A computer readable medium comprising program instructions for causing an apparatus to perform the method of any one of claims 18 to 34.

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