Positioning using reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS)

Abstract

Various aspects of the present disclosure relate to positioning using reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS). An apparatus, such as a network entity (NE), transmits one or more downlink (DL) positioning reference signal (PRS) resources to a target user equipment (UE) and a reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS), and mutes one or more DL PRS repetitions of the one or more DL PRS resources according to a first muting pattern. The DL PRS, for instance, can be used to estimate a position of the target UE.

Description

Lenovo Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCT 1 POSITIONING USING RECONFIGURABLE INTELLIGENT SURFACES (RIS) RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 611,611 filed December 18, 2023, entitled “POSITIONING USING RECONFIGURABLE INTELLIGENT SURFACES (RIS),” the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to wireless communications, and more specifically to positioning in wireless communications systems. BACKGROUND

[0003] A wireless communications system may include one or multiple network communication devices, such as base stations, which may support wireless communications for one or multiple user communication devices, which may be otherwise known as target user equipment (UE), or other suitable terminology. The wireless communications system may support wireless communications with one or multiple user communication devices by utilizing resources of the wireless communication system (e.g., time resources (e.g., symbols, slots, subframes, frames, or the like) or frequency resources (e.g., subcarriers, carriers, or the like). Additionally, the wireless communications system may support wireless communications across various radio access technologies including third generation (3G) radio access technology, fourth generation (4G) radio access technology, fifth generation (5G) radio access technology, among other suitable radio access technologies beyond 5G (e.g., sixth generation (6G)). SUMMARY

[0004] An article “a” before an element is unrestricted and understood to refer to “at least one” of those elements or “one or more” of those elements. The terms “a,” “at least one,” “one or more,” and “at least one of one or more” may be interchangeable. As used herein, including in the claims, “or” as used in a list of items (e.g., a list of items prefaced by a phrase such as “at least one of” or “one or more of” or “one or both of”) indicates an inclusive list such that, for example, a list of at least one of A, B, or C means A or B or C or AB or AC or BC or ABC (i.e., A and B and C). Also, Attorney Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCTLenovo Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCT 2 as used herein, the phrase “based on” shall not construed as a reference to a closed set of conditions. For example, an example step that is described as “based on condition A” may be based on both a condition A and a condition B without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In other words, as used herein, the phrase “based on” shall be construed in the same manner as the phrase “based at least in part on”. Further, as used herein, including in the claims, a “set” may include one or more elements.

[0005] Some implementations of the method and apparatuses described herein may further include a network entity (NE) to transmit one or more downlink (DL) positioning reference signal (PRS) resources to a target UE and a reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS); and mute one or more DL PRS repetitions of the one or more DL PRS resources according to a first muting pattern.

[0006] In some implementations of the method and apparatuses described herein, the network entity includes a transmission-reception point (TRP); the first muting pattern is configured by dl- PRS-MutingOption3; the RIS includes a pre-selected RIS; mute one or more positioning subframes within a same positioning occasion of the one or more DL PRS resources according to a second muting pattern; one or more of select or reselect one or more RIS surfaces based at least in part on one or more criteria; reduce a PRS power boosting factor; configure one or more of RIS surfaces or RIS segments to coherently reflect a same PRS resource; receive RIS feedback information; and select one or more RIS surfaces based at least in part on the RIS feedback information; transmit configuration signaling to a RIS controller of the RIS to configure one or more phase profiles and temporal coding of the RIS; configure at least one of one or more RIS segments or one or more RIS surfaces to reflect the one or more DL PRS resources corresponding to a PRS resource repetition; configure at least one of one or more RIS segments of or one or more RIS surfaces to reflect incident PRS slots, and wherein each reflected PRS slot corresponds to a positioning subframe; cause the network entity to receive signaling to configure the first muting pattern, the signaling including a bitmap configured to cause the network entity to transmit one or more of PRS resource repetitions or PRS slots at zero power; configure multiple different RIS to reflect one or more different PRS resource repetitions.

[0007] Some implementations of the method and apparatuses described herein may further include a method performed by an NE, the method including transmitting one or more DL PRS Attorney Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCTLenovo Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCT 3 resources to a target UE and a RIS; and muting or more DL PRS repetitions of the one or more DL PRS resources according to a first muting pattern.

[0008] In some implementations of the method and apparatuses described herein, the network entity includes a TRP; the first muting pattern is configured by dl-PRS-MutingOption3; the RIS includes a pre-selected RIS; muting one or more positioning subframes within a same positioning occasion of the one or more DL PRS resources according to a second muting pattern; one or more of selecting or reselecting one or more RIS surfaces based at least in part on one or more criteria; reducing a PRS power boosting factor; configuring one or more of RIS surfaces or RIS segments to coherently reflect a same PRS resource; receiving RIS feedback information; and selecting one or more RIS surfaces based at least in part on the RIS feedback information; transmitting configuration signaling to a RIS controller of the RIS to configure one or more phase profiles and temporal coding of the RIS; configuring at least one of one or more RIS segments or one or more RIS surfaces to reflect the one or more DL PRS resources corresponding to a PRS resource repetition; configuring at least one of one or more RIS segments of or one or more RIS surfaces to reflect incident PRS slots, and wherein each reflected PRS slot corresponds to a positioning subframe; receiving signaling to configure the first muting pattern, the signaling including a bitmap configured to cause the network entity to transmit one or more of PRS resource repetitions or PRS slots at zero power; configuring multiple different RIS to reflect one or more different PRS resource repetitions.

[0009] Some implementations of the method and apparatuses described herein may further include a NE to receive configuration signaling to configure RIS elements to reflect DL PRS; and configure, based at least in part on the configuration signaling, a set of reflective elements of the RIS into different segments to reflect a same incident DL PRS signal and configure one or more of the different segments to reflect a different PRS resource repetition.

[0010] In some implementations of the method and apparatuses described herein, the NE can be implemented to configure each segment of the different segments according to a different configuration specified by the configuration signaling.

[0011] Some implementations of the method and apparatuses described herein may further include a method performed by an NE, the method including receiving configuration signaling to configure RIS elements to reflect DL PRS; and configuring, based at least in part on the Attorney Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCTLenovo Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCT 4 configuration signaling, a set of reflective of the RIS into different segments to reflect a same incident DL PRS signal and configure one or more of the different segments to reflect a different PRS resource repetition.

[0012] In some implementations of the method and apparatuses described herein, the method performed by the NE includes configuring each segment of the different segments according to a different configuration specified by the configuration signaling.

[0013] Some implementations of the method and apparatuses described herein may further include a UE to receive, from a network entity, first configuration signaling for DL PRS resources; receive DL PRS resources from one or more TRP and one or more RIS; and report positioning information based at least in part on the configuration signaling and the DL PRS resources.

[0014] In some implementations of the method and apparatuses described herein, the UE is implemented to receive the DL PRS resources from the TRP and corresponding DL PRS resource repetitions from the one or more RIS; the first configuration signaling includes an indication to receive different PRS slots from the one or more TRP and the one or more RIS; the different PRS slots include at least one positioning subframe within a same positioning occasion.

[0015] Some implementations of the method and apparatuses described herein may further include a method performed by a UE, the method including receiving, from a network entity, first configuration signaling for DL PRS resources; receiving DL PRS resources from one or more TRP and one or more RIS; and reporting positioning information based at least in part on the configuration signaling and the DL PRS resources.

[0016] In some implementations of the method and apparatuses described herein, the method performed by the UE further includes receiving the DL PRS resources from the TRP and corresponding DL PRS resource repetitions from the one or more RIS; the first configuration signaling includes an indication to receive different PRS slots from the one or more TRP and the one or more RIS; the different PRS slots include at least one positioning subframe within a same positioning occasion.

[0017] Some implementations of the method and apparatuses described herein may further include a processor implemented to receive, from a network entity, first configuration signaling for DL PRS resources; receive DL PRS resources from one or more TRP and one or more RIS; and Attorney Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCTLenovo Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCT 5 report positioning information for a UE based in part on the configuration signaling and the DL PRS resources.

[0018] In some implementations of the method and apparatuses described herein, the processor is implemented to receive the DL PRS resources from the TRP and corresponding DL PRS resource repetitions from the one or more RIS; the first configuration signaling comprises an indication to receive different PRS slots from the one or more TRP and the one or more RIS; the different PRS slots comprise at least one positioning subframe within a same positioning occasion. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 illustrates an example of a wireless communications system in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 2 illustrates scenarios for positioning in wireless communications systems.

[0021] Figure 3 illustrates an example of a multi-cell roundtrip time (RTT) procedure as related to carrier phase positioning.

[0022] Figure 4 illustrates an example of relative range estimation using the existing single gNB RTT positioning framework.

[0023] Figure 5 illustrates an example of system for beam-based positioning.

[0024] Figure 6 illustrates a system representing a network setup include a RIS.

[0025] Figure 7 illustrates an implementation for PRS resource comb-pattern DL mapping of different TRPs.

[0026] Figure 8 illustrates an implementation for PRS slots configuration with different muting patterns.

[0027] Figure 9 illustrates a network setup in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 10 illustrates PRS resource repetition muting at TRPs in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. Attorney Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCTLenovo Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCT 6

[0029] Figure 11 illustrates different subframes muting patterns in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 12 illustrates NR DL PRS resources reception from direct TRP-UE path and RIS reflections in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 13 illustrates a network setup including multiple RIS in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 14 illustrates an example of a UE in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 15 illustrates an example of a processor in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 16 illustrates an example of a NE in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 17 illustrates a flowchart of a method in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 18 illustrates a flowchart of a method in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 19 illustrates a flowchart of a method in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] Positioning in wireless communications systems enables device (e.g., UE) location to be estimated. For instance, a target UE for which a position is to be determined can perform measurement and processing of the Uu positioning reference signals DL PRS / UL sounding reference signal (SRS) prior to reporting the measurements to a location server (e.g., location management function (LMF)). Further, performing measurement and processing of a sidelink (SL) positioning reference signal is an issue as different SL UEs may support different processing capabilities ranging from basic to advanced devices. Both Uu and SL positioning may utilize high PRS bandwidth. To improve accuracy more DL PRS measurements can be collected and Attorney Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCTLenovo Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCT 7 measurements can be collected per resource. instance, repeated transmission of PRS resources assists in collecting more measurements. DL PRS resources repetition and periodic positioning occasions, for example, enable high accuracy positioning. However, such behaviors can induce high energy consumption which may not be supported by some devices. Thus, muting DL PRS repetitions without impacting positioning accuracy can be an option which enables lower energy consumption at the transmitter.

[0039] RIS have been proposed as a cost-effective solution to achieve high spectral and energy efficiency for wireless communications via low-cost reflecting elements. With a large number of elements whose electromagnetic response (e.g. phase shifts) can be controlled by simple programmable PIN diodes (e.g., RIS controller), RIS can reflect the incident signal and generate a directional beam and thus enhance link quality and coverage. Being cost and energy efficient, RIS have the potential to boost and enable radio localization in a wide variety of situations, e.g., where Global Positioning System (GPS) signal is unavailable or weak such as in city canyons, indoor environments, and tunnels. RIS also possesses advantages from an implementation viewpoint. For instance, RIS are usually fabricated with low profile, light weight, and conformal geometry, which makes it easy to mount and remove them on and / or from a wall, ceiling, building facades, advertisement panels, etc. Further, since RIS is a complementary device in wireless networks, deploying it in existing wireless systems (e.g. cellular and / or WiFi) may not involve changing network standardization and hardware, while only modification of the communication protocols suffices. As a result, the integration of RIS into wireless networks can be made transparent to users, thus providing high flexibility and superior compatibility with existing wireless systems. Therefore, RIS can be practically deployed and integrated in wireless networks with low cost.

[0040] The present disclosure provides techniques for energy efficient and low cost positioning solutions using RIS. The use of RIS, for instance, enables the muting of several DL positioning reference signal repetitions and positioning subframes within the same positioning occasions by adaptively reflecting each DL PRS resource repetition or positioning subframe by RIS elements and / or segments or different RIS surfaces in the vicinity of target UE and TRP according to predefined and pre-configured controllable phase profiles and specific temporal coding. The described techniques thus provide a more sustainable and energy-efficient solution to positioning by leveraging RIS and allowing muting at TRPs of multiple PRS repetitions and positioning subframes Attorney Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCTLenovo Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCT 8 within same positioning occasion, without impacting positioning accuracy and proven performance. The described techniques also enable reduced PRS power boosting at transmitters and are valid for RAT-dependent positioning techniques.

[0041] Aspects of the present disclosure are described in the context of a wireless communications system.

[0042] Figure 1 illustrates an example of a wireless communications system 100 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The wireless communications system 100 may include one or more NE 102, one or more UE 104, and a core network (CN) 106. The wireless communications system 100 may support various radio access technologies. In some implementations, the wireless communications system 100 may be a 4G network, such as an LTE network or an LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) network. In some other implementations, the wireless communications system 100 may be a NR network, such as a 5G network, a 5G-Advanced (5G-A) network, or a 5G ultrawideband (5G-UWB) network. In other implementations, the wireless communications system 100 may be a combination of a 4G network and a 5G network, or other suitable radio access technology including Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802.20. The wireless communications system 100 may support radio access technologies beyond 5G, for example, 6G. Additionally, the wireless communications system 100 may support technologies, such as time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), or code division multiple access (CDMA), etc.

[0043] The one or more NE 102 may be dispersed throughout a geographic region to form the wireless communications system 100. One or more of the NE 102 described herein may be or include or may be referred to as a network node, a base station, a network element, a network function, a network entity, a radio access network (RAN), a NodeB, an eNodeB (eNB), a next- generation NodeB (gNB), or other suitable terminology. An NE 102 and a UE 104 may communicate via a communication link, which may be a wireless or wired connection. For example, an NE 102 and a UE 104 may perform wireless communication (e.g., receive signaling, transmit signaling) over a Uu interface.

[0044] An NE 102 may provide a geographic coverage area for which the NE 102 may support services for one or more UEs 104 within the geographic coverage area. For example, an NE 102 and Attorney Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCTLenovo Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCT 9 a UE 104 may support wireless communication signals related to services (e.g., voice, video, packet data, messaging, broadcast, etc.) according to one or multiple radio access technologies. In some implementations, an NE 102 may be moveable, for example, a satellite associated with a non-terrestrial network (NTN). In some implementations, different geographic coverage areas associated with the same or different radio access technologies may overlap, but the different geographic coverage areas may be associated with different NE 102.

[0045] The one or more UEs 104 may be dispersed throughout a geographic region of the wireless communications system 100. A UE 104 may include or may be referred to as a remote unit, a mobile device, a wireless device, a remote device, a subscriber device, a transmitter device, a receiver device, or some other suitable terminology. In some implementations, the UE 104 may be referred to as a unit, a station, a terminal, or a client, among other examples. Additionally, or alternatively, the UE 104 may be referred to as an Internet-of-Things (IoT) device, an Internet-of- Everything (IoE) device, or machine-type communication (MTC) device, among other examples.

[0046] A UE 104 may be able to support wireless communication directly with other UEs 104 over a communication link. For example, a UE 104 may support wireless communication directly with another UE 104 over a device-to-device (D2D) communication link. In some implementations, such as vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) deployments, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) deployments, or cellular-V2X deployments, the communication link may be referred to as a sidelink. For example, a UE 104 may support wireless communication directly with another UE 104 over a PC5 interface.

[0047] An NE 102 may support communications with the CN 106, or with another NE 102, or both. For example, an NE 102 may interface with other NE 102 or the CN 106 through one or more backhaul links (e.g., S1, N2, N6, or other network interface). In some implementations, the NE 102 may communicate with each other directly. In some other implementations, the NE 102 may communicate with each other indirectly (e.g., via the CN 106). In some implementations, one or more NE 102 may include subcomponents, such as an access network entity, which may be an example of an access node controller (ANC). An ANC may communicate with the one or more UEs 104 through one or more other access network transmission entities, which may be referred to as a radio heads, smart radio heads, or transmission-reception points (TRPs). Attorney Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCTLenovo Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCT 10

[0048] The CN 106 may support user access authorization, tracking, connectivity, and other access, routing, or mobility functions. The CN 106 may be an evolved packet core (EPC), or a 5G core (5GC), which may include a control plane entity that manages access and mobility (e.g., a mobility management entity (MME), an access and mobility management functions (AMF)) and a user plane entity that routes packets or interconnects to external networks (e.g., a serving gateway (S-GW), a packet data network (PDN) gateway (P-GW), or a user plane function (UPF)). In some implementations, the control plane entity may manage non-access stratum (NAS) functions, such as mobility, authentication, and bearer management (e.g., data bearers, signal bearers, etc.) for the one or more UEs 104 served by the one or more NE 102 associated with the CN 106.

[0049] The CN 106 may communicate with a packet data network over one or more backhaul links (e.g., via an S1, N2, N6, or other network interface). The packet data network may include an application server. In some implementations, one or more UEs 104 may communicate with the application server. A UE 104 may establish a session (e.g., a protocol data unit (PDU) session, or the like) with the CN 106 via an NE 102. The CN 106 may route traffic (e.g., control information, data, and the like) between the UE 104 and the application server using the established session (e.g., the established PDU session). The PDU session may be an example of a logical connection between the UE 104 and the CN 106 (e.g., one or more network functions of the CN 106).

[0050] In the wireless communications system 100, the NEs 102 and the UEs 104 may use resources of the wireless communications system 100 (e.g., time resources (e.g., symbols, slots, subframes, frames, or the like) or frequency resources (e.g., subcarriers, carriers)) to perform various operations (e.g., wireless communications). In some implementations, the NEs 102 and the UEs 104 may support different resource structures. For example, the NEs 102 and the UEs 104 may support different frame structures. In some implementations, such as in 4G, the NEs 102 and the UEs 104 may support a single frame structure. In some other implementations, such as in 5G and among other suitable radio access technologies, the NEs 102 and the UEs 104 may support various frame structures (i.e., multiple frame structures). The NEs 102 and the UEs 104 may support various frame structures based on one or more numerologies.

[0051] One or more numerologies may be supported in the wireless communications system 100, and a numerology may include a subcarrier spacing and a cyclic prefix. A first Attorney Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCTLenovo Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCT 11 numerology (e.g., ^=0) may be associated with first subcarrier spacing (e.g., 15 kHz) and a normal cyclic prefix. In some implementations, the first numerology (e.g., ^=0) associated with the first subcarrier spacing (e.g., 15 kHz) may utilize one slot per subframe. A second numerology (e.g., ^=1) may be associated with a second subcarrier spacing (e.g., 30 kHz) and a normal cyclic prefix. A third numerology (e.g., ^=2) may be associated with a third subcarrier spacing (e.g., 60 kHz) and a normal cyclic prefix or an extended cyclic prefix. A fourth numerology (e.g., ^=3) may be associated with a fourth subcarrier spacing (e.g., 120 kHz) and a normal cyclic prefix. A fifth numerology (e.g., ^=4) may be associated with a fifth subcarrier spacing (e.g., 240 kHz) and a normal cyclic prefix.

[0052] A time interval of a resource (e.g., a communication resource) may be organized according to frames (also referred to as radio frames). Each frame may have a duration, for example, a 10 millisecond (ms) duration. In some implementations, each frame may include multiple subframes. For example, each frame may include 10 subframes, and each subframe may have a duration, for example, a 1 ms duration. In some implementations, each frame may have the same duration. In some implementations, each subframe of a frame may have the same duration.

[0053] Additionally or alternatively, a time interval of a resource (e.g., a communication resource) may be organized according to slots. For example, a subframe may include a number (e.g., quantity) of slots. The number of slots in each subframe may also depend on the one or more numerologies supported in the wireless communications system 100. For instance, the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth numerologies (i.e., ^=0, ^=1, ^=2, ^=3, ^=4) associated with respective subcarrier spacings of 15 kHz, 30 kHz, 60 kHz, 120 kHz, and 240 kHz may utilize a single slot per subframe, two slots per subframe, four slots per subframe, eight slots per subframe, and 16 slots per subframe, respectively. Each slot may include a number (e.g., quantity) of symbols (e.g., orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols). In some implementations, the number (e.g., quantity) of slots for a subframe may depend on a numerology. For a normal cyclic prefix, a slot may include 14 symbols. For an extended cyclic prefix (e.g., applicable for 60 kHz subcarrier spacing), a slot may include 12 symbols. The relationship between the number of symbols per slot, the number of slots per subframe, and the number of slots per frame for a normal cyclic prefix and an extended cyclic prefix may depend on a numerology. It should be understood that reference to a Attorney Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCTLenovo Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCT 12 first numerology (e.g., ^=0) associated with a subcarrier spacing (e.g., 15 kHz) may be used interchangeably between subframes and slots.

[0054] In the wireless communications system 100, an electromagnetic (EM) spectrum may be split, based on frequency or wavelength, into various classes, frequency bands, frequency channels, etc. By way of example, the wireless communications system 100 may support one or multiple operating frequency bands, such as frequency range designations FR1 (410 MHz – 7.125 GHz), FR2 (24.25 GHz – 52.6 GHz), FR3 (7.125 GHz – 24.25 GHz), FR4 (52.6 GHz – 114.25 GHz), FR4a or FR4-1 (52.6 GHz – 71 GHz), and FR5 (114.25 GHz – 300 GHz). In some implementations, the NEs 102 and the UEs 104 may perform wireless communications over one or more of the operating frequency bands. In some implementations, FR1 may be used by the NEs 102 and the UEs 104, among other equipment or devices for cellular communications traffic (e.g., control information, data). In some implementations, FR2 may be used by the NEs 102 and the UEs 104, among other equipment or devices for short-range, high data rate capabilities.

[0055] FR1 may be associated with one or multiple numerologies (e.g., at least three numerologies). For example, FR1 may be associated with a first numerology (e.g., ^=0), which includes 15 kHz subcarrier spacing; a second numerology (e.g., ^=1), which includes 30 kHz subcarrier spacing; and a third numerology (e.g., ^=2), which includes 60 kHz subcarrier spacing. FR2 may be associated with one or multiple numerologies (e.g., at least 2 numerologies). For example, FR2 may be associated with a third numerology (e.g., ^=2), which includes 60 kHz subcarrier spacing; and a fourth numerology (e.g., ^=3), which includes 120 kHz subcarrier spacing.

[0056] According to aspects of the present disclosure, an NE 102 can transmit DL PRS resources to target UE 104 for positioning, and as part of transmitting DL PRS resources can mute one or more DL PRS repetitions of the one or more DL PRS resources according to a first muting pattern. Further, a UE 104 can receive, from NE 102, first configuration signaling for DL PRS resources, receive DL PRS resources from one or more TRP and one or more RIS, and report positioning information to the NE 102 based at least in part on the configuration signaling and the DL PRS resources to enable position determination for the UE 104. Attorney Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCTLenovo Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCT 13

[0057] With reference to positioning in communications systems, NR positioning based on NR Uu signals and standalone (SA) architecture (e.g., beam-based transmissions) was specified in Rel-16. The targeted use cases also included commercial and regulatory (emergency services) scenarios as in Rel-15. The performance parameters include the following [Technical Report (TR) 38.855]: Table 1 Positioning Error Indoor Outdoor Horizontal < 3m for 80% of UEs < 10m for 80% of UEs Positioning Vertical Positioning < 3m for 80% of UEs < 3m for 80% of UEs

[0058] 3GPP Rel-17 Positioning defined positioning performance parameters for Commercial and industrial internet of things (IIoT) use cases as follows [TR 38.857]: Table 2 Positioning Error Commercial IIoT Horizontal Positioning (< 1 m) for 90% of UEs (< 0.2 m) for 90% of UEs; Vertical Positioning (< 3 m) for 90% of UEs (< 1 m) for 90% of UEs Physical layer latency (< 10 ms) (< 10 ms) for position estimation of UE End-to-End Latency (<100 ms) (< 100 ms, in the order of 10 for position estimation ms is desired) of UE

[0059] Figure 2 illustrates scenarios 200 for positioning in wireless communications systems. The scenarios 200, for instance, represent an overview of the absolute and relative positioning scenarios as defined in the architectural (Stage 1) specifications using three different co-ordinate Attorney Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCTLenovo Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCT 14 systems including absolute positioning – fixed systems, relative positioning – variable and moving coordinate system, and relative positioning – variable coordinate system.

[0060] Various RAT-dependent positioning techniques are supported in Release 16 and Release 17, such as downlink time difference of arrival (DL-TDoA), DL angle of departure (DL-AoD), Multi-RTT, enhanced cell identifier (E-CID) / NR E-CID, uplink (UL)-TDoA, and UL-AoA. The downlink time difference of arrival (DL-TDOA) positioning method makes use of the DL reference signal time difference (RSTD) (and optionally DL PRS reference signal received power (RSRP)) of downlink signals received from multiple TPs, at the UE. The UE measures the DL RSTD (and optionally DL PRS RSRP) of the received signals using assistance data received from the positioning server, and the resulting measurements are used along with other configuration information to locate the UE in relation to the neighboring TPs.

[0061] The DL AoD positioning method makes use of the measured DL PRS RSRP of downlink signals received from multiple TPs, at the UE. The UE measures the DL PRS RSRP of the received signals using assistance data received from the positioning server, and the resulting measurements are used along with other configuration information to locate the UE in relation to the neighboring TPs. The Multi-RTT positioning method makes use of the UE Rx-Tx measurements and DL PRS RSRP of downlink signals received from multiple TRPs, measured by the UE and the measured gNB Rx-Tx measurements and UL SRS-RSRP at multiple TRPs of uplink signals transmitted from UE.

[0062] Figure 3 illustrates an example 300 of a multi-cell RTT procedure as related to carrier phase positioning. Figure 4 illustrates an example 400 of relative range estimation using the existing single gNB RTT positioning framework. The multi-RTT positioning technique makes use of the UE Rx-Tx measurements and DL PRS RSRP of downlink signals received from multiple TRPs, as measured by the UE and the measured gNB Rx-Tx measurements and uplink SRS RSRP (UL SRS-RSRP) at multiple TRPs of uplink signals transmitted from UE. The UE measures the UE Rx-Tx measurements (and optionally DL PRS RSRP of the received signals) using assistance data received from the positioning server (also referred to herein as the location server), and the TRPs the gNB Rx-Tx measurements (and optionally UL SRS-RSRP of the received signals) using assistance data received from the positioning server. The measurements are used to determine the RTT at the positioning server, which are used to estimate the location of the UE. Attorney Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCTLenovo Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCT 15

[0063] The NR carrier-phase based technique (CPP) refers to the positioning method where the transmitter (either the gNB or the UE) transmits the positioning reference signals at the pre-configured carrier frequency, and the receiver (either the UE or the gNB) obtains the carrier phase measurements by tracking reference signals.

[0064] For the NR enhanced cell ID (E-CID) positioning technique, the position of a UE is estimated with the knowledge of its serving ng-eNB, gNB, and cell, and is based on LTE signals. The information about the serving ng-eNB, gNB, and cell may be obtained by paging, registration, or other methods. The NR enhanced cell-ID (NR E-CID) positioning refers to techniques which use additional UE measurements and / or NR radio resources and other measurements to improve the UE location estimate using NR signals. Although enhanced cell-ID (E-CID) positioning may utilize some of the same measurements as the measurement control system in the radio resource control (RRC) protocol, the UE may not make additional measurements for the sole purpose of positioning (e.g., the positioning procedures do not supply a measurement configuration or measurement control message, and the UE reports the measurements that it has available rather than being required to take additional measurement actions).

[0065] The uplink time difference of arrival (UL-TDOA) positioning technique makes use of the UL-relative time-of-arrival (RTOA) (and optionally UL SRS-RSRP) at multiple reception points (RPs) of uplink signals transmitted from UE. The RPs measure the UL-RTOA (and optionally UL SRS-RSRP) of the received signals using assistance data received from the positioning server, and the resulting measurements are used along with other configuration information to estimate the location of the UE.

[0066] The uplink angle of arrival (UL-AoA) positioning technique makes use of the measured azimuth and the zenith of arrival at multiple RPs of uplink signals transmitted from UE. The RPs measure azimuth-AoA (A-AoA) and zenith-AoA (Z-AoA) of the received signals using assistance data received from the positioning server (also referred to herein as the location server), and the resulting measurements are used along with other configuration information to estimate the location of the UE.

[0067] Figure 5 illustrates an example of system 500 for beam-based positioning. According to Rel-16, the PRS can be transmitted by different base stations (serving and neighboring) using Attorney Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCTLenovo Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCT 16 narrow beams over FR1 and FR2 as illustrated the system 500, which is relatively different when compared to LTE where the PRS was transmitted across the whole cell. The PRS can be locally associated with a PRS Resource ID and Resource Set ID for a base station (TRP). Similarly, UE positioning measurements such as Reference Signal Time Difference (RSTD) and PRS RSRP measurements are made between beams (e.g., between a different pair of DL PRS resources or DL PRS resource sets) as opposed to different cells as was the case in LTE. In addition, there are additional UL positioning methods for the network to exploit in order to compute the target UE’s location. Table 3 and Table 4 below show the reference signal to measurements mapping required for each of the supported RAT-dependent positioning techniques at the UE and gNB, respectively. RAT-dependent positioning techniques involve the 3GPP RAT and core network entities to perform the position estimation of the UE, which are differentiated from RAT-independent positioning techniques which rely on Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) sensor, WLAN and Bluetooth technologies for performing target device (UE) positioning. Table 3: UE Measurements to enable RAT-dependent positioning techniques To facilitate support DL / UL Reference of the following UE Measurements Signals positioning techniques Rel.16 DL PRS DL RSTD DL-TDOA DL-TDOA, DL-AoD, Rel.16 DL PRS DL PRS RSRP Multi-RTT Rel.16 DL PRS / Multi-RTT UE Rx-Tx time Rel.16 SRS for difference positioning SS-RSRP(RSRP for E-CID RRM), SS-RSRQ(for Rel. 15 SSB / CSI-RS RRM), CSI-RSRP (for for Radio Resource RRM), CSI-RSRQ (for Management (RRM) RRM), SS-RSRPB (for RRM) Table 4: gNB Measurements to enable RAT-dependent positioning techniques DL / UL Reference To facilitate support gNB Measurements Signals of the following Attorney Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCTLenovo Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCT 17 positioning techniques Rel.16 SRS for UL-TDOA UL RTOA positioning Rel.16 SRS for UL-TDOA, UL-AoA, UL SRS-RSRP positioning Multi-RTT Rel.16 SRS for Multi-RTT gNB Rx-Tx time positioning, Rel.16 difference DL PRS Rel.16 SRS for UL-AoA, Multi-RTT AoA and ZoA positioning,

[0068] Figure 6 illustrates a system 600 representing a network setup include a RIS. A RIS is a programmable surface structure that can be used to control the reflection of electromagnetic (EM) waves by changing the electric and magnetic properties of the surface. These surfaces can be strategically placed in the radio channel between a transmitter and receiver to control the way the signal reflects off a surface in its propagation path. Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces can be used to steer signals to the receiver resulting in better reception or link quality.

[0069] In conventional wireless systems, the radio channel is seen as an uncontrollable entity that usually distorts transmitted signals. The transmitted signals usually interact with a wide range of surfaces in their propagation path and reflect off them in random directions resulting in random constructive and destructive interference. RIS provides a way to control the surfaces found in radio channels by directing them in a specific direction to improve the reliability and energy efficiency of wireless systems. This can increase the range of a wireless system and direct signals to hard-to- reach places.

[0070] There are two main approaches can be used to implement an RIS to control the characteristics of signals (e.g., reflection, refraction, absorption, focusing and polarization), namely, conventional antenna arrays and metasurfaces. The RIS as a whole can be modelled as the combination of at least a RIS controller and a RIS panel. The RIS panel comprises of a group of elements, which have the capability to change the at least one of the properties of the incident radio waves including frequency, amplitude, phase, and polarization. The radio wave can be at least reflected or transmitted to another direction after hitting the RIS panel, depending on the design of Attorney Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCTLenovo Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCT 18 RIS. The RIS micro-controller refers to a of RIS, responsible for configuring the RIS elements to achieve a wanted way of manipulation of the incident radio wave, potentially processing any signaling received from another network node.

[0071] Reconfigurable intelligent surfaces can first absorb a signal that is directed towards it, which then would be processed by a microcontroller and then reproduced again and transmitted in a specific direction using antenna arrays and metasurfaces. Thus, they can be used to increase availability of cellular or GNSS signals in areas where they are not naturally accessible. Deflection of signals can also be used to shorten the path taken by the signals to reach the receiver so as to maximize efficiency of the network system. RISs can be deployed in a static manner, as well as a nomadic manner, serving different use cases such as vehicular communications.

[0072] Different configurations can be used to control a type of RIS. For instance, in the network-controlled mode, the network determines the control information, which is used to control and configure RIS, based on the collected information from UE and / or RIS. The "RIS controller" may also collect data from UE and / or RIS itself and provide the collected data to the network. The "RIS controller" is deployed and owned by the network. In the network-assisted mode, the network provides certain feedback or assistance information to the "RIS controller". The "RIS controller" can be either deployed and owned by the network or separately deployed as an authorized 3rd party component. The "RIS controller" collects information from UE and / or RIS itself. The "RIS controller" then utilizes the assistance information provided by the network and configures the RIS based on the collected information from UE and / or RIS itself.

[0073] In the standalone RIS controller, the "RIS controller" determine the control information, which is used to control and configure RIS, based on the collected information from UE and / or RIS itself. The "RIS controller" can be either deployed and owned by the network and can be pre- configured by the network or separately deployed as an authorized 3rd party component. In the UE- controlled RIS, the UE determine the control information, which is used to control and configure RIS via the "RIS controller". The "RIS controller" can be either deployed and owned by the network operator or separately deployed as an authorized 3rd party component. The network authorizes the UE to configure the RIS for a specific operating frequency range including licensed and unlicensed spectrum. The UE either pre-configures the RIS or (re)configures via the "RIS controller. Attorney Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCTLenovo Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCT 19

[0074] In the hybrid controlled RIS, the controller" can be split into "remote RIS controller" and "local RIS controller". The "remote RIS controller" is deployed at a part of network or the controlling UE(s) or at an authorized 3rd party entity, while the "local RIS controller" is supposed to be deployed at the RIS microcontroller (as defined in clause 5.1). The owner of the RIS control functionality can decide to split it between the remote and local entities in order to reduce the latency and communication overheads of the dynamic RIS control. The owner of the RIS control function can decide which information from the UE (s) and RIS side will be collected by the "local RIS controller" or by the "remote RIS controller". Optionally, the "remote RIS controller" can instruct the served UEs to provide assisting information to the "local RIS controller".

[0075] According to Technical Specification (TS) 38.211, DL PRS sequence generation and mapping to physical resources can be detailed as discussed in the following. A positioning frequency layer consists of one or more downlink PRS resource sets, each of which consists of one or more downlink PRS resources as described in TS 38.214. For sequence generation a UE can assume the reference-signal sequence ^^^^is defined by 11^^^^ = ^1 − 2^^2^^^ + ^ ^1 − 2^^2^ + 1^^where the pseudo-random sequence generator shall be initialised with ^PRS^^ 1^where ^^s,f is the ID,seq … given bythe layer parameter dl-PRS-SequenceID, and ^ iswithin the slot to which the sequence is mapped.

[0076] For pseudo-random sequence generation generic pseudo-random sequences are definedby a length-31 Gold sequence. The output sequence c(n ) of lengthM PN , wheren = 0,1,..., M PN − 1 , isdefined by Attorney Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCTLenovo Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCT 20 2 +x 2(n) )mod 2where ^ (0) =1,xC = 1600 and the1(n) = 0, n =1,2,..., 30.30The initialization of the second m-sequence, x2( n ) , is denoted bycinit=^i=0value depending on the application of the sequence.

[0077] In considering mapping to physical resources in a downlink PRS resource, for eachdownlink PRS resource configured, the UE shall assume the sequence ^^^^ is scaled with a factor'PRS and mapped to resources elements ^(, ^^),^ according to*^),^^+,, = 'PRS ^^^^1when the following-the resource element ^(, ^^),^ is within the resource blocks occupied by the downlinkPRS resource for which the UE is configured; - the symbol ^ is not used by any Synchronization Signal / Physical Broadcast Channel (SS / PBCH) block used by a serving cell for downlink PRS transmitted from the same serving cell or any SS / PBCH block from a non-serving cell whose time frequency location is provided to the UE by higher layers for downlink PRS transmitted from the same non-serving cell; - the slot number satisfies the conditions in clause 7.4.1.7.4. and where -the antenna port 3 = 5000- ^sPtRarStis the first symbol of the downlink PRS within a slot and given by the higher- layer PRS-ResourceSymbolOffset; -the size of the downlink PRS resource in the time domain 2PRS ∈ 2,4,6,12% is givenby the higher-layer parameter dl-PRS-NumSymbols; Attorney Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCTLenovo Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCT 21 -the comb size .PRScomb ∈ 2, 4, is given by the higher-layer parameter dl-PRS-CombSizeN-AndReOffset for a downlink PRS resource configured for RTT-based propagation delay compensation, otherwise by the higher-layer parameter dl-PRS-CombSizeN such that thecombination 42PRS, .PRScomb 5 is one of {2, 2},{4, 2}, {6, 2}, {12, 2}, {4, 4}, {12, 4}, {6, 6}, {12, 6}and {12, 12}; -the resource-element offset (PRSoffset ∈ 40,1, … , .PRScomb − 15 is obtained from the higher-layer parameter dl-PRS-CombSizeN-- the quantity (′ is given by 1) Table 5: The frequency offset (′ as a function of ^ − ^PRSstart.6PRS Symbol number within the downlink PRS PRS7 − 70 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 2 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 4 0 2 1 3 0 2 1 3 0 2 1 3 6 0 3 1 4 2 5 0 3 1 4 2 5 12 0 6 3 9 1 7 4 10 2 8 5 11

[0078] If the downlink PRS resource is configured for RTT based propagation delaycompensation as described in clause 9 of [TS 38.214], the reference point for ( = 0 is subcarrier 0in common resource block 0; Otherwise, the reference point for ( = 0 is the location of the point Aof the positioning frequency layer, in which the downlink PRS resource is configured where point A is given by the higher-layer parameter dl-PRS-PointA.

[0079] Figure 7 illustrates an implementation 700 for PRS resource comb-pattern DL mapping of different TRPs. For a downlink PRS resource in a downlink PRS resource set, the UE shall assume the downlink PRS resource being transmitted when the slot and frame numbers fulfil: ^^frame,^^ + ^^ − 8PRS − 8PRS ^ mod 8PRS ∈ 4^8PRS ;rPeRp S<^and one of the are Attorney Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCTLenovo Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCT 22 - the higher-layer parameters dl- MutingOption1 and dl-PRS-MutingOption2 are not provided; - the higher-layer parameter dl-PRS-MutingOption1 is provided with bitmap =^% but dl-PRS-MutingOption2 with bitmap =^%is not provided, and bit =9^is set; - the higher-layer parameter dl-PRS-MutingOption2 is provided with bitmap =^% but dl-PRS-MutingOption1 with bitmap =^%is not provided, and bit =9^is set; - the higher-layer parameters dl-PRS-MutingOption1 with bitmap =^% and dl-PRS- MutingOption2 with =^%are both provided, and both bit =9^and =9^are set. Where; -=^ frame,^ ^ PRS9 is bit ^ = >^^slot ^f + ^s,f − 8offset − 8PRSoffset,res ^ ? ^8PRSmuting 8PRSper ^ @mod 2 in thebitmap given %2, 4, 6, 8, 16, 32 isthe size of the bitmap; -=^ is bit ^ = C / ^^frame,^^ + ^^ − 8PRS − 8PRS ^ mod 8PRS1 ? 8PRS PRS9 slot f s,f offset offset,res per gap D mod 8rep inthe bitmap given by-the periodicity 8PRSper ∈2^ 4, 5, 8, 10, 16, 20, 32, 40, 64, 80, 160, 320, 640, 1280, 2560, 5120, 10240% and the slot offset8PRSoffset ∈ 40,1, … , 8PRSper − 15 are given by the higher-layer parameter dl-PRS-Periodicity-and-ResourceSetSlotOffset; - the downlink PRS resource slot offset 8oPfRfsSet,resis given by the higher-layer parameter dl-PRS-ResourceSlotOffset; -the repetition factor 8PRSrep ∈ 1,2,4,6,8,16,32% is given by the higher-layer parameterdl-PRS-ResourceRepetitionFactor; - the muting repetition factor 8mPRutSingis given by the higher-layer parameter dl-PRS- MutingBitRepetitionFactor;-the time gap 8PRSgap ∈ 1,2,4,8,16,32% is given by the higher-layer parameter dl-PRS-ResourceTimeGap. Attorney Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCTLenovo Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCT 23

[0080] Figure 8 illustrates an 800 for PRS slots configuration with different muting patterns. For a downlink PRS resource in a downlink PRS resource set configured for RTT- based propagation delay compensation, a UE can assume the downlink PRS resource being transmitted as described in clause 9 of [TS 38.214]; otherwise, the UE can assume the downlink PRS resource being transmitted as described in clause 5.1.6.5 of [TS 38.214].

[0081] For RAT-dependent positioning measurements, different DL measurements including DL PRS-RSRP, DL RSTD and UE Rx-Tx Time Difference required for the supported RAT- dependent positioning techniques are shown in Table 6. The following measurement configurations are specified [TS38.215]: 4 Pair of DL RSTD measurements can be performed per pair of cells. Each measurement is performed between a different pair of DL PRS Resources / Resource Sets with a single reference timing; 8 DL PRS RSRP measurements can be performed on different DL PRS resources from the same cell. Table 6: DL Measurements required for DL-based positioning methods [TS38.215] DL PRS reference signal received power (DL PRS-RSRP) Definition DL PRS reference signal received power (DL PRS-RSRP), is defined as the linear average over the power contributions (in 15) of the resource elements that carry DL PRS reference signals configured for RSRP measurements within the considered measurement frequency bandwidth. For frequency range 1, the reference point for the DL PRS-RSRP shall be the antenna connector of the UE. For frequency range 2, DL PRS-RSRP shall be measured based on the combined signal from antenna elements corresponding to a given receiver branch. For frequency range 1 and 2, if receiver diversity is in use by the UE, the reported DL PRS-RSRP value shall not be lower than the corresponding DL PRS-RSRP of any of the individual receiver branches. Applicable for RRC_CONNECTED intra-frequency, RRC_CONNECTED inter-frequency DL reference signal time difference (DL RSTD) Definition DL reference signal time difference (DL RSTD) is the DL relative timing difference between the positioning node j and the reference positioning node i, defined as TSubframeRxj – TSubframeRxi, Where: TSubframeRxjis the time when the UE receives the start of one subframe from positioning node j. Attorney Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCTLenovo Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCT 24 TSubframeRxi is the time UE receives the corresponding start of one subframe from positioning node i that is closest in time to the subframe received from positioning node j. Multiple DL PRS resources can be used to determine the start of one subframe from a positioning node. For frequency range 1, the reference point for the DL RSTD shall be the antenna connector of the UE. For frequency range 2, the reference point for the DL RSTD shall be the antenna of the UE. Applicable for RRC_CONNECTED intra-frequency RRC_CONNECTED inter-frequency UE Rx – Tx time difference Definition The UE Rx – Tx time difference is defined as TUE-RX– TUE-TXWhere: TUE-RX is the UE received timing of downlink subframe #i from a positioning node, defined by the first detected path in time. TUE-TXis the UE transmit timing of uplink subframe #j that is closest in time to the subframe #i received from the positioning node. Multiple DL PRS resources can be used to determine the start of one subframe of the first arrival path of the positioning node. For frequency range 1, the reference point for TUE-RX measurement shall be the Rx antenna connector of the UE and the reference point for TUE-TXmeasurement shall be the Tx antenna connector of the UE. For frequency range 2, the reference point for TUE-RXmeasurement shall be the Rx antenna of the UE and the reference point for TUE-TX measurement shall be the Tx antenna of the UE. Applicable for RRC_CONNECTED intra-frequency RRC_CONNECTED inter-frequency

[0082] Aspects of this disclosure describe solutions for allowing energy-efficient and low-cost positioning by harnessing properties and structures of RIS. The techniques are valid for any RAT- dependent positioning techniques including timing-based positioning techniques (e.g., SL / DL / UL- TDOA, SL / DL RTT, etc.), angular-based positioning techniques (e.g., DL AoD, UL AoA, etc.) as well as phase measurements positioning (CPP). The techniques allow TRPs to perform muting over multiple PRS resources’ repetitions and many positioning subframes within each PRS occasion according to a muting pattern Option3, dl-PRS-MutingOption3. Unlike dl-PRS-MutingOption1 and dl-PRS-MutingOption2 which allow less interference and more hearability between serving TRP and neighboring TRPs, dl-PRS-MutingOption3 can be configured by LMF in scenarios where energy-efficiency is required due to network limitations or strict sustainability requirements. Attorney Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCTLenovo Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCT 25

[0083] The muted PRS resources and / or subframes can be reflected in a passive cost-effective and energy-efficient manner by different pre-configured RIS segments deployed in the vicinity of serving TRP and target UE. For instance, the same DL PRS resource can be transmitted to both RIS surface(s) / segment(s) and target UE and the DL PRS repetitions are muted at a transmitter but are received by target UE as RIS reflections. The RIS are configured by network / LMF to adaptively adjusting RIS’s elements phase profiles and temporal coding via the RIS controller. In such implementations, target UE can receive different DL PRS beams from the serving TRP as well as different RIS elements / segments. The received beam from the TRP correspond to the PRS resource and the different received beams from the RIS segments correspond to the DL PRS resource repetition. The described implementations include the following: A serving TRP transmits DL PRS resource / beam in the direction of target UE as well as in the direction of pre-configured RIS(s) according to the configuration signaled by LMF. The serving TRP performs DL PRS resource repetition muting according to dl-PRS-MutingOption3 parameter which enables higher energy-efficiency of the positioning. In this case, the pre-configured RISs reflect the incident PRS signal after incurring phase and time delays and steering the PRS signal in the direction of target UE. The steered DL PRS from the reconfigurable intelligent surface correspond to the DL PRS resource repetition and is transmitted according to the configured DL PRS period 8EFG. Different RIS blocks / segments reflect different PRS resource repetitions. For instance, a same incident DL PRS signal can be reflected multiple times (e.g., corresponding to the configured number of PRS repetitions) by different RIS blocks. The DL PRS resources muting can also be performed over whole positioning subframes within the same positioning occasions.

[0084] Further, energy efficient high accuracy positioning can be achieved when the PRS boosting factor is reduced and PRS reduced power at transmitter is compensated by coherently reflected DL PRS signals from one or multiple RIS segments / surfaces. The described implementations can be extended to multiple RISs and / or multiple serving and neighboring TRPs scenario, where different RIS controllers can collect data about other RISs position and target UE coarse position in order to synchronize their DL PRS reflections in order to allow for higher signal- to-noise ratio, improve coverage and allow more PRS resources muting and energy-efficient positioning. Multiple TRPs can also transmit DL PRS in the direction of a single RIS and RIS elements adaptively adjust and reflect the incident signals. In such scenarios, different Attorney Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCTLenovo Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCT 26 configurations can be signaled to the RIS the tuning and adjustment of different incident PRSs received from different TRPs. The multiple PRS transmission can be done in Time Division Multiplexing (TDM), where in some slots a TRP transmits one PRS signal at a certain resource set towards the target UE, and in other slots, it steers another PRS towards the RIS. By proper configuration of RIS to turn on during the corresponding time slots, more diversity of PRS reception can be achieved by combining the multiple received PRSs at the UE side for each TRP.

[0085] Further, RIS involved in the energy-efficient high accuracy positioning procedure can be selected by LMF based on different criterion such as channel conditions on different links, e.g., TRP-RIS, RIS-UE links, positioning techniques, etc.

[0086] For the purposes of this disclosure, a positioning-related reference signal may be referred to as a reference signal used for positioning procedures / purposes in order to estimate a target-UE’s location (e.g., PRS) and / or based on existing reference signals (e.g., channel state information (CSI)-RS, SRS, etc.) or a new RS for carrier phase positioning. Further, a target-UE may be referred to as a device / entity to be localized / positioned. In various implementations the term ‘PRS’ may refer to any signal such as a reference signal, which may or may not be used primarily for positioning.

[0087] Implementations include PRS repetition muting pattern and RIS parameters. For instance, a NE (e.g., base station, TRP, etc.) transmits a PRS resources corresponding to a PRS subframe by beam sweeping towards a reconfigurable intelligent surface and towards a target UE. The RIS elements are configured by a RIS controller (which can be configured by LMF) with different directive phase profiles and specific temporal coding such that the received signal at target UE consists of PRS resources received from both the TRP and the RIS. The PRS resources received from the RIS correspond to the PRS resource repetitions and are received at target UE every repetition period 8HEIF)G. In such scenarios, the DL PRS resources’ repetitions are muted at the serving TRP according to a configured dl-PRS-MutingOption3 allowing for more energy-efficient and low-cost positioning. For instance, the higher-layer parameter dl-PRS-MutingOption3 is provided with bitmap =^%indicating the muted PRS repetitions as a zero value and the unmuted PRS repetitions as a 1 value. Attorney Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCTLenovo Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCT 27

[0088] Alternatively or additionally, subframes within same positioning occasion can also be muted at TRP according to a muting pattern configured by LMF and / or a NE and these PRS subframes are reflected after certain processing at RIS that might include time, frequency or phase processing or a combination thereof. Different PRS beams can be reflected by different RIS segments allowing more diversity or more PRS signal energy or a combination thereof. For instance, each RIS element is configured with different coefficients and parameters by the RIS controller which can be pre-configured by LMF or the network.

[0089] Figure 9 illustrates a network setup 900 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. In implementations a NE can be configured by LMF to mute the PRS resource repetitions and / or positioning subframes within the same PRS occasion. For instance, the muted DL-PRS resource repetition and the positioning subframes at the NE can be transmitted to target UE by reflecting the PRS slots / subframes received from TRP via one or multiple RIS segments using RIS. This can allow high energy-efficiency at TRPs thanks to multiple resources’ muting.

[0090] In implementations, a TRP can be configured to steer DL PRS in the direction of the RIS if the link between the TRP and target UE is non-line-of-sight (NLOS) or deemed to be bad and unreliable. In such scenarios, DL PRS resource and DL PRS repetition can be reflected by different RIS elements. The TRP can be configured with PRS repetition muting pattern dl-PRS- MutingOption3 which means muting of different PRS resource repetitions is configured. In such scenarios the direct beam (e.g., as in Figure 12) between a TRP and target UE can also be replaced by reflected PRS from the RIS and higher energy-efficiency and better coverage can be achieved in this case.

[0091] In implementations, a target UE can be configured to receive DL PRS in ^EFG ∈1,2,4,6% consecutive DL subframes and the number of consecutive DL subframes can be specifiedby nConsecutiveSubframes. The PRS occasions are periodic and a configured periodicity 8EFG ∈160,320,640,1280%[ms] is specified by prs_Period. Further, to improve positioning accuracy,more measurements can be collected and / or measurements can be collected per resource. Hence, repeated transmission of PRS resources can assist to collect more measurements. The repetition of resources can be done in two ways, such as repeat before sweep and / or sweep before repeat. The amount and type of repetition can be configured with parameters for configuring the gaps between resources (8JEKF)G) and the number of resource repetition (8HEIF)G) within a period of resource set Attorney Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCTLenovo Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCT 28 (8)EIFHG9L)). For instance, the DL PRS resources be repeated up to 32 times within a resource set in consecutive slots or with a configurable gap between repetitions. The dl-PRS-is a bitmap that should indicate the muted repetitions (M ≤ 32^ or / and the mutedsubframes (according to ^EFG, can be OP=^, OP=^, OP=Q, OP=R *^S OP=T^.

[0092] In implementations the phase profiles and temporal coding of RIS elements is configured by LMF and / or NE such that the beams / PRS resources corresponding to PRS subframes are consecutively received by target UE and form a PRS occasion of ^EFGsubframes. The NE canin such scenarios transmit one or ( < ^EFG subframe within same configured PRS occasion andperform muting over ^^EFG − (^ other subframes. The ^^EFG − (^ subframes will be passively andcost-efficiently reflected by the RIS to target UE over multiple beams corresponding to different phase profiles and temporal coding. The DL PRS subframes muting enables energy saving gains at NE, e.g., TRPs.

[0093] According to implementations, the phase profiles and temporal coding of the RISs can be adjusted such that the reflected PRS signal of each RIS element are received by target UE after the full reception of the PRS subframes received over other spatial filters. The RIS can beconsidered as composed of W × ^ electrically controlled RIS elements. Each element can adjust thephase shift by leveraging positive-intrinsic-negative (PIN) diode. The PIN diode can be switched between “ON” and “OFF” states by controlling its biasing voltage, based on which the metal plate can add a different phase shift to the reflected signal. We can assume that the RIS is . bit coded,that is, we can control the PIN diodes to generate 2. patterns of phase shifts with a uniform interval∆Z. The reflection factor of RIS element ^^, ^^ at the m-th row and the n-th column is denoted byΓ\,]:Γ <_`\,] = Γ ^ a,b (1)

[0094] The received signal from RIS element ^^, ^^ at target UE;cd = Γ\,] ℎ\,]√f gd + hd (2)Attorney Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCTLenovo Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCT 29 Where ℎ\,]is the channel gain between RIS and target UE, f is the PRS signal transmit power, gdis the transmitted PRS and hdis an additive white Gaussian noise whose variance is denoted ij.

[0095] In implementations, RIS controllers can be configured with phase profiles and temporal coding by TRP or LMF: The controller configuration can take into account several parameters such as the distance between the RIS element and the TRP / base station (BS) and the distance between RIS element and coarse location of target UE.

[0096] Figure 10 illustrates a scenario 1000 PRS resource repetition muting at TRPs in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; Figure 11 illustrates a scenario 1100 different positioning subframes muting patterns in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; and Figure 12 illustrates a scenario 1200 for NR DL PRS resources reception from direct TRP-UE path and RIS reflections in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. In implementations, the configured RIS for transmitting PRS repetitions can be co-located with a serving TRP. This can encourage the use of quasi-co-location (QCL type properties) between the incident signal and the reflected one. In implementations, the configured RIS can be chosen by LMF / network to be in the near vicinity of the TRP and target UE for example within certain pre-configured radius k.

[0097] According to implementations , RISs can be leveraged to reduce PRS power boosting'EFG by configuring coherent reflections by RIS surfaces / segments in order to enhance the PRSsignal-to-noise ratio (SNR). In this case, for each downlink PRS resource configured, the UE shallassume the sequence ^^^^ is scaled with a factor 'PRS and mapped to resources elements ^(, ^^),^according to *^),^^+,, = 'PRS ^^^^

[0098] The power boosting factor allows more energy efficiency at transmitters without impacting positioning accuracy. For instance, one or multiple RIS segments can be configured to coherently reflect the incident PRS resources towards target UE. The received PRS signal at the receiver (target UE) is the coherently combined PRS signals from the transmitter (e.g., NE) and different RIS surfaces and / or segments. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) can be high, in this case, despite the reduced power boosting factor 'PRS. In implementations, one or multiple RIS surfaces can be configured to coherently reflect incident PRS resources towards target UE. The Attorney Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCTLenovo Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCT 30 received combined PRS signal from multiple can compensate for reduced power boosting at transmitter and allow for higher SNR and lower energy consumption.

[0099] Implementations also address multiple RIS and multiple TRP scenarios. For instance, LMF can configure different RIS in the vicinity target UE and serving TRP to reflect DL PRS repetitions and / or positioning subframes by passively adjusting the signals’ delays and phases. Each RIS with N scattering elements can be configured to introduce a certain pre-configured delay in the received DL PRS signal and then reflect the DL PRS to target UE. The beams from different reflectors (RIS) can arrive at the UE according to different delays that can be determined as a function of different parameters such as slot durations, repetition periods, System Frame Number (SFN), and / or a combination thereof.

[0100] According to implementations, UE localization can be enhanced in cellular networks by considering the presence of multiple RISs in the network. Several RISs can provide extra degrees of freedom by utilizing the controllable reflections and beamforming to enhance the positioning accuracy.

[0101] According to implementations, different DL PRS beams can be transmitted from TRP to target UE as well as in the direction of the pre-configured RISs. This can enable different DL PRS repetitions to be muted at the serving TRP according to a pre-configured muting pattern. The muted PRS resources can be reflected by each of the configured RISs after being filtered and tuned according to the required phase and delay. Multiple RISs can allow higher DL PRS beam received power, more degrees of freedom, and more DL PRS resource muting at the TRP. Consequently, this can enable more power saving and energy-efficient positioning.

[0102] According to implementations, the same PRS resource can be reflected simultaneously by different RISs towards target UE. The combination of different beams from different synchronized RISs can enable higher DL PRS SNR. This can enable higher positioning accuracy of target UE when target UE is configured with RAT-dependent positioning techniques such as timing-based TDoA, angular-based AoA, and carrier phase positioning.

[0103] Figure 13 illustrates a network setup 1300 including multiple RIS in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. In implementations, beam sweeping at RIS can be utilized for positioning using a single or multiple RISs as shown in the network setup 1300. The TRP controls Attorney Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCTLenovo Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCT 31 the RIS to apply beam sweeping of the PRS different PRS slots to cover the area where the UE is expected to be located in. By reporting the measurement of the multiple PRS beams reflected from the RIS in addition to the direct beam as a reference, the TRP can locally estimate the position of the UE.

[0104] In implementations, multiple TRPs (serving and neighboring) can be configured by LMF with multiple PRS transmission configuration for each TRP. The multiple PRS transmission can be done in TDM, where in some slots a TRP transmits one PRS signal at a certain resource set towards the target area, and in other slots, it beamforms another PRS towards the RIS. By configuration of RIS to turn on during the corresponding time slots, more diversity of PRS reception can be achieved by combining the multiple received PRSs at the UE side for each TRP. In addition to PRS receive diversity, RIS itself can be seen as an extra anchor node for enhancing the positioning accuracy.

[0105] In implementations, such as for synchronization between RISs, the RISs’ controllers can collect data about target UE coarse position and different RISs locations and adjust / tune the coefficients and properties of the RISs’ elements based on collected information. For instance, the RISs are controlled by a single NE and / or group of NE, e.g., base station(s). The NE can collect information such as the channel conditions, calculate the optimal beamforming factors and codebook on RIS, and inform the RIS which codebook to use.

[0106] Implementations also provide techniques for RIS selection. For instance, when multiple RISs are available in the network, an NE (e.g., LMF and / or TRP) can optimally select one or multiple RISs. An NE, for instance, can select a RIS for the target use case based on channel measurement, such as if the direct channel quality degrades below a level needed to maintain reliable communication due to entering a coverage hole and / or if the UE is already located in a coverage hole before connecting to the network. Furthermore, NE and / or UE can continue measuring these signals and / or other reference signals for selecting and / or reselecting the RIS and / or assigning the RIS for DL, UL, or both.

[0107] In implementations, RISs involved in the positioning procedure can be re-selected if the channel conditions of these RISs change over time, e.g., if the target UE is not static or a new object obstructs the RIS-NE or RIS-target UE link. In such scenarios, feedback from RIS to NE can be Attorney Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCTLenovo Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCT 32 utilized. The RIS can signal the non- the LOS link and / or the deterioration of channel conditions to NE, which can trigger a re-selection of RIS.

[0108] In implementations, the NE can be configured with multiple RIS candidates and can select and reselect a RIS based on channel conditions and measurements performed by the NE and / or based on feedback from target UE about RIS-Target UE channel conditions. In implementations an NE configures a plurality of RIS with time and beam information for each PRS resource and configures the UE to measure and report the RSTD, AoA, CPP, and / or other positioning measurement for each of the configured PRS. The selected RISs to be involved in reflecting the PRS may be based at least in part on their location relative to the initial approximate location of the UE and / or based on a previous report from the UE for the identification of the RISs that can serve the UE, e.g., based on sending RIS specific RS each toward one RIS and the UE can report a measured power from each.

[0109] Figure 14 illustrates an example of a UE 1400 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The UE 1400 may include a processor 1402, a memory 1404, a controller 1406, and a transceiver 1408. The processor 1402, the memory 1404, the controller 1406, or the transceiver 1408, or various combinations thereof or various components thereof may be examples of means for performing various aspects of the present disclosure as described herein. These components may be coupled (e.g., operatively, communicatively, functionally, electronically, electrically) via one or more interfaces.

[0110] The processor 1402, the memory 1404, the controller 1406, or the transceiver 1408, or various combinations or components thereof may be implemented in hardware (e.g., circuitry). The hardware may include a processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or other programmable logic device, or any combination thereof configured as or otherwise supporting a means for performing the functions described in the present disclosure.

[0111] The processor 1402 may include an intelligent hardware device (e.g., a general-purpose processor, a DSP, a CPU, an ASIC, an FPGA, or any combination thereof). In some implementations, the processor 1402 may be configured to operate the memory 1404. In some other implementations, the memory 1404 may be integrated into the processor 1402. The processor 1402 Attorney Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCTLenovo Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCT 33 may be configured to execute computer- instructions stored in the memory 1404 to cause the UE 1400 to perform various functions of the present disclosure.

[0112] The memory 1404 may include volatile or non-volatile memory. The memory 1404 may store computer-readable, computer-executable code including instructions when executed by the processor 1402 cause the UE 1400 to perform various functions described herein. The code may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as the memory 1404 or another type of memory. Computer-readable media includes both non-transitory computer storage media and communication media including any medium that facilitates transfer of a computer program from one place to another. A non-transitory storage medium may be any available medium that may be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer.

[0113] In some implementations, the processor 1402 and the memory 1404 coupled with the processor 1402 may be configured to cause the UE 1400 to perform one or more of the functions described herein (e.g., executing, by the processor 1402, instructions stored in the memory 1404). For example, the processor 1402 may support wireless communication at the UE 1400 in accordance with examples as disclosed herein.

[0114] The UE 1400 may be configured to or operable to support a means for receiving, from a network entity, first configuration signaling for DL PRS resources; receiving DL PRS resources from one or more TRP and one or more RIS; and reporting positioning information based at least in part on the configuration signaling and the DL PRS resources.

[0115] Additionally, the UE 1400 may be configured to support any one or combination of receiving the DL PRS resources from the TRP and corresponding DL PRS resource repetitions from the one or more RIS; the first configuration signaling includes an indication to receive different PRS slots from the one or more TRP and the one or more RIS; the different PRS slots include at least one positioning subframe within a same positioning occasion.

[0116] Additionally, or alternatively, the UE 1400 may support means to receive, from a network entity, first configuration signaling for DL PRS resources; receive DL PRS resources from one or more TRP and one or more RIS; and report positioning information based at least in part on the configuration signaling and the DL PRS resources. Attorney Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCTLenovo Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCT 34

[0117] Additionally, the UE 1400 may be to support any one or combination of to receive the DL PRS resources from the TRP and corresponding DL PRS resource repetitions from the one or more RIS; the first configuration signaling includes an indication to receive different PRS slots from the one or more TRP and the one or more RIS; the different PRS slots include at least one positioning subframe within a same positioning occasion.

[0118] The controller 1406 may manage input and output signals for the UE 1400. The controller 1406 may also manage peripherals not integrated into the UE 1400. In some implementations, the controller 1406 may utilize an operating system such as iOS®, ANDROID®, WINDOWS®, or other operating systems. In some implementations, the controller 1406 may be implemented as part of the processor 1402.

[0119] In some implementations, the UE 1400 may include at least one transceiver 1408. In some other implementations, the UE 1400 may have more than one transceiver 1408. The transceiver 1408 may represent a wireless transceiver. The transceiver 1408 may include one or more receiver chains 1410, one or more transmitter chains 1412, or a combination thereof.

[0120] A receiver chain 1410 may be configured to receive signals (e.g., control information, data, packets) over a wireless medium. For example, the receiver chain 1410 may include one or more antennas to receive a signal over the air or wireless medium. The receiver chain 1410 may include at least one amplifier (e.g., a low-noise amplifier (LNA)) configured to amplify the received signal. The receiver chain 1410 may include at least one demodulator configured to demodulate the receive signal and obtain the transmitted data by reversing the modulation technique applied during transmission of the signal. The receiver chain 1410 may include at least one decoder for decoding the demodulated signal to receive the transmitted data.

[0121] A transmitter chain 1412 may be configured to generate and transmit signals (e.g., control information, data, packets). The transmitter chain 1412 may include at least one modulator for modulating data onto a carrier signal, preparing the signal for transmission over a wireless medium. The at least one modulator may be configured to support one or more techniques such as amplitude modulation (AM), frequency modulation (FM), or digital modulation schemes like phase-shift keying (PSK) or quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM). The transmitter chain 1412 may also include at least one power amplifier configured to amplify the modulated signal to Attorney Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCTLenovo Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCT 35 an appropriate power level suitable for over the wireless medium. The transmitter chain 1412 may also include one or more antennas for transmitting the amplified signal into the air or wireless medium.

[0122] Figure 15 illustrates an example of a processor 1500 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The processor 1500 may be an example of a processor configured to perform various operations in accordance with examples as described herein. The processor 1500 may include a controller 1502 configured to perform various operations in accordance with examples as described herein. The processor 1500 may optionally include at least one memory 1504, which may be, for example, an L1 / L2 / L3 cache. Additionally, or alternatively, the processor 1500 may optionally include one or more arithmetic-logic units (ALUs) 1506. One or more of these components may be in electronic communication or otherwise coupled (e.g., operatively, communicatively, functionally, electronically, electrically) via one or more interfaces (e.g., buses).

[0123] The processor 1500 may be a processor chipset and include a protocol stack (e.g., a software stack) executed by the processor chipset to perform various operations (e.g., receiving, obtaining, retrieving, transmitting, outputting, forwarding, storing, determining, identifying, accessing, writing, reading) in accordance with examples as described herein. The processor chipset may include one or more cores, one or more caches (e.g., memory local to or included in the processor chipset (e.g., the processor 1500) or other memory (e.g., random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM), static RAM (SRAM), ferroelectric RAM (FeRAM), magnetic RAM (MRAM), resistive RAM (RRAM), flash memory, phase change memory (PCM), and others).

[0124] The controller 1502 may be configured to manage and coordinate various operations (e.g., signaling, receiving, obtaining, retrieving, transmitting, outputting, forwarding, storing, determining, identifying, accessing, writing, reading) of the processor 1500 to cause the processor 1500 to support various operations in accordance with examples as described herein. For example, the controller 1502 may operate as a control unit of the processor 1500, generating control signals that manage the operation of various components of the processor 1500. These control signals include enabling or disabling functional units, selecting data paths, initiating memory access, and coordinating timing of operations. Attorney Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCTLenovo Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCT 36

[0125] The controller 1502 may be to fetch (e.g., obtain, retrieve, receive) instructions from the memory 1504 and determine subsequent instruction(s) to be executed to cause the processor 1500 to support various operations in accordance with examples as described herein. The controller 1502 may be configured to track memory addresses of instructions associated with the memory 1504. The controller 1502 may be configured to decode instructions to determine the operation to be performed and the operands involved. For example, the controller 1502 may be configured to interpret the instruction and determine control signals to be output to other components of the processor 1500 to cause the processor 1500 to support various operations in accordance with examples as described herein. Additionally, or alternatively, the controller 1502 may be configured to manage flow of data within the processor 1500. The controller 1502 may be configured to control transfer of data between registers, ALUs 1506, and other functional units of the processor 1500.

[0126] The memory 1504 may include one or more caches (e.g., memory local to or included in the processor 1500 or other memory, such as RAM, ROM, DRAM, SDRAM, SRAM, MRAM, flash memory, etc. In some implementations, the memory 1504 may reside within or on a processor chipset (e.g., local to the processor 1500). In some other implementations, the memory 1504 may reside external to the processor chipset (e.g., remote to the processor 1500).

[0127] The memory 1504 may store computer-readable, computer-executable code including instructions that, when executed by the processor 1500, cause the processor 1500 to perform various functions described herein. The code may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as system memory or another type of memory. The controller 1502 and / or the processor 1500 may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in the memory 1504 to cause the processor 1500 to perform various functions. For example, the processor 1500 and / or the controller 1502 may be coupled with or to the memory 1504, the processor 1500, and the controller 1502, and may be configured to perform various functions described herein. In some examples, the processor 1500 may include multiple processors and the memory 1504 may include multiple memories. One or more of the multiple processors may be coupled with one or more of the multiple memories, which may, individually or collectively, be configured to perform various functions herein. Attorney Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCTLenovo Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCT 37

[0128] The one or more ALUs 1506 may to support various operations in accordance with examples as described herein. In some implementations, the one or more ALUs 1506 may reside within or on a processor chipset (e.g., the processor 1500). In some other implementations, the one or more ALUs 1506 may reside external to the processor chipset (e.g., the processor 1500). One or more ALUs 1506 may perform one or more computations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division on data. For example, one or more ALUs 1506 may receive input operands and an operation code, which determines an operation to be executed. One or more ALUs 1506 may be configured with a variety of logical and arithmetic circuits, including adders, subtractors, shifters, and logic gates, to process and manipulate the data according to the operation. Additionally, or alternatively, the one or more ALUs 1506 may support logical operations such as AND, OR, exclusive-OR (XOR), not-OR (NOR), and not-AND (NAND), enabling the one or more ALUs 1506 to handle conditional operations, comparisons, and bitwise operations.

[0129] The processor 1500 may support wireless communication in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. The processor 1500 may be configured to or operable to receive, from a network entity, first configuration signaling for DL PRS resources; receive DL PRS resources from one or more TRP and one or more RIS; and report positioning information for a UE based at least in part on the configuration signaling and the DL PRS resources.

[0130] Additionally, the processor 1500 may be configured to support any one or combination of to receive the DL PRS resources from the TRP and corresponding DL PRS resource repetitions from the one or more RIS; the first configuration signaling comprises an indication to receive different PRS slots from the one or more TRP and the one or more RIS; the different PRS slots comprise at least one positioning subframe within a same positioning occasion.

[0131] Figure 16 illustrates an example of a NE 1600 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The NE 1600 may include a processor 1602, a memory 1604, a controller 1606, and a transceiver 1608. The processor 1602, the memory 1604, the controller 1606, or the transceiver 1608, or various combinations thereof or various components thereof may be examples of means for performing various aspects of the present disclosure as described herein. These components may be coupled (e.g., operatively, communicatively, functionally, electronically, electrically) via one or more interfaces. Attorney Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCTLenovo Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCT 38

[0132] The processor 1602, the memory the controller 1606, or the transceiver 1608, or various combinations or components thereof may be implemented in hardware (e.g., circuitry). The hardware may include a processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or other programmable logic device, or any combination thereof configured as or otherwise supporting a means for performing the functions described in the present disclosure.

[0133] The processor 1602 may include an intelligent hardware device (e.g., a general-purpose processor, a DSP, a CPU, an ASIC, an FPGA, or any combination thereof). In some implementations, the processor 1602 may be configured to operate the memory 1604. In some other implementations, the memory 1604 may be integrated into the processor 1602. The processor 1602 may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in the memory 1604 to cause the NE 1600 to perform various functions of the present disclosure.

[0134] The memory 1604 may include volatile or non-volatile memory. The memory 1604 may store computer-readable, computer-executable code including instructions when executed by the processor 1602 cause the NE 1600 to perform various functions described herein. The code may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as the memory 1604 or another type of memory. Computer-readable media includes both non-transitory computer storage media and communication media including any medium that facilitates transfer of a computer program from one place to another. A non-transitory storage medium may be any available medium that may be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer.

[0135] In some implementations, the processor 1602 and the memory 1604 coupled with the processor 1602 may be configured to cause the NE 1600 to perform one or more of the functions described herein (e.g., executing, by the processor 1602, instructions stored in the memory 1604).

[0136] For example, the processor 1602 may support wireless communication at the NE 1600 in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. The NE 1600 may be configured to or operable to support a means for transmitting one or more DL PRS resources to a target UE and a RIS; and muting one or more DL PRS repetitions of the one or more DL PRS resources according to a first muting pattern. Attorney Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCTLenovo Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCT 39

[0137] Additionally, the NE 1600 may be to support any one or combination of where the network entity includes a TRP; the first muting pattern is configured by dl-PRS- MutingOption3; the RIS includes a pre-selected RIS; muting one or more positioning subframes within a same positioning occasion of the one or more DL PRS resources according to a second muting pattern; one or more of selecting or reselecting one or more RIS surfaces based at least in part on one or more criteria; reducing a PRS power boosting factor; configuring one or more of RIS surfaces or RIS segments to coherently reflect a same PRS resource; receiving RIS feedback information; and selecting one or more RIS surfaces based at least in part on the RIS feedback information; transmitting configuration signaling to a RIS controller of the RIS to configure one or more phase profiles and temporal coding of the RIS; configuring at least one of one or more RIS segments or one or more RIS surfaces to reflect the one or more DL PRS resources corresponding to a PRS resource repetition; configuring at least one of one or more RIS segments of or one or more RIS surfaces to reflect incident PRS slots, and wherein each reflected PRS slot corresponds to a positioning subframe; receiving signaling to configure the first muting pattern, the signaling including a bitmap configured to cause the network entity to transmit one or more of PRS resource repetitions or PRS slots at zero power; configuring multiple different RIS to reflect one or more different PRS resource repetitions.

[0138] Additionally, or alternatively, the NE 1600 may support means to transmit one or more DL PRS resources to a target UE and a RIS; and mute one or more DL PRS repetitions of the one or more DL PRS resources according to a first muting pattern.

[0139] Additionally, the NE 1600 may be configured to support any one or combination of where the network entity includes a TRP; the first muting pattern is configured by dl-PRS- MutingOption3; the RIS includes a pre-selected RIS; mute one or more positioning subframes within a same positioning occasion of the one or more DL PRS resources according to a second muting pattern; one or more of select or reselect one or more RIS surfaces based at least in part on one or more criteria; reduce a PRS power boosting factor; configure one or more of RIS surfaces or RIS segments to coherently reflect a same PRS resource; receive RIS feedback information; and select one or more RIS surfaces based at least in part on the RIS feedback information; transmit configuration signaling to a RIS controller of the RIS to configure one or more phase profiles and temporal coding of the RIS; configure at least one of one or more RIS segments or one or more RIS Attorney Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCTLenovo Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCT 40 surfaces to reflect the one or more DL PRS corresponding to a PRS resource repetition; configure at least one of one or more RIS segments of or one or more RIS surfaces to reflect incident PRS slots, and wherein each reflected PRS slot corresponds to a positioning subframe; cause the network entity to receive signaling to configure the first muting pattern, the signaling including a bitmap configured to cause the network entity to transmit one or more of PRS resource repetitions or PRS slots at zero power; configure multiple different RIS to reflect one or more different PRS resource repetitions.

[0140] Further, the processor 1602 may support wireless communication at the NE 1600 in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. The NE 1600 may be configured to or operable to support a means for receiving configuration signaling to configure RIS elements to reflect DL PRS; and configuring, based at least in part on the configuration signaling, a set of reflective elements of the RIS into different segments to reflect a same incident DL PRS signal and configure one or more of the different segments to reflect a different PRS resource repetition.

[0141] Additionally, the NE 1600 may be configured to support any one or combination of configuring each segment of the different segments according to a different configuration specified by the configuration signaling.

[0142] Additionally, or alternatively, the NE 1600 may support means to receive configuration signaling to configure RIS elements to reflect DL PRS; and configure, based at least in part on the configuration signaling, a set of reflective elements of the RIS into different segments to reflect a same incident DL PRS signal and configure one or more of the different segments to reflect a different PRS resource repetition.

[0143] Additionally, the NE 1600 may be configured to support any one or combination of to configure each segment of the different segments according to a different configuration specified by the configuration signaling.

[0144] The controller 1606 may manage input and output signals for the NE 1600. The controller 1606 may also manage peripherals not integrated into the NE 1600. In some implementations, the controller 1606 may utilize an operating system such as iOS®, ANDROID®, WINDOWS®, or other operating systems. In some implementations, the controller 1606 may be implemented as part of the processor 1602. Attorney Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCTLenovo Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCT 41

[0145] In some implementations, the NE may include at least one transceiver 1608. In some other implementations, the NE 1600 may have more than one transceiver 1608. The transceiver 1608 may represent a wireless transceiver. The transceiver 1608 may include one or more receiver chains 1610, one or more transmitter chains 1612, or a combination thereof.

[0146] A receiver chain 1610 may be configured to receive signals (e.g., control information, data, packets) over a wireless medium. For example, the receiver chain 1610 may include one or more antennas to receive a signal over the air or wireless medium. The receiver chain 1610 may include at least one amplifier (e.g., a low-noise amplifier (LNA)) configured to amplify the received signal. The receiver chain 1610 may include at least one demodulator configured to demodulate the receive signal and obtain the transmitted data by reversing the modulation technique applied during transmission of the signal. The receiver chain 1610 may include at least one decoder for decoding the demodulated signal to receive the transmitted data.

[0147] A transmitter chain 1612 may be configured to generate and transmit signals (e.g., control information, data, packets). The transmitter chain 1612 may include at least one modulator for modulating data onto a carrier signal, preparing the signal for transmission over a wireless medium. The at least one modulator may be configured to support one or more techniques such as amplitude modulation (AM), frequency modulation (FM), or digital modulation schemes like phase-shift keying (PSK) or quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM). The transmitter chain 1612 may also include at least one power amplifier configured to amplify the modulated signal to an appropriate power level suitable for transmission over the wireless medium. The transmitter chain 1612 may also include one or more antennas for transmitting the amplified signal into the air or wireless medium.

[0148] Figure 17 illustrates a flowchart of a method 1700 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of the method may be implemented by a NE as described herein. In some implementations, the NE may execute a set of instructions to control the function elements of the NE to perform the described functions. It should be noted that the method described herein describes a possible implementation, and that the operations and the steps may be rearranged or otherwise modified and that other implementations are possible. Attorney Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCTLenovo Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCT 42

[0149] At 1702, the method may include one or more DL PRS resources to a target UE and a RIS. The operations of 1702 may be performed in accordance with examples as described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operations of 1702 may be performed by a NE as described with reference to Figure 16.

[0150] At 1704, the method may include muting one or more DL PRS repetitions of the one or more DL PRS resources according to a first muting pattern. The operations of 1704 may be performed in accordance with examples as described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operations of 1704 may be performed by a NE as described with reference to Figure 16.

[0151] Figure 18 illustrates a flowchart of a method 1800 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of the method may be implemented by a NE as described herein. In some implementations, the NE may execute a set of instructions to control the function elements of the NE to perform the described functions. It should be noted that the method described herein describes a possible implementation, and that the operations and the steps may be rearranged or otherwise modified and that other implementations are possible.

[0152] At 1802, the method may include receiving configuration signaling to configure RIS elements to reflect DL PRS. The operations of 1802 may be performed in accordance with examples as described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operations of 1802 may be performed by a NE as described with reference to Figure 16.

[0153] At 1804, the method may include configuring, based at least in part on the configuration signaling, a set of reflective elements of the RIS into different segments to reflect a same incident DL PRS signal and configure one or more of the different segments to reflect a different PRS resource repetition. The operations of 1804 may be performed in accordance with examples as described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operations of 1804 may be performed by a NE as described with reference to Figure 16.

[0154] Figure 19 illustrates a flowchart of a method 1900 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of the method may be implemented by a UE as described herein. In some implementations, the UE may execute a set of instructions to control the function elements of the UE to perform the described functions. It should be noted that the method described herein Attorney Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCTLenovo Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCT 43 describes a possible implementation, and that operations and the steps may be rearranged or otherwise modified and that other implementations are possible.

[0155] At 1902, the method may include receiving, from a NE, first configuration signaling for DL PRS resources. The operations of 1902 may be performed in accordance with examples as described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operations of 1902 may be performed by a UE as described with reference to Figure 14.

[0156] At 1904, the method may include receiving DL PRS resources from one or more TRP and one or more RIS. The operations of 1904 may be performed in accordance with examples as described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operations of 1904 may be performed by a UE as described with reference to Figure 14.

[0157] At 1906, the method may include reporting positioning information based at least in part on the configuration signaling and the DL PRS resources. The operations of 1906 may be performed in accordance with examples as described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operations of 1906 may be performed a UE as described with reference to Figure 14.

[0158] The description herein is provided to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make or use the disclosure. Various modifications to the disclosure will be apparent to a person having ordinary skill in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other variations without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Thus, the disclosure is not limited to the examples and designs described herein but is to be accorded the broadest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein. Attorney Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCT

Claims

Lenovo Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCT 44 What is claimed is:

1. A network entity (NE) for wireless communication, comprising: at least one memory; and at least one processor coupled with the at least one memory and configured to cause the NE to: transmit one or more downlink (DL) positioning reference signal (PRS) resources to a target user equipment (UE) and a reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS); and mute one or more DL PRS repetitions of the one or more DL PRS resources according to a first muting pattern.

2. The NE of claim 1, wherein the NE comprises a transmission-reception point (TRP).

3. The NE of claim 1, wherein the first muting pattern is configured by dl-PRS- MutingOption3.

4. The NE of claim 1, wherein the RIS comprises a pre-selected RIS.

5. The NE of claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is configured to cause the NE to mute one or more positioning subframes within a same positioning occasion of the one or more DL PRS resources according to a second muting pattern.

6. The NE of claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is configured to cause the NE to one or more of select or reselect one or more RIS surfaces based at least in part on one or more criteria.

7. The NE of claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is configured to cause the NE to reduce a PRS power boosting factor.

8. The NE of claim 7, wherein the at least one processor is configured to cause the NE to configure one or more of RIS surfaces or RIS segments to coherently reflect a same PRS resource. Attorney Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCTLenovo Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCT 45 9. The NE of claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is configured to cause the NE to: receive RIS feedback information; and select one or more RIS surfaces based at least in part on the RIS feedback information.

10. The NE of claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is configured to cause the NE to transmit configuration signaling to a RIS controller of the RIS to configure one or more phase profiles and temporal coding of the RIS.

11. The NE of claim 10, wherein the at least one processor is configured to cause the NE to configure at least one of one or more RIS segments or one or more RIS surfaces to reflect the one or more DL PRS resources corresponding to a PRS resource repetition.

12. The NE of claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is configured to cause the NE to configure at least one of one or more RIS segments of or one or more RIS surfaces to reflect incident PRS slots, and wherein each reflected PRS slot corresponds to a positioning subframe.

13. The NE of claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is configured to cause the NE to receive signaling to configure the first muting pattern, the signaling comprising a bitmap configured to cause the NE to transmit one or more of PRS resource repetitions or PRS slots at zero power.

14. The NE of claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is configured to cause the NE to configure multiple different RIS to reflect one or more different PRS resource repetitions.

15. A network entity (NE) for wireless communication, comprising: at least one memory; and at least one processor coupled with the at least one memory and configured to cause the NE to: receive configuration signaling to configure reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) elements to reflect downlink (DL) positioning reference signal (PRS); and Attorney Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCTLenovo Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCT 46 configure, based at least in the configuration signaling, a set of reflective elements of the RIS into different segments to reflect a same incident DL PRS signal and configure one or more of the different segments to reflect a different PRS resource repetition.

16. A user equipment (UE) for wireless communication, comprising: at least one memory; and at least one processor coupled with the at least one memory and configured to cause the UE to: receive, from a network entity (NE), first configuration signaling for downlink (DL) positioning reference signal (PRS) resources; receive DL PRS resources from one or more transmission and reception points (TRP) and one or more reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS); and report positioning information based at least in part on the configuration signaling and the DL PRS resources.

17. The UE of claim 16, wherein the at least one processor is configured to cause the UE to receive the DL PRS resources from the TRP and corresponding DL PRS resource repetitions from the one or more RIS.

18. The UE of claim 16, wherein the first configuration signaling comprises an indication to receive different PRS slots from the one or more TRP and the one or more RIS.

19. The UE of claim 18, wherein the different PRS slots comprise at least one positioning subframe within a same positioning occasion.

20. A processor for wireless communication, comprising: at least one controller coupled with at least one memory and configured to cause the processor to: receive, from a network entity (NE), first configuration signaling for downlink (DL) positioning reference signal (PRS) resources; Attorney Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCTLenovo Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCT 47 receive DL PRS resources from or more transmission and reception points (TRP) and one or more reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS); and report positioning information for a user equipment (UE) based at least in part on the configuration signaling and the DL PRS resources. Attorney Docket No. SMM920230144-WO-PCT

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